Confessions of a Clone

Almost There....

2009-11-23T18:09:40Z

I just finished a Calculus Exam and am sitting around for my Forestry class with a very insistent ache squeezing my head. Is it from not drinking coffee this morning? I hope not. That would mean that my body is even more pathetic than I originally thought!

Only an exam and a paper to go.

Thanksgiving, come to me....

sheepish grin

2009-11-22T06:24:33Z

Ha... Well. It has been a while. Not that anyone would really care. :P

So, college. Yeah. I'm a sophomore. Do I have a major? No. Do I want a major? Yes. Am I any closer to finding out a major than my freshman semester? No.

I took a Forestry 100 class this semester just to see if that would be up my alley. It stinks. It's history. It's people that did lots of forestry things but we never really talk about forestry itself. *sigh*So that one is out, unless the Lord really opens up some doors. :)

I am possibly considering getting certified as an EMT. Don't know about that, though. That would require transferring colleges, and I'm leery about doing that because I'm so pathetic and unsure and basically scared that it wouldn't work and then what would I do then????? Also, I don't know if I would be good in high-pressure situations. And that's, you know, kinda important.

Yep, trust in God. The easiest thing to say, one of the hardest things to actually put into practice, control freak that I am.

In other news, my older sister is courting (yes, courting :)) a guy from our church. He's a great guy, really funny... And I do believe that it won't be long till he pops zeh question. I'm kindaveryyesyesyes excited about that (no more commuting with older sis! It may sound like a mean sentiment.... But I don't mean it that way.... I just like having the car when I need it!).

My two boys are still doing well, praise God. Tonk's hips are bothering him a little more than usual, but Mom's bought him some junk to help with that. I still love them. :P

Some little quickies that I have learned over the past year (and some random things and thoughts about nothing in particular) before I exit for who knows how long:

The new Star Trek is amazing.

I get to take Ultimate Frisbee as a class next semester.

God is good and merciful even when I'm a jerk and self-absorbed and selfish and generally mean

Huge tomato fights are ridiculous

Paintball hurts

Paintball is fun

It's scientifically possible to gain weight by looking at food

It's scientifcally impossible to lose weight by exercising and eating right ( -_-)

I'm a lot prouder than I thought

I not a one-in-a-million person as I previously thought

It's hard for me to make friends (O_O)

God is a lot bigger than my puny perception of Him

The Gospel is infinitely more amazing than I could ever hope to comprehend

Wow, it's been a long year. Also, I am never going to say that I'm going to post pictures again. 'Cos I never do.

Dog Parties, oi

2008-12-15T04:17:55Z

So the braces come off tomorrow! I'm so excited!

Right now, however, my pinky finger on my right hand is hurting like the devil due to a piece of skin getting completely ripped off yesterday (that, unfortunately, due to my boyz. Since we live out in the boonies, I didn't make the effort to socialize them extraordinarily well with other dogs. Tank's the worst. Although he's a darling to people, and to dogs that he is comfortable around, he's very protective of me. And I also think that he considers himself to be the Alpha in our Valley, so... When strange dogs are around me and two female dogs that he's familar with, things aren't happy. So anyways, I brought Stu and Tonk to a neighbor's dog party on Saturday, expecting there to only be one strange dog. There ended up being three. *headdesk* In my admittedly futile attempt to hold back two big dogs, my finger somehow got caught in the metal of Stu's collar and the skin totally ripped off. My boyz spent the remainder of the party in timeout with me. JS did better [I think he was uptight because Big Brother was], and Tank calmed down as well--he no longer sounded like he was going to tear the offending dog apart. He never settled around the Boxer, though. Funny thing is, we have a neighbor dog who's also a boxer and Tank hates him. I think he's racist. :P)

Coming up soon (hopefully) I'll be posting pics of my Boyz (including the horse boyz, maybe) dressed up! I even dressed Stu up as Leo. He was ridiculously funny. :)

Heeeee!

2008-12-11T21:15:10Z

So I found that I have a very weak resolve. I mean, it's nothing new; I walk into a store, see something (typically food, lol) that I just have to have, and indulge myself (conversely, I'm also a terrible miser. Go figure). Anywho, I finished my LAST exam for the SEMESTER today (W00t! First semester in college done! Only 7+ more to go!) and decided to go Christmas shopping. After stopping at Walmart, I pulled in to Target and was busy finding Christmas items, and all that. So I was looking through the DVDs, right? Looking for those animated Clone Wars episodes for the kids that I used to babysit (and if they invited me over to watch it with them, that would be okay with me :P), ya know? And there it was, for a low price of $10.99; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: NINJA TRIBUNAL. <_< >_> -_-

I had to have it. And so I bought it for myself as an end-of-the-semester gift.

In other news, MY BRACES COME OFF ON MONDAY! *happy dance*

Mac

2008-12-08T04:04:00Z

So I found out that my computer has Windows Movie Maker on it. Spur of the moment, I created a slideshow about Mac. *cries* I miss that boy so much!

In Memory of Mac.

Dog Stuf

2008-10-29T19:37:11Z

So Tank's test results came in (thanks for the hug, Aslo! :)), and he does not have hyperthyroidism. So, bad news is that we don't know what's causing his shaky legs, good news.... Well, he doesn't have it, I guess. But anyways, I went running yesterday and put Tonk in the garage (I live in the boonies; about 70 acres of land surround us with around 5 families per 10 acres, I think. Anyway, all the dogs roam free with no fences/tie-out chains. Certainly not the best, but that's how we've done it for years with no repercussions.). Anyhoo, Jeb Stuart went running with me, smiling and happy. We both had a pretty good time. We both come back home, me with my MP3 still blaring, him running up the driveway to meet two neighbor dogs (Luke and Toby) that had been waiting on their mom to go home (she was visiting with my little sister).

So.

I'm halfway up the hill when I look up into the front yard and see Luke on top of Stuart, snarling, teeth bared, hackles raised, and Toby heckling Stuart, too. I rip off my headphones and hear Stuart crying and take off running, screaming at Luke (who jumped off Stu-man when he heard me coming) to get the heck off my pup. After I chased them down the driveway (the Lord had mercy on them; had I been within kicking distance, I would have, unfortunately), having to tie up Jeb Stuart 'cos he didn't realize that I was angry at the two dogs who beat him up---he wanted to come with me to chase them, I inspected JS. Poor boy has a puncture on the side of his head in front of his ear, a few shallow gashes in his muzzle and on the top of his head. :( Thankfully, they weren't bleeding, but I put some furizone (sp?) on the puncture wound.

But when I went outside later to put him and Tank in the garage for the night, Stu had a little bit of blood on his fur, surrounding the marks. :(

Coulda been a lot worse, I suppose.

Tanky Update!

2008-10-27T23:55:13Z

Hey hey!

Dado took Tank to the Vet today for his eye (and, secondarily, for his shaky, Elvis leg :)). First of all, everyone loved him. Second of all, Tank weighs a whopping*109 lbs*!!!! HEY HEY! He lost 30 lbs since his last visit a year and a half ago! :) :) :) NO MORE FAT JOKES FOR TANK, HOOOOOOOO! Vet said that he was at an "ideal weight." And Dad said that the receptionist gave him a milk bone for dieting so well. :)

Anyways, the vet diagnosed Tank with a cholesterol build-up on his eye (Corneal Dystrophy, I think?). And, get this: Tanky's shaky legs might be related to his eye. O_0 They did a blood test (results will be in tomorrow), and they think that Tonk might have a thyroid problem. So! Good news, good news, praise God! The vet said that it was very treatable (yeah!). :) Also, he's got a very mild case of hip dysplasia (as expected), so we'll be starting him on joint supplement today.

So all in all, it was a very encouraging report.

Thanks to aslowhite for the Tonk hug; he said that it made him feel very happy! :)

Aging.....

2008-10-25T16:24:08Z

I think my Tanky has a cataract forming in his left eye. Who knew that this could be so devastating?

Embarrassed Addendum

2008-10-08T03:24:53Z

The Astronomy test? I got it back like a week ago. There in blood red was 22.5. -_- So I call Mom (disappointed, but not too distraught 'cos I was expecting to do badly on it) and tell her the bad news. But anyway. Right next to the Score from Hell was circled 77.5 (in red). But I, in my illogical state of mind, said to myself, "Oh, this must be the curve that he gave me" (I've never had any curved grades in my life, and this was my first time dealing with them..... That's my very poor excuse). Thankfully, I looked at the grading scale (kinda confused about seeing how low the standards were for "A's" and "B's", and wondering how anyone could get an "F" if he "curved" me up by 55 points) and saw that I had made a high B (another wonderful thing--everyone did badly on the test; the highest score, I think, was an 89.5). Anyways, I went to talk to my Prof today to see what I needed to do to do well in the class.

Him: As I understand, you did pretty well on the first test.

Me: o_O *thinking to myself, "22.5? Good?"* Haha, only with the curve you gave me!

Him: *strange look*

Then I got to thinking and came to the realization; I didn't make a 22.5 on my exam! I made a freakin' 77.5. Cue the huge jaw drop on my part.

After I got out of his office, I whipped out my exam and, to my eternal embarrassment, saw that there was an innocuous, little, minus sign in front of the 22.5. -_-

It's a good mistake to make, I guess! It's been a learnin' experience, that's for sure.

In other news, I made Muscadine grape juice all by myself! It's gooooooood. AND. ANTHEM. What is Anthem, you ask? It's a fantabulous retreat hosted by my student ministry, VFC, that starts this Thursday. Phenomenal speakers, wonderful time of worship and relaxation, and..... They have paintball. And Ultimate Frisbee. And puddle jumping.

Domination: Not Good Unless I'm the One Doing It

2008-09-23T17:56:56Z

Astro exam was worse than expected. I so got dominated.

*sigh*

Exams and such

2008-09-23T01:04:36Z

Really just a griping post.

I don't like studying for big exams. Especially when the Fam is in the other room watching a movie. :(

I'm having trouble finding balance when it comes to college and studying. I don't know what qualfies as obssessive. On the flip side, I don't know what qualifies as slacking off. And I sure as heck don't know if I'm being diligent enough in studying for exams, or if I'm taking too much free time. I mean, every time I had a test in highschool--whether I was prepared or not--I always felt nervous. Always. Without exception. Even when I was prepared, I certainly never felt prepared.

Such is the case with Astronomy.

Love my Prof. He's a sweet, older guy who has a very friendly, open personality (and if I do bomb the exam tomorrow, I wouldn't hesitate to approach him with my questions). I don't have a problem with him; I like him. But the sheer amount of information that he's having us study is a bit.... Overwhelming? Most of this stuff is kind of a review, but it's a lot of stuff to remember. And....... He might want us to draw a picture demonstrating something astronomical. O_O

...... I can't draw to save my life, much less something scientific.

*sigh*

Just needed to get that off my chest. Going back to studying now.

Basically, it would be awesome if Donnie'd come over and help me out with this stuff.

Income

2008-09-17T21:03:47Z

So. I began my career as a college student this year.....

It's kinda difficult, you know? Being a full-time student and trying to find a way to make money. I'm not so much as looking for an actual job than trying to discover ways to make money. Before starting college, I had a wonderful job in baby-sitting my neighbor kids (they're awesome; and, actually, they also were instrumental in getting me interested in TMNT :)), but I obviously can't do that my first semester (Older sis and I commute 40 minutes away). I still live at home, which is a blessing, but I would feel much better if I had a source of income. I mean, presents for birthdays, and Christmas need money, not to mention much-needed gasoline and the occasional splurge on a Starbucks latte (for mental health, ya know?).

So. If Mom and Dad let me (since I do live with them!), I am so going to sell my plasma. I figure $30 or so a week, 4 weeks in a month, not too shabby.

It occurs to me that I'm actually kind of pathetic.

They're baaaaaaaaaack!

2008-09-13T21:34:19Z

I totally just got to watch the first episode of TMNT: Back to the Sewers. Have to say, I love it. Completely and utterly. Lots of people have been griping about the animation changing, but really, it didn't seem that much different from *shudder* Fast Forward. And the eyes. I lovelovelove the eyes that the guys have now!

Best part about it? ~~Cody finally and completely gone for good~~ Besides Raphie? Mike and his uber-awesome jokes. He was in peak form! :D
Also, I actually really like the theme song; like, really really like it. To the extent where I watch it over and over and over again.

Yep; I'm a geek. And loving every minute of it!

Aww....

2008-06-30T14:29:28Z

This summer has been crazy! In a good way, but crazy nonetheless. My parents took myself and my sisters on a family vacation to HAWAII (it was AWESOME). The day before we left, I had gotten some friends together to play an intense game of Ultimate Frisbee (and I'm still sore in some places; it was like four weeks ago). Then after that there was the college prep stuff; and we can't forget cleaning/painting my youth leaders' house.

And in the next few weeks? It's going to be even busier!

Ultimate Frisbee/Pizza dinner at my house, Paintball tournament (hopefully), another Ultimate Frisbee game, hiking/looking for salamanders in the mountains, spending a few days at the grandparents house, an appreciation dinner for my youth leaders..... *whew*, this summer is SWAMPED! And I'm lovin' it.

I have been introduced to 24. And I love it. I'm only three episodes into it, but wow. Fast-paced, gritty, and so full of spectacularess-ness. But WHAT is the fandom that has lately been taking up all my time besides Bonanza? S.W.A.T. The pitifully under-appreciated show with little character development but wonderful characters (not to mention one really good-lookin' guy.....). There are no fansites for this show; I've only found 2 (two!) fics on it. So what have I been doing? Erm, putting my favorite guy, Luca, through the wringer, that's what. Give 'im some development cause he deserves it! Heeee.

*sigh* It's good to have downtime.

diez

2008-05-23T03:23:48Z

Oh, golly. Yesterday I had the most hysterical encounter with a guy.

So my friend and I went on a celebratory trip to a nearby theme park. While standing in line, we were situated behind four 8th graders, two of which were an "item." Seriously, they were hanging on each other like ivy on lattice. It was disgusting. But anyways, this one guy was obviously embarrased by his friends' obvious affection for one another and began talking to us. Then, he found out that I had been a homeschooler. His reaction?

O___o

Honestly, I believe that some people think that homeschooled kids are unsocialized freaks who can't hold a decent conversation with anyone. He was gaping at me, and glancing back and forth between my friend and I. He was so in shock that it was rather sad.

But boy was it funny, after the slight annoyance had worn off!

Horse Troubles

2008-05-09T03:19:21Z

I just found out tonight that my parents are thinking of selling one of our two horses, Bo.

Now, Bo is officially my younger sister's horse. I am a self-professed dog lover; I like horses (I love our two boys), but dogs are my passion. And during Bo's time with us so far (roughly 10 months), I've only ridden him a handful of times. He's actually really cool; he moves smoothly from gait to gait (most of the time) and is usually obedient and even-keeled. Except when tacking up.
This one vice is why we might sell him. We bought him knowing that he had this problem, but figured with a little work and TLC he'd turn out fine. When tightening his girth, Bo bolts backwards. After my Dad, Mom, older and younger sister worked with him the first week nonstop, Bo stopped doing it almost completely. But recently (due to younger sister being intimidated by him a few weeks ago by getting bucked off), he's just been grazing in the field like a pasture ornament. And so, when she finally does decide to saddle him up, and he flies backwards, she gets more intimidated and doesn't do squat with him. Now, I can understand being intimidated by an animal, especially one as large as a horse; but if he's your pet, your responsibility, you should see this as a regression and, out of love for the animal, attempt to build a relationship with said animal. That's what younger sister lacks with Bo that my older sister has with her horse, Goose. Older sister loves Goose enough work with him. And I'm not sure that younger sister has the inclination to form such a bond with Bo.
Anyways, I found out tonight that my parents are thinking of selling Bo. And they haven't told younger sister, and I'm not sure when they'll drop the bomb. Now, I was critical towards younger sis; but not knowing that your pet is about to be sold is one of the worst feelings ever. I think that if she did know that she'd work more diligently with him. But I don't even know if she feels enough love for him that she's willing to make that sacrifice, ya know? (As a disclaimer: younger sis does love Bo. I just don't know if her love is deep enough).

So here's the dilemma. Does an older sister (namely, me) need to hint around that if she doesn't put her rear into action and work with Bo that something really bad will happen? Especially without the parent's permission? This is the question that perhaps saddens me the worst about this situation. Not to mention that I'd be losing a member of my family.

If anyone is so inclined, prayer is appreciated.

Starsky and Hutch

2008-05-02T18:34:02Z

Oh, dear. Another fandom has entered my life. Yes. Yes. Starsky and Hutch are officially amazing. And Hutch is the man. Why, oh why did I not watch this show on Tv Land? Now I'm forced to scavenge the vast expanses of Google to find dregs of episodes! Sigh.....

random_clone @ 2008-05-01T23:26:00

2008-05-02T03:30:04Z

So another birthday has come and (thankfully) gone. Don't know if anyone else feels this way, but the past few birthdays have just been emotionally taxing. Not like "Oh, I'm getting older" taxing, but depressing. I mean, my family is awesome, and I have no reason to feel the way I do but... I just do, ya know? Weird. I feel much more comfortable when it's day to day activities and it's not all about me, me, me.

But anywho, this message is being typed from a brand new, XPS, Dell laptop. And it's the perdiest shade of red (HAHA! My fam doesn't even KNOW the significance of the RED! You know how you can name your computer? I originally named it Qwerty, but now I might name it Raph!)

Final Week

2008-04-23T01:44:15Z

So I'm feeling kind of stressed. But it is my final week of school (not to mention my final week of highschool ever!). But I also have a really, humongous, WESTERN CIV test on Thursday.

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *STRESSED* AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!! I'MSICKOFSCHOOL!!!!

Happy Birthday!

2008-04-08T02:45:26Z

Happy 1st birthday to my silly Golden Boy!

random_clone @ 2008-04-03T21:19:00

2008-04-04T01:23:32Z

First time "officially" that I've used my 100mm Canon macro. I'm astounded at the utter detail captured by it! Who'da thunk that one could fit a house in a minuscule water drop?!

These pics aren't spectacular, but I'm eager at the potential of getting better.

random_clone @ 2008-03-27T00:40:00

2008-03-27T04:43:45Z

Will the horrors never cease.

Older sister just woke up "not feeling good." And I just received news that some neighbors (who had gone through the same virus I had) had contracted another stomach bug; this one worse.

Right now, I'm in my basement with everything that I need to subsist for several days (minus, erm, food...). Never in my life have I had to rely so much on the fact that the Lord knows what He's doing.

Phew

2008-03-25T16:43:57Z

It's amazing how often I take things for granted. Say, for example, a TOTALLY NAUSEOUS FREE STOMACH! YES! IT HAS PASSED!

Good thing, too. The 30-Hour Famine is this Friday, after all.

It's Official....

2008-03-24T14:32:10Z

... I'm sick as a dog.

random_clone @ 2008-03-24T09:12:00

2008-03-24T13:17:45Z

Lord have mercy. I think I might have a stomach virus. Woke up around 0730 and felt slightly nauseous, but didn't think much about it--occasionally I feel nauseous when I'm really hungry. But the feeling persisted till 0830 and I began to get worried. Now, my stomach's on a full blown rollercoaster. *groans*

Thank God for Ginger Ale. Thank God for understanding parents.

I trekked upstairs with ice water and Ginger Ale in hand, opting to forego breakfast and devotions with the Fam. I (foolishly) thought that the fumes of toast and oats would dissipate when I reached my room, but alas not. I sat on my bed, completely miserable. And the smell of toasted bread came wafting through the door. To top it off (this was actually kind of funny), I had my history book sitting beside me. I glanced down and looked at the cover. A person named Joyce Salisbury wrote it. Salisbury. As in, Salisbury Steak. *tries to calm roiling stomach*

Figures