Back in the Saddle Again...

Well, school's officially started back up.

So far, so good, although it's only the start of week 2!!

I have officially decided to change my discipline--don't panic--I'm not changing schools or majors, just getting out of epidemiology and into something a little more pronounceable--sociomedical sciences, which is less statistics based (which we alllll know is one of my least favorite subjects) and more anthropological/sociological/psychologically based.

Of course, it's not like WT where I just had to officially declare I was changing and POOF! it would happen. I have to petition epidemiology to "release" me and then apply for sociomedical sciences (SMS) to accept me. Epi's agreed to "release" me, now I'm just waiting to hear back from SMS. FINGERS CROSSED!!!

Of course in anticipation, in addition to the two core classes I have to take regardless of discipline, the other two courses are from SMS so that I don't waste anymore time.

I think this was the best decision, as I like all my classes--and I don't feel like I'm drowning, which I nearly did last semester. I still have tons of work--more reading actually, but no spending hours trying to grasp the basic concepts.

so for my sanity, can you please keep your FINGERS CROSSED this transfer is approved.

thanks!

in case you're wondering what i'm taking this semester:

Intro to SMS
Environmental Sciences
Social History of American Public Health
Ethics in American Public Health

Alright, speaking of, I have 3 chapters to read for tomorrow...

:-P SHEZ

Here's another....

Yes, another one...a little different....no, still nothing much to report. 3 weeks to class, but pre-school activities start next week! Addy's fine, shedding a lot--just ask poor Christi! Will be posting about her & Tracy's trip when I get pictures back from TK...which reminds me, I also have to post about DC. wow....okay, so apparently I DO have a lot to post about....alright, alright--will get right on it. In the meantime, here you go (the object is to answer using ONE word):

1. Where is your cell phone? table
2. Where is your significant other? nonexistent
3. Your hair? messy
4. Your mother? generous
5. Your father? stubborn
6. Your favorite thing? beach
7. Your dream last night? bizarre
8. Your dream/goal? happiness
9. The room you're in? noisy
10. Your fear? failure
11. Where do you want to be in 6 years? beach
12. Where were you last night? couch
13. What you're not? patient
14. Muffins? sometimes
15. One of your wish list items? love
16. Where you grew up? TEXAS!
17. The last thing you did? commute
18. What are you wearing? clothes
19. Your TV? espn
20. Your pet? adorable
21. Your computer? laptop
22. Your life? lucky
23. Your mood? motivated
24. Missing someone? yep
25. Your car/truck? SOLD!
26. Something you're not wearing? watch
27. Your summer? adventuresome
28. Love someone? yes
29. Your favorite color? GREEN!
30. When is the last time you laughed? saturday
31. Last time you cried? saturday
32. Who will resend this? mystery
33. Who did you last talk to? Philip

:-P SHEZ

A Quick Survey

A few things you may or may not know about me....but in lieu of anything of great interest to report, thought this might tide you over. It's COMPLETELY stolen from Nico's blog :)


WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Does alcohol count? Just kidding Momma...
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? when I can read it...
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? turkey or ham or pimento cheese
DO YOU HAVE KIDS? not that I'm aware of
IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? hell yes!
DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? noooooo.....
DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? to the best of my knowledge
WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? are you freaking nuts????
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? honey nut cheerios
DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? not usually
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? mexican vanilla or amaretto peach pecan, both from Clear River Pecan Co.
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? their eyes
RED OR PINK? rojo!
WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I can be very unforgiving, especially of myself
WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? currently, Geeka.
WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? tshirt, camo capris--both covered in grass stains from working in the yard this afternoon
IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? ORANGE!
FAVORITE SMELLS? the ocean, freshly cut grass, coffee, cookies/brownies/cakes baking
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Christi
HAIR COLOR? currently medium brown/reddish...but wait five minutes
EYE COLOR? blue/green/grey mainly dependent on my mood
DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? yes, although not as often as I'd like due to my eyes drying out
FAVORITE FOOD? momma's mexican casserole, momma's chicken spaghetti, and granny's cream puffs
SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I guess happy endings as I do not do scary movies...unless it's the middle of the day and I have other funny movies lined up to watch after that
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Hancock
WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? white and orange
SUMMER OR WINTER? I prefer Spring or Autumn, yes, I know they weren't options...so I guess if I have to pick, I think I'd go with winter...maybe...
HUGS OR KISSES? kisses!
FAVORITE DESSERT? granny's cream puffs, red velvet cake, creme brulee, and grand marnier souffles
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Phelps get his 8th gold medal!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SOUND? rainstorms, laughter, the stillness of the early morning
ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? The Stones (sorry, Bobby)
WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME. Australia
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I have many special talents, thankyouverymuch!
DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? sometimes too much...

:-P SHEZ

Yes, Yes...

I'm still working (ever-so-slowly) on updating this....but at least I got a picture up now!!

So I'm gonna cheat and post some interesting--some well known, others not so much--and fun facts about me. yes. me. I mean, after all, that's why you're here....or you were bored and had nothing better to do. But of course, as with anything it'll take a bit o' time to compile, but will be more fun than completely rearranging the layout of all my blogs.

Alright, sigh, must now leave one job to go to the other. oh my life. but i guess it's better than the alternative.

:-P SHEZ

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

Yep. I'm redoing everything! So who knows what tomorrow may bring the blog. Becca's helping (thanks man!) and creating all sorts of fun little blips and blops that will make this uber cool (well, aside from the fabulous writing of course!)...

Now would be a great time for you to suggest/comment about things that you liked/didn't like and want/don't wanna see in the improved version...

:-P SHEZ

Forces Beyond My Control

i've had a very, um, interesting day. didn't get as much as i wanted done, but was hindered by forces beyone my control.

it all started innocently enough, i was going to get groceries and head to kmart or sears and look for a weedeater to attack the yard. after groceries, as i'm about to head to kmart/sears, i notice that the sky is looking rather ominous, so i forgo my weedeater opting for bus home instead. it starts POURING 3 minutes before bus arrives. Am completely soaked by the time I board the bus.

get home, dry out a bit, watching yankees game, lounging on couch....raining is continuing...suddenly BIG clap of thunder, BIG lightening....lights flicker on, lights flicker off...then nothing. sigh. wait a few minutes. nothing. call electric company--they've been alerted to the problem and should have it fixed by 8pm (it's now 4pm)...great....so i use my time to the clean house--well as best i could without being able to see, as i've noticed when there's no electricity and it's raining outside it's rather dark downstairs...but with the exception of vaccuuming the rug and laundry, I got it all done.

Meanwhile, electric company called to say that it would be 9pm before electicity is back on. The rain stopped, and I took Addy for a walk. Electric company called to say that it would be 10pm before electricity would be back on...sigh...

I did notice on my walk that the laundry mat up the street (and up the hill) obviously had electricity and is open. Trudge all my laundry (well, the essentials) up the hill...am doing launding, then suddenly I smell....smoke? WTF? one of the washing machines was sparking and smoking! glad it wasn't mine...

ahhh...my life may be many things, but boring just ain't one of them!!

:-P SHEZ

So I'm on the way back from Texas...leave mid-morning (10am we're on the runway) from San Antonio. Fly to Dallas, switch planes with a 2 hour layover in Dallas. Ironically plane from San Antonio to Dallas continues on to JFK in...yes, NYC! but for some strange reason, I have to switch planes (BRILLANT! American Airlines--just BRILLIANT!)

Two hours in DFW is just enough time to grab a quick bite and get to my new gate (3 terminals over)....board plane, take off, no worries. About 3 hours in (of a 3.5 hour flight), pilot comes on and says NYC is having bad weather, we're going to circle for awhile 'til it blows over.
An hour later, pilot announces that in lieu of weather not cooperating we're being diverted to Pittsburgh to wait out storm and refuel. Okaaaaaaaayyyyy.

Land in Pittsburgh. Sit on runway for 45 minutes until a gate becomes open. Pilot announces that weather is better, we're going to refuel and then get going again, but if we want to deplane and walk around a bit, that's fine, we'll start reboarding in 45 minutes. Start reboarding in 30 minutes. YAY! things are looking up!

We're all boarded. Pilot announces traffic into NYC backed up, air traffic control is "asking" us to wait another hour. We deplane. I should now mention that the only place open was a small bookstore--not even McDonald's was open. I should also mention that it's only about 8pm.
2 hours later, we finally reboard. Everyone settles in, gets ready, pilot comes on intercom. LAUGHING. okay, so, let me just interject right now that if your pilot is laughing, it's probably not a good sign. There is a fuel spill on the runway. EVERYONE MUST EVACUATE, but is very assured that we are now professional deplaners and can quickly get off in an orderly fashion.

sigh. so we're not entirely sure HOW long we'll be staying this time....we're all hanging out. I should mention it's now about 10pm and now NOTHING is open in the Pittsburgh Airport. And several planes from Chicago have been sent back to Chicago. OH HELL NO! I WILL NOT GO BACK TO DALLAS 12 HOURS AFTER I ARRIVED THE FIRST TIME!!!

About an hour later, we--hesitantly--get back on the plane. What's this? OMG! we are actually pulling away from the gate, we're heading toward the runway....and we...stop? WTF???? pilot says air traffic control has asked us to sit for about 10 minutes and that come hell or high water, in 15 minutes we were taking off. yeah, right. i'll believe that when i see it.

17 minutes later...we FINALLY--please dear God don't let us crash--take off and then head to NYC!!!!!!!!!! WOO-HOO!!

An hour-ish later, we land at LaGuardia. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY TO SEE QUEENS IN MY LIFE!! Deplane, this time ESTACTIC about it! Head to baggage claim. Wait. Wait. Wait. FINALLY (45 minutes later) luggage arrives, go outside--NOT catching a $75 taxi home--opt to catch the bus, which takes me to the subway, which takes me to the ferry. All goes smoothly....except that subway puts me at ferry at 2:33am. Watch 2:30am ferry sail away. Have another hour wait in the ferry terminal. DROP my suitcase, sit down on the floor of the ferry terminal and started laughing...hysterically....

Finally a nice policeman asked if i was okay...and how much I had to drink....which made me laugh harder, while saying I DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DRINK BECAUSE THE FREAKING BAR AT THE PITTSBURGH AIRPORT WAS CLOSED AND THE PLANE THAT I SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON FOR 3.5 HOURS BUT WAS ON FOR 10 HOURS RAN OUT OF ALCOHOL SO NO...I--AS A MATTER OF FACT--HAVE NOT HAD ANYTHING TO DRINK!

He kindly helped me up...and to a seat--with my suitcase, where I waited for the next ferry...
Finally, 22 hours after I left Momma's house in Texas, I arrive home sweet home.

whew! only me...only me...
:-P SHEZ

Alright, So I Decided...

to have spinach artichoke dip instead of updating my blog...

I was hungry and they no longer serve food on board--unless you're willing to purchase it--or, I'm just now noticing, if you're in 1st class...

I had every intention of doing both, but I couldn't pick up wi-fi in Friday's.

THAT'S my story and I'm sticking to it!!

Alright, they just announced boarding....

:-P SHEZ

But Of Course,

I have lots of catching up to do as per my trip. That might be something fun and exciting to do at DFW in my 2 hour layover. So far, the trip has been fabulous. Mostly a big blur and I can't believe that I only have 3 days left. I'm not ready to leave....and yet, I am ready to be back in NYC (but for the heat, which is about the same as it is here, but you KNOW how much hotter the city and all the asphalt feels), lovin' on my Addy. In case you're wondering, Stella is great. I think adjusting rather well to being an outdoor pupcicle, but seems happy to see me. Momma's built her the taj mahal of puppy pens to keep her from chasing goats--but more importantly to keep her safe from the cows when no one's around to protect her (aka Teresa).

Alright, will fill you in on more later (wedding was FABULOUS and SIMPLE!!), but now it's off to breakfast with Rhonda, lunch with Kathy, dinner with Gretchen and David, lunch tomorrow with Momma, Carole, Jeannie Bel, and Tante Pilly, dinner tomorrow with Emily and David, lunch friday with Wayne and Sharon, and dinner with Bubba, Lauren, and the girls (and Momma), then on the plane Saturday morning. Nice to know I have all my meals planned out!! :)

:-P SHEZ

FINALLY

I am headed back home. I'm so excited!!! Well, truthfully, I've been up for 26 hours, with another 16 or so to go, so really I'm exhausted and am looking forward to the 3 hour nap to DFW!

On a personal note, gotta love being able to blog while waiting since well, it's INSANELY early for most normal people so no one wants to talk with me :(

Oh well....guess i get to catch up a bit on my blogging. Yes, I've been rather slack. Well, you take over my life and see how you do!!

In case you're wondering what in the world is ShezzaSpeak, it's my newest blog (yes, I'm that crazy, thankyouverymuch!). Since this one is more of a journal with (in theory, especially of late) more details, ShezzaSpeak is just little blips and blurps of living--mainly commuting--in New York City. So check it out if you have time. I usually post there more often, since well, they're a lot shorter.

Enjoy!

Ooohh, first boarding call....I can almost taste the Shiner and queso now...

:-P SHEZ

Play With Me Momma...

How neglected is this poor puppy because mean ol' momma won't get off the laptop!!

Poor, poor Addy....

:P SHEZ

GO SPURS GO!

Need I say more? Nope. But I'll say it again:

GO SPURS GO!

GO SPURS GO!

GO SPURS GO!

and in case you've lost count: 12 days 'til TEXAS!!!!

:-P SHEZ

PS--GO SPURS GO!!

There's No Place Like Home...There's No Place Like Home...

Okay! It's done! Plane tickets home for Sheila's wedding (oh and to see all you people who live nearby) have been booked!

I will be arriving in San Antonio at 1pm on June 3rd and departing back to NYC on the 14th.

Clear your schedules and save your drinking money--I've been very Shiner Bock, Rathskeller brunch, mexican food, Texadelphia and Brewery fried pickles deprived!!

Book early--my schedule is filling up fast (yes, I'm that full of myself, thankyouverymuch!)

And for those of you wondering--and don't get me starting on WHY--but due to the increasing gas prices ($4/gallon here), my dreams for taking off a month and loading up Addy in a rental car and driving home have been shattered into flying. Severely cuts down on travel time to get home, but unfortunately because now Addy has to be boarded (unless someone wants to come to NYC and doggie sit for a couple of weeks), my time away has to be cut by 2/3. Damn oil prices...(and I think we all know who to thank for that!) But I'm not going to let it ruin my high--I still get to come home!!

:-P SHEZ

YIPPPEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

I just got an email announcing that Christi and Tracy have booked their tickets and are coming to see me in August!!!

What a busy, busy summer this is shaping up to be--but I'll take busy and fun ANY DAY over work/school busy.

So the countdown is on to the end of semester and just in case you're wondering:


26 days or 643 hours or 38590 minutes or 2315429 seconds

(26 days, 19 hours, 10 minutes, and 29 seconds) to May 14th at 5:00pm...


but really....who's counting?!?!?!?

:-P SHEZ

Spring Time!

Finally! Spring has sprung in New York City...

Mornings are the ferry are GORGEOUS! it's hard to be grouchy (usually) about early shifts when this is what awaits you (yes, that's the Brooklyn Bridge waaaaaaay in the background)

Flowers are popping up everywhere!! it's sooo beautiful! Just the other day I was walking through Central Park noticing how beeeuutiful everything walk. It was fabulous! It was wonderful! I forgot I lived in a city of 8 million people...

crying baby, dogs barking, horns blaring, 4000 runners taking advantage of the beautiful afternoon...alright, moment's over! but it was nice while it lasted!

:-P SHEZ

Well, it's official...

I got my voter registration card, which lists my residence as Staten Island borough of New York City, Richmond County in the State of New York.

harumph! i still have my TEXAS license though...NOT giving that up...

:-P SHEZ

Chocoholic!

So I had stashed a Reese's Peanutbutter Egg for a chocolate emergency, which I decided was tonight. Since Miss Addy is following me and of course is very interested in what Momma has just pulled out the pantry, I gave her one of her favorite treats--an ice cube! Which she graciously accepted and then spat it out, looking exspectantly at my other hand.

Not wanting to forget the cube and step in water later, I dropped it in her water bowl. When she finally accepted that she would NOT be getting any chocolate, she went to the water bowl to fetch her beloved ice cube. Which took a few minutes and a couple of full head dunks in the bowl to figure out how to get the cube.

Alright, well, it was funny while it was happening....which proves three things: i'm easily amused , deliriously tired, and i need to get a f****ing LIFE!

Sigh...must go clean up the lake that now has taken over my kitchen...

:) SHEZ

Hard to Believe

It's already been a year....but

Happy Birthday Adelaide!!

Love, cuddles, and kisses,

Auntie Shezza-roo

The YAY team

The ONLY good thing about April nearing is that the END of semester of semester is in sight(YAY!) alright, I realize that I have a TON of work due between now and then, but hey! i can see the light! YAY!

On a side note: Hook 'em Horns! Who've now made it to the Elite Eight--YAY!

BIG NEWS: Sheila's getting married!! YAY!!
BIGGER NEWS: I'm performing the ceremony!! scary but true.

Yes, I'm ordained and no the sky did not open up and spit forth fire when it happened YAY!! It's at the beginning of June, so I'll be home then!!

YAY...HOME!!! Family, friends, shiner bock...not necessarily in that order. YAY shiner!

alright...I'm sure there's some major life changing information that I should be divulging, but right now, my bed is calling. YAY! bed...

see, see how tired I am?????????

:) SHEZ

PS--Xavier (who spent a not-so-brief stint in the hospital with a ruptured appendix) is finally at home and getting better--and THAT's the biggest YAY of them all!!! in fact, it deserves several YAYs--YAY YAY YAY YAY!!

Busy, Busy Bee

I'm not quite sure where the hell this year is going! I can't believe that it's already March...bleh...

School has been crazy (I think I may have mentioned that in a previous blog...well, it's still crazy so I feel like I should keep mentioning it!)

Today was glorious because I didn't leave the house, except to do laundry. Yes, my life is so insanely crazy that I'm pathetically excited that I don't have to leave the house! Who'd have ever thought I'd be happy about mopping? Well, I'm not so delirious that I cleaned out the fridge, so not to worry--no need to send help!

Really, I don't have much to report--work is fine. school is time-consuming and the poor pupcicle is being mildly neglected (don't tell PPS--puppy protective services--she's getting fed and watered and gets walked...a bit...not as much as I'd like, but at some point sleep becomes an issue.)

Speaking of, must get to bed....4am comes all too early in the morning...

:-P SHEZ