My Blogs...

05/19/10 - Bust A Move

Proposal is coming along slowly. Not cool. I've started applying for jobs in Houston but also have a possible opportunity here in Austin that may change everything. Classes are done and I will graduate with a 3.56. Stupid statistics. B's both semesters. KT got A's. Jealous. Oh well, I'm pretty sure the diploma is all that really matters with my future plans. I don't know that I'll even use it but it can't hurt. I'm just really ready to not have weeks worth of clothes, wadders, snake tongs, book bags, books, etc in my truck all the time. I haven't had a backseat in months! I want to have a home to retire to at the end of the day. A permanent bed to sleep in. A life away from my family. Texas State is an amazing place with great people who are willing to bend over backward to help you out and I'm really glad I get to tell people I graduated from there. Not quite the Aggie Network but pretty dang close. I'm 30. I'm ready to have a real life again. 72.48.192.150, I don't know who you are but I'm flattered you think my life is interesting enough to check back everyday. I'll try to be more interesting and update more frequently.

 

02/06/10 - Who Let The Dogs Out?

I think I'm moving to Houston. If I ever graduate. Graduation has been put off until summer this year as I still haven't turned in a proposal. I love field work but HATE paperwork. It's probably not a good time to be documenting my life as I'm completely frustrated with where I am right now but I guess that's the whole blogging purpose; get it all out! Went to the dog park with KT today to get some frustration out. She's been such a great friend over the last many semesters. Who'd have ever thought I would have a best friend that was less than 10 minutes from me as a child! Anyway, great day with the kids and a fantastic lunch. Got a ton of complaining done and feel much better now. On top of that I found out today that as a grad student I can check out a thesis for the entire semester! New and exciting! So, I'm going to get this proposal out asap. My parents are complaining that I play with my friends too much and need to focus on school. Man, if they even had a hint as to what I do all day. But, filling them in would compromise my secret life and I just can't jeopardize my sanity anymore than I already have. 

 

10/26/09 - The Monster Mash

I am considering all of my tests/presentations "monster's" this semester and I have "mashed" almost all of them. Mashed in the sense of "completed." I have another test, presentation, and final exam in statistics but all of my other classes are done. Just enjoying them, now. I have 6 more days being in the field which brings about mixed emotions. I've actually come to enjoy my hour in the field (alone) everyday. It's a beautiful area and I have that time to enjoy the weather and think. On the other hand, I've done this for the last 79 days (missing only one morning to close on my house). It's been wild. Now, I'll be in the library each and every day, instead. Boo. Need to finish my proposal today and have it out to 3 professors by Wednesday. Then the real work begins; writing the THESIS! Graduation is set for May so I'm not all that upset about being a nerd for the next 6 months. Already thinking about jobs; teaching at ACC, working for TPWD, teaching HS (not really excited about that one), and looking for suggestions!

Dr. F met my dogs yesterday. They were in the back of my truck and he walks up, starts petting them and says, "Wow! They look like dogs but they're LITTLE!" I was dying. He's got to be one of the funniest people I know. He has 4 huge dogs (huskies?) that are super playful and sweet. And BIG. I'll miss seeing him almost everyday...

Ben moved to New Braunfels so I've been spending most of my money on gas the last few weeks. He's done an amazing job fixing the place up and having a great time being out in the middle of nowhere. My kiddos are having a great time roaming around and I love the peace and quiet. Kinda hoping he won't fix my TV... I just need internet! Still thinking Alaska...

 

08/20/09 - Oh, back to school, back to school...

Made all A's and one B (thanks, Dr. Simpson) with a slight change in plans... I'll have stat I instead of mammalogy which means that instead of being done this semester I will have stat II next semester. They cancelled one of my seminars, too, so I'll have to take it next semester. I finally have a thesis! Dr. F is awesome and cracks me up everyday! It's hard work, super hot outside and it's going to be field research for 2 semesters but I see a light at the end of the tunnel! I check 12 traps each and every morning at 7:30 am just outside of San Marcos. Next semester I will be in Bastrop twice each week capturing toads!

My house closes tomorrow morning at 9 am so I will finally be done with all of this junk! I've been back and forth on purchasing another home in the hill country or getting an apartment or renting a home... I don't know. Suggestions?

Things were on and off in the beginning, then kinda serious but not official, and now (as of March) everything is real. Having a great time with it and even enjoy the time he's gone. I'm still thinking Alaska after I graduate and he's considering the possibility... we shall see!

 

04/30/09 - At Last

It's finals time again... Just waiting for our grades to be posted! I took 9 hours in the fall, 13 this spring and will have 11 in the fall and working on my thesis. Ugh, ready to be done. Ready for my house to sell. Ready to get a real job. Ready to have my own life again. Ready to meet Bobby Bones... 

 

03/03/09 - Happy, Happy Birthday, Baby!

So, I turned 21 this year... again! I figured at 25 that I would start going backward so this was the big year. If I had my own place (shacking with my parents is getting old... someone buy my house!) I would've thrown a "keg" party! It wouldn't have been a true "21" keg as I refuse to drink "college" beer anymore, I have a job. Things are great; Carrie and Preston got married, Josh and Tana have moved to west Texas for his job, school is halfway done for the semester, and I've been getting to enjoy time with a special friend. Life is pretty dang good right now!

 

01/08/09 - New Year, New Memories

I just updated a bunch of photos on here (including the HHS 1998 Reunion pages) and will add more in the coming days. Sorry it took so very long but I had a major computer issue. Yes, I deleted a few things from the blogs... I know you shouldn't alter these things but I feel like this is a new year and it was time to let go of last year's drama. DIRTY called me just before Christmas and we had a great conversation. I don't anticipate being friends but we can be friendly. I'm looking back and remembering the good times and forgetting the bad. I don't have enough time and space to hang on to those. Went to Kansas for Christmas this year and had a blast! I haven't been home for Christmas in the last 6 years or so. Semester ended well; 4.0 and 9 hours down. Next semester starts on 01/20/09 and I'll be taking 13 hours and teaching 3 classes again. Can't wait! Recent news: my brother and Tana got engaged 12/19/09, Kevin got engaged on 12/20/09, Carrie and Preston are getting married on 01/24/09, Lindsay just had her 3rd baby. House is finished just needs a buyer that can qualify for a loan. This economy sucks.

 

09/21/08 - Out With the Old, In With the New

So, I need to put the fridge back together and have the kitchen sink installed but other than that HOUSE IS DONE! Finally. This coming weekend is my 10 year high school reunion... I can't believe we're this old! Pretty excited about seeing everyone. Weird, though, because for 9.5 years I was dreading this and saying I wouldn't go. Now, here I am planning stuff. Ironic but not so much.

 

06/19/08 - This Old House... Gets A Facelift!

Good news is that the new countertops are installed, painting started today and will be done by the start of next week, and the new carpet will go in Wednesday of next week; the house is almost finished! Thank goodness I'm a saver because this stuff is expensive! I really appreciate all that my family has done and I know that having your kid move back in after 10 years is NOT ideal but as soon as I sell this house I will buy one in Austin. Been looking and found a couple but we'll see what's available when I sell in Bryan. Photos of the "new" look very soon!

 

06/03/08 - So, listen... Can I have yo numba?

I had plans on scanning more pictures and sending out an email for the reunion but then I fixed my VCR and decided to watch Kindergarten Cop. My bad. Adult ADD?

 

05/04/08 - If These Walls Could Talk

We cleaned the house up and put a for sale sign in on Saturday and I've already received a number of calls.

I went out the other night and have to say it's nice to meet people who speak correctly. I guess when you're surrounded by stupidity you forget that there are intelligent and interesting people out there. Oh, and I won Biggest Loser at the office; $177 and some change! I'm pretty sure I spent almost all of it during Cody's Birthday weekend. Check those pics out, hilarious! Poor cop...

So, if anyone knows a nice family moving to Bryan/College Station I have a 4/2, .5 acre lot with a huge driveway and lots of trees for sale. It's walking distance to the best elementary in BISD and the neighbors are AMAZING! I'll post pics and more info as soon as I have time to run back up there.

 

04/22/08 - Let's Get Physical

The other night was a bit slow at the Harper Household therefore I created entertainment of my own. A few of you received evidence of this late night in your phone and if I can fix my connection I will post them here. It was like being in HS all over again, right Kev? I've been talking to Rene about the possible reunion but can honestly say that I just don't have time to plan it BUT will continue to build up the contact list and assist whomever becomes the lucky person/people that will pick up from here. Please join the HHS 1998 groups on facebook and myspace.

 

03/30/08 - Oh, The Stories We Will Tell...

So, I still can't say a lot on the topic but once I have no ties I will enlighten you all. It's hard to not let it all out but I'm trying to keep the peace until everything has settled. All I can say is that all of you were right and I will never again try to prove a point  by continuing to do something I know isn't good for me.

 

02/11/08 - These Boots Are Made for Walkin'

So, I think the house is finally going on the market. As soon as it sells I will be off the hook and ready to move on with my life. Better sooner than later! My mom has her moments with the most recent being, "Congrats! You've lost 205 lbs! 180 lbs being dead weight..."

I've lost almost 30 lbs so far and look to lose another 20 lbs in the next few weeks. We've been doing "Biggest Loser" type weigh-ins at the office and I'm a winner! It's nice to be in my old clothes. I will be smaller than my senior year in high school when I'm done with this!

I'm excited about the next few months. I really believe that I'm moving in a positive direction; my relationships within my family are improving, I'm looking forward to going back to school, I'm taking better care of myself, and I'm not so stressed! Now, to score a date with my new love! No, not Arnold Schwarzenegger... but close!

 

04/19/08 - Your IQ Might Go DOWN!

So, due to the giggles during Vernon's latest "List" I have my own and plan to create a few more in the coming weeks...

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ME

  1. I can whistle and do it often

  2. A hobo sang "Lady in Red" to me outside the Four Seasons before prom with Neal my freshman year.

  3. I used to ride with Drew and Shelley to piano lessons and our teacher had a cool touch lamp.

  4. I'm not as social as people tend to think.

  5. I've broken my right big toe, right tib-fib, left third metatarsal, and possibly chipped my right lateral malleolus.

  6. I used the word "sclera" today and was called a nerd.

  7. I'm thinking of getting my masters in math from A&M.

  8. I hate going to work out but love the feeling afterward.

  9. Neal was the best boyfriend ever.

  10. I have a red birthmark on my right shoulder that kids used to say was a hickey.

  11. Rob scared the s**t out of me on Halloween 1997 by wearing a SCREAM mask at my party after the football game. Jerk.

  12. My first car was named the Losermobile by my cousin, Sarah.

  13. I have watched all of the Star Wars movies in one sitting, naked.

  14. I have swam in all of the fountains on the A&M campus.

  15. I have washed my hair by sprinkler system.

  16. I have slept in the backseat of my truck too many times to count.

  17. I went to my pediatrician to have my ears pierced because I didn't trust the people at the mall to be sanitary.

  18. I've had two breast reductions.

  19. I've been to the Matchmaker shop in Ireland that is in the film of that name.

  20. My dog's names are Last Chance Harper and Makenzie Bailey Harper.

  21. I met Naomi Judd when I was in the 7th grade and I was too star struck to talk to her so Christine Bonner did all of the talking.

  22. I can say the alphabet backward.

  23. I have cheated once; I kissed Keith when I was with Neal (I was 14). I felt so guilty that I told on myself and will never cheat again.

  24. I've participated in "The Biggest Loser" at my office and have lost 40 pounds. 20 more to go and I will be ready to meet my crush.

  25. I play the clarinet.

  26. I've kissed the Blarney Stone.

  27. I hate feet. They're ugly and stinky.

  28. My parents wouldn't let me skip school to work out with Arnold Schwarzenegger when he came to Austin but my dad went and video'd it for me.

  29. I don't believe in gay marriage but do believe in gay union.

  30. I voted for George W. Bush both times but think he's an idiot; Lesser of all evils.

  31. I've been to Alaska with my grandpa to go fishing. It rocked!

  32. I can spell "Schwarzenegger" forward and backward.

  33. I've broken up with boyfriends for picking up items with his toes, jumping around in my driveway because a bug was in his ear, underage drinking, because he spelled a word wrong in a letter to me ("hear" instead of "here"), and because I found out I was the "other woman."

  34. I am pro-choice. You can state the opposite in your blog.

  35. I had Guinness for the first time in years the other night and REALLY liked it!

  36. I used peroxide to dye my hair at the beach with Carolyn. My parents were pissed!

  37. I can list all 50 states alphabetically. I'm working on the capitals alphabetically.

  38. I used to catch field mice with a butterfly net in my room as a child. We live in the country... you can't keep those out! They were cool...

  39. When my boobs started developing I thought it was cancer and Tracy tried for HOURS to convince me it was normal. Haha. Stupid.

  40. Lindsay's little sister, Monica, named my truck, "Star."

  41. I'm still in love with Niclas the exchange student from Sweden.

  42. My dad used to sing, "Amber Leigh was a big ol' flea" and it made me hate my middle name.

  43. I cry when people wave "Thank You" in traffic.

  44. I'm very sarcastic; very little of what I say is serious. Sometimes I take it way too far but I never mean to hurt feelings. Well, usually don't.

  45. I have never toilet papered, egged, or participated in any other form of criminal mischief.

  46. I'm VERY obsessive compulsive and did not feel that Lexipro nor Zoloft helped me stop alphabetizing, cleaning, or organizing!

  47. If you have to ask your partner if they're cheating on you, they are.

  48. I forgot to call my dad when I got to Rob's house so he showed up, knocked on the window and followed me home. I was a senior and all the others there were juniors. Embarrassing.

  49. Midgets and dwarfs scare me. Sorry, but they do.

  50. I still consider Kevin to be one of my best friends even after our senior prom. (Update: I was not invited to the wedding, scratch that!)

 

02/29/08 - Hook Up Lists

I was listening to the Bobby Bones Show this morning (as I do every morning) and a woman calls in telling Bobby that she and her husband named one celebrity they could hook up with and it not be cheating and she picked Bobby!

So, my list (trimmed it down to 3): BB, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and George Eads (CSI).

 

01/15/08 - Brandon Had An AFFAIR

So, Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Eads, ND, & BB I am finally single again if you would like your chance!

 

12/04/07 - They're All Gonna Laugh at You

We ordered lunch from work yesterday and my friend went to pick up the food but went to the wrong place. He called and was like, "You ordered food from Dan's, right?" Problem was... he was at Fran's! We were laughing later and I told him I was glad he works with me because now I'm not always the "dumb" one!

So, in his honor, here is my most embarrassing moment...

A semester before graduation my advisor realized that I needed another English class so I took something (we talked about witches if that helps). We had to do a group project which, for me, is a nightmare. Those who had to work with me in the past will roll their eyes with understanding (especially LLS). My OCD is bad enough but when I have to trust that others will do a good job... WORSE.

I gathered each part by email and put them together in a PowerPoint to then send to each member so they would know what in the world we were doing. I typed in the subject line, "This project sucks goat balls." As we introduced ourselves the person in charge of bringing the file realized that it wasn't going to work and everyone had deleted the file because it was too large for their email accounts... except me. The WHOLE class gave me a standing ovation and my prof was so busy looking behind her at the students that she didn't even see what they were clapping for! I apologized afterward anyway, realized she had no idea but it was too late, I had already given too many details.

The moral of this story is... be careful sending emails and if you're going to do something stupid make sure you do it right!
 

12/03/08 - Chicken Noodle Soup With A Soda On The Side (PEPSI, Please)

So, I was eating some homemade (not by me) chicken noodle soup and GASP! I found wing bones in the chicken! Maybe this is normal for some soups and eating meat off of the bone is normal for many of you but GROSS! I DO NOT eat off of the bone! This made me start thinking...

Scary, I know. This is when it all goes to hell...

I taught science for a couple years at an alternative high school and in our human body systems discussion (unit 10 and last 6 chapters of the bio book, that's the OCD talking) I found out that many of them did not realize that meat is muscle!!!

No, I'm not making this up...

So, they were pretty disgusted and some didn't even believe me. I had to prove it by looking it up on the internet (thanks be to wikipedia).

This memory flooded my mind when I found those bones and I began to think back to the time I didn't know where meat came from. I became a vegetarian for a couple years and cried quite often as I looked at our animals in the pasture. I remember sitting next to the fence and talking to Lou (one of our cows) and telling her that I would make sure no one ever ate her. I'm not sure when I out grew this but by the age of 12 I would eat meat, just not on the bone.

We went to Excalibur in Florida when I was 12 and I had my first real panic attack. Dinner was served in the form of a cornish hen and I FLIPPED! My mom had to pull meat off the bone, put the bones on her plate, and move it out of my sight before I could turn around in my seat and act slightly normal.

You laugh, but I still can't handle it to this day. I don't have panic attacks anymore (well, over meat with bones, anyway) but you can bet if we go to Hooters I'm getting a burger!

  

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