Reflections of Marla

I'm an Auntie!

2009-12-08T20:52:00.002-06:00

I'm back for i heart faces this week. The week's theme is "Sweet Dreams" and I have the perfect picture.

My sister gave birth to a 5 lb, 11 oz baby boy yesterday. She named him Samuel Witten, after two of his great grandpas. He is having a few problems breathing and is currently having tests ran on him. Please pray for this little angel.

Head over and check out the other submissions.

Baby Bums...

2009-11-29T19:14:00.003-06:00

I have had a super busy couple of months, but this semester is ALMOST over. I'm so excited. Please excuse me blog friends for avoiding blogger like the plague. I really do love you. :)

Anyway, last weekend I went and took one of my best friend's family pictures. Her little nephew is absolutely the cutest thing ever. Here's a shot of him for this week's I heart faces competition:

Head on over to I heart faces to see more amazing entries. This is such a cute theme.

Why yes, I am the worst blogger in the world...

2009-10-23T17:25:00.002-05:00

But I'm also a very busy college student. A very busy, overwhelmed college student who's having problems getting the basics done everyday.

Seriously. My classes are horrible. I have some of the worst teachers this semester and the subjects are boring.

I think I've hit some kind of junior-year wall. Things just suck right now.

Of course, this time of the semester is always hard.

I haven't even been able to pick up my camera in two weeks. I spend all my time writing lame papers or reading lame articles/books. I feel like my creativity has totally dried up.

I just found out that I have to write two five page papers this week. Yeah, seriously just found out. My crappy teacher sent out an e-mail that said, "I expect you to write two five page papers this weekend... Oh yeah, they are worth 1/3 of your semester grade." Never before have I had teachers that were this disorganized and scatterbrained. I mean, shouldn't that have been on the syllabus?!?

I also have to write two six page court reports, three 5 page book reports, and finish a 20+ term paper. Oh yeah, that term paper... IS DUE ON MY BIRTHDAY! How rough is that?

I will be turning 21 next week though. Exciting. I have no big plans, because I obviously have time for nothing but homework... Plus, Colby will be cutting corn.

Gosh. I feel like a total whiner. Anyway, I'm in a terrible slump.

A Gift For You

2009-10-03T11:22:00.002-05:00

Hello all. I have a little gift for you this fine Saturday afternoon. Last weekend I took these pictures:

I'm really not sure which one is my favorite.

I can't be too chatty; I've got to start writing on a 15-20 page term paper that's due on MY BIRTHDAY, which is only 26 days away. So far, I've gotten three sentences and a huge pile of research. Yikes. At least it's a start.

What are your plans for the weekend?

I Heart Faces- Blue

2009-09-28T12:54:00.002-05:00

This picture is one of my favorites from the entire summer, but I wasn't sure that it follows the rules, since it is silhouette. I thought long and hard about it, but finally decided to post it, because you can make out the outline of his face. I hope that is enough for it to qualify for judging.

And it does fit the blue category.

I took this picture one beautiful July night. Colby and I were going around to check on sprinklers, and he was worried that this one was broken. Luckily, it wasn't and we got to ride off into the sunset together.

It's nights like this one that make me feel blessed to live in the country.

Anyway, head over i heart faces for more great entries!

My Sister

2009-09-28T11:19:00.002-05:00

Last weekend, I took my sister Ashley's senior pictures... They turned out AWESOME in my opinion, so I thought I would show a few of them here.

And believe me, this is only a FEW. I took over six hundred pictures. It was super hard to narrow them down to the absolute best ones.

This last one is my absolute favorite. It's just so light and free and dreamie.

Which one is you favorite?

True Talent

2009-09-25T14:53:00.003-05:00

Way back in high school, I used to sing the National Anthem from time to time before basketball games. Believe me, I sounded nothing like this:

These are little girls between the ages of eight and thirteen and they can sing!

Of course, they've got nothing on Beyonce. (Just kidding.)

Oh My.

2009-09-23T11:15:00.002-05:00

Isn't this just hillarious?!? My screenshot sucks, but I really tried to get it all on the page. I'm not sure what went wrong.

But you can make your own page all Kayne-d out here. Believe me, it's the cool thing to do. It happened to Taylor so it should happen to you too.

Now, I've been a horrible blogger lately. My posting has been pretty much nonexistent. But I do have two very good reasons for this:

1.) I've had a horrible case of writer's block. I really haven't had much to say at all.

2.) I've had no time to pound anything out. If it won't flow fast and easy, then I haven't bothered. School is stressing me out and I think I may have entered my busiest semester yet.

I only have classes on Tuesday, Wednesday night, and Thursday. That means that I have fabulous weekends but super busy weeks. I've been going home every single weekend and I have yet mastered the skill of doing homework while riding on the tractor or while taking Jamey to the park. Hopefully, I'll get that figured out real soon.

I'm taking Spanish this semester and I'm not exactly good at foreign languages. We have tests every two weeks and a MASSIVE! amount of homework due in between. Needless to say, it's killing me. I actually have a Spanish test tomorrow and I need to learn about a million things before then.

Believe me, I could go on and on complaining about my schedule, but I know that I'll get the hang of it eventually. Hopefully, I learn how to spend some of my "weekend" working on homework and get back into the flow of classes. I love summer, but sometimes it's really hard to back into school mode.

I actually feel way less stressed after writing this out. Maybe I should make my blog a priority again?

It's That Time of Year Again

2009-09-12T22:25:00.000-05:00

Goodbye, summer.

I'll miss you.

No more mowing, sunburns, cookouts, or days on the boat.

Instead, I'm focused on term papers, long books, and memorizing Spanish vocab.

Hopefully, I'll make it to next summer. Hopefully.

Always Remember

2009-09-11T14:57:00.001-05:00

8 Years

2009-09-11T11:19:00.003-05:00

I was in my seventh grade art class when I first heard about the September 11 attacks. Our teacher quickly ushered us into the library where we stood in silence as a plane flew into the second tower. I cried, realizing for the first time that it wasn't an accident.

I watched in disbelief as the towers fell- dumbfounded and confused. I honestly didn't think it was real. I was 1717 miles from the World Trade Centers, I'd never visited New York, and knew no one involved, yet I suddenly felt like I'd lost thousands of friends.

I think it was a turning point of my youth. I suddenly realized that the world can be a mean place and not everyone loves Americans. My innocence was shattered on that day.

My heart still aches for the families that lost loved ones on that day. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering they go through every single day. We will never forget you.

At the same time, I want to recognize the brave heroes that fight oversees so we don't have to. I thank God for the firemen and policemen who risk their lives every single day to help others. Individuals such as these make our country the amazing place it is.

God Bless America.

Cricket, Cricket!

2009-09-05T10:07:00.003-05:00

Colby and I have now a sweet, little baby. Isn't she just the cutest?

She's currently both scratching and biting my foot. Adorable, that's what I keep telling myself. We call her Cricket because she's a tiny gray kitten. She's actually over four months old, but was a born the runt of her little and is pretty much a midget.

Neither one of us is a cat person, but my mom suckered us into taking her. I really want a puppy, but I'll only be here four days a week.

She's adorable and playful, but MY GOODNESS that litter box is so disgusting. Yuck.

But Colby likes her. He would never admit it, but he actually slept with her the other day when I was at school. That boy is a sucker.

Friendly Faces

2009-08-30T15:51:00.002-05:00

On Friday night, I took dinner out to Colby and his brother. They were hard at work, drilling wheat all day long. Sometimes I feel sorry for them and take them out a box of pizza.

That, my friends, is the secret to any man's heart. Believe me.

Anyway, across the road where these friendly faces. I think they either wanted some pizza or become friends. I'm not quite sure yet.

The babies are just the cutest. They all just came over and stood at the fence so that I could take pictures of them.

Sweetie-pies.

Hopefully, they weren't just staring at me because I look funny, but you never really know.

I would hate for the cows to start judging me.

Doesn't this cow just scream Mrs. Personality? She could be a lonely housewife anywhere in the U.S., struggling to keep up with her laundry and cleaning. All she really wants is someone to pay attention to her.

Or a piece of pepperoni pizza. Whatever.

Jaycee Dugard

2009-08-29T05:45:00.002-05:00

I cannot imagine being abducted and held for eighteen years in a backyard. I cannot imagine being repeatedly raped and giving birth to my first child at 13. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering that Jaycee Dugard went through.

I cannot imagine how patrol officers could have overlooked the fact that Jaycee and her two children were locked in that ramshackle backyard.

I cannot imagine the pain her mother felt for eighteen years while her little girl was missing. I cannot imagine how her step-father dealt with being blamed for her disappearance.

I cannot imagine how a man could be so evil and commit such act. I cannot imagine how a wife could stand by and watch such horrendous child abuse.

I cannot imagine how Jaycee and her children will be able to reenter society. I cannot imagine how the outside world must look to their eyes.

I cannot imagine her mother's absolute joy at realizing she would be reunited with her child.

I just cannot imagine...

Child of the Corn

2009-08-28T10:06:00.002-05:00

My baby sister is a bit crazy. Heck, she's loopy, wild, and very enthusiastic about life.

Honestly, she can be quite a handful. But I love her so dang much.

A couple of weeks ago, she started 2nd grade. To my parent's dismay, she came home with a note from the teacher last night that said- "Jamey has been creating room noise- nothing too bad particularly, but I would appreciate if you talked to her about it."

Personally, I laughed. What does that even mean? (This is just one of the reasons why I'm not quite ready for kids.)

She was lectured repeatedly by my parents, of course.

I'm glad she has a vivid personality myself. She is smart as whip and does good on her homework. Sometimes she can just be a little excitable.

I mean, one little trip to a corn field and she's asking me if "we can build a house in the middle of a big corn filed and live there forever." How silly is that? She's already has it all imagined out and knows it would be a total blast.

Of course, I now know that I'll never need to take her to another movie again. She has SO much more fun just running around in corn fields.

My First Day

2009-08-26T12:50:00.005-05:00

Transferring had me really nervous. Seriously.

I woke up at 5 AM yesterday to drive 136 miles to my new campus in time for my first class at 9 and I didn't get back home until 10:30 last night... It was a very long, exhausting day.

(I would like to point out that I'm not planning on driving everyday. I'm just doing it now to say money. I was going to have to pay $400 for August rent and only live there a week, so I decided to wait until September 1 to move in.)

Amazingly, I found all my new classes easily and was helped by some very friendly people. I felt very at home there, surrounded by rowdy Texans. At my new school, it's actually normal to wear cowboy boots around. How cool is that? Plus, I heard people talk about "working on the farm" and "mares." I absolutely feel at home. These are my people.

I had been planning on having an easy semester, but apparently I forgot about that idea while making my schedule. I'm in 17 hours of hard classes- Spanish, Speech, The Judicial Process, International Law, and History of the U.S., 1914-1945. The history class does it for me, but I'm not really feeling the other ones so far.

Purchasing my books has been dreadful as always. One day I'm going to start a rebellion against campus books stores. Seriously, $800 in books is ridiculous. I feel like the life is getting sucked out of me every time I try to buy books. Too. Dang. Expensive.

Overall, I'm excited to be back in class and expanding my brain. I think it was starting to get rusty. I'll have more to report later. I've got to leave to make the drive again in a couple of hours.

I hope you all have a great day.

P.S.- I found it weird that this post had no picture, so I decided to post one of Jamey from her first day of school:

Doesn't she look totally excited?

100th!

2009-08-24T11:15:00.001-05:00

This is my 100th post! How crazy is that?!?

I'm pretty much amazed myself.

In celebration, I decided to post a few (or maybe ten) facts about myself. Get ready to be blown away (or fall asleep).

1.) I start school tomorrow. I'm transferring and really looking forward to it.

2.) I'm a political science major. That means I have absolutely no idea what I'm going to do after I graduate, but I do know that I'm studying what makes me happy.

3.) I'm in love with a farmer- totally in love. We've been dating 8 1/2 months. It's bliss.

4.) This is what I looked like last weekend:

5.) Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift are my two favorite country singers, but I'll always have a thing for George Straight.

6.) I know how to ride a horse, but I'm not really into it. My family has had horses as long as I can remember though.

7.) I'm not a morning person. Nope. I'm not always a night person either.

8.) I'm addicted to farm town on facebook, but I realize that it is nothing like real life farming. It's way cheaper and easier. They don't have hail storms or droughts on farm town.

9.) I love Mexican food and can make some delicious enchiladas.

10.) I'm a big fan of little kids and babies, but am in no hurry to have my own.

11.) I thought about coming up with 100 things, but I seriously couldn't think of anymore.

Have a Happy Monday and come back soon!

Nostalgia (I Heart Faces)

2009-08-24T09:11:00.002-05:00

This week at I heart faces the theme is nostalgia.

Being the country girl that I am, this picture really makes me think about the past and those who came before me.

Since I'm from an agriculture family and in love with a farmer, I often get to see scenes like this. This is my boyfriends 75 year-old Grandfather during wheat harvest this summer. Farming around here is very much a family ordeal and everyone helps out. He still works with the rest of the family, wearing his old overalls and a John Dear cap.

Be sure to head over to I heart faces to see more awesome pictures. You won't regret it.

Peace

2009-08-21T11:11:00.000-05:00

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you."
- John 14:27

The Vacation Continues

2009-08-20T07:58:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I know I returned home from vacation almost a month ago, but I seriously had a great time and can't wait to go back.

That's not going to happen for a while, so I decided that it was time to post the rest of my pictures from the trip.

Plus, it's not like things have been very exciting around here. I've just been hanging out and getting ready for school.

Isn't this the coolest building you've ever seen? It's just so dang interesting.

Have a great day.

Look! No Training Wheels!

2009-08-19T10:35:00.000-05:00

Jamey gets her sense of grace from me, which means she has none. She's a clumsy little kid, exactly how I was at her age.

Wait, I'm still clumsy, but that's not the point.

She recently decided to ride her bike without training wheels. Since she is seven, we all encouraged her.

At first, Jamey insisted that she needed safety gear, "Dad, I need knee pads and a helmet."

My dad, being the old-school country man that he is, was not that worried about safety: "No, you don't. That's what's wrong with kids these days. A little scrape won't hurt you."

Remember, Jamey is my father's sixth child. It's safe to say that he is a very relaxed parent.

My dad set about teaching Jamey to ride her bike. He helped her to get her balance and pushed her off. She was soon doing amazing, only have a few problems turning.

Of course, as soon as we thought she had it mastered, Jamey crashed and burned. One scraped elbow and a deep cut on the knee resulted in an evening trip to the emergency room.

I should have taken my camera inside to document the experience, but lets be honest- who wants to see an eighty-year old doctor give a screaming child several stitches? Not me. I would actually like to forget that part of the evening.

Yes, we will be buying safety equipment soon- one really gnarly scare is enough for my dad.

Nature

2009-08-17T15:56:00.000-05:00

Getting into photography and this blog has open my eyes to the beauty that surrounds me.

I am constantly on the look out for good pictures and pretty views. Everyday beauty is suddenly all around me. It's awesome.

"Look deep, deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."
-Albert Einstein

"To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug."
- Helen Keller

"Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own;
and from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, it is but a succession of changes so gentle and easy that we can scarcely mark their progress."
- Charles Dickens

"I've always regarded nature as the clothing of God."
Alan Havhamess

Take time to enjoy the beauty around you; I guarantee you'll appreciate it.

Seven

2009-08-13T06:26:00.000-05:00

In celebration of my baby sister's seventh birthday, we had a little photo shoot. This was before her party and she was dressed to impress in her new school clothes.

Her party was something else, but that's a totally another story. Let's just say that we all had a blast.

Jamey was a bit uncooperative. I don't know if it's her age (I mean, she is seven now and all grown up) or if she really couldn't get her face to form a realistic smile, but we had serious problems getting some decent pictures.

Luckily, this was before her birthday and I got to pull the you haven't gotten your presents yet and you better behave card. It worked somewhat.

I really just can't believe that she's seven already.

I love the little squirt so much.

Happy Birthday, Jamey

2009-08-12T06:47:00.001-05:00

Dear J-Bird,

I can't believe that you're actually seven today. I remember you birth so vividly. I was thirteen and very annoyed that I was left at Grandpa's and Grandma's for three days while Mom was in labor. I remember playing Monopoly with Clay and discussing what could possibly be taking you so long to arrive. We were all so excited for you to be born.

Grammy and Aunt Martha took Clay, Shay, Ashley, Clint and me to visit you a few hours after you were finally delivered. I remember we started loving all over you, giving you kisses and admiring your tiny little feet. That's when Dad informed us that you hadn't yet had a bath so we were essentially kissing a baby who had been soaking in her own pee for nine months. Yucky.

Did you know that we used to fight over who got to hold you? It truly happened. Even Clay and Clint would get in arguments over who's turn it was to hold little Jamey. I know we might not act like it, but your siblings all adore you.

I remember the day you took your first steps. It was early June and Mom, Shay, Ashley, and I were all playing on the floor with you. We were encouraging you to stand and you eventually got your balance. Before long, you took one clumsy little step. Your sisters (myself included) all screeched in surprise. Of course, your eyes then got big and you fell flat on your little butt. Soon after, everything changed as you began to terrorize our house with your ability to move.

You were always a sassy little squirt. Not long after you started walking, you began to start calling people by their names. You knew everyone's names- expect for mine. You would call me "Shay" when I was in the room and then "Marla" when I was gone. It was obvious that you were purposely taunting me. One day, you became obsessed with Finding Nemo and started to call me "Dory." It stuck and now most of our immediate family calls me "Dory" too.

Time passed quickly and before I knew it you were all grown up and starting school. I'm so excited that I don't have to leave for school in a few days. I'm only going to be two hours away and I'll probably be home every single weekend. Don't worry; you can come visit me anytime and swim in my pool.

Jamey, you are such a sweet little girl. I'm blessed to have you in my life. Know that your big sister will always be here to help you out if you ever need anything.

I love you,

Dory

Summer Sunset

2009-08-10T06:35:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite times to take pictures is right at sunset. It can be a bit tricky because of the rapidly changing light, but the effects are always awesome.

This weekend, I had the pleasure of driving around the farm with Colby at sunset. It was the perfect time to take several breathtaking pictures.

It's times like these when I forget to worry about the little things.

I don't worry about having a ton of things to do before school starts. I forget all about the fact that I'm low on funds to pay for school...

Instead, I marvel in the fact that it's summer and I'm having a wonderful night. Everything feels absolutely right.

The sprinklers are all running. For once, there is nothing to fix. (That's quite the thing right there.)

The corn crop is growing and growing. It actually looks like there might be record breaking harvests this year.

The beauty of it all surrounds me and sometimes I'm afraid to blink.

Spending time with Colby is always amazing, but it's times like this that I truly treasure.

And I really couldn't ask for anything more.

Life

2009-08-07T10:44:00.001-05:00

"Expect nothing, live frugally on surprise."

- Alice Walker

My Good Deed

2009-08-06T10:22:00.000-05:00

I have a secret... It's not something I would normally reveal, because it's a bit silly. The farmers and ranchers around here would laugh at me and mutter something about a "Ridiculous woman."

And then I would give them my devil eye and they would fall silent.

But that's another story.

Okay, here's my big secret- I stop and move turtles out of the road when I see them trying to cross!

The little guys have such short legs and can't move fast. I hate to see them get ran over, so I help them a little bit when I can.

What kind of good deeds do you guys do? Anything silly you have to reveal?

Feel free to tell me, I promise not to tell.

Beauty

2009-08-05T07:13:00.001-05:00

"The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself."

-Henry Miller

Pikes Peak

2009-08-04T06:41:00.000-05:00

It's time for more vacation pictures!

(Yes, I know- big deal, I've been posting them for an entire week, but I took about a million and it takes a while to reveal all of those.)

We visited Pikes Peak while in Colorado Springs. It is the most visited mountain in North America and provides fabulous views of the Springs area.

We drove up a nineteen mile long highway to the top of the peak. I'm not going to lie, I was a little nauseous on the way up. Most parts had absolutely no guard rail and it would have been a long fall down!

The mountain was purchased in 1803 through the Louisiana Purchase. President Jefferson dispatched Zebulon Montgomery Pike to determine the Louisiana Purchase's southwestern borders. Pike set out to climb the peak on November 24. 1806 from the Pueblo area, but was forced back by a blizzard.

Dr. Edwin James, doctor, botanist and historian, and two others from an expedition led by Major Stephen H. Long on July 14, 1820 were the first ever recorded people to make it to the top. Major Long gave the doctor's name to the mountain, but Pikes Peak soon became the official name, as shown by military maps of 1835.

The views were absolutely amazing. I cannot imagine climbing to the top on foot, by about 15,000 people try every year!

I'm crazy, but not stupid! Plus, I just ate cold pizza for breakfast. I'm not exactly the best example of a healthy mountain climber.

It was rainy the entire time we were in Colorado, so the views from the top were a little foggy and we were seriously hanging out in the clouds. It was pretty awesome but also a bit cold at 48 degrees at the top.

There was even snow in some places in JULY!

I didn't get any cool pictures from the top because of the fog, but I did get some awesome pictures from the valley located about 3/4 of the way up. This is higher than the tree line, but before you reach the summit... so gorgeous!

I met this guy in the gift shop at the top. Isn't he cute?

Well, cute probably isn't the word... maybe silly?

Barefoot and Crazy

2009-08-03T22:22:00.002-05:00

This week at i heart faces we are sharing our summer stories through pictures. Be sure to check out the other entries by clicking the above link. (People have been having fun, fun, fun this summer!)

Since my family made a quick trip to the lake yesterday and I have a fresh sunburn and very chapped lips, I decided to show off some of my newest shots.

Some of my younger siblings did some knee boarding and skiing. I'm too cool for that sort of thing. (Actually, I'm always afraid I'll loose my contacts and be blind.)

My little brother really showed his stuff though. Well, at least at the beginning.

I was lucky enough to catch him fall flat on his face!

Jamey really gets excited when we go to the lake...

Well, at least until her mean sister makes her take a picture with her. I was seriously grabbing on to her to get this one shot.

I've got plenty more, but these are two of my favorite pictures from the entire day:

They both looks so peaceful.

What is your favorite thing about summer?

More Mills

2009-08-03T06:45:00.001-05:00

I am almost done working for the summer!

I cannot explain how happy I am about that. It's not that I hate my job or that I'm lazy, but I really hate spending ten hours a day at work. My job is boring, under stimulating, and requires lots of manual labor. I don't enjoy any of those things.

But it will be over on August 14!

Until then, I'm going to enjoy the fact that I can drive around and look at stuff like this and get paid. That doesn't happen at most jobs.

Of course, I'm also have to weed-eat and clean outdoor toilets, but lets not talk about that.

Let's just enjoy the pretty views. Feel free to check out other pictures I've taken at Mills Canyon.

A Step Back In Time

2009-07-31T06:46:00.001-05:00

I recently mentioned that I like pretending that I live in another time, back before television, cell phones or the internet. It's quite easy when you live in the middle of nowhere.

A couple of weeks ago we traveled to Kenton, Oklahoma to show our City Cousins around. It is a teeny-tiny place that seriously makes me feel like I've traveled back to the early 1900s.

The two, precious churches are my favorite part of the entire town. The are just so dang cute and old fashioned.

What do you guys think?

Seven Falls

2009-07-30T07:06:00.000-05:00

Prepare to be overwhelmed by pictures from my vacation.

I took pictures of everything I came across. I think I can home with about twelve million picture files to wade through, but that's okay. I live in the flattest area in America. Of course, I'm going to take advantage of beautiful mountain scenery!

The first day of our trip we stopped by Seven Falls. Neither one of use had ever been there before and we just happened to stumble upon it as soon as we came into Colorado Springs.

I was way amazed by the view way before we got to the waterfall. The rocks leading up to the entry were even pretty!

Cute little chipmunks were running all around. People would feed them and they were actually quite friendly. Isn't this the funniest sign ever? (Well, not ever, but I like it.)

We soon discovered that we had to climb like a million stairs to get to the top of the waterfall.

And I do mean I million. (This picture makes my tummy feel all flippy floppy. We were way far up in the sky!)

But it was totally worth it in the end.

It was probably one of the coolest things I've ever seen. I recommend it if you happen to ever be going through Colorado Springs.

We posed for a few pictures and then happily headed off for our next adventure.

Don't worry. I've still got three more days and twelve million pictures to talk about. This vacation is going to fill up the blog for a little while.

Shattered Dreams

2009-07-29T06:50:00.000-05:00

I live in the area that was hardest hit by the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. Hundreds of families watched as everything they had worked for was ruined by the wrath of mother nature. I cannot imagine the fear one would feel if they looked outside to see this:

(Sorce- Google images search for "dust bowl")

I have met people who actually survived the "dirty thirties." Their stories are amazing, a real testament to the courage and tenacity that Americans show during harsh times.

Last week, at work, me and Clay stumbled across the remains of an old, abandoned house.

The walls had fallen in, but the foundation remained as proof that a family had once made the place a home. We explored a bit, in awe of the things we found littering the ground around the skeleton of a house.

There was an old Ford, tarnished by rust and surrounded by old tumble weeds. Dust would often leave a engine useless, clogged with dirt and grime.

I thought back to how proud that farmer must have been when he first bought the vehicle and how it must have made him feel to leave it when times got hard. It must have been heartbreaking for him to watch everything he had worked to build fall apart under the hot sun.

There was also a collection of old, glass bottles. Many were intact- dirty, but not broken. They were all shapes and sizes. There were clean bottles, green bottles, and even some yellow bottles.

Looking at the bottles, I suddenly thought- "This is how those people were: dirty, but not broken, strong and substantial."

I only hope that I would be as brave and strong as the Dust Bowlers were if I ever encounter such a harsh situation.

Bliss

2009-07-28T00:22:00.003-05:00

We made it home from our vacation.

We had an absolute blast. We saw waterfalls, mountains, and cute little towns. I explored wilderness trails and rafted through the Royal Gorge.

I spent lots of time talking to the love of my life. We sang along to the radio and laughed until our stomachs hurt.

It was amazing...

I'll be posting more pictures in the next few days, but it's going to take a while for me to edit them all. Believe me, I took A LOT of pictures.

Probably too many, but we were making priceless memories. I wanted to catch every one of them.

Youth

2009-07-27T06:28:00.003-05:00

"Young people are in a condition like permanent intoxication, because youth is sweet and they are growing."

Aristotle

Curtain Call

2009-07-24T07:20:00.001-05:00

I might be mistaken, but I believe Colby just told me that harvest is finally over.

I could be hallucinating though, because I've been dreaming of this day for about a month.

I would get whiny about harvest and Colby would say, "Just wait, we are going to go on vacation when this is all over. We will go somewhere nice and cool- the mountains."

His words would calm me for about ten minutes and then I would once again grow sick of riding around in circles. I mean, have you ever sat in a combine for twelve straight hours? Do you know how many times I've had to "squirt the dirt" while riding around with that man? They don't put public bathrooms in the middle of wheat fields.

Anyway, I think I might have survived it. Either that, or I'm having a very realistic dream.

The combines have been cleaned and put back in barns. All the wheat in the four state area is cut and I'm so very sick of eating Pizza Hut on the back tailgate of a pickup.

Vacation time has finally arrived and we are leaving for Colorado Springs sometime today.

You might not hear from me for a few days. Believe me, it will be okay- I'm getting a much needed change in scenery.

Sizzling Summer

2009-07-23T06:17:00.001-05:00

No matter how hot it gets, there is always one thing that the heat is good for- slip and slide fun.

Here are some pictures of J. and a second (or third, maybe forth) cousin at our family reunion last weekend:

And my oh my, did they have a great time.

Don't worry, they were both wearing sunscreen. You should always wear sunscreen.

Is This Normal?

2009-07-22T06:09:00.001-05:00

I spent most of Saturday afternoon riding around with Colby fetching water for his cows. The windmill is broken and they were getting thirsty in the summer heat.

I didn't really mind because I got to spend lots of time with my favorite man. Plus, it's way far out in the country and I like to pretend I'm traveling in a covered wagon.

(Just don't take me away from my Sirius radio. I have certain needs and those include crystal clear music while cruising down bumpy roads.)

I encountered one small problem though. One steer got a little mouthy with me. Does he look a little grumpy to you?

I mean, you would think he would appreciate me and cut out the attitude.

Oh wait. I don't think anyone appreciates me.

Never mind about that last part.

Living in the Middle of Nowhere

2009-07-21T04:00:00.003-05:00

I promise that I could win a contest for living in the middle of nowhere.

Actually, I have before.

I don't really live in Oklahoma. I live in the panhandle of Oklahoma, an often ignored area that blends in more with North Texas then the rest of the state.

We have to travel about sixty miles to reach the nearest Walmart. Our county has one grocery store. Our schools are tiny. (I think I've mentioned before that I graduated from a class of seven? That's true guys).

But we have the most amazing sunsets and stars ever.

Plus, you can see signs like this all the time:

And that's something special.

Images from the Prairie

2009-07-20T08:15:00.000-05:00

How would you like to visit the Oklahoma prairie today?

Not a lot of people live around here. If the cows ever got smart and decided to rebel, they would be able to take us out with no problem.

Don't worry about locking your cars. This is a safe place where everyone knows each other. It's rough growing up around these parts. You can't speed down the road without you parents finding out with-in an hour.

Honestly, sometimes I expect to see a covered wagon traveling across the landscape. There is places around here that haven't changed a bit in one hundred years.

You're welcome to come back sometime soon.

Grasshopper Whisper

2009-07-18T07:41:00.001-05:00

I cannot explain how sick of harvest I am. Seriously. I met this little (actually huge) guy last weekend in the field. Colby has been cutting wheat for about five million years... or something like four weeks. He keeps telling me that they are almost done, but then something else comes up. It is actually storming outside right now. That would be perfectly okay, but they can't cut in a storm.

Here is the update on my brother: I bailed him out of jail on Thursday. He's is probably going to get out of most of the big charges but we will find out next week when they charge them. I'm pretty aggravated at him right now, but I'm trying to deal with it calmly. We haven't explained the whole situation to our boss at work yet because he's been on vacation.

I do have some happy news. I get to go on vacation next. We are going to go rafting in Colorado Springs on Saturday morning and then ride a train up Pikes Peak on Sunday morning. I am so completely excited!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

J-Bird

2009-07-16T07:34:00.000-05:00

It's is amazing how one little girl can totally light up my day.

I cannot believe that my baby sister is almost seven. It absolutely blows me away. She's getting so smart and will be starting the 2nd grade in a month.

Where has time gone? I'm suddenly feeling very very old. Ek.

Ugh. Ek. Dang.

2009-07-16T02:57:00.003-05:00

I have a problem.

My alarm clock will be going off in about an hour and a half. It's 2:58 AM and I'm awake. Tomorrow we are supposed to be going to work early to beat the heat, but I've ran into serious trouble.

I slept from 10:30-12:02... At 12:02 my phone started ringing the wonder "Barbie Girl" ringtone I have set for my little brother. I groggily answered, wondering what in the hell could he possibly want.

"Marla, I'm sorry but I'm not going to make it to work. I'm going to jail."

I was stunned, but he quickly reassured me that he was defiantly serious and knew he was in big trouble.

He informed me that he was being booked for an minor in possession. My brother has never drank once in his life. He's a wonderful kid- never been and trouble and refuses to do anything drug or alcohol related.

You are probably wondering how he's now ended up in jail. Well, some of his old friends from high school have gotten a little wild since going to college. Clay often goes to parties to hang out and then drives all the drunk teens home.

Last night (tonight, several hours ago, or whatever) the party Clay was at got busted by a bunch of cops. Clay and the whole rest of them were all booked and taken to the county jail. He know has to wait until morning to find out what fines he will be paying. Obviously, he won't be going to work with me in an hour.

I spent an hour talking to my parents and then another two hours tossing and turning. I have a huge suspicion that I will not be asleep before that alarm clock goes off. Our work tomorrow involves about three hours of driving through the dang desert. I have a feeling that I will not be awake enough to operate a motor vehicle.

Ugh. Now I have to decide whether or not to call in tomorrow. Should I explain that my stupid kid brother got his ass thrown in jail? Should I say we are both deathly ill? Who do I call three hours before they open the office?

I think I'll just say we are having a family emergency that we will explain later. And then make Clay explain the whole situation.

Oh yes, he took a breathalyzer, so he will be able to prove that he wasn't drinking.

Jake, Wanna Go For a Ride?

2009-07-14T06:41:00.003-05:00

At the mention of the word, go, Jake immediately perks up. He get an intense look in his eye, the one that all Border Collies get over something. He absolutely loves going on car rides and quietly rides in the back, looking out the window the entire time.

Last weekend, I took him and Jamey to pick up Colby from the field. Believe me, he rides so much better than her. She is constantly singing, yelling, or making wild animal noises. He sits calmly and watches as the countryside passes by.

It is so obvious that he loves riding in the car. In the picture above, we were sitting, waiting for Colby to get off the combine. The vehicle doesn't even have to be moving and Jake will be smiling away.

I hope life is treating you all well.

I Heart Faces- Pets

2009-07-13T19:43:00.003-05:00

Dreamer and Jake have a very tumultuous relationship. He likes chasing her around and she likes kicking at him. I guess everyone is happy for a little bit.

Head over to I heart faces to check out other amazing entries. I promise you'll be impressed.

Snowstorm of 2006

2009-07-13T06:23:00.000-05:00

Several days ago, I posted about our cat Blizzard. Dear, sweet Kenzie taunted me a little bit about us Southerners not being able to handle the snow, so I'm here to prove that it was a serious snow storm. (Plus, what else do I have to talk about on a Monday? Nothing.)

The following pictures are probably going to suck. I took them in 2006 with my crappy point and shoot. I then got a new computer and don't want to search through old picture CD's to find the original copies. These might have been copied and pasted straight off facebook, but I wound never admit to being such a bad blogger. Hang in there though, I'll go back to high quality combine pictures tomorrow.

This picture was taken during the storm. For some reason, I thought it would be cool to capture memories while the snow was still coming down and the wind was blowing. I was right; I froze my booty off.

This storm was never expected to be bad. It was supposed to drop a couple of inches and move on. It actually stopped right over the Oklahoma Panhandle and dumped several feet of snow all on one area.

I decided to venture out again the next day. We had animals to take care of. We ended up having to melt snow to water our dogs, cats, and horses. This picture shows how big the snow drifts actually ended up being. The bare spot on the ground is where a car was parked in our drive way.

This is our food shed, where we store feed for the horses and dogs. It is about nine foot tall. Notice the fact that this drift goes up over it. We did have ten feet of snow everywhere, but there were places where it really piled up.

After four days of being stuck in a house with no electricity, we decided to travel to town to check out the damage there. We live in the middle of nowhere, but tons of people travel through. Hundreds of truckers were camped out around town and most were stuck for several days after the roads were opened.

They tried to get out, but there is only so much you can do about a huge snowdrift like this one.

Luckily, some of the local gas stations opened in shifts on the fourth day. They didn't have electricity, but everything was good and cold inside of the store. They calculated prices the old fashioned way and took cash only.

These truckers don't look that happy about me take a picture of them with their purchases. I don't remember them being upset at the time, but I might have been totally clueless.

Brrr... These pictures make me appreciate the fact that it is summer a little big more.

Take care.

The Horror!

2009-07-10T05:59:00.000-05:00

I've mentioned before that I work with my younger brother. We get along wonderfully and the set up usually works quite great. He's happily takes my orders.

Because he's a total push over, but that's another story.

Yesterday, he was watering trees at a rest area. Suddenly, he let out a loud yell and took off towards the parking lot.

"Oh my God, there is a flesh-eating zombie over there!" (Okay, so that may have no been exactly what he said, but he totally freaked out.)

"What?" I was fanning myself, trying to cope with the 104 degree heat.

"There is something moving in the grass!" He was being so loud, I was worried that something had reached up and grabbed his leg.

Begin the brave, loving sister that I am, I hurried over to where he was pointing, eager to find his new friend. Clay immediately started making excuses, realizing that he had been a big baby. "I think it was a bird in the grass."

I laughed. "Why did you freak out then?"

"I don't know I thought there was a snake or something." He leaned down and pointed at the ground.

This is what we found:

Yep, it totally looks like a flesh-eating zombie to me.

10 Things About Me

2009-07-09T07:09:00.002-05:00

Hello friends,

It's time for some random facts about Marla. Because I'm a weirdo like that.

1.) I have a fear of getting my teeth knocked out. I've actually had nightmares and woken up thinking they were really gone. Just the idea freaks me out.

2.) I love cooking. I'm just starting to learn, but I look looking up new recipes and cooking for my family.

3.) I'm currently writing this on my BlackBerry at work. We are driving to a campsite and I hate not being somewhat busy.

4.) I love love love reading blogs. I don't know why, but I love getting inside other people's lives. Some of you are very interesting.

5.) I had the biggest church on Justin Timberlake when I was twelve. I thought he was just about the cutest man ever. It makes me laugh now.

6.) My music taste has improved somewhat since then.

7.) I love taking pictures. My camera is pretty much always with me.

8.) I graduated from a tiny tiny school. Seriously- I was one of seven in my class. I formed some great relationships, but I was happy to leave.

9.) My car is always super dirty. I drove it down a muddy, dirt road yesterday and there is now mud on the roof. I have no idea how long it will be there.

10.) Luckily, I'm a neat freak everywhere else. I can't concentrate in a messy environment at all.

Congrats for making it to the end! As I bonus, I would like to show you an adorable picture of me!

Blizzard

2009-07-08T19:49:00.003-05:00

This is Blizzard, one of the many wild cats that live in our yard.

She has a very unique story. In late December of 2006, an incredible snowstorm hit our area. For two days, snow fell from the sky, covering the land. The wind howled, causing huge snowdrifts to develop in our yard. It was so bad that we lost electricity for three days and had to crawl over a drift to leave our house.

The storm was devastating to our area. Thousands of cattle waded into snowdrifts and suffocated. Many families were without food or heat for days.

I personally about killed my three younger sisters. We fought over several card games while waiting out the storm. Eventually, the wind stopped blowing, the power lines were repaired, and life started to go back to normal.

We had to deal with giant snow piles for days. There was one drift blocking our front door. After twelve days, my dad heard a loud meowing outside our house. It sounded like it was coming from inside the drift! He hurriedly dug, finding a dog house beneath the pile of snow.

Inside the dog house was a scrawny kitten who looked terrible. She just kept crying and crying, obviously unhappy. Being trapped inside a snowdrift for twelve days sent her over the edge.

She still walks around meowing. She always looks panicked and will not let anyone get close to her. She has some serious mental scares from the entire ordeal.

But that's why we call her Blizzard.

i heart faces- Patriotic edition

2009-07-07T22:29:00.003-05:00

I didn't have a traditional 4th of July celebration this year.

There was no parade or cook-out. I did watch fireworks, but only from the cramped cab of a pickup. A rare summer storm struck our area right as the night festivities began.

I'm not complaining though. I had a delightful time with the man I love.

Plus, what could possibly be more patriotic then working hard all day long? Colby's job is essential to the economy of our country. People are always going to need food.

This is the backbone of our great country.

And I honestly couldn't be happier anywhere else in the world.

Head on over to i heart faces to see more wonderful patriotic pictures. You'll be very happy you did.

May God bless America.

Summertime

2009-07-05T20:06:00.002-05:00

I've been going through pictures off my mom's camera. It looks like they had an absolute blast this weekend.

This one is absolutely the definition of summertime to me:

At six, Jamey is finally getting brave enough to really enjoy the lake. (Look at her rockin' that bikini!) My dad watches from the background, making sure that she's safe.

This is probably one of my favorite pictures I've seen all summer.

I've come to realize

2009-07-05T15:05:00.004-05:00

Hello friends,

My 4th of July was pretty exciting... It started raining and the bugs were biting throughout the fireworks, but I still had a great time.

I do have this pretty combine picture to share:

I haven't done a meme in forever, so I decided to do the Sunday Stealing meme. You should go over and check it out. It's a fun one.

Sunday Stealing: The "I've Come to Realize" Meme

1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size. . .
is pretty much perfect. Believe me.

2. I’ve come to realize that my job. . .
is a pay really good for a college student. Now if I could just eliminate the manual labor part.

3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . .
I must listen to music or I'll go completely crazy.

4. I’ve come to realize that I need. . .
more sleep.

5. I’ve come that realize that I have lost. . .
the packing slip from my Blackberry. It looks like I won't be getting that $100 rebate. Rebate offers are evil.

6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . .
I waste money by not turning in rebates.

7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . .
I can't walk straight. Seriously.

8. I’ve come to realize that money...
isn't that important to me. I would rather be poor and happy then rich and miserable.

9. I’ve come to realize that certain people. . .
are crazy.

10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . .
love living in the country.

11. I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . .
are so different from each other.

12. I’ve come to realize that my mom…
has always been my biggest fan and supporter.

13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . .
is my lifeline.

14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . .
I want to stay in bed.

15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . .
I was so dang happy.

16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . .
that I should go pee before I wet my pants. Haha.

17. I’ve come to realize that my dad. . .
is the backbone of our family.

18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . .
I must check farm town. It's my new addiction.

19. I’ve come to realize that today. . .
is a great day.

20. I’ve come to realize that tonight. . .
I need to do laundry.

21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . .
I must go back to work. Blah.

22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to. . .
have my own business after college or be a bum.

23. I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to repost this is. . .
Someone else from Sunday Stealing.

24. I’ve come to realize that life. . .
is what you make it.

25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . .
was great. I've spent most of it with my boyfriend.

26. I’ve realized the best music to listen to when I am upset. . .
is loud. Loud. Loud.

27. I’ve come to realize that my friends. . .
will be there will I need them.

28. I’ve come to realize that this year. . .
I've fallen hard for an amazing man.

29. I’ve come to realize that me exes. . .
were a total waste of my time.

30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . .
Get up and go potty.

31. I’ve come to realize that I love. . .
country music, sunsets, and my new camera.

32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . .
people who aren't ambitious.

33. I’ve come to realize my past. . .
helped me become who I am today.

34. I’ve come to realize that parties. . .
are great fun every once in a while.

35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . .
of being bitten by a rattlesnake at work.

36. I’ve come to realize that my life. . .
is pretty dang amazing.

Teamwork

2009-07-04T14:06:00.002-05:00

Wheat harvest is still going on, slowly sucking the life out of me.

Colby's operation is almost totally family ran. This is his grandpa. At 75, he still works about twelve hours a day during harvest. It amazes me how much teamwork goes into running a successful farming operation. Yes, sometimes it gets a little tense, but at the end of the day, Colby knows his family has his back.

I didn't go to the lake for the long weekend. Instead, I stayed home to spend time with Colby. We've been working about sixteen hour long days. I'm going to go watch fireworks with some friends from high school tonight. It shall be a total blast.

I want to wish you all an amazing 4th of July. I am so thankful for the servicemen and women who have served our country through the years and given me my freedom.

May God bless the USA and each and every one of you.

Frankie

2009-07-03T20:15:00.003-05:00

Hi guys.

This is my new friend, Frankie. I met him last week at work.

(Why yes, I do walk around with my camera strapped to my neck all the time. Because I'm that awesome.)

Frankie lives at Mills Canyon. My brother and I work for the Forrest Service and are in charge of keeping the campgrounds clean. We have to mow, clean bathroom, water trees, etc.

It's a rip roaring good time.

Well, not really. But it does provide me with unique setting to photograph.

There are only so many combine pictures I can take. Seriously, they don't really change much and the fields all look the same around here.

But I'm having a fabulous time taking pictures at Mills.

And yes, I was on the clock this entire time. That's how government jobs roll, dude.

The Road Not Taken

2009-07-01T18:45:00.003-05:00

The Road Not Taken


By Robert Frost TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

This is absolutely my favorite poem. I think of it every single time I make a big decision. Sometimes I feel like I avoid the easy path, because then things will be simple. Is that normal or rational? Probably not.

But I still remember it. Don't take the easy way out... The hard road makes all the difference sometimes.

I hope you are all having a good week.

Perfection

2009-06-29T19:47:00.003-05:00

"Nothing is permanent in this wicked world - not even our troubles."
- Charlie Chaplin

Life is continuing on quicker and quicker every day. I am really enjoying my summer and can't believe it's already halfway over.

Of course, school is stressing me out. I've only been offered $500 in scholarships so far. I'm baffled by this; I mean, I have a 3.9 GPA. It's ridiculous. If I don't get scholarships, who does?

I'm also having problems getting enrolled. Plus, I haven't even figured out where I'm living. It's too much for me right now.

I'm going to stop worrying and go outside and enjoy another perfect sunset. Because that's what's important right now.

Wordpress or Blogger?!?

2009-06-27T23:15:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to decide whether to move over to wordpress. I want more control of my blog and blogger just isn't doing it for me.

One problem: I can't seem to figure out to get all my subscriptions transferred over. I'm not even sure that wordpress has an easy way to follow your friends. Well, I haven't found it yet anyway.

Help me people! Please.

What do you think I should do. I have imported my blog into a cute little wordpress account and it looks so good! I'm excited about the switch, but I really need to be able to follow all of my favorite blogs.

Wheat Harvest

2009-06-27T13:10:00.003-05:00

I have once again had a very busy week. I've been spending all my extra time out in a wheat field, taking pictures and riding on the combine with Colby.

I won't deny it. I've been having a great time. At sunset, I'm always amazed be the beauty around me. I get to see this every single day. How lucky am I?

I've learned more about farming in the last seven months then I had in the last twenty years of living in the country. It's crazy what happens between the time wheat is planted and the time it is made into bread. Crazy.

The combine goes along the ground, sucking and cutting the stalks. Once inside the head is separated from the stalk. The good stuff goes into the combine and the rest is kick out on the ground. You can then gather all the straw up and bail it.

It's pretty much like a giant, complicated lawn mower. That used a lot of gas and cuts really fast.

Things can get pretty complicated with three combines going at the same time. They have to dump off the wheat before they make an entire trip around the circles. A grain cart, pulled by a tractor, is driven around to unload the combines.

When the grain cart is full, it drives over and dumps the grain onto a semi-truck where it is driven to town.

Once again, it wows me by how beautiful the sunsets are out there.

I'm so very blessed.

An Update

2009-06-22T20:36:00.005-05:00

Hello blog readers... I hope the world has been treating you well. I'm exhausted and scattered, but I thought I would show off some of my favorite pictures I've taken during the last week.

I love my new camera. It's shiny and pretty. I find myself often leaning out the window and yelling "pull over, I want to get a picture of that!" Luckily, my loved ones usually allow me to get my perfect shot.

Dreamer has been getting a lot of attention lately. She loves taking pictures and poses for me everyday. I love how silky her hair looks here.

Jamey also has a tendency to run over when my camera is out and smile happily. I'm loving having my own little model.

This is Ashley. She also likes posing for the camera. It's a girly girl thing. Boy of boy, is she ever a girly girl.

Jamey doesn't look quite as cute in this one. You should have seen us chasing this frog around my Grandpa's yard. It was hilarious!

Look at how sweet me and Colby look!

I love him so much!

As you can see, I've been learning so much about my camera and photoshop. I'm enjoying it so much!

And I thought I was busy last week!

2009-06-18T19:19:00.003-05:00

Boy was I wrong! Harvest started yesterday, totally turning my world upside down.

Here's my schedule:

7:00 AM- Roll out of my bed- grinning. Okay, I'm lying. I'm usually totally pissed when my alarm goes off in the morning. I never feel rested in the morning. I then shower, get dressed and pretty, pack my lunch, eat breakfast, and check blogs if I have anytime at all.

8:15 AM- Leave for work.

8:54 AM- Arrive at work where I have all kinds of fun. I mean, who doesn't like mowing and cleaning up trash. Being the minion totally rocks.

1:00 PM- Eat lunch.

1:19 PM- Glare at my boss as he tries to cut my lunch break short. Does he not realize I'm off the clock for a full 30 minutes?

1:30 PM- Resume being paid.

2:53 PM- Glance at my blackberry and wonder "Why does the time go by so slow??"

4:45 PM- Proclaim- "We have less than an hour Clay!" in a very excited voice.

5:27 PM- Pace by the door, waiting to make my run.

5:30 PM- Knock over my coworkers as I try to be the first one outside. Smile as we pull out of the parking lot.

6:09 PM- Arrive home. Immediately start proclaiming, "What's for supper?"

6:25 PM- Stuff something, usually anything in my mouth. Get on the computer.

7:10 PM- Order Colby and the crew something for dinner from one of the local restaurants. Dream of cooking them a homemade meal, but realize that I barely have enough energy left to drive it fifteen miles to them.

7:35 PM- Pick up dinner.

8:00 PM- Arrive in the middle nowhere when 5+ people happily take dinner off my hands. Usually eat again.

9:13 PM- Look at my blackberry and wonder "Where does my time go?"

9:58 PM- Began to insist- "I really need to go home."

10:59 PM- Finally leave the field.

11:19 PM- Arrive home and get ready for bed.

11:42 PM- Finally get to bed, sighing because it's about to start all over.

No wonder I'm tired! That's exhausting just thinking about all of it. I have one question: What vitamins should I be taking right now?

Oh gosh. I'm late again. Where does all my time go?

Meet Dreamer

2009-06-16T17:37:00.003-05:00

My new camera got in today. I'm amazingly excited about it too. It takes really good pictures and I'm enjoying playing around with it so far.

Jake would like to introduce you to his friend, Dreamer.

Jake and Dreamer have a unfortunate relationship. He likes to follow her around and she likes to kick at them.

She sure is pretty though...

What do you think?

Jake sometimes just stares her down. It's totally a Border Collie thing. They get obsessive over the weirdest things.

But you gotta admit, he's sure handsome.

P.S.- Can you tell I live in the desert from the background of these pictures? Everything that isn't watered is depressingly brown.

I Skipped Work Today

2009-06-16T12:23:00.002-05:00

And I no longer feel bad about it.

I woke up this morning totally exhausted. My body was aching and my throat was stuffy. While brushing my teeth, I had an asthma attack. It wasn't horrible, but it didn't make me excited about work.

I'm a "Forestry Aid" for the USDA. I have to do a lot of crappy outside work that sometimes involves running around in weeds. I probably could have made it through the day without having another asthma attack, but I was already feeling bad so I just decided to call in sick.

I had the hardest time deciding not to go. I really wanted to stay home, but I felt bad for some reason. Of course, my brother and Colby reminded me, "They give you sick days for a reason. Stay home."

Of course, I took a little nap and I no longer feel bad. I definitely made the right decision.

I heart faces! (Sepia Fun)

2009-06-15T19:14:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone. I'm really trying to learn more and improve my photography, so I decided to start participating in the I heart faces contest every week. (Well, at least some of the time anyway.)

You should head over to www.iheartfaces.com to check out some of the other amazing entries for this week.

This weeks entry was actually taken last summer at the lake. It's one of the very first pictures I've played with in Photoshop. What do you think?

My new camera is getting closer everyday and my excitement is rising by the second. I just can't wait to really dive into photography and capture more memories.

"But Dad..."

2009-06-11T20:12:00.002-05:00

Last night, Jamey got in trouble from our dad for eating in his bedroom. She had been watching television and had made the mistake of leaving her plate laying on his floor.

"Jamey, did I tell you yesterday that you are not allowed to eat out of the kitchen?" My dad was obviously annoyed.

Jamey got totally serious and said, "But Dad, you don't know about my memory." She went on, "I forget everything when I go to sleep at night. Everything Dad."

I didn't pay attention to the lecture or threats that came out of my father's mouth. I was too busy trying to hold in my giggles.

Jamey is utterly and totally hilarious. I can't imagine the trouble she's going to cause as a teenager.

So Excited!

2009-06-10T20:19:00.003-05:00

For the last several (probably three) months, I have been dreaming about my next camera. My old one is a crappy point and shoot. I've been dreaming of getting the perfect SLR.

I finally made the move and ordered my new camera today. It won't be here for a full week, but I'm super excited about it anyway. Isn't it so pretty?

Now I just have to figure out how to work Photoshop. Awesome.

Sleeping, Swimming, and Dirty

2009-06-10T19:17:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone. I've more than halfway through another work week and don't have much to share. Instead, I thought I would jump right into this weeks Thursday Thunks a day early.

Welcome to the June 11th version of Thursday Thunks!

(which we always seem to post on Wednesday)
Where we make you think a little bit before you blog!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Berleen, the number 1 (because I am) and the color nude.

1. What is your least favorite candy bar?
Haha. I love all chocolate. I can't pick one "least favorite." That would be like choosing my "least favorite friend" or something.

2. If I were to call you, what would you say?
"'Sup dawg. What's shakin your boat?"

Or "Hello." It all depends on my mood.

3. What is your favorite type of leaf?
Really? Where do these questions come from.

4. When was the last time you....
- had sex? Family blog. I'm not discussing.
- swam in a lake? Memorial Day. It was way too cold for that crap.
- went barefoot outside? Last weekend.
- ate peas? It's been a very long time.

5. Since Father's Day is right around the corner, tell us about the person that you are celebrating.
My father has no biological link to me, yet he has treated me as him own for the last ten years. He's an amazing man.

6. Were you dropped on your head as a child?
No... but I once convinced my younger sister that the doctor dropped her when she came out of my mom.

7. How often do you clean your toilet?
About once a week.

8. Have you ever been sunburned? Tell us about it.
I was sunburned last Friday after mowing for an hour and a half. It hurt.

9. On average, how many hours a sleep do you get a night?
Like six. I want eight so bad.

10 How many hours did you get last night?
Seven woot woot.

11. Take a picture of something. Post it.
No. My camera batteries are dead.

12. Are the bottom of your feet dirty?
Nope, but my jeans are covered in mud. It rained today.

13. Do you know the names of every member of the family who lives next door to you?
I live in the country and have no neighbors.

My Vow

2009-06-08T19:59:00.003-05:00

I'm a blog stalker.

I absolutely love reading other blogs. I enjoy witty and funny words from the humor blogs. I like reading about new babies and annoying husbands. Sometimes, I even tolerate a good sad story.

I just like getting inside other people's lives. It's like watching nighttime television. So much fun.

I have a small problem though... I never comment on the amazing words of other writers. I feel like I'm intruding on their lives or something. Yes, I realize that they enjoy getting comments, but I rarely leave them.

I'm changing my ways though. From now on, I'm going to comment on every single blog I read. It might be a short, totally lame comment, but I'm going to make it.

Would you like to join me in this quest to spread happiness in the form of comments to the entire world? Wouldn't that be fun?

Meet J. Turtle

2009-06-07T20:37:00.004-05:00

Our little town had their annual Santa Fe Trail Days this weekend. One of the events normally includes a "turtle race" for the kiddies.

Jamey had been asking me and Colby for days to bring her a turtle.

She is a very persistent little girl. Colby melts every time she asks him for anything.

Fortunately, I saw one on Friday when I was driving through the country. I brought him home where Jamey was free to play (torment) the poor animal all weekend.

She had a delightful time and ended up naming him J. Turtle.

The "turtle races" ended up being canceled because Jamey was the only kid in the entire county to have one to race, but she brought him home to play anyway.

Jake had a lot of fun playing with him too.

You could tell that he was totally freaked out by J. Turtle.

I just knew he Jake's nose was going to get bit... but it never happened.

But that would have been very funny, in a mean way.

We all had a blast with our new friend, but we let him go this morning. He needs to be free to crawl through the grass, eat bug or grass or whatever it is turtles eat, and meet that special girl that is out there for him.

Exhausted, Overworked, and Busy.

2009-06-05T19:40:00.003-05:00

I have been running in overdrive for the past week.

Between working and trying to spend time with Colby, I have absolutely no free time. (Did I talk about this in my last entry? Yes, I think I did.)

On Wednesday I traveled to my new college to work on getting transferred. After about three hours of walking around in circles, I think I might have gotten it all figured out. It was rough. I did not realize that transferring was like adopting a child or running for president.

Believe me- it is.

I did get to tour the apartment where I will probably live next year. It has a much better setup and larger rooms than my last apartment. Even better, it's cheaper.

Colby finished corn planting. We are now gearing up for wheat harvest. I visit him in the field almost everyday after work. Sometimes I bring him dinner and ride around with him for a while.

It actually is a lot like this song... except I'm never dressed up these days. I'm wear old stained up work shirts and muddy boots all the time.

I'm going to work on updating more regularly now... Seriously. This once a week stuff is ridiculous.

Uninvited

2009-05-30T20:35:00.004-05:00

Hi guys,

I haven't posted all week, because I have had no time. In the last five days I've gotten sunburned twice, worked my first week of my summer job, and watched Colby farm.

It's been a great time... not. Actually, I've been totally exhausted by the end of the day and barely have time to check my blog, much less write anything.

Anyway, to celebrate my totally overwhelming life, I'm going to stick to something easy and relaxing. Run over to Saturday 9 for some great times. You won't regret it.

Saturday 9: Uninvited

1. Do you mind people to show up uninvited?
Not really. My parents' house is always swimming with people. I'm totally used to it.

2. Last person you talked to on the phone?
Mr. Colby Quinn. (I love love him.)

3. Last person on your missed call list?
I don't think I've ever missed a call on my new BlackBerry. That sounds really pathetic... Remember, I've only had it for two weeks...

4. Who calls you the most?
Colby.

5. What is your favorite song about breaking up?
"Better as a Memory," by Kenny Chesney.

6. If someone sent you an unexpected gift, what would you like it to be?
I'm would love a really good book. I've been in the reading mood lately, but I can't get into anything my mom brought home from the library.

7. Your classic rock station plays the top songs of all time. What is number one?
Let's see... I love "Faithfully" by Journey, but this is a really hard choice. I really like all Journey songs though. I must think my mother some day for indoctrinating me in the 80s music.

8. Do you live for today or tomorrow?
I try to live for today, but really I'm working for tomorrow. I mean, I'm a college student. I don't always enjoy school, but I realize it's helping me "prepare for the future."

9. What movie villain scared you as a kid?
Cruella Devil. Oh gosh. She was scary... I like my puppies with their fur.

I hope you are all having a great weekend.

Awesome New Things

2009-05-23T13:01:00.003-05:00

I have three really awesome new things in my life right now.

First off, I have a shiny new Blackberry Curve. This phone rocks. (Yes, I know it’s a 1 ½ years old, but I wanted to make sure they worked all the kinks out. Plus, I had to keep my old phone for two years.)

It’s ammmmazing. It has really cool facebook, myspace, and twitter applications and an amazing browser. It has this really remarkable sensor in the screen and dims or brightens depending on the light conditions, which means that I can see to text while outside. At night, I can flip on the “phone only” setting which means I won’t get woken up by texts or e-mail. My Blackberry is perfect. I honestly can’t think of one thing I would change on the thing.

And I’m not even getting paid to say that.

My next, life changing, amazing thing would be my new CURLY hair. I got a perm last Tuesday and since then I have spent about fifteen minutes on my hair. I used to spend about thirty minutes a day blow drying and strengthening my hair. Now, I just pick it out and add a little curling spray to my hair. I don’t even have to brush it.

I think it looks cute, too. I like it better straight, but I’m still basking in the amazing-ness of not having to strengthen it. I won’t be going curly for the rest of my life, but I think it’s the PERFECT summer hairstyle.

(Yes, I realize this would be the perfect time to post a pic of my new hair, but I'm lazy and not really feeling up to it. Soon, I promise.)

Last off, I’m starting my new, but not really new, job on Tuesday. I’m working at the same place I did last summer for the USDA Forrest Service. That’s not really the amazing thing though, because I don’t love the job. I love the paycheck I get every two weeks.

My job is pretty easy. I drive around all day checking fences and acting busy. It’s a typical government job. And I have regular paychecks… like once every two weeks. That hasn’t happened since last summer and I’m really looking forward to that.

I’m working on being positive lately. It’s easy when I have so many amazing things going on in my life.

I hope you all have a good weekend.

Lessons

2009-05-22T12:44:00.004-05:00

What kind of out-of-school lessons did you take as a kid?

Honestly, I took ski lessons once, but I think that's all I've got. I was really busy with stuff related to school when I was a kid... I didn't have much time out of school for anything else.

2. What valuable lesson did you learn this past week?

I over-indulged last weekend and had my first real hangover. I was also experiencing the worst cramps in the world. Vodka and PMS together can be a real bad deal. When you do this, you should just admit your hangover and stay in bed. Don't volunteer to go to work with your boyfriend. You just might find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere for ten hours.

3. Who in your life really needs to be taught a lesson?

I'm trying to be happy and positive today, so I'm not even going to go there.

4. What kinds of lessons would you love to have a private teacher for right now?

Photoshop and just general photography. I'm planning a bit purchase of a SLR in the next few weeks and I want to learn how to shoot manual. Luckily, there are a lot of really good resources on the internet and I'm going to try to teach myself.

5. What steps have you taken to lessen the impact of these rough economic times?

Honestly, I'm a college student who has been putting myself through college. Things were already so tight for me that the rough times haven't affected me at all. Of course, I'm also really glad I'm not about to graduate and need a job. That would suck.

Jake Henry

2009-05-22T11:53:00.004-05:00

My dog- Jake Henry- is something else. He's quite quirky and has been described as the "weirdest dog in the world." Personally, I take that as a compliment.

I don't think he minds much either.

Jake came to our family two years ago. My beloved Border Collie, Stormy, died mysteriously one night. She was only four years old. I was devastated and vowed to never get another Border Collie.

My mom had other plans though. She immediately started looking for rescue dogs, knowing that I couldn't handle another Border Collie puppy. Border Collie puppies are cute, cuddly and leave messes resembling tornado damage. Life with a young, hyper, untrained Border Collie can be rough.

She found Jake across the state, living on the Arkansas- Oklahoma border with his breeder. He had spent the first year of his life on the East Coast, living in an apartment with three with girls. Border Collies aren't the type of dog that you force into small areas and it is vital that they have a yard to run in.

My mother and I traveled across the state to pick Jake up less than a week after my high school graduation. I repeatedly told her that I didn't want another dog. I was leaving for college at the end of the summer and it wouldn't really be my dog anyway. She kept after me, promising to take care of him while I was gone.

Looking back, I think my mom just wanted another Border Collie.

Jake was absolutely scared of the entire world when we picked him up. He actually bit my mother when she reached down to pet him. His breeder actually uttered these words: "Well, we can't have him biting people. Don't worry about taking him... I'll have him put down tomorrow."

My mom looked at me asking, "What do you think we should do?" I thought back over the day. We had traveled eight hours out of our way and I thought it would be ridiculous if we went home without him.

"We'll take him. We already came all this way and if it doesn't work out with us, maybe we can find someone to take him." I had no idea what we were going to do with the dog, but I knew we weren't going to let this women kill him for being scared.

We loaded him in a crate in the back of my mom's vehicle and started on the way home. We had absolutely no idea what we were going to do with the dog when we got home. Would he bite us again? Would he hurt Jamey? (She was only four at the time.)

We arrived home at about 3 A.M. the next morning and unloaded Jake's crate into our kennel outside. He came out, happy to have some food and water. We then left him for the night collapsing into our beds.

The next morning we began our work with Jake. He was still scared, but much more responsive. He had never spent the night in a kennel and wanted out. Desperately. He cowered near the floor, but never once bit at any female member of our family.

He was a little untrustworthy of men though. For weeks, my father would have to regain his trust when he came home. It was hard, but in less than six weeks Jake had turned into a totally different dog. He was more calm, relaxed, and trusting.

I think it's important to point out that Jake never once snapped at Jamey. They were buddies from the beginning. We wouldn't have kept him around if he would have shown any aggression towards her.

We've had Jake for two years now. In that time, his personality has really came out.

Border Collies often find one thing they really enjoy and obsess over that activity. Jake loves chasing shadows. He will pounce on a shadow as it moves across the floor, much like a cat will. He also loves flashlight beams. He will chase shadows or light around for hours at a time.

This obsession with light makes it very easy to get a good picture of Jake. He will actually sit and pose when someone gets out a camera, waiting for the flash. It's quite funny.

He's also increadably smart and knows several tricks. He learns things quickly, often without us teaching him. I can tell him, "Let's go to bed," and he'll run outside and wait on the steps of the camper I sleep in when I'm home. My mom can say "Marla's home," and he starts jumping up and down, obviously excited.

Looking back, I can't believe that Jake was almost put down. He wasn't a real danger to anyone; his breeder just didn't want to put the time in to help him.

Furthermore, I can't believe that this dog was sent to live in an apartment. I'm not sure if he was abused, but I do know that his former owners didn't put near enough time in socializing him.

Thank goodness this amazing animal came into our lives. Our family's lives have been improved by having him around.

I'm a strong advocate of rescue dogs. Abandoned dogs are usually scared and want nothing more than a loving family to care for them. Be a hero and rescue your next family pet. I guarantee you won't regret it.

Awesome News

2009-05-20T15:30:00.003-05:00

I've had awesome news for over a week, but I just realized that I hadn't shared it here.

After a semester of about a million tests and five billion homework assignments, I finished the semester with all A's!

This is actually the third semester that I've had all A's... My first semester I got a B and a C so my GPA is now only a 8.83. Every semester I try to knock up my GPA bit by bit... but that C did some ugly things.

Don't think I'm bragging, because I'm totally not. My grades are very important to me though, and I spend endless hours studying and writing papers. It gives me great satisfaction to know that hard work will always eventually pay off.

And that makes me smile!

The 29'er Meme

2009-05-18T12:17:00.004-05:00

Hi guys. I spent about twelve hours yesterday on the tractor, so I missed getting around to doing Sunday Stealing. It's Monday morning and what would be better than a little meme time.

Sunday Stealing: The 29'er Meme

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?
I hate all bills. They are the plague of my life.

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
Me and Colby had a romantic dinner of Pizza at his house last night. We were both totally exhausted, but he rubbed my feet afterward. Does that count?

3. How many colleges did you attend?
So far... only one. I'm transferring next semester, so it will at least two.

4. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?
Because it was on the top of the pile.

5. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
I'm on vacation... No alarms.

6. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
"Dang, it is so hot in here."

7. What do you miss being a child?
I miss the excitement of doing nothing all summer. I'm started my summer job in a week and I'm totally dreading it.

8. What errand/chore do you despise?
Doing the dishes. I don't mind doing anything else, but I hate sticking my hands in dirty water.

9. Have you found real love yet?
Yes... I am so very happy about my farmer.

10. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?
Cereal. I always need more cereal.

11. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
No... I think dominating husbands are outdated though.

12. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
Orlando Bloom. He's my ultimate celebrity crush. Hottie.

13. Ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
Nope.

14. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go?
I never been to California at all. I would love to go see the Giant Red Wood trees.

15. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
New career. I'm happy with my relationship.

16. Do you have a “go to” person?
Yes. I am very lucky.

17. Are you where you want to be in life?
I'm getting there.

18. Over the years, what about you do you think has changed the most?
My view of the world. I used to want a big fancy career. Now I just want to be a good person, living a happy life.

19. Looking back at high school were they the best years of your life?
Heck no. I had several classmates who acted like high school was all that mattered and I laughed at them then and now.

20. Are there times you still feel like a kid?
Yes. Like when I don't know how to do something or get lost or have to pay rent.

21. Where was the hang out spot when you were a teenager?
On main street of our tiny town. It's still the place to be.

22. Who do you think impacted your life the most?
My parents.

23. Was there a teacher or authority figure that stood out for you?
Yes. I had several great teachers in high school.

24. Do you tell stories that start with “when I was your age”?
No... I'm not that old yet.

25. What is the scariest thing that has happened to you as an adult?
I stress about my families health all the time. Having two family members die of cancer in the last two months is hard.

26. What advice would you give to someone about to get married?
I'm not married... so I have no idea.

27. What advice would you give someone starting their first job?
Work hard and be responsible. You're boss will appreciate it.

28. If you could go back and change one thing you did, what would it be?
I would have gone to college closer to home straight out of high school. Instead a ran off and I'm now having to move back.

29. If you could go back and change one thing someone else did, what would it be?
I really can't think of anything. Is that weird?

The Best Thing I've Heard All Day

2009-05-16T17:42:00.002-05:00

I just returned from taking my lovely siblings pictures for Prom. Yes, I've already complained about it today, but I really can't resist the urge to whine some more.

It wasn't exactly fun. I've mentioned before that one of my sisters is knocked up. Well, she has a very demanding personality and can be a total pain in the ass. I would feel a bit sorry for her Sperm Donor, but he so dumb and annoying himself that I feel like they are meant to be together.

Today, I'm trying to take pictures of them together. They are all dressed up and the pregnant one (I'll call her S.) refuses to smile. She glares at the Sperm Donor when he gets closer, saying "I don't want to be hugged." There is this huge space between them in all the pictures and she looks increasingly angry in all of them.

Later, we return home and I'm discussing the pictures with my other sister, A. (yes, the one with the empty uterus). We were both annoyed that S. was being such a bitch. Here we are, exchanging complaints when A. says the funniest thing-- "I just wanted to say- let him touch you. I mean, you let him put his uh-huh in your vagina. He had to touch you then."

Oh my. It's times like this I love my life. If that isn't funny, then I don't know what is.

Prom Hell

2009-05-16T14:07:00.004-05:00

My parents ran off to the lake for the weekend and left me to take care of my three high school aged siblings. This is prom weekend. (Insert scary music indicating the hell I'm going through tonight.) I think I would rather be beat or ran over with a giant truck then be held responsible for everything that is going on around here today.

My dad has been a bit angry with the pregnant sister lately and didn't want to deal with her stupid Sperm Donor hanging around our house all day today. That's understandable... but why the hell did they think I would want to deal with him? I get the overwhelming urge to puke whenever I see either one of them. Neither one of them even has a car right now, and I'm pretty much responsible for driving them around all night.

I'm also in charge of gathering flowers, taking pictures, and making sure that the two pies I slaved over last night make it to the banquet. Doesn't this all sound like so much fun?

My other sister, the one with an empty uterus, has a boyfriend that lives two hours away. He's coming to be her Prom date, so I'm also responsible for making sure that her uterus stays empty. Actually, I'm not at all worried about this, but he is taking over my living quarters for the night.

After I graduated, my sisters each got their own rooms and took over mine. For the two years since, I've had to sleep on the couch or in the Camper every time I come home. Our camper is three years old and rarely used, so that isn't really that big of an issue. It's a bit annoying to be kicked out of my "room" for the night though.

One of my high school friends is coming over tonight and I think we might just celebrate him turning 21. I feel the urge to blow off some built up steam I've been holding in for several weeks. I'm not one who parties generally, but I might just make an exception tonight.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Robbing the Place, Cracks, Blogs, & Geographic Locations

2009-05-14T13:18:00.003-05:00

Hi guys. It's Thursday and we all know that means it's time for Thursday Thunks.

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Kimber, taken over by Berleen, the color carrot orange and the number 94.

1. You are at the store when suddenly 2 men walk in with guns and rob the place. Are you the hero, quiet & follow the rules type, or try to make a run for it?
I think this totally depends whether or not I'm alone. I like to think I would behave heroically to save someone I love. If I was alone, I would probably sit back and be quiet. Of course, I would never know for sure unless this happened.

2. Do you like Twizzlers?
They are okay.

3. Are you a YouTube watcher?
Not really. I get on YouTube about once a month.

4. When a auto glass store calls you and asks if you have a chip or crack in your windshield, what do you tell them?
Well, I have a tiny crack right now, so I'd probably admit that.

5. What is the age difference between you and your father?
Twenty-four years.

6. Have you ever tried to find the end of a rainbow?
Maybe. :D

7. Camping - recreational vehicle or tent?
Recreational vehicle. I'm actually living in one right now because my parents kicked me out of the house back when I graduated from high school.

8. Have you ever had to call 9-1-1?
No. Thank God.

9. Who is your favorite blog in the Thursday Thunk bloggers to visit?
I'm actually not picky. I haven't been doing this for too long, so I usually just click around and visit 5-10 people.

10. How long do you think you could live locked in your house on the food that you have on hand right now?
Probably a week.

11. Pepper - shaker or grinder?
Shaker.

12. What state (or country if you are not in the US) is 2 states west of you?
Arizona.

13. What color do you believe you look best in?
Blue.

and once again... next week is Thursday Thunkers Questions... so....

14. What is your question submission for next week?
What song one would you listen to over and over if you absolutely had to?

Cranky Much?

2009-05-13T10:15:00.006-05:00

I have a new favorite Website/Blog.

Do you ever get annoyed and feel the overwhelming urge to write a mean note to tell someone off? Can you resist that feeling to tell your roommate off for stealing your food? Do you have sloppy coworkers who trash you office?

Passive Aggressive Notes is a blog that displays notes that are usually written in a rage by upset people. The post notes from a wide rang of situation and some of them are just dang funny.

I mean, this one would make me quit stealing my roommates mouthwash. For sure.
The next one gets a very serious point across:
Moral of the story: Don't crap all over the bathroom.

Seriously, go over a check out this blog. It is worth it. I guarantee you will laugh A LOT.

Have a good day and try not to write any passive aggressive notes.

Home

2009-05-11T14:17:00.004-05:00

I am absolutely thrilled beyond belief to be home.

The last several months were dreadfully lonely at school. The people around me didn't seem to understand (or care) about the pain I was going through. No one understood that I was missing my family and mourning the death of two grandparents.

I spent almost every weekend alone. Unless Colby or my family came to visit me, I didn't have anyone to spend time with. I tried, frequently, to make plans with friends. For some reason, they were all too busy for dinner or even a quick chat.

At home, I suddenly feel important. I'm surrounded by people who love and care about me. Heck, even the people at the local Pizza Hut care more about me than the people I lived with for the last two years.

I am absolutely so glad I'm not going back to that place.

We my not have a large shopping center or a movie theater, but our tiny community takes care of their own. I may complain about living in the middle of nowhere, but I'm beginning to think there is no better place to spend my life.

Plus, where else can I watch a gorgeous sunset followed by a sky full of perfect stars?

Thank God for having a place to call home.

With a Little Help From My Friends

2009-05-09T15:43:00.002-05:00

I couldn't possibly skip this week's Saturday Nine. You should held on over and check it out.

Saturday 9: With a Little Help From My Friends

1. How many of your friendships have lasted more than ten years?
I actually have no friends from when I was ten. I do have several friends from seventh grade though.

2. Which of your current friends do you feel will still be important to you ten years from now?
My boyfriend. He's my best friend and isn't going anywhere.

3. It's Friday evening and you're planning your weekend. What's on your agenda?
Well, I spent last night on the tractor until 2. I guess it depends on what time of year it is.

4. What was the most recent movie to scare you or give you the creeps?
I really can't think of any. I don't watch scary movies.

5. Finally, the new cast and movie of Star Trek are out. Excited or indifferent?
Totally and completely indifferent.

6. Do you have any nervous habits?
Yes. I usually can't sleep when I'm nervous.

7. Do you swear in general?
Some. Not a lot though.

8. Do you swear on your blog?
I occasionally say hell.

9. Does it bother you when you read a post with curse words?
Nope. Blogs should be a place for people to share whatever they want with the world.

Oh. The Joys of Moving.

2009-05-09T12:17:00.003-05:00

I'm home! Finals are over, I drove all day long, and I finally made it back to where I belong. Of course, I feel like doing a little happy dance.

This is what my car looked like yesterday, except everything was inside of it. I seriously could not have fit one more bag or box into the thing. It was exciting.

And by exciting, I mean I couldn't see through the rear view mirror.

I stayed on the tractor with Colby until 2 AM last night. It was actually pretty fun. Did you know corn seed looks like unpopped pink popcorn? It does.

I took pictures and I'll be posting them tomorrow.

Take care guys.

How many bites to a center of a watermelon?!?

2009-05-07T18:48:00.004-05:00

Hi guys.

I've only got one more final left and my room is almost completely packed. I just have to do a little bit of cleaning and study for an easy, blow-off final I have tomorrow.

The world is suddenly looking much brighter. In twenty-four hours I'll be home with my sweetie! Yes, we'll probably be riding on the tractor until three AM, but that's better than hanging out here by myself.

Anyway, let's get on to this weeks Thursday Thunks. Hurry on over there and participate. It's quite fun.

1. Why the heck did you come back this week to do this meme?
Because there is only so much complaining one can do about school before they become totally boring. And I don't want to get to that point.

2. Ever whiten your teeth?
No. I should though. I don't drink soda or coffee ever, so my teeth is generally pretty white.

3. Do you drive the speed limit?
I'm always within about five miles of it.

4. Did the dog eat your homework?
No, my dog attacks shadows instead. (I'm totally going to have to get pictures of that for the blog soon. I'll work on it.) He's pretty much the funnest thing ever.

5. How many bites does it take to get to the center of a watermelon?
Like a bunch. What a weird question?

6. Did you eat paint chips as a child?
No. Did you?!?

7. If someone rang your doorbell/knocked on your door at 1am, would you answer it?
Not here in the big city. I would just assume it was a drunk and refuse to answer. At home, I would totally send my Dad or Colby to answer it.

8. "Amazingly Smooth" makes you think of what?
My freshly shaven legs. Haha.

9. What was the last stupid thing someone said to you? (not counting this meme's questions)
... "I can't hang out with you tonight, but don't think it's because of some big thing. I'm just having this thing with my new roommate." Was that supposed to make me feel better?!?

10. Would you eat a stick of butter for $100?
Not alone. Maybe with some crackers.

11. Find the nearest fabric tab, not counting your clothing you are wearing. What does it say the object is made of and where was it made?
There is seriously no clothes in this room with me. I would get up and look, but I've made twelve trips up and down the stairs today. My legs are tired.

12. What is the strangest name you've ever heard someone name their child (or a person you met... however you want to answer it)?
Bob Geldof and Paula Yates named their daughters Fifi Trixiell, Little Pixie, and Peaches Honeyblossom. Of course, these are celebrity baby names... Weirdos.

13. Why is some toilet paper really soft and others are really hard?
Because some packages cost $45 dollars and others are $0.25. You get what you pay for.

Just call me crazy...

2009-05-05T21:38:00.003-05:00

I was mean to my boyfriend yesterday. Not just a little mean either- I was insane woman acting totally irrational.

Looking back on it, I want to claim it wall all because of stress. Things have been really hectic around here. I'm in the process of moving and my apartment is a mess. I just found out my younger sister is knocked up. Plus, it's finals week and I'm totally obsessed with maintaining perfect grades.

But I'm not the only one under pressure...

Colby is currently planting corn. This time of year he works eighteen hours a day, seven days a week. Yesterday, he had two irrigation wells break in a matter of hours and had to drive forty five miles to pick out a giant load of seed. Plus, the dang fertilizer guys weren't there on time and put him behind on planting.

(Right now I'm totally marveling over the fact that I knew all of that. Six months ago I knew very little about farming... Now I can act like a total pro... or at least appear to know what I'm talking about.)

Yesterday, I was feeling weepy and lonely. I was missing my Grandma and feeling bad for my Grandpa, knowing he's having difficulties right now. I just plain felt sorry for myself.

Colby is a real gem. We are currently six hours away from each other and he does a very good job of keeping me constantly informed with what's going on in his life. We text and talk to each other around the clock.

Yesterday, I was feeling utterly alone in the world and Colby was busy. He didn't text me for a whole four hours *gasp.* I know... It was totally ridiculous, but I started to act like he was somehow mistreating me by having his own life.

These thoughts are going through my head and I'm thinking "why am I doing this? This is stupid," but I just kept it up. He snapped at me once, informing me that he was really busy and would call me in a couple of hours. I cried. Like a spoiled brat.

I still feel sorry about it... I've apologized about twelve million times today, but I'm afraid that my dear Honey Bear might forever think I'm a crazed manic.

Furthermore, I'm a little worried about it myself. I'm not ready for the straight jacket just yet.

40% Done

2009-05-04T15:53:00.003-05:00

I took my Political Science Information Management test today... That's a stats class for everyone lucky enough not to be a Poli-Sci major.

It was long and hard. For two and a half hours, I worked on problems ranging from standard deviation to tau-b equations. It was hell... Actually, it was worse than hell.

I've had a 88.69-90.25 all semester. I'm praying that the curve for the final will bump my grade up unto the A range.

Yes, it's weird that I know that, but my teacher is a statistics professor. She keeps us updated regularly.

Plus, I'm really uptight when it comes to grades. I've got nothing but A's the last two semesters. At this point, one dang B will bring down my GPA.

Now, I've got to get my mind away from statistics and start thinking about history. I've got a French Revolution final tomorrow.

Gosh. Sometimes I hate being a college student, but then I remember that the being a part of the work force isn't exactly a walk in the park either. But at least you get paid.

Anything you can do, I can do better...

2009-05-02T15:55:00.004-05:00

Recently, I had a very funny conversation with my boyfriend. Somehow, we began to discuss the differences between men and women.

Colby made the mistake of thinking that there was something he could do that I couldn't, because he is a man. Marla does not like people assuming she's weak. “You think that there is something that you can do that I can’t?”

“… umm.” He's smart and realized that needed to watch his words carefully.

“No, I can’t get an erection, but I can do anything else you can do.” Except drive a tractor, lift anything heaver than sixty pounds, or a full pull-up, but I wasn't about to admit any of those things.

“You can’t pee standing up.” I could tell he was proud of himself.

“I can… It might get pee all over my leg, but I can do it. What else you got?” There was no way I was going to loose the fight.

Colby paused and I could almost hear him weighing his options. He could start listing off real things that I couldn't do, but I might react unfavorably and set out to prove that I could. And we both knew that wouldn't be pretty. “… I guess that’s it.”

"That's what I thought." I smiled, feeling like I had won the debate of the century.

Thank God he decided not to challenge me.

I wouldn't want to have to show him up.

Settling the Score

2009-05-02T13:17:00.006-05:00

I don't want to continue my complaining from yesterday and I need to start studying for my finals... but I didn't want to skip out on the Saturday fun. Be sure to check it out.

Saturday 9: Settling the Score 1. Do you feel that you have “a score to settle” with anyone?
Honestly, I have a lot of built up anger right now... but I'm not going to go out looking for revenge. I just need to express myself or forgive. I just haven't decided which one yet.

2. Do you own anything that you think is unbreakable?
I really don't think so... Everything of mine seems a bit fragile at times.

3. Tell us about a crazy thing you did in high school.
I honestly never did anything too crazy. I was a very good kid.

I once ran twelve miles in one day during cross country season. That seems crazy to me now.

4. Name the one talent of yours that you think is the best.
I'm good at learning things. My memory works amazingly and I'm pretty dang smart. I do my best at school work.

5. Who wins American Idol? (if you don’t watch, tell us about a reality show that you do follow.)
I'm not huge on reality shows... I like watching Project Runway, but it's almost always re-runs that I watch on Bravo.

6. What is your favorite movie in black & white?
To Kill a Mockingbird. The book is even better.

7. What is one thing advertised too much on TV?
Condoms. Why do condom advertisements always come up when I'm watching television with my parents. Awkward.

8. What is your current favorite TV drama?
Lost. The story line is finally coming together and I love it- so much.

9. What is your current favorite TV comedy?
I don't like any comedies that are currently showing. My two favorites include: That 70s Show and Friends.

Happy Saturday guys! I hope you all have exciting, fun weekends that aren't centered around studying.

Selfish

2009-05-01T18:30:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

I decided that I probably need to vent... And this is my blog, so I'm going to assume the right to say whatever I want here.

_________

Suppose a girl, who's about twenty years old, has an eighteen year-old sister. This sister has always been a pain in the ass. She was loud and annoying from birth, but the older sister always stood up for her. She stuck by her side because that's what older sisters do… that’s what family does.

This younger sister was never as good at school as her older sister. It wasn't that she was lazy; she just didn't understand why she needed an education.

Suppose the younger sister has always had a strange obsession with babies. From about twelve on, she went out of her way to make friends with the girls at school who had become pregnant. She would happily walk around town with them, pushing a stroller, imagining herself as a mother.

This younger sister doesn't appear to realize that having a baby isn’t all fun and games. She doesn't think about the poverty these young parents are experiencing. She doesn’t comprehend sleepless nights or think about the fact that babies colic, even when their parents have a big math test scheduled for the next day.

What should an older sister do when she finds out that her younger sister is pregnant? Not only that, but the girl actually tired to get pregnant- before marriage, before graduation, before she could make anything over minimum wage.

Because this older sister- she doesn’t want to be supportive.

I want to yell and complain. I want to shake her until she realizes what she has done. I mad… I’m the older sister. I’m the one who’s supposed to have babies first.

My parents are raising their own six children. They shouldn’t have to come up with money to support her’s. My parents aren’t going to be able to proudly stand up in church and announce that they’re going to be grandparents for the first time. Instead, they have to deal with the shame that comes with unwed, teenage pregnancy.

All because my sister wants to have a baby.

I can’t imagine what would make a person so selfish.

Overshare?

2009-04-30T17:49:00.003-05:00

How much should one share with the world on their blog?

I'm currently in the middle of some major family drama and I feel it bubbling out of me, but I don't want to overshare and say anything I'll regret later.

I feel the need to express my hurt and anger, but I don't want to hurt anyone around me.

My friends and family don't even know I have a blog. Should I go totally secretive and make up a fake name so I can just let it out?

Oh, the drama. It's big, horrible and I just might kill someone.

Reflections?

2009-04-30T13:15:00.006-05:00

I think I'm going to change the name of my blog. I never really liked "Got Marla?" and only stuck with it because I couldn't think of anything else.

I want a nice, memorable name. It needs to be something that is broad and can apply to many different situations. I have no idea what direction this blog might take, so I want it to be applicable to different situations.

I've been thinking about Reflections of Marla. What do you all think?

_____________________
Now it's time for Thursday Thunks, one of my favorite memes of the week. Be sure to check out the other blogs that participated this week.

1. What color is your front door?
White and totally boring.

2. We discussed our folks in previous TT so now tell me about your siblings. If you are an only child, tell me whether or not you wanted siblings, older, younger etc.
I am actually the oldest of six. Yeah. I have one of those really big, crazy families that would make an absolute amazing sitcom. They are a blessing, but also sometimes they drive me insane.

3. What color/type butterfly is your favorite?
I actually don't have a favorite kind of butterfly. Is that normal? I like the big, pretty ones.

4. Will you be celebrating Cinco De Mayo?
No. I will be taking a hardcore final over the French Revolution.

5. Oprah- love her, hate her, or don't care?
Sometimes I watch her in the afternoon when she's discussing something really interesting, but I don't really like her. My family (and the boyfriend) are involved in the cattle industry and I think I'm still supposed to hate her for her comments back in the 90s about ranching techniques.

6. Are you worried about the spread of swine flu?
Not really, but I'm not planning any trips to Mexico and have been washing my hands extra lately.

7. Hard or soft pillows?
Soft. I like thin pillows too.

8. How many trees are in your neighbor's yard?
I live in a lame apartment duplex. I have no idea how many trees are in our "yard," much less theirs.

9. What was the color of the last car you saw?
I'll say that was mine... so black.

10. When does your driver's license expire?
I think 2012. It's a long while from now.

11. Look at the clock on your computer and type the numbers backwards.
22:1

12. When you put your pants on, what leg do you put in first?
The right one?

13. How would you respond to this letter if you were an advice columnist.

I am an ugly woman. I was an ugly baby and child even! It is a fact. I am 36 now and I have never had a boyfriend, and I am still a virgin.

Due to me not having men in my life, I have poured everything I have in to education and my career. At 36 I am the youngest (and first female CEO) at a big, successful, tech company. I have over 200 personal patents and millions of pounds in investments.

I have everything: huge house, holiday villa in Spain, 3 cars, power boat, a race horse, etc. but as much I try to talk myself into everything being “great” I cannot help but to miss that special someone to share it all with.

Most of my friends are married with kids and I feel like I am gradually drifting away from them also.

Where can I find someone to marry an ugly woman?

Really, I think this woman's biggest problem would be the way she sees herself. She obviously thinks she is ugly, so she probably assumes other people think the same. I truly doubt that is true. She needs to get out in the world and look for a man... I myself believe that there is someone out there for everyone.

Have a great day!

Remember Them

2009-04-28T22:08:00.002-05:00

Tonight I attended a lecture at my university about the ethics of euthanasia used during the Holocaust. Before they opened the Concentration Camps across Europe, the German Nazis had already began the process of eliminating those they did not see as worthy of living.

In the beginning, they would take deformed infants from their mothers, promising them the best care available. They would then slowly starve these helpless children to death. Later, they would move on to the mental institutions and hospitals for those with disabilities. A wide range of people could be euthanized, including alcoholics, those with TB, and the mentally handicapped. Even more, anyone who was related to someone with one of these broadly defined problems could be sterilized or killed.

German society supported these practices. These camps weren’t located far away from people. Often times, they were in the middle of towns and citizens had to realize what was going on. Society had scared them into supporting the euthanasia policies. Propaganda was spread about the cost of the disabled. Posters and moves advocated the superior Arian race that would one day dominate the world.

I tell you all this because I believe it should be known. I think people need to take time out to realize what humans have been capable of doing to each other in the past.

My mom works at a small, West Texas school. Recently a new boy moved from New York. His family is Jewish; although he doesn’t actively participate in the religion, the other kids at school still pick on him. They taunt him , calling him names like “Jew-Boy” in the halls between classes.

The bullying accelerated one day last week. A group of Hispanic boys wrote all over his car before lunch. They drew a large swastika and the Star of David with a penis drawn through the middle. The chalk they used severely scratched up his car.

The boy found his damaged car at lunch and immediately went home to show his mother. She was obviously extremely frustrated and called the school to complain.

This is where this story gets incredibly irritating to me. The school administration has been trying to ignore the issue and refuses to punish the kids who openly discriminate against a minority. They keep coming up with excuses and claim that they can’t prove who did it, but every teacher and student in the building knows just which group participated in the crime.

Allowing anyone to mock the Holocaust, in my opinion, is one of the biggest mistakes our society can make. History repeats itself and if we are not careful another group will take control and start weeding minorities out. How can anyone listen to stories detailing the appalling conditions in which six million Jews in Europe were murdered and millions of other “unworthy” races and individuals with disabilities were killed?

I’m barely out of high school, and I’m already looking at teenagers and wondering where our society is going. So many seem to have no real moral focus and are not bothered by the pain and suffering of others. Hand them an iPod filled with bawdy music and they will be happy. Why care about other people?

This attitude seems supported by so many parents and the administrators at school. My mother’s principal responds to her complaints of behavior issues with one standard answer: “That’s why I got out of the classroom.” He shrugs his shoulders and refuses to hand out punishment because he doesn’t think it’s his problem anymore. Why is he still in the school system? How can our teachers do their jobs when they have no real disciplinary action in the schools?

Furthermore, this story really bothers me because it involves one minority disrespecting another. This group of students often who claim they are being discriminated against if a teacher corrects a wrong answer and walk around with a chip on their shoulder if a white teacher happens to do her job. They understandably don’t enjoy being called “Wet-backs” yet they turn and openly mock the torturous killing of millions of innocent people because of their race or religion?

Some days I wonder what our world is coming to. If we can blindly turn our eyes to discrimination of a teenage boy based on religion and mock the murder of millions of men, women, and children, what’s to say that there won’t someday be another Holocaust? It is our duty to remind people of the atrocities that occurred during World War II and work to ensure that it never happens again.

In which I discuss my love for ravioli...

2009-04-26T11:08:00.004-05:00

Hi guys! I haven't done much the last twenty four hours, so I decided to participate in yet another meme. Yes, I am so very original. The Sunday Stealing: The Mud Meme is pure fun and is hosted by Sunday Stealing where they work hard to find (steal) interesting memes.

1. What are your current obsessions?
Blogging, ravioli, and my boyfriend. I’m a very well rounded person. Yes. Yes.

2. Which item from your wardrobe do you wear most often?
Jeans. Like everyday. I usually don’t wash after I wear them the first time either. Why wash clean jeans? It’s not like my knees sweat and make them stinky or anything.

3. What's for dinner?
Ravioli, duh.

4. Last thing you bought?
Basic groceries- milk, break, cereal, ravioli, and frozen pizza. I actually think that might have been everything I bought.

5. What are you listening to?
The roommate and her horribly rude friends partying for the second night in a row… Hopefully they’ll be done before 2:30 tonight.

6. If you were a god/goddess who would you be?
I would be Marla- Goddess of Oklahoma… Wait, isn’t that who I already am?

7. Favorite holiday spots?
Red River, NM. It’s totally my favorite place, no matter what time of year it is.

8. Reading right now?
A history book? Actually, I’m not even doing that. I’m only skimming chapters that are essential right now.

9. 4 words to describe yourself.
Ambitious, blissful, reliable, and confident.

10. Guilty pleasure?
Blogging. I spent so much time on my computer these days.

11. Who or what makes you laugh until you’re weak?
Colby and my baby sister, Jamey. They are both amazing people.

12. Planning to travel to next?
Home! I’m really exciting about moving.

13. Best thing you ate or drank lately?
Goldfish… They really hit the spot.

14. When did you last get tipsy?
January.

15. Care to share some wisdom?
Don’t move in with people you don’t really like or even know. Something bad will happen and you’ll be dealing with it for nine months. Wait- I’m not talking (writing/ typing) about pregnancy. You’ll have horrible roommates for nine months, not a baby.

16. Nicest thing anyone’s ever said to you?
“You smell good,” or “This is Martha; she’s a genius.”

Ha. I might be kidding about that last one.

Drunk People Suck

2009-04-25T00:48:00.003-05:00

I'm currently listening to my roommate's annoying drunk parting. I'm sleepy, but it just isn't going to happen for a while.

I totally need to live alone next year. For sure.

I'm going to do this week's Saturday 9... because I'm obviously not going to be able to sleep anytime soon.

1. If you could have just one more conversation with a person from your past, who would it be?
Actually, I would have a conversation with my biological father. He died when my mom was pregnant with me so I’ve never got to meet him. She remarried a wonderful man who has treated me like his own, but sometimes I what wonder I’m missing. Do I ever act like him? Do I laugh like him? It makes me wonder.

2. Do your friends tend to be male or female?
My friends are now a mix of both male and female. I met a bunch of really great girls in the dorms last years. Of course, in high school I was pledged with constant drama from the girls, so I stuck closer to the boys. They are just more fun most days.

3. What is in your car’s trunk?
Boxes. In two weeks I’m be one my way back to my home town. It’s very exciting, but I hate packing.

4. What was the last CD that you purchased?
Taylor Swift’s Fearless. It’s awesome. Buy it.

5. What is your favorite movie and why?
I really like Flyboys.
It has one of those really great, make you feel good plots. It’s historical and patriotic, with a little bit of romance thrown in. Plus, it stars several very attractive men.

6. If you could wake up with a new talent tomorrow, what would it be?
To hack into the university computer system and give myself all A’s on finals without getting caught?
Or to fly. Flying would probably be better.

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why?
Saturdays… I LOVE LOVE LOVE sleeping in. Plus, it’s great to just hang out sometimes.

8. What are you wearing when you feel you’re at your best?
Jeans, a cute top, and awesome shoes. I usually feel great when I’m really comfortable.

9. When was the last time cried?
Last night. Colby and I were having a seriously conversation about my Grandpa. He’s adapting to living without my Grandma after 47 years of marriage. It seriously must be rough.