An answer to prayer!

Yes, it has been a while. I know and I'm sorry.

Basically I'm writing tonight to let everyone in on my big news. I'm getting a job! Not just any job, though, it's going to be amazing! Currently I'm training to be a tour guide at the Little River Zoo here in Norman. This job is going to contain two passions of mine: teaching and animals. Also, the Little River Zoo isn't like any zoo you've visited before. First of all, everyone who attends is taken on a guided tour of the animals in the zoo. You get to be up close and personal with a ton of animals. So far, my favorite part is when you get to howl with the coyotes. Or is it when you get to feed the kangaroos and pet one of them? I still have some training to go, but when I pass the test I will be hired!! They have so many cool programs they also run that involve a junior zoo keeper program in the summer as well as taking certain animals on education trips. Keep your calendar open on April 20th when they will be helping host a festival at Reeve's Park for Earth Day/Arbor Day. It's big! I'm really excited about this job because it's something that I can continue to do after graduation. I'm still interested in teaching high school science, so I'm going to look into getting alternatively certified while I'm working. Also, I'm in love with the mission behind this place. I don't know if I can explain it well, but this article on the place does a pretty good job.
http://www.okpetgazette.com/littlervr.html
It's kind of old but Janet is still passionately directing the place and leading my class. Ziggy's not around anymore, but I got to pet his son today!
Here is a site with some pictures that Brian Cook has taken.
http://www.pbase.com/bclee123/lrzoo
They're also a little old but I've already met many of these animals!
I'll try to keep everyone a little more updated, but as you can tell I'm going to be even busier! Let me know if you want to come out and visit the zoo! I have to give mock tours for friends and it will be awesome! Pray for warmer weather!

My love/hate relationship

As many of you already know, this week is the culmination of a semester worth of learning--also known as finals week. Students aren't the only ones to feel the pressure associated with this time of the year. People all over town take note of the increase in textbook-toting students crowding the coffee shops, bookstores, and Ihop's. For me, this is about the time I swear off procrastinating ever again (for the billionth time), lose countless hours of sleep, and wonder why I ever loved science so much. Usually my caffeine intake is also quadrupled, but since I've basically quit drinking soda (which includes Dr. Pepper), this week officially holds the record for the lowest amount of caffeine I've consumed. In addition, I just finished my 3rd test of the day.

Yes, I said 3.
So, basically this should be the worst week ever. Right? In all actuality, I think this week is one of my favorite times of the year! Sure, I look forward to it with a healthy dose of fear, but there are things about this week that I love, too.

1. First off, no more classes to worry about--just the tests. That means more time to do whatever you want, including studying.
   
2. Even though I've pulled off many all-nighters in my college career, the majority of those times were spent with friends. I'm thankful for the many memories and special bonds those times have produced.
   
3. Selling books back!! Okay, so normally I end up not as happy after the bookstore worker tells me for the fifth time that they're not buying my book back. But, this year I got over $100! Woot, woot! (Too bad the bookstore is still making a killing.)
4. That silver lining of family and Christmas awaiting you when you're finished. I love knowing that in just a few days I'll be at home!!
5. And finally, the wonderful feeling of that weight being lifted off your shoulders as you walk out of that last test feeling as though you've accomplished something.
   

This semester is also special because it's ending with the marriage of two friends! Congrats Nick and Hailey! I'm so glad that I get to be a part of this celebration. Four more days!!!

Apart from all the excitement, as I look ahead to my last semester, I can't help but look back at the many memories and friends I've made along the way. This semester has had its fair share of memories, including this recent, CRAZY ice storm, and even though I can't wait to go home, I'm a little sad that I only get to do this one more time.

Twas the Night Before Big XII

I'm back!

Seeing as I'm easily persuaded by friends, I couldn't help but revive my blog. This page has been collecting dust for quite some time now and I'm dying to let the world know what's going on in my exciting life. Today's post isn't exactly about me, but it is related. Early in the morning(5am to be exact) the band is heading to San Antonio for the Big XII Championship. My lovely roommate, Kaydee, ran across this poem and I thought it appropriate to share. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! BOOMER SOONER!

'Twas the night before the Big XII and all through the land,

not a Tiger was stirring, not even the band.

Their Jockeys were hung by the locker with care,

in hopes that the Sooners soon would be there.

Truman was nestled all snug in his bed,

while visions of the BCS danced in his head.

And Pinkel in his kerchief full of Tiger pride,

and Bob and the Sooners ready to ride.

When down in San Antone there arose such a clatter,

Chase sprang from his bed to see what was the matter.

He realized the Option was gone in a flash,

and Maclin's dreams of running had just been dashed.

The Tiger tight ends trembled as they watched the show,

A Crimson and Cream luster set the horizon aglow.

When what to their wondering eyes should they find,

but a miniature Schooner, seven National Titles behind.

With a wizened old driver, skilled in leading his troops,

they knew in a moment it must be Bob Stoops.

More rapid than Temple his players they came,

and he whistled and shouted and called them by name.

"On Bradford, on Joe John, now Patrick and Murray!

On Chris Brown! On Iglesias! On Hartley and Kelly!

To the top of the conference! To the top of it all!

Now dash their hopes! Dash their dreams! Dash away all!"

And then in a twinkling, the Tigers fought back a scream,

and Chase saw the last of his Heisman trophy dream.

The defense drew in their breath and looked all around,

and realized that their "Pig" was nowhere to be found.

Bob's eyes how they twinkled, his coaches how merry!

As they carried on the legacy left them by Barry.

Gary's sad little face and a fear in his belly,

he shook on the field as his knees turned to jelly.

Pinkel spoke not a word, and the ball they couldn't carry,

Stoops filled up the scoreboard and then turned to Gary.

And laying his hand on the shoulder of his friend,

he gave Pinkel a nod and said, "Like Norman again."

Bob sprang to the Schooner, to his team gave a shout,

to the BCS they flew and left Mizzou down and out.

And we heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,

"Boomer Sooner to All and to All a Good Night!"

Christ

Yay! I finally got another tattoo! I spent all week trying to come up with what I wanted, but it wasn't until the thrilling class of genetics that I drew this up. I went to Skinsations in Norman and the guys there were AWESOME! Everyone should go there to get a tattoo! I know many have questions, so just read below for the story behind the tattoo...

Two years ago I came to the University of Oklahoma. I never really had any religious beliefs and I did my best to not even think about God. Life was all about me and pleasing myself in any way I saw fit. I quickly became friends with three girls that lived down the hall from me: Lauren, Brittany, and Ann. These girls showed me that life was about more than pleasing yourself. The way they lived their lives made me feel empty and wonder what I was missing. On October 12, 2004, I accepted Christ. I realized I was a sinner and that there was nothing I could do to fix it. The thought of spending eternity in hell was frightening, but I didn’t have to spend eternity in hell. None of us do. Christ died for our sins–the ones we’ve done and the ones we will do. All we have to do is accept that we are sinners, repent for those sins and accept that Christ is the only way. Since that day I’ve done my best to follow Him. I’ve had my struggles along the way, but He has always been there. I know that some of you reading this are hearing it for the first time, while others are just being reminded. This summer was a real struggle for me and a confusing time. I got the tattoo as a constant reminder of the decisions I have made and will make and those who have been there for me. I hope this has answered some of the questions that have been asked! Feel free to ask me some more!

I'm in awe....again

So, I'm in awe again, but this time it has nothing to do with the internet. In fact it has to do with my hand. Last night my hand got shut in a car door.

The door shut.
All the way.
My fingers were dangling.
I guess you get the picture.

That's not what I'm awe about, though. What's amazing is the fact that my hand is almost fine. It aches a bit and one spot is a little bruised and swollen, but nothing anybody would notice unless they were paying close attention.

How does that happen??

I'm not sure yet, but I know the first thing that went through my mind was, "Thank goodness I'm left handed!!" (my right hand got shut in the door)

Little did I realize at that point that I use my right hand frequently while driving to shift gears....ouch.

I'm in awe

Wow. I think that I'm in love. Some of you may have heard of the amazing internet invention known as Stumble upon, but let me share what I have found.

http://www.sjgames.com/illuminati/politics.html

I happened to have accidently clicked my Stumble! button when I came upon this website. I think my sister and I cried from laughing so hard. I feel like I learned so much! Now, where can I get some cows...

Isn't he cute!!

adopt your own virtual pet!