I've pretty much given up on xanga.  I stop by now and then to check up on a few people, but I don't really post here anymore (obviously...).   I have a new blog at blogspot if you're interested.  The address is www.westcoast-wannabe.blogspot.com.  I don't have a lot of time to post there either, but I do so on occasion.  I think it's a bit deeper than my xanga ever was.  More of just me thinking than keeping up with current events.  Anyway, stop by if you want.  I love feedback. 

Peace and love...

Check out these films. 

Currently Listening Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia By The Dandy Warhols Sleep see related

So.... my family came for a visit.  It was a great time.  We went up on Mount Petit Jean and spent the day.  Also, Jacob's birthday was on the 29th and Ethan's birthday was on the 30th, so my mom made them birthday brownies.  It was a lot of fun, hanging out with my friends and family.  Nothing better than being surrounded by the people I love....

Ory, me, Ethan, and Katie - behind the lodge on Petit Jean

Me and Ethan - behind the lodge on Petit Jean

Greg and my mom at the Cedar Falls overlook -- Don't you love the Spongebob Squarepants t-shirt?

Katie, Ethan, and Ory at the Cedar Falls overlook -- I love this picture of my siblings.

My mom and Katie at the Cedar Falls overlook

Ethan at the gravesite lookout point -- I think that's the Arkansas River in the background.

Ethan with his birthday brownie back at my house.

Jacob, poking his birthday brownie.... for whatever reason.

Rob, who also joined the festivities, being his normal, INCREDIBLY polite and pleasant self... LOL He'll probably kill me if he finds out I've posted this photo.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures.  I love looking at them...

School starts again in a little less than 3 weeks and I'll officially be a graduate student.  Crazy....

I hope all is going well for everyone.  Enjoy the last bits of summer.  I know I intend to.

More later.... adios.

Currently Listening Our Endless Numbered Days By Iron & Wine Naked As We Came see related

I'm going to miss our friend and roommate, but I know she's on to better things.... and her leaving Arkansas for Boston gives me hope that I, too, will one day remove myself from this place.  Best of luck, Kristy!  We love you! This sign outside of her former place of employment says it all:

Thanks for the picture, Kris.

I FINALLY got the back yard mowed last night.  WOW... that was a task.  The grass was so thick that I pretty much had to mow the whole yard twice.  The mower died countless times and I ran out of gas.  The job is done, though!  Never again will I allow that grass to get so tall and thick.  I think working your way through a jungle would have been easier than mowing that yard.

I saw the new Harry Potter film two nights ago.  While I feel it differs considerably from the book, I really did enjoy it.  In my opinion, it has the best musical score out of all five films and the kids that play the main characters are really starting to develop as actors.  The woman they got to play Umbridge was outstanding.  She made me absolutely despise her character... which was kind of the point.  The best part of it all, though, was that I went to see it as a counselor with the band camp so it didn't cost me anything to see it *happy dance*.  

Now....I just have to wait a couple more days until the final book comes out.  I have my reservation in my wallet.  I still haven't decided if I want to go to the release party so I can get it at midnight on Friday or if I just want to wait until Saturday.  Knowing me and my dislike of children in large numbers, I'll probably just avoid the party and pick it up on Saturday.  It's not like I could read the whole book Friday night anyway..... or could I....? 

Kris's mom is coming down on Saturday for Kris's 24th birthday.  She's also going to take the stray dog that currently resides on our doorstep home with her for some people in Paragould who are willing to give him a home.  I'm glad she was able to find someone that wants him because he really is a sweet dog.... but he annoys the hell out of me sometimes.  I'm afraid he's going to tear up the doors; I've almost run over him with my car three times now simply because he won't MOVE, even though there's a very large thing coming toward him;  he also won't get out of the way of the lawn mower when you're trying to mow.  He just stands there and looks at you until you push him out of the way.  He also climbs the fence and makes a horrible whiney noise while doing it.  I just want him to have a good home with people who will mess with him and teach him to be a good dog.  I know he'll be happy as someone's pet. 

Casey's also visiting Russellville on Sunday.  It will be really good to see her and catch up.... I miss having her around.  Band camp will also be done after Saturday.  No more balancing acts with my time.  That will be a good feeling. 

I'm going to go shop for music on iTunes for a while.  Hope everyone has a great day and weekend.  I'm sure I'll see you around at some point.

More later........ adios.

Currently Listening Transformers: The Movie By Various Artists Before It's Too Late (Fiction), by the Goo Goo Dolls see related

If you've seen the new film, "Transformers," then you may have heard this song as it is from the soundtrack.  Personally, I think it's one of the best songs the Goo Goo Dolls have ever done.  The lyrics are beautiful.  Enjoy!

Before It's Too Late (Fiction) - The Goo Goo Dolls