Jiggy

Jiggy was my "girl's best friend." I had never thought about having a dog really until a friend had called me asking if I would be her owner because she could not think of a better match for Jiggy. I would be Jiggy's third owner. The first one was an elderly lady that was just too old to properly care for Jiggy and the second owner was my friend and had another dog that had some issues. When I first saw Jiggy I though what an ugly dog she is and was a bit disappointed. She grew on me quickly though. She became the exact thing I needed in my life. I was going through some hard times at that point. I had just got out of an eight month slump with no job and had to end two friendships at the same time because they were keeping me from having a growing relationship with God. I would talk to Jiggy and celebrate the holidays with her. At times she would talk back but mostly gripe at me for being lazy. Her little barking and toy throwing was always fun and funny. I taught her how to use a towel after her baths. I would dry her off and then lay the towel down and tell her to do it herself. She would lay on the towel and rub herself dry. Sometimes she would remind us of Yoda the way she would hold her ears out. When she was younger she looked white as a lamb and I would say she was my sheep becuase the way she would follow me around. In about 2004 she got really sick. We all thought she was pouting because I went to Japan. She was diagnosed with Addison's disease at that time. From that point on she would be chronically ill. Many times I struggled with making a decision of whether or not I should put her to sleep or not. So during the last three years or so I continually to take care of her and we both moved to Abilene so I could finish school. She loved it there. She loves people and there sure were a lot around since I lived on campus. She made a lot of human friends and a couple of dog friends. Her best dog friend was Bo Dee. He looked very similar to her. They would play tug-of-war and talk to each other. It sure was fun to watch. Unfortunately she became sick again and this time was not getting out of it. So I had to say goodbye one last time. I sure will miss her but will never forget her. She was the best dog ever and always made me smile.

Lion King with Hannah

I was able to take my niece, Hannah, to see Lion King the musical at Fair Park on October 6th. I had lots of fun introducing something new into her experiences. She had not been to big musical like that before. Sure she has seen the musical that is done at church every summer but it really doesn't compare to the "big stage." She was so funny about wanting to see everything. She got so excited seeing the elephants, giraffes, and zebras. She liked was tuned in like she would for a TV. It made me so happy to see that she will enjoy the arts like I do. She would really get into the songs and tap her little foot to the beat. Every once in awhile she would tell me she really liked what she was seeing. Some of the characters where hard for her to distinguish. She had a hard time recognizing Rafiki and Nala. She definately knew who Simba, Mufasa, Timon, and Pumba was. Poor girl fell asleep the last ten minutes or so of the musical. I glad she did then instead of earlier. The end would be very similar to the beginning for a four year old. I had to wake her up and she was MAD. I asked her if she wanted a souvinour and she said NO. Then I wasn't really sure if she had fun. Then today, October 15th, I talked to my dad and he took her to the State Fair again. He said she talked abou the Lion King the whole day. How it had people that was dressed up as Mufasa, the Pig, the Meerkat, and Simba and they all got together for a big sing-a-long. Apparently she talked about it all day, too. I am glad she had fun. I can't wait to do something like this again. Hopefully we can do it in New York City or London someday.

Silly Thoughts about and around Abilene/ACU

First off I want to mention a park that its name just drives me nuts. It is Will Hair Park off of Ambler. Every time I see it I think that something is missing. I think there should be a verb somewhere between Will and Hair. Like Will Sell Hair, Will Cut Hair, Will Dry Hair, Will Dye Hair, and Will Snap Hair. You get the general idea. What a name!!

Another silly thing. When the Bean is slow I tend to daydream. I think about all kinds of things. Then it happens. I notice the Wildcat at the entrance to the Bean and I think. I start wondering what rituals or jokes have been played on that thing. What kind of sense of humour would the school have if something that did not damage the statue happened? So I start wondering what could "I" do to it and not get caught? The first thought was foil pants. I could put foil pants on that thing. Then it was foil pants and a baby shirt. Then it was a costume of some sort since Halloween is just around the corner. Then I thought of funny nose glasses. I could go on and on with the silly thoughts that jump into my head about that thing.

The only thing I have seen on campus that was a smidgen funny was when a guy was dressed in a Bannana outfit and the Gorilla guy came in to chase it around the Bean. I have seen it done before though. I want to see something unique that no one has done before on campus to have some silly fun that does not hurt anyone or damage anything.

These notions or thoughts just don't happen here. It will also happen on my drive to/fro Abilene. That will have to wait for another blogging. So I wonder has anything ever been done to the Wildcat in the Campus Center?

My Christmas Wish List

I know what you are thinking. Christmas? You want to talk about Christmas? Well, it is less than 90 days away. Also, one of my friends requested I post a wish list somewhere. So here it is.

1. Nausicaa - Hiayao Miyazaki anime movie

2. Gift Cards - Target, Walmart, Lane Bryant, Chili's, WingStop, Books A Million, and anything else I can find in Abilene

3. Digital Camera

4. Inuyasha Season 3

This is all I can think of right now. Watch this post since it will probably do some changing.

My Personal Misson Statement

To be able to achieve the type a person I want to be. I will need to remember many things are possible with Christ at my side and in my life. I am not alone!!

Be honest to myself about my feelings

Enjoy the arts

Be creative

Serve others

Be caring

Love unconditionally

Learn from life and others

Have fun

Balance good time between myself and others

To know myself, my values, my qualities and to know it is me

Some Ups and Downs

Well, I have had stuff go on that was frustrating. First of all, I like instructors that are confident in what they are teaching and not seem wishy-washy. I had signed up for and Ethics class which met only one day a week for about three hours. I am fine with classes such as that since have done most of my Associate degree that way. She let class out 1 1/2 hours early because she was hot and tired. Granted she started going into Chapter 1 and then just quit. Come on most of us are also tired, but we signed up for the class and she agreed to teach it so it is something we just need to do.

When she asks a question she makes a decision or conclusion based by one answer and not the majority. In other words the answer she wants to hear to justify her feelings. For instance, can everyone hear me? Several people answered but she only took the answer of "yes", even though that wasn't the majority. She had replied, as "Good I was afraid you couldn't."

The next week she said she was sick and canceled class. Come to find out she did this for the whole week. So one, she knew or had an idea that class was to be canceled and waits to the last minute to let everyone know it was canceled without and other instruction or hint that the class will be modified due to the cancellation. I have never had a teacher cancel and not tell the students that we will be doing "such and such" and the syllabus will be modified.

This led to me not feeling that she would be efficient for what I have paid for. She would say things like this is her first time to teach this class and we will most likely not cover all the information.

So with all that said--this class has been dropped!! The upside to this is I can take it throught the Bible Department with Randy Harris. I have heard him speak before and he does speak well. So I am looking forward to trying to get into his class in Spring 2008.

I am now taking First Aid/CPR which I am thrilled to be taking. I love the medical stuff and being prepared for an emergency is always a good idea. The teacher knows what she is doing and all is good.

My schedule has been modified to the following:

Monday—
10:00am-10:50am: First Aid/CPR--Lorraine Wilson
1:00pm-1:50pm: Leadership and Communication--Dr Lakey
6:00pm-8:50pm: Mgmnt & Funding—Human Service--Dr Culp

Tuesday—
1:30pm-2:50pm: Water Areobics for Women--Lorraine Wilson

Wednesday—
10:00am-10:50am: First Aid/CPR--Lorraine Wilson
1:00pm-1:50pm: Leadership and Communication--Dr Lakey

Thursday—
1:30pm-2:50pm: Water Areobics for Women--Lorraine Wilson

Friday—
10:00am-10:50am: First Aid/CPR--Lorraine Wilson
1:00pm-1:50pm: Leadership and Communication--Dr Lakey

Friday/Saturday—
Sept 14 & 15: Friday-6pm-9pm; Saturday-9am-5pm
Sept 28 & 29: Friday-6pm-9pm; Saturday-9am-5pm

My work schedule will probably be modified again. So if you want to talk to me and not sure if I am available just call. Leave a message and I will call back as soon as I can.

I survived my first week of ACU

Some of you are probably wondering how my first week went. It went really good!! I really like my Communication teacher. He made me laugh everyday, so I know I will get a good laugh on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I got a job working on campus. I am a Cashier for the World Famous Bean. Perfect for getting to know and meeting new people. I work about 14 hours a week. So it is good for working out my studying schedule. I am still trying hard to get a good solid routine down as far as studying what at what time. I have been getting the assignments done, but the reading is what I am having trouble with.

If you are curious here is my schedule for school:

Monday—
1:00pm-1:50pm: Leadership and Communication-Prof Lakey
6:00pm-8:50pm: Mgmnt & Funding—Human Service -Prof Culp
Tuesday—
1:30pm-2:50pm: Water Areobics for Women-Prof Wilson
Wednesday—
1:00pm-1:50pm: Leadership and Communication-Prof Lakey
Thursday—
1:30pm-2:50pm: Water Areobics for Women-Prof Wilson
6:00pm-8:50pm: Ethics and Social Issues-Prof Carroll
Friday—
1:00pm-1:50pm: Leadership and Communication-Prof Lakey

Friday/Saturday— Prof Bradshaw
Sept 14 & 15: Friday-6pm-9pm; Saturday-9am-5pm
Sept 28 & 29: Friday-6pm-9pm; Saturday-9am-5pm

My working schedule is:

Sunday- 11:15am-1:30pm and 4:45pm-6:00pm
Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday-4:45pm-6:00pm
Monday/Thursday/Saturday-off

So far so good and I still have a lot to go.

A poem I have written

Love of a Knight

Twas a day of sorrow and grief
The slain lay at the good knight's feet
The day was their's, a bloody win
Now to his house, his love to meet

Through the screaming dead and dying mass
Over a foe he steps with chill
The foe not dead, but in defeatful sleep
The foe did stand, the foe did kill

And through his wound the life did flow
To his knees the brave knight did sink
The darkness enclosed the world around
And of his love his knight did think

Into the darkenss the knight did vow
To see his love before he rest
For he knew their young love was strong
To stop her hand from from death he sees

From his mortal shell his soul arose
In spinning soft confusion cast
A look upon the field of death
To save his love, he must be fast

From yonder castle high above
The love did watch her knight fall slain
In tearful scream she fled away
Grabs a dagger to kill her pain

Through the gates and up the stairs
The knight did run with unbound speed
To the bed chamber door in castle keep
The door slung wide his love did meet

In dark chamber, now he stood
Lying beautifully upon the bed
His love was there with dagger sharp
Her life did leave, she lays there dead

Into the dark her soul did sink
In dispairing cry of the spirit knight
He drifted upward to heaven
His true love never to unite

Are you getting settled?

Are you getting settled? This is a question I keep hearing periodically. I say yes, but there are some little organizing stuff that I need to help really put things together. So, I decided to post some pictures of my apartment that I have at University Park Apartments on the ACU campus for you to decide if I am settling. I am right behind the Community Center in the complex and laundry is close, too, which is a plus. Let me know what you think.

Be More Like a Duck!!

One day I was driving to work and I saw a male duck and a female duck waddling down the side walk. He stopped and turned his head around towards the female and "quacked" then motioned his head to invite her to go first, I am assuming to their nest. So very carefully she passed him glanced a look and kept going as he followed. Observing this made me think that we should be more like ducks than what the cliche implies. You know the one, "Be more like a duck and just let it fall off your back." I tend to dislike that cliche because it is easier said than done. Especially when it has to do with betrayal. Life stuff though does just happen and you need to pick yourself up keep living it. My next thought was it is sad that being kind is still something so easy ducks are still doing it. But it seems to be something that is becoming harder and harder for God's children to be practicing. For instance, I hate going down the halls at church sometimes because of the uncourteous attitude that is being displayed. I feel some actions are actually saying... "Get out of my way!! Where I am going is more important than you!! I am more important than you!! I am going to talk in the middle of the walkway because what I have to say to this person has to be said and I don't care that you said excuse me I am not moving until I am done!!" Where did God's commandment go? You know the one in John 13:34 that says "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." I am afraid as a Christian society we have forgotten what it really means to love each other as God has loved us. Have we gotten too caught up in the world that we don't see each other a brother and sisters? Or that we don't notice that we are not being kind or loving to each other? Think about this. We need to be still, stop, and look at what God has created and remember the love that he intends for us to protray should be like his own. He has given us example after example how we should live. So I ask you if it is something that God has commanded us to do why is it easier for the ducks to do than us? Next time you hear that cliche "Be more like a duck..." I hope you remember reading this and ask yourself if you are.

Where's My Parents and Why?

I have arrived in Abilene and already I am being asked where my parents are. This happened during Sing Song when I visited for the first time and turned in my application for ACU and signed a lease at the University Park Apartments. Everyone was asking where my parents were. Do I not look my age or something? When I got to the apartments to fill out paperwork and get my key they sent me to a table to get started. I sat down they looked at me and said that I need to go to another table with my Guarantor which has to be one of your parents. (Picture confused look on my face.) Then they noticed I have no parent with me just my friend Jennifer, who was gracious enought to come with me and help get me settled. Well I took one look at the girl and said, "I am 31 years old." They felt dumb. Much apologies came afterwards. Then I signed the paperwork while the sat there feeling foolish still. Oh well, I can't help looking young. This will make for an interesting semester.

Star Wars? When and Where?

Today was great!! I went to the Star Wars exhibit at the Ft Worth Museum. It is a small exhibit that would take the less interested person of Star Wars probably about 15-30 minutes to walk through. It took my sister and I about 2 1/2 hours. I wanted to watch all the videos and play with all the cool gadgets. Some of the videos consisted of why and where they chose filming locations and how they came up with some of the ideas of the towns. It was pretty neat. They also had a vehicle that ran on a cushion of air and the object of it was to control the vehicle to do your bidding and not its own. The little kids were fun to watch. The smaller or lightest the kid the faster it went in circles due to their lack of control. I was a natural at riding on a hoover vehicle that I did not feel the need to stay on it and stopped it before the air ran out. The attendant and I laughed and I said, "Well I did it and got bored with it."

At the end of the exhibit there is a little film that is about robots today. So if you do not go to the IMAX this is a good substitute. It is easily missed since it is at the exit. Once you turn the corner there is a booth where someone is taking the audio/digital guides and right before that there is a little entrance way to a Jawa Landcrawler. After the film you exit into the Gift Shop. Everything in the gift shop is every Star Wars fan's heaven. They have all kinds of stuff. I wish I had picked up the R2-D2 trash can. It would be a perfect addition to my college apartment. Oh well... maybe not. I did get the 30th year anniversay shirt that has a Star Wars timeline on the back of what movie started on what date. It is definately a "must have." The drive to Ft Worth for this exhibit is worth every minute of the fun you will have when you get there. So I end with some pics that my sister and I took for your viewing enjoyment.