I want one!
Big Red
4 weeks ago
Monday, January 26, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
snl clip - diane sawyer and dick cheney
If any of you are familiar with Diane Sawyer I think you'll enjoy this. Kristen Wiig has her mannerisms down to a tee, and it's pretty entertaining. I know it's not as 'revolutionary' as Tina Fey doing Sarah Palin, but it's still funny and pretty dead-on, in my opinion
this semester's shedyule (that's how the brits say it)
After a few threats on my life about how my first post is from Christmas, I suppose I should put something new on here. A LOT has happened in the past few weeks (my 21st birthday, school starting, a trip to Natchitoches, my two best friends are ENGAGED...to each other, etc.) but of course, I'm at work so I can't upload pictures which means I can't really talk about any of those topics.....except maybe school. So here's my semesterly analysis of my new classes:
Government of Louisiana, T. Wayne Parent (MWF 9:30-10:30) - how could anyone think this would not be a fun class? It's Louisiana, and it's government, and mixed together they are pretty darn entertaining. My teacher is cool and apparently he is friends with lots of politicians. He's going to have Jay Dardenne (our secretary of state) and Bill Cassidy (one of our US representatives) and maybe the author of one of the books we have to read, Jed Horne (he wrote Breach of Faith) come talk to us so that will be pretty nifty. We didn't have class this past Wednesday because he went to DC for the inauguration, and that meant I had absolutely NO class that day and could sleep in til 9. He got his undergrad at LSU and his PhD at IU.
France since 1770, Benjamin Martin (TTH 9-10:30) - this one might be a doozy, but I'm loving it so far. My professor is a great lecturer with a gift for the flair and dramatics. Ben had him for the same class when he was at LSU, and referred to him as "brilliant, but a little arrogant and can be crude sometimes". I don't know if it's possible to teach French history without being a little crude sometimes, but so far he's kept the class PG. I have to read a hugenormous book by midterms so that's a little intimidating but it's pretty good so far (Peasants into Frenchmen). All I can say is that I will never be late for that class. The other day this guy walked in late as Dr. Martin was telling us about Louis XVI, "Marie Antoinette's uncle told her of Louis what I would say about this young man: he is not altogether an idiot." Ouch. Tuesday morning he told us in all seriousness, "You cannot be insolent. You will die. You will be destroyed." Take a chill pill, buddy. It's going to be an interesting semester. He got his PhD at UNC - why does that not surprise me?
Louisiana to 1815, Paul Hoffman (TTH 10:30-12) - this class is right after my previous one and in the exact same room. Are you kidding me? So I am in the same chair for three hours for two history classes and on the fast track to developing carpal tunnel. Nonetheless, I really enjoy this class so far. My teacher is sweet and nerdy. On the first day I wasn't too sure about him because he came in wearing a Florida tie, but that's where he got his PhD and they just won the national championship so I'll let it slide. Yesterday when he realized he didn't have the right powerpoint he said, "Schnoodley doodley, I left it at home." I love it when people come up with their own expletives instead of using the same old, same old. Anyways the class is fascinating. We have been looking at all these old maps and figuring out when Louisiana was really discovered by what geographical points are on the maps. It's uber cool.
Cajun French IV, Amanda LaFleur (TTH 1:30-3) - my last semester!!! This class reminds me of high school. There are about 16 of us and we've all become friends and stuck together for the past 3 semesters so we have some good times. We've been talking about nationalities and the history of the Acadians, which is much more interesting than passé composée and all that jazz. Yesterday we were talking about how the Acadians' religion really affected their culture and Mme. LaFleur said, "Like the Mormons in Utah", to which I spit out like a reflex, "I'm a Mormon!" Time seemed to stand still as everyone turned and stared. The lone Mormon in a roomful of Catholics. I suppressed the urge to jump up and run out of the room and then the clocks started working again and I regained consciousness. Just kidding. There was a slight pause and then Mme. LaFleur told us about when she and her family went on vacation to Utah, and how everyone at the restaurant they were at was clean cut and polite and some of them spoke French with her family because they had done their 'mission work' in French-speaking countries. She said their servers were a little taken aback when she asked for a glass of wine but other than that it was a very pleasant experience. Classic. I love Catholics.
Companion Animal Management, Laura Gentry (TTH 4:30-6) - this class is entirely a guilty pleasure. I had Dr. G for my animal science class last semester and I LOVE her! She is very bubbly and enthusiastic and chipper and has lots of great stories. I don't know if I am going to make it to the end of the semester without getting a puppy, though. I used to have my heart set on a Great Dane, but now I'm leaning towards a Catahoula Cur (pictured to the left, and our state dog!), Border Collie, or an Australian Shepherd. Dr. G's in-laws had two half Border Collie, quarter Aussie Shepherd, and quarter Blue Heeler dogs - talk about pretty much the smartest dogs ever. She told us how they had an underground fence system (the dogs wear a collar and when they get close to the line they get a warning beep until they back away) so the dogs would stay in the yard but whenever they drove off to town or wherever they would get a call from their neighbor, telling them their dogs were loose. Impossible - they wouldn't go through that electric fence, but they went home to check anyways. The dogs were in the yard, just as they should have been. The next day the same thing happened, and they went home to check and their dogs were there. After a few days of calls, Maw-in-law stayed home to watch what would happen while Paw-in-law drove off. As soon as the diesel-engine truck was out of earshot, sure enough the dogs made a run for it. So they checked the collars and found that the batteries were dead. The batteries were replaced, but a few days later they dogs got out again, so they replaced the batteries again. Once again, the dogs got out whenever they would leave, but would be back in the yard by the time the in-laws got home. They finally figured out that the dogs would stand in the beeping zone until the batteries in their collars would die and then whenever they heard the truck leave they would bolt. When they heard the diesel coming back down the driveway, they high-tailed back into the yard. Now those are some SMART dogs.
Government of Louisiana, T. Wayne Parent (MWF 9:30-10:30) - how could anyone think this would not be a fun class? It's Louisiana, and it's government, and mixed together they are pretty darn entertaining. My teacher is cool and apparently he is friends with lots of politicians. He's going to have Jay Dardenne (our secretary of state) and Bill Cassidy (one of our US representatives) and maybe the author of one of the books we have to read, Jed Horne (he wrote Breach of Faith) come talk to us so that will be pretty nifty. We didn't have class this past Wednesday because he went to DC for the inauguration, and that meant I had absolutely NO class that day and could sleep in til 9. He got his undergrad at LSU and his PhD at IU.
France since 1770, Benjamin Martin (TTH 9-10:30) - this one might be a doozy, but I'm loving it so far. My professor is a great lecturer with a gift for the flair and dramatics. Ben had him for the same class when he was at LSU, and referred to him as "brilliant, but a little arrogant and can be crude sometimes". I don't know if it's possible to teach French history without being a little crude sometimes, but so far he's kept the class PG. I have to read a hugenormous book by midterms so that's a little intimidating but it's pretty good so far (Peasants into Frenchmen). All I can say is that I will never be late for that class. The other day this guy walked in late as Dr. Martin was telling us about Louis XVI, "Marie Antoinette's uncle told her of Louis what I would say about this young man: he is not altogether an idiot." Ouch. Tuesday morning he told us in all seriousness, "You cannot be insolent. You will die. You will be destroyed." Take a chill pill, buddy. It's going to be an interesting semester. He got his PhD at UNC - why does that not surprise me?
Louisiana to 1815, Paul Hoffman (TTH 10:30-12) - this class is right after my previous one and in the exact same room. Are you kidding me? So I am in the same chair for three hours for two history classes and on the fast track to developing carpal tunnel. Nonetheless, I really enjoy this class so far. My teacher is sweet and nerdy. On the first day I wasn't too sure about him because he came in wearing a Florida tie, but that's where he got his PhD and they just won the national championship so I'll let it slide. Yesterday when he realized he didn't have the right powerpoint he said, "Schnoodley doodley, I left it at home." I love it when people come up with their own expletives instead of using the same old, same old. Anyways the class is fascinating. We have been looking at all these old maps and figuring out when Louisiana was really discovered by what geographical points are on the maps. It's uber cool.Then I go to Day Institute from 12-1. Pres. Riggs teaches and there are only about four of us in there regularly. This semester we are discussing the Pauline Epistles. I didn't want to add my scriptures to the weight I carry in my backpack so I dug around my room and pulled out my green pocketsized Gideon's Bible (I never knew the colors meant something!). Pres. Riggs likes to make fun of me because unfortunately it is the "new translation" and there are no footnotes, so I might cave in and bring the real deal.
Cajun French IV, Amanda LaFleur (TTH 1:30-3) - my last semester!!! This class reminds me of high school. There are about 16 of us and we've all become friends and stuck together for the past 3 semesters so we have some good times. We've been talking about nationalities and the history of the Acadians, which is much more interesting than passé composée and all that jazz. Yesterday we were talking about how the Acadians' religion really affected their culture and Mme. LaFleur said, "Like the Mormons in Utah", to which I spit out like a reflex, "I'm a Mormon!" Time seemed to stand still as everyone turned and stared. The lone Mormon in a roomful of Catholics. I suppressed the urge to jump up and run out of the room and then the clocks started working again and I regained consciousness. Just kidding. There was a slight pause and then Mme. LaFleur told us about when she and her family went on vacation to Utah, and how everyone at the restaurant they were at was clean cut and polite and some of them spoke French with her family because they had done their 'mission work' in French-speaking countries. She said their servers were a little taken aback when she asked for a glass of wine but other than that it was a very pleasant experience. Classic. I love Catholics.After this class I head to the third floor of the library to read and/or take a nap.
Companion Animal Management, Laura Gentry (TTH 4:30-6) - this class is entirely a guilty pleasure. I had Dr. G for my animal science class last semester and I LOVE her! She is very bubbly and enthusiastic and chipper and has lots of great stories. I don't know if I am going to make it to the end of the semester without getting a puppy, though. I used to have my heart set on a Great Dane, but now I'm leaning towards a Catahoula Cur (pictured to the left, and our state dog!), Border Collie, or an Australian Shepherd. Dr. G's in-laws had two half Border Collie, quarter Aussie Shepherd, and quarter Blue Heeler dogs - talk about pretty much the smartest dogs ever. She told us how they had an underground fence system (the dogs wear a collar and when they get close to the line they get a warning beep until they back away) so the dogs would stay in the yard but whenever they drove off to town or wherever they would get a call from their neighbor, telling them their dogs were loose. Impossible - they wouldn't go through that electric fence, but they went home to check anyways. The dogs were in the yard, just as they should have been. The next day the same thing happened, and they went home to check and their dogs were there. After a few days of calls, Maw-in-law stayed home to watch what would happen while Paw-in-law drove off. As soon as the diesel-engine truck was out of earshot, sure enough the dogs made a run for it. So they checked the collars and found that the batteries were dead. The batteries were replaced, but a few days later they dogs got out again, so they replaced the batteries again. Once again, the dogs got out whenever they would leave, but would be back in the yard by the time the in-laws got home. They finally figured out that the dogs would stand in the beeping zone until the batteries in their collars would die and then whenever they heard the truck leave they would bolt. When they heard the diesel coming back down the driveway, they high-tailed back into the yard. Now those are some SMART dogs.So one class on MWF is pretty nice, so I can go home and study and chill before I have to go to work. On Tuesdays I am on campus for 13 hours because we have Institute from 7:30 to 9 pm so it's a long day but I sure don't have trouble falling asleep. Hopefully I can stay on top of things this semester, and sorry it seems as though I've written a short novel.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
home for the holidays
I went home for the holidays on Tuesday, December 23rd. It was weird to go home so close to Christmas, with all of the decorations already up.
I did, however, place the proper angel atop the tree when I got home (I made that in 3rd grade).
We had lots of fun as a family visiting friends and the elderly, playing Mormon Bridge and Scrabble,
making and eating lots of good food,
(my superior sugar cookies)
(Momma doing what she does best)
(Dad's got some work to do)
watching movies,
putting my Santa costume to good use, 
and reading the scriptures in a variety of languages. On Christmas Eve when we read the nativity story Tim read his verse in Spanish, Mom and I read in French, and Dad read his in Latin. 
When we were about halfway through I suggested that Dad read his verse like a Catholic monk or priest, like the Gregorian chant or something. It was very funny and a little distracting but I think Dad really missed out on his true calling in life - to spend his days in a monastery chanting scriptures!
Anyways it was a good week and we had a fun time together.
I did, however, place the proper angel atop the tree when I got home (I made that in 3rd grade).
We had lots of fun as a family visiting friends and the elderly, playing Mormon Bridge and Scrabble,
making and eating lots of good food,
(my superior sugar cookies)
(Momma doing what she does best)
(Dad's got some work to do)
watching movies,
putting my Santa costume to good use, 
and reading the scriptures in a variety of languages. On Christmas Eve when we read the nativity story Tim read his verse in Spanish, Mom and I read in French, and Dad read his in Latin. 
When we were about halfway through I suggested that Dad read his verse like a Catholic monk or priest, like the Gregorian chant or something. It was very funny and a little distracting but I think Dad really missed out on his true calling in life - to spend his days in a monastery chanting scriptures!
Anyways it was a good week and we had a fun time together.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
2009 - the year of the best movies EVER
Mary called me excitedly the other night, with a prediction for my future - "Sometime in November or December, you will be at the movie theater watching Robert Downey, Jr. as Sherlock Holmes." You're darn right I will! I had already heard about the movie, and discovered that not only will Robert Downey, Jr. be starring but he will be joined by none other than the drop-dead gorgeous Jude Law as dear Watson! Two of the most good looking people on the planet in one movie, hitting theaters November 20th. Strangely enough, this is also the release date of New Moon, but I already know which one I'll be watching at midnight. I am a Twilight fan but RDJ and Jude stole my heart long before Edward Cullen came around!
Okay, so my second most anticipated movie of this year is X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Hugh Jackman is another one of my favorites, especially after Australia (my favorite movie of this past year). Fortunately it looks like they've toned down Logan's hairdo a bit for this next flick.
More movies coming out this year that I don't care as much about but will probably go see:
Okay, so my second most anticipated movie of this year is X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Hugh Jackman is another one of my favorites, especially after Australia (my favorite movie of this past year). Fortunately it looks like they've toned down Logan's hairdo a bit for this next flick.More movies coming out this year that I don't care as much about but will probably go see:- Star Trek - I've never seen a full episode of the show but Erica's dad practically raised her on it so we'll probably go see it
- Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian
- Land of the Lost - I am a little excited about this one - loved the show when I was little and Will Ferrell stars
- Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - definitely excited about this one but mad at the studios for postponing the release 8 months
- G.I. Joe - so many childhood memories
- Where the Wild Things Are - more childhood memories
- New Moon - hopefully better than Twilight, but not likely
- The Lovely Bones - one of my favorite books, and directed by one of my favorites - Peter Jackson
After reading over this post I've realized that yes, I am a nerd. Deal with it.
the best job ever
Here's a little taste of how I spend my Monday, Wednesday, and every other Friday evenings.
on the second day of christmas....
Loren and I saw two (possibly turtle) doves on our patio a few days before Christmas. How special.
roomie christmas party
On Thursday, December 18th, we had a little roomie Christmas party. Adam brought some smothered turkey wings and made a stew and Jon brought the ice cream. We had a nice meal and then opened presents! Loren gave me a really cute green sweater and Erica gave me a movie trivia game and an Iron Man puzzle. Adam hadn't got my present in the mail yet, so he gave it to me a few days later - a carousel horse that plays music (he loves buying random stuff online). I gave Loren the new Beyoncé CD, Erica a black skirt (because she's always borrowing mine!), and Adam a funny book about cats and a Superman mug. After we opened our gifts we had ice cream and a dance party courtesy of the new Beyoncé CD. Loren and Jon were pooped but Erica and Adam and I stayed up playing my new game. I won every time - which wasn't too surprising.
My presents!
My presents!
Erica attempting Beyoncé's pose on the back of the CD
The cute Santa socks Erica gave Loren
Enjoying a bit of ice cream
Cousin It!not my gumdrop buttons!
Here is visual proof that Loren can be 'domesticated'. We made some gingerbread cookies one morning a week before Christmas and had a blast decorating them.
Yes, that one is preggers
In this batch we have Rapunzel and Joseph and his amazing technicolor dream coat
And in this one you'll find Madonna, Governor Blagojevich (think - he's got lots of hair), and a veteran from Nam
If you look closely you can see the developing fetus on the pregnant cookie
Yes, that one is preggers
In this batch we have Rapunzel and Joseph and his amazing technicolor dream coat
And in this one you'll find Madonna, Governor Blagojevich (think - he's got lots of hair), and a veteran from Nam
If you look closely you can see the developing fetus on the pregnant cookieinstitute council christmas party
On Tuesday, December 16th we had our Institute Council Christmas party at Pres. Riggs' house. We had an amazing dinner of steak (at my request), funeral potatoes, salad, and rolls. Talk about delicious! We played the card game Scum and then White Elephant. The gift I chose turned out to be a Santa costume, which Pres. Riggs made me put on immediately. Hilarity ensued. Then we had one of my favorite desserts ever - homemade Mississippi Mud Pie. What a night!
Sister Riggs fluffing my beard
Sister Riggs fluffing my beard
Getting the belt just right
The finished product!
Hearing Jamie's Christmas list
Tim has been a good boy this year
Erica wants a pony
Pres Riggs will have to settle for a lump of coal for making me do this!Monday, January 5, 2009
mental floss
Happy New Year everybody! I had a lovely time in Florida but now I'm back in BR sitting at work.....so no posts with pics tonight. To console yourselves check out these clever t-shirts. I was proud of my self that I understood all of them.
http://www.mentalfloss.com/store/home.php?cat=254
That link goes to the women's shirts, be sure to check out the regular and kids' shirts because there are a few other funny ones there as well.
http://www.mentalfloss.com/store/home.php?cat=254
That link goes to the women's shirts, be sure to check out the regular and kids' shirts because there are a few other funny ones there as well.
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