warning, this is emotional for me...

Have you ever known some one whose life touched yours in a way that you can not explain? Well I have. You know that person who is just your friend, not the person you married or the person you have some lifetime connection with. I mean some one who came into your life for a season, like a coworker or a teacher. That is the kind of person I will be telling you about today.

About two years ago, I moved to the department I am in now at work. This is when I met him for the very first time. He was off in his little corner working on the disaster bulletin as we had just had a hurricane and needed to keep updated information on our hotels. So I thought to myself that he was a very hard worker and kind of kept to himself. Then I started to get to know him and learned there was a wonderful person sitting next to me.

A few months into my endeavor at the lead desk, my friend became ill. To be honest he had been ill a long time, but this was new to me. I never knew that he was sick, to be honest it wouldnt have made a difference in our friendship. So I sent get well cards and such and in a month or so he was back to work and we were picking on him about all the pills he was taking. He was such a good sport about it all.

One afternoon he walked up to me and had that usual sly grin on his face. I said "Ok now what are you up too?" He just grinned and poked me in the side. To this he says " You know that I am gay right?" Well yeah I knew, so then he just laughs like it was a huge secret, "I think you have the cutest figure." That actually made me blush a little.

I worked on two committees with him. That was the Birthday and Team Building Committees. He was always there making me laugh while we worked on projects.

Some of my favorite memories of him were when we would be in a meeting and he would lighten the mood a little with a story. In particular I loved to hear him talk about telling his mom he was gay. She just sat there and clicked her finger nails and said "guess I wont be getting any damned grand kids from you." He did the funniest impression of her.

One afternoon we were under a tornado warning and the managers put us all under our desks. I am famous for my fear of these storms at work. David got up and walked around, when a manager walked by and told us to get under our desks again, he responed with "Well Im gonna die one day anyways so I think I will stay here." This I have to admit cracked me up a bit. But at that point I had no idea how ill he really was. I still have a picture I took with my cell phone of him that day.

I remember the last time I saw him at work. I had been ill. (I guess part of me will always feel guilty for hugging him that day, even though the illness had nothing to do with me.) He had been having some problems and was not feeling so well but I guess part of me knew it. The next afternoon Iheard some one say that he was slurring words and such that afternoon and was going to the doctor for some tests. I was worried some what and called my mom to ask for some prayer.

The next week was a bit of a challenge at work, I began hearing things like he was on an extended medical leave. Then one evening I was in Alpha and our "bat phone" rang. It was him. He was just calling cause he wanted to say hello. I talked a bit and he filled me in on just how bad it really was.

Then in the end of April we got the email telling us that if we wanted to see him again where we needed to go visit. To please do it sooner rather than later, he only had a few weeks to live. So a few of us sat to work and gave the team a project. Why send real flowers when we could make him some. So our team (work) made him paper flowers.

The morning of May 9th, I got the call from my boss. He had passed over the last night. I just kind of sat there in disbelief. Even at work I refused to really cry. It wasnt until the funeral, when they began to speak that I broke down. My friend Christy held my hand through it. We cried together as a team and as friends that day. He made our world a better place to be.

My friend was David Cantrell. I know that he was not some one I knew for a long time, nor that well. But he was some one that made a lasting impression on me and who never ceased to make me smile. There really should be more David's in this world.

**** Im sorry if this story jumps around and is a little out of place. It took me forever to figure out just how to say you love some one who never knew it.

I wore mine, did you?

So, Ive been watching CNN all week, as I always do. This week, though, has been crazy for us. Adam has even been watching for the newest information, mainly out of horror and shock. We have said a thousand prayers and cried along with them this week. Though neither of us have any ties to Virginia Tech, we have been glued to the news.
I am a student, so I have been thinking about what this would feel like. I know that is crazy. I have been thinking about those students and wondering if I would have been able to try to save the others in my class, if I were in their shoes. I know, I know. Its silly. But it makes you look around a little when you are going to class now. I watch the people in the hall ways. I scrutinize every one I pass at school, in the store, every where I go. This is sad.
But for today, I wore my marroon and orange. This was to show support for these students and family members. I saw on the news that they were asking people to do this. So I did, Adam did, and so did a few of my friends at work. I even painted my nails marroon. Not a far stretch for me since I have more marroon clothing and polish and doodads than most people. Its one of my favorite colors and the color of my favorite college so I was geared up. I looked like the sick little cheerleaders on game day. Only this time it was to show that I too, am thinking about those students and teachers who were so senselessly murdered on Monday.
Like Columbine, this will live in my memory for years to come. It will live in my mind forever as a day we sat in shock and wondered why some one would do this. I just dont understand. That guy was totally whacked. I really feel for his family, they will probably be hated because of his actions. My prayers are just as much with that boys family as they are with the other families of the actual victims. Afterall, they too lost a loved one, even if he was sick and demented, that is not their fault. He made his family a victim of his crime with his actions that day. So my prayers are with every family who lost some one that day, every friend who lost a friend and every one who was touched in any way by this act.
So I wore mine, did you?

Please Support this Cause!!!!

Have you ever wondered if there was anything you could do to make a difference in some one's life? Well here is an opportunity! My friend Kris is participating in Team in Training. It is a program that helps Leukemia patients and their families. Shes half way to her goal! 75% of the money raised goes directly to these patients and their families. Proceeds do not go to some rich doctor!!!! Please open your hearts and give what ever you can! Every penny counts!

life at our house

Things are crazy at the Kucirek-Moore casa these days. We now have two doggies. Yep two. The newest addition is Ginger, a 4 year old Carolina. She is totally cute but scared of every thing. She is just in love with Adam. She is a sweet dog and we just love her. She is technically Carey's dog but well we take care of her and would be very sad if she was to leave us. We just love this dog, as if I havent said that twice now.
Im doing pretty well in school! I got a 76 on my second Chem test. Yes sir, I am very proud of that! Especially after totally bombing the first test. In Medical Terminology, I have had three tests and the scores are as follows: 94, 86, 83! Go me! Not to toot my own horn but I am totally kickin medical terminology butt!
I am currently supporting three causes. One is my friend Kris, who is participating in Team in Training to raise money for Leukemia patients! Go girl! Tomarrow I will be participating in the MS walk to support Multiple Sclerosis. Then on the 29th of April I will be participating in Walk America to support the March of dimes, walking to save babies. To support Kris see my top entry, to support me and Team Hope in the March of Dimes Walk America, see my side bar at the top!
My baby brother was in an accident so now he is looking for a new vehichle. Im just thanking God that he is still here. His truck some how had a carbon dioxide leak into it. Since his windows were rolled up it filled the cabin of his truck and he fell asleep. He took out a light pole and then came to a stop 30 feet from the busy, rush hour traffic, interstate. Then if he hasnt had it hard enough, he then went into work the other day and his boss gave him the boot for "walking off the job." Baffles us cause he left when he was supposed to just like he did every day. So now he is looking for a new job as well. Prayers are really needed hes not feeling like much of a winner at the moment. Poor kid. I am trying to get him to come apply with Marriott. We may sit on the phone all day but hell you can get some killer bonus checks. When I was on the sales floor I could easily double my check in bonuses. I am really praying for the kid.
Other than all this we are having life as usual! Maybe it will stay that way or even get better!!!

Edition #19

Thirteen Things heard around my house this week.... 1. "Monster, did you feed the General?" 2. "Is that really possible, I mean come on its not that common." 3. "Dont pick it up with your feet! Damn!" 4. "We dont bite mommy!!!" 5. "Vaccuuming is fun!" 6. "Dont mind him, hes the captain of dream land." 7. "Hon, the dog ate the landscaping lights...." 8. "You're on poop duty." 9. "My mommy loves me more than my mommy loves you!" 10. "Can you believe she has never had Bar B Que before?" 11. "Did Amanda just say ASS, umm Im telling..." 12. "Dont look at that commercial, Im sure I know exactly what kind of ring you really want.... Walmarts finest cubic zirconia, right?" (smack) 13. "Stupidity makes my day...." Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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Edition #18

Thirteen Medical Terms I learned this week.....( you all shall learn with me!) 1. Carditis- Inflammation of the heart. 2. Dystrophy- Abnormal development. 3. Bilateral- Having two sides. 4. Osteoarthritis- Inflammation involving bone at the joints. 5. Ilium- Hip bone. 6. Histology- The study of tissue. 7. Cytology- The study of cells and their functions. 8. Epthelial Tissue- Is found throughout the body as a lining for internal organs and also forms the outer skin. 9. Neurons- Nerve cells that combine to form nerve fibers. 10. Transurethral- Across the urethra. 11. Cardiomegaly- Enlarged heart. 12. Neoplasm- New formation. 13. Cyanosis- Abnormal condition of being blue. Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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Updates, updates

Well the new quarter has begun at school. I am now in College Chemistry and Medical Terminology. I have to say it seems like this quarter will be challenging but good. I loved Chemistry in high school and my professor teaches with the assumption that every one has absolutely no back ground with the subject. My terminology class, however, is online. So I will have to be more self driven for that class. I can do it though. I know I can. I find my self saying "woah" every time I learn something new or what something really means. So thats a good thing right?

Today was very pretty out. Where was I though? I was in bed with a three day old migrane. That sucked let me tell you. Its only been in the last 5 or so hours that my head has quit feeling like it was going to explode. This after noon I did acomplish some things, though they were few. I potted my 4 rose bushes, that is until I am sure that there wont be any more freezes this year, I will keep them in pots. Then we went to the store and the sucker I am, I bought 2 more of them. All of them a different color. They should look beautiful in front of my house though! I cant wait to get them in the ground. In between them there will be tulips of various colors and varieties. I only bought like 9 or so bags back when I found them on sale this fall.

Im even thinking about putting them down the length of my sidewalk in the front. We will see though. Upon inspection of our newly dried out back yard, which has been completely covered in snow since we moved in. We discovered a whole slew of planted onions. I mean we found a lot of them. So we are going to move them from the center of our yard to the area of our new garden.

Last Monday we recarpted our basement, which makes our home feel just that much closer to being finished. Our dog doesnt quite know what to think yet. He wasnt allowed down there before and now we spend most of our time down there watching tv or hanging out with him.
We found out that my older sister is having a little boy in June! Get this though, the name is terrible. Ok the first name isnt but the middle name is so gonna get the kid made fun of. Xander Wolfgang. I wish I could tell you that I am joking. That is really the name for the kid.

I am going to Texas in June to see the new kid, my family and friends. I cant wait. I can however, wait for the expense. I am doing good with my finances, Adam says Im being too hard on myself though. I know all my money is going to bills, school and all that junk, but then I look at my bank account and just feel broke instead of good about being able to pay it all on my own. Im not whining, just feel a little drained. Then he reminds me that most at my age dont own a house and balance 40 hours of work with paying their own tuition. I guess he is right. Why do I feel like Im not really accomplishing anything though? Will it finally hit me what I have done (am doing) when I have the degree and am out of school? Will it hit me when I have that amazing job and make really really good money? I sure as heck hope so.

Finally, for anyone whose been keeping tabs on me and how I never really picked a major, I did it. I picked one. I want to go into the Radiography Technician program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Think I can do it? I sure hope so! They are super picky about who they let in so heres to hoping!!!

Edition #17

Thirteen Random Phrases I have heard this week.... 1. "Holy Buckets!" courtesy of Emily Morton 2. "Oh my gosh, have you read your email??" Sarah and Christy 3. "Holy cow what if they stick us with Dick? We might all die!!!" um yeah that was me! 4. "Its amazing we arent in weekly thearapy, but no one would believe this shit anyways." The Munchkin 5. "The first thing I thought was, oh gosh what is my dog doing now?" Adam, concerning our dogs habit of barking at the thunder. 6. "I will go spit on him if you would like...." Darryl J. 7. "Doesnt he remind you of a bunny rabbit??" Me again 8. "I think your my boyfriend's favorite." The Munchkin 9. "Hey! People this is a no party zone!" Anastasia 10. "I think he has some serious plastic surgery going on." Me to Anastasia 11. "For some reason he likes to go in the bathroom with people.." Carey 12. "Shes kinda shady when your not here!" Sarah 13. "I will not sign that document! Its like selling my soul to that woman!" Jennifer Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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Please Support Kris in this worthy cause

I usually dont ask my friends to participate in any of the things I am try to help with. However this time is different. My friend Kris, is participating in a Triathalon that is meant to support children with Leukemia. She is raising money for this cause though her Team In Training participation. Where I am no expert on this disease and what it does to these innocent children, I do know what it is like to loose some on I love to Leukemia. Supporting these children is one of the most worthy things we can all do. Please find it in your heart to give to these children. Giving to them will bless you and those who your gift is going to.

The First few days in our new house!

As promised, here are pictures of our new house! These are all of the first few days while we were painting and cleaning and such. I will post more later!

pictures of my puppy!

Edition #16

Thirteen Movies that I love.....

1. Top Gun... Yes I know its cheesy. But I love this movie. Besides its pre-crazy Tom Cruise. You know back when he was still just a good looking guy and didnt have the silly beliefs he presses on every one and any one who will listen...

2. Selena... Im from Texas and yeah I know some spanish music. She was one of those singers that could just capture the beauty in a song, even if you couldnt understand the words. The movie will always make me cry.

3. Over the Hedge... I love kids movies. As long as they arent, you know, like Barney or of the such. But this movie cracked me up. I love it.

4. Peter Pan... This is the one that was released Christmas a few years back. Its got cool effects and the crocodile is larger than life. I can watch it over and over.

5. Little Women... The Hepburn version. I love old movies. This movie makes me cry and laugh. Plus heck I loved the book.

6. Red Dragon... Totally one of the coolest movies. I love the Hannible Lecter stuff. It kept me on edge through out the movie, even though I had read the book.

7. About a Boy... I love Hugh Grant. I have to admit though, the first time I started watching it I turned it off. Then my best friend sat down and made me watch it with her and I loved it.

8. Love Actually... Like I said I love Hugh Grant. This movie is so funny. The old rocker guy reminds me of my birth father. He looks alot like him, acts like him, and talks alot like him. It makes me laugh.

9. Benny and Joon... This is an old, old Johnny Depp movie. It makes you really want these people to be able to love each other with out their barriers. I dont know how else to explain it if you havent seen it.

10. Secret Window... Johnny Depp again. Mix him with Stephen King, you got one heck of a movie. All I have to say is I look at corn a little differently now....

11. A Walk to Remember... Another book I just loved, turned movie. I cant help it the story grabbed me and I still cry every time.

12. The Notebook... Do I read too much???? What can I say other than "sigh." Who doesnt want a love like that???

13. Walk the Line... I cant stand, I repeat, cant stand Johnny Cash. But this movie just kills me. I really loved it. I dont think that they could have cast that movie any better. I am still at a loss for words at how well this movie was done.

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Edition #15

Thirteen Nicknames I have accumulated....

1. "Short Cake"... This name is one given to me by my lovely sister, the munchkin, Hope. Yeah you guessed it, Im shorter than her and most of the rest of the people in my family! If any one else called me this I may hurt them severly!!

2. "Deeze"... To make a really long story short, My best buddy, Kevin, and I had two years of French together. I dont remember exactly where it originated, or out of what lesson, but this name went all the way through high school with me and now 7 years later, I will still answer to it. Though it produces strange looks when other people hear it....

3. "Turtle"... This one is my personal favorite. Yeah I know how totally dorky right? This one is the name Adam calls me. I got this because of the way I burrow into a blanket and all you can see is my head sticking out and occassionally all you see is my nose. So hes called me the turtle since we first moved in together.

4. "Wart"... Dont make fun of me! Im kidding, I dont care how silly it sounds. My mom called me this when I was a toddler because she couldnt call me a little fart infront of her grandmother. To this day she calls me her little wart and it is a name I am proud to have, since none of the other kids really have one that stuck their whole life.

5. "Amanda Lou"... Yes my name is Amanda. No Lou is not part of my given name. My co-workers call me this. I dont know exactly how it came to be but I answer to it and look at it as my way of fitting in. I love that my coworkers gave me a name.

6. "Mandie"... Now thats original... I wonder where that came from!

7. "Tex"... That one is just about explanatory, incase you didnt know though, Im from Texas. But one of the managers at work calls me that every day.

8. "Aunt Mandie"... Yep I got a nephew and a yet to be determined! Im so excited.

9. "Sistow"... My older sister, Lisa, calls me that. Especially when she wants something. It actually works most of the time too!

10. "Kid"... My brother, Matt, who is younger than me but much much taller, calls me kid. I guess though when he can lean over and put his elbow on my head, it doesnt look like his my younger sibling....

11. "Dr. Moore"... My dear friend Silile, calls me this just because she wants me to go to medical school with her. Shes the coolest person I know!

12. "Mander"... Yet another work name. My friend Gary J. calls me this. He has a daughter about my age that is also named Amanda. So it kind of comes natural.

13. And my personal favorite. "Medium"... Since I am the middle child. My step dad calls me medium, Hope is small and Lisa is Large!

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Edition #14

Thirteen Things about The General (my puppy)...

1. He is an escape artist. We can put him in our laundry room and he will crawl through the crawl space under the stairs, and get out through the coat closet!

2. On Tuesday I went to class, about an hour in my sister in law called to tell me that the dog had broken my brand new coffee table. He knocked over a chair and broke the large oval glass on my table! Then to top that off he had ripped into the trash and spread it all over the floor!

3. The above mentioned incident caused the dog to get a kennel. With in 24 hours he figured out how to get out of that too! Adam then reinfored the thing with zip ties, so now he can not get out! The walls are sooo not coming down.

4. Ever bought your dog a toy? Did it squeak? Well these are The General's favorite toys. Funny thing to me is that most dogs try to pull the squeaky out. Not mine. He just pulls the tag off and then chews on it. Its kind of cute.

5. This dog sleeps like all day long. That is when hes not trying to escape from his shelter when we are not at home. Adam sleeps during the evening and gets up at about midnight when I get home from work. The dog sleeps the whole night with him. Then in two hours or so when Im ready for sleep, so is The General! I swear then if I take a nap after school and before work, he is sleeping too! Dang what a life.

6. He's such a funny dog. He and Adam play a game where Adam will blow a little air at his face. The dog grunts at him and tries to catch it. You would have to see it to appreciate it, but its hilarious, especially when the dog tries to snap at the air and catches Adam.

7. Today I looked out side, The General was playing in the snow. He loves the snow. I looked out and he was pulling sticks out of the snow and kind of tossing them around then running to get them and do it again. I laughed so hard because the dog really looked like he was having fun.

8. Have I mentioned how smart my dog is? Yesterday I was checking my voice mail and when a message from Adam came on, Patton went nuts. He started wagging his tail and whining because he thought Adam was home. Poor kid he was so confused, so when Adam came in yesterday after noon the dog didnt believe that it was him when he heard him start talking. It was funny when Adam walked around the corner and the dog jumped!

9. Yesterday I had to put him in the kennel for a little while, during a walk through with our insurance company. The hair on his back stood up when that man walked around the corner and took a picture of him. What a good little guard dog. I was so proud!

10. Ive mentioned already that the dog likes to sleep. Well he likes to sleep up in the bed with us. Well this is a major feat considering we have a queen size bed. Hes funny though cause he gets up on the bed, right between us then kind of lets out this moan/grunt noise as he collapses on to the bed. When he does it, the whole bed moves.

11. Adam and Patton play hide and go seek. Adam will tell him to "go find mommy" then he will go hide. When hes good and hidden he yells something at me, the I will tell him to go find him and off he goes. He will check every room until he finds him. Last night Adam hid behind the curtain in the dining room, the dog went right to him after circling the dining room table sniffing the floor. Totally cool!

12. Patton likes to watch the TV. When I watch TV in bed, he props himself up and watches it too. Then when me and Adam start talking about something, usually the history channel or animal planet, he will grunt and groan like he is talking with us. Totally the funniest thing to see.

13. For Christmas I was given these really comfy slippers, they are like socks sorta like ballet flats. My dog thinks that if he hides them I will stay in bed. So yeah now I have like 9 pairs of them. I know Im a dork! But thats pretty darn silly cause he looks confused every time I take out a new pair!

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Events of Late

So, several of you have asked about the new house! I do have pictures but I havent uploaded them to this computer. So those will be to follow. But heres the latest updates!

We moved in last week on, I wanna say, Wednesday. From then on its been colder than a witches tit! But anyways. Since our closing date, on December 29th, we have painted every room in the house except the upstairs bathroom. This room is soon to follow as we cant agree on a color. So.... the room colors are.....
Master bedroom- Burgundy
Second bedroom- buttery yellow
computer room- olive(but slightly darker) green
entry way/living/dining/kitchen/hall- cake batter
Basement- Warm Caramel
Basement bathroom- sky blue with ducky border.

Now I promise the pictures are to come. The basement still has another lighting set going in and new carpet. The living room is getting new furniture as our older furniture is going in the family room (basement). The kitchen and dining area are getting pergo flooring and the master bedroom is getting the rest of the bedroom set that goes with our new bed.

Woah that was a ton of work. Yeah it doesnt even sound like it. Next project after the carpet goes in will be a shelving desk unit to go around the computer room with book shelves for storage. Im so excited about having that room look less like a room full of overflowing boxes and more like an office like it is supposed to be!

Edition #13

Thirteen Places I have been to and love!

1. Panama City, Florida. This was the first time I had ever been to Florida. I was on a trip with my Church Youth group. Ive been in love with Florida ever since.

2. Chattanooga, Tennessee. We stayed on top of Look out Mountain for a week. Once again this was with a Church Youth Group trip. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been!

3. Chicago, Illinois. Ive been there four times now. I love that city. Each time we have done different things, and I love it a little more every time. If I had to pick a new city to move to, I think Chicago would be the one. Though I have to say that those White Sox fans were the rudest mean people in the world when we watched ball. (No offense meant if you are a fan of that team.)

4. Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas. We have gone there to watch baseball and to see the museums. If you havent been I suggest the Union Pacific Museum, the Nelson Atkins Art Museum, and the World War One Museum. These were our favorites. Not to mention I love, love, love the Plaza. GO ROYALS!

5. Miami, Florida. Vicki and I went in September last year. The city was so glamorus. I was loving the beach. We saw Johnny Versace's house, and at night people congregate around it at the gates. He was killed on the front steps apparently. Yeah Im not a fashion buff. That house was absolutely gorgeous though. South Beach, which is where this house is, was beautiful but totally overrated. Boy was I in for a shock when I realized it was a topless beach! What!

6. Corpus Christi, Texas. Yes I am from Texas. Yes, as a kid we lived there. But I dont remember it. We went for a trip with my dance team my Junior year of High School. That was a very fun city! I loved just sitting there next to the water and listening to the waves. I got a bad sun burn though!

7. Destin, Florida. Yeah I know Im a Florida addict. I went on the Johnson/Schmidt family vacation about 3 years ago. I have to say this beach was by far the most beautiful one I have ever been to. We played on the beaches, walked around the city shops, rode thrill rides at night, and ate at a ton of resturaunts. We also went on a dolphin cruise, which was by far one of the coolest things ever. They were so close we could have reached out and touched them!

8. New Orleans, Louisiana. I spent alot of time in Louisiana. We lived in Baton Rouge for a few years. So its no surprise I love this city. The people are friendly, fun and excitement is always in the air. The markets in the French Quarter give the city an old school flair. There are transvestites you would swear were real women, which dumb founds me every time. But I cant help but love this city! Not to mention the food. Oh my goodness. Its the best. The smells are rich and fragrant. The city is so full of history and life that you cant help but just stand in awe at times!

9. Orlando, Florida. Yeah we really just went for Universal Studios and the Disney Parks. What we did see of the city other than the parks was wonderful. However my favorite thing about the whole trip was really the trip to the Magic Kingdom! If you have kids, or even if you dont, make this a must do thing! It really is a place for all ages!

10. Houston, Texas. Yeah, Ok, leave me alone. Its my home town. The best time of the year to go is during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This event lasts around 3 weeks. I know it sounds like all you would see is cowboys and country music. But that is so not true. There is a concert every night of the rodeo. Some of the biggest names in the music industry line up to do a show at this event. It really is a cultural experience worth going to at least one time in your life! Not to mention the museums. If you ever get to Houston, experience the Holocaust Museum. It is a real eye opener, not to mention a great history lesson. Now if you are a sports fan, Houston has alot to offer you! They have several professional teams. The Astros (baseball), The Rockets (NBA), The Comets (WNBA), and The Texans (NFL) are the ones that come to mind right off hand. But if you are a hockey fan they have that too, that would be the Aeros!

11. Pensacola, Florida. Yes I promise its the last city I will put in here in Florida. I went to assist a neighbor with her little granddaughter. Besides the beaches, we went to several museums and to the Naval Museum. This was the coolest place. I got my first taste of a flight simulator. I walked around all day long with my mouth wide open seeing all the military memorabilia. Totally the coolest museum I have been to with very few exceptions.

12. College Station, Texas! My favorite place on earth! Home of Texas A&M! Yeah theres not much there unless you are an Aggie, which the town pretty much revolves around this school so that makes sense. My grandmother had a house just out side of this place, so I was born into the revolution! The library at the University will always and forever be my quiet place. But for fun and rowdy music, The Chicken is the place to be! I cant really explain the Chicken, but its a ton of fun!

13. Last but not least, Omaha, Nebraska. I live here now. There really isnt alot that brings people here unless you are a college baseball fan. This town hosts the mens College World Series every year. This event is about two weeks long and takes over our city. Thirteenth street is lined up with vendors of various kinds, and the smells of the baseball food are just delightful. On the opening day, when they introduce the teams, there is always a free concert and late that night a big firework show. People litterally sell parking spots in their front yards. It is crazy but God I love it. Omaha also has a wonderful zoo. The Henry Doorly Zoo is fantastic. There is a bird aviary, aquarium, jungle and the desert dome. The newest attraction is the Gorilla House. I could sit and watch the Gorillas all day, but my favorite is the Aquarium. There is a wonderful tunnel you walk through and see sea turtles and sharks swim right over you. I can sit in therre for hours. Recently there was an animal on exhibit in the desert dome that made me just sit and stare. There is an exhibit that is done in the dark with very little lighting and is set up like a swamp. In this there was a White Alligator. The only thing that kept him from being albino was that his eyes had pigment. He was the most beautiful thing in the world! Ok yeah there really is alot more I love in this city but you get the idea!

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The General

These are just some of the pictures from his first day in our family! Isnt he a handsome puppy!!!!

Name game is over!

Well last night we chose a name for the new little one. Little will end up being one heck of an understatement but its all relative. He is a beauty. The name we have chosen ended up not even being German, like we had originally wanted. The boys named him last night while I was at work and he is now going by the name General Patton. Yeah, you can tell I didnt pick it out. But he has started responding to it. He doesnt even act like hes an adopted dog except for the fact that he acts like he is scared to be out of our site. We have a permanent shadow now. If one of us leaves the room thats ok, but if the other leaves he is very alert and ready to follow. Poor baby was kept in a kennel for 12 or more hours a day with his previous owners, so I think he has a little seperation anxiety. Good thing is between Adams job, my job and school and Carey's job, he wont be home alone often enough to bother him. Adam works weekends over night. Im off weekends. Carey works Saturday through Monday during the day into the evening. And me I work alot! I work my Sunday to Thursday until 1230 at night and getting ready to play switcheroo with that again. So he will be well looked after! He sleeps like a rock and likes to lay on the bed, though he still has some trouble getting a good jump up there. As long as he has a good toy though he is happy.

Our new baby!

This is the newest addition to mine and Adam's family. He is a full blood, 9 month old, German Shepherd puppy. Right now he is 53.5 pounds and still growing! We havent really decided what we will call him. His name that the Humane Society gave him was Turk. But we want to give him a name that is from us. Now the debate will begin! We are open to suggestions. Adam really wants a German name since he is of German descent.

Edition #12

Thirteen Songs I love by Elvis, In honor of his 72nd Birthday.

**** If he were still alive, January 8th would have been his birthday! Since I have a crazy love for him and all things him, I will share a list of my 13 favorite songs by him!

1. Can't Help Falling In Love... I cant help it Im a sap and he sang this song so beautifully.

2. In the Ghetto... What a beautiful, yet tragic story this song tells. Though I have to admit I like it more for the comedic quality my friend Blair bestows upon it.

3. Love Me Tender... I admit I melt to the words of this song!

4. All Shook Up... Its fun its silly. I love it.

5. Are You Lonesome Tonight?... Because it just makes me think of things in the past...

6. Hawaiian Wedding Song.... Probably my favorite song. Just beautiful.

7. Im So Lonesome I Could Cry... Cause who hasn't felt like that before!

8. It's Now or Never... No particular reason! I just love it.

9. Treat Me Nice... just a fun song if you ask me.

10. Teddy Bear... A fun song, and my God daughter loves it and always wanted me to play it so it makes me think of her.

11. Suspicious Minds... Cause it speaks such truth.

12. In the Garden... A beautiful Hymn that my mom sang alot when I was a child that has grown to be one of my favorites.

13. Dont Cry Daddy... This song actually makes me cry.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!View More Thursday Thirteen Participants