tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41655582856739992252024-03-14T08:37:39.978-05:00Country GirlAmerican by birth, Texan by the grace of GOD....THESE WORDS ARE MY DIARY SCREAMING OUT LOUD....ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-32528224867449296772010-09-12T16:41:00.002-05:002010-09-12T16:53:14.268-05:00Where the HECK......Have I BEEN??<br /><br />Here I am again, writing a blog entry explaining just where the heck I've been. Sadly to say, this time some pretty major things happened with the family.<br /><br />August turned out to be one of the most busy and stressful months of my existence. It started out okay. I had three weeks before school started so I figured hmmm, I'll take these last three weeks and just write the hell outta my book. I'll sit by the pool with my cousins. I'll take long naps after work and just do what I wanna do, when I wanna do it.<br /><br />Hah! That's exactly what life said to me. IN YOUR DREAMS!!!<br /><br />My grandmother (who I lived next door to for a couple of years) had been a 5 year patient with COPD. Sadly, she lost that battle on August 27, 2010. She had been going downhill since April of 2009, when her husband of 51 years and my grandfather passed away. Her health really took a turn on August 17th when she asked to go to the hospital (which NEVER happens) so we knew something was definitely wrong.<br /><br />Everyday after work I'd go up to the hospital and see her and my aunt until later at night when I forced myself to leave to get some form of rest before work the next morning. I was glad when the doctors said she could go home, even though that didn't necessarily mean she was "ok." They suggested Hospice to us and we looked into it and finally decided that was probably best. For the next few days at home, she seemed to be doing just fine. She was coherent, talkative, HUNGRY (which was new), and in somewhat good spirits. Things seemed to be getting back to as normal as they could have been. <br /><br />And then randomly, about three days after she had been home, I come home and see that she is no longer conscious and alert. Her breathing was much more shallow and she just seemed to be gone, aside from her breathing and heart beat. Her health turned that quickly. The hospice nurse gave us a book to read, "Gone from My Sight" that laid out the stages of death. She informed us that we were in the "hours to days" stage with Mema.<br /><br />She lingered about four days in that stage. We weren't sure what she was waiting on. I missed several days of work and finally decided it was probably best to go back. Nothing was changing and we honestly didn't know when the day would come that she would be reunited back with Pepa and Jesus. Friday morning, about 8:30, I got a call at work from my father letting me know she was gone. When the phone rang I just KNEW that it was a call about her. <br /><br />Of course, we all knew her death was coming, but regardless of how well prepared we seemed to be, it still hurt so badly. That entire weekend is a blur to me, and thanks to my family coming together, we coped with it pretty well. That Monday after the funeral when everyone left is when it hit me the hardest. <br /><br />My routine took an abrupt change. Every night I'd go next door and have supper with her. Now that is no longer the case. There is a huge gaping hole in my life where Mema once was. Now I'm going to have to find a way to fill that void before it drives me completely insane. I find a lot of comfort in knowing that she is up in heaven with Pepa, doing what she wants. Thinking about that as well as the wonderful memories made with them, it helps, but it's going to take me awhile to get over not seeing her everyday.<br /><br />I'm also starting a new job tomorrow. It's a whole new schedule and I'll more than likely not be home much. I have class as well, so keeping myself busy is the only way I can think to help myself right now. It's those idle moments at home alone where I allow my mind to think too much about things. When I let my mind run wild, it can become dangerous.ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-49753421995057540102010-07-20T21:17:00.004-05:002010-07-20T21:19:29.555-05:00My Book Is Published!My book went live on Amazon tonight! Here is the link if anyone would like to sample it out or even buy it! It's only $2.99!<br /><br />http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Day-Drifter-ebook/dp/B003WJRHI4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1279677417&sr=8-4<br /><br />I would say more, but right now I'm dead where I sit! Everyone have a great evening! Thanks in advance to those who check it out! :)ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-39574541798744835202010-07-19T21:08:00.002-05:002010-07-19T21:13:31.484-05:00Hello....hello....hello....Long time no see, fellow bloggers! <br /><br />My sister's wedding is now over and done with, and might I say, it was very classy and well done! On a side note, I'm glad it was a success and in the past! That's pretty much why I've been MIA for awhile. Jeez (looks at last blog update) JUNE?? Where does the time go? And to think, I have a little over a month left of freedom before school starts again! (deep sigh)<br /><br />But hey, I got a huge goal accomplished tonight! I published my book, Modern Day Drifter, that has been sitting around collecting dust for months. I published it as an E-Book, meaning that you can download it onto your kindle, e-reader, computer, cell phone, whatever you got, as long as you have the kindle app, which is FREE, I might add! <br /><br />My book is in review stage right now on amazon.com, but once it becomes live I will post a link for everyone who is interested! I'm going to sell it for $2.99. Ah, the joys of E-publishing... things are so cheap!!<br /><br />I hope everyone is doing well! I hope to hear from ya soon and let me know how you are!! :)<br /><br />Here is the cover of my book that will soon be available for purchase on Amazon.com and possibly a few other E-book sites...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlRy8EAec3IC3D5dKp26O9SkzEjlvq-R_c9w_trvZ40HKNsLzExYwTKiMSOAdJQrqe726iEgpUyosjf5JaYJyCEP4UDs77XEvcBwAq2gOvih43ASrTs9c7frbtcTyg5uLUan05jB0JSW4/s1600/coverjpeg.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlRy8EAec3IC3D5dKp26O9SkzEjlvq-R_c9w_trvZ40HKNsLzExYwTKiMSOAdJQrqe726iEgpUyosjf5JaYJyCEP4UDs77XEvcBwAq2gOvih43ASrTs9c7frbtcTyg5uLUan05jB0JSW4/s400/coverjpeg.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495805651481308930" /></a>ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-46432815524153504992010-06-12T20:58:00.002-05:002010-06-12T21:35:10.329-05:00Soundtrack To Your LifeI've been browsing through a lot of music recently and got to thinking about soundtracks to movies/TV. It brought up a question.... What would be the soundtrack to your life? What songs would be included that can sum up past events as well as things in the present? <br /><br />It's so hard to just think up a few songs, especially one specific one that could include everything. A few that come to mind instantly are:<br /><br />1. The Dance - Garth Brooks<br />2. The Outsiders - Needtobreathe<br />3. Battlefield - Jordin Sparks<br />4. Life Ain't Always Beautiful - Gary Allan<br />5. Someday - Pete Yorn<br />6. Let It Be - Beatles<br />7. High Cotton - Alabama<br />8. Devil Town - Tony Lucca<br />9. Modern Day Drifter - Dierks Bentley<br />10. Respect the Wind - Van Halen<br />11. That Girl is a Cowboy - Garth Brooks<br />12. She's Like Texas - Josh Abbott Band<br /><br /><br />Those are just a few I can think up at the moment. If I kept at this, I'd have a crazy list of songs that went on and on. These songs I have just found myself able to relate to. A lot mark chapters in my life that have passed or I am currently enduring. I think everyone can relate to the song, "The Dance". <br /><br />So I ask, what do you think would be the soundtrack to your life?<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gSW4IV9p4vc&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gSW4IV9p4vc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-2103486190801023382010-06-09T20:33:00.002-05:002010-06-09T21:50:42.512-05:00Someone For EveryoneDo y'all think there is someone out there for everyone? Is it true that there is that one special person for each of us? <br /><br />....I used to think so. <br /><br />Without being too negative, I have my doubts now. I have heard several people I work with talking about this very subject. One girl was saying how she believes we all have a soul mate. All I could think was, easy for her to say. She's married. She's done with the search. Then she went on to say how her mom told her that it's likely that many people don't. Many people are designed to be alone forever. The law and physics of the earth don't measure up to every single person having a match up. After all, statistically, there are more women on the earth than men. <br /><br />As a Christian woman, I need to keep the faith that God has a plan that HE knows will work for me. HE knows what's right for me, even if I feel it's wrong. If his plan for me is to never get married and have a family, who am I to judge it? It just hurts. I want to be a wife and mother over anything else. To hell with the college degree. To hell with people saying "I sure am jealous of your freedom." or "You're smart for not being married." "Good job in staying single." "You don't need man drama like everyone else." Who are those people to say that to me? It is a painful sting.<br /><br />Dating is scary. In fact, dating has changed so much. All of the men I talk to don't want things labeled as a "relationship." They don't want commitment. They want the benefits in a relationship without being tied down. Let's just say, I've "dated" a long line of men who were worthless and a complete waste of my time. I've been cheated on, lied to, this that and the other... so my trust issue isn't good right now either. <br /><br />They say that love finds you at the most random time when you aren't even expecting it. We'll see. <br /><br />Sorry for the rant, it's just something that's been bugging me.ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-76184524760957136512010-05-28T21:37:00.002-05:002010-05-28T21:43:56.085-05:00One of Many...So, if you don't already know this about me, one of my many passions is the TV show Friday Night Lights. I have been watching the show since its first season, and follow it religiously to this day. It is currently in the process of filming it's 5th season! Sadly, it'll probably be its last, but hey, critics weren't giving it a chance after the first season. Better to end on a high note than get cancelled. :) Not only do I watch, but am also a background extra. :) It's been a great experience taking part in a show from that aspect.<br /><br />Anyway, for my blog tonight, I'm going to post up a couple of videos for those who would like to have a small preview about it. The first video is one that I made and compiled yesterday. <br /><br /><div><object width="512" height="322"><param name="movie" value="http://d.yimg.com/static.video.yahoo.com/yep/YV_YEP.swf?ver=2.2.46" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="AllowScriptAccess" VALUE="always" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="flashVars" value="id=20069868&vid=7569170&lang=en-us&intl=us&thumbUrl=http%3A//l.yimg.com/a/p/i/bcst/videosearch/14890/108254393.jpeg&embed=1" /><embed src="http://d.yimg.com/static.video.yahoo.com/yep/YV_YEP.swf?ver=2.2.46" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="322" allowFullScreen="true" AllowScriptAccess="always" bgcolor="#000000" flashVars="id=20069868&vid=7569170&lang=en-us&intl=us&thumbUrl=http%3A//l.yimg.com/a/p/i/bcst/videosearch/14890/108254393.jpeg&embed=1" ></embed></object><br /><a href="http://video.yahoo.com/watch/7569170/20069868">The Outsiders</a> @ <a href="http://video.yahoo.com" >Yahoo! Video</a></div><br /><br /><br />The second video was made by a good friend of mine, and fellow blogger, http://mmcdonald64.blogspot.com/. It shows the beginnings of a problem with Coach Taylor and how it escalates into a fight with his wife, later to be resolved like they always do.<br /><br /><div><object width="512" height="322"><param name="movie" value="http://d.yimg.com/static.video.yahoo.com/yep/YV_YEP.swf?ver=2.2.46" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="AllowScriptAccess" VALUE="always" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="flashVars" value="id=20070886&vid=7569558&lang=en-us&intl=us&thumbUrl=http%3A//l.yimg.com/a/p/i/bcst/videosearch/14891/108257933.jpeg&embed=1" /><embed src="http://d.yimg.com/static.video.yahoo.com/yep/YV_YEP.swf?ver=2.2.46" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="322" allowFullScreen="true" AllowScriptAccess="always" bgcolor="#000000" flashVars="id=20070886&vid=7569558&lang=en-us&intl=us&thumbUrl=http%3A//l.yimg.com/a/p/i/bcst/videosearch/14891/108257933.jpeg&embed=1" ></embed></object><br /><a href="http://video.yahoo.com/watch/7569558/20070886">Eric and Tami fight</a> @ <a href="http://video.yahoo.com" >Yahoo! Video</a></div><br /><br />The acting is dynamic and the storylines aren't just about football. They are about life, love, and everything in between. Even non-football fans would appreciate it! :)ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-34212718947225286142010-05-24T20:57:00.004-05:002010-05-24T21:17:36.641-05:00Some Things You Might Not Know....I was reading a magazine today with a top 20 list of things people might not know about the featured actor/actress. It gave me an idea to post a few things that are random or unknown about me.....<br /><br />1. I started writing stories around age 8. It was Fanfiction for the TV show, Homicide: Life On The Street. I haven't stopped since.<br /><br />2. I almost constantly have music going, except when I'm sleeping.<br /><br />3. I have to have it completely quiet to sleep.<br /><br />4. I have to have it completely dark to sleep.<br /><br />5. I have been on the set of two TV shows, Third Watch in New York and Friday Night Lights in Austin.<br /><br />6. I have met a handful of actors, including an actor I have followed and admired since the early 1990's.... That one of course being Kyle Chandler. The others are Ethan Hawke, Josh Stewart, Bobby Cannavale, Skipp Sudduth, and Coby Bell. The last four were on the show Third Watch, not to mention most of the actors on FNL as well. I also know the Executive Producer of Third Watch. He is currently the producer of Criminal Minds. His name is Edward Allen Bernero.<br /><br />7. I am an amateur storm chaser and want to keep it a hobby, rather than a job.<br /><br />8. I have been to New York 4 times, Los Angeles once, and Chicago once. New York wins, hands down, but Chicago is a close second.<br /><br />9. I will never live anywhere other than Texas.<br /><br />10. I am a die hard Texas Rangers fan. <br /><br />11. Baseball is the only pro sport I enjoy.<br /><br />12. My favorite baseball player is Josh Hamilton.<br /><br />13. My favorite collegiate team is the Texas Tech Red Raiders.<br /><br />14. I have changed my major three times. <br /><br />15. I have 7 piercings in my ears. <br /><br />16. My first funeral was at the age of 23.<br /><br />17. I am an adrenaline junkie. I will ride pretty much any roller coaster out there.<br /><br />18. I feel guilty if I take too much leisurely time for myself.<br /><br />19. My family comes first before ANYTHING...and I mean anything. I don't even take phone calls when I'm around my family.<br /><br />20. I don't like talking on the phone.ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-71757874979935873392010-05-15T23:09:00.004-05:002010-05-15T23:21:35.768-05:00The More Things Change...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgHhpKGx9nBlFOnJ6KFdiJRwpqZszS5S4c42My95LOCWY50WWC-fYs0PwmrpM32Rr6wvHh4RS41fLQ4lxiL0iBHYubCaqzPd74oYSjJT2owZcpGmAovYvPIGORECb9E9dS8Gd5zQ_Ka9U/s1600/DSCN2033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgHhpKGx9nBlFOnJ6KFdiJRwpqZszS5S4c42My95LOCWY50WWC-fYs0PwmrpM32Rr6wvHh4RS41fLQ4lxiL0iBHYubCaqzPd74oYSjJT2owZcpGmAovYvPIGORECb9E9dS8Gd5zQ_Ka9U/s400/DSCN2033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471718170541178562" /></a><br /><br />...The More They Stay The Same...<br /><br />This past week has been a roller coaster of emotions. As I have blogged many times before, it was finals week. That was tough in itself, but it is now over and I'm done with South Plains College.<br /><br />In the midst of the fun and happiness, there was also some sadness too. A cousin of mine passed away on Wednesday. He had been in the hospital for a little over the month with pneumonia. When he was younger he was a miracle baby. He was born with heart problems and overcame that. He was 32 with a three year old son. The funeral was Friday, the day of graduation so as I said, lots of roller coaster emotions going on that day.<br /><br />Friday evening we had a graduation party with my parents, my sister and her boyfriend's family. It was very nice and I am blessed to have such great people in my life. :) Barbecue and cake -- you know I'm gonna love that! :)<br /><br />When I got home I passed out and slept extremely late. I could have slept longer but I forced myself to get up. This weekend is just going to be a time to relax and catch up on rest. Still, for some reason, two days off just doesn't seem like enough time to recover from 5 days of chaos! <br /><br />Everyone have a great Sunday! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2O-fHAd5LE0BGx_XMpH8njmWkLgWgVkttdoIeFF7g-3J_gGHRaWCYXoymzk00mGUUe6JXxddmYqz5dxV_Ram1GL09UTyc5e2keu7vYIEVdZH8jbtGQOKiszQLakthb0c52IaQIoW5LhE/s1600/DSCN2025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2O-fHAd5LE0BGx_XMpH8njmWkLgWgVkttdoIeFF7g-3J_gGHRaWCYXoymzk00mGUUe6JXxddmYqz5dxV_Ram1GL09UTyc5e2keu7vYIEVdZH8jbtGQOKiszQLakthb0c52IaQIoW5LhE/s400/DSCN2025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471717466644405810" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkfcPFIdmDNaDyOOSy6OSc1Sp3DmFDFqIsPL83pwNsnPv4lXvmlPkgb-tCtvCou_z-Sk0cCfzngcnT5PJUyg_gxBrc8S_9pMGHB-qylGjvsjwAcbTXlk8h9_cZ7X9VCntW-nsiGU5zhji/s1600/DSCN2032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkfcPFIdmDNaDyOOSy6OSc1Sp3DmFDFqIsPL83pwNsnPv4lXvmlPkgb-tCtvCou_z-Sk0cCfzngcnT5PJUyg_gxBrc8S_9pMGHB-qylGjvsjwAcbTXlk8h9_cZ7X9VCntW-nsiGU5zhji/s400/DSCN2032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471717841281257090" /></a>ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-17796495605772889582010-05-11T12:54:00.008-05:002010-05-11T13:32:44.773-05:00Respect the Wind<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzjtcy0_3YLpzjuNRUsQ2CstB3v8oIvOGXHm-p6KuRGgbxekbgxhheccx6Q0aFyiSzL8fR8WweL56h9BgZ0WqGjD1NRYXegxXM_DLx2hm4oZW01By8iZ6K2KYmvm6qJ_wwrkKG32YbZub/s1600/storm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzjtcy0_3YLpzjuNRUsQ2CstB3v8oIvOGXHm-p6KuRGgbxekbgxhheccx6Q0aFyiSzL8fR8WweL56h9BgZ0WqGjD1NRYXegxXM_DLx2hm4oZW01By8iZ6K2KYmvm6qJ_wwrkKG32YbZub/s400/storm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470075092050960850" /></a><br />Today is the 40 year anniversary of the F5 tornado that hit downtown Lubbock, TX. May 11, 1970. My mom was just nine years old. Her neighborhood was flattened by the massive cyclone that ripped through the heart of the city. Lubbock also has the tallest sky scraper to survive an F5 tornado. Sadly, it was a night storm and there are no known photographs of the monster that barreled through the Hub City. In honor of the anniversary, I decided to blog about storms and weather today. Most of the pictures I'm including are ones that I have taken personally of storm chases I have been on. Some are by friends. The picture to the left is a perfect diagram of the layout of a tornadic supercell. Note in the front the rain wall, followed by the white of the hail shaft. Ever hear that quote, "calm before the storm?" See the gap after the hail shaft? That's when everything gets quiet and still, right before the tornado hits. In this particular picture, the tornado isn't fully developed, and is just a funnel. Still not to be taken lightly.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3mZ1ULaygJPtVqqLQ8cj8l-n27I1wFnNkvKRRDVf4W19uZUoYNPcE5pz9YRxtbKypfz1G9gykC8S5_sPAVhFpKLbBZ9bNdIIsBTmGrFgQW7jDqgm1mSQBSTGKZwtChsge-aUAjVJjX59/s1600/scud.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3mZ1ULaygJPtVqqLQ8cj8l-n27I1wFnNkvKRRDVf4W19uZUoYNPcE5pz9YRxtbKypfz1G9gykC8S5_sPAVhFpKLbBZ9bNdIIsBTmGrFgQW7jDqgm1mSQBSTGKZwtChsge-aUAjVJjX59/s320/scud.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470075804405635682" /></a><br /><center>The picture above is called a "scud cloud." This is also tornadic. It's the storm's attempt to suck in all moisture as it begins it's rotation, right before a funnel is formed.</center> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjle1nw83ZLonKhaiMHzqD2R5P-73-w8WQ7fjJ0x101t04lEMHZm76VKEV1WBmLB0RTf5aGQ2P0SLGh8gNkmrUWiceXs26P2cu5gz5dgG7NoSXruhN3ueGx8MTpV7qiE5XFivjhzHmytW5T/s1600/scud2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjle1nw83ZLonKhaiMHzqD2R5P-73-w8WQ7fjJ0x101t04lEMHZm76VKEV1WBmLB0RTf5aGQ2P0SLGh8gNkmrUWiceXs26P2cu5gz5dgG7NoSXruhN3ueGx8MTpV7qiE5XFivjhzHmytW5T/s320/scud2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470074691157975346" /></a><br /><center>This is a more pronounced scud cloud with a rain band in front of it.</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWN83ICKAvDCmgDHzqqwPgkuvd_7C0QPo7XBO7VlrBt2cAThICRdOHm1csD4acgYjkxf_HVbFsnbj_ZzMgFOrvvlqF58abOoHz0ge6AbiqEYhDJDHTIJcBaDTSpph8UTlLIbvENVaANtv/s1600/rotation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWN83ICKAvDCmgDHzqqwPgkuvd_7C0QPo7XBO7VlrBt2cAThICRdOHm1csD4acgYjkxf_HVbFsnbj_ZzMgFOrvvlqF58abOoHz0ge6AbiqEYhDJDHTIJcBaDTSpph8UTlLIbvENVaANtv/s320/rotation.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470077114622646898" /></a><br /><center>This picture shows the rotation as the wall cloud is trying to brew up a funnel. If you look closely you can see dirt being sucked up from the field. This is the wall cloud's attempt to suck in as much moisture from the east and dry air from the west to gain strength. Or as Dusty in Twister calls it.... "The suck zone." There was a time during this particular storm where it literally felt like the camera was going to be ripped from my hands. That was a sign to move on up the road out of the path.</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFLymvLZZ8KF9CS58gWd8xtAkr3v1DRyMbBwkcwdO7PBYtkCc6eFOJMWWwmmt5nycjybN0-AOq1_L4OV38-JVHBwrQfUfd39qLypRGBSwNeoq4QR0heQMiWkLbb7xUHMmNz4M_aEw45nw/s1600/tuliatornado.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFLymvLZZ8KF9CS58gWd8xtAkr3v1DRyMbBwkcwdO7PBYtkCc6eFOJMWWwmmt5nycjybN0-AOq1_L4OV38-JVHBwrQfUfd39qLypRGBSwNeoq4QR0heQMiWkLbb7xUHMmNz4M_aEw45nw/s400/tuliatornado.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470079086787603234" /></a><br /><center>This is a tornado that hit Tulia, TX on April 21, 2007. Tulia is about an hour north of Lubbock.</center><br /><br />Storm season is probably my favorite time of the year. Right now, in 2010, we haven't had an official severe outbreak here in Texas. We've had several lines of storms with the potential. With El Nino still in place, the only thing we're going to get is rain. Supposedly it is burning off though, and we're slated to have a late storm season at the end of May and beginning of June. We might not have much of one this season. Oklahoma and Kansas had a high risk day yesterday. The last storm report I checked, there were 25 confirmed tornadoes across Central Oklahoma and Southern Kansas. One tornado hit North Oklahoma City during rush hour. <br /><br />The farthest chase I've been on was up into Kansas. We went as far north as I-70 and it was well worth the sleep deprivation we endured. It was a moderate risk day which isn't a guarantee we'd see something, but the chances were greater than not. It is a fun adrenaline rush and a great experience, but I would never chase if I didn't know what I was doing. I'm also not a fan of night chases. I've studied extensively and I chase with a friend who knows more about the weather than I do. He's a Geo-sciences major and soon to be meteorologist. <br /><br />Respect the wind -- It can be cruel! <br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ehdIKf23Wnc&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ehdIKf23Wnc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />This is a good video full of nice storm footage. Not done by me.ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-73453261812326363112010-05-09T21:26:00.003-05:002010-05-09T21:34:22.139-05:00Go All The WayFirst off, big shout out to all the beautiful Mama's out there! I hope you all had a great day! <br /><br />It's been a busy couple of days on the home front, big shocker there right? This time, it's filled with stuff I've actually wanted to do. (Mostly) Thankfully, I got two finals knocked out of the way on Thursday. That leaves four more to go. (wipes brow) Two of them won't be so bad. I've got one at 8AM on Tuesday. It's my basketball/volleyball class and will literally only take me around 10 minutes to do. After that, I'm done for the day and am free to do what I want. On Thursday I have one at 9AM that should take me only slightly longer to complete. It's my track class. It is a bit more challenging... the teacher asks very specific questions, but shouldn't be too bad. The other two are online and have to be completed by Wednesday. I'm not too worried about them either.<br /><br />In the voice of Kyle Chandler aka Coach Taylor.... <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Right here, right now, God has placed you to do what you do best. Go all the way.<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>"</span><br /><br />It's my last finals week at South Plains College...FOREVER!!! No more 30 minute drives to Levelland. Graduation is on Friday.<br /><br />Mother's day was a big success as well. We had family come over to my Mema's house. As always, there was a wide variety of food. Pork, beef roast, and fried chicken. Let's just say I'm feeling like a tick that's about ready to pop. It was really nice for all of us to get together again and hang out. I'm truly blessed to have such a wonderful family. They always come first! :)<br /><br />Tomorrow it's back down to business. One more week of school and it's time for a much needed break and back to working full time. I need those full paychecks again! <br /><br />Hope everyone's week goes smoothly!ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-681697331794067932010-05-04T21:10:00.002-05:002010-05-04T21:19:36.141-05:00I Hear That Voice In My Head.......Say Here We Go Again!<br /><br />Never a dull moment. NEVER! I just want one week where something doesn't happen. NOTHING. I just want to go to work and come home and have some IDLE afternoons. Is that too much to ask for? I guess in reality, if that happened, I would be extremely bored and be complaining about that. Just like a human, we're never satisfied.<br /><br />Until yesterday, I was without internet since Friday. You have no idea how much your life changes when your modem dies on you. Especially when the internet people give you the runaround and talk down to you like you're some moron who doesn't know anything. "It's an area wide crash." Sure it is, when my aunt across the street is sending me facebook updates at that very second on my phone. SURE!!!<br /><br />I got it fixed yesterday. It was my modem. Thankfully the service guy was very friendly and prompt, which was very good. Minutes before he arrived I got a call from my dad saying my mom was in the hospital. I was in a rush to get to Brownfield to see her and honestly, didn’t want to wait around. The bad part of it all was, I had been waiting since Friday to get a guy out here and this would probably be my last chance for another week. Not good for a college kid who has some internet classes. So like I said, good thing he was prompt.<br /><br />I went to Brownfield yesterday evening and stayed with my mom in the hospital. Her blood pressure was out of control, as well as her heart rate so the doctor wanted to admit her and run tests. She got discharged this morning, thank the LORD! They put her on a new medication to help. Thanks to everyone who sent out prayers, it’s greatly appreciated. <br /><br />I was supposed to have a final today at 11:00. I studied all night while in the hospital. Got the info down pat. Showed up for the test and the instructor DIDN’T! It got canceled ‘til next Tuesday during the original finals date. I was LIVID! So livid that I skipped the other class, (who has the same professor). I figured they wouldn’t show for that one either, and didn’t wanna wait 2 hours just to sign in on the roll sheet and go home. I had a mom at home who could’ve used my help moreso, so I trekked back to her house. <br /><br />I cleaned the house for her and let her sleep. She’s feeling better and is able to go back to work tomorrow. I’m thankful everything turned out okay. God is great.<br /><br />….I think He gives me a busy life because that’s the type of person I am. I can’t just sit around – I go crazy. As I said, never a dull moment! <br /><br />I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead of you!ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-69438937043445795842010-04-26T21:40:00.002-05:002010-04-26T21:42:54.240-05:00Walk of DefeatHello fellow bloggers! I am currently writing to say that I have officially resigned from the A - Z challenge. I made it to P -- Honestly, I didn't think I'd get that far. I'm truly sorry that I can't finish. I had a lot of stuff come up this past week... Between going out of town, filming for FNL, and the Red Carpet Premiere for FNL, I seriously got behind. Oh, to put a cherry on top of that, my laptop crashed last night and I stayed up half the night restoring it. FUN FUN! <br /><br />And to top off those excuses, finals are coming up soon too. GRADUATION IN 2 AND A HALF WEEKS!!! WOOHOOOO!!! <br /><br />I will still keep track of YOUR A - Z posts, however, and leave comments. I'm so sorry I committed to it and am now quitting. (Hangs head in shame)ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-38609280962824232612010-04-24T10:05:00.004-05:002010-04-26T21:43:46.938-05:00A Wonderful Night!!!I went to Austin to film a football game for Friday Night Lights. In one word, I can sum up the entire evening... AMAZING!!!! Our call time was 5:30 so we left San Antonio around 3:30 to dodge rush hour traffic. We got to set about 30 minutes early. We had a major chance of some severe weather and I had my phone doppler working in overtime. The air was sticky and muggy so it was evident that the dryline was setting up to the west. I love that feeling, but was concerned about the storms turning tornadic and us not having a place to take cover....<br /><br />After signing in and taking care of all that stuff, we ate some dinner and waited at base camp to be called to the stadium. Everyone was in good moods. It wasn't a huge shoot so it was a lot more relaxed than a lot of other shoots I have been on.<br /><br />We got called to the East Dillon stadium, a first for me. Talk about a very huge transition from West Dillon to East Dillon. That stadium...just wow. <br /><br />Between setups on films, there was times we were just hanging out. Loriann and I walked below the bleachers... There was Kyle with his daughter and his dog. I knew that was probably our chance to get to talk to him. I wanted to at least one more time in case this was my last time to film. Kyle saw us and came over. He hugged Loriann and they talked about her surgery coming up. I chickend out and only shook his hand, but that's okay because I was there with him. I told him that we had met before, I was Jessie from Lubbock. He smiled and said it was good to see me again. I informed him that this too, was probably my last time to be on set. He asked why. I told him I was going to school. He flashed me a sly smile and asked "Where?" Almost like he knew, being that I was from Lubbock and all. I told him Tech and he approved. So I got a stamp of approval from Kyle to go to Tech. :-P His daughter was adorable too. She asked me if I had to go to school on Saturday's and when I told her yes, her eyes got huge and she just could not believe it. We also petted his dog and it was soaking up a lot of attention too.<br /><br />We told him goodbye and he said, "Maybe we can come back for 13 more for you guys." I think he was meaning 13 more seasons. That would be cool in some ways. :) We went back up in the stands and I had one eye on filming and one eye on the sky. The storms weren't forming yet, but I knew they would.<br /><br />Connie Britton (Tami Taylor), Brad Leland (Buddy Garrity), and the woman who plays Mindy Riggins got seated in the stands. We got moved down the row to sit right below them. We chatted with Connie and Brad. Connie was commenting on the weather and we showed her the doppler on my phone a few times. She was geniunely concerned for all of us extra's getting wet. When they wrapped them, she even told us bye and hoped we'd be okay. Brad thanked all of us as well. They were so kind.<br /><br />After doing more filming, the storms were getting closer. The wind shifted west and feeded into it. It also got cooler. Then, the wind randomly picked up and they sent all of us to a hotel near set. We had to sit down in an area and wait. They fed us Subway and we just chilled for awhile. I checked over the dopplers and it was just too unpredictable to tell what was going to happen. They then sent us out on the field again. As we were walking back, a huge cluster of lightning lit up the sky. I was like, seriously? We can't film on an open field with metal and electrical equipment around us. No sooner than I thought that, Jacob and Tony, the PA's, said we were wrapped for the night.<br /><br />If this was my last filming, I can say that I'm leaving satisfied. I got to talk to Kyle one last time and tell him my goodbyes. Filming was relaxed and fun and I got to see some friends I have made on set. What a great time. I'm truly blessed! :)ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-39625238826301256022010-04-21T20:20:00.002-05:002010-04-21T20:20:55.474-05:00To Be Continued!!!Hey everyone, not really a blog here. Just wanted to say that I'm leaving for San Antonio in the morning and will have limited internet access. I will start back up on the A - Z challenge when I get back. I should be back on Sunday. Also, I will return any comments and things then as well. I'm not neglecting you guys! Have a wonderful weekend! :)ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-76536971963671089332010-04-19T21:48:00.002-05:002010-04-19T21:50:17.677-05:00P -- PremiereOkay, not a long blog for P since I'm really chasing my tail to get stuff done before I go out of town. Of course, I couldn't neglect my blog... I'm trying to stay on task until my usual lag at the end of the week! :-P That being said, if I have not returned one of your comments, trust me, I certainly will! I promise! :) Hey, there's a P word right there. :)<br /><br />This weekend I am travelling to the great city of San Antonio, Texas to attend a Friday Night Lights season four premiere. We are all meeting at a hotel lounge to watch the first two episodes of season four together. I’m pretty excited about it. There will be some stars from the show in attendance. It’s going to be great to hang out with other extras from the show as well as fans. <br /> <br />Hopefully I will have more to report on with this when I get back. <br /><br />I also got booked to be at a football game on Friday night. Looks like it is going to be a busy weekend filled with FNL events. I’m just glad to get out of town for a few days.ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-20197744457373805022010-04-19T18:42:00.000-05:002010-04-19T18:43:15.757-05:00O -- OwiesThis is going to be a complete and total random blog about “OUCH!” It’s interesting to think about pain tolerance and how each individual handles pain in different ways. Thankfully, I think I have some strong pain tolerance.<br /> <br />Needles don’t bother me. I’m usually the one watching the needle go into my arm. I do have to admit that I had an IV a few years back that did hurt, but come to find out, the nurse missed my vein so all of the medication was being saturated into my skin. My hand was swollen as big as Mickey Mouse’s. It was crazy to see the contrast between my hands. <br /><br />One thing I haven’t experienced yet is child birth. I hope I’m half the woman my mom was with us. She had all three of us naturally with no drugs at all. Dang, that’s tough. <br /><br />As I said, needles don’t bother me. While I won’t pierce anything other than my ears, I do have several piercings in them. I have two in each lobe, one in my right tragus and two in my left cartilage. I have to admit, nothing hurt worse than the cartilage being pierced. The cleaning was the most painful. <br /><br />Also, while we are on the subject of “ouch”, how many like to put their characters they write about through physical torture, heck, and even mental torture? (Of course we do, otherwise there wouldn’t be much to write about.) I’m almost scared to admit this (please don’t think I’m a sadist or something), but I love to read about a character, usually a male, getting hurt. Even on TV. Seeing the main character have something happen to them is great. Of course, nothing that will kill them. <br /><br />I’m not crazy, I swear! I have several friends I write with who agree with me on this. Physical torture and mental torture sell. In TV, in movies, in fiction. I guess it’s just the thought of the character enduring such tribulations that makes us want to read on to make sure that they’ll get the care they need. Maybe that’s just how women are. We have that nurturing instinct where we just want to help. I’m not sure, and honestly, I can’t believe I’ve admitted this on my blog. <br /><br />As I said, I swear I’m not crazy!ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-32977743807447912692010-04-18T19:33:00.007-05:002010-04-18T19:50:17.017-05:00N -- New YorkYay for Sundays! It gives me time to catch up on the past few days of missing blogs! I do soooo good during the first part of the week on keeping up and then it just escalates by the end of the week! haha! This week will be no different. I'm going out of town on Thursday to San Antonio and highly doubt I'll have much time to blog while I'm there. We'll see! :)<br /><br />On to N.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsN6vZMFoan54RcnNEbxAGIJnCJ9lvcL2IKMWxNolaV3jSTXyzTNh7kojq6a7hsIDZ8_ygzf599p0BbdT0Gq5e3mqUA3QXLBxg3hvXPt0wORiThdrMD5XtRpF4dmeRGDUSAzaFRbNwcojI/s1600/15.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 173px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsN6vZMFoan54RcnNEbxAGIJnCJ9lvcL2IKMWxNolaV3jSTXyzTNh7kojq6a7hsIDZ8_ygzf599p0BbdT0Gq5e3mqUA3QXLBxg3hvXPt0wORiThdrMD5XtRpF4dmeRGDUSAzaFRbNwcojI/s200/15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461639772431872162" /></a>I love New York. I've have been blessed to go to this city three times. I'm going to be like a lot of country-folk and say that while I love to visit and do the tourist type things, I don't think I could ever live there. I love to see the sky. The high rise buildings are miraculous to see, but I need my horizon. The picture to the left is of me (in the middle) along with my two buddies. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNprCxXp9_V0B63wtLwdxXVRj8lcymoRGDPbq-f2G84BSdI7EXy4QbI_csoUWS7iaShHfgNPZ3q6VMs8DL8wb6-H8iJ2OEtqv9haMBobEmkiuEnWV87NcvUIDuiKbXukHwlXYVELPrtlig/s1600/6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNprCxXp9_V0B63wtLwdxXVRj8lcymoRGDPbq-f2G84BSdI7EXy4QbI_csoUWS7iaShHfgNPZ3q6VMs8DL8wb6-H8iJ2OEtqv9haMBobEmkiuEnWV87NcvUIDuiKbXukHwlXYVELPrtlig/s200/6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461641916999357058" /></a><br /><center>Me on the Empire State Building</center><br /><br />The Statue of Liberty is beautiful. The Empire State Building is breath taking. Even the musty scent of the subways is something that is etched in my memory. Ground Zero is sad. I haven't been there since most of the construction has begun, but I did see it after 9/11. I paid my respects to all of the victims. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9GnzeIsNxMk4QtbhaZnXYGfEVuCDvZS7QOesmqa_CtTiRRzOYpas8oiubGDxfCdYglY5SKMa6DOktR987j4qW0AS4IXgbmpVvk_MIo_PfTKp7NB4hr-4UNsCHRzGD5F_iguD7KglJxkX/s1600/24.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9GnzeIsNxMk4QtbhaZnXYGfEVuCDvZS7QOesmqa_CtTiRRzOYpas8oiubGDxfCdYglY5SKMa6DOktR987j4qW0AS4IXgbmpVvk_MIo_PfTKp7NB4hr-4UNsCHRzGD5F_iguD7KglJxkX/s200/24.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461640622500664290" /></a><br /><center>Me at Battery Park in the Financial District.</center><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3P7xSQTMAEnWiAzGFOm66X6MT39P-hA99W8KuvwGUKeJP8oxgT93lyxVXqeK-bwgc9IjT3C_IFienneyL0XqwBcEfu4rhMOz293mHwZn29ggCYGrpTdjsCaM80EU91DTbq6g-VpXj9UzE/s1600/7.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3P7xSQTMAEnWiAzGFOm66X6MT39P-hA99W8KuvwGUKeJP8oxgT93lyxVXqeK-bwgc9IjT3C_IFienneyL0XqwBcEfu4rhMOz293mHwZn29ggCYGrpTdjsCaM80EU91DTbq6g-VpXj9UzE/s200/7.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461641459849093522" /></a><br /><center>Cody and I at the Statue of Liberty</center><br /><br />New York has so much culture. I was fortunate enough to get on the set of a past show on NBC called "Third Watch." It was a show about cops, firefighters, and paramedics. I got to meet some of the cast and we spent the day on set. We even got to eat lunch with them. We were treated as VIP's. They had a street blocked off and they had to detour pedestrians around. They opened up the gates to us as if we were getting into an exclusive club. Yeah, it really felt that way. I'll never forget it. It was a long and tiring day, but I'd do it again in a heart beat. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVx05Fr5JM8jgUsCGdzyBTvbN4pTXRZLmbug7SX35eMWG8hGCCK6bNp_RceauosW6wZ0isHlOyj-u8yweUbj7Pihno9K6RYdaJWxgHE-beILiDcsVe2RWt7rqGbkCCb2IaR5zZ50jRuzc/s1600/newyork3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 135px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVx05Fr5JM8jgUsCGdzyBTvbN4pTXRZLmbug7SX35eMWG8hGCCK6bNp_RceauosW6wZ0isHlOyj-u8yweUbj7Pihno9K6RYdaJWxgHE-beILiDcsVe2RWt7rqGbkCCb2IaR5zZ50jRuzc/s200/newyork3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461643574005805330" /></a><br /><center>Josh Stewart (Officer Finney) and I.</center><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIoM9yREfNWD_3pFh8gY1Lr3Z61f5sHa8es1BCPvJW8AYuy7usoYlCFs7ZUDEEGA0MSjnfUKLiPpF5NXh4T-TWaiq6YP5S_KGsMLZB8bjEzQUNbBW0AGG_H2WE1i7lLEtNnOVMc4mpsMh/s1600/newyork2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIoM9yREfNWD_3pFh8gY1Lr3Z61f5sHa8es1BCPvJW8AYuy7usoYlCFs7ZUDEEGA0MSjnfUKLiPpF5NXh4T-TWaiq6YP5S_KGsMLZB8bjEzQUNbBW0AGG_H2WE1i7lLEtNnOVMc4mpsMh/s200/newyork2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461643889415523698" /></a><br /><center>Skipp Sudduth (Officer Sullivan) and us. He was directing the episode being filmed.</center><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0sipj-EAfS3NIpBi9hZZLVTDIizvU6UB-Q92XWS2snKMKIBtYBLyvLazeqJNsILDgP4dpGxFG3J9BPxgkRbPer2KgQDNcNQ3tsvzTebcYvEuCqEt-hPghBWLPC0b3chNlGq5h-uuIBVm/s1600/newyork1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0sipj-EAfS3NIpBi9hZZLVTDIizvU6UB-Q92XWS2snKMKIBtYBLyvLazeqJNsILDgP4dpGxFG3J9BPxgkRbPer2KgQDNcNQ3tsvzTebcYvEuCqEt-hPghBWLPC0b3chNlGq5h-uuIBVm/s200/newyork1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461644221242021250" /></a><br /><center>On set. They even let us wear the headphones to hear all the directors talk to the actors between takes!</center><br /><br />It is also the setting of my current story that is in the works. I have only been there three times, but I have sort of learned the streets of some of the boroughs, Hell's Kitchen being the main one. There was a time we were all on the subway and this couple seemed lost. We asked where they were trying to get. I told them directions and it was enough to convince them that I was from there. Yeah, sure. If you could hear me talk, my Texas accent would be a dead giveaway that I'm not a native New Yorker. Oh well, I was glad to help them out. I know how it felt to be there for the first time. It can get overwhelming.<br /><br />If you haven't been to New York and get the chance to go, do it! Every person has to say they've been there at least once. It's been a couple of years since I've gotten to go, and it'll probably be a few more before I can go again. But that's okay. I know I'll eventually get there again... That pesky thing called "bills" have to be taken care of first! :-PModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-87844745436402771752010-04-17T19:58:00.002-05:002010-04-17T20:14:22.921-05:00M -- MichaelSo you ask, who in the world is Michael? He is the MC for my current novel that I'm working on. Honestly, I couldn't think of an M to blog about, so here ya go. I'm not going to go into full detail about him because I'm still working out the kinks on his personality and what not.<br /><br />Michael McGinnis is a firefighter with the Fire Department of New York, or as it is also known, as the FDNY. He has a younger brother who has problems, to put it mildly. Michael is going to endure some things with his job, his relationship, and his family. And no, not typical drama. There's going to be turmoil with his brother's bookie, drug use, the whole nine yards. <br /><br />It's going to be romance based but have drama and suspense mixed in. I've already gotten about 20,000 words written out on it. I'm still working out some plot kinks in it. Hopefully it will all begin to fall into place within the next few weeks. School will be over soon! :) I can devote more time to it, hopefully!ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-33225249733092081962010-04-14T20:56:00.004-05:002010-04-14T21:15:43.695-05:00L -- Love<span style="font-style:italic;">"We are young. Heartache to heartache we stand... No promises no demands... Love is a battlefield." ~ Pat Benatar</span><br /><br />I wasn't sure if I should post about love since in reality, I've never truly been "in love" with anyone. Honestly, I don't even know what it feels like to be in love. Times in the past, I thought I was in love, but it was all premature and false. <br /><br />A girl I work with was talking about something she learned in a class. We are all raised believing that God puts one person on this earth for everyone. Our soul mate. In the class they talked about how in reality, some people never find that one person. If you look at the population, there's like 7 times more women on the planet than men. Anyone can see that the numbers just don't work out. Philosophically, we should all believe that there is "the one" out there somewhere and we will eventually find them. Do you believe that? <br /><br />I'm not sure what I believe anymore. I've been scorned by men I thought I loved. Most of the people in my family were married by age 20. I'm an extreme exception. I'll be 25 next week and haven't even really had a serious relationship. I "dated" a guy in high school for around 2 years, but that's the closest I got to any kind of length. Most guys I talk to don't want anything serious. They want all of the benefits of a relationship without being officially "in a relationship." It never fails.<br /><br />They say love finds you at the most random time... on some idle Tuesday while you are out grocery shopping, or when you aren't even looking for it. I believe that one day I will find the one I love. I've got faith in that. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Love is just so complex, yet so simple at the same time.</span> <br /><br />Love comes in may forms. Love for your parents and family is felt from the moment you're born. Love of a pet. Love of friends. Love of some object. Love for our Lord and Savior. Love of food. I could go on and on about things humans can "love." <br /><br />I can't wait to feel the love of a man. I can't wait to feel the way it is to love a man in return. It's a beautiful thing. It's a complex thing. It's something that makes many people look forward to the future. :)ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-20405323754079973822010-04-13T19:59:00.002-05:002010-04-13T20:10:44.288-05:00K -- KarmaKarma. Is it a real thing or not? <br /><br />While I'm not sure its karma that happens, I do believe that we get payback for things we do. Sometimes it's instant, sometimes it can take awhile. This can work in both ways as well. I'm sure most of us have heard of "pay it forward." If you are handed a good deed, the best thing to do is pass a good deed onto the next person you come into contact with. I'm a firm believer that in due time, you will be rewarded. <br /><br />Then there's the negative side. What goes around comes around. I think we all find comfort in that when someone has done something horrible to us. With me, it's mainly been relationships with guys. I've been cheated on. For anyone who has gone through that, you know exactly how much it HURTS! Before I go any further, let me make this clear. I don't wish anything bad to happen to anyone. That's not right. But in the midst of a break up, it gets you thinking about karma. Are they eventually going to date a girl that will do the same thing to them? I guess I'll never know.<br /><br />I've been a victim of karma... recently it was instant. In my basketball class we were playing knockout. My competitor's ball landed near me so I swatted it away to try and score a point before she could. A few minutes later... my ball bricks off of the rim all the way across the gym. Yep, it was minor but it happened. LOL<br /><br />What are your thoughts on karma?ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-1964423889374074172010-04-12T21:25:00.002-05:002010-04-12T21:34:48.197-05:00J -- Josh HamiltonYay, this will get me all caught up for the A - Z challenge! :) <br /><br />It's no surprise that I like Josh Hamilton, current center fielder for the Texas Rangers. <br /><br />Not only is he an amazing athlete, he is a great person as well. If you know baseball you pretty much have an idea about Josh Hamilton and what he is all about. As a kid he was a baseball prodigy. He played little league and got moved up to the big leagues at a very young age. He went straight from high school to the pro's.<br /><br />What some might not know is the trouble Josh has endured in his past. He got drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. After time in the minors and guidance from his parents, he was finally cut loose from their guidance. He discovered cocaine and became an addict. <br /><br />Most people eventually gave up on Josh Hamilton, former baseball star. He slowly sank down to nothing, losing his career and family. His grandma and God were his saving grace. He eventually pulled through. After drug rehab and prayer, he is now clean. He still goes to meetings. He speaks at different events and is open about what he has gone through. He has even wrote a book titled "Beyond Belief." I read it in three days. <br /><br />He is admirable because he isn't ashamed of it. He knows he has to pass on his stories to those who also need help. He is living proof that it is possible to get sober and stay sober. Whether you are an amazing athlete or an everyday average person, getting clean and staying clean is important. The book is an inspiration to everyone, not just addicts. He talks about how no one should give up hope in any situation, drugs or not. There is always a way out of everything. <br /><br />Back at the beginning of 2009 he had an alcohol relapse, but revealed it to everyone, even his wife. People shunned him, but what most don't understand is that relapse is important in an addicts recovery. They are going to happen. The good news is, his relapse didn't include cocaine and crack. While alcohol can be just as bad, at least he still resisted the other stuff. <br /><br />I have utmost respect for him. He is my athletic inspiration. :)<br /><br />A quote he lives by rings true for each of us.<br /><br />"Resist the devil and he will flee from you." ~ James 4:7ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-43592260687743694652010-04-12T21:11:00.002-05:002010-04-12T21:25:22.422-05:00I -- Ignoranceig·no·rance (ĭg'nər-əns) <br />n. The condition of being uneducated, unaware, or uninformed.<br /><br />It was hard for me to find a topic for I. Ignorance. Ah, ain't that word the greatest? I'm sure each and every one of us come into contact with someone who is ignorant. Today at work I endured it and got the brunt of some serious attitude as well. I shouldn't bring work home with me, but dang, I got reamed by an employee that is lower on the totem pole than me for absolutely no reason.<br /><br />I was the messenger in a situation. This girl gave me attitude over a situation I had no control over. I was just doing my job. She has this complex with me and another worker. Since she is currently a student at the University here (Texas Tech) and I'm a student at the community college, she things she is so much better than me for that reason. So in her eyes, I'm the ignorant one. <br /><br />Fun times working with immature little girls. I guess it's what I get to work at a job where I'm considered an older person. <br /><br />Ignorance. That's putting it lightly for some people.ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-33312054108069081632010-04-11T21:05:00.004-05:002010-04-11T21:29:27.247-05:00H - Heaven<span style="font-style:italic;">"Dont cry a tear for me now baby. There comes a time we must all say goodbye... And if that's what heaven's made of, you know i ain't afraid to die." ~ Andy Griggs</span><br /><br />If you have time, please take a moment to listen to this song before reading my blog. It's one of the one's played in my Pepa's tribute and is very touching. Thanks.<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KpIdRkfVtA8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KpIdRkfVtA8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Since today is the one year anniversary of my Pepa's passing, I figured for H, heaven would be perfect to blog about. <br /><br />Today wasn't hard to begin with. We had family in town so we all gathered at my Mema's house and just hung out. Being around everyone was probably the best thing any of us could do. While we were all somewhat grouchy with each other, it still got our mind's off of things. <br /><br />It didn't really "bug" me until I got home for the evening. I made the mistake of listening to some of the songs played at his Rosary and funeral. It never fails. Amazing Grace done with bagpipes just opens up the tear ducts. I also watched the tribute video that the funeral home made for us. Gosh, I miss that old man. <br /><br />Pepa was such a fighter. Back in 1983 he was in a bad car wreck that left him paralyzed from the breast bone down. They didn't expect him to live. Usually someone with that caliber of injury doesn't live long. He made it twenty five years. <br /><br />He was a man I thought would never die. He molded this family. Without him and my Mema, there's no telling where I would be right now. I also had great parents, but my father was also molded by Pepa, so his guidance has been passed down to us. He was strict but quick to forgive. He loved each and every one of us. Just looking at his pictures with us, it was apparent on his face how much he cared and loved every day of his life. <br /><br />I lost two grandparents last year. I lost my grandmother on the other side of the family in January. She was so loving too. I miss her advice, her warm hugs, her sweet smile. I hadn't really experienced losing someone so close to me until 2009 when I lost two wonderful people within three months of each other. <br /><br />I know they are both up in HEAVEN, smiling down at their beautiful families. Both of them are in me. Their pain is gone. They are free to do what they want, when they want to do it. Someday we will all be united again. Pepa is able to run free, broken away from his wheel chair and standing tall on his own two legs. Grandma is with her husband, going back to at time when they were happiest. <br /><br />It has been a hard day. I know time will heal all wounds, but I will NEVER forget them. They were too strong of an influence to let the memories fade. I will share them with my kids so much that they too, will feel as if they knew them personally. They are with me every single day, through the bad times and the good. <br /><br />Rest in Peace<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial0vivA1BwFKE_TovyfrlXH0ujvJbIjqu2yDjO6L6ttGL2ahcTLtNuru8LsyEKDH_6z1j4zQlf-s53hYEzNTYaMZy7TgmpB018R7Vk-rLAIP4rEtP1hFK8kQsgtQs9CTVtPuNGuce8Qbb/s1600/grandma.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial0vivA1BwFKE_TovyfrlXH0ujvJbIjqu2yDjO6L6ttGL2ahcTLtNuru8LsyEKDH_6z1j4zQlf-s53hYEzNTYaMZy7TgmpB018R7Vk-rLAIP4rEtP1hFK8kQsgtQs9CTVtPuNGuce8Qbb/s200/grandma.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459070118786934962" /></a><br />Margaret Lorraine Barrett Triggs October 9, 1933 - January 21, 2009<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvwGHeiPk6xb2zHkQXrvGgBJ5FaVi4i32yM_gLK8QfBBR9viyl7UGXMDWc8VbDu8F5cCQKfcx-c51rV0FzKvhF9lW_v5ZJTvwxzrDVr78Agrks_jDFyeCgHhr312PdT-l3kIBkx4YUzDD/s1600/pepa.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvwGHeiPk6xb2zHkQXrvGgBJ5FaVi4i32yM_gLK8QfBBR9viyl7UGXMDWc8VbDu8F5cCQKfcx-c51rV0FzKvhF9lW_v5ZJTvwxzrDVr78Agrks_jDFyeCgHhr312PdT-l3kIBkx4YUzDD/s200/pepa.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459070805560275538" /></a><br />Troy "Pepa" Junior Tate June 16, 1932 - April 11, 2009ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-70837689830594348302010-04-11T11:52:00.002-05:002010-04-11T11:55:11.072-05:00G - Getting BehindI'm waaaay behind on blogging for the A - Z challenge. I've had several mid terms going on this past week... so hopefully I can get back on schedule. Since Sunday is an idle day for it, I'll try to get back on track and catch up.<br /><br />So, for my G, I decided to post about getting behind on things. I slacked so bad on homework last week that I got behind. I had to skip a class on Thursday to get a paper written and study for a test. Then, yesterday I had a 5K race I participated in. When I got home I was still energized so I decided to get some MUCH needed yard work done.<br /><br />Today, hopefully I can relax with the satisfaction of knowing I got my stuff done. Tomorrow starts a new week. We'll see if I procrastinate as bad as I did last week. I hope not. I've got a SERIOUS case of "senioritis" going on. <br /><br />On a side note, today is one year that my grandfather passed away. I truly miss him and think about him a lot. RIP Pepa, I love you!ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165558285673999225.post-12877493472103211562010-04-07T21:03:00.005-05:002010-04-07T21:36:04.288-05:00F -- Friday Night LightsI have to blog about my favorite TV show, Friday Night Lights. I know this is a repeat of my good friend, Mary's blog, but since it's been a large part of my life, I have to do it as well. I have been blessed to be an extra on this show. It is filmed in Austin and I've taken the time to go down and film from time to time, of course, when I can get the time off to do so. <br /><br />I have gotten to meet an actor I have been following for a very long time. Kyle Chandler has captured my interest since his days on the movie Pure Country with George Strait. That was back in 1993. Yeah, I've been a fan for that long, so you can bet how GREAT it felt to actually get to meet him. <br /><br />I'm very blessed to actually get to work alongside a man that I have admired. To see him transform from Kyle to Coach Taylor in a matter of seconds is amazing. Not only is he great at acting, he is an awesome person. He's very friendly. I was nervous to meet him but when I finally did, it was like chatting with an old friend. He's really funny and open to everyone, not "celebrity" at all. That is so compelling.<br /><br />Not only have I met Kyle, I have also had the opportunity for other cast members. Connie Britton, Taylor Kitsch, Minka Kelly, Aimee Teegarden, just to name a few. <br /><br />It's a great show. Yes, this is a shameless plug, but hey, Friday Night Lights begins with F and well, today's letter is F. Of course I had to blog about this. The show isn't just about football. It's about life in general. The acting is exquisite. So much can be "said" with body language. The fictional marriage of Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and Tami (Connie Britton) feels real. It's like they are married in real life. The storylines are real. Even life in Texas is real. It takes place in fictional Dillon, TX which is supposed to be located near where I really live, so I can safely say that they portray it very well. <br /><br />So, next time you hear about Friday Night Lights, don't think it's just football. While that's a theme in the show, it's merely a sub plot in this dynamic show. It's a very great change of pace from the everyday lawyer and doctor shows that are all over the TV. It has survived through four seasons and filming for the fifth has begun. I'm hoping to get down there a few more times to film before it's over. <br /><br />There is a screening on April 24th that I'm fortunate to get to go to, thanks to a great family who has welcomed me like I am one of their own. I cant thank them enough for allowing me to stay with them during filming and what not. They are great! I can't wait to watch FNL on the big screen, along with some of the cast members. That's going to be crazy to get to see their reactions to their own work!<br /><br />Check out the show. It's going to air on NBC starting on May 7th. If you like good acting and good plots, you won't be disappointed. Not to mention, Kyle Chandler is oh so easy on the eyes. :)<br /><br />Here is the link to Mary's blog, another great take on the show! <br /><br />http://mmcdonald64.blogspot.com/ModernDayDrifterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842026842594128896noreply@blogger.com6