Inauguration 09'

I was there!!!!! And boy what a day it was. This was just about the only event I'd ever do, what I did,  to attend. Let's see we woke up around 4am. Well, actually I was awake off and on throughout the night with an awful gastroenteritis. (Nausea, vomiting, the works). Nevertheless, I just couldn't miss being a part of history. So I pulled my dehydrated, aching body up, and headed to the National Mall. 

Once we arrived, I had the work-out of my life; and I'm a person who is pretty active. I walked so much (at least 20 miles), that I felt like I should have given an organization $1000 for research on some worthy cause after the walking was done. Trainer, Jillian Michaels of Biggest Loser fame,  would have been proud if I were on her team. 

Once we arrived on the grounds, we survived hypothermia and frost bite to see something truly awesome. It was totally worth it!!! People were so excited, and there were folks of every race, creed and color there. Spontaneous shouts of joy, Yes We Can, and O-BA-MA could be heard from far and wide. Tears of joy streamed from faces, and people were genuinely happy, and hopeful. I've lived in DC for awhile, and I'd never experienced inauguration quite like this. It was truly a sight to see. 

Now, I'm sure you may ask, did you go to any of the balls? And all I can say is, I crashed. As soon as I walked in the door, I went straight to bed.  Shoes, jacket, scarf all on. The only thing I took off was my hat. (Well I guess I'm not 21 anymore. Boy, those were the days. Stay up all day, and all night. Sleep 2 hours, then get up and do it again). Well, there's always 2013..gotta plan ahead.

Time Away

I know what you're saying...Where the heck have you been? Well, I'm back from the dead, but not totally. To be quite honest, I haven't really felt much like blogging, or following blogs for the past 2 months (WOW..it's been that long). I check in here or there just to see if any of my blog buddies have received referrals, or moved along further in their processes. Unfortunately, things seem to be moving slower than molasses these days. When we first started out in this process over 1 year ago, I honestly didn't think it would still be going on.... Things were moving so quickly, but I guess there were fewer people interested in Ethiopia at that time. It somehow felt a bit more intimate, but I guess you can't keep such a wonderful place with such wonderful people a secret for long. I suppose that's why there is such increased interest.

The uncertainty of this whole international adoption thing is not for the faint at heart. I have a totally new respect for adoption, and it feels like everyone should have to be tortured the way adoptive parents are in the quest to bring home their kids. (LOL)  With all the fingerprints and clearances, I keep asking myself "hey did I commit a crime I don't remember, or am I joining the CIA". 

At any rate, over the past 2 months, we had to have several of our dossier documents redone (time lapsed, shady notaries).  Each time I got an email to do something over I felt like crying, and just calling it quits. But something just kept tugging at me and telling me to carry on, no matter how discouraged I became. 

It seems as if everything is finally correct, and soon we will get to begin the next step in this oh so tedious process.  We have to update our CIS fingerprints this week, but after this is done, I hope to be DONE with all this paper crap. (Excuse my French).

On another note, our holidays were wonderful. I actually took myself away from the computer, and adoption world,  and had a wonderful time. I'll have to post some pictures if I can pretty soon, but I must admit I am not always great at taking photos. 

Well, I'm back, and ready to begin the long waiting process with my compadres. Let's see some referrals and kids coming home soon. Maybe that will inspire me again. I promise to be a little better with keeping our blog up to date.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!!! I hope you and your families have a great holiday. I am so thankful for family, friends, job security in this economy (lol) and good health. I send up a special prayer for all the victims of the hotel bombings in India and their families.

We just finished our first course. I had to have dessert early. Course 2 in a couple of hours after course 1 digests.

Tagged

 I've been tagged by cocoprincess.  Now I'm not quite sure I'll be that good at this, but here it goes:

Seven Random/Weird Facts abut Myself:

1.  I went to high school with Tyra Banks in Southern California.  Tyra was great then, and she hasn't changed a bit.  What you see on TV is her actual personality.  She is really doing her thing,  and it makes me so proud to see  (Go Pandas!!!  Corny I know,  but hey that was our high school mascot.)

2.  I had the pleasure of residing in Ethiopia for several months about 11 years ago.  Ethiopia was so wonderful,  I can't wait to get back there.  I must admit that at the time,  I was so homesick.  I had no TV, no American radio.  Portable DVD players weren't that popular (actually we were still using VHS),  cell phones weren't standard accessories,  and there were no Ipods.  I had a tape my boyfriend at the time (now my husband) made for me before I left the states.  I listened to it 24/7.   The internet was new, not widely used, and dial up when you could find it.  I communicated with friends and family back home the good old fashion way,  by letter and an occasional phone call (prices were outrageous).  The best parts were the weddings,  graduation parties,  and beautiful people of Ethiopia (both on the inside and out).  Man, this was just 1997.  It's amazing how time has progressed in such a short time. 

3.  I love outdoor and adventure sports. White Water rafting,  boating (I'd love to have one some day),  biking,  swimming.  You name it.

4.  I was a Senior Girl Scout.  Most folks remember being Brownies, or Juniors.  But not many stayed in Scouts until they were Cadettes and Seniors.  Well I did; I know that sounds corny too.  I guess Im just a cornball.  I even received my Gold Award.  It was such a great program, and I had so many opportunities through Girl Scouting.  I just can't say enough good things about it.

5.  In high school,  two of my best girlfriends and I snuck out of the house to attend a pajama party.  Yup, you guessed it.  We were roaming the streets of L.A. in pajamas.  When we finally got to the party,  it had ended because of a fight  (aww man!!).  Worst of all,  we thought we got away with it,  until a parking ticket was sent to my girlfriends mom!! Time on ticket 1am. oops!! (We were busted, and we didn't even get to go to the party.  I still have those pajamas (LOL))

6.  I met President Bush and Laura Bush after the 911 attacks.  I was a resident at the local hospital where the Pentagon burn victims were treated.  It was cool even though I'm not a big Bush fan.  His policies are the worst,  but he was actually a cool dude. 

7.  Frank Sinatra is one of my favorite singers.  (There is even a station on XM/Sirius satellite radio dedicated to his music, and hosted by his daughter, Nancy Sinatra of "These Boots are Made for Walking" fame.  My favorite performer is Prince. (What a contrast right).  My love affair with Prince started with Purple Rain.. I had posters all over my bedroom walls.  But my favorite album would have to be 1999.

So in the words of Pooh's friend Tigger "TTFN... Ta Ta for now).  I know I didn't follow all the directions,  but I promise to do better next time.

Prayers for Our Single PAP's

I'm so sad to find out that things have changed for my single buddies adopting from Ethiopia.  It seems that singles will still be able to adopt from Ethiopia, but the wait times will be much, much longer for them. It appears the changes will also affect many who are already in process.  I'm sure the exact details will be on most group pages shortly.  Please pray for all of them.  Pray that they stay strong and encouraged during this trying time. 

30 years since Jonestown

Do you remember Jim Jones and Jonestown? November 18, 1978.. I was young at the time, but I remember learning about the tragedy, and watching the movie "The Jim Jones Story". Even as a young child, I remember how sad I felt about what had happened there, and realized how easliy folks could be brainwashed by sociopaths. Well, it has been 30 years since that horrible tragedy occurred in the jungles of Guyana, and there are many documentaries remembering the event. Most document the stories of Jonestown survivors. Over 900 of Jones' followers, and US Congressman Ryan of California, were victims that day. Soledad's report is quite interesting, and gives more insight into what happened. MSNBC also aired a piece entitled "Witness to Jonestown". Very sad. I pray for all those who were victims as well as the survivors of that tragic November day.

Dossier Complete

DRUM ROLL.....Our dossier is completed!!!  I mailed it off just after 7pm at our local fed ex. We missed tomorrows delivery deadline, but at least it will get to Kate by Thursday morning. BTW, Kate is taking care of all our document authentication.  I decided to use this service because I couldn't take any more paper pushing. I'm over it.  I'd rather fork over a few more dollars to have it done for me. It is so worth it. She's already picked up errors on other documents.  

I'm hoping that we will be able to report that we are on waitlist very soon. I'm not sure if I will count down the weeks until referral on this blog.  I think that would drive me crazy. Kind of like watching grass grow. I'll just find a way to pass the time away, and hope to have been to Ethiopia and back by this time next year.

In the meantime, I will totally enjoy getting ready for the holidays, and attending the inauguration in January. (I'm trying to get tickets to something, heck anything. I'll let you know how it goes).  We are also in the process of some serious decluttering.  After that is done,  I'll start working on our Ethiopian babe's room.  I'll post pics when I start.

President Elect Obama!!!

WOW!!! Today is a great day! 200+ years in the making. Made possible by all those who risked and gave their lives on this road to true equality and freedom for all.  Too many to name..Medgar Evers, Emmitt Till, Fannie Lou Hammer, Ida Wells, Harriett Tubman, Booker T,  Martin and Malcolm to name a few... Those who have supported the cause of equality from Lyndon Johnson and the Voting Rights Act, John and Bobby Kennedy.  True tears of joy. To those who had no hope, no belief, and no faith in their own inherent ability to achieve.....Yes We Can !!!!

I can honestly say that I never believed that I would see this day. I am so proud of the American people. I feel proud to be an American,  and I have a renewed faith in the ability of Americans to judge others, not on the color of skin, but on the content of one's character.

I must also commend Senator McCain, who gave a very gracious concession speech last night.  I commend his service to this country. 

Can't wait for January 20. I will be there!!

Dossier

We are 1 document shy of a completed Dossier (waiting on our FBI clearance to return). Whopee!! Almost there. [Oh, Tami, I will be calling you this week to make sure you are working on yo' stuff. Aren't we supposed to be traveling together LOL]

Oui, On Peut!!

A couple weekends ago, a few friends and I canvassed for Barack Obama in Virginia. It was really a great experience. I have always loved politics, and spent plenty of times at election polls as a child because my late grandmother was a poll worker. Despite this, I'd never actually thought that I would ever donate money to any presidential campaign, or campaign for a candidate. Well, Barack Obama has done it for me. This man is brilliant! I can't share my excitement about his potential presidency enough. He really and truly is a once in a lifetime candidate. 

So as a tribute to my Louisiana roots, and my late grandma (who, I know would be loving Barack if she were here), I'm posting a little endorsement from the Bayou. "Oui, On Peut" or Yes We Can translated from Creole. It is a Zydeco tribute!! The link is below. Enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLvgwHGlpdQ