Oh yeah....

Pictures from tonight :) Harry Potter #5

Waiting in line... thanks for getting there in time Dez :)


You're a weirdo.


I punch you. In ze face.


Gang's all here!!


Cedric Diggory in the hizzouse!


Charlie and I

Not My Ugly Side...

I didn't know I was going to feel like this. I knew that I loved this city- I guess I just never knew that I thrive off of it. The closer it comes time to moving back to Dallas, the more I feel like I'm leaving my home- a place I adore. a place where I have habits and favorites and memories that mean so much to me. I feel like I'm facing that moment in life where you know things are going to drastically change but you dont know if it's for better or worse. I feel like... I'm losing something. And yet, I know- realistically- it wouldn't be quite the same. Lots of my friends are graduating and leaving- but lots are staying, too.

Going to Harry Potter tonight was great. So was dinner with Darrell at Chili's. So was Bull Creek with Sara. So was Clementine with Brent. The summers that Laura, Jon, and I spent swimming at Red Bud. The best job I've ever had. The place where I really found out who I am. The farmer's market. UT. Driving around freshman year and finding deer running wild in the hills. Having Gabby come over and make me cook for her. Discovering my love of 80's music. The artsy feel. The liberal feel. The idealistic feel- the feel that people here still believe they can make a difference. When I look back at everything I've felt love towards in the past 4 years- 95% of it is all here. Just typing about it right now makes me feel like I'm going to cry.
I know there are good things about Dallas. I mean, there have to be- right? Just because the last year I spent (before college) there was the worst year of my life- doesn't mean its going to be horrible.

I can find good things. Somebody help me out- name good things about Dallas. Things I'll like. Anything. Really.

no matter the sex, I'm gonna name her rock and roll...

So I have a few plans in the works. I'll make a list that way I can keep them straight in my head.

1. When I finally get moved back to Dallas, I'm going to try and get a job with Nancy's dad at Quest Diagnostics- that way I'll have a lab position and I won't have to pay for EMT classes. But EMT classes are my back up with some menial job doing something I don't like but have to do for money.

2. I found someone in Dallas who gives Italian lessons... and I want to take them. She eve said that since I wanted to go to med school, she'd add a section on medical terminology. I think that's perfect. I also want to re-learn my Spanish.

3. Next year, maybe in May- assuming Jon and Laura do move to Boston this year- I will be going to Boston, MA to visit them. I've never been to Boston- or anywhere on the East Coast except for DC- so I'll hopefully get to experience Boston and the surrounding area. I'll enjoy that.

4. In two years- sometime in 2009 before I go to medical school, I want to go to Europe and Egypt. My mom wants to go as well and has agreed to help fund- and Nancy wants to guide us around Egypt. We have friends and family in Germany and there are so many places I would love to go. Mom can show me Italy, I'll show her northern Germany and together we will explore places like Barcelona, Paris (I can always go again :)), Prague, London, Cairo, Athens, etc.

That's all I can remember at the moment so... I'll let it be as is. Honestly, having goals like these actually helps me save money. It might also be that I'm starting to feel like a grown up, but I prefer to think that it's only because every time I go to spend money, I think of going to Europe and I change my mind. Let's hope that sticks with me for a while- I have student loans to pay back after all.

who needs shelter from the sun...

Today was one of the most beautiful days I've had in a while... actually, today was possibly better than any other day I've had this summer.

Sara and I went to Bull Creek dog park-

and it was the most beautiful thing. Since Red Bud is still completely underwater, I haven't been out in nature like I usually do in the summer. In fact, I honestly think that has a lot to do with why I've been so incredibly restless. Lately, I just couldn't get a grip on myself. I just wanted to pack up and leave- and not just go back to Dallas but actually leave- go to a city I've never been, spend time somewhere new, meet new people, try new things... luckily I feel a little better after today- it's funny how the little things can calm your soul.

So- back to today- we went to the dog park. I honestly thought we would just stay for a little while, let the dogs play. No. We were there for HOURS and we went swimming- even though I didnt bring a bathing suit :) I went in fully clothed and it was wonderful.
My favorite part was when we went down to where the rapids were. I wedged myself by a rock and just let the water pour over me. It was like being touched all over. Here's my theory: I've been single forever and because of this- I'm actually not touched as much as some. I know this sounds weird- but I know people need to be touched- not sensually or erotically- just simply touched. The water today- rushing over me- I swear I started to feel better just sitting there.
Of course, I do love the water so that might have had something to do with it, too. It was just such a great experience today. The dogs had a blast and Sara and I had a great time- splashing and playing. It was fun. oh- but i got a horrible sunburn. damn white skin.

Then, to add to my wonderful day, Darrell and I went out to eat at Chili's and I don't think I've laughed that much at a meal in a long time. The waiter was great and I really got to enjoy Darrell's company. Now, the laughing might have had something to do with the fact that I had a rather large margarita- but I really was just in a great mood and I had a great time. I'm gonna miss this.

Leaving this city breaks my heart. I love it here. I love the farmers market, my friends, the amazing parks, the liberal feel, the fact that people are so health conscious and politically active... I mean- it's just amazing here. I honestly think I will cry the day I have to leave this place. Hopefully I'll find my groove in Dallas again. I'm honestly just afraid that I'll regress and turn back into someone that I left in Dallas years ago. ugh.

So.

I bought a new camera- here are some of my favorite pics






Another thing- i have a friend who is spending the summer guiding river rafting tours. He has all of these pics up where they're climbing mountains, camping, river rafting- and I realized... everyone else is living in my dreamland while I'm stuck- awake and miserable- in reality. I KNEW I should have talked myself into accepting drug use. Damn my good morals.

Picture update!!

Its been a long time. Basically, I've graduated. I was working two jobs- now I'm back to one. I managed to catch a bacterial food contaminant (no pics of that- thank god). Brooke is getting her trach out. I'm moving back to Dallas mid-August. I had all these plans- step by step what i would do after I graduate- and now I'm having a hard time deciding whether or not I should/would/can do them. I'm restless and ready to try out a new city- but John and Laura are moving to Boston in August so at least I know I'll have the opportunity :) Oh- and John (laura's John) got struck by lightning in Galveston. Jon S. went off to officer training camp with the Navy and I'm not going to be living in his city when he gets back. Sierra is still in Europe roaming around- taking my dream trip. But mom said we could start saving now so that in a year or two we can go to europe and spend a few months there. wow. happy graduation to me :)
Lots of stuff has happened. It's a crazy world.

More Pictures of SF

Muir Woods- Laura and I!
On the day before we left, San Francisco was so foggy- but as soon as we crossed the bridgeall the fog went away... :)
Muir Woods
The beautiful hills of sonoma valley (this is also one of the last photos because this is the winery I left my camera in!)
The Japan-town Peace Pagoda.
Laura and I right after walking down Lombard St. We had to walk all the way up from columbus st- picture a 31 degree incline for about 8 blocks so that we could walk down one. Good thing Lombard st. is pretty.
Palace of Fine Arts- we went back on the day we were supposed to fly home- and we had a great little picnic. It was beautiful!
On the Powell st- Hyde st cable car! I think we rode this car 4-5 times... :)
Laura and I hugging a Redwood tree in the middle of Muir Woods
I got my camera back from the winery that I left it at in Sonoma valley :)

PS

I rode a bike over the golden gate bridge :)
I love this pic.

back too late, yet oh so soon.

So the trip to San Fran was extended due to a lack of available flights- so I just got back about an hour ago- instead of friday. Overall, I think it was worth it. Unfortunately, I think I'm officially out of money. If anyone wants to pay me to clean their house, etc- just let me know. I'll take whatever I can get.

Back to the trip- here are some pictures... we saw basically everything and I'm in love with SF.
Public transit is my new favorite thing. I mean, if other cities had something like this, it would be amazing.
I left my heart in SF- on union square! Our hostel was about three blocks from here...
This is Laura and I while riding through the Golden Gate Park- we had just walked out of the botanical gardens and I snapped this picture.
The Golden Gate Park ends at the beach- this boulder/sign marks the beach entrance!
You can see Seal Rock in the back ground... absolutely beautiful!


Ok- more later.

San Francisco.

So Laura and I have deided that we're going to sanfran for spring break. I went and bought a travel book at half price bookstore (which is actually another story in itself) and I am so excited about going. We've reserved two places at a hostel that has been ranked one of the top ten in the world and its actually 2 blocks away from Union Square, 4 from chinatown. The buses and cable car's stop at the end of our block and to top it all off, it's cheap. Now, it's not Kenny-cheap, but it will definitely do.
We've already had a million ideas of what we're going to do while we're there. Oddly enough, the first thing out of both of our mouth's were places to eat.... the Ferry building during the farmers market! China town! Fisherman's Warf for seafood!
now, the list goes on from there and moves up to places we want to see, walk, etc. Everything from Golden Gate Park to Ocean's Beach, Palace of Fine Arts- etc. It's going to be a great time and I can't wait. Anyways, if anyone is in the area for some odd reason... come see us- because we'll be there from Mon-Friday :) ohhh yeah.
PS- bring a jacket because it will be cold.

:D

Did I mention that I got free tickets for spring break? Laura, we're going somewhere cool babe! oh yeah.

:)

This makes me laugh. mad seal. rar.



Funny Videos

oh yeah...

Seriously- how adorable is that?
Rugger's new girlfriend, Honey. She lives 3 apartments down :) They're cute.
Liz, you are one of my favorite people. The older we get, the more beautiful you are- I hope you see that.
Tim and Daniel, you guys aren't so bad either- but I think Hal is definitely my favorite.
Don't you just love his new UT tee-shirt. I think its adorable (see previous post.)
And this is my favorite place in austin. The dog park. You just can't beat that view in any other intercity area.

gee golly.

Let's start with last weekend.

So I went home and spent some time with my mom, saw Brooke and Katie, and Shane and Christina, Matt and Heather, my aunt Kay... I guess it was actually a pretty busy weekend. Mom and I went to see the new Diane Keaton movie-- Because I Said So-- we wanted to see it together since it's a mother-daughter type of movie. Liked it, definitely a girl movie- but I recommend it.
We also painted mom's room- a pink/terra cotta (as mom calls it) color. She absolutely loves it and it just so happy that her room is so pretty... blah blah blah. I'm just glad i did something for her.
Brooke is doing well- slightly underweight and to top that off, she pulled out her G-tube last weekend and the ER at Parkland waited two hours, then poked the hole so much that it swelled up and they couldn't even get a tiny tube in. SOoooo now the baby has to go have surgery. again. ugh. but she's doing well. and she likes to take me by the hand and say "come on" and drag me around the apartment :) She's talking a LOT more and it's just so amazing to hear her voice. Katie's next baby is due in april or may. So soon, that little girl is going to have to get used to NOT being the center of everyone's attention... which is definitely not going to be easy for her.

So now let's get down to it. Valentines day was yesterday. I've been single since... do i really want to say this on the internet?... let's just say I've been single since high school. What is it about me. I mean there are certain things about looks that I can understand- but REALLY UGLY people get boyfriends, so why can't I?! what the hell is it about me that prevents me from opening up to people or prevents people from seeing me in that way? enough of this. everyone who reads this stuff about me has a significant other! so i'm wasting my breath! :)


Anyways, Rugger's birthday was Valentines Day also- he's now officially 2 years old. And on that note, I've officially reached old spinster status. I spent Valentines celebrating my dog's birthday. Next thing you know, I'm sitting on my front porch in a rocking chair, cocking my shotgun and yelling at the local kids to get the hell off my lawn. Did I mention that I'll have 30 cats? in fact, I might even have more. That's how spinster-like I will be. except for the fact that I'll have an MD at the end of my name. In fact, I'll be one of those old grandmas who makes sure that EVERYONE calls me dr. If not, I'll grandma slap you.

Classes are rough- but not tougher than usual. I feel like I keep taking the same classes over and over- I mean, I seriously haven't had a class that was seriously challenging since genetics. And I dont meant challenging like, can i read 20 chapters in the day before the test? I mean, a really hard class. Please God, don't jinx me. All I'm saying is that completely new material is rare nowadays it seems. I want to learn about diseases. I want to see pictures of disgustingly disturbing stuff- oh, and how to cure it of course. Anyways- you get the point.

Anyways- Liz, when you finally read this- I miss you. SO we should hang out. :)

new pics...

So while I was back in mesquite, I was able to spend some quality time with Brooke and Katie. Brooke is turning into a beautiful little girl and Katie is a good mom. My favorite part about Brooke getting older is that (not only is she cuter now but...) she's talking up a storm!








She loves to get into things that aren't hers... like my shoes. She walked around in these things for almost an hour and - just in case you cant read the jumper she's wearing- she's being raised a mav's fan :) Yay Dallas!














I was also able to finally see miss Ruth O- and she has gotten so beautiful. Her and faith both have just... blossomed! I mean, ruth has always been beautiful but now she just glows. Oh, yay for the early years when getting older is a good thing.
Brooke is also starting to let me into her life more. She runs up and hugs me when I come in and she always knows I have something for her. She even says my name! actually she says Shell- but that's good enough for me. It's funny how people react to children- even ones that aren't their own.
















Another thing that happened since I got back was Austin's bday- as you can see I got him good with his own cake... however he then chased me down and hugged me with his face. We then had an all out war and ended up with war paint- but it was fun and I was glad just to finally see him. I hate that people can care for someone so much even when they shouldnt. Seems like the story of my life.

Anyways- just wanted to share some photos! I'll put some in of the snow day tomorrow :) this is the best first day of school ever. especially since we didnt have to go- and I dont have class on Wednesdays :)I could have stayed home another week!

s.c.u.b.a.

so... mom and I went to the scuba shop where I was first certified today. I dont know what it is- but just being in a scuba shop gives me a sort of high. I've decided that after I get my confirmation of my openwater dive class- I'm going to get my Advanced then go on to Emergency Rescue and then maybe to search and recovery... I dont know about the last one- but I definitely want to do the first two. And to top it all off, if i get to ER (hahah) then I can become certified as an assistant instructor then Instructor! I can be an instructor just like dad :) I think he would probably really enjoy that.
The point was- it was weird just to walk out of that shop, not even having bought or signed up for anything, and just have this sense of... Yes. this is what I want to do. I have to admit, I dont get that very often so when it does occur it really catches me off guard.

I went and saw Children of Men... yesterday?... anyways, I loved it. My mom and Jerry B. said it was incredibly depressing- but I really liked it. Something about how realistic it was- how possible it was. so- I recommend it- but only if you aren't suicidal :)
Oddly, the movie reminded me of a conversation that liz and I (and maybe a few others) had almost 3+ years ago about the origin and nature of man. I think we were discussing Thomas Hobbes view of men's nature- the brute, selfishness that leads every man... or something to that accord- and when I saw this movie- that's all i could think of. And I think I've changed my opinion. Before, I argued that men weren't inherently bad or animalistic. That we do in fact have an internal sense of right and wrong. But I want to change that- I think some people do. and others don't. I'm not going to say nuture vs. nature or give any other type of reason. I think human beings are both good and bad. There are some who can't live with injustice, who search out and fight it for the sake of preserving the others- inherent altruism if you will- and others who... either do or don't see it, and degrade society as a whole.
Do you think there could ever be an answer to such a question? It's funny that now, after having studied people in general longer, after having read more newspapers and learned more... more than I've ever previously known- (an obvious fact of life seems like such a revelation to me at this moment)- I've reverted to a more negative and probably more accurate opinion of mankind.
So... Liz, I dont remember your original argument- but we should talk about this again now that my beliefs have evolved.

This year I will...

So i'm working on some New Year's Resolutions.
There's the ones you do every year....
-Be more organized
-Study throughout the semester and not the days before the test
-Go to class everyday
-Lose some weight

Then there's the ones that are more specific to this year.
-Plan and rebuild mom's deck
-get the group together to do something ridiculously fun this year for our goodbye trip
-make someone specific that scrapbook i wanted to
-print out some of my pics and continue with my album making
-take rugger running
-rip this house apart and put it back together in a more efficient, less country-style, home

ok, I know there are more- but I don't want to type any more :)