2 weeks left at home

I have an idea for a new years resolution. I could try to do something from We Are What We Do twice a week. For those of you who don't know what that is... http://www.wearewhatwedo.org/. It is great. Some of them are silly, but I like the concept. Small Actions x Lots of People = Big Change! That's just an idea. I still have 4 days to decide. I really want to do Big Brother Big Sister, but I don't think I'll have the appropriate time to commit to a little sis. I'll do it someday! I just now, at this very moment, decided to start a goals list. It might be in a book or just a list on a piece of notebook paper, but I want to write down my goals. In my Intro to Civil class my teacher said that a person is more likely to complete a goal if they write it down. I'm going to write all of them down. I'm off in search of a goal holder.

Wrapping Paper

I realized something today. During Christmas we give gifts that we wrap up in decorative paper just for it to be ripped open and thrown away. It is ridiculous! So many trees killed for our silly wasteful tradition! I have decided that I am no longer going to buy or use wrapping paper. We have plenty of gift bags to put stuff in, and enough tissue paper (which is also a waste) that we get from other people every year. Just reuse it!!! We have been reusing gift bags and tissue paper for a long time, but I don't see a need for gift wrap at all anymore. Besides, putting it in a bag is was easier than wrapping it up. I might even start using plastic bags as tissue paper because there are so many of those stupid things in this wasteful country!!!!!!!!!! I want to recycle any wrapping paper I get. It makes me sad to think of how wasteful we are. I think my new years resolution is to be less wasteful. I will have to remember to take my cloth bags when i get groceries. I might even start showering like the French... Only have the water on when I need it. So while I'm putting the shampoo and conditioner in my hair I will turn the water off. I will continue to shave my armpits though... sorry France, but that would gross me out.

Bitter Chocolate and Sour Orange Juice

Is it really that easy to just stop having anything to do with one of your friends? I have been friends with a certain friend since 8th grade. We had classes together for 5 years... Every single class together senior year! Best Friends! But as soon as we graduate all interest is lost on her part. I tried and tried and tried to hang out with her before I went to Alabama, when I came home for Christmas, and when I can home for the summer. We would have a planned time to hang out, but when that time came and I was all ready to go, she texts me to cancel. The excuses are pretty lame too. One time it was because she said she fell asleep and didn't feel like getting up. Later that day I went to the mall with Dan, and guess who I saw with a group of people that she never hung out with in high school! I even rescheduled with her, but of course she canceled. While I was at school this semester she FaceBook chatted me. She was like, "I haven't seen you in so long!" and, "I miss you! How are you and Luke".... "Blah, blah, blah"!!!!!!!! Of course you haven't seen me in so long... you blow me off every time I try and hang out with you! I said something to her earlier on FaceBook about not hanging out for a year and a half, so she was like "Well lets hang!", but I don't even know if I'm interested anymore. I don't want to get stood up again. And if we actually did hangout I know that the old friendship connection we used to have is gone, so it wouldn't be that great. When I was home for the summer we ate at Wing Dingers... the restaurant where she works. I thought it would be exciting to see her... we were best friends after all. It was just blah. Like she was just a waitress that I kind of knew back in high school. Okay... I'm done with my rant. I'm sorry if you read that entire thing because its not interesting to anyone else but I needed to get that out, and no I don't want to delete this. Other wise I wouldn't get the feelings out somewhere else. I don't know if this makes sense or if the spelling is correct. Right now I just don't care.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STARFISH!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sitting at home with a cat and a dog on my lap. Its nice to have my furry companions with my when no one else is, but they make it difficult to do things sometimes.

New Spikes... Brooks Surge MD

A Few Old Pictures

4 days

Last night was Luke's surprise birthday party. I blind folded him and drove to the skating rink. Everyone else got there before me, so when we walked in and took the blind fold off they yelled surprise! It was a good time. Then when we got back I went up to Latrice's room to get the cake I baked while Luke was playing basketball with Andrew earlier that day. I made it look like a pole vault pit with standards and a cross bar. Richard got ice cream when he got off work and brought it to have with cake. The cake was close to devoured. We put candles on the cake and sang to him. I think he had fun. He also got a cool birthday present from Julia and Leah. It was a hat like the brown one he wears, but it has built in headphones. He is going to be using them all the time.
Today is going to be a straight study day. Luke and I have to finish Julia and Leah's Christmas presents. They are almost done though.

9 days

I have just returned to my room from finishing and printing off my Civil Engineering Graphics project. I worked long and hard on it, and it all paid off when my design, topographic map, and profile grids were printed off on giant sheets of beautiful white paper. The feeling was delicious. I am in a terrific mood right now. Hopefully it will carry over to my Surveying final this afternoon. I feel pretty good about it. It is an open note test, and I have some pretty good notes. I am ready freddy.
I would like to send a thank you to my family for the finals care package. There were lots of tasties in there. I would also like to thank Auntie Gem and Frankie for the package. I am absolutely in love with the shirt!!! All my friends like it a lot too. I love all The Office stuff too. I am using one of the pencils for my final tonight! I think I'm going to try and grow the basil when i get home.
Make sure you read the post I wrote last night.

Howdy Ho Neighbor!

I just ate the last of my fish sticks... finally. They are good enough to eat when I'm hungry, but not good enough to eat all the time or for very long. The make the microwave stink too.
Now I have to go find something else to eat. Maybe a potato or a

I am just now returning to my computer after I made and ate a cheesy potato and made some koolaid. I almost had a melt down when I was in the pantry. I saw the chocolate bars that we use for s'mores and an insane feeling swept over me that I needed that chocolate then and there. I had a bar out of the big package and was about to open it when I gained control of myself. I told myself to put it back and just eat a few of the semi-sweet chocolate chips instead. I had myself convinced, but my fingers were still looking for the rip spot on the wrapper. It was a real battle, but I succeeded. I put the candy back in the package and had 5 chocolate chips instead.
Gah... Smitty just came in with Zach. I can't stand that guy. I try so hard to not think about what I don't like about him, but its pretty much everything. I feel bad.
Julia might come home with us in 9 days. She is going to pole vault with Luke. That could be really fun. We'll see if she actually does.

13 days

16 days

I am going to be 20 in 3 months. Doesn't that sound strange? I will no longer be a teenager. Very strange.
I am currently waiting in Technology Hall for Jeff (the graphics TA) to come help me with my final project.
Yesterday at practice we ran 5 300s. Yesterday's was much better than last Monday's, when we did the same thing. I'm not really sure what today will consist of. If the weather permits I'm sure the vaulters will go do their thing, and I'll be stuck running 500s. Gah.
If you aren't sure what to get me for Christmas, think more along the lines of necessities. I'm sure if you have already found something for me I will love it, but I don't need anything expensive or fancy. I already told mom I need ProActive face wash. Maybe some shampoo or walmart gift cards for groceries. I would really like something meaningful if at all possible. I like trees.... a lot. I almost have a love affair with them. I speak fluent tree. Its a good thing I have a boyfriend who comes from a tree man.
Well, I think Jeff is here.

17 days

There are 3 Mondays left. Today and tomorrow are our only days this week, then next week there are exams all week long. The following week ends on Wednesday. As soon as Luke is done with his last exam Wednesday morning, we are heading out. I can't wait.
My exams are as followed:
Tuesday Dec 1 - Surveying (exam)
Wednesday Dec 2 - Graphics (just turn in my project)
Thursday Dec 3 - Intro to Civil (just launch catapults)
Friday Dec 4 - Calculus (exam)
Monday Dec 7 - Chemistry (exam)

I can't wait to get these over with. I am ready for a break. I want to see my family and animals!
I just realized that it is time for me to walk to class.

Ahh... Sweet Novembre

Of all the things I know, the most important is that the only thing there is to learn is just to love and be loved in return. Think about this when you are with someone you love and let them know it. Think about this when you are with someone you can't stand to be around, and at least fake that you don't mind their presence. You shouldn't want someone else to change... if you have a problem with them for no reason, it is you that needs to change your heart.

I think I'm going to make a pinhole camera. It sounds really cool.
I am ready for this semester to be over. I am tired of doing work every single night. I need a break. I'll ready for more in January, but right now I just want to be able to go to sleep before 11 and the option to sleep past 8:00. I want to sit in Danni's room and work on a project while those stinky little creatures try to steal my scissors. I am ready for the next 20 days to be over with so I can return to Texas.

21 days

Sorry It has been so long. I just haven't felt like posting.
Last Friday Julia, Richard, Leah, Aaron(Luke's room mate, and Leah's new man), Latrice, Andrew, Luke and I all went to UAH's fall formal. Before hand we dressed up and went to Bridge Street for some cheap but delicious Japanese food. We took lots of silly pictures which can be seen on Facebook. There weren't a ton of people there and the dj was terrible, but we still had a good time. Somethings can only be as fun as you want them to be. After we went to watch Elf in our living room, but I fell asleep 15 min in.
We wrote and sent our letters for the track team fund raiser. I addressed one of mine to Oprah. hahahahaha I was pleased with myself for that one. I have no idea if coach noticed it or not.
Today I got some mail... It was a (RED) button. I was very excited when I got it.
I had a chemistry test on Monday... I got a 91. No more tests until finals. I am ready to go home for the break!
Yesterday at practice we did 5 300s... Ouch! I think mine went pretty well. Today we did 16 100s. I was cold today, but it will warm up with each passing day of the week.
I have decided that when I go into the Peace Corps I hope I go to a South American country. Africa really strikes my fancy, but I would to go down south too.
For Thanksgiving Luke and I were invited to Julia's house... a much better idea than eating sandwich meat turkey and canned green beans.

Track Schedule

First off, read the post under this one. I don't know if anyone has read it yet.
Next... I found this cool feature on my scanner. I can scan documents and import them into Word. Then I can actually go in and type on it like a regular document. I scanned our TENTATIVE track schedule, and it worked really well. Only a few of the dates messed up. Unfortunatly blogger didn't like the format and won't let me upload it. So, I will write it in for you.

UAH TRACK AND FIELD

2010 Indoor/Outdoor Meet Schedule

TENTATIVE

INDOOR

• Jan 22-23 Indiana Gladstein Invite - Bloomington, IN
  (10-15 men, 10-15 women)
• Feb 6 Tennessee State Invite - Nashville, TN
  (Everyone)
• Feb 12 Indiana Hoosier Hills Invite - Bloomington, IN
  (15 men, 15 women)
• Feb 19-20 Virginia Tech Challenge - Blacksburg, VA
  (Those close to national qualifying)
• March 12-13 NCAA DII Indoor Championship - Albuquerque, NM
  (Those who qualify)

OUTDOOR

• March 6 Bulldog Relays - Huntsville, AL
  (Everyone)
• March 20 Rhodes or Austin Peay - Memphis or Clarksville
  (everyone)
• March 28 Alabama Relays - Tuscaloosa, AL
  (Relays only)
• April 3 Gem of the Hills - Jacksonville, AL
  (Everyone)
• April 10 Ole Miss Invitational - Oxford, MS
  (Everyone)
• April 17 LSU Alumni Gold - Baton Rouge, LA
  (everyone)
• May 1 DII South Region Championship - Huntsville, AL
  (Everyone)
• May 8 Orange and Purple Classic - Clemson, SC
  (Those close to qualifying for nationals)
• May 14-15 Georgia Tech - Altanta, GA
  (Those on the national performance lists)
• May 27-29 NCAA DII Outdoor Championship - Charlotte, NC
  (Those who qualify)

La ti da

So far this week has been... productive. I have more checks then scratch marks in my planner for the first 3 days. There is a study room on every floor of our dorm. The first floor has computers and is really big, but I can't go in there because there are also big windows which are too distracting for me and a bit creepy at night. We started going to the one on the second floor which is perfect for Luke, Julia, Leah, and me to go to because there are 4 desks and only one little window covered with blinds. The past few weeks we have been here every single night. We have started calling it home because we practically live here. I'm not very good at doing homework in my room because I have too many things to distract me. This room has turned out to be very good for me.
I will be home in about 28 days. Hooray! I think we are going to drive home after Luke's last final on Thursday morning.
Today for track practice we ran 12 100s. Yesterday it rained so we did starts in the gym at Spragins. Monday we did 1 300, 3 200s, and 4 150s. I think we are doing 500s at the track Friday.
In my Civil Engineering Graphics class the only thing we are doing now is working on our final project. In my Intro to Civil class all we are doing is working on is our final project... a catapult. I have one more chemistry lab. We are probably just going to learn a little bit more in chemistry and math for the final. The end is near.
I signed up for my spring classes this morning. I am taking Intro to Transportation, Engineering Economy, Physics w/Cal, Physics Lab, and Calculus C. I am borrowing my Transportation book from Daniel Saint(guy on the team), getting my Economy book from Josh Coots(another guy on the team), my Physics book from Latrice(girl on the team and good friend), and I already have my math book. Being on the track team is like being in a sorority. They have their collection of old tests and lab manuals and books to be passed around. So do we. I'm glad our team is such a wonderful little family. Luke is getting most of his books from teammates too.
I am eating a PBJ right now, but it is taking my a while because I only take a bite every once in a while, so the bread is starting to get a bit stale.
Monday night Luke and I went to eat dinner in the Bevil Center(the hotel on campus) and let me tell you..... the food there is sooo good. We have decided to keep an eye on the menu for something we really like so the meal will be amazing. We can use our charger bucks there too.
Time to work on my Graphics project. How has the weather been in the big RC?

Man Hunt

Saturday night a bunch of us played a game called Man Hunt. There were runners and chasers, and they started at opposite sides of campus. The runners have to make it back to the dorm on foot without getting caught by the chasers who were in cars. There were 2 cars, but it was hard being a chaser because we couldn't drive through the center of campus and one way roads were annoying. When the chasers saw a runner they had to jump out of the car, run after, and tag the runner. Being a runner was a lot of fun. Trying to avoid the lit up areas was pretty difficult. It was a lot of fun though.

Music and Movies

Tonight was a rather wonderful night. Starfish and I went to see the UAH Jazz Ensemble play, and they were really pretty good. I loved it. They are going to do a Valentines Day show like the Dallas Wind Symphony does(which is amazing), but we will probably be at a track meet during it. :(
Today for track practice we water ran. We had to do it on our own, so Luke, Leah, Julia, Latrice, and Brad Passen went. It was good.
Today Luke and I avoided a ticket. We were driving along Ben Graves Dr on our was to Spragins when Luke saw a police car whip out of a parking lot to follow us. I told him to turn into the next parking lot. The police car turned in after us and actually trapped us in on accident. He backed up to let us out, so we went to the next row and parked there. Then we got our backpacks and walked into the closest building. We picked up a school paper and read it for a little while. The police car sat in the parking lot for a little while, but when he left we went back to the car and drove away. As we were driving down the road to Spragins we saw him drive back to the parking lot. It was a close one.
Our friends are going to see Law Abiding Citizen tonight, but Luke and I don't have to money to go have fun, so I think we are going to make kettle corn and watch a movie here. I will probably work on my tape book.

Would you propose with a Tacobell hotsauce packet?

I realized that my teeth felt out of place because I ate an apple. I always feel like my teeth aren't quite in place when I do. It takes about a day to get over the feeling. I can't stand it.
Today at track practice we did what we do every Thursday... the school loop. It was boring as usual. Then we did a good ab workout. We are supposed to start going to the track next Monday.
I have my schedule planned out for next semester. I just have to sign up for them before they are full. Track practice is at 11:30 on Mon, Wed, Fri. The only physics class offered is at 11:30 on Mon, Wed, Fri. That is going to be unfortunate, but it will work out.
Julia told her mom about the house hunting, and she being a woman whose job is selling houses got excited and started looking some up for us. She found one that is cheap, but she is afraid it might be too cheap... there might be something wrong with it. She is going to keep looking though. We are all pretty excited about it. I think Smitty is going to live with us too. I don't mind her, but it wouldn't be such a bad thing if she didn't live with us. I guess it doesn't really matter.
We are going to watch a movie now... Adams Family Values.

Elephant

My teeth feel funny. As if the aren't happy with where they are placed in my mouth. It doesn't hurt... just feels funny.
It feels so late right now, and it is only 6:30. I don't like that either.
I am really tired right now, so I feel that I could lay on the complaints kinda strong right now, but I will stop right now with just 2.
Yesterday at practice we ran 4 sets of 5 100s... 20 in all. It was good. It was tough and I was tired, but didn't want to die. I think it was a success. Today we did 5 300s. Another success. I can tell I'm getting in better shape.
Last night I had a dream that Luke stared smoking and I was so mad at him. I started talking to him about it and what a stupid thing it was to do, but he didn't think it was that big of a deal. It really ticked me off, so when I woke up I felt angry at him, but realized it was just another dream and that wasn't real. I am going to have to throw a complaint in about these dreams... I don't like them at all.
I have started thinking about Christmas presents. I have a few decisions made, but some I have no idea.
I am hungry. I'm so hungry I could eat a whole elephant.

Nightmare

Yesterday was pretty good. At practice we did timed trials in the 300 and 150. I think they went as well as they could on a grass track.
My civil class has started working on our catapults for our final project. We have to launch a marshmallow 30 feet and get as close to a target as possible. My group isn't the brightest bunch, but I think we will do okay. We met up yesterday and started talking about it. I think we have some good ideas in the making.
Last night I had a terrible dream. Luke and I were getting married and he died the day before. Because we already had a church reserved we used it for the funeral instead of the wedding. We were some where else, so the only thing I had to wear other then a t-shirt and jeans was my white dress. It was horrible standing there while everyone kept saying how sorry they were that this had happened. I felt like the world was just crushing down on me. Then I started thinking about all of his goals and our plans for life and it started feeling worse and worse. The entire dream was just terrible. I woke up crying and then I realized it was only a dream, and had to make myself calm down.

On the first day of November my true love gave to me

Happy November! Is anyone doing No Shave November?

I have had a very fun weekend.

Friday night was the volleyball game that everyone dresses up in Halloween costumes. My friends and I were the Spice Girls. I was Baby, Julia was Ginger, Leah was Sporty, Rachel was scary, and Nadia was Posh.

We used Leah's iHome to play the Spice Girls music as we walked in, and during timeouts. Luke and Andrew were volleyball players. I'll have to post a picture later. It was a lot of fun and our volleyball team actually won! Then we went back to our room and watched Hocus Pocus. I can safely say I have never seen that movie. I remember starting to watch it a long time ago, but I got too scared. It was so funny. I liked it a lot.
Saturday morning we woke up and had pancakes. There were plain, chocolate chip, and peanut butter chocolate chip pancakes. Delicious. Then we went to the mall to meet Julia's mom to get Julia new jeans. While we were there we visited Andrew at work (Abercrombie and Fitch). He hates that job. We went to Sports Authority, Fossil, and the Apple store for everyone's errands. Then we went back to the room and got ready for Halloween. We dressed up (pictures will come later) and Trick-or-Treated at Julia's house. They live in a neighborhood, but in a culdesac, so they usually get about 5 Trick-or-Treaters every year. After that we went bowling in our costumes. It was so much fun. We got a really good deal and played till 1 am. We got back and watched the clocks on our phones chance from 2 am back to 1 am. Everyone else went to watch The Adams Family, but I was too tired and went to sleep.
I also got some TOMS while we were out. I found some that I really like. I am so excited about them. I am so so so so so excited about them.
Today is study day. Study and homework. No fun, but must be done.

12345

Today was a pretty good day. I went to talk to the advisor. I talked to Dr. Leonard too. She made a plan of study for me that I would follow in order to graduate in the normal 4 years. It is really stretching it though. I am relying on there being certain classes offered the summer after next. The problem is Statics. I have to have that class to take a lot of very important classes. I can't take Statics until I've taken Physics which I'm going to take in the spring. She said I should stay here this summer and take Statics. I think I'm going to take literature and computer programing(C++) somewhere while I'm home. She even said to see if any schools around home have a statics class. It would have to be at an engineering school... I don't know of any...
I've decided that I want to go into the Peace Corps after I graduate, and either do grad school during or right after PC.
This year instead of doing stupid pancake breakfasts for fund raisers we all have to send 10 letters to people we know asking for $30. Everyone just looked at each other like "this is stupid" when coach cain announced this. Another crazy thing this year... there will only be one meet that everyone gets to go to. That one we are taking the bus. All the others we are taking the vans and only 10 boys and 10 girls for the combined cc/track group will go. I'm sure Luke will be going to all of them. I worry a bit about myself. I think the schedule is almost finished.

Family Blog

That is a good idea Danni... we could have a family blog where we can all get on and post stuff... posts, announcements, pictures, videos. I am considering moving to Tumblr though. I looked at it, and I think I might like it better than Blogger. I set up a Tumblr... BrainDoodles, but it is only temporary until I make a final decision. Input on the family blog would be nice. Would it be used?

A is for Alex and Alligator

I am terrible at this blogging business. I can't ever remember write a new one.
This weekend was a terribly wonderful. Friday night Luke and I went to a slam poetry show and watched the group Elephant Engine High Dive Revival. They were so good. So so good. After that we carved pumpkins whose pictures are on Luke's Facebook. We were both extremely proud of ours. I drew the tree and he cut it out. I cut out the little face on the other side. When the lights were on the tree side looked ok... kind of bad with the pen ink soaked into the edges of the cut parts, but when we turned the lights out... it looked awesome! We also watched the movie Adventureland. I had been wanting to see it. The girl in the movie is the girl that is in the Twilight movies. She always looks like she is on drugs, even in real life.
Saturday morning we went to pick up our Angel Food order. I was excited about it because we have more food, and I don't have to make a sandwich when I miss a meal in the caf. Luke and I watched a football game in the comfort of my living room. Thats right... I watch football now. I don't completely know whats going on, but some of the things they do are impressive. I don't really remember what else we did on Saturday at the moment. I do remember the puzzle adventure though. At 11 pm we decided to go buy a puzzle from walmart. It was 750 pieces and we finished it at 3 am. I was delirious by then. We now have two completed puzzles in Luke's living room. One is of New York, New York and the other of Times Square, New York. We are going to glue them together and give them to Julia and Leah as Christmas presents. They will have to put them in their coffee shop when they get it started.
Sunday was study and homework day. Our study break was playing wiffle(not sure about the spelling) ball with a stick I found during my surveying lab. Luke found out that he got an 88 on his 3rd english paper. He was very excited.
Yesterday at practice I ran 600, 500, 300, 300. I'm not sure what Luke did... he runs with the short sprint group and they did something different. I'm not sure what we are doing today. She told us our hard practice this week, but I don't remember what it was.
Last night while Luke, Julia, and Leah were in the upstairs study room I had to stay behind and take a shower. After I decided that I was going to make them cookies. There were only 7 squares of dough left in the package because Luke, Julia, and I eat the dough. I decided that they would get 2 each and I would have one. They were studying hard, so I decided they deserved a little treat. I stood in front of the over the last 7 min they were baking... I wanted them to be perfect so I watched them carefully. They got excited when I brought it to them, so I was happy.
Last night I had the best dream. I was in a really poor area (I think in another country), and I was helping build a public bathroom. After it was built I helped run it... making sure there was toilet paper and paper towels and what not. There was a little girl that came out of the bathroom and I showed her how to wash her hands properly and showed her where the paper towels were. Before she left she thanked me and gave me a big smile. It was such a good feeling. Then my alarm woke me up with Ingrid Michaelson's song Everybody. "Everybody, everybody wants to love. Everybody, everybody wants to be loved." I don't want to work at a job that I get tons of money, but don't do anything but design water/sewer systems or test soil contents for contamination. I want to do something that makes me feel good, and that requires making others feel good. I don't know. I'm just lost right now. I don't know what i want to do when I finish school.

Coats, Trees, Puzzels, And Then Some

Good Morning! Good Morning! Good Morning!
I hope every one's weekend has started off in the right direction. I am currently in a wonderful mood. As soon as 11 am comes around I'm going to the caf to have brunch.
I can't believe it is 39 degrees outside right now. That is crazy! I don't want to go outside. I will stay in and work on homework and other projects of mine. Yesterday I used my new coat for the first time. It was in the 50s when I went to my Surveying lab and it drizzled the whole time, so the coat did a wonderful job.
Luke and I were watching Ace of Cakes (awesome show) the other day, and I saw my favorite cake in the background of someone talking. It was a 3 layer with trees painted all over it. It was beautiful. I love trees. They are my favorite... even more than orange juice. When I go to Luke's and he has to go to the back to water the trees I talk to them... I speak tree. hahaha... that makes me sound like a crazy person. I just love them. I want to live in a tree. I've already thought of an awesome house setup. I got a few of my ideas from Star Wars. I saw this awesome thing at Target... it was a tree carved into wood just like Danni's prints. I want one like it so much.
Luke and I bought a puzzle that we are currently working on. Thursday night we were working on it in his living room and his room mate came in with two girls. They started watching tv in his room and talking loud and what not. We realized that we are like the old couple. We put together puzzles. We both go to sleep way earlier than everyone else too.
I had a chem test Friday and when I woke up Friday morning there was a piece of paper on my sink that said Good Luck Alex! It was done with oil pastels, so it i knew it was from Julia because she is the only one taking art. I think I am going to take theatre appreciation for my art credit. My only choices are that, art history(absolutely not), and music literature. I might go with the music lit, but I think theatre might be fun.

Half A Semester Down

I had a wonderful weekend. I was so happy to see you guys. I wasn't ready for you to leave. Later that evening I was sitting in the living room with Luke and Julia came in. She brought me a bag of Riesen candies because she knew I would be sad. I also watched Sandlot which made me feel better. Now I have about 9 weeks until I come home for winter break. Its going to be good. The weeks go by so so so fast while I'm here.
Today in the weight room CT weighed everyone. I was a little nervous because I had been below 100 the weeks before. Thankfully my family was in town this weekend and I ate so much food and didn't work out so I was 102.
I ordered my first Angel Food box today. The menu looked pretty good other than the lima beans which I don't think I've even had, so I'm going to need some input on that before I dive in. The pickup date it October 24. I always had a good time helping Jana with the Angel Food at FUMC. I really want to do Big Brother Big Sister, but I don't know if not being here December, June, and July are going to stop me from doing that.

To My Adoring Fans

It is almost midnight, and I have the coffee iv pumping. I have had an extremely productive day today. In my planer I write everything that needs to be done or I have the option of doing that day. If I complete the task it gets a check next to it. If I don't do it I cross it out and put it on the next day. So far I have 6 checks for today and only one task left. I'm going for a complete knock out. Tomorrow is going to be an easy day for classes, and if I get this last task done tonight I will have time to start my assignment for my graphics class tomorrow. That way I can get out early and look like a good student. As you can see I'm currently taking my homework break.
I'm excited for the next 2 days to go by... I GET TO SEE MY FAMILY!!!!! It has only been 7.5 weeks, but I miss everyone so much.
I have a surprise for you all, but I have to get it from Julia. It is from the Karaoke night we had on Saturday... which was so so so much fun. I think we are going to try and make it a monthly event.
Danni... your costume sounds awesome! I wish I had thought of that. Every year there is a volleyball game near Halloween, so everyone shows up in costume. We were thinking about all going as a different version of CT. The guys are going to pair up with us and be Ajani. Our plans haven't been finalized, but I'm sure it will be a hit. I don't know what I will dress up as if I do anything else for Halloween.
I have coffee breath right now and it doesn't taste very good.
Time to get back to work. Love Love Love Love Love

Greetings from Planet Alex

Goodness gracious it has been a long time since I have posted anything. Sorry about that.
One week until I get to see my family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I miss you guys a lot. I miss home a lot. I'm pretty sure I miss you more this year than I did last year. Don't get me wrong... I did miss you last year. Its just more now that I spent the summer there and had such a wonderful time. I really enjoyed my summer. I missed you guys with the second week. Last year it took longer than that. I am excited about camping though. Last year was really great. Especially the race through the Piggly Wiggly to find me. Except this time I would like to actually cook chicken and potatoes on the fire. Onions Onions la la la. I can't believe it is already October. I don't know what it is about it, but I like October a lot. One of my favorite months. Maybe because the weather starts cooling off and the leaves change. Or maybe I just like the name... October... it just sounds good to me. This year I want to carve a pumpkin and bake the seeds. I don't really like pumpkin seeds, but I will make them for my friends. I'm sure my friends are going to start watching scary movies and go to haunted houses and corn mazes. Like last year I'm sure they will try ruthlessly to get me to join them, but I will refuse. Last year I was all alone in my fight against peer pressure (which isn't that difficult for me. once I make up my mind I'm not going to change it). This year I have Luke to skip out on the horror filled events with me. My track tan is starting to come back in. I brought a strapless dress for banquet this year and realized that my intense tan line might prevent me from wearing it. I just thought of something I like about October. Candy Corn. I love it, but only like to eat it during October. Like Cadbury eggs during Easter... except for the fact that Cadbury eggs are my absolute favorite candy, and I only have access to them during Easter. Oh, and I only like the caramel ones... the others are nasty. I do believe it is time to write my lab report for surveying now.
Until next time.... smile as much as possible and eat tasty foods.

Bah

I am currently in a foul mood. I have no reason, but I'm not sure if I want it to stay or go away. I must say I have had a rather productive weekend though. I cleaned my room. I cleaned Turtle's room. I jumped on Luke's trampoline until midnight last night. I got mad when Texas Tech lost to Texas yesterday. I did homework today. I'm going to do my laundry tonight... hopefully I remember. Now I'm going to meet Luke in the caf to eat dinner. I'll write more tomorrow. I've decided I want the mood to vacate the vicinity. Maybe food will help. The smoothie I had earlier had me cheery for a while.

Yo Ho Yo Ho The Pirates Life For Me

First off... Happy Birthday to Granny and Papi. I'm know I'm late, but Friday and Saturday were busy days.

Saturday morning we woke up at 6:30 to go to the home cross country meet. In the car on the way there we painted our stomachs and backs to show our support for our room mate, Amanda Smith (Smitty), and our good friend Andy. The meet was a lot of fun. We ran around and cheered our teams on. The boys got first, and the girls did as expected with the considerable amount on freshman out with injuries. One of my best friends, Josh (Jmo), got second and PR'd. It was a good time.

There will be more pictures once I get them from Julia's camera. I think we are going to do it again when the team runs in Oxford.

I have been working on my Civil Engineering Graphics homework this weekend, and at first I hated it. I absolutely loathed that class because I couldn't figure out how to do anything. But once I forced myself to focus on it and read the manual... its pretty easy. I actually like it. Its fun playing with all the different stuff on the program.

Planned for this week...

Monday: class, practice, homework, study

Tuesday: class, practice, homework, study

Wednesday: Cal test, practice, study

Thursday: THE OFFICE!... class, practice, study

Friday: Chem test (I'm scared), practice, class

I am so excited about the office. If Pam is not pregnant I'm going to flip!

Its time for me to get ready for class. I wish a lovely day upon everyone.

GLEE is now my 2nd favorite show

Wow Papi... I can't believe you didn't name me Vladimir. Now I all I can feel is disgust for my name. jk
Practice yesterday (the first practice of the year that signifies the official end of the summer, the selling of our souls to a blue horse and a bald Jamaican lady, and the fact that I can no longer work on homework during those times) wasn't too bad. All we did was a circuit, so I'm a bit sore, but that's about it. I'm more nervous about today and tomorrow's workouts because I know she is going to put a hard one in there somewhere.
My nose is runny and stuff and sneezy. My head never stops hurting. My back and ears are aching. I do not like this, Sam I Am.
I forgot to tell you that last week I got my first letter. It was from Abuelo/a. Well... The entire letter was from Abuela, and on the very last line of the paper in different ink and handwriting it said "Abuelo love you too."
I would write more, but I'm hungry and the pressure in my head is limiting my thought process.

My stomach is Yearnin, Burnin, Churnin

I have a public confession to make.

I have not been taking my medication on a regular basis.

I have been taking it, but not every day because I tend to forget. Because of my regrettable actions I am now paying with terrible consequences... my throat hurts and I can't stop sneezing. I have now set an alarm that will go off at 8:30 every morning with the Pink Panther theme song as the alarm tone. It will remind me to take my medications and discontinue future discomfort to my nose and throat.
In other news, I had a wonderful weekend of swimming, flying off a rope swing into cold water, jumping off large rocks into even colder water, playing in little waterfalls, and playing card games. I even came home and got homework done. *Applause* It is now time for me to change Turtle's cage and do more homework. I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend.
The movie quote "Squeaky wheels a comin!" was from Aristocats. The dog says it.
The quote about the tank being clean is from Finding Nemo. The starfish, Peach, says it.

Oh Happy Day!

Its a beautiful morning. The sun is shining. The tank is clean...
what movie?
I have decided that my next purchase... whenever it may be will be Tom's Shoes. I have wanted a pair for quite some time. There are a pair I want, but they never seem to be in stock. If I never see them again I have a back up pair that I would like. I really want the blue Be The Change shoes. The backups are gray. If I buy a pair of Tom's a free pair will go to a child in need. Pretty nifty I must say.
Today... if my room mates ever wake up... we are supposed to be leaving at 9 to go camp and jump off waterfalls. Hopefully it is a fun, injury free weekend. I'm really hungry, but not sure what I should eat for breakfast. Last night I had a great time with Starfish. We went to Target and Big Spring Park (see facebook for a few pictures). Nobody ever answered my last movie quote... Squeaky wheels a comin!
Danni should know this one, so if she hasnt read it, she better do it quick.

Already to September

What a terribly slow day this has turned out to be. I went to math. I put a bit in my tape book. I started reading my Surveying book and fell asleep for an hour and a half. Now I'm debating between playing uke or working on my tape book. I have class at 3:55. I think I might wear a headband. A few posts down is my address if anyone needs it or has misplaced it already. I put up all my posters last night, and now my room looks wonderful. If I remember I will take pictures later and post them. I also watched the movie Coraline with Starfish last night. It was good. I was in awe over the animation. Stop motion film amazes me. So much time, love, creativity, and patience put into them. I hope everyone is having a delightful day. Every time I try to type the word luck my fingers automatically type Luke. I thought that was interesting. I have decided its time for some ukulele action. Once I get good enough maybe I'll put some music to the songs I've written. We'll see if I even have the ability for that.
What Movie?:
Squeaky wheels a comin!

19 days till The Office!!!

Hello! Hello! Hello! Hello! Hello! I must say this have been a very wonderful and productive weekend. Friday night Leah, Julia, Luke, Josh, and Parris's girlfriend(Parris was at work) went to a pizza/gelato place in downtown and it was amazing. We had a really good time hanging out and when we got back we watched The Hangover. It was very funny, but rather inappropriate. On Saturday I played ukulele for a long while. Luke and I ran errands and did homework. I don't remember everything we did, but it was a great day and I was pleased with all our progress. Today we went to church. I liked the service. The music was good and the pastor was able to hold my attention 98% of the time... which is very impressive when it comes to me. Afterward we ate in the caf and it was delicious. Sunday brunch is always the best. I did my chemistry homework and i'm understanding it better. As soon as I finish this entry I'm going to clean Turtle's cage. I am dying to get the newest Teen Vogue magazine. I haven't had anything to put in my tape book. Now that I have a working uke I obsess more over that. I've also been learning guitar from Luke's roomie, Ethan. I'm not sure if I put that in my ramble entry, but I'll say it here just in case. We start practice on September 9th. gah. I feel like I need to watch Horton Hears a Who... and Moulin Rouge... and Across the Universe. I heard that Tim Burton is coming out with Alice in Wonderland... with real people. With Tim Burton's wonderful amazing spectacular gift at making perfect movies, I know this is going to be added to my large collection of favorites. I guess I should save Turtle from his own aroma now.

I would like to wish you a...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAREN!

The First Ramble Of The 2009-10 School Year

Back in Alabama Huntsville. It has been 1.5 weeks. Classes for 1 week. I'm having a great time. Its even better now that Starfish is here. Now I just need my family to come and things will be splenderiffic (crossbreeding words). I have been listening to Ingrid Michealson the past week. She is currently my favorite. I'd have to make You and I my favorite song. Luke and I are going to go to her concert in Birmingham on September 24. I'm so excited. I don't know if he is or if he is just going with me to be nice. I don't think she is his type, but I am so I guess that works for him. lol I'm not very fond of writing lol in my blogs. I don't know why. I guess because I'm tired of people abusing lol. Some people put it in every text like it is the period at the end of their sentence. I usually only put it when I actually Laugh Out Loud. On occasion I will use it if what they said is slightly amusing, but most the time I try to refrain from using it. Turtle is doing well. Ethan and Aaron (Luke's roomies) and Nadia (track freshman) held him and he managed to not leave any traces of his presence on their hands. There is a guy that lives next door (not the next door with all the cross country guys.. the other next door) and his name is Zane! I have never met a Zane before, and that is my favorite guy name. He wears crazy hats all the time. I'm ready for colder weather to visit us so I can wear my scarves and hats. I love scarves. Its too hot for them right now. I think You and I is currently my favorite song because the chorus is as followed:
Lets get rich and buy our parents homes in the south of France.
Lets get rich and give everybody nice sweaters and teach them how to dance.
There is more to it, but I love that. At the beginning it says
Don't you worry there my honey
We might not have any money
but we've got our love to pay the bills.
I know you cant actually pay the bills with love, but oh how I would love to use my money for the benefit of others. One of my teachers said that if i do peace corps I would have no problem finding a really good job. If I make lots of money I don't want to spend it all on myself. Sure having expensive things is nice, but I don't need all that. I want to give everybody nice sweaters and teach them how to dance. Anyways... I'm very hungry and I've decided its time to make a smoothie.

5 Weeks till Move In: Sophmore Edition

Wowzers... i haven't ben on here in ages. I feel bad that i left you guys hangin at the end of the year... i just got tired and then my internet stopped working. I have started summer workout. My legs were very sore after my first run. I have my address for next year:

134-B Frank Franz Hall

1301 Ben Graves Drive

Huntsville, AL

35816

Splaggity Baggity

I am not far from my first spring break as a college student. I'm leaving tomorrow for Oxford, AL. Saturday morning Leah, Julia, Rachel, Andy, Jay, Samson, and I are leaving Oxford for Myrtle Beach. I am not that big a fan of the beach. I like it, but I get bored after a while. One can only swim and build sand structures for so long. Leah was talking about laying out and getting a tan... I don't do that. 1. I am not going to ask for skin cancer. 2. I like being pale... even though i look creepy in some light. hahaha. But I know I'm going to have a lot of fun... my friends are awesome. It is supposed to rain while we are there. I'm looking forward to that.
Above all else, I am ready for Wednesday. I get to see my Starfish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been counting down the days. I'm sorry this blog is short, but I don't feel like typing anymore. I'll tell about my trip when I get back.

I love the $5 movie section at Walmart

First off... I need Singulair.
Second... Next year I will be rooming with Leah, Julia, and Amanda Smith(a girl on the cc team.) I'm happy about that.
Thirdish... I am happy the indoor is over because I hate running on tiny tracks. I'm not happy because I actually have to go sit out in the weather all day for track meets. This weekend is our "first outdoor meet". Really it is at A&M with 2 other historically black schools. We are going to be the only white kids on the track, but we are going to be kicking their butts! This is really just a practice meet and the officials are Coach Cain and CT. I have to do the 400, 4x400, and triple jump. I'm not looking forward to those 400s. I'm not too excited about the triple jump either because there is a terrible head wind that never goes away at this track. Oh well. I'll do my best.
Fourthful... room checks were yesterday. I took care of business, and Turtle is still my secret pet. He is so cute. I love that pokey little critter.

Fifthly... I had Starbucks last Friday while I sat in the ice bath and I really liked the quote, so I still have the cup so I could share it with you. "People need to see that, far from being an obstacle, the world's diversity of languages, religions and traditions is a great treasure, affording us precious opportunities to recognize ourselves in others." -Youssou N'Dour
Sixth... My Knees Are Killing Me!
Sevenooth... Julia wrote a poem for her sister as a way to cheer her up after a break up. I helped a bit. It is just too funny to not share with all of you.

To my sister who can fly,

you're no longer a baby hoot.

I love you by and by,

even though you always toot.

All I can do is sigh,

when it passes by your glutes.

The odors make me cry,

after you eat the musical fruit.

I need you to really try,

its a habit you need to boot.

No more people need to die,

Gas is really not that cute.

Last... I dominated my Cal test today!

COMING SOON TO A BLOG NEAR YOU!.... I will be making my mother's blog suprise, and I am begging the Lord that it works.

Now that I am my favorite number

Hey! Hey! Hey! Its Fat Alex! The first person to say where I got that from gets a special blog suprise. Today(I wrote this on Monday), practice was not fun. We did 2 300s, 2 200s, and 3 150s... fast. For Valentines Day Julia needed help writing a poem for her friend. Of course we helped, so I get to take some credit for it. I actually came up with the line that got the whole thing going. We put it at the end to give it a good finish.

If I were a zebra, I'd be your pants,
so you can wear me while you dance.

If I were a leopard I'd be made into a top,
so your boobs won't go flippity flop.

If I were a racoon, I'd be made into a hat,
so you can wear me on your head, fancy that.

If I were a fox I'd be the scarf around your neck,
to keep you warm, Jiggity Jeck.

If I were an Alligator I'd be made into your boots,
so I could match all your gucci suites.

If I were a snake i'd be a wallet for your money,
to be in your pocket near your big honey bunny.

If i were a horse I'd be made into glue,
so I can forever stick to you.

Comments? Concerns? Words of wisdom?

Today is now Wednesday. I had a great birthday. When I woke up in the morning there were presents on the sink counter and post-it notes that said

HAPPY

BIRTHDAY

19

WHOOP

WHOOP

My friends got me some crazy shades to wear to the track meets and some new black converse. Over all my entire day was really good. We went to Applebees to celebrate because it was Keena's brthday too. I had a really great time. After, a few of us went the dorm and ate the cake that Jessica made for me. It was pretty good. I really missed my family and starfish though.

15 days till 19

Hello Hello. I hope everyone is doing well. I went to church this morning, and I trust that you all did the same. Leah(Baptist), Julia(Catholic), Andy(Church of Christ), and I(Methodist) have formed a church hopping group. We take turns each Sunday on choosing a church. last week was Leah, this week was Andy, next week is Julia, and I am last in the rotation. We have to choose a new church each Sunday and go see what it is like. I haven't decided on mine yet, but I have time. This morning it was Mayfair Church of Christ. It is a really big CoC, so it wasn't as conservative as a lot of the smaller ones are. A kid got baptized, and people were actually allowed to clap. Andy said that is usually not allowed in CoC. The music was really good because everyone was breaking out into the different harmonies and parts because the use of instruments will send you to hell.
Friday we left for Indiana. I was in so much pain by the end of the trip. My back was killing me. When we got there, there was snow on the ground. A few of the girls were having a snowball fight. I don't like to play in snow very much. We were going to make a snowman though, but CT told us to come inside, and no more playing in the snow. :( Saturday at the meet I pretty much sucked it up. I only jumped 33' 9" (but i did get 3rd), and my 200 is not worth talking about. My body just had nothing to use yesterday. I was just dead. Both CT and Coach Cain told me to go get my iron level checked. We have a team doctor that I can go to. I hate getting blood taken.
For the rest of the day I am going to study, and then Julia and Leah are going to take me on a outing. I don't know what we are going though... they wanted to surprise me. They want to help me not be homesick. I have such good friends.

Boo Bop Bee Doo

I admit it. I am terribly homesick. I miss Mom and Dad and Danni and Luke and Cricket and Holly and Cookie and Trinity. I hated that they were not there for my track meet this weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing my mom in a week at the other meet in Indiana.
I'm about to go take an ice bath. We are leaving at 1 to go to Indiana. I'm not very excited about the drive there... in vans. I have been chosen to sit in the back seat with Julia, Rebecca, and Leah. I'm not ready to be crunched in for that long.
The movie quote from last week was from the movie 300. I actually want to read the graphic novel that the movie was based off of.
I just drank some coffee, and for some reason coffee makes me sleepy.
I need Jana's address so if one of my family members would kindly e-mail it to me I would be very grateful.
I had my RA interview on Wednesday. I thought it went rather well.
Both my history teachers said they really liked my topics for my research papers. I really like them too, so I think those are going to go quite nicely.
I have a new YouTube addiction. I have watched so many videos from VlogCandy to Gene Kelly tap dancing on roller skates. I have never been a big fan of Usher, but after I saw his remake of Gene Kelly's Singing In The Rain scene he has won my heart.

Then we will fight in the shade.

^^^ What movie? ^^^
Good job, Danni, for getting last post's movie quote. It was in fact Toy Story.
TOMORROW IS MY FIRST COLLEGE TRACK MEET!
I need to go to walmart and get my healthy snacks because I don't have my mom here to supply me with a weeks worth food at the meet. :( I should have gone to A&M Commerce so she could bring me my goodies to replenish myself and to share with all my friends. They even gave us lunch boxes to put our food in. I was rather excited about that. I am going to try and get pictures tomorrow so I can post them on here. I meant to get a picture of Turtle, but you are going to have to wait one more post for that.
We are leaving Spragins at 5:10 in the morning! The meet starts at 8.
Today we didn't do anything at practice except for an ice bath. I like ice baths... I don't see what everyone else is so upset about. They act like it is so terrible. I think it feels good.
I am suddenly very tired. I don't know if I'm going to take a nap, or take a shower to wake up.
I am no longer nervous about the meet. I'm just ready to do it. 24 days until my birthday.

Howdy Howdy Howdy

First of... What movie is the title from?

Starting with last monday, practice was a Bob Jones High School track. When we got there the cross country team was finishing up and it was windy. Coach Cain said the wind started about 15 min before we got there. We started our mile warm up and it was pretty chilly. As the work out went on it just kept getting colder and colder until I thought my hands were going to fall off, and CT told us to just go home because it was so cold. Because the caf was closed (MLK Day) we went to Chilis to eat and it started snowing outside. Tuesday at practice we were inside. While we were warming up and doing drills Leah's arm hit my hand. Leah being the woman of steel she is, it hurt pretty bad. My had was red, but i figured it would go away. About 30 min later I look down and there is a huge lump on my hand. After practice i put ice on it thinking it would go down. it did... for about 10 min. then it swelled up even more and by the end of the night half my hand was blue except for the lump which was purple. now, a week later, the lump is getting smaller, but still there. the blue is now just really dark in most places.

Friday our names appeared on the online roster, and our pics should be up soon. The woman took 3 pics of us and 2 of them I was laughing because my teammates were making faces behind the camera woman. I also had to take my gold and silver sprint spikes back because they were too big. I ended up having to go with some blue Nike sprint spikes. :( I don't want Nike... I want Brooks. But i didn't have to pay for them, so I guess I should be happy. Next year... the Brooks Twitch (size 8 1/2) are mine! Today at practice we ran a full speed 350, 1 min rest, full speed 350, full recovery. then we did it again. I think I did very well. I was rather proud of myself.

Saturday is our first track meet. I'm honestly extremely nervous. I have never been very nervous for a track meet, but this one is really getting to me. CT has created 2 4x400 teams that will probably be in the same heat. Team 1 is Keena to Kristin(german girl) to Leah, to Maegan. Team 2 is Me to Rebecca to Julia to Delicia. Rebecca wants so badly to beat Kristin and has made it very clear. This is what is making my nervous. If i don't do well enough and keena passes off to far ahead of me... gah. I think i will be fine, but it still makes me nervous. I just wish we would be in different heats. It might make me run faster, but i i just don't know if i can handle the rest of the week without going crazy. other than that i will be running the 200 and triple jumping. I'm just ready to get it over with.

I bought Turtle a new wheel this weekend... it is huge! I read that i should get him a 12" diameter wheel. His old one fits inside his new one. Of course he was too big for his old one and could only run a few steps before he had to stop, or else he would flip off. Once he realized he could just keep going in this one he was cruising. he was going so fast and that wheel making a lovely swooshing sound that wouldn't let me go back to sleep. I got him a bigger cage to run around in and I need to find a new box for him to sleep in.

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post this. I have thought about it multiple times, but I always forget or just don't feel like it.

New Shoes

Today there was no practice... it completly messed up my day. I ate earlier than usual, but I wasn't hungry yet. Then during my class I was dizzy with hunger because I had eaten too early. After my last class I went to the shoe fitting for the track team. I got my first pair of sprint spikes. I have never had sprint spikes before, but because I already have mid distance for jumping, I am going to use my new sprinters for my races. This is what they look like. The inside and outside of the shoe.

I <3 Mom & Papi

Hello one and all. I am feeling... wonderful. I don't know why. I'm just in a very good mood at the present. Maybe its because I just watched VlogCandy, and I just love it to pieces. How do you love something to pieces? Like if I loved Danni to pieces... would I have to hug her so much that she fell apart? Even then... she would just be a pile of bits and pieces on the floor. I wouldn't want to have to sweep her up, so she would just make the floor look dirty, and we don't want that... there is already enough dog hair. Moving on. Today at practice we ran 600, 500, 400, 300. Needless to say, I was very tired. I ate in the caf and trudged back to my room. I played a bit of guitar which consists of me just strumming the note once so I can change to the next note and not wait five minuets to continue the song I was singing. I have successfully learned G, D, C, A. No actual strumming yet except the downward motion once, but I think I'm doing rather well. My fingers hurt a little bit, and I had to cut the pinkie nail on my left hand, but its okay. I took a shower and feel very refreshed. There is no practice Thursday. The low for Thursday is 16. I very much enjoyed seeing Starfish and Karen this weekend. I think the team likes you, and I'm sorry that you had to put up with our team pet during practice.

R.I.P.

One of my team mates, Rachel Joseph, has not been back to school with us this semester yet because her mom was dying of cancer. She had gone into remission, but then during Thanksgiving break she found out it was back and really bad. When she went to start her chemo they told her it was already stage 4 and that there was nothing else they could do. Since then they have just been waiting. This morning I got a text message from CT saying Rachel's mom died and to keep her and family in your prayers. Just last night we were preparing Rachel a care package to let her know she is loved and we miss her. Julia talked to her, and she is having a Really hard time with this. She was extremely close to her mom. Just keep her in your prayers and hope she returns to us safely.

:(

Well yesterday(Tuesday) I made a video as I was going to class, but its not wanting to upload no matter what I do. I'm sorry. I'm to tired from practice to type right now. I'll be back later.

Just Another Manic Monday

I went to my first class this morning. I like the teacher. I think it will go well.
At track practice we did our usual mile warm up, stretches, and drills. Then we ran 6 300s. I was pleased with myself. I did rather well. CT told us that the next 4 weeks are going to be hard, but once we start the season we ease up into competition mode. Tomorrow we have 6 250s. Wednesday is our easy day: block starts. Thursday we run 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100... gah. She couldn't remember what Friday was though, so I don't know what torture Starfish will have to see. After practice we went to lunch as usual. The food was good... much better than the end of last semester. We have a team meeting tonight at 8. I don't know what we are going to talk about other than the track schedule and try on uniforms. I must say it is going to be weird wearing blue. I am so used to black and "gold" uniforms that it will be a bit awkward at first. I bought air fresheners so Turtle doesn't make my room stinky. They are working very well. I replace his newspaper every evening so he can rough it back up at night and sleep in the paper wad all day. This morning at 7:30 I woke up and watched him rearrange his room for about 10 min. Its kind of amusing.
While I was organizing my bookshelf I found some writings that Danni and I did. Each one of us would write a line and pass it back and forth. I'll post them and change the color for each of us.

My heart ticks and tocks with anticipation. As the hands go round and round I see the sky. My fingers turn to water to quench my thirsty mouth. The water flows through me but passes unnoticed by the lungs. My breath dries my body and rings me out like a wet rag. But lo, the rag slaps at the nape of my neck like a tidal wave. Flooding my eyes and face blocking my nostrils and suffocating my soul. I pull myself to the break of water and inhale the crisp air like a last breath. Pollution poisons my lungs and I spat in my hands. But it is a trick of the wind and I am filled with cleanliness. Pure and lovely. I lay to rest in peace.

This one cracks me up.
When you sing you must ding like a bell at a wrestling match. But ark! My heart peels away the layers of an onion like a chia pet. What pet does jet in and out of the zoo? Causing havoc in the marmalade jar. But pull, pull, and lull it does on my heart strings. The orange light does fade into the bead. Green and black and orange and blue, those women knew of the colors that slay. Lo, grey eyed Athena wanders to and fro yet she wonders why she must go. She knows that he wants the ankles of all to dance in mud and flattened frogs. Tired. Aching. She holds the cliffs edge, until her momo pulls her into a field of poppy seeds and lull. Eating and sleeping she grows round and lazy, and only wanting to find the holy grail in her dreams. Rolling through the land as a holly wolly she ends up in Bollywood, where she falls off the very cliff of her past and sleeps forever more.

Back in Bama

Well here I am. Beth and I arrived at the dorm at 5:20 yesterday. I drove the entire way... not because Beth didn't want to.. she did offer. I just prefer to drive because it makes the trip go faster and because I wanted to be able to say I did it. Turtle is well... except for the fact that his water bottle dripped everywhere during the trip and his box was ruined. I tried offering him a couple new boxes, but he hasn't like either of them. So instead he goes and sleeps in the opposite corner. I'm a bit worried though, because it is bloody cold in our rooms and I don't want him to die. I need a way to keep him warm. I thought about a space heater of some sort so I can be warm too, or a light over his cage. I would really appreciate some assistance with this as soon as possible because I love my little pokey pet and I don't want to have to bury it anytime soon. In other news, I start classes tomorrow. I'm ready. Track practice also starts tomorrow. I'm going to die. I am rather excited about pole vault though.
I need to finish unpacking today. I did most of it yesterday, but I got tired of it, so I'll finish today.
If I can remember to do this each time, I am going to use a quote from the book Danni gave me "Enduring Words for the Athlete".

"The man who has no imagination has no wings"
- Muhammad Ali

I really want to go into the Peace Corps, but right now it looks like I'm going do AmeriCorps instead. Its strictly in the US, and it pays off student loans. I have to look more into the student loans and which branch I would want to go into. I figure that if I like this, then I can do the Peace Corps later. It would be a 2 year commitment like the PC, but I wouldn't leave the country. I have to research more though before I make any decisions.