B'in

I need to vent.

Life has become very difficult. I have two relatives in my life who chose not to communicate. The assume by texting/emailing, they are communicating. This is not good. Whatever happened to the milk man, the paper, the evening TV and people who said their peace and moved on with life? Is it that hard to look at someone and say, "I'm not happy about that." The other person say, "I'm sorry you feel that way." and then both of them move on with life? Did I just gain this obscene sense of that is how life is supposed to work? Did I miss the part in heaven where we all fought with each other and said, "I'll love you and get along with you as long as ______________" No. We are family. We love each other. I've been through a lot as a human being. I have had a lot of trials and am able to still pick my ass up and keep moving. Why can't people just get along. What happened to the words "I forgive you" and "I understand"? I'm sure I'm not really making sense and who cares.

Also, why do we compare ourselves to others so frequently. I'm my own person. Even my companion from my mission called me "One of a Kind." We are all individuals with a single purpose. We need to be striving to return to our Father. He wants us with Him so desperately. I feel that need He has for us; or at least the need I have for Him. But it's a sad day when we all say, "But that family is so much better." Or "their relationship is so much better than ours." Or "Why can't it be like it use to be." I wish for those things to sometimes, but it's not that simple. We have to look forward and move on. Nothing is definite. Progression is the key to salvation!

I die without you.

My sickness is coming to a close, but it's definitely taking its sweet precious time to leave. I really feel I have a virus that never actually died. Do they die? It could die. I'd be ok with it. I might even send it flowers and perhaps sing if it'd like. I keep picturing the virus from that move with Bill Murray. I know it's not the most ideal roommate, but I'd have a proper farewell for it...if it'd just leave!!!

Today was fairly productive for me. I was able to finish my Christmas shopping and wrap all the presents. There is something about wrapping presents that makes me feel a bit grown up. Plus, when I know that I'm buying presents for my parents with my own money and able to give back to them after they've given me so much, I feel so much better. Although, my mom had a really great idea. We had coin banks growing up; an armadillo and one of Texas. We'd fill them up all year long, the whole family would, and then at Christmas time, we used that money for Christmas presents from me and Ouiser.

I am sick AND tired.

I've been sick now for 6 days. Ugh. I actually feel fine today but I have lot of phlegm in my chest. I use to only get sick for a couple of days a year; normally just one time a year. This year, however, I've been sick 3 times in the same season! I'm actually writing this to let y'all know the amount of medication I've been taking and see what I'm doing wrong. What's weird, is I'm normally the one telling everyone what to take.

I've gone through a bottle of Zicam melt-away cold remedy, box of tissues and a roll of toilet paper (for blowing my nose). I've taken Mucinex DM, Nyquil, Tussinex, Melatonin, EmergenC, Echinecea, and rested a lot. I've sprayed everything I can find with Lysol so no returning sickness and used Burts Bees Wax for my lips when the get dry from breathing through my mouth so much, and for the chapped skin under and around my nose from blowing so much-I think I just rubbed dead skin of my top lip.

I think I finally know the phrase I am sick AND tired.

A new day, bright enough to help me find my way!

I started to write a completely different blog today but it was a little depressing, so I changed it in fear of losing the few readers I already have attracted to my blog. And I thought of some things that make me happy.

Today I'm riding in the car with my cousin, a year younger than I am. She's a little under the weather and we are looking for a place to get some yummy hot chocolate and she says, "I need a Diet Dr. Pepper, a bottle of water and a hot chocolate." Cracked me up!! She's quite funny.

Also, just a little incite on me...I hate forward messages. They annoy me. I think I've been using e-mail for so long that they are mostly the same. Every once in a while, you get a good message. But they are nonetheless distressing. Having said such, I have a great website which sends out a message of the day. It's a way of thinking that says, "live for today. Don't stress about tomorrow and learn from your past." Sounds familiar? Anyway, please go here and sign up for the e-mail. Try them out and read them. They are quite inspiring.

I really had a great weekend with my parents for Thanksgiving. It, of course, was not ideal-never is. I wish our whole family could have been there. I also wish there wasn't a fight over the deviled eggs. BUT, it was fun to relax and have a nice weekend with them. It hasn't happened in a long time and this was nice.

I recently grew a goatee. Actually, I grew a whole beard, like a do every week, and then carved a goatee. I'm not sure if I'll keep it up.

Ok, thanks for listening to my rambling. It's so refreshing to release.

Tell me that I'm so incredible

If you can't tell, I'm on a Buble kick. Eh, what ya' gonna do (shrugs shoulders)

On a completely different note, I'd like to jot down some things I'm grateful for. I've been wanting to post for a while about this and figured Thanksgiving eve eve is the perfect time.

In no particular order, I'm thankful for

1. my new lap top
2. education and the ability to be able to pursue it
3. everything my parents have done to make the above two things possible
4. my religion
5. my testimony
6. living close to my family
7. Michael Buble', Kelly Clarkson and good music in general
8. iGarage
9. Shoes for Crews
10. the temple
11. warranties
12. my imagination
13. others' imaginations
14. Believe
15. my one and only, completely beautiful sister
16. blue contacts
17. roommate pink tie day
18. the Practice
19. hugs, hugs and more hugs
20. the strength to endure ridicule and criticism
21. swing dancing
22. fried turkey
23. Colorado and all the memories and people that are/were there
24. organizational skills
25. monetary stability
26. musicals and those who love them as much as I do
27. confidence, honesty, integrity; basically the Young Women Values
28. three days of work and two days of paid vacation
29. the Atonement
30. cool breeze/Fall weather

The more I want you.

As I sat, sifted through miscellaneous papers and swayed to the soothing sounds of Michael Buble', I found a letter I started to write to my future wife. It was for a work shop at a YSA conference a few years ago hosted by a great couple, Rock-dawg and Donna. I never finished the letter but put it on a list of things I really need to do. It made me think. This past weekend, I went to another YSA conference in Florida. It was a blast! I wish my lazy cousin would post some pictures of me so I could post them on here. Anyway, I was called out in a workshop for being single; especially since I've been home so long from my mission. It really didn't bother me because I know why I'm not married...I'm not dating anyone. I've thought a lot about this recently and I really want to date. It is a little intimidating but I will be dating. So, this letter just made more sense to me. Maybe I need to finish it in order to move on. I know it's a little silly. But, my mom always said to put it on paper and it'll happen a lot easier. So, I'll be writing to the future Sister Garner. Oh, how I love that name. So, here's a toast to you Sister Garner. You'll be across the alter from me soon enough, wherever you are.

The smell of wine and cheap perfume

My day consisted mostly of listening to people tell us how sucky our facility is and then realizing how sucky it really can be to be on the other side of the desk.

I spent the rest of the day going visit some friends who were in need of some spiritual enlightenment in their home. Then, I came home, watched an episode of Glee (guilty), packed for Pensacola, then made an iPod play list for the trip. I tried to keep others in mind just in case they were interested in listening and threw a couple of my personal favorites. FYI...love the new Michael Buble' CD. Thanks Laura.

So, this trip. I really haven't thought much about it. I guess I've been worrying about others getting there that I didn't really think about going myself. I know I'll have fun. I'm rooming with some good kids and I'll enjoy being on the beach in the fall. I'm way pumped about the road trip. I need a break from everything and I really am going to relinquish control. Don't believe me? I am!

Can I get deep?

I know it's late because my thoughts are turning deep. It's a fault my family has. We all tend to over analyze things and especially later in the evening.

I've been thinking about my life recently. There's a lot that I have going for me. However, I wish I had more. I'm in kind of a rut when it comes to relationships. And I don't just mean girlfriend stuff. I mean just friends in general. I don't really view anyone as my "best good friend." I know I have people I can rely on and call up to go lunch-even though some of them bail on me at the last minute. But no one who I talk to on a daily basis that I feel connected to. I'm in no way depressed about this, but it's weird. I'm use to having a close friend. It's weird for me to not have one.

(Squirrel)So, I'm starting school again for the Spring semester. I'll be taking 2 online courses and 2 in class courses through BRCC. Might I say, BRCC is so typically Baton Rouge. It's a laid back kind of place and has a lot of quirks that need to be worked out. Case in point, the website is always going through some kind of change which makes a link or two inoperable. But, it's a great school to attend when it comes to learning criteria, class participation and student awareness. I definitely recommend it!

Ok, I guess I wasn't as deep as I thought I would be.

I've gotta new way to move and I got my own voice!

I went to the dreaded Wal-mart today to get my tires fixed. I was dragging my feet the whole way because I really do not like the Wal-mart. It's gotten worse over the years and I'd much prefer to go anywhere else. I had a nail in one tire and a slow leak in another tire; both purchased at Wal-mart and both with a warranty. I was just going to go to a small tire place to get it fixed but then my mom reminded me of this warranty. I bit my tongue, picked up my tail and drove in.

I arrived to a line full of people. There were two individuals with a basket full each of groceries. I was highly irritated. To add to this, the clerk that was checking these customers was by herself. I was disheartened and looked at this with grim eyes and a realization that I was going to be spending the rest of the afternoon and possibly evening with the cheerful hearts of Wal-mart.

The clerk that checked me in was surprisingly helpful. She checked me in with in a matter of minutes and I went on to do some planned shopping. I arrived back at the tire center and sat to wait to be called. As I witnessed the clerk check out customers, she was pleasant. It made me feel good to know that customer service is still alive. I love seeing her interact with her customers. She called me up and checked me out and was overly helpful.

I will probably not shop at Wal-mart on a regular basis. It's still not my favorite place to be. But I had a good experience and wanted to share it.

Feliz Compleanos

On Novemeber 4, 1981 around 1230, my mom woke up with the urge to go to the bathroom. She went to the bathroom and her water broke. About 6 hours later, I was born. I'm so grateful for me life. Upon retrospect, I'm very fortunate and I love the path I'm headed towards.

Today, I had plenty of birthday wishes from the faithful facebook friends. My mom, a few friends, my sister and a few cousins all called me. Two old friends ev

en called; one of which didn't even know it was my birthday, he was just calling to inform me of his engagement.

My sister made me dinner of delectable fried chicken, Paula Dean's macaroni and cheese and smothered cabbage. She also baked a delicious pumpkin spice

and praline cake.

We posed for an Olan Mills photo.

And then, of course, there is the infamous birthday tradition of the Brandie Kiss.

Then, I came home to my roommates singing me in English and Spanish, Happy Birthday.

But I can't forget, what I did for love

For at least a year, I've wanted a computer manufactured by Apple. I was unsure what kind I wanted or even what kind they offered. A few of my friends had such a computer and I began to slowly study and ask questions to find out if I really wanted...needed one. I have a laptop that was given to my by my parents 6 years ago. It's lasted me through thick and thin. But it came time for me to start thinking about purchasing a new computer. I debated and researched and tried several times to get one. I guess luck would have it that I have crappy credit because I've attempted to get a Dell, HP and a few others by financing but to no avail.

The time came when I realized that I really and truly wanted an Apple product. I tried by my own means but was unsuccessful. I knew I needed a computer for school. It wasn't horrible last year but it would be so much more convenient to have one with me wherever I go. My laptop did not have a long battery life. I can only use it for abo

ut 15 minutes w/o it shutting down. Also, it overheats quite often. So, it was decided. I need a knew computer. And as I've always done, I want the best. This usually means the most expensive. And in this case, it was the same.

I researched the Apple website. I implored the expertise of my friends. I tried the Apple store, the website and my friends and finally figured out I wanted the Macbook Pro!

My amazing parents agreed to finance the cost of this amazing machine. The loan was approved yesterday and today, I couldn't wait any longer. Now, I have my computer. My dream has arrived and I'm thrilled. Thanks to my parents and the amazing Apple company!

Dear Journal

I'm really not sure what's going on in my life right now. I work two jobs and am about to start school again in January. I live with three guys; about to be four. I'm just here. I really would love to be about 5 years in the future. But I'll take my time as it comes and hope for the best.

Today, when I left work, I thought "I wanna hit something, I wanna hit it hard."

Good night.

Tim

Party like it's 1999

Of course, this is a monumental post for a few reasons. First, I've never posted twice in one day, ever! Next, I have a declaration from a very kind couple about my skills as a server. And finally, I'm kinda amazing!

I work at Don's Seafood Hut on two nights a week as a server. I've always loved serving. I did it for two years at a different location for the same company but now I am in Gonzales. It's a great place to work and I really love doing what I do. Well, tonight, my first real table was a couple who seemed like any other table. They were inquisitive of the menu and I was happy to help them. Although, I didn't arrive at work in a good mood, they left me something that was super nice and something I've never received in the 4 years I've been serving. I've received compliments, tips of large proportions (no blank checks) and regulars who have asked for me. But never have I received this:
I was so moved. It completely turned my day around.

Of course, I love hearing compliments and I shared it with everyone. But the real reason for this post is to show everyone two things. First, a compliment is so important. We all need them and it feels so good to get them and to give them. Second, servers are highly trained individuals and should be recognized. We work out butts off, truly for our money. My full time job, there are days that I can work hardly at all, but I will still get paid. If servers don't work a lot, they don't get paid a lot.

As a plea, do not tip your server less than 15%. If you feel you need to, please inform the management as to the reason. Or, if you feel you can't afford it, do take out or fast food. Do not waste a server's time and then leave then any thing less than they deserve. And please acknowledge them if they do a good job! We all need compliments.

I am on my way!

I just woke up this Saturday morning at 1036. It was glorious. I probably could have gone to pee and then jump back in bed, but I decided I needed to get up. I ate a bowl of cereal while I checked my Facebook and make small chit chat with my roommate and then listen to our toilet constantly running. I've already opened the door for a guest in our house and felt the cool breeze of Fall. This is definitely the best time and my most favorite season of the year. Yes, my birthday falls in this great Autumn season but it just seems so peaceful. So eloquent. As our Father paints the trees with reds, yellows and oranges. As the wind blows almost every day. As Jupiter's moons are easily visible...all in a straight row. It's a great time of year. (side note: another roommate just started whistling, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." Now, I know Christmastimme claims that carol, but it was fitting for my point.

My iPod broke a few months ago. I was on my Colorado trip and I noticed that it wasn't holding a charge. It made me very sad. She's old and it was probably her time. Plus, it was a refirbished one and I got it for pennies. I feel I got the most out of it. So, as all of you may or may not know, I've been obsessing over a MacBook Pro. I probably caruse the Apple website more than a few times a week. Ok, so like everyday, don't hate! I was looking at some of the other iPods available. I really wanted an iPod touch. However, I couldn't see spending $200 on it when it holds the same amount of songs as a Nano. I also couldn't see spending any money on something new unless I knew that my iPod Classic was kaput. I brought it to the Apple store, turned it in for what I thought might be an in patient surgery and left my baby there. I got a phone call with in a few hours...the jury's back already? There was nothing they could do to save my innocent friend but they could offer me a replacement one for the $129. OR I could get an brand new iPod Nano for $149 and then take 10% off with the recylce program. So, that's indeed what I did. The new Nano has a lot of neat features. I can't wait for my MacBook Pro so I can fully appreciate the Apple nation. But, I am on my way, I can go the distance!

Not a *BLANK* thing

I just had a conversation with my roommate. I really want a family. I was actually looking at a blog of some friends with an adorable child and I yelled, "I want kids." He asked what I was doing about the situation. I replied, "Not a damn thing." He told me that there are many ways I can do this. It made me laugh. The first two were adoption and then kidnap a child. Then he said I probably can't adopt any children...obviously. He also thinks that Wikepedia has all the answers.

I was also told that I haven't entered a blog recently. My life has been less than thrilling. Although, my new desire is to obtain a MacBook Pro. I think I've always had expensive tastes. For instance, when shopping for school clothes earlier in my life, I'd normally come to my mom with articles of clothing to which my mom would exclaim, "did you have to pick the most expensive..." Also, I just had to have a Dyson, which I now love! And now, I need a new computer and I really only want the best. And the best is a MacBook Pro. I know it's expensive, but it's the best, and don't I deserve the best? So, hopefully, within a month or so (before school starts) I'll have one.

Speaking of school, I spoke to a counselor yesterday at BRCC. I'll be starting classes again in the fall. Not sure how I'll afford paying for a computer and classes and still finding time to acutally do the classes. But I'm doing it.

A fun day at work

Today, I had an interesting day while at work. All I really want to say about it is stand up for what you believe in. Don't allow anyone to tell you differently than what you feel is right! Sometimes, it may be hard, but always think down the road. If you don't speak out today, the next time something happens you may need to use the last offense in this defense.

Funny you should ask...

To recap my last few months...
I've been steadily working away at the NMC.
I went to Colorado for my 99 Class reunion. Suprisingly, I really enjoyed myself at the reunion. I knew I'd love seeing my old friends and hanging out in the gorgeous mountains that make up the Rocky range. But to actually go the reunion, I was a little skeptical. I really enjoyed seeing people that I haven't seen in a while. I shook hands with people who I didn't think knew me in high school, but knew my name and were actually excited to see me. We toured our high school and saw a lot of great new additions and changes to it's structure! I really wish I could have seen a few of the teachers, but it was still so much fun. I loved hanging out with some of my close friends while traveling through the great state of Colorado! It sincerely was such a great trip.
Before my trip, my new roommate Michael and I found a great place to live. I was the only one to scope it out before the actual agreement was made; I was a little concerned with all that pressure. But it turns out to be a great place indeed! My old roommate/landlord wanted me out by the end of July, but I was in CO during that time. He and my new roommate were kind enough to move all of my stuff to the new apartment for me! It was such a relief to come home and find everything already moved!
I settled in for a few days and then another great friend of mine came down for a week. I took off another week and we did things that frightened fish! We went to Avery Island; the Laura, Shadows on the Teche and San Francisco plantation homes; and then toured New Orleans. It was great to catch up with Stephanie; we haven't seen each other since before my mission, about 8 years ago...eek! We both have changed but for the better, we decided. We've matured and it was really neat to see someone who knew me when I was a "kid" and to now see me as more of an adult and notice the difference.
Right before Stephanie got here, I developed a crappy cough. I took some meds/herbals/vitamins and I still have an annoyance version of it, but nothing too serious. It's so much better, except for when I "honk" in the middle of sacrament meeting.

"Hey, whatcha' doin?" "Runnin!"

A movie quote as the title of my blog, from one of my favorites. Can anyone guess it?

So, my 10 year class reunion is coming up soon; 2.5 weeks. I definitely look different than I did when I went to school. I never really thought, though, that I'd do much about it when it came down to it. I'm sure I'm at least 40 lbs heavier than when I graduated and I know I won't lose it in time. However, I looked in the mirror a couple of days ago and seriously frowned. So, I started running. It'll at least help me feel better by the time I go. PLUS, I'll have better lung capacity for when I travel to a place 3,000 feet higher than here. I actually like running. I like the way it helps my body feel better and definitely eases tension. It also helps me to keep myself limber. I'm so afraid I won't be able to play with my kids, whenever I have them. Honestly, I need to find a dance partner to go dancing with.

Ok, enough random thoughts for tonight.

Visually impaired

I'm still fairly new to the whole contact scene. I know Ouizer has been a pro at contacts for years but my eyesight has been good for my whole life; until about 2 years ago. I've had contacts, now, for about 3 mos. I can put them in without getting frustrated with myself or dropping the contact in the sink or down my shirt or shouting at myself in the mirror "You can do this, now c'mon." Well, I've been trying to build up a tolerance for using the contacts longer than they are prescribed for. Everyone else says they wear theirs longer than they are told to.

This week was somewhere in the 3-4 weeks range for this certain pair of contacts. I was at work-in front of a computer and I had this headache and I knew it was from the contacts. So I went to the bathroom to take them out. I took the left one out like normal and then reached over to take the right one out with my left hand. After doing so, I noticed that my left eye contact was gone and I must have dropped it. I looked around but couldn't find it. I threw my right contact away, shrugged my shoulders and went back to work.

The rest of the day, though, things were weird with my vision. Everything was so blurry out of my left eye. My right eye was a little blurry too but not too much out of the ordinary. The next morning, I woke up and the problem was still there. I got really worried. I went all that day and afternoon wondering what was wrong with my left eye. As I was sitting that evening, in my institute class, I was rubbing my right eye because it was sore. Wouldn't ya' know it, my contact popped out. As I played my internal tape back, my left contact must have slid into my right eye when I extracted the right one. EUREKA! I even slept with it in and didn't even notice. INSANE! I was so happy. Ok, so, I'm simple and cute, but this was amazing and I'm happy that I'm not going blind as quickly as I thought.

The Last Task

I attend a class on Tuesday nights called Institute. It's a scripture based study program for young adults. This semester we are studying the parables of Christ from the New Testament. One of our assignments this semester was to write a parable. I've written mine and posted it below. Enjoy!

The Last Task

by Timothy Garner

After the end of a long day, an aged woman came to her final task. The new job she acquired left one room to be cleaned in this home of extravagant size. With her grayed hair matted and plastered to her head with sweat and grime, she wiped her brow and rolled her stained sleeves past her elbows. As her wise eyes surveyed the room, she thought this would be the quickest of all the rooms she’s cleaned thus far and her day would end shortly.

She filled her trusty metal bucket with warm water mixed with cleaning solution. She placed her moistened rag to the mirror and wiped the stained, spotted glass. As she scrubbed, the room began to appear brighter as the light from above reflected. A pair of lips creased into a smile and met the gaze of its owner. She spoke a sigh of completion. She next moved to the counter, the sink, under the soap dish, around the stainless steel faucet. As her rag became dirtier with every wipe she realized this dirt had been here for a while and it took a little more effort to release it from its resting place. She moved to the tub.

She drew back the curtain and realized her quick thought job would be much longer. She knelt down; scrubbed, polished and made things shine like before; clean. Her task was almost complete. She swept the floor and then removed the rug from its place. As she did, she realized that the floor use to be pristine white but now was an off color. Her shoulders dropped. She was tired. Sweat poured into her eyes but she pressed on. As she ran down the bristles of her brush upon the tiled floor, she knew it would never be as white as it originally was. She was so worried that it wouldn’t be clean. Her long job was not yet complete and how could she call her work complete. On a stroke forward, her brush slipped through the suds on the floor and her body collapsed on the wet soapy floor. She began to pick herself up when she heard footsteps in the hall. The owner of the house was returned.

Before she could think, he entered the bathroom. He bent down and grabbed her elbow and helped the woman to her sore feet. By now, she was crying. He wiped the tears from her worn eyes and asked, “Why are you crying?” She looked at him and did not know where to start. But without thought, she said, “ This floor will not be any cleaner than it is now and I’m very worried that you would not have me in your house any longer. I have done all I can.” His smile made her heart stop and then he replied, “Please, leave this floor for me. I will replace every tile. The floor will be white again and made new.” Her worn eyes sparkled as he guided her out of her last task.

Many manly lessons learned

Almost 2 weeks ago, I pulled into the institute parking lot and my car sputtered a bit. I thought it was strange, but then again, I'm not a mechanic(please remember this fact as you continue reading this post). As I departed my meetings, my car wouldn't start. Now, I've had car problems before. Luckily, my father and uncle's knowledge of vehicle maintenance far surpasses my own. But this car calamity could not have occurred at a less than opportune time! I was in the midst of planning a huge she-bang for the Young Single Adults for my church. I needed a vehicle all day Friday to run errands and it wasn't looking good. However, my father took his day off and drove from Ville Platte to help fix it. About 4 hours, a good $200, some choice words, and 4 middle aged men later, my vehicle was up and running. My uncle said that my fuel filter needs to be changed out at least every other oil change. My oil needed to be changed that day, but I waited. The problem existed because my fuel filter was clogged and it over-worked my fuel pump and it died. Needless to say, I'll replace the $10 fuel filer as apposed to the $120 fuel pump.

This past weekend, I went to my parent's house for Easter. We enjoyed ourselves. My main reason for going out there was the shoot guns. I own two rifles, a .22 and a .270. I've shot the both a few times, but not in the past 10 years or so. I really wanted to feel comfortable with them since they are mine. I'm not an NRA member, but I definitely feel it's my responsibility if I ever have to provide for my future family, how to shoot. So, we drove out to a gorgeous park by the Atchfalya River where a shooting range is. We shot my .22 and my dad's 9mm. It was enjoyable. I felt a little scared at first, but more confident as I learned how they worked. After we returned home, my dad showed me how to clean them. Not only did it make me feel better about myself, but it also was a nice bonding moment with my dad!

Now, back to my car. I changed my oil Saturday. This is the second time I've done it by myself-remember, not a mechanic!! But I did so and asked my dad to change my fuel filter and show me how. He did so. On my way back home today, I glanced down at my gas gauge and noticed it was decreasing quite rapidly. In a matter of 3 miles, I lost about a 1/4 tank of gas. I pulled into a gas station, put my car in park got out to notice that gas was spilling out of my the location where my fuel filter is. I immedeately turned off my car and said a prayer. I've learned praying is a lot more effective than cussing, try it! I put my car in neutral and rolled it forward so I didn't have to lay in gasoline. I looked under where the filter was and notice that a clip was not tight around the filter. I tried to fix it myself, but later down the road, realized it wasn't completely fixed. I called my dad to help out. He walked me through the steps. Even though I was smart the first time, frustration took over the second and I laid in a small pool of gas. After several minutes of playing with it, I heard the magical "click". It was in place. As I drove the rest of the way home, my eyes were glued to the gas gauge. I thanked my father in heaven that something more serious didn't happen and I was able to replace it.

Prayer works, my friends. And thanksgiving must follow!

Until he's fine'

"The time has come, for one and all..." I have now read two series of books. I've read more books in the last year than I've read in my whole lifetime. I just finished the Harry Potter series about an hour ago. I think it took me about 9 months, can anyone else correct me on that? I can't quite remember when I started them, but it's done.

Since the Deathly Hallows is fresh on my mind, I will discuss it. If you have yet to read them and wish to still be surprised, stop reading now! STop it! STOP!!!

Ok. The book was packed till the very end. There were some slow spots during the forest camping scenes, but all together the book moved quickly. Hermione cried a lot. Harry was completely arrogant and much too iconic-like. I loved the fact at the end where he called him Riddle. However, Riddle's death left something more. I completely see the reason why he died the way he did. I see the simplistic symbolism that he died by his own hand and by the same spell that wounded him in the beginning. Also, that Harry didn't need to kill him. But it left me wanting more.

The epilogue was enjoyable and made me smile. I loved the fact that Harry named his children after his parents and Albus Severus. And please know, I NEVER gave up on Severus. He was my sad little boy who never got picked throughout the whole series. I rooted for him.

The series is recommended! If you haven't read them back to back, I suggest it!

Well done J.K. I would love to meet you one day!

The saga continues

So, my contacts. I'm not completely sure the contact in my right eye is the correct Rx. The left one feels just fine, except for when it's in all day. But the right one needs to help, I'm sure.

As far as Harry Potter goes, he's just seen his Aunt and Uncle for the last time and realized that Dudley actually thanks him for saving his life. GO FIGURE. If you're a HP fan, you'll know which book I'm on.

So, I watch Oliver tonight for the first time. I really enjoyed it. It's got a great story even though Nancy is an absolute twit and, well, you'll have to watch it.

I see that it's needful for me to obtain another place of residence. If you can tell me where that quote is from, I'll love you forever. My roommate is getting married and I am no longer welcome in his home. Well, that sounds dramatic, doesn't it?! So, I'm looking on Craig's list for a new room to call my own for my life has been altered and once it can change again. (if you can name that quote, I'll give you a huge hug-no cheating!!) I have found a few places, here's a laugh for ya. Bytheway, these are only a few places I've considered.

For one place, the owner of the home asked me e-mail him a picture of myself. Yeah, I know.

Another place, one of the roommates was discussing his hip surgery and how he's on disability. The other one said he was just laid off-but oh, it get's better. The first roommate had his shirt off and I noticed his huge scar. I mentioned it and he preceded to pull his pants down to show me three more scars on his butt. Yeah, I know!

Needless to say, I'm still looking. I mean, who pulls their pants down on the first visit?

It was so nice to meet you...SO nice!

Pet Peeves and Happy Memories

I'm sure it's been done before on other blogs, but never have you seen it done here before. Here ya' are, my top pet peeves. Of course it's not all of them-too many to list. In no order, mind you:

1. Improper grammar use; mainly in writing
2. When people interrupt me
3. When people interrupt me to say something irrelevant
4. Sore throats
5. The phrase, "appreciatcha"
6. Laziness
7. Lying; just tell me you're not going to do something as opposed to telling me you are and then not do it
8. Serious conversations through text messages
9. Cats
10. Olivia the cat
11. Secrets
12. Pranks
13. Improper testimonies; i.e. "fiber of my being", "I love my roommates/girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse", stories and/or reading the scriptures-it's not a talk
14. Friends who aren't real friends
15. body hair-too much or the lack thereof
    
16. "BookS of Mormon" or even worse, "Book of Mormons", let's try Copies of the Book of Mormon-yay!!
17. Yay, Yeah, Ya, Ye, Yea-use them properly!
18. Being called Timmy with childish overtones.
19. People automatically thinking just b/c I'm the guy, everything will be alright.
20. Making excuses for something instead of doing something about it.
21. People taking money or not giving money that is rightfully yours
22. Sales
23. When people don't acknowledge politeness; if someone holds the door open, say thank you. If someone says thank you, say you're welcome. If you are going straight and someone has to step out of your way or stop so as to not collide with you, say excuse me.
24. ValentiMes Day
25. Shaving

So, as I began writing this list, I figured I needed to off-set it with some happy memories.

1. Getting a new phone
2. Getting contacts
3. The first time someone told me I had a beautiful smile
4. any hug
5. Kissing my mom after her surgery
6. Moving in with my sister
7. The first time someone asked me to play piano in church
8. Singing "Earth Angel" to the Homecoming queen instead of someone else singing to her
   
9. Following the spirit in making the right decision
10. having a full-time job after not having one
    
11. Quitting my job at Ochsner
12. My Dyson
13. Having special friend(s) who thought to get me a Dyson
14. Using my Dyson-it still makes me smile
15. Hugging my parents when I got home from my mission
16. Lunch dates; specifically with Heather
17. Performing.
18. When a girl plans a date for us
19. When someone asks me to give them a blessing
20. Knowing someone's full name for a blessing w/o them telling me
    
21. My Bass Pro pillow
22. The Color Purple
23. Live Musicals
24. Frozen Custard and the friends I eat it with
25. When old friends find you and you can still talk like there was no yesterday!
    

"Some how I'll be strong"

I've been struggling. I think that's a line I've been saying for a good few years. I'd get into that a little bit deeper, but that's for a much more depressing blog and I'm not quite ready for it, yet.

So, some events that have occurred in the last few days. Saturday, Ouizer, Dolly and Clairee went to Hattiesburg to discover a new kind of fun. Well, it would have been nice if it actually was a new kind of fun, but it was just another YSA dance. Ouizer heard about the dance and so we decided to go. The trip was made of a little Kelly, some Pink and a few lougies (sp?). It also consisted of an extended bathroom break, a plunger, a clown and some more potty breaks. Hattiesburg is about 2.5 hours away and the dance wasn't all that. We stayed for about and hour and danced a few songs. Ouizer and I showed off and Clairee and I got a little freaky with some ghetto moves. Ok, I got freaky and Clairee resisted-all in good fun, though!! As we decided to leave, we were met by a few people who were so apologetic about the dance. We told them it really wasn't that bad, but we had to get headed back. In all honesty, it wasn't that bad. It was a small gathering of about 20 kids who were a good 5-10 years younger than we were. So, we peace'd out and went to Checkers and then to Krispy Kreme then spent the rest of the trip trying not to fall asleep!

Yesterday morning (also Saturday) I woke up to play disc golf with a friend of mine. After realizing it was raining, I went back to sleep until I had to get up for school. I love my math teacher. He explains things where it is very easy to understand. Plus, he gets so excited about math. After class, I jumped online and my friend asked if I wanted to play disc golf then. So we went. We met up with another buddy and played nine holes. It was the first time I ever played but I really enjoyed it. In case you're unfamiliar with such a sport, it's the basic principle of golf, but with frisbees instead of balls, no clubs and a cage of sorts instead of a whole. You still have the same basic rules as golf and it's a lot of fun!!! My arm's a little sore, but I'm good for it.

Cats and Contacts

So, I felt like having some alliteration in my post, so I'll talk about them both.

Shehad, my roommate owns 2 cats. The first one, Olivia, he obtained from a friend. She's grey with black stripes and adorably cute. However, she's fiesty. When he first got her-a worthy note, the vet told us she was a he and Shehad named her/him Oliver-she was very sweet and loving. She is still sweet and loving but has an attitude. I really think she's a human trapped in a cat's body. She knows she's not allowed in my room. However, when I leave my door open, she comes on in like she's never been beat, kicked, or sprayed out of my room before. But the minute I say, "Olivia" she squeaks which is cat for "What? I'm not doing anything."

All in all, though, I've realized that cats aren't that bad. I will never personally buy one. But they aren't as horrifically annoying as I thought. Although, early in the morning, before I've had my cereal, when she comes up to me and wraps her body around my legs annoyance plays a huge part in my tone with her.

Contacts. I finally have contacts. Oddly enough, for years, I've always wanted contacts and braces (for teeth). I think my reasoning is I saw a ton of kids while I was attending elemtary school have either glasses or braces. Then junior high, people seemed to have contacts a lot. I was kind of deprived as a kid. Not deliberately, but I definitely was not given all the luxuries of life, but I was well taken care of. Anyway, it was something I wanted. I got braces when I was 16 and I just got contacts yesterday. They are pretty amazing, when they are not bugging the heck out of me. I'm kinda sick right now, so my body is really dry which makes my eyes dry. So on top of all that, the annoyance of having some foreign object in my eye, having to put a foreign object in my eye and having to adjust to a new perscription definitely makes it hard. However, it's so much nicer to look at street signs with sunglasses on. Now, I don't have to wear glasses all the time when I don't want to. It's definitely a luxury I've wanted for a while.

In addition to the perscription I need for contacts, I also want colored/tinted lenses. I've wanted those for a while too. I've heard some scary stories of them, but I want EVERYONE's opinion. I want to know what people have heard of using them. Especially, if you've used them yourself, what are they like. Give me some feedback, for once!

Two weeks since my last post...

I know it's a lame excuse to write but I'll update ya' on a few happenings in the past week.

I guess the main subject is the end of Glenda and my relationship. As of Friday, 16th of January, we are no longer together. Due to my OCD, this just so happened to be our 1 year anniversary of our first date. If I have such liberty to discuss, I'd like to say that it's completely for the best and we both understand it as such. We both still care for one another and probably always will but our lives must detach from this relationship and press on from here. There are many things I've learned from the relationship about myself, life and relationships in general. It was truly a blessing; a defined chapter in my book.

Another instance is my mom had surgery Monday. She had a necessary, non-emergent surgery which will free her to move better. She will now be able to exercise better and have less back problems. She should be going home tomorrow. On a side note, my parent's dog has been staying with me. She's very timid and skiddish. My roommate decided to pull her out of her cage to play with her. To his surprise, she unloaded her bladder all over my blanket as he held her. I'm sure she was scared and also probably had been holding it all day. Poor thing. Luckily, she's only a Chihuahua and her bladder is not that big!

Lastly, I started school again today. I'm taking 3 classes, all during the evenings. My days: Monday-Thursday will consist of leaving the house at around 0815 and not returning until 2130ish, between work and school. Luckily I have Friday evenings and Saturday to do homework. I'm sure I'll be able to do it. I'll just have to tell myself, "Let's get down to business, to defeat the Huns..."

Great Job!

As I strolled out of the McDonald's this morning, I was a little irritated by a mix-up in my order. Immediately I thought, "I'm going to write about this in my blog tonight." However, as I walked back to my work, another thought crossed my mind, "I love my job." So as an update, I'd like to give a little enlightened view of my new job.

I'm currently working for The NeuroMedical Center as one of the two patient representatives. I assist patients in getting medical records, paying bills, obtaining insurance info/authorizations, and much much more. I'm also a liaison between the MD's and the pts. It's a very intense job, but a laid back working enviornment. Most of the physicians are laid back and kind. Our staff is supportive and fun to be around. Plus, we're in a great area that's peaceful to walk around during lunch. If I choose so, I can drive home-I'm so close, like 7 minutes. It's a great blessing.