A ten year accomplishment shattered in a split second

So, I was driving home from orientation on Tuesday afternoon. By the way, the drive to and from Springfield stinks. Two-lane country roads most of the way, twisty-turny hills, run-down gas stations...not my idea of a pleasant drive. I was very excited to get home and therefore was allowing my bad habit of a lead foot to get me there a little quicker. Then I got to Greenbrier. Then I noticed a cop up ahead coming toward me in cross traffic. Then I hit the breaks and crossed my fingers. Then I noticed him slow down as I passed him. Then I watched him turn his lights on in my rear view and make a U-turn. Then I said some very unlady-like words.



Yes, I got pulled over for speeding...about 30 miles from home no less. I've been pulled over once before about ten years ago in early under-grad. Ten year clean driving record exists no more. The funny thing was this time after the cop introduced himself he proceded to ask me if "I had a legal and justifiable reason for exceeding the speed limit?" Uh, what? I wanted to say that the reason I was speeding was because I think its stupid to require people to go 55 mph hour on a four-lane highway, but instead I said something dumb like, "uh, I guess I wasn't paying close enough attention to the speedometer." But seriously...ARE there legal and justifiable reasons for speeding? If so, please let me know because with my lead foot, the odds are against me that this will be my last ticket.



Also, I must mention that Faulkner county is still stuck in the 1960's when it comes to techonology. The officer wrote a phone number on my ticket and told me to call it to find out how much my fine will be, so this morning I've gave it a ring. They ended up telling me that they won't be able to tell me how much money to send in until the first week on July because that is how long it will take get them to get my ticket entered into the system. That seems utterly ridiculous. I want to know how much it's gonna cost now, Faulkner county. Join the 21st century. Sheesh!

Saying goodbye to one of the best dogs in the world

This is Abby. She was our family pet for the last thirteen years. She was the runt of her litter and ended up staying slim and trim her entire life...no labrador jowls for her! She had the softest, blondest coat in the world and really long toes and nails. She always smelled like a hamster because we kept cedar chips in her dog house to deter pests. She loved milk bones and scrambled eggs. She was a little neurotic and always energetic even into her elder years until her arthritis forced her to slow down. During her puppy years she tore down all of the wood trellis around the bottom of my parents deck in the backyard...ALL of it. She loved going for walks around the neighborhood or hiking in the woods. She loved being brushed and petted but HATED baths. She definitely had a stubborn side, but she was also incredibly loyal and affectionate. After a long thirteen years with our family, it turned out that yesterday was her time to go.

I hope you're having fun in doggie heaven, Abby. I miss you so much already!

Welcome to the Real World

P-school is DONE!

Graduation is OVER. It was a whirlwind of events, family, friends and fun times. Thanks to all of you out there who helped me celebrate and/or sent me well wishes.

I originally thought I'd have a couple weeks of vacation before the new job would begin based on a convo with one of the high-ups a few weeks ago, but then I got a phone call on Tuesday from a different person who informed me that I'd be starting Monday morning (tomorow) with several days of orientation...in Springfield, MO! I guess they don't have a training facility in AR? Anyway, here I sit in my little hotel suite chillin' out and watching the end of Lost.

So orientation starts bright and early tomorrow, and then later in the week I'll be back in LR starting my training at stores around central AR. Lets get this party started!