hey people. i went back to xanga.com/mhat_was_here

check it if you're wanting updates.

The Lady and Me

Well I find that I'm now suddenly on the decline of my 20's. How did this happen? Who told that groundhog that he could continue his tradition? It's funny because I never thought much about get older than 21 as a kid-o. Now that I'm the 26er, I can see 30 creeping closer, and I don't know...I don't think it'll be that bad. I'm never going to get used to the fact that I'm always a little bit older than I was yesterday.

For my actual Journey Formation Anniversary, I was slightly surprised by my friends at Baby A's for some dinner and Margaritas. Was really surprised me was the little lady on my left above. She "claimed" to have strep throat and couldn't make it for my birthday. Playing the part of the fool, I believed since she actually had a sore throat the weekend before. Welp, after one purple and a little buzzed texting she suddenly appeared by my side and a truly grand time was had.

Good times. And now for the abridged recap of the time since my last update.
1. Spent Xmas with Christiaan and Dylan
2. Spent New Years with Jen in Austin
3. Went to Florida for a family vacation, swam in ocean did not become shark dinner
4. While in FL, I had my transmission rebuilt in TX for waaaaaaaaaay too much money
5. Came back to 3 ice days with no work and no pay
6. Re-adjusted to working with pay
7. Turned 26
8. Got back into running around Town Lake.

Okay, that should catch everyone up now. Adieu.

Total babe magnet.

My Triumphant Return!

And so I return, unscathed and perhaps a bit wiser. At least I'm a bit more knowledgeable than before, especially concerning the topics of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. That is correct, the OAT is over with for now. I didn't do horribly, but I didn't do amazing well either. But I was happy with the result in general. Those few minutes while it's adding up your score is pure torture, but well worth it when get you scores right away. I think I'm going to take it over again in March because I know I can do better. The real thing was a bit different than the practice tests, so now I am quite aware of what is expected from me on the test.

In the world of other me happenings, it's a boy! I'm now the proud papa of a 2 month old puppy. He's an American Blue Heeler mix that looks nothing like a Blue Heeler, but he'll charm your sox off with the slightest of glances none the less. (Don't you love colloquialism? And don't you just love spelling colloquialism right on the first try?) I've only had him since Saturday. Jen and I pretty much fell head over heals for him. He's a bit rambunctious, and he's still needing crate and potty training, but he's learning quickly. The majority of his bathroom business is done outside with some occasional indoor messes when he's not watched carefully. It'll be a test of my patience no doubt.

In more happenings, I've just been struggling to keep old P.O.C. running. In the past week I've replaced the thermostat, had to charge to battery, replaced the driver side power window motor, replaced a rubber coolant hose, and replaced the tensioner. The tensioner was easy, the window motor was not quite as so. But I'm learning and relearning with each repair, so it's kind of nice to explore and expand my car knowledge. I just don't like expanding it at the cost of vacation.

And finally speaking of vacations, we're going to be in Florida from January 6th to January 11th! It'll be our family xmas and Jen is coming along! Excellent! : ) Okay, here's some obligatory Dylan, that's his name, pictures!

8:00 a.m, tomorrow.

I relate all too well. I'm debating on pushing this stupid test back a wee bit. We'll see.

I am the hand on your shoulder.

Woo-paa! Another delayed and infrequent update brought to you on a night of squander. I did study tonight, but I wasn't nearly as studious as I'd desired to be. I dozed off for several hours tonight after talking to Jen on the phone. So I reviewed some previous study notes instead of making new ones. My 100% final date for the OAT is November 6th; I'm paid and set for the test. So it's go time in exactly two weeks!

Since these updates are far and few, I'll try not to overload my reading base but I make no promises. I've been sick all of last week. Actually a week ago from last Wednesday, I stayed home from what I believe were expired-dried apricot poising. I woke up with horrible stomach pains that morning, but I digress. I'm just infected with the house hold cold now. I'm over the hump though, no more sneezing and dripping and sore throat. Just coughing with occasional flem removal.

Jen was ever so kind enough to come down to Austin this weekend to give me some extra study time and to be my nurse. Now if she's managed to keep herself from getting sick, I will be amazed. I forbid her to get sick, but I doubt she'll listen to me. ; ) She came down on Saturday since I was feeling pooie on Friday night. We ended up going to the Haunted Forest on Oltorf that night. You know I'm a sucker for a good scare. (Oh you didn't? Well that's why you're reading my blog!) It's on a three acre plot with a 'haunted' forest walk through. Quite fun, but could have been a little scarier in my opinion. Jen was scared...but she won't admit it. : )

But no, we were not satisfied with our night of thrills! We rentend the 1985 masterpiece Return to Oz. That movie scared the heebies out of the both of us as kids. I mean - the wheelers, head switching queens, and cross dressing rock people? This movie is up there with the Dark Crystal and Labyrinth both of which send childhood shivers up my spine. Good times.

We're actually going to Waco to visit John and Tiff next weekend and to catch the Baylor/A&M game seeing how we're both alumni of the respective schools. The Aggies are going down. We're actually going to a Halloween party in Waco too. We're going as Cereal Killers - Jen's awesome idea. I'll post some pictures on here in like 3 months I'm sure. Perhaps we'll go to a haunted house too; we need our thrill adrenaline. And now pictures to send you off!