Tuesday, August 30, 2005

A Nice Little Game of Tag

So, apparently, these top 10 lists are spreading around my little circle of blog friends rapidly. I was "tagged" by none other than "Miss Walker" who was tagged by someone else, who was I'm sure tagged by someone else. So, I'm going to share my top 10 list of songs at this moment...however, everyone who I would want to tag, has already been tagged, so I'll simply share my songs and move on!

Current Top 10 Favorite Songs:
You and Me - Lifehouse
These Words - Natasha Bedingfield
Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
Listen to Your Heart - D.H.T.
Beverly Hills - Weezer
Don't Lie - Black Eyed Peas
Come Back Down - Lifehouse
Best I Ever Had - Gary Allen
Baby Doll - Pat Green
Don't Cha - Pussycat Dolls

As stated earlier, this is just my CURRENT top 10 list. I could have listed about 30 more songs that I love right now, but these are the ones I play A LOT. Generally, I'm a pretty eclectic person when it comes to my music. I'll listen to main stream, alternative, country, oldies, christian, rock, and even a little rap.

Here's to great music!

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Time to Vent

I would like to take this opportunity to vent about something I feel very passionate about. I don't generally use my blog to discuss negative issues, but today, I can't help it. I have a new found hatred for construction workers. It seems that EVERYTHING in Abilene is under construction right now. The loop, North 1st, I-20 and our entire campus!

I moved into my office in December, right as the construction on the new dorm was beginning. For nine months now, we(me and my colleagues) have literally been a few feet from what I like to call "hell." Try to imagine the sounds I hear EVERY DAY...tractors running, tractors backing up with that stupid beeping noise, jack hammers, cement trucks, construction workers screaming out profanity across the parking lot, and not to mention the conversations held by the hispanic men who gather on their breaks right outside of our windows. Literally, right outside our windows...they sit in our grass, on our ledge conversing back and forth in a language I don't understand. We have their break schedule memorized! Imagine negotiating a contract with an agent from New York and trying to explain to her what all of that noise in the back ground is..."Oh, that's a tractor breaking up the concrete across the street and a bunch of workers standing outside my window eating lunch."

A few weeks ago, they placed a huge dumpster right in our front yard...this dumpster was two car lengths long...right in our front yard. We've had steam rollers in our drive way, trailors blocking us in/out, trucks nearly running us over...I can't take it any longer!

So, this week, on top of the wonderful masterpiece they are constructing...God said..."Ha! I'll add rain too! That will be really funny!" So, it poured for 3 days straight here in the good ole' city of Abilene...any of you know what happens when it rains for 3 days in Abilene? That's right...it floods. So, now what we have is a mud pile with a dorm in the middle of it. My car is covered in clay and mud...my shoes are covered in clay and mud...my pant legs have mud all over the back of them. If I thought they would understand what I am saying, I would go out to these workers and tell them what I really think...and hand them my cleaning bill! But...it wouldn't do me any good. They'd look at the crazy white lady and laugh.

So, for today, I'll glare at the construction workers, shoot them dirty looks, and pray that they are gone in two weeks. Which, if you are wondering, is a week after school has already started!

Monday, August 15, 2005

Yet, Another List

I got this from Janaye...lines in bold are the ones that apply to me. It's freakin' long, so read at your own risk...you've been warned!

001. I miss somebody right now.
002. I watch more tv than I used to.
003. I love olives.
004. I love sleeping.
005. I own a home.
006. I wear glasses or contact lenses.
007. I love to play video games.
008. I've done something illegal.
009. I've watched a porn movie.
010. I have been in a threesome.
011. I have been the psycho-ex in a past relationship.
012. I like my handwriting.
013. I have acne-free skin.

014. I like and respect Al Sharpton.
015. I curse frequently.
016. I have changed a lot mentally over the last year.
017. I have a hobby.
018. I've been to another country.
019. I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me.
020. I'm really, really smart.:)
021. I've never broken anyone else's bones.
022. I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal.
023. I love rain.
024. I'm paranoid at times.
025. I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
026. I need money right now.
027. I love sushi.
028. I talk really, really fast sometimes.
029. I have fresh breath in the morning.
030. I have long hair.
031. I have lost money in Las Vegas.
032. I have at least one brother and/or sister.
033. I was born in a country outside of the U.S.
034. I shave my legs.
035. I have a twin.
(we're nocturnal twins)
037. I couldn't survive without Caller I.D.

038. I like the way that I look.
039. I have lied to a good friend in the past 6 months.
040. I know how to do cornrows.
041. I am usually pessimistic.
042. I have mood swings.
043. I think prostitution should be legalized.
044. I think Britney Spears is pretty.
045. I have cheated on a significant other.
046. I have a hidden talent.
047. I'm always hyper no matter how much sugar I have.
048. I've been sexually intimate more than ten people.
049. I am currently single.
050. I have kissed someone of the same sex.
051. I enjoy talking on the phone.
052. I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
053. I love to shop.
054. I would rather shop than eat.
055. I would classify myself as ghetto.
056. I'm bourgeoisie and have worn a sweater tied around my shoulders.
057. I'm obsessed with my journal
058. I don't hate anyone.
059. I'm a pretty good cook.
060. I don't think Mike Tyson raped Desiree Washington.
061. I'm completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.
062. I have a cell phone instead of a landline. This one applied to me until last week.
063. I watch MTV on a daily basis.
065. I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months.
067. I have never been in a real relationship before.
068. I've rejected someone before.
069. I currently have a crush on someone.
070. I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.
071. I want to have children in the future.
072. I have changed a diaper before.
073. I've had the cops called on me before.
074. I bite my nails.
075. I am a member of the Tom Green fan club.
076. I'm not allergic to anything deadly.
077. I have a lot to learn.
078. I have dated someone at least 10 years older or younger.
079. I plan on seeing Ice Cube's newest "Friday" movie.
080. I am very shy around the opposite sex.
081. I'm online 24/7, even as an away message.
082. I have at least 5 away messages saved.
083. I have been rejected by someone.
084. I have made a move on a friend's significant other in the past.
085. I own the "South Park" movie.
086. I have avoided work to play on OD.
087. When I was a kid I played "the birds and the bees" with a neighbor or chum.
088. I enjoy country music.
089. I love my best friend.
090. I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.
091. I watch soap operas whenever I can.
092. I'm obsessive, anal retentive, and often a perfectionist.
093. I have used my sexuality to advance my career.
094. I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.
095. I know all the words to Slick Rick's "Children's Story".
096. Halloween is awesome!
097. I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it.
098. I have dated a close friend's ex.
099. I'm happy as of this moment.
100. I have gone scuba diving.
101. Had a crush on somebody you have never met.
102. I've kissed someone I knew I shouldn't.
103. I play a musical instrument
104. I strongly dislike math.
105. I'm procrastinating on something right now.
106. I own and use a library card.
107. I fall in "lust" more than in "love."
108. Cheese enchiladas rock my socks.
109. I think The Lord of the Rings is one of the greatest movies/books ever.
110. I'm obsessed with the tv show "The O.C."
111. I am resentful that I have to grow up.
112. I am a different person around different people.
113. I think the world would be a better place if people just smiled more often.
114. I think ramen is one of the best foods in the whole world.
115. I am suffering of a broken heart.
116. I am a nerd.
117. No matter where I am or who I'm with, I always seem to be lonely.
118. I am left handed and proud of it.
119. I try not to change who I am for someone.
120. My heart resides below my feet.
121. I have had sex with someone I was not in a relationship with.
122. I enjoy smoothies.
123. I have had major surgery.
124. I have adopted a pet from the pound.
125. I am listening to Radiohead right now.
126. Some people call me by a nickname.
127. I once stole a music stand.

128. I like pumpkin pie.
129. I love NASCAR!
130. I own over 200 CDs.
131. I work 7 days a week.
132. I have mono.

132. I don't have the ability to make decisions without changing my mind.
133. People tell me I have a horrible sense of humor.
134. I'm still in my PJs.
135. I'm looking for love in all the wrong places.
136. I have a tendency to fall for the wrong guys, or have them fall for me, so I can't help but reciprocate.
137. I'll try anything three times.
138. Done drugs other than alcohol or cannabis.
139. I'm having trouble sleeping.
140. I am a cuddler.
141. I love John Waters films.
142. I have made a pornographic videotape.
143. Sloth is my favorite deadly sin.
145. I know all the words to the "Firefly" theme song.
146. I love Dr. Pepper!!!!
147. I'm a programmer.
148. I can't explain why I'm unhappy at times.
149. I own and have read all of the Harry Potter books.
150. I like to smell my own hair.
151. I carry a book with me almost everywhere I go.
152. I have an eating disorder.
153. I have flown to a different country to see a band.
154. Been hospitalized for "mental issues".
155. I have survived totaling a car I was driving. Three times!
156. I am addicted to a Manga/anime.
157. Somehow I always seem to get myself into trouble.
158. I have dated someone for longer than 5 years.
159. I have been hit by flying Eric Szmanda spittle.
160. I have lived in three different countries.
161. I am holding a grudge against someone right now.
162. I am currently obsessed with the TV show "Farscape"
163. I wear nothing but tight clothes.
164. I love heavy metal.
165. I am absolutely in love with my car.
166. I own a punching bag and plan on using it in the next 24 hours.
167. I have more than just my ears pierced.

Thursday, August 11, 2005

My Strengths

We had our annual staff pre-session today and here are what my top 5 strengths are (in no particular order) according to Gallup's StrengthFinder.

Deliberative
People strong in the Deliberative theme are best described by the serious care they take in making decisions or choices. They anticipate the obstacles.

Individualization
People strong in the Individualization theme are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how people who are different can work together productively.

Competition
People strong in the Competition theme measure their progress against the performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests.

Command
People strong in the Command theme have presence. They can take control of a situation and make decisions.

Maximizer
People strong in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb.

Sound like me? My office sure thought so!

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

THE DEATH OF A FRIEND


I never met Peter Jennings, though he came into my home at least one night a week. I call him a friend because as a news anchor, he was given the task of bringing the public the most personal information about our world every night. Jennings had the ability to carry on a conversation with you through your television. To talk to his audience as if you were the only one he was talking to.

I generally don't mourn the death of a celebrity, simply for the fact that I don't know them. I usually think that it's sad, and that the world of media has lost someone great, but the death of Peter Jennings has affected me differently.

I keep flashing back 4 years ago when we watched him become emotional on live tv reporting the attacks of 911. He was passionate and intense, but at the same time warm and caring.

Jennings was an amazing man who took a stand for what he thought was important. Education was always important to Peter Jennings, although he never received a degree from high school or college. Jennings loved children, especially his own, and often spoke directly to children on his show. He brought us stories that no one else would cover; stories that were less popular and passed on by other news stations...stories like elections in Pakistan and the abuse of women and children in the Middle East. International news was important to Peter and he felt the need to educate the world.

In the past year, news media has lost several good anchors with the retiring of Tom Brokaw and Dan Rather. Jennings had lost his competition with the retiring of these two veterans and was on his way up the ratings, until April, when he announced he had lung cancer. We never saw him on television again.

My salute to Peter Jennings might seem odd to some, afterall, I didn't know the man. But, there is something personal about the people who bring us the news. They're not acting, there is no costume, no character and very little make-up. So, if my salute to a great man seems odd or different, that's fine with me. But, tonight I will go home, turn on my tv, and will miss the man I had grown accustomed to seeing sitting across the news desk in his dark suit, smiling, and saying good night.