tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138534592024-03-06T23:49:09.910-08:00Livin' and Lovin' in A-townEllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-40207248312166229942009-06-07T16:02:00.000-07:002009-06-07T16:18:49.297-07:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Levi Has Left the Building...or Body</span><br /><br />In an attempt to deal with being diagnosed with a tumor, my sister and I named my little growth Levi so we could laugh about it and joke around about carrying Levi on my back, Levi bothering me, etc. Well, I'm glad to say Levi is no longer with us! <br /><br />I went into surgery at 7:30am Monday, June 1st expecting to be under the knife for at least three hours. By 9:15am, my surgeon was in the waiting room talking with my parents telling them my surgery was a perfect success and was much easier than they expected! Praise the Lord...literally! I have no doubt my surgeon's swift & steady hands and the ease of the surgery was all due to the many prayers lifted on my behalf and the amazing works of God!<br /><br />My surgeon expected me to be released from the hospital on Wednesday, but because I was making such a speedy recovery, I was released Tuesday afternoon! I've been home resting since and am feeling pretty good! Thank goodness for the miracle of hydrocodone and muscle relaxers! I'll be resting in bed for several more days. I'm able to walk around the house some, but get tired pretty easy, so resting is definitely a priority right now. You really don't ever know how much you use your back until you're not supposed to use it! <br /><br />I'll go back to work in July...until then, it's like a restful vaca! Can't say that I'm minding laying around too much just yet, however as I become more mobile, I have not doubts I'll be itching to get out of the house! <br /><br />I really want to thank all of you for your prayers, visits, flowers, calls, messages, food and support. I'm so blessed to have amazing friends and family!Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-86065097528362779172009-05-07T19:35:00.000-07:002009-05-07T19:45:59.482-07:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">A Quickie</span><br /><br />Did anyone else get choked up watching Grey's Anatomy tonight? In my old age I think I'm becoming more sentimental. Anyway, it broke my heart.<br /><br />As I'm typing, its 86 degrees in my house. My air conditioner is broken. Seriously, I'm pretty sure my appliances are about to overheat. My refrigerator is having a tough time keeping things cool it's so freakin' hot!<br /><br />I hate that this was the subject of my first post in two months, but I've been a busy girl. However, I promise to write more very soon. In fact, I have my next 3 posts already picked out...<br />#1 - How I rescued my little cousin from drowning. <br />#2 - My trip to California, which includes my first visit to Disneyland<br />#3 - My cousin Camden and my cousin Jadyn's birthday party.<br /><br />And yes, I have pictures for all 3! But, be patient my faithful followers...I must get through graduation first!<br /><br />Looking forward to cooler temperatures...Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-60113790941065422009-02-28T19:34:00.000-08:002009-02-28T19:46:33.924-08:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Alive and Well, I'm Here</span><br /><br />Ended Sing Song weekend last Sunday and flew out to Las Vegas for a conference. It was a whirlwind of a weekend followed by an insane week in Sin City which led into another insane weekend of work. My life has been taken over by work. <br /><br />In the midst of the insanity known as Sing Song weekend, I found out my grandmother has breast cancer. My mom's mother is my only grandparent left living, and while the doctors are optimistic the cancer can be removed by a lumpectomy or mastectomy, it's still a little scary. Being so busy last weekend and then leaving for Vegas didn't give me much time to process the news, but as I think about it now, I think about how scary that horrible disease is. Just to utter the word "cancer" brings fear. I just ask for your prayers for my grandmother. <br /><br />I feel as if March is going to be a great month. Spring is around the corner and I think many of us could use a new month and a new season! So, here's looking forward to spring break, warmer weather, driving with your windows rolled down, flowers and the many other wonderful things spring brings!Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-9107211258331324462009-02-22T16:01:00.000-08:002009-02-22T16:04:29.562-08:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">And Breathe</span><br /><br />The weekend is over and all I can say is THANK GOODNESS!!!! This was the busiest Sing Song weekend ever! I had a ton of events and I am exhausted! I'll write more later, but I just wanted to give a shout-out to my cousin Jody who helped me this weekend. She was such an amazing addition to my team! Way to stick with us Jode! Hope you've had a second to rest your feet! Mine are still throbbing!Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-21251777550629529442009-02-15T11:09:00.000-08:002009-02-15T18:26:20.352-08:00<strong>25 Random Things</strong><br /><br />Those of you who are facebook fans have probably noticed the "25 Random Things" trend that's been going around. This past week I finally broke down and made a list and posted it on my facebook profile. I enjoyed it so much, I decided to make another list and post it on my blog. Some of these may be on my facebook list or be similar to ones I listed...that just means they're important. So, here's another 25 random things about me:<br /><br />1. I love to drive. Most of my friends will tell you that I pretty much do all of the driving. I love it! Driving is one of the most relaxing things I do. I do my best thinking when I'm alone in the car. The only thing I don't like about driving...slow drivers! I hate slow drivers...and people who should no longer be driving. Kills me...take their license away already!<br /><br />2. I love to travel...love love love to travel! This was on my facebook list, but it seriously warrants being mentioned again. I get excited even if it's a trip to Dallas...2 hours away and I'm as giddy as a little kid! I have several trips coming up in the next few months and I can hardly contain myself. If any of you ever needs a travel buddy, I'm there!<br /><br />3. I hate taking food to-go from restaurants unless it is a fast-food restaurant like McDonald's or Taco Bell. The food from those places is meant to be taken with you. I can't stand it when someone says "Let's just pick it up from Chili's or Olive Garden or Pasados and eat it at home." It's meant to be eaten at a restaurant. It's best when eaten at the restaurant. Once you get it home, it's never as hot or crisp or flavorful as it would have been if it was brought straight to your plate. And it never fails they forget something. Don't even get me started. <br /><br />4. I love blasting a good song in my car when I'm alone. Goes back to number 1...driving with a great song, windows rolled down, all by myself. I do not however love playing my music loud when people are in the car with me. It's weird...I only like loud music when I'm by myself. One song, if it's a great song, is sometimes ok. But in general, whether I'm a passenger or the driver, if I'm with other people, I like the music at a moderate level. Maybe it has something to do with hearing...I don't hear well anyway, so when there is loud music and people are talking, it's way too much noise for me to process. Or, maybe it just annoys me to turn down the music when people begin to talk. Whatever the reason, I'm a loner when it comes to blasting the music. <br /><br />5. I tend to be overprotective of people I love...mainly family and close friends. I'm a protector and fixer by nature. I can't help it. If you have a problem, I automatically think of ways to fix it...whether you've asked me to or not. When someone is being mean to a friend, I'm like a bodyguard, ready to attack. Say I won't be an amazing soccer mom! Some kid starts pushing my kid around on the soccer field, I'm there! My mother is exactly the same way. You should have seen her the night I got slammed into the goal post and broke my jaw. Boy, Janine was about ready to fly off those bleachers! Even today, at work if there is drama or something going wrong, my mom is ready to stand in and take some punches. And, I can admit, I'm sometimes a hypocrite about it. It's ok for me to go to Las Vegas by myself, but if my sister did it, I'd freak out. It's ok for me to work 70 hour weeks, but when my parents do it, I'm worried about them. The list goes on and on.<br /><br />6. I love ACU! I was born to bleed purple and white. My parents went to ACU and my siblings and I were raised that if we wanted mom/dad to pay for school, we had to go to ACU. I can't tell you how many Sing Songs and Homecomings I've been to. My memories of ACU are amazing and I'll love that school till the day I die. I might not always agree with its policies or decisions, but I love it. It helped make me who I am today and I can trace so many steps of my life back to that campus.<br /><br />7. I love to travel, but I don't have a passport. All of my international travel was before a passport was required. <br /><br />8. I desperately want an Infiniti QX56. It is my dream car...or dream SUV I should say. I will have one. I hope very soon!<br /><br />9. I learned the most about life, people and work when I was the Catering Director for ACU. I've loved all of the jobs I've had, but I learned the most in catering. I think every person, for at least 2 months of their life, should work in the food service industry. It is a humbling experience and opens your eyes to literally a new world. If I have kids, they will spend at least one summer in a restaurant or catering. No questions asked.<br /><br />10. Because I worked in catering, I learned a lot about jail, drugs, prostitution, stripping, stealing, abuse...and the list goes on. Sometimes I talk about jail or prostitution like I've been there...it's because I have. I've been to the jail to bail out my employees. I've visited them behind bars so I can tell them how their family is doing. I've been on the visiting list of inmates. I've gone to shady motels to pick up employees who are sharing rooms with prostitutes or transexuals...or transexual prostitutes. I've seen the track marks and bruises on my employees who were messed up the night before, but they knew they better show up to work, or I'd be coming to their door. My team learned a lot from me when I was their director...but none of them learned as much as I did. They'll never know how they impacted my life.<br /><br />11. I am a procrastinator. I shouldn't be in my line of work and I'm trying to get better. But, by nature, I am a procrastinator. Always have been. Probably always will be. I'm procrastinating right now...I should be doing my production schedule for upcoming events...instead I'm writing a blog. Good use of my time!<br /><br />12. I am horrible with money. I make a lot and spend a lot. I am a horrible saver. I have a savings account, but usually by the end of each month, it's empty. I can't keep a budget to save my life. Thank goodness for online banking or I'd have no clue what was in my checking account. I need to marry someone who is good with money. Someone who can budget for me...give me a weekly allowance and I'll be good to go! I am a spender! And most people who know me well will agree...I like to buy buy buy. <br /><br />13. I keep a running list of dream jobs...the list includes owning a restaurant, being a travel writer, being a food critic and owning a ranch.<br /><br />14. When I get married, I want to take a long honeymoon. I don't want one of these week long honeymoons...I'm talking 3 weeks. If that's ok with you, honey :)<br /><br />15. Some of my favorite cities are cities I would never want to live in. I love New York, but I would never want to live there. I love Las Vegas and Los Angeles, but I would never want to live there. I would consider the outskirts of Los Angeles, but not the other two cities. <br /><br />16. It amuses me how you can be so close to someone for years of your life, but how over time you grow apart and end up not really knowing them at all.<br /><br />17. My favorite time of the year in Abilene is the summer. While it's hotter than you know where, it's still so great. The students are gone, the atmosphere is relaxed and I can spend a ton of time at Betsey's pool. Some of my fondest memories over the past few years have been at their pool. All day swimming and bar-b-ques at night. Simple pleasures. <br /><br />18. I am a nosey person. I always want to know more details. I'm often the one who asks the inappropriate questions. I don't mean to be rude...I'm just nosey. If someone is telling me a story, I usually have questions for them at the end, and if they don't know the answers, it seriously bothers me! If you don't know all of the answers, just don't tell me the story!<br /><br />19. I've been in several weddings, but I'm pretty sure I'll only have 2 people stand up there with me...Jes and Jody. That is, if Jody isn't too old by the time I get married ;) <br /><br />20. I'm not usually an emotional person. I have a big heart, but I don't always let it show. I don't cry easily and I often seem cold or intimidating. Actually, about the only emotion I freely show is happiness/laughter. I am a laughing junkie! I LOVE to laugh! And it's pretty easy to make me laugh. I seriously laugh out loud all them time...even when I'm by myself. I often laugh when I'm watching tv all alone. Heck, I'll even laugh out loud when I remember something funny. People probably think I'm crazy when I do that.<br /><br />21. My desk is almost always a mess. I can't help it. For me to be productive, it has to be a mess. I'm the only one who can navigate through the stacks of papers, post-its, etc. I hate it when people try to organize my desk. My co-workers and the janitors know to never touch the things on my desk...I know where everything is and it will rock my world if it gets organized! Don't get me wrong, I love the days when I take time to make neat little piles and my desk looks so straight and clean...but it doesn't happen very often.<br /><br />22. Dolly Parton is my all time favorite celebrity. I realize that most of you know this, but I just have to say it. I adore her. I have to meet her before I die...or before she dies...whichever comes first. If any of you can pull any strings to get me to meet her, I'd love you forever. I'd pay an amazing amount of money to meet her. I know she and I are destined to be great friends!<br /><br />23. I enjoy savoury over sweet. I will almost always go for something salty over something sweet. However, there are moments when I crave something deliciously homemade...a cookie or cake. The operative word being homemade. Don't give me store bought. Homemade!<br /><br />24. I love thunderstorms. Especially daytime thunderstorms. Saturday daytime thunderstorms. When all you have to do is open the windows, smell and hear the rain, listen to the thunder, curl up under a blanket, watch your favorite movies and cuddle. Those are the best. <br /><br />25. Every week night from 11pm to 1:30am I watch Frasier and Golden Girls. It's the Lifetime lineup. I start out with Frasier as I'm winding down, getting ready for bed. Then Golden Girls comes on. I usually watch the first show which runs from 12-12:30am...and I laugh out loud because I stinkin' love that show. Then from 12:30-1:30 I'm preparing my mind to go to sleep. I set the sleep timer, wrap my blankets around me and close my eyes while listening to those funny ladies in the background. Usually sometime between 11 and 1:30 I'll get a call from Lindsey or Caddie. With the 2 hour time difference, it makes sense for them to call around 11. So, talking on the phone and Golden Girls...that's my evening ritual.Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-82924064830355552862009-02-04T17:18:00.001-08:002009-02-04T17:30:40.473-08:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">God, Give Them Strength</span><br /><br />A good friend of mine from college suddenly lost her mother yesterday. My heart hurts for her and her family. When she called me yesterday afternoon, I was stunned. I was at a loss for words for what seemed like eternity, but was a fraction of a second. All I could say was how sorry I was and that she will be in my prayers.<br /><br />I pray that God gives her peace and comfort. That her family will be a source of strength for her and that she finds comfort in knowing she has friends who love her and are here for her. God, give them strength.Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-86666238150356331022009-02-02T18:17:00.000-08:002009-02-02T18:34:15.174-08:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">New Office, More Work</span><br /><br />Well, I've moved into my new office. This past Thursday five movers and 4 IT guys came to move my office to the new Welcome Center on campus. It took all weekend to unpack and get settled in, but I'm finally here. With the exception of one wall, its all decorated and I'm back into the full swing of things. Work doesn't really wait for you to unpack your office! So, next time you're in Abilene or around the campus, stop in and see me! I'm pretty proud of my building (I say "my building" since I'm the building manager) so I'd love to give you a tour! I'll try to post pictures when I can. <br /><br />Other than work, not a lot is going on in my life. I've seen two movies recently...Rachel Getting Married and New In Town. Rachel Getting Married was horrible. Do not go see it unless you are completely in love with independent films. I can usually handle most indie films...but not this one! New In Town was cute. Just your average feel good, chick flick. I'd recommend it! Plus, Harry Connick,Jr. looks hot! <br /><br />Several of my all time favorite shows have been on Showtime...shows like Weeds and Secret Diary of a Call Girl. Well, Showtime has hit another homerun in my book! <a href="http://www.sho.com/site/tara/home.do">United States of Tara</a>. If you haven't seen it, you need to! It's stinkin' hilarious! I love this show! Of course, if you like good, wholesome shows, then Showtime and United States of Tara are not for you. There is nothing morally redeeming about this show. It's probably pure smut...but I love it! It cracks me up! <br /><br />Went to a Super Bowl party Sunday night. I thought it was a pretty good game. I really didn't care who won. Commercials as a whole weren't as good as I had hoped. My favorites were probably the Budweiser ones. Or the Cheetos one. <br /><br />So, I guess this post is pretty boring. Not a lot to report from the life of JE. Fairly anti-climatic, I'm afraid. <br /><br />I hope you all have a great week! Until next time...Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-42751177872612174472009-01-20T14:30:00.001-08:002009-01-20T14:37:11.946-08:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Brag Session</span><br /><br />People don't always have the chance to brag on their parents, but this year mine have made me very proud! But don't take that the wrong way...I've always been proud of my parents! They're spectacular people and I love them very much!<br /><br />Most of you know that this past September, they were awarded ACU Parents of the Year. What a great ceremony and such an honor! Well, their picture from the Homecoming parade has been one of the few selected for the new <a href="http://www.acu.edu/alumni/">ACU Alumni website</a>. There are several pictures that run, so just be patient. They're after the Sing Song picture. My parents are the ones waving from the car in the parade ;)<br /><br />You can also look for them in the next issue of ACUToday magazine. Little cuties!Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-2707379040911313082009-01-15T14:22:00.000-08:002009-01-15T15:13:00.194-08:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">This Should Make for an Interesting Story</span><br /><br />Most of you now know, as mentioned a few entries ago, I have been diagnosed with a tumor on my spine. First, let me say thank you to all of you who have showed your love and support through comments, email, and phone calls. Most of you know I like to keep my blog lite...don't weigh it down too much with personal details, sad stuff, etc. But, I felt like this was a pretty important thing happening in my life. I also thought on the off chance I seem preoccupied in the next few months, this might explain a little bit.<br /><br />I went to the neurosurgeon Tuesday. I'm going to have a pretty invasive surgery on June 1st. I'll be in the hospital for 3-4 days and out of work for 6-8 weeks and won't return to my full working capacity for approx. 2 and a half to 3 months after the surgery. It's pretty insane. The tumor is attached to a pretty important nerve (my left leg sensory nerve) and is really close to another important nerve (motor skills of left leg), so there's some risk involved. The tumor is growing on the outside of my spine and on the inside of my spinal column. It's grown inside my spinal sack, so they'll have to slice that open, operate, then sew it back. He's compared the consistency of the spinal sack to a piece of wet tissue paper. Can you imagine having to sew that up?! With this kind of surgery there's also a risk that I could end up leaking spinal fluid...in that case they'd have to go back in and repair the spinal sack. They have to take out a section of bone from one of my vertebra to get to the whole tumor. Having to remove this piece of bone will leave my lower back very weak for some time.<br /><br />For my first two days in the hospital I'll be laying on my stomach at all times. Once I'm able to go home, the doctor said he expects me to do very little...basically nothing but laying down. I'm not allowed to lift anything over a gallon of milk during those first 2 weeks. After that, I can slowly start building up my back strength again. After about 3-4 weeks I'll be able to go back to work...but only for a few hours a day and only to do paperwork or computer work. No lifting, setting up events, etc. So, I'll basically be at home all of June. Then slowly go back to work in July and hope to be up and going full speed by middle of August...in time for Opening Assembly, Welcome Week, etc! <br /><br />So, that's pretty much the readers digest version. I'm finally coming to grips with the whole process. I honestly didn't expect this to be a big deal at all. I think I was pretty naive in thinking this was going to be a simple, nearly pain-free process that would hardly interfere with my life! Obviously I was wrong. This week I was pretty much just letting the news sink in. <br /><br />Anyway...it's set for June 1st! It will be convenient to have the whole summer! 2009 will be the summer I laid around! I figure the smart thing will be to lay outside as much as possible. If I'm laying around, might as well catch some sun while doing it! <br /><br />Again, thanks to all of you for your kind words, love and support. I continue to covet your prayers...and expect you to come to me this summer. Not sure I'll be traveling to see very many of you! Love to you all!Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-72121753911668304992009-01-13T09:00:00.001-08:002009-01-13T09:20:08.265-08:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">The 3's</span><br /><br />My cousin sent me the following in an email, so I figured in an attempt to keep my blog updated for all three of my fans, I'd post my answers in my blog. <br /><br />Before I get to my 3's...<br />Most of you know my office is inside Moody Coliseum. Chapel has just started as I'm posting this (yes, I'm posting during work) and they're singing "Shout Hallelujah!" This song reminds me of my little cousins, Jadyn and Camden. They love that song...and I love hearing them sing...little precious angels! They also love the song "How Great is Our God." They also enjoy Veggie Tales...which has a character named Pa Grape. So, when my little cousin Jadyn sings "How Great is Our God," she actually sings "Pa Grape is Our God." It cracks my stuff up! They are so stinkin' cute! <br /><br />As I'm writing, they're still singing in chapel. This will be one of the things I miss most once I move into my new office. I've talked to several friends who have left ACU and miss the singing in chapel. I've been lucky enough the past year and a half to hear the beautiful singing and praise everyday at 11am coming from right across the hall. This I will miss. <br /><br />Ok...onto my 3's!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3 Names I go by:</span><br /><br />1. Jennifer<br />2. Jen<br />3. Jenni<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3 Jobs I have had in my life:<br /></span><br />1. Office Assistant<br />2. Catering Director<br />3. Director of Events<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3 Places I have lived:</span><br /><br />1. Van, TX<br />2. Abilene, TX<br />3. I've lived 3 different places in Abilene...dorms on campus, house on Squires and now my duplex.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3 TV shows I watch:</span><br /><br />1. Law & Order SVU<br />2. Nip/Tuck<br />3. Top Chef<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />3 Places I have been:</span><br />1. Bahamas<br />2. Canada<br />3. California<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />3 People that email me regularly:</span><br />1. Caddie<br />2. Lindsey<br />3. Teena<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3 of my favorite foods:</span><br />1. Mexican<br />2. BBQ<br />3. My mom's home cooking<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3 Things I'm looking forward to:</span><br />1. The summer<br />2. Getting married (whenever that may be!)<br />3. Owning my own businessEllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-23263274821022552742009-01-12T15:46:00.000-08:002009-01-13T07:59:07.085-08:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">"That SOB Pistol Whipped Me!"</span><br /><br />My friend Betsey sent me some pictures today that I hadn't seen in months. Actually, I completely forgot about them! Be advised...they're a little graphic! <br /><br />Caddie and I volunteered with the Abilene Fire Department, Paramedics, Police Department, Texas State Troopers, Bomb Squad and ACU Police this past May in what they called "demonstrations." I actually can't remember the official name, but they basically set-up random scenarios with gunmen, hostages, police, etc. So, allow me to explain what Caddie and I were doing. Side bar: all of this was taking place in McDonald dorm on ACU's campus which was under construction.<br /><br />Ok...So, I was on the 2nd floor with a gunman and two other hostages. I was supposed to have been shot in the arm while running down the hall. The other hostages weren't so lucky...they didn't get away. So, as the police came up the stairs, I was supposed to yell "help, help! He's down here! The shooter is down here! Help! I've been shot!" I was there to assist in the mass chaos and hysteria. The cops would run by me, pull me to safety, and confront the gunman. It was kind of intense. I had to wear special helmets so I wouldn't get shot in the head by a bullet...aka paint cartridge that hurt like a mother when you got shot! <br /><br />Caddie was a another victim, but was on the first floor. She was in the group of people who were attacked when the shooter first came in. Their job was to scream at the cops and beg them for help...then run out of the building screaming...running for their lives! They were then rescued by firemen and paramedics and were treated for their injuries. There were several times when we all got a little to "into" our roles. We were wannabe actresses basically! At one point, one fireman whisked Caddie from the front of the building onto the front lawn and asked her what happened. She quickly remarked "That SOB pistol whipped me!" There was hardly a straight face in the crowd! <br /><br />It was a great day. We felt totally good having done our volunteer civic duty! And also very safe seeing how all of the first responders handled the many scenarios thrown at them. Here's a shout out to our public safety personnel! And here are a few pictures for your enjoyment!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnBvL1uXVsBLMJWxf_l3KE2v9DKKEDp1ez33aHb-bm8eiR8rZPT4b0491ud_U29YfakNolHxE6It8VuJkATUx60r1v50m-Zv186wpoCR8KEgWlkeJI3zIS8X9j_nvHraHhV4J/s1600-h/caddie+wound+1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnBvL1uXVsBLMJWxf_l3KE2v9DKKEDp1ez33aHb-bm8eiR8rZPT4b0491ud_U29YfakNolHxE6It8VuJkATUx60r1v50m-Zv186wpoCR8KEgWlkeJI3zIS8X9j_nvHraHhV4J/s320/caddie+wound+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290563116240218626" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4bjxhCL0ln648eSpdT8bgveS0edRs9EqQQN9VrtVuu2iRBDhbb7jOHIJ8c3vTZB-0ugPfZpMHL4O_n4F8xgs4XzO_EsUJSDYizUWE8VoZvPG5KeMN36dG-dNLavlFsl87gfC/s1600-h/caddie+wound+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4bjxhCL0ln648eSpdT8bgveS0edRs9EqQQN9VrtVuu2iRBDhbb7jOHIJ8c3vTZB-0ugPfZpMHL4O_n4F8xgs4XzO_EsUJSDYizUWE8VoZvPG5KeMN36dG-dNLavlFsl87gfC/s320/caddie+wound+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290563790329332754" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRqpoSDWSuPRm4ISP3WZeykbbORV747PXHdZY7Co1O-tAp4sVb21oh01MqCoLxzIjmrMLDB3gld4hms4AhcbwcJ4TMa_UJ4tguig2qobu_mPb_e2XOwj-fZDLDBkq8KLQ7x5j/s1600-h/caddie+%26+jen+wound+1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRqpoSDWSuPRm4ISP3WZeykbbORV747PXHdZY7Co1O-tAp4sVb21oh01MqCoLxzIjmrMLDB3gld4hms4AhcbwcJ4TMa_UJ4tguig2qobu_mPb_e2XOwj-fZDLDBkq8KLQ7x5j/s320/caddie+%26+jen+wound+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290564087946551170" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5c8LSa9rOEI2qTp8GibfkEyD6anf4tFnbogfkKPQ4uh-WuvtlSCoOBDlcaTMTUni0E9uiNP6mI7nBm5bdpwJni5Boeq2DbKqmWPAcAK0I6P9ZHnL0uhZ1u9j7dpfni8fVLn9/s1600-h/caddie+%26+jen+wound+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5c8LSa9rOEI2qTp8GibfkEyD6anf4tFnbogfkKPQ4uh-WuvtlSCoOBDlcaTMTUni0E9uiNP6mI7nBm5bdpwJni5Boeq2DbKqmWPAcAK0I6P9ZHnL0uhZ1u9j7dpfni8fVLn9/s320/caddie+%26+jen+wound+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290564415461039490" /></a>Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-45402677774492569892009-01-07T15:31:00.000-08:002009-01-07T16:19:53.254-08:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Under Pressure</span><br /><br />After the most recent comments on my previous post, I'm under a little pressure to update my blog. So, in an attempt to satisfy all of my fans, here is an update on my life. I figured it would be easiest to construct a timeline. Basically, here's what I've done since I last posted. I'd also like to take a moment to apologize for the holiday background that is still up. I didn't have time to find a new background and update my blog, so I did what I felt was most important. You're welcome Julie and Jody! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">November 24th-29th</span><br />This was the week of Thanksgiving, so pretty much what happened on Monday and Tuesday isn't too important except for my cousin Jody's birthday (had to give a shout-out). So, I headed to Van Wednesday morning for Thanksgiving. This wasn't our normal Thanksgiving because we were celebrating my grandmothers 80th birthday. So, all of my family from all over Texas, Michigan, Alabama and Arizona came to visit. About 30 people. It was fun, but those of you who have experienced large family Thanksgivings know what kind of a whirlwind they can be! I had to leave early Saturday morning to get back to Abilene for the ACU football playoff game. All I can say about that game is, we sucked. We blew it. Our chance to go to Alabama for the playoffs and we choked. I'm still pretty bitter about it, but I'm choosing not to vent on my blog. Staying positive!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">November 30th - December 6th</span><br />Nothing too interesting happened at the beginning of this week. I had a lot of meetings and my sister turned 21 on the 2nd. On the 3rd I went to see my back doctor. Some of you know I've been having a little trouble with my back this past year, so I went in for my follow-up appointment. We've thought for awhile that it was a herniated disk. Actually, my first doctor told me that's what it was. But, after an MRI, my new doctor told me I have a tumor on my spine. Needless to say, I was pretty shocked. He thinks the tumor is benign, but doesn't know for sure. He's referred me to a neurosurgeon to see what the tumor is attached to and what steps need to be taken so we can operate. I go to the neurosurgeon next week. So, as much as I hate to be overly personal on my blog, I still covet your prayers. The rest of the week is kind of a blur. We celebrated my sisters birthday that week and I was able to spend time with one of my best friends that weekend, but honestly, I was still trying to comprehend having a tumor. That's just not something you expect to hear from your doctor, especially at 27.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">December 7th - December 13th</span><br />This was a pretty busy week, filled with Christmas parties and two graduations. Shout out to Kim Smith who celebrated her 27th birthday on the 10th! The 12th was ACU's graduation and on the 13th I had Texas State Technical Colleges graduation. Both held in Moody Coliseum which I had to plan. But, they went off without any problems, so I was pretty happy!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">December 14th - December 20th</span><br />A week full of even more Christmas parties! I think I went to more Christmas parties this year than I ever have! I also got more Christmas cards than I ever have. Is this what it means to be a grown-up?! The 16th I got my hair cut...I don't love it, but I needed some length off! On the 20th I headed home to spend Christmas with my family. I was really looking forward to spending some quiet time at home. Why did I think it was going to be quiet?!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">December 21 - December 27th</span><br />It was absolutely wonderful to be home with my family. My sister was already there, so it was great hanging out with her, my mom and my dad. We were able to go shopping, do some holiday baking, and even catch a movie. My parents closed the restaurant for 3 whole days...Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas. It was very nice for them to have a break. My brother and sister-in-law got to Van on Christmas Eve. We all played games, ate great food, watched Christmas movies and laughed a ton! We were all very blessed to be together! I got some great gifts too...a lot of gift cards, clothes, cash, and a flat screen tv! I pick that up next week! I'm totally pumped!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">December 28th - January 3rd</span><br />My parents had to go back to work at the restaurant and my brother and sister-in-law had to spend time with her family, so things started to pick-up by the 27th. On the 29th I drove to Dallas to pick-up my friend Caddie from the airport. Some of her luggage was lost so we ended up staying in Dallas that night so we could pick-up her bag the next day. We headed to the airport Tuesday morning only to wait several hours for her bag to arrive. We had plans to attend a dinner party that night in Abilene, so we were hard pressed for time when we finally got her bag and headed west. We were just a little late to the party, but it was fun spending time with old friends and catching up. Caddie spent the rest of the week with me in Abilene. We hung out with friends and family, ate great food, watched movies, and caught up on what's been going on. Side note: If you haven't seen The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, you need to! EXCELLENT movie! I loved it! I took Caddie back to the airport on the 2nd and headed back to Van for the weekend. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">January 5th - January 7th</span> <br />Well, this pretty much brings us up to this week. If you're in Texas, you'll know that a cold snap passed through most of our state on Monday. I had planned to return to Abilene Monday morning, but with freezing temperatures and sleet, I didn't really want to drive all the way to Abilene. So, bright and very early Tuesday I got up and headed to work...in Abilene. 4 hours later, I had arrived. I arrived to an office full of boxes. What you may not know is, I'm about to move offices. ACU has built a new building on campus, The Hunter Welcome Center, which offices over 100 people and has around 10 new event facilities. I've been named the Building Supervisor...along with my other responsibilities I have with being the Director of Events. So, we were supposed to move in on January 5th. But, you know how construction goes! They're behind. We found out today we can't move in until January 26th. Don't even get me started. It's a nice building. Next time you're on campus, you really should stop by and see it. I know someone who could give you a great tour! ;)<br /><br />So, that's pretty much a summary of my life over the past month and a half. I apologize for not writing much and I will try to be better. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! I hope January is a great month for you and that 2009 is a spectacular year! I think great things are coming in 2009! Here's hoping!Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-52131284422300667912008-11-24T09:41:00.000-08:002008-11-24T10:02:14.790-08:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">WE'RE NOT DONE YET!</span><br /><br />If you weren't at Shotwell Stadium Saturday, November 22nd then you missed a record-breaking, heart-stopping, awe-inspiring game! ACU vs West Texas A&M. 93-68. 'Nough said. <br /><br />Over 9,000 fans filled Shotwell Stadium (not much compared to Big 12 teams, but great for our little D2 school) to watch history unfold! We were so close to scoring 100 points we could taste it. Good news...we have this weekend to try again for 100! ACU faces Northwest Missouri this Saturday, November 29th at noon. We're going for 12-0 baby! <br /><br />Here are some links to stories about the game. It's a great time to be a Wildcat folks!<br /><br />We were on <a href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ap-scoringrecord&prov=ap&type=lgns">Yahoo Sports</a> front page!<br /><br />Here's the <a href="http://www.d2football.com/">D2Football home page</a>...Offensive Explosion!<br /><br />Here's <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/ncaa/11/22/college.football.points.record.ap/index.html">Sports Illustrated</a>...<br /><br />And the <a href="http://www.star-telegram.com/college_sports/story/1055414.html">Ft Worth Star Telegram</a>.<br /><br />And, to the site of our sad opponent...<a href="http://gobuffsgo.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112208aaa.html">WT A&M</a><br /><br />Those are just a few featuring the great ACU Wildcats. If you're close to Abilene Saturday, you'll want to come see what promises to be a great match-up. On to VICTORY!Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-90276430380336778462008-11-05T14:45:00.001-08:002008-11-05T14:46:42.390-08:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Gladys and Ellen</span><br /><br />I needed a laugh today and the clip below was sent to me. I love Ellen! She cracks me up! I DVR her show everyday! Hope you find this as funny as I do!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NsJVIvUzZlE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NsJVIvUzZlE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-24621301051852507432008-11-04T09:31:00.000-08:002008-11-04T10:03:17.297-08:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Vote</span><br /><br />I would imagine that nearly every person in America realizes that today is election day. What a day?! A day that could forever change American history. What a privilege?! What a gift it is to be able to vote on who our next leader will be. There are people all over this world who are envious at the fact that we are able to voice our opinion on who will be our next President. People who would kill to have the right to vote on who would lead their country. People who would die to have the freedom we do, the rights we do. It wasn't that long ago that we as Americans fought to separate from a tyrannical society so that we might have our freedom to become our own people. Individuals with the right to vote. It wasn't that long ago that women weren't allowed to vote. That African Americans weren't allowed to vote. And yet, I hear people say everyday, "I'm not voting." "My vote doesn't count anyway." "We know who's going to win, why waste my time?" This is the most frustrating thing for me to hear right now! I could care less as to who you vote for, but get out there and vote! Last week on Ellen, Wanda Sykes said that she thought everyone who was registered to vote but didn't should be punished. Like, when there's a flu epidemic going around, everyone gets flu shots but those who didn't vote! I love it! My line is pretty much, "If you don't vote, I don't want to ever hear you complain about who is in office." I don't feel you have the right to complain, if you're not going to exercise your right to vote.<br /><br />Most of my good friends know I dislike politics. I don't like talking about them, or listening to them, watching them, seeing them...I just really don't enjoy politics. I know enough, research enough, and read enough to make an educated decision on who I want to vote for, and I go with it. I don't vote straight ticket because I think it's lazy. If all of my candidates happen to be republican, great. If the majority happen to be democrat, fine. I don't force my opinions on anyone and I don't want other opinions forced on me. If you open your mouth and voice your opinion, you're opening the door for other comments...other opinions. Basically saying, come right in...help yourself...tell me what you believe. That's how politics work. Everyone has their own belief, their own opinion, their own candidate...and it is absolutely their right! We are a strong people! Independent thinkers! Free thinkers. The key being free. <br /><br />I had the opportunity to visit two of my best friends this weekend, both very committed to what they believe in, both very knowledgeable about why they believe what they believe. They happen to be voting for a different candidate than I, but it was never an issue. We discussed how our thoughts and beliefs had changed since college. How we had matured over the years. How years ago we would have voted one way, said one thing, or thought one way...but now have begun to see things differently. Basically, we're growing up. It was wonderful to see these friends and have calm, rational conversations...even conversations that touched on politics. <br /><br />I encourage you to vote today. If you haven't researched who's running, do so. Even in state and local races. They are often times just as important! If you're voting on laws, propositions, etc., know what you're voting on. They can change so much and effect so many people! Be thankful we live in a country where we have the right to vote. Be thankful we are a society of people who care who our leaders will be. Be thankful we are Americans!Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-42414953740662612792008-11-04T08:23:00.000-08:002008-11-04T08:32:43.735-08:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Amazing Grace</span><br /><br />I DVR Oprah everyday. Not because I like Oprah, but because about once a week she'll have a show I'm interested in and it fills the gap if for some reason I don't have anything else to watch. So, last night I was clearing out all of my Oprah episodes and came across one that was endorsing her new favorite gadget...I was intrigued. The gadget turned out to be some electronic "book"...Amazon Kendall or something like that. Basically, you download books and it saves them for you in one nice, neat little notebook. Well, I'm not a reader so I could care less and subsequently deleted the show.<br /><br />HOWEVER, before she introduced her new gadget, she introduced something she described as amazing. She was right. Il Divo performed "Amazing Grace" from their new cd The Promise. I had chills. It was beautiful. So, this morning I found the actual video on YouTube...don't you just love YouTube?! The video is below. I hope you enjoy. I still have chills and I've watched it several times. I think a lot of us need to be reminded sometimes that we're only here because of Amazing Grace. It was definitely a good reminder for me! <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mMVxzEueJ6A&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mMVxzEueJ6A&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-70529285725967819722008-11-04T07:43:00.000-08:002008-11-04T08:05:16.972-08:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Raider Power</span><br /><br />It was probably one of the most intense things I've experienced in a long time. Definitely one of the most intense football games I've ever experienced! Texas vs Texas Tech. People are still talking about this game and will be for a very long time! I was there. Amongst the students, fans, Raiders, Longhorns, drunks, police...it was a night I'll never forget! <br /><br />Me and Julie before the game<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q-blgNA4bG09pkiNv8qkVoqh7170Mz-U_-m-qPK1EHwRdF_J4oBfTuSh4LecpsUTixaEDWG2IGWbQz1VSHsN0PZsUpIbHVGWsts1NMSxzTEpvjh2BoaRu_YFI8HV1SCRwQcm/s1600-h/ttu+Jen+%26+Jules+before+game.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q-blgNA4bG09pkiNv8qkVoqh7170Mz-U_-m-qPK1EHwRdF_J4oBfTuSh4LecpsUTixaEDWG2IGWbQz1VSHsN0PZsUpIbHVGWsts1NMSxzTEpvjh2BoaRu_YFI8HV1SCRwQcm/s320/ttu+Jen+%26+Jules+before+game.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264831321598257010" /></a><br /><br />The band before the game...they had a freakin' awesome band<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgNoqrXBupH4eBskQSkBlEMn0iwVxIy8Ewf9qYjKk0vUsANmMORTwe1IeovSiDfUNfYm-7LH5oaE8VYiDW7pUv1daNcncYBKMV8lj4zw07Bz4kFm1i4dFLDgcnKWP45twmL_c/s1600-h/ttu+pre-game+band.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgNoqrXBupH4eBskQSkBlEMn0iwVxIy8Ewf9qYjKk0vUsANmMORTwe1IeovSiDfUNfYm-7LH5oaE8VYiDW7pUv1daNcncYBKMV8lj4zw07Bz4kFm1i4dFLDgcnKWP45twmL_c/s320/ttu+pre-game+band.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264831611736587714" /></a><br /><br />Watching the players run through the hall onto the field<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VHNeOUCPTF8YOYZh-PFAHxP0JJ7uwybio7vG7uAryfokGSaVAKIPJ5N3maBVtzFkEXDZbV8F1APEp-E3j-5v2m-OqA8gV0ooal13YWWAUV2-ucLtQbCA6xBKV0fBN6WL08dS/s1600-h/ttu+saddle.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VHNeOUCPTF8YOYZh-PFAHxP0JJ7uwybio7vG7uAryfokGSaVAKIPJ5N3maBVtzFkEXDZbV8F1APEp-E3j-5v2m-OqA8gV0ooal13YWWAUV2-ucLtQbCA6xBKV0fBN6WL08dS/s320/ttu+saddle.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264831843714352786" /></a><br /><br />Raider field entry<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFBxd5QTt07uFFVIiR7dxkDCQLwC3yGSAdiSSYWAP6_UZfC3vue3BDRS8sQf77p_ObsOuTW-4RmlVYKWQLuYVfe7d-91amirWB5BKlJyK1hb8QC_fcMdxLZPYzPc4TjZAeeU4/s1600-h/ttu+guns+up+player+entry.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFBxd5QTt07uFFVIiR7dxkDCQLwC3yGSAdiSSYWAP6_UZfC3vue3BDRS8sQf77p_ObsOuTW-4RmlVYKWQLuYVfe7d-91amirWB5BKlJyK1hb8QC_fcMdxLZPYzPc4TjZAeeU4/s320/ttu+guns+up+player+entry.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264832156629245122" /></a><br /><br />56,333 people packed into Jones AT&T Stadium which only holds 54,000<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MhYU3jlzBukf8EV5a5RiZpaWZSEE1A3coE8Rev2dogLWZcFMbWebV5cEPa83ugbtLENcSXLeAdjd8g5NIwBJeaYHurRhGAySg990PqMDF2Gu_KEdgJ-xg1vggpbor2K83jFh/s1600-h/ttu+stands.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MhYU3jlzBukf8EV5a5RiZpaWZSEE1A3coE8Rev2dogLWZcFMbWebV5cEPa83ugbtLENcSXLeAdjd8g5NIwBJeaYHurRhGAySg990PqMDF2Gu_KEdgJ-xg1vggpbor2K83jFh/s320/ttu+stands.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264832392797082338" /></a><br /><br />TEXAS TECH<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7Dc95yOmsgU5P2iEMs4wCqgPWcBKTRVNRCSuePXrXqzwLb9XwOiDyvjV9vAmrNKzl5gC3B4LzGH8QoF-NI_ou2jgyZJW1cEENkOCDAGDx51QlPt4-3Ec2l3znohm_ctbVE35/s1600-h/ttu+flags.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7Dc95yOmsgU5P2iEMs4wCqgPWcBKTRVNRCSuePXrXqzwLb9XwOiDyvjV9vAmrNKzl5gC3B4LzGH8QoF-NI_ou2jgyZJW1cEENkOCDAGDx51QlPt4-3Ec2l3znohm_ctbVE35/s320/ttu+flags.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264832683260018866" /></a><br /><br />The infamous 1 second<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9foQYR6Tt-_TrV_1oKfWtUaf_1wtMR3800lSgVWti4IReOEd7X-VSjXurCE13t8UsKNvK6t-nSpaBxNC4dK1YEJmph1yq4_SMM-Sc7GD24lRRomwbP8jyJNqaTyeFdnt2LBB/s1600-h/ttu+one+second.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9foQYR6Tt-_TrV_1oKfWtUaf_1wtMR3800lSgVWti4IReOEd7X-VSjXurCE13t8UsKNvK6t-nSpaBxNC4dK1YEJmph1yq4_SMM-Sc7GD24lRRomwbP8jyJNqaTyeFdnt2LBB/s320/ttu+one+second.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264832934161383202" /></a><br /><br />Storming the field...the third and final time!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEw57S6oKMTcI819DhhzAkmJPD_1ozZvKuMcn5WLATBDGDeqpiq-b_Bgv_4VmT5aBBHWEuJmNr0ylQ_CgAjJmNOEFf9ZSu7vMZPHZnNxXdMBxOjRruOVoPfZx_tT6rgwk7r3WE/s1600-h/ttu+storming+field.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEw57S6oKMTcI819DhhzAkmJPD_1ozZvKuMcn5WLATBDGDeqpiq-b_Bgv_4VmT5aBBHWEuJmNr0ylQ_CgAjJmNOEFf9ZSu7vMZPHZnNxXdMBxOjRruOVoPfZx_tT6rgwk7r3WE/s320/ttu+storming+field.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264833166374890466" /></a><br /><br />'Nough said<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQI9fwvoITQlyC2ZpBSd7juYU9ZH6YDWLz0mAFUgo238JCWEn2a5dae8lckihC2HXrTymNX_-uFHUXRLekpqGysZ6i-Cn_5CpcCnnpP8PDlq1wR1HaTmVbPO_xY6fuD9kjClCG/s1600-h/ttu+we+wina+lot.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQI9fwvoITQlyC2ZpBSd7juYU9ZH6YDWLz0mAFUgo238JCWEn2a5dae8lckihC2HXrTymNX_-uFHUXRLekpqGysZ6i-Cn_5CpcCnnpP8PDlq1wR1HaTmVbPO_xY6fuD9kjClCG/s320/ttu+we+wina+lot.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264833409802480418" /></a>Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-12224058740128761142008-10-30T12:21:00.000-07:002008-10-30T12:53:02.000-07:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Ta Da</span><br /><br />Homecoming is over! What a great weekend! The only downside, well the main downside, to working Homecoming is that you don't get to spend a lot of time with friends who come to town. I had many best friends here over the weekend, and I was only able to spend minutes with them. So sad! Same goes for family...good thing my parents came to some of the events or I wouldn't have been able to see them! <br /><br />I've decided that since I was only able to spend a short amount of time with my friends at Homecoming, I need to go visit them. It was a tease...just a taste of the fun we used to have and can still have. Therefore, I've made the decision to visit as many of them as possible between now and the end of the year! I've said it on my blog, so I must stick to it! So, those of you who live far and away, be looking for an email or a call from me very soon...I'm coming to see you! Especially those of you who live in DFW...we're way overdue for a game night or camping trip!<br /><br />I'm going to Lubbock this weekend and I'm totally pumped! I get to see my pals Julie and Mel. Julie and I are going to the Texas Tech vs. Texas game. Should be an awesome game! I'll of course yell for Tech...hello, I'll be on their side wearing a Tech shirt! But, it's one of those situations where you can't be sad with whatever team wins! What an amazing showdown! It should prove to be a tough game for both teams! Speaking of football...GO CATS! Much like Texas and Tech, ACU Wildcats are 8-0 this season! I'm so proud of our boys! They play in Abilene next weekend and I'm totally pumped! I've vowed to attend the championship game in Alabama if they go all the way! I may not be their "#1 fan", but I'm right up there! We're ranked No. 1 in the region, No. 2 in the nation! <br /><br />Here are a few pics from Homecoming...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJYw0EuhoZAYLSqZLXTUQlpgvHvO6D3ZC0XN30IrGSeHUP0s8Ng2ZPZ39HbNXLrkVkHRZAZ3P6neoT3qR9eK_pcobm5R9QalwgqFwvQ9xfot9j9YJwGPZ-2xoudp__AksVDpA/s1600-h/008_8.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJYw0EuhoZAYLSqZLXTUQlpgvHvO6D3ZC0XN30IrGSeHUP0s8Ng2ZPZ39HbNXLrkVkHRZAZ3P6neoT3qR9eK_pcobm5R9QalwgqFwvQ9xfot9j9YJwGPZ-2xoudp__AksVDpA/s320/008_8.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263035884602145074" /></a><br />ACU Parents of the Year...my mom and dad!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeb9CzbTHwCV6nEGm82dBefYHZSmqiBgmKju5D3Z_6tCRIIvMUbCMLnlaAIDZMIj2YlXfqovxnu-nIWeLzYAxqaaPgL_apowy3sU2meeUQ6G5BiKuIpyv_Md_BGfSlw4JynQ8N/s1600-h/014_14.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeb9CzbTHwCV6nEGm82dBefYHZSmqiBgmKju5D3Z_6tCRIIvMUbCMLnlaAIDZMIj2YlXfqovxnu-nIWeLzYAxqaaPgL_apowy3sU2meeUQ6G5BiKuIpyv_Md_BGfSlw4JynQ8N/s320/014_14.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263036177356180450" /></a><br />My sister marching in the parade<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHW4wnfo9PzKMf0thQs0vYX2GeEFD7vZm6UTSr5BlghrONYCDCXSBgpUCgUI4wTBxWHerY_fsevZJaoAuk0jwPTMTnEYvtPB7-oSDW87Lp5CY-M2_V5k9cRNrH5CtGWHilL_1U/s1600-h/018_18.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHW4wnfo9PzKMf0thQs0vYX2GeEFD7vZm6UTSr5BlghrONYCDCXSBgpUCgUI4wTBxWHerY_fsevZJaoAuk0jwPTMTnEYvtPB7-oSDW87Lp5CY-M2_V5k9cRNrH5CtGWHilL_1U/s320/018_18.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263036388189102546" /></a><br />Fam after Homecoming chapel<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJaN6TjfrpcS9kmgvV2KgpygBxP3arvuxXMxUOkYbtp_JmPCo7FbSURUXQp8Hhw5KQAlK7tfpZHAmYDY5aGE_K83TrtRhGUUIhs-HvmtGEcMW_2p-F5YGodpl062w9S2exnPR/s1600-h/024_24.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJaN6TjfrpcS9kmgvV2KgpygBxP3arvuxXMxUOkYbtp_JmPCo7FbSURUXQp8Hhw5KQAlK7tfpZHAmYDY5aGE_K83TrtRhGUUIhs-HvmtGEcMW_2p-F5YGodpl062w9S2exnPR/s320/024_24.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263036681685599170" /></a><br />Me and Caddie after chapelEllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-69284086878494744402008-10-23T22:43:00.000-07:002008-10-23T08:43:36.321-07:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">One Down...</span><br />One more to go! A Prairie Home Companion was a huge success! We almost sold out Moody, APHC had a fabulous show, no major mishaps, and everyone left happy! What more could you ask for?! <br /><br />I haven't been that tired after an event in a really long time, but every sore muscle, every hour of sleep lost, every high maintenance patron, was well worth it...what a great experience!<br /><br />Here is the link to the <a href="http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/programs/2008/10/18/">Prairie Home website</a> so you can see what they said about Abilene!<br /><br /><br /><br />On a completely different subject...I was kept up all night last night due to a domestic disturbance next door. Part of me wanted to call the cops, part of me wanted to knock on their door and ask them to please be quiet...but a big part of me wanted to sit in my bathroom with my ear pressed against the wall listening to them arguing (which is what I did). :) At one point in time, the girl ran out of the house screaming. About 15 minutes later she said "I just wish someone would help me." It was at this moment I contemplated calling the police. But I didn't. I was afraid of what they'd do if they found out I called the cops. They're not very good neighbors AT ALL! If I find out the girl was murdered last night, I'll feel absolutely horrible. But I'll be a good witness! I'll be like one of those old nosey ladies who listens to everybody's business in the neighborhood. How pathetic is that?! There actually were several moments in the night that I was afraid. So, I slept with a kitchen knife beside my bed and cell phone in hand. It was officially the first night in my three years at the duplex that I've been afraid.<br /><br /><br />Onto ACU Homecoming!Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-37544906846083315592008-10-16T07:34:00.000-07:002008-10-16T07:58:35.710-07:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Madness</span><br /><br />The Madness that is my next two weeks has begun! A Prairie Home Companion is coming to ACU this weekend and I'm over all of the production for the show that has sold over 3,000 tickets. It will be a great performance, but an intense weekend! I'm actually really excited! <br /><br />Then, onto Homecoming. We basically clean up from APHC and head right into ACU's 2008 Homecoming, "Go Cat Go!" It's an Elvis themed homecoming, based on this year's musical. So, for the next two weeks, I very seriously doubt I'll be able to post much. I'm crazy excited about Homecoming though. It's my favorite time of year on campus! My parents are coming to town to ride in the parade (ACU Parents of the Year), my best pal Caddie is coming in from Cali, a lot of my friends from college are coming in from Dallas and various other cities...It will be wonderful! If you're an alum, you really should be coming! Unless, of course you've recently had a baby, which seems to be a lot of my friends! <br /><br />In between all of the madness, I'll turn 27, which I really can't deal with right now. Three more years until turning 30 just doesn't settle well!<br /><br />Until we meet again, have a great day, week, month, etc...Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-79715992500497173992008-10-13T15:40:00.000-07:002008-10-13T15:43:15.389-07:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Season</span><br /><br />“There is a time of year when even before the first leaf falls, you can feel the seasons click. The air is crisp, summer is gone and for the first night in a long time you need a blanket on your bed.” <br /><br />“ It was official a new season had begun. Maybe our mistakes are what make our fate. Without them what would shape our lives? Perhaps if we never veered off course we wouldn’t fall in love, or have babies or be who we are. After all, seasons change, so do cities, people come into your life, people go. But its comforting to know the ones you love are always in your heart and if you’re very lucky, a plane ride away.”<br /><br />Those of you who are Sex and the City fans may recognize the passage above from the “I Heart NY” episode. It’s one of my favorite episodes…in my top 5. I love the opening and closing lines, and over the weekend felt they completely described the current season of my life.Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-59202727987669908502008-10-06T15:03:00.000-07:002008-10-06T15:55:54.728-07:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Paula Shadoll</span><br /><br />I went home this past weekend to catch up with my parents, help decorate the restaurant for fall, and shop at First Monday. My cousin Jody and her two kids were planning on heading to Van for First Monday so I decided to hitch a ride w/them! Since I get so car sick on road trips, I drove their van...we headed out of town Friday afternoon and arrived in Van late that night. I enjoyed seeing my parents, catching up, shopping, eating, decorating...I really had a great weekend. <br /><br />So, Sunday afternoon, Jody, the kids and I left Van and headed back to Abilene. Around 6:30pm we decided to stop in Weatherford for a potty break and a quick bite to eat. After a quick dinner and a run to the potty, we buckled the kids in, got our seat belts on, and proceeded to start the car. Actually, I should say attempted to start the car. It wouldn't turn over...no lights, no DVD player, no power...no battery.<br /><br />"Don't panic...remain calm...if you worry, the kids will worry." These are the words I'm saying over and over in my mind. I looked a Jody and we can't help but laugh! Here we are, stranded in her minivan in Weatherford, TX in the Schlotzsky's parking lot across from the Wal-Mart and local car wash...yes, it was that bad!<br /><br />We calmed the kids, told them this was an easy problem to fix, we'd be on the road in no time. Jody called Casey (her husband) just to touch base and see what he recommended, while I went into Schlotzsky's to see if anyone had any jumper cables we could use. No luck. So, Jody went across the street to the E-Z mart/car wash to ask those fine, upstanding citizens if they had any jumper cables. A few minutes later, Jody returned to the car with a gas station attendant, a car wash attendant, jumper cables, and a random car. We attached the jumper cables, started their car and again attempted to start our car. No luck. Nothing. The lights were a little brighter, but the engine wouldn't turn over. So, the gas station attendant who was a woman, yelled for her friend "T-bone" to come over and help us out. <br /><br />As you can imagine, "T-bone" was a colorful character. He, I'm sure, was Weatherford's finest! Covered in tattoos, wearing cut off jean shorts, shirt and a pair of flip flops, I quickly figured he must work on old cars in his front yard...in front of his trailer house. He played with the battery a little, had me try to start the car and, the genius that he was, immediately decided it had to be the starter. So, pulling out a tire iron, he proceeds to bang and hit the inside of my cousins van...because every great mechanic knows that sometimes if you hit the car hard enough, it will start! He decided to crawl under the van, and while under there, I noticed "T-bone" was wearing blue nail polish on his toe nails. Ok "T-bone"...thank you for your help, but I believe you've taken us as far as you can. In one last attempt to start the car, he asked me to vacate the drivers seat so that he could try to turn the key. Two thoughts raced through my mind:<br />#1 What makes you think you're going to turn the key any different than what I'm turning it?! If he gets the car started I'm gonna....etc.<br /><br />#2 If he steals the car, Camden and Jadyn are in the back. I need to get to a place where I could pull them out fast if I needed to or I could jump in the car to protect them if I had to.<br /><br />So, I let "T-bone" into the drivers seat and before he could get both of his blue polished feet into the car, I was on the other side, ready to pull the kids out if I had to! Cat-like reflexes! I'm so sure!<br /><br />So, "T-bone" and his crew had no luck w/the car, so we tried for an hour to reach Casey's parents who live 45 minutes from Weatherford. We finally got in touch with them, and Casey and his parents headed our way. Help was coming!<br /><br />How do you entertain a 4 year old and 2 year old in a van with no power in a parking lot you might ask? Well, Cousin Jenni and mom had plenty of tricks up their sleeves. We played paper, rock, scissor...we played eye/spy...Jody found random glow sticks in her purse...we basically did everything we could to keep the kids happy! At one point in the night, we began the philosophical discussion of why "T-bone" had paint on his toes. I told Camden that boys shouldn't wear nail polish...nail polish is for girls. Boys shouldn't wear nail polish at all. My exact words were..."Boys shouldn't wear nail polish...not any color. Just no polish at all." Well, Jody heard me say all of that, except my last sentence...she heard "Just no Paula Shadoll." You can imagine the delirious laughter that broke out between Jody and I after she figured out I wasn't talking about a lady named Paula...I was saying "polish at all." <br /><br />By 10pm, the cavalry had arrived. Casey's dad took care of the battery, we ran through Starbucks, and headed back to Abilene. Let me tell you, I was very ready for my bed! Here are a few pics of our experience. They're not great cause my phone was the only camera I had!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3j7zvIVTd2N8qNm2DvkSL0uOOaQZyPnKSPrQcJiarnOUicjfnR5nTKNjAU3FHvkk4pcCXbp1SJs7VQWZtxfQMN928DCeS2YXKqR5dfZUKFVyuOpoMeg3DZVksjmeqnvbwfmP/s1600-h/Jen+%26+kids+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3j7zvIVTd2N8qNm2DvkSL0uOOaQZyPnKSPrQcJiarnOUicjfnR5nTKNjAU3FHvkk4pcCXbp1SJs7VQWZtxfQMN928DCeS2YXKqR5dfZUKFVyuOpoMeg3DZVksjmeqnvbwfmP/s320/Jen+%26+kids+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254173555437682754" /></a><br />Cousin Jenni and the kids...in the van...in the parking lot...down by the river!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVly-pB1BppCdN3CzHa3ml1ve7cColU98kJHJ4MkKrzmj_1BfPe7FyYSQukbTiTRQ-hiqvZ1L3TuzNYhS0Jscuxi8Vrc7RNy9iCx_BugallyrEGMkP6R662pk09-QGKlf9u4-/s1600-h/Jody+%26+kids2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVly-pB1BppCdN3CzHa3ml1ve7cColU98kJHJ4MkKrzmj_1BfPe7FyYSQukbTiTRQ-hiqvZ1L3TuzNYhS0Jscuxi8Vrc7RNy9iCx_BugallyrEGMkP6R662pk09-QGKlf9u4-/s320/Jody+%26+kids2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254173931006088498" /></a><br />Jody and the kids. They're doing "WT" with their hands because...well, that's what we felt like!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllza5gOBBjTZF6a1ndx2DxicnkA1lZeZ-Be5vyTVpePAdZnx6v-4VWhBpj-kudC7y9AnC4sTfIUZDOaFD3-fwKaTgJqXerY7PQ_wV_zqOr4QYuLyweGHrg3BpT__dJBPxv-Bq/s1600-h/jody+jenni+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllza5gOBBjTZF6a1ndx2DxicnkA1lZeZ-Be5vyTVpePAdZnx6v-4VWhBpj-kudC7y9AnC4sTfIUZDOaFD3-fwKaTgJqXerY7PQ_wV_zqOr4QYuLyweGHrg3BpT__dJBPxv-Bq/s320/jody+jenni+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254174179886744194" /></a><br />Jody and Jenni...we always seem to get into trouble!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PMZMQPlmCDARz8LRmTwTBHd79YlEVUv9TP2ZxSbU86Gh5Aoo-KuIm8OAqqpsjMVjqhlP27eHA6yL9hB_fjYofOSzMzwQIqhADhp1La64alPt8_YrEHWzt10oa5dnJbyo_ooJ/s1600-h/van+%26+kids.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PMZMQPlmCDARz8LRmTwTBHd79YlEVUv9TP2ZxSbU86Gh5Aoo-KuIm8OAqqpsjMVjqhlP27eHA6yL9hB_fjYofOSzMzwQIqhADhp1La64alPt8_YrEHWzt10oa5dnJbyo_ooJ/s320/van+%26+kids.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254174432080997122" /></a><br />Our trusty steed in the parking lot...notice the restaurant sign.Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-52063764600658035052008-10-06T14:44:00.000-07:002008-10-06T15:02:57.875-07:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Pumpkins</span><br /><br />My cousin, Jody, and I took her two kids to the pumpkin patch last week at the Disability Resources center. We got great pumpkins! All different sizes and colors! The kids were so cute and so excited! Disability Resources is a program for mentally challenged adults, so in an effort to remain "pc," I won't put any of my funny stories on my blog, but if you want to hear them, just ask me next time you see me! Camden and Jadyn were precious picking out their pumpkins...picking out the biggest and the smallest! Here are a few pictures of our outing...too fun!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkNctVgQiwC0LV-8scsV3t_J3KHq0QoVa6anMDg2mgRMFA2OknJqXlkrQnDJfcfEaCkHnAZtT3fkr3lQe46u1Ok0TSKpDBp0EaK62z8qyl3XQNYl_sPAeZyFRj6cQZr7nsspE/s1600-h/cam+%26+pumpkins.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkNctVgQiwC0LV-8scsV3t_J3KHq0QoVa6anMDg2mgRMFA2OknJqXlkrQnDJfcfEaCkHnAZtT3fkr3lQe46u1Ok0TSKpDBp0EaK62z8qyl3XQNYl_sPAeZyFRj6cQZr7nsspE/s320/cam+%26+pumpkins.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254163713178027314" /></a><br />Camden inspecting the pumpkins...he picked the biggest one in the patch to take home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQ3RzKlXp8DHpLMcw7LtWaGdXS0SO9eSCK6qyG798EgVLBOw4UO_SbEq6C2BJwTUNi6LpxrVYiFlubXEEmaUovUOAUkMZg-qL_GGBP4OkACVIkkp6XwqtYeBfnQmtP3mEcc5V/s1600-h/jadyn+%26+pumpkins.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQ3RzKlXp8DHpLMcw7LtWaGdXS0SO9eSCK6qyG798EgVLBOw4UO_SbEq6C2BJwTUNi6LpxrVYiFlubXEEmaUovUOAUkMZg-qL_GGBP4OkACVIkkp6XwqtYeBfnQmtP3mEcc5V/s320/jadyn+%26+pumpkins.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254163946666839106" /></a><br />Jadyn picking the perfect pumpkin, little sweetiekins!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4Ixqy9Hu11xhLXERxGDqrL5at6_7sNztKEd0KXhQt2nh_wQgUmV0XUhD8mjJrXvxf38S659bgnk4Vzp-IXw5kHYXeBnyPtCtOXWzUzdujeg0A38LmJnBabgpU_LaszF35XhJ/s1600-h/kids+%26+pumpkins.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4Ixqy9Hu11xhLXERxGDqrL5at6_7sNztKEd0KXhQt2nh_wQgUmV0XUhD8mjJrXvxf38S659bgnk4Vzp-IXw5kHYXeBnyPtCtOXWzUzdujeg0A38LmJnBabgpU_LaszF35XhJ/s320/kids+%26+pumpkins.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254164329282455746" /></a><br />Cam and Ja w/their favorite second cousin...Cousin Jenni...or "Yenni" as Jadyn says!Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-23526281671801045042008-09-29T14:20:00.000-07:002008-09-29T14:46:02.592-07:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Here Comes October</span><br /><br />My favorite month of the year is literally one day away! Now, you may be wondering why October is my favorite month...well, my friend, it is my favorite month for several very important reasons:<br />1-Fall, fall and more fall! Autumn is everywhere! Leaves are changing, the air is cooler (not in Abilene, but in normal places, leaves are changing and the air is cooler), the smell of wood burning fills the air, the scent of spices are everywhere and pumpkins are around every corner! And, I just realized I left Halloween off my list of favorite holidays a few posts ago. Dang it! Well, Halloween is around 4 or 5. <br />2-My birthday is in October! While I don't like the thought of getting older anymore (this happened when I hit 25 and someone told me I was half way to 50), I do so love my birthday! A whole day that is mine. However, the 21st falls on a pretty boring day this year (Tuesday) so both of you who read this need to make Tuesday, October 21st even more special!<br />3-Homecoming! My alma mater does a great job of celebrating homecoming and welcoming back their alumni. Even if I didn't work for the school, I'd still come to homecoming! Something about the craziness on campus, seeing old friends, packed football game...marvelous! I'm so excited about seeing so many friends! My pal Caddie is coming in from California and is staying with me...I can't wait to see her!<br /><br />Here are a few fall pics I find inspiring!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNHUFGR0yXQyNvC_5t_hV1XhibAoGJr2AxaTRvaanF4zpmDwhfbb8wIdjZFpP8zO4ibNDZc7hcVupY5akS0uRQo4gxyCU5K9MFgNXGKI8HRIpJ1qM_sFsFSROQkgkGj1_z9TZ/s1600-h/Fall+pic+1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNHUFGR0yXQyNvC_5t_hV1XhibAoGJr2AxaTRvaanF4zpmDwhfbb8wIdjZFpP8zO4ibNDZc7hcVupY5akS0uRQo4gxyCU5K9MFgNXGKI8HRIpJ1qM_sFsFSROQkgkGj1_z9TZ/s320/Fall+pic+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251560148230183890" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLWZgjcrpPdx6uqtZmis5i-BY6YusMaw6B6cZzPXvTtK9atXaEf_syhk1qPSpOv01ytrjlBja0Bq0vdlPJVQKjTRjfJdIpMWwu9oHP9UR-xobqWM3q6zn9zH8gBdIy6XsHGO7/s1600-h/Fall+pumpkin+pic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLWZgjcrpPdx6uqtZmis5i-BY6YusMaw6B6cZzPXvTtK9atXaEf_syhk1qPSpOv01ytrjlBja0Bq0vdlPJVQKjTRjfJdIpMWwu9oHP9UR-xobqWM3q6zn9zH8gBdIy6XsHGO7/s320/Fall+pumpkin+pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251560298635756770" /></a><br /><br />My cousin <a href="http://dacusfamily.blogspot.com/">Jody</a> and I are taking her kids to the pumpkin patch Wednesday night. I'm so excited! I love the pumpkin patch and I love those kids...so fun! I'll take pics and post them!<br /><br />Happy fall everyone! Enjoy this time of the year!Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13853459.post-67163913847201473752008-09-18T11:53:00.000-07:002008-09-18T11:59:17.489-07:00<span style="font-weight:bold;">Parents of the Year</span><br /><br />Here is the link to the page with the annoucement that my parents are being awarded ACU Parents of the Year. They were also featured in today's Abilene Reporter News. <br /><br />I'll follow up with more from the weekend!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.acu.edu/news/2008/080917_ParentsofYr08.html">ACU Parents of the Year</a>Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06178985498832984565noreply@blogger.com0