Bama beat Arkansas. Barely, but we won. It was a great come from behind win, but it was scary.
In the last post, I mentioned that China was slowing down the number of referrals. It appears that is a correct statement as it seems only 3 days were referred this batch. That number should be confirmed within a day or two. A huge difference from the 2 weeks referral a few months ago. Ugh. If the two weeks trend continued, more babies would be brought home, the "line" would move faster, and we would travel to China much quicker. A 3 day referral slows us down tremendously.
The weather is cooling down and fall weather seems to be right around the corner. It is time to find mums and pumpkins.
Roll Tide,
Tide Gal
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The Boys of Fall and Paperwork
Well, it is a rainy day here in Alabama. I'm glad that Bama plays Arkansas away today, so we don't have to travel to Tuscaloosa or sit for the game in the rain. There is a lot of hoopla surrounding this game because of Arkansas's quarterback. I think he is good, but "the experts" are saying Bama will still beat Arkansas. Of course, I think they are right.
In the adoption world, after a few months of positive referrals, China is back to it's old tricks. Right now, we are all waiting and there is no word this month. Some have speculated they are close to their quota this year, so they have to back off. Who knows.
We are through with our home study and our agency has all of our paperwork. Right now we are just waiting on clearances, then we can do our fingerprinting and submit the rest of our paperwork. We have to submit copies of various things like marriage license, driver's license, and birth certificates. Eighteen months ago I made several copies of everything so all we had to do was organize them. Of course we've moved since then and things have been misplaced. Yesterday, I finally found the copies and I just need to double check the list.
In the adoption world, after a few months of positive referrals, China is back to it's old tricks. Right now, we are all waiting and there is no word this month. Some have speculated they are close to their quota this year, so they have to back off. Who knows.
We are through with our home study and our agency has all of our paperwork. Right now we are just waiting on clearances, then we can do our fingerprinting and submit the rest of our paperwork. We have to submit copies of various things like marriage license, driver's license, and birth certificates. Eighteen months ago I made several copies of everything so all we had to do was organize them. Of course we've moved since then and things have been misplaced. Yesterday, I finally found the copies and I just need to double check the list.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Here we go!!!
We have officially started our home study process. Yesterday, the social worker came to update our paperwork. Since this was our third visit, she completed her questions in a matter of a few minutes. Then, she walked through our new house. Done. Easy peezy. We did ask some questions about domestic adoption which we will probably consider and do quickly. Once she writes her update, this portion of the home study will be complete. It will then be mailed to USCIS with other paperwork and we should receive our fingerprint appointments soon.
It seems like China had a few good months as far as the number of referrals. But, we should have heard something this month and there are no rumors floating around. So, they may be slowing down again. Speculation is China is close to the quota of referrals and they are slowing down so they don't refer too many. We may never know.
In football, Alabama is now 3-0, but we play our first SEC game against Arkansas on Saturday. Since it is an away game, we will stay home and watch it in our media room.
It seems like China had a few good months as far as the number of referrals. But, we should have heard something this month and there are no rumors floating around. So, they may be slowing down again. Speculation is China is close to the quota of referrals and they are slowing down so they don't refer too many. We may never know.
In football, Alabama is now 3-0, but we play our first SEC game against Arkansas on Saturday. Since it is an away game, we will stay home and watch it in our media room.
Friday, September 10, 2010
September 11 and Football
Tomorrow is September 11. A preacher in Florida has stated he will burn a copy of the Koran tomorrow in protest of the Mosque being built at Ground Zero. This statement has fueled a massive debate from Muslims across the world. There have been threats for massive destruction in our country if this happens. The FBI has stated they have are concerned with the safety of our citizens. The President has gotten involved by stating the book should not be burned. What a mess.
We went to the first Bama game of the season last weekend. We played San Jose State and easily won. We have a big game tomorrow against Penn State. Everyone, including the media, is very excited about this game. We have ESPN game day in Tuscaloosa.....AGAIN!!
Well, we are almost at our 3 year LID anniversary and it is time to renew our paperwork again. Our agency sent us the paperwork a while back and I filled out some papers and had them in the mail on Tuesday. Our medical was done this week and Mike will have to fill out the financial form this weekend and we will get them in the mail by Monday. Our home study is scheduled for September 20. I really would like to have it earlier, but with Tide Guy working out of town so much, that is the earliest we can get an appointment. Oh, well. I really want to avoid the stress of waiting till the last minute. And the problems we had the last time. That was not fun.
BP has stayed out of the news for a while. It seems the leak has stopped and clean up continues on the beaches and marshes.
Gas is down to around $2.43.
On with the football weekend!!
Tide Gal
We went to the first Bama game of the season last weekend. We played San Jose State and easily won. We have a big game tomorrow against Penn State. Everyone, including the media, is very excited about this game. We have ESPN game day in Tuscaloosa.....AGAIN!!
Well, we are almost at our 3 year LID anniversary and it is time to renew our paperwork again. Our agency sent us the paperwork a while back and I filled out some papers and had them in the mail on Tuesday. Our medical was done this week and Mike will have to fill out the financial form this weekend and we will get them in the mail by Monday. Our home study is scheduled for September 20. I really would like to have it earlier, but with Tide Guy working out of town so much, that is the earliest we can get an appointment. Oh, well. I really want to avoid the stress of waiting till the last minute. And the problems we had the last time. That was not fun.
BP has stayed out of the news for a while. It seems the leak has stopped and clean up continues on the beaches and marshes.
Gas is down to around $2.43.
On with the football weekend!!
Tide Gal
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Playing Catch Up...Again
So much is happening that I cannot keep this blog updated. And, to make matters worse, my computer crashed and my Internet explorer has disappeared. It has been more than a month. So far, Tide Guy hasn't had time to fix it.
We had a blast in New York City. We saw Jersey Boys, which was wonderful. The musical is based on Frankie Valli & The Four Season's career. Ah, the music was fabulous and the show was spectacular. Afterwards, we were able to get tickets at TKTS for Momma Mia and saw that two hours later. It was great, too. All the great 70s Abba music was just wonderful.
We also walked through Chinatown and Italy. We ate some wonderful hand-pulled noodles in Chinatown and some tasty gelato in Little Italy. Yum.
We've also spent a long weekend at the Marriott's Starr Pass in Tucson, AZ which is always relaxing.
We filed a complaint with the company that sold us our deck materials. The deck has faded, shrunk, boards have broken, all boards are wavy, and it looks terrible and is potentially dangerous. All in less than a year. After several e-mails, we were refunded the full cost of the materials. Now, we have to decide on a new decking material, pull up the defective boards, and install something else. Our hot tub is also on this material, so that should be fun.
Our 3 1/2 year old niece started preschool yesterday. No one knows if she likes it because she just won't talk about it. She is hilarious.....and very stubborn. But, she is so cute and lovely, we all easily forgive her for that.
This summer has been one of the hottest in history. It has been in the upper 90s and low 100s for several weeks. The gardens have suffered and farmers are hoping for rain.
Football starts in a few weeks and we are looking forward to the season. The season should be a good one for Alabama again this year. We have rooms reserved in Atlanta for the SEC Championship game and in Phoenix for the National Championship game. Hopefully, we will be at both.
In national news, BP's attempt to stop the oil leak seems to be working. They pumped mud and concrete into the pipe to permanently stop the leak. Now, the attempt to redirect the intake of oil is on. They are drilling two pipes beside the original pipe. Now, they are trying to get the oil off the beaches that has settled into the sand. Tests are also being done on seafood in the ocean to determine if it is safe to eat.
Gas prices seem to be going up and down a lot. Anywhere from $2.56-$2.69 a gallon.
A group of Muslims have requested to build a mosque beside the site of Ground Zero in New York City. The president has attempted to support this request, but, due to the backlash, he has tried to "correct" his statement. Now, he says that he only supports their right to build a mosque, not that he supports the actual building of a mosque. Most Americans think this is a slap in the face from Muslims. Many Democrats are now avoiding the issue or not supporting it. I guess it is a good thing this is an election year.
More later,
Tide Gal
We had a blast in New York City. We saw Jersey Boys, which was wonderful. The musical is based on Frankie Valli & The Four Season's career. Ah, the music was fabulous and the show was spectacular. Afterwards, we were able to get tickets at TKTS for Momma Mia and saw that two hours later. It was great, too. All the great 70s Abba music was just wonderful.
We also walked through Chinatown and Italy. We ate some wonderful hand-pulled noodles in Chinatown and some tasty gelato in Little Italy. Yum.
We've also spent a long weekend at the Marriott's Starr Pass in Tucson, AZ which is always relaxing.
We filed a complaint with the company that sold us our deck materials. The deck has faded, shrunk, boards have broken, all boards are wavy, and it looks terrible and is potentially dangerous. All in less than a year. After several e-mails, we were refunded the full cost of the materials. Now, we have to decide on a new decking material, pull up the defective boards, and install something else. Our hot tub is also on this material, so that should be fun.
Our 3 1/2 year old niece started preschool yesterday. No one knows if she likes it because she just won't talk about it. She is hilarious.....and very stubborn. But, she is so cute and lovely, we all easily forgive her for that.
This summer has been one of the hottest in history. It has been in the upper 90s and low 100s for several weeks. The gardens have suffered and farmers are hoping for rain.
Football starts in a few weeks and we are looking forward to the season. The season should be a good one for Alabama again this year. We have rooms reserved in Atlanta for the SEC Championship game and in Phoenix for the National Championship game. Hopefully, we will be at both.
In national news, BP's attempt to stop the oil leak seems to be working. They pumped mud and concrete into the pipe to permanently stop the leak. Now, the attempt to redirect the intake of oil is on. They are drilling two pipes beside the original pipe. Now, they are trying to get the oil off the beaches that has settled into the sand. Tests are also being done on seafood in the ocean to determine if it is safe to eat.
Gas prices seem to be going up and down a lot. Anywhere from $2.56-$2.69 a gallon.
A group of Muslims have requested to build a mosque beside the site of Ground Zero in New York City. The president has attempted to support this request, but, due to the backlash, he has tried to "correct" his statement. Now, he says that he only supports their right to build a mosque, not that he supports the actual building of a mosque. Most Americans think this is a slap in the face from Muslims. Many Democrats are now avoiding the issue or not supporting it. I guess it is a good thing this is an election year.
More later,
Tide Gal
Friday, July 16, 2010
The Oil Well is Plugged!
BP's latest effort to stop the gushing oil has worked. The cap was able to contain the pressure and as of now the attempt is considered a success. BP will now continue drilling two relief wells to pump oil.
Now, the oil in the water, on the shores, and in the marshlands will have to be cleaned. Unfortunately, a lot of financial damage has been done and many business people have lost so much they may never recover. It is heartbreaking to see them on TV talk about their personal losses.
This is good news for right now! Hopefully, BP will now help those who have been affected by this disaster.
Have a good
Tide Gal
Now, the oil in the water, on the shores, and in the marshlands will have to be cleaned. Unfortunately, a lot of financial damage has been done and many business people have lost so much they may never recover. It is heartbreaking to see them on TV talk about their personal losses.
This is good news for right now! Hopefully, BP will now help those who have been affected by this disaster.
Have a good
Tide Gal
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Basic News!!
We bought two coffee tables!! Yahoo! We found a coffee table, but luckily decided to measure before purchasing. The table is big, but so is our family room. However, with the layout of the furniture, the table would not fit.
We also had my piano moved to our house Saturday. It also got it's first tuning in over 30 years!
It looks like the people in charge of the Chinese adoptions have stepped up! This month rumors show a possible referral time of 2 weeks. That would be awesome. If this turned into a trend, it would be even better.
Gas prices are down to about $2.49 a gallon.
BP installed some type of cap over the past few days. The "cap" does not have a "lid" right now. Soon, possibly starting today, they will attempt to close off the leak. They need to make sure when the lid is installed, it can hold the pressure. BP is estimating they have spent over a billion dollars on this disaster. Many business owners on the Gulf Coast are becoming very upset due to loss of income and the delays in filing complaints with BP. They can't pay basic bills. Utilities are being cut off. Fishermen need to sell their boats to pay bills. A vicious cycle. Once the boat is sold, they won't be able to continue with their trade after the clean up.
Spain won the World Cup on soccer on Sunday. While watching the game in a large viewing area in Africa, some bombs went off killing a few people and harming many others. Ridiculous. Islamic radicals are claiming responsibility for the killings.
In big national news, the President's approval rating is dropping.
We leave for New York City in a few days. We are going to see Jersey Boys! I wanted to go to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, but we didn't order tickets in time.
Have a good day!
Tide Gal
We also had my piano moved to our house Saturday. It also got it's first tuning in over 30 years!
It looks like the people in charge of the Chinese adoptions have stepped up! This month rumors show a possible referral time of 2 weeks. That would be awesome. If this turned into a trend, it would be even better.
Gas prices are down to about $2.49 a gallon.
BP installed some type of cap over the past few days. The "cap" does not have a "lid" right now. Soon, possibly starting today, they will attempt to close off the leak. They need to make sure when the lid is installed, it can hold the pressure. BP is estimating they have spent over a billion dollars on this disaster. Many business owners on the Gulf Coast are becoming very upset due to loss of income and the delays in filing complaints with BP. They can't pay basic bills. Utilities are being cut off. Fishermen need to sell their boats to pay bills. A vicious cycle. Once the boat is sold, they won't be able to continue with their trade after the clean up.
Spain won the World Cup on soccer on Sunday. While watching the game in a large viewing area in Africa, some bombs went off killing a few people and harming many others. Ridiculous. Islamic radicals are claiming responsibility for the killings.
In big national news, the President's approval rating is dropping.
We leave for New York City in a few days. We are going to see Jersey Boys! I wanted to go to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, but we didn't order tickets in time.
Have a good day!
Tide Gal
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