This photo was posted on my company's website yesterday and all over the office you could hear spontaneous "Oh my goodness..." and "He is so adorable," followed by giggling. It's true. I couldn't resist sharing. Looking into that baby face with those eyes just makes my heart melt like...chocolate. He's so little. I just want to scoop him up and pretend he's a real baby. If labs stayed that size forever I would adopt one in a second. I might get one someday anyway, especially if the pup looks like "Woody." Enjoy!

Today, after my whining, moaning email, Boo sent a reply with just what I needed to hear.

"Cowboy up!"

Tell me that's not perfect.

A wise man once said, "It takes a village to raise a child." Since I am still a kid(d) and have yet to reach financial and emotional independence, I have several maternal and paternal figures aside from my parents who continue to "rear me in the way that I should go."

Desiree's parents were a huge influence on me in high school and continue to be so. I love them like my own.

Working on a disaster in Indiana Mamma Rita, from Chicago, took me under her wing. To this day, she still sends me postcards every time she travels and packages filled with souvenirs from Hawaii. Since moving to Washington, Steph and subsequently Sarina, have treated me like a sister, a privilege I often don't deserve and by extension their parents Mamma Harbour and Brother Harbour have been there for me more times than I can count.

Monday, for instance, Mamma Harbour said I could come over and wash the "Big V," which by that time resembled a bumble bee as a light dusting of yellow pollen covered the exterior. Although my plan was simply to wash my car, Mamma Harbour pitched right in and helped me clean the interior. See how beautiful Big V can look once its clean?

Then Brother Harbour checked the fluid levels and added windshield washer fluid because I was running low. I couldn't believe it. He also tightened a bolt on my battery that was a little loose.

Although my dad had just waxed my car before driving it up, Brother Harbour started waxing it while Mamma Harbour blackened my bumpers. It had been awhile since I had waxed a car and man, I totally need to do that more often. Great exercise for the biceps.

I can't tell you how much I love having a clean car and I can't thank Mamma and Brother Harbour enough for their kindness. Watch out NOVA here I come!

You are not on earth to make things happen. You are not on earth to spread the love. You are not on earth to make it a better place or to learn acceptance of the things you cannot change. You are not on earth to find your soul mate or your purpose. You are not on earth to put the needs of others before your own. And you are most certainly not on earth, Stephanie Harbour, to suffer, pay penance, be tested, or judged.

Did I leave anything out?

You are on earth, Stephanie, because in your loftiest state of being, perched high above the wonderment, at the pinnacle of your glory, you wondered what it would be like, even fleetingly, to believe in limits.

You sage -
The Universe

After 2.5 years its finally over. I can't believe it, even now. This past month I have been reflecting on all the memories I have made and I can't believe how quickly time has passed. We, my friends, family and I have accomplished so much in such a short time. We have laughed, cried, disagreed and made up. Some how we always managed to come out on top.
It was such a blessing having my loved ones with me at commencement. Without their presence there would have been nothing to celebrate because I could not have made it through my Program without them.
Graduating with a MA in American Studies was terrific. Not only were we seated on the front row, we received our medals first. I was the third graduate to walk across the stage. Doesn't get much better than that.
One interesting fact I learned about my college, The Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, is we are the oldest college on campus. Founded in 1821 by Congress the first graduating class had a total of three students.
The ceremonies were attended by the President, the Senate and House and by the Marquis deLafayette.
The seal of the Columbian College, which is on my medal, shows a lamb lying with a lion. In Greek its states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God." And you thought GW was a godless, liberal school. Please.


This photo was taken by Rina. Although she was using my little camera she was able to get some really good shots. Thanks Rina for getting this one of Erik and I. Our readers may remember Erik from my Survey course. It was so nice graduating with three guys from my Program that I love and will always remember for their intellect and sense of humors.

Speaking of terrific shots, Steph captured this one of my Dad. He's often shy in public situations, like this, but I'd like to think he had a good time. I was grateful he was able to come. I love my Dad so much and this photo captures his gentleness and humility perfectly. Thanks Steph. Your presence at graduation and this photo were two of the greatest gifts I have ever received.

I know Steph posted this photo on her blog but I couldn't resist posting it here as well. Its the perfect photo of Rae and Kate; two friends I appreciate more as time passes. I am not sure if they enjoyed the commencement ceremonies but I am glad, at least for one moment, they were happy.

I am not sure what the future brings but I honestly can't complain about the present. Not only have I been blessed with a job, but it is within walking distance and my coworker refers to me as Master, which I kind of enjoy. He also said I was intelligent and pretty, which I also appreciated.

There is something about architects and engineers. I just love men that combine math and science with art. Its the perfect intellectual union.

Although I don't plan to hang around long, I feel good about where I am and hope I will continue to be led where I need to be. GW was an interesting adventure and the friends, love interests, coworkers and professors I associated with will not be forgotten.

"Hail Alma Mater, to they spirit guiding,

Knowledge thy closest friend in its strength abiding,

Pledge we fidelity ne'er its place resigning,

Hail thee George Washington."

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am proud to announce that I have been solicited by a Nigerian scammer. I think you should all go weigh in and see if you think I'm right!

I'm so proud. It's like I've really arrived to the Internet community.

Love and kisses,

Stephanie

Today Boo graduated! The photographic evidence has been posted in the Flickr box on the right.

BooBear! I'm so proud!

More details later. Just wanted you to know that photos are up.

We're all about education here at AoBG/IB. This week more than most! I have another class to finish this week just as BG is finishing her MASTER of the Universe Degree.

Did you know that it was AGES ago when a little, quiet, sassy girl from Georgia/Cantucke (I was going to spell that with a Southern accent but it was impossible to think that way) stepped off the Metro in a big, floppy hat to greet my mammoth-colored Surburban? I swear the first time any person sits with me in Church is a shock for them. After all, who plays with innuendo and sex jokes during talks? It's all so inappropriate. But educational! Which returns to our theme. And, of course, BG was then hooked.

It feels like we've been friends for a life-time. And it all started with unreturned phone calls. *sigh* That's a great way to start any friendship.

I can't believe how different things are now. I never would have guess that I'd be back in Montana. I couldn't possibly have forseen the coolest Fourth of July EVER in BG's perfect, Dupont Circle pad. And who would have guess all the men we've cycled through? Not me! That's for sure.

Here's the the Dynamic Duo! Long may we Reign!

Just days to go, people! Then, for BG, it's onto a new job, a new apartment and a great big move to Montana!

Well, 2 out of 3.

While conducting research for my final paper on George Hadfield I discovered that Robert E. Lee's eldest son, George Washington Custis Lee, was nicknamed Mr. Boo. GWC Lee had three sisters and two brothers. Mr. Boo attended West Point while Robert E. Lee was acting Superintendent.

Ok, people. I have an ethical dilemna and I want to hear some points of view outside my own head. Lurkers and friends alike--please weigh in.

Here's the deal. Daisy is a stray hound who came into my life on Saturday. Daisy is the lover o' Duke. (Get it? Daisy Duke?) She's been living with me and is quite a well-behaved little girl. We've had our moments, of course, but overall she's been a nice tempered, laid-back, good girl. Everything I read about her breed (bluetick coonhound) says that she's a smart, problem-solving dog who's prone to escape and roam. In the roaming, Daisy has been "in season" and is likely preggers. How do you tell for sure with a dog? Wait until they show progress. So, there's no real way to tell at this point. When I talked to the vet about what should come next with her he said that spaying is an option. That, of course, would mean that if she were preggers--no puppies would survive.

When I started thinking about that, I started crying. Yes, I know that's pretty silly.

Here's my question: Where do all of you stand on doggie reproductive rights? Would you spay the dog? Tell me, oh internet posse, what would you do?

Who knew that hounds slept so much?

"Hello! Thank you for calling LC St@ffing. This is Sarah. How may I help you?"

"Um. Yeah. You may think this is creepy but I just had a question."

"Well, I guess it depends on the question. What kind of information did you need?"

"So. Like, there was this girl. And she, like, used to put out your sign in the morning. Well, this is the guys across the street at [the lumber yard] and, like, there's a dude that's putting out your sign now. So does the hot chick still work there?"

"You must be talking about [former receptionist]. No. She's no longer with us."

"Oh. Well. Ok. We just thought she was hot and we kind of miss her."

"Well, ok then. Have a nice day."

"Yeah. You too."

Last summer I worked as an intern at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC in the traveling exhibitions department. I took the internship expecting that I would be able to use my history degree and learn how to exhibit such tragedy on museum walls. What I ended up taking away from the experience had very little to do with these expectations. I ended up learning more about foreign relations, diplomacy, and modern day genocide than I would have ever guessed. As part of this experience, I had the privilege of meeting with the museum’s Committee on Conscience a branch of the museum that was developed from President Jimmy Carter’s Commission on the Holocaust in the 1970s. This committee’s sole obligation is to bring the United States attention to genocide around the world. The committee issues watches and warnings for areas where acts of genocides are occurring. They have issued a genocide EMERGENCY in Darfur.
On a weekly basis, I would also attend the museum’s summer lecture series titled First Person. This series enables Holocaust survivors to come and speak for one hour to the public about their experience during the Holocaust in Europe. These were some of the brightest, articulate and caring people I have ever heard speak. At the end of their talk, each person reiterated the same message – never forget those that were lost during the Holocaust and never let it happen again through inaction. On several of these occasions they urged their audience to educate themselves on the situation in Darfur. I really took this message to heart and have been trying to educate myself that is happening in Darfur.

In recent months, it has become absolutely clear that diplomacy is failing in this region. The UN is not able to see any real change and particularly in the last month aide workers have been targeted and killed. On April 15, an African Union peacekeeper was killed raising the number to 7 killed in April alone. A total of 18 peacekeepers and relief workers have been killed since 2004. This is the worst genocide since 1994’s genocide in Rwanda. Here are some staggering statistics on Darfur (as of 3/30/07):

• 400,000 men, women and children have been murdered
• 2 million people have been displaced from the homes and are living in refugee camps
• 3.5 million people are reliant on international aid to survive

This past weekend, I attended a rally in Lafayette Park in front of the White House. The rally was part of a series of Global Days for Darfur to bring attention to the problem across the country. There were many charismatic speakers from many different organizations including Amnesty International, UNICEF, NAACP, and the Harvard Law School Human Rights Program. Each of these programs is interest in humanitarian rights and protection and each have an interest in bringing peace to the Darfur region. The overwhelming message from this rally was that the region needs both peace and protection now. President Bush, who is genuinely interested in putting an end to this, has been going back and forth on his decision to send military protection to this region. Just last week he granted the UN one more chance at having diplomacy work without any military action. The people of Darfur desperately need protection and aid.

Over the past year, as I’ve followed the situation through the Holocaust Museum and through the news media, I am constantly reminded of a scene in Hotel Rwanda. A U.S. news cameraman, Jack Daglish, portrayed by actor Joaquin Phoenix, apologizes to the main character Paul Rusesabagina played by actor Don Cheadle for showing graphic footage of women and children being killed in the street with machetes. He says to Paul that had he seen him in the room he never would have showed the tape in front of him. Paul says “I’m glad that you shot that footage. Once the world sees what is happening, they will have to intervene.” Phoenix’s character responds “I think they will show this footage on the evening news and everyone will comment on how sad it is and then return to eating their dinners.” I hope that the world has not become apathetic to this suffering and that this situation will be resolved as quickly as possible. These people want to return to their homes and lives with a sense of security. I encourage you to follow the situation closely, sign petitions, join aid associations, and demand that governments across the world acknowledge this atrocity.

I've tried calling you for the past three days without success. I should have known you would pull your, "I'm getting older and the rest of the world can go to hell," pre-birthday pout, but alas I was hoping that once you passed fifty that would end. Nice to know some things never change.
We have an interesting relationship, you and I. You were my best friend for so long. The coolest, prettiest mom in Madison County, or at least, that's what we all thought. When I was in high school my guy friends wanted to date you, even called you, (men are idiots) and never gave me a second glance. For years, I wanted to look just like you. Comparing our photos its obvious that didn't happen.

However, we have some good memories; laying out together by the pool in the summer, nights at the driving range when I was in high school, sitting on the front porch swing in our nightgowns talking way later than we should have, winter days making chili or homemade chicken soup followed by hours curled up on the couch watching movies and drinking hot chocolate, playing board games with Josh and Dad where I had to constantly chide you for teasing Dad who didn't want to play to begin with. These are memories I will always cherish.
I know I wasn't the easiest child to raise. I have more of the Elliott pride than I care to admit, and a smart mouth to go with it. (Too bad I was spared the looks). These can be a dangerous combination and got me into trouble. Sometimes it still does. You taught me never to trust men. I thought you were too hard on them but having been around the block a few times myself I have a better understanding of where you're coming from. Although most men are dicks I would still like to believe there are few good ones left. They may be over fifty but, hey, I like older men; something you could never understand. In the meantime, "I'll give'em Hell Harry."
You always stressed the value of education. Josh and I often marvel that two kids raised in eastern Kentucky are pursuing graduate level degrees. I think we can thank you for that. Even though school has been challenging for me, no matter what, it could never be anything compared to raising two children while finishing nursing school. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten. (Rolling eyes)
As for getting married and having children... I know I didn't marry at 21 and have a baby too but it takes two to tango and I'm doing the best I can. As you know, there aren't many good ones left. Besides, not everyone is cut out for motherhood and I want to do things the right way. Something I wish you would applaud instead of hound me about, occasionally.
Overall, I guess life has been good to us. We've been taught Heavenly Father placed us in our families for a reason. I am not sure I'll ever know why you were chosen to be the mother. I think I make the better mother but then again, raising you wouldn't be a cake walk either. I love you and hope you have a good 51st birthday. Thanks for not giving up on me and I promise I'll do the same. Hope as you progress through life each year is a little kinder and filled with more love. Love you Mammy-
Sissy