Goodbye

I finally did it. It was for the best. I know it was for the best, but part of me is going to miss it.

I quit Waffle House.

My weekends can be devoted to sleeping and studying in order to stay healthy and make that 4.0 this semester. I guess it was time for me to prioritize.

Same Old Same Old

Well, it would be nice to talk about something new or something interesting that has happened to me this week, but its actually been a pretty typical week for me. No sleep, studying, classes, and Covenant. Busy busy busy. I seem to stay that way all the time. At least this year is better at Covenant. I love being in the classroom. I love teaching and especially seeing promising students succeed. When that light bulb goes off in their heads I just can't explain that feeling. Any doubts I had about being a Math teacher are gone. It's my element and my gift. I've completely excepted and embraced it.

I made a 100 on my education midterm. So, I have A's in all my classes right now. And, I haven't missed a single class thus far, and have no intention of doing so. I'm feeling better, not 100% yet, but better. The chest rattling cough is still present as well as the congestion, but each day there is improvement. I have a major paper on ADHD due on Monday as well as a presentation for my findings. We had to use research journals. Well in my search for ADHD research journals I found a very interesting article about the Duke MTA ADHD study I have been in since the second grade.

check it out:
http://uwp.edu/~chi/Wells_Chi_etal_2006.pdf

Exhausted....Again

Well, its my first day back in any type of routine since being so sick. Although the antibiotics and steroid shot have helped, I still don't have all of my energy back yet. And, I still have my nasty persistent cough. Which I'm sure would be less severe if I entertained the thought of quiting my nicotine habit. But, stubborness prevails again. Today has been vey draining. All I want to do is curl up and go to sleep. Just one more class to go!!

Tomorrow starts another week at Covenant. I'm actually really excited about this year. It looks like its going to be better than last year. We have more students and most of them are self-motivated. We also have involved parents which could turn out to be a very good thing. I'm really looking forward to teaching at Covenant this time.

I have decided that I am going to give Waffle House a couple more weeks at least. Give the new schedule with only two nights a chance. And, if it still seems like too much than I will put in my notice. I don't want to leave Waffle House right after a weekend of being sick and having to call in. I would like to leave things good, for job refrences as well as possible re-hiring next summer. But, we will just have to wait and see how things go.

I got my weekend off in October!! The reservations have been made!! I'm going to Bayfest in Mobile the first weekend in October. I am so excited. Finally a weekend off. (and hopefully illness free) :)

Under the Weather

Just to let you all know I am still alive. I've been really busy lately with school, teaching, and waiting tables. I've also been fighting against getting sick. Or at least I was fighting, it took control and I had to go to the doctor yesterday. I have a sinus infection, upper respiratory infection, and bronchitis. Not the first time I've had this cocktail. I had to have steroid shot in my hip, and was put on a powerful anitbiotic and cough/congestion medicine. I am feeling better but not back to normal yet. I had to call into work all weekend which didn't go over well with management. But, if I didn't I probably would have ended up in the hospital. My doctor said if I wasn't feeling better by monday to take me to the hospital and have me admitted.

So, now that I've gotten this crap once this season, I will be susceptible to getting this trio again, so I am considering quitting Waffle House. I think having my weekends back to study, prepare for Covenant, and sleep will help me greatly. I think working two jobs and going to school full time is too much on me. And I don't want to over do it. I am actually looking for imput on this one, feel free to comment.

Quit? or not to Quit? that is the question!

I'm Still Alive

I know some of you must have been wondering where I have been the last few days. Especially considering I have lately been very good about blogging on a daily basis. Well, I've been staying with Amber this past week and their internet is still down, so....no internet....no blogging......

School is going good. Keeping me busy as usual. Today I had a meeting at Covenant about next week and the upcoming school year. I'm technically the senior teacher this year. Looks like a fun year to come. My mom will also be working at Covenant as the science teacher. So....we will see how that goes.

I'm looking and saving for a place to move. I guess with all the hard work I have been doing I have realized that it might be time for me being completely financially independent, but I need a car or reliable form of transportation before I can move. So step 1, finish paying bills and getting caught up, step 2, find and save for a car, step 3, find a new place to live. I have a plan. I know by now that plans don't always go as expected, but there's nothing wrong with a plan.

So far I haven't missed or been late to any of my classes. My goal for this semester is to miss no classes and make a 4.0 Maybe then my parents can muster some sort of attempt at being proud of me. And once and for all I can prove to them that I'm not a slacker, and that I do care about my future. Then again, they would just find a new area to criticize or leacture me on.

Yesterday I hurt myself. I was putting Amber's little dog Gizmo into her crate before we left, which sits beneath the kitchen bar. Well, as I stood up I hit the corner of the bar/counter on the top of my head. I hurt so bad. I got a little dizzy and an immediate headache. It swelled up and caused a bump on the top of my head. When we got into the car to leave it was still hurting really bad, so I felt of it again, and realized that I was bleeding. Now there is just a knot and a nice big scabbed over cut on the top of my head. Leave it up to me to forget my special helmet the one time I actually and truly need it.

Remarkable Breakthrough

Well, the day has finally come......

I was not sore or physically exhausted after work this morning. I was tired, don't get me wrong, but no more tire then when I've been up all night studying. I think my body has finally adjusted to the strain I've been placing on it at Waffle House. Surprisingly enough though, the manual labor I think is actually helping my back problem (now that the pain has subsided), and its a natural stress relief. At first I thought I made a mistake by keeping this job and going to school. But I've survived the first week, and not having a day off wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. It actually keeps me from being lazy.

This experience has also taught me to be a better money manager. I'll be the first to admit that in the past my spending habits have been less than responsible. But now, everytime I spend money I first calculate how many tables it took me to earn that money, and then make a judgement on whether or not its worth it.

Overall, this has been a great character building journey for me. I guess its true what they say about the years between 18-25, you really do grow the most. My 21 year old self now would have kicked me 18 year old's ass for the choices I was about to make. I guess that's what growing up is all about. Learning to deal with your mistakes and avoid repeating them. Hopefully I will be able to maintain my new character and continue to excel in my finances.

On the school front.....I'm loving being back again. I wasn't thrilled about the weather conditions today, but still enjoyed class. I find myself appreciating school more. I guess almost losing it made me realize just how important it is to me. I don't want to waste anymore time on my degree. Its too important.

Covenant starts a week from tomorrow. I'm excited and dreading it at the same time. They have changed the format yet again which will be a bit of an adjustment. But, I only have to work 3 days a week, so I will learn to adjust to the changes. I'm teaching five classes this semester: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Consumer Math, and Spanish 1. Of course this load will be added to my four classes at AUM as well as my 3rd shifts at Waffle House Thursday through Sunday. Yes, I know its a very rough schedule with no days off, but there's nothing wrong with a little hard work.

Update

I was so proud of myself for keeping up with my blogging.....until Monday happen and things became CRAZY!!

Actually after I posted my blog on Monday I took a nap and then went about my new schedule of classes for the fall semester. I spent Monday-Wednesday night at Amber's house without internet...thus explaining the lack if blogging.

Anyway....School is going great so far. I know its only been a week since I started, but I'm really excited about all my classes, and most of my professors. Looks like this semester has a lot of potential....and I'm really excited. :)

Thursday night I worked @ Waffle House again, nothing unusual. Then of course again on Friday night. And, of course last night as well. Last night was INSANE. Most of Prattville was out of power (including the Waffle House on Hwy 14) so our store was packed ALL NIGHT. And, we only had three servers instead of four. So, needless to say we all stayed really busy. Our house lost power in last nights storm, and I'm sitting here at Books A Million in Prattville. Our house was too hot to stay in comfortably. But, I just found out that we got our power back, so hopefully I will be able to go home soon to get some sleep (to add to the only 3 hrs I've had since I got off this morning) before going to work tonight.

Last night, or I guess technically early this morning, I was shamelessly hit on by another drunk guy. A very persistent one who wanted to come and pick me up this morning and take me back to his house to cuddle. And when I say persistent I mean persistent. Using lines like, "Are you on the dessert menu." and "Can I take you to go?". He tried several times to get my number, but I graciously declined. I'm getting pretty good at managing drunk guys. Its actually kind of sad. But at least they tip well.

Today there had been several tornadoes in the area. But luckily none of them have hit us directly. Which is a very good thing considering I would probably stand outside watching them or worse track them in my car. Anyway...study is calling and I don't want to get behind on my second week. I will attempt to do better with my blogging this week!!

Blah!!

I survived yet another night a Waffle House. WOOHOO!! Well, last night I got a call from my manager asking me to work at Store 1442 (which is the busiest store in the district) instead of at our store (Store 801). So, I agree to work there, she also informs me that 1442's night shift had some personnel changes. (some got suspended, some fired, and some quit). So...801 has to help pick up the slack. So I worked with another server until 2 am, and then I had to cover the whole store by myself. Also, this store is bigger than ours, and is also non-smoking. Im so exhausted its ridiculous, but I survived!!

And, no, I did not slug the drunk guys. Honestly I was too shocked to much of anything. But, one of the cooks helped me out and became protective, so it all worked out!

School starts today!! I'm so excited!!

Typical Karmic Repsonse

Well, when I got off work last night I immediately came home and blogged about home much I was enjoying my work at Waffle House. And then last night I went to work, and re-thought that blog. Last night was crazy. On Friday and Saturday nights we work 4 servers and 2 cooks. Well, last night we started out with 4 servers....and ended the shift with only 2. Me and one other person. Its was INSANE. During our "bar" rush all four of my booths were FILLED with drunk people. I was kissed by a drunk guy, grabbed by another drunk guy, had to try and break up a fight between two other drunk guys, which happened to be over a drunk girl. The police were called because of the fight. I swear Animal Planet should video drunk guys fighting....it would make for a very interesting documentary. Wild bucks in there natural habitat. Then after the bar rush we had to dishes. Lots and lots of dishes. Like I said it was a crazy night, and the first night that actually did not like working at Waffle House. But, I guess that's what I get for posting a blog commenting on how much I love my job.....karma pays me back with a night like last night. But, on a high note I've made almost 500 dollars the last two weeks. So, at least the money is pretty good.

I'm so exhausted............

......but, I'm trying to stay up as late as I can so that I can attempt to get on some kind of reasonable schedule for my first week of school. Which, btw, I am THRILLED about. I haven't looked forward to the first day of school like this is such a long time. I can't wait until class tomorrow. I imagine its going to great!! Well.....as much as I love rambling on and on about my life and whats up with me....I have some things to do around the house before I crash and burn before work tonight.

Exhausted

Well, I survived another shift at Waffle House. Graveyard is so fun!! Fridays and Saturday nights are hilarious. Around 3 AM we get the drunks from every bar and club in Prattville. Its hilarious to see how drunk people act. Most of them leave pretty good tips. Im all settled in after my long night at work. Ten hours straight with only a few breaks to have a cigarette and sit down. And plenty of dishes to clean. LOL! My feet, legs, and back are still adjusting to 10 hours on my feet. But, each shift gets better. And last night I made $80 in tips. So....its pretty good money. The hardest thing I had to learn for this job was calling out the orders to the cooks. They are very particular in how everythings is called in. For instance, if you were to order a bacon (for this instance we will pretend its kosher bacon) egg and cheese wrap meal, which comes with two bacon egg and cheese wraps, an order of hashbrowns, and a drink.....its has to be called out like this: "Pull 1 bacon, drop one hashbrown in the ring, Mark: wrap a bacon egg and cheese on 2 like 1 plate." It's crazy!!

But, things are going really well. My manager said I was a natural. And, my co-workers were surprised to find out that this was my first waitressing job. Everyone said I caught on quick. And whats really unexpected is, I actually like doing it!! Its....dare I say it...fun. Its hard work, and exhausting, and it can be completely irritating. But for the most part....its fun. And, I get to meet and interact with some very interesting people. Anway...its almost 10, and I need some sleep before I work tonight @ 9. So...........later!

School Starts!!

The day that I have been waiting months for is almost here!!!!! Monday I start the fall semester at AUM! I will be taking 12 hours worth of classes. Which is four classes. I will be taking Child and Adolescent Growth and Development, Psychological Foundations of Education, Discrete Mathematics, and Statistics.

I am so excited about going back to school. Part of me was concerned that my opportunity to go back would not come for at least a year. But, I only missed one summer semester. And, I get to back!!!!!! I'm really, really, really excited!!

Break In

I know its been awhile since I've had the time to blog. But, better late than never. Working night shifts at Waffle House leaves me only the day to sleep, and by the time I wake up, its time to go back to work. So, I havent had the time to blog.

Tuesday night my mom let me borrow the van to take to work and I parked it exactly where I'm suppose to park it. Work was tiring as usual, so the next morning when I was walking out to the car I noticed that the passenger window was busted out. During the night someone broke into the car.....nothing of any real value was taken....just my driver's license, school id, credit cards, membership cards, etc. Luckily my social security card was not with the rest of my cards. So, after no sleep I had to wait to fill out a police report. And because there is a warrant for my arrest, I was extremely nervous talking to the cop. Then after I got home I had to call all the credit card companies to let them know that my cards had been stolen. All of this before I could get any sleep. Needless to say, I was PISSED.

In fact, now that I think about it.....I'm still pissed!! I am going to try to vent with as little curse words as possible. But, I can't believe what our country has come to. If people are that hard up for money... GET A DAMN JOB!!!!!!!!!!! I have two now, plus tutoring. Its not that difficult. I know times are hard right now, but they are hard on everyone. It really shows someone's character when they break into someone elses car and steal their shit. I just thank god that I didn't leave any of my hard earned tip money in the car, cuz then I'd REALLY BE PISSED!!! The nerve of someone to break into my car WHILE IM WORKING!!! AGHHHHHHHHH!!

Anyway....enough venting. So other than working and sleeping that's all I've been up to. I promise to try and blog more.

Let's Play Catch UP!!

I know it has been almost a week since I last blogged, but I've been pretty busy.....

Let's see......last blog was Saturday, August 2.....so I guess I should start with Sunday........

Sunday I rode with Amber and Cherie (Amber's Mom) to Atlanta for a fun overnighter. Cherie had to do some orientation business training for work and didnt want to go by herself, or leave Amber alone to wonder the streets of Atlanta from 8 to 3, so when a trip to Atlanta came my way I jumped on it. I needed some time away from my house and the craziness that it holds. Plus, it was an opportunity to get to know Amber better as well as her mom. So, by Sunday night we were in the Sheridian Hotel by the Atlanta Airport. It was a really nice hotel, twelve floors. Of course, it was a completely non-smoking building, so every time I wanted a cigaretteI had to take the elevator down 10 floors, out through the lobby, and across the parking lot. Spent most of the night up late hanging with Amber and talking on the phone.

Monday Amber and I dropped Cherie off at her work orientation and headed back to the hotel for some much need R&R. The hotel had a really nice swimming pool....however several annoying children had conspiracy plans in place to keep us from having any type of peace or quiet. So, we eventually gave up on the whole swimming thing. We spent the rest of the afternoon napping in the hotel room before picking up Cherie and heading back to Wetumpka. It was a very interesting trip with tons of surprises. I had a great time on the mini road trip.

Tuesday night I started my first shift without a trainer at 9pm. I did not get off until 730pm. It was crazy, long, and tiring. But, I survived it and made some pretty good tips in the process.

Wednesday night I had to work third shift again....but this time there was a bit of a curve ball. I showed up at work and as it turned out....someone from a different store had been permanentally transferred to our store due to complications with interactions with co-workers. So my manager sent me to the #1 in sales store in the southeast for my 2nd shift by myself. Apparentally she was going to send the other scheduled waitress, but she did not feel as though she would give the proper impression of my mananger, so instead I was sent as the representation for Store 801. I guess, all in all, it showed how much faith my manager has in my abilities.

Today was spend on the phone and working out details for this upcoming fall semester. Then a short nap. Followed by hanging out with Amber, Evan, Heather, and my parents. I am actually completely exhausted from hard work and lack of sleep. But, however, I am completely grateful for this job.

Tomorrow I have to work third shift, as well as on Saturday night. I should stay completely busy and make a significant amount of money in tips.......

well.....I guess that's about it.....I'm falling asleep just typing this blog. Which means it is time for me to sleep. Good night all!!

Oh...and Marli....I promise to keep up with my blogging....so dont delete yours!! Love you and miss you!! (and of course dc) :)

Now That You Are Gone

I thought my walls were in place

That my heart and head were safe

You showed me that wasn’t the case

I learned that I didn’t need space

Needed to know I wasn’t alone

I learned so much this time

Saw how much we are alike

More than I could have known

All the hours of cigarette breaks

Our long talks on the porch

Laughter, sorrow, and memories

Revealing all our mistakes

Time spent watching dramas

Disappearing into Capeside

Escaping the world around

Sitting in comfy pajamas

Sporadic trips to Wal-Mart

Searching for cheap snacks

Soda, pizza rolls, and ice cream

Throwing things into the cart

The time went by so fast

Growing closer by the minute

Learning so much about you

I just wanted it to last

Mission impossible in one night

Trying to complete all of the series

Looking at the clock after each episode

The time approaching for your flight

You brought out a side of me

One that I always keep hidden

I’m not good with emotions

Being heartless was the key

I tried to stay strong

And not show my tears

But the end made me cry

And so did the theme song

I watched you get out and leave

I did my best to keep my composure

I hugged you and said my goodbyes

To think I could be strong, how naïve

However, I didn’t shed a tear

I went completely numb instead

Locked away all my emotions

Knowing my breakdown was near

Then I broke down and cried

And the floodgates did open

All I wanted was to numb the pain

Ignore the truth and hide

The truth is so very clear

We grew closer this time

Sealed our friendship, our bond

Something special and very dear

You are loved and missed

But you’re not really gone

There’s always another trip

For that’s why planes exist

I’m still staying up to dawn

And next will be just the same

Things are not same around here

Now that you are gone

Complete Exhaustion

Well, the good news is....I found a job. Or I guess you can say that my brother helped me get a job at Waffle House as a waitress. I have spent the last three days training. And as far as jobs go, its pretty good. It's exhausting and I rarely have a free moment, but at least the time passes by quickly.

But, considering how out of shape I am (and the fact that I have spent the last two months doing hardly anything) my body is hurting today. I forgot how painful it could be to stay on my feet for seven hours straight, especially with the wrong kind of shoes. (my tennis shoes are worn out). I'm glad to have a job, and really shouldn't complain. I'm just SO exhausted.

Also, I registered for fall semester. I am going to be taking 12 hours and juggling tutorting, teaching, and hours at Waffle House. Which means, when fall comes around I will have absolutely no life. But, I guess thats what growing up is.....accepting responsibility and getting down to business.

If there is one thing I've learned throught the last three years its that nothing is free, and anything worth having takes hard work. Adulthood is not what it appeared to be when I was a teenager. I guess I expected life to become easier instead of difficult. But, my life is even more unpredictable and full of more expectations and repsonsibilities than ever before. In fact, the only thing that I can count on is that my bills will come at the same time every month.

But, I feel like I am making choices and decisions that are at least getting my train back on the track, I may not be moving at a steady pace yet, but I'm working on getting the engine started.

A New Kind of Criminal

I have always been a HUGE Batman fan. Of all the superheros he has been my favorite. Mainly because unlike Superman, Spiderman, and the characters from X-Men, Batman is completely human, and very much a mortal being. No super strength, no x-ray vision, no incredible sense of balance or metal knives implanted in his hands. He is 100% man.

More importantly, I was always fascinated by the villians that batman had to face. My favorite being the Joker. A deranged and psychopathic serial killer with no conscience. Jack Nicholson did a great job of playing this villian. BUT, in the newest batman movie Heath Ledger redefined the term psycho.

Heath Ledger has been one of my favorite actors for years. His ability to completely immerse himself into character has always left me speechless. He literally becomes the character he is portraying. After watching The Dark Knight, it is understandable why Heath become so psychologically disturbed before his death, and therefore sought out medication. The Dark Knight takes Batman and his villians to a whole new level. It is a pity that Heath died so young, because after watching this movie it is clear that his career was just headed to new levels.

I will be very surprised if Heath does not win an Academy Award for his performance as the diabolical sosiopath. Here are some of his lines from the movie:

"I believe whatever doesn't kill you simply makes you... stranger."

"Come on, I want you do it, I want you to do it. Come on, hit me. *Hit me!* "

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. We are tonight's entertainment!"

"You know, you remind of my father.....I hated my father!"

"And I thought my jokes were bad... "

"Kill you? I don't want to kill you! What would I do without you? Go back to ripping off mob dealers? No, no, you... you complete me."

"Now, let's not *blow* things out of proportion here...You know what? You let me know when you start taking things a bit more seriously. Here's my card."

"Let's turn the clocks back. A year ago, these cops and lawyers wouldn't dare cross any of you. I mean, what happened? Did your - did your balls drop off? Hmm?"

"It's the schemers that put you where you are. You were a schemer. You had plans and, uh, look where that got you."

"Introduce a little anarchy. Upset the established order and everything becomes chaos. I'm an agent of chaos. Oh, and you know the thing about chaos? It's fair."

"Well, hello, beautiful. You must be Harvey's squeeze, hmm? And you *are* beautiful."

" You look nervous. Is it the scars? You want to know how I got 'em? Come here. Hey! Look at me. So I had a wife, beautiful, like you, who tells me I worry too much. Who tells me I ought to smile more. Who gambles and gets in deep with the sharks... look at me! One day, they carve her face. And we have no money for surgeries. She can't take it. I just want to see her smile again, hmm? I just want her to know that I don't care about the scars. So... I stick a razor in my mouth and do this......to myself. And you know what? She can't stand the sight of me! She leaves. Now I see the funny side. Now I'm always smiling!"

"Do you wanna know why I use a knife? Guns are too quick. You can't savor all the...little..emotions. And..you see..in their last moments...people show you who they really are. So, in a way, I know your friends better than you ever did. Would you like to know which of them were cowards? "

"I took Gotham's white knight, and brought him down to our level. It wasn't hard. Y'see, madness, as you know, is like gravity. All it takes is a little...push."

"Now, our operation is small but there is a lot of potential for 'aggressive' expansion. So which one of you fine gentlemen would like to join our team? Oh, there's only one spot open right now so we're gonna have tryouts."

"Never start with the head, the victim gets all fuzzy."

"Those mob fools want you gone so they can get back to the way things were. But I know the truth: there's no going back. You've changed things ... forever. "

"You have all these rules and you think they'll save you. Then that's the rule you'll have to break to know the truth. The only sensible way to live in this world is without rules. And tonight you're gonna break your one rule. No, there's only minutes left, so you're gonna have to play my little game if you want to save one of them. "

"You see, nobody panics when things go according to plan. Even if the plan is horrifying. If I told people that a gangbanger was going to get shot, or a busload of soldiers was going to get blown up, nobody would panic. Because it's all part of the plan. But tell people that one tiny little mayor is going to die and everyone loses their minds!"

"If you're good at something, never do it for free."

"Tonight you are all going to be part of a *social experiment*."

"Ooohhh. You want to play. Come on!"

"You have nothing to threaten me with. Nothing to do with all your strength."

"You just couldn't let me go could you? This is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. You truly are incorruptible aren't you? You won't kill me out of some misplaced sense of self-righteousness, and I won't kill you, because you're just too much fun. I think you and I are destined to do this forever."

Batman: "You'll be in a padded cell forever. "
"Maybe we can share one. Then we'll be doubling up the rate this city's inhabitants are losing their minds. "

"You didn't think I'd risk losing the battle for Gotham's soul in a fistfight with you, did you?"

"We really should stop fighting, we'll miss the fireworks!"

"The only sensible way to live in this world is without rules!"

"See, I'm not a monster...I'm just ahead of the curve."

"See, I'm a man of simple tastes. I like gunpowder...and dynamite...and gasoline! Do you know what all of these things have in common? They're cheap! "

"Wanna know how I got these scars? My father was....a drinker. And a fiend. And one night he goes off crazier than usual. Mommy gets the kitchen knife to defend herself. He doesn't like that. Not. One. Bit. So, me watching, he takes the knife to her, laughing while he does it. Turns to me and he says "Why so serious?" Comes at me with the knife,"Why so serious?" He sticks the blade in my mouth. "Let’s put a smile on that face!" And..... Why so serious?"

"You'll see, I'll show you, that when the chips are down, these uh... civilized people, they'll eat each other."

"People will die. Starting tonight. I'm a man of my word."

"I had a vision, of a world without Batman. The mob ground out a little profit and the police tried to shut them down, one block at a time. And it was so... boring. I've had a change of heart. I don't want Mr.Reese spoiling everything, but why should I have all the fun? Let's give someone else a chance. If Coleman Reese isn't dead in sixty minutes then I blow up a hospital."

"This town deserves a better class of criminal... and I'm gonna give it to them. Tell your men they work for me now. This is *my* city."

"Why don't we cut you up into little pieces and feed you to your pooches? Hmm? And then we'll see how loyal a hungry dog really is. It's not about money... it's about... sending a message. Everything burns."

"Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do if I caught it. You know, I just *do* things. The mob has plans, the cops have plans, Gordon's got plans, you know. They're schemers. Schemers trying to control their little worlds. I am not a schemer. I try to show the schemers how pathetic their attempts to control things really are. So when I say... ah, come here...When I say that you and your girlfriend was nothing personal, you know that I'm telling the truth."

I hope that through this blog I have shown the true genius in Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker. I know Heath didn't write the lines, but he made them come to life on the screen. And his facial expressions and body language had me convinced that he was a psychopath. However, it brought tears to my eyes knowing that the next batman movie would not feature Heath as the Joker. They did not kill the character but if the writers and producers know what is good for them, they will not even attempt a recast.

I have always been a movie person. Anyone who really knows me, understands how deep my obsession goes. Rarely am I impressed by new movies....however, Batman The Dark Knight more than impressed me. It thrilled me. It has officially topped my list as my favorite movie. And the day it comes out on DVD, It will be mine!!!

Isn't it Cuddly??

Giant freshwater sting ray caught in Cambodia. I remember petting stingrays at Sea World when I was little. But none of them were this big. It was caught in a river. See, its things like this, gators found in alabama, pictures of snakes, and movies like Jaws that keep me in man made waters like swimming pools and water parks instead of lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks, and oceans.

A New Connection

Well, I guess to explain the importance of my day I need to give a brief history....

From the time I was two and half until I was 19, I have spent part of the summer at my grandmother's house in Monroeville. It was a tradition of sorts, filled with fond memories and plenty of experiences. When this tradition started, my grandmother had her oldest son, Johnny and his family living with her. So not only did I get to spend time with Granny B, but also started close relationships with my Aunt Dicie, and my cousins Steven and Bradley. They were my second family growing up. My aunt and I had a special connection. She had two sons, but no daughters to speak of, so she adopted me as the closest thing to a daughter. We were very close. Until I was 9, and my uncle suddenly passed away. After that she wasn't the same, none of us were. And I spent several summers after that being disappointed and hurt by broken promise after broken promise. Even when I moved here we spent time together, but it was never the same. Its almost as if part of her died with my uncle.

Well, today I drove out to Uriah to spend time with Bradley and Dicie. I could tell right away that something was different about her. I made a small comment about there not being any of Dicie's Famous Sweet Tea around the house. Dicie then took it upon herself to whip up a batch just for me. We spent the after talking and reconnecting. When I left she gave me a big hug, said how much she loved me, and then said that she missed her "little girl" and that I needed to stay in touch. This reconnection was such an unexpected blessing for me. I finally feel like I have my Aunt Dicie back. There are really no words.....

All around its been a pretty amazing day!!!!

A Weekend Away

I am excited to be spending this weekend away in Monroeville at my grandmother's house. It is a much needed break from the everyday comotion of montgomery. Not that I haven't already been spending every weekend down here... but this weekend is a little different. My mother and I had a slight disagreement before I left today. And, we haven't really spoken since. It was one of our more fierce fights with words that hurt on both sides. I feel really horrible for things I said and not mending things before leaving. I pray that things between me and her will be fixed soon.....and would appreciate any advice and prayers on the subject.

Also, I am looking for a job, so if you would keep that in your prayers. If anyone has any leads on a job, please let me know.

I hope that everyone has a fun, safe, and blessed weekend.

Stormy Weather

I know what we have needed rain for so long, and I am grateful that we have had such wealth of rain. But, I spent the weekend in Monroeville with my grandmother, and its one of the only places I actually have a swimming pool that I can frequent. But, the weather did not cooperate with me at all. I was very sad that I could not swim as much as usual. However, this afternoon I was able to sneak a swim in between storms. Yeah!! I love the water!!

The Plague of Drama

It seems that lately drama follows me where ever I go, and especially when I attempt to escape from it. Its as if I am being stalked by the "Angel of Drama" or I guess really the "Devil of Drama" What ever it is, it has gotten really old. I feel so emotionally, intellectually, and physically drained. I don't know how much more of this I can take. Its beginning to get really old and irritating. AHHH. I just want the drama to stop. But I know that this will never happen. But maybe it will at least lighten up a little. Which is actually very optimistic of me. When in reality, its never going to get better, but only worse. I hate DRAMA!

Bad Car-ma

I am beginning to think that I have the worst luck when it comes to cars, or at least one car in particular. I have owned my 2001 Kia Sephia for three years. (Yes, a Kia, and trust me, learned that lesson). In March I had to replace the transmission in my car, either that or get a new car. After WEEKS of car shopping, and tons of advice from various sources, I chose to fix the car. After spending the money to fix the transmission the problem was not solved. I later find out that when I had my axle replaced the idiot mechanics installed an axle that has no business being anywhere near a kia, therefore the the axle kept slipping out of the transmission. So, long story, and plenty of rage later, I replaced a transmission that didn't need to be replaced. Ever since then my car has worked beautifully, at least until Monday. I've been very stressed and overwhelmed lately, which of course means, karma wants to kick me while I'm down. My car broke down while I was merging onto 65 from 85. All of a sudden my temperature gauge jumped from mid way to significantly past high, and the car over heated and the engine locked and I had to coast to a stop on the exit ramp near downtown Montgomery. Luckily, a very nice gentleman stopped and helped me out. He looked and noticed a break in the radiator, he attempted to pour antifreeze into the car in hopes to get it started long enough to remove me from the exit ramp. All attempts failed. So, I had to call AAA to be towed to the nearest auto shop. (Random but, AAA is a real life saver, it has helped me several times) After being towed the mechanic looked at my car to assess the damage. The verdict is......THE ENGINE BLEW. Meaning the mother of all breakdowns, no going back, the end of the road, Go to jail go directly to jail do not pass go do not collect $200. So, I guess I must have really bad Car-ma, now I'm carless and without transportation. And the worst thing is my only option is a complete engine re-build, which means not worth the money, might as well buy a new car. I feel like everything is pulling me down in all different directions. I need a major stress release. I need a break, or I'm afraid I'll crack under pressure. My car literally and completely dying was the last thing I needed. AHHHH, I need to cleanse my car-ma!!!

Rapid Update

Let's see if I can come up with the cliffnotes version of the last few months. Had knee surgery and spent five weeks on crutchs. Btw, crutches are not as easy to use as they might appear. Healed from the surgery just to get into a car accident with my brother. (he was driving and wasn't paying attention, I just happen to be an innocent bystander) My knee hit the dashboard and was badly bruised, which did not help the healing process. I passed all my classes Spring semester at AUM. However, there were some undesirable factors that kept me from going this summer. Whether or not I go back this fall is still up in the air. Right now I'm just trying to figure some things out. Find a purpose or direction for my life. I'm not entirely sure that I want to be a math teacher anymore. But, I don't know exactly what else I would be good at. Criminology, psychology, philosophy, and many other things interest me. Im just not sure what I want to do. So, until I figure things out I'm just taking it easy. The knee is good, I can walk, swim, and even run for short distances. Well, I guess that about sums it up in a nutshell.

The World of Blogs

I use to spend plenty of time writing blogs on myspace. But, once things started getting hectic my blogs became scarce and rare. Thanks to Marli, I am starting this blog spot. Maybe actually having a place designed only for blogs will keep me from neglecting them. And, maybe this will keep some people from constantly nagging me to blog more. (you know who you are. lol). So here it goes.