Sunshine in my soul today...

The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and wonderful things are happening everywhere. Last night we found out that my Dad's cancer biopsy came back negative. We celebrated as we always do - with food! Joe's Barbecue just seemed appropriate. And yes, I realize that this is the second time I have mentioned Joe's in my blog. It is that good. I am so happy for my parents as they are due for some good news. This, however, is GREAT news. He will have to get check-ups every six months to keep a watch on him, but the doctor was very optimistic and so are we.

The second piece of news came at 6:30 this morning when the phone rang and my sister-in-law Emma was on the line. She had just given birth to our second nephew (Hank's really going to need to step it up now!). He is 8 lbs, 10 oz and currently nameless. His father is pushing for Cougar Lionitas Bassett. It just rolls off the tongue, don't it? This is what happens when a soon-to-be father sees "300" the week before his child is born. I am making a mental note that Nathan will not be seeing any testosterone charged movies throughout the gestation process when we have a child! The lucky thing is that we are making a stop in London on our way to India so we will get to meet the wee bairn. I am practicing my snarl to ward off those who would try to take him from me.

MC Rove

"I want the people to know that they still have 2 out of 3 branches of the government working for them, and that ain't bad." - Mars Attacks

My boyfriend's back...

That's right, folks! Le petit Henri, or little Hank Johnson as he likes to be called, is back in town visiting his Nana, Papa, and favorite aunt and uncle for a bit. Oh, and his mom is here too (hee hee!). He has gotten so much bigger and stronger since he left two months ago. Apparently children grow in dog years. My favorite moment was last night when he threw up about 4 ounces of the 7 that his mom had just fed him. It went everywhere and he looked pleased as punch about it. Megan's response was, "Laugh it up now, Bethany". I don't care - that's what aunts get to do!

What in the wide, wide world of sports is goin' on?!?

After yet another nail-biter yesterday, it is official. Nathan and I are going head to head with the two teams that we have picked to take March Madness and it could get really ugly. When you really look at it, though, I think the outcome is quite clear. Let's look more closely, shall we?

Vs.

Georgetown's mascot is Jack the Bulldog. Ohio State's is Brutus the Buckeye. A nut. Terrifying. What would you be more afraid to run into in a dark alley? A ferocious man-eating canine born from the depths of hell with fire in his eyes and yellowed breath that lingers around its dagger-like fangs or the cousin of the cashew? I'm not saying which team I am rooting for, but if that description doesn't help, one needs only to look to OSU's 1965 mascot to feel inspired as to which team should take this one.

Wet yourself with fear yet? Yeah, thought so.

So long, farewell...

While we are so excited about the prospect of heading off to India, there are some sad things about leaving as well. Today Nathan and I were released from our callings. Nathan has been serving as the Ward Executive Secretary and I have been working with the youth as the Young Womens President. I really thought that it would be a relief to pass that responsibility on to someone else, but I find that I am sad about it. I got to work with wonderful girls who have such spirit and strength. I am incredibly proud of the women that they are choosing to become and it was an honor to help them in that direction.

Here are my beautiful Beehives...

my magnificent Mia Maids...

and my lovely Laurels.

I love you all!

A fond farewell

Today is Nathan's last day at the University of Phoenix. As of Monday he will officially be working with Western International University and will start his new position. He has worked at UOP for four years now and has been really blessed with the people that he has worked with. He has had great managers and co-workers and will miss them all. I am so thankful that he has had a good experience there. I especially want to thank Nancy who has been so supportive of our decision to leave. You have been a great boss and friend to Nathan and I truly appreciate it. We'll see you again soon!

Kiss Kiss Bang Bangalore

Last night we ended our day the way that we usually do, by catching a few minutes of the Simpsons. Wouldn't you know it - they go to India! Check out the cool moves...

My most profound apologies.

Alright Lynn... TRUCE!!!

Tandoori-tastic!

On behalf of the Jones family, I must thank our dear friends Jen and Emery Layton for taking us out for our first Indian food in ages last night. I had forgotton how wonderful it is and how much I love it! Curry and korma and naan - oh my! It was also great to talk with Emory's co-worker, Neeraj who came from India about five years ago. He was very helpful and gave us some great tips. It was nice for him to reassure us that we will be just fine. In fact, the most frightening moment of the night was when I got up and did some belly dancing. Between the spices and my hips going all over the place, it was a wonder that no one got sick! Anyways, if you are ever in Phoenix and are looking for a great meal check out Tandoori Times Indian Bistro. Nummy nummy nummy, I've got love in my tummy!

The reason we are getting Satellite TV in Delhi...

That's gonna leave a mark!

Three mini milestones have taken place since the last post. First, we received our visas from the Indian Consulate which means one of two things. Either India is incredibly selective and they only pick and choose the best people to come OR they will pretty much let anyone and their dog in. My bet is on the latter. Either way, it's too late for them to back out now! Mwa hahaha!

Second, Nathan had his first face to face meeting with the President and CEO of the Modi group who is partnering with the university to introduce it over in India. He (Nathan) has become INCREDIBLY cocky since the meeting was held at the Biltmore and he refuses to let me forget that. Reality has a way of biting back though as he may have had a meeting at the Biltmore but we had Joe's Barbeque for dinner. Mmm... Joe's. The meeting went really well and Nathan came away feeling very excited about what he will be doing.

Third, we went and got shots yesterday. Getting ready for work was interesting this morning as neither one of us could lift our arms up very high. The fact that I dried my bangs was good enough for me this morning! Our nurse was great. She had a very detailed report that went through all the health risks in India and what to do to prevent them. I think if we weren't so naive we would have wet ourselves right there, but she assured us that if we follow directions we will be just fine. So we will start each morning by taking our anti-malarial pill, keeping our mouth shut in the shower, slathering bug repellant on and drinking our boiled milk. It'll be just like camping!

It's going to be worth it!

Well, we have to go to India now because I bought three guide books as well as "A Passage to India" and "Kim" the other night - and once you buy books there's no turning back! We have been setting up all sorts of appointments with doctors, tax consultants, and bankers and our passports are now at the Indian Consulate awaiting visas. On Tuesday we are getting our shots started. I have to say that it is a pretty colorful list. Along with the regular tetanus, measles, and polio boosters we have the pleasure of receiving vaccinations for Japanese encephalitis, malaria, typhoid, rabies, and (as Nathan likes to put it) Hepatitis A-Z. We've been told to be careful about dengue as well, but until I learn how to pronounce that one correctly I am refusing to give it much thought! We are so excited. The more we learn about India the less time we want to wait to get there. A year is so short and it's a HUGE country but we are going to see as much as we can. I really don't know when Nathan is going to work what with all the trips I am planning!