Due to conflicting issues in my personal life I have decided to take a break and concentrate on things that need my attention. I'm more than slightly disappointed regarding the way things are being handled in a number of situations. I'm worried about things that I cannot control, and I feel that my attention should be held elsewhere for a while. Many things collided at once and I think that it's time to focus on straightening them out. Therefore, I am putting myself on forced sabbatical until things are resolved. Thank you.

Yeah. 

Um, not much to report.  My FINAL semester as an undergrad at GVSU has begun.  Still trying to adjust to my new schedule, but the first week or two of a semester are so intense, so I'm sure I'll even out eventually.    Keith turned 28 yesterday and reminded me that I'm due to come yet even closer to the dreaded 30 in about six months.  On January 20, I have will be testing for GRPD Emergency Dispatch position.  And, I have yet to work up the courage to apply to the FBI. 

For all my stalkers out there:

Monday:
3-4:15 Crime Control and Justice Policy

Tuesday
8:30-9:45 Race and Ethnicity

Wednesday
3-4:15 Crime Control and Justice Policy

Thursday
8:30-9:45 Race and Ethnicity
6-8:50 Issues in Criminal Justice(My Capstone)

The birdules are fantastic.  Both are fully flighted now and Lavender is still a terrible flyer, but Peppermint's antics are enjoyable.  Especially when he leaves a dust print on a window or something.  The doggies are good too.  Junior has a coat now that he wears to go outside, which Bishop will attempt to take it off him.  Bishop is doing really good with rules and training.  He walks really good on a leash, but Keith has had some problems with him.  Basically, Bishop growls sometimes at Keith and then runs to hide behind me if he doesn't want to do something.  Apparently, when Keith was showering Junior with affection and ignoring Bishop, Bishop got the idea that he didn't have to obey Keith.  Oh well, that's something that the two of them have to work out. 

My graduation date is April 25, 2009.  The countdown has begun. 

American Saffordshire Terrier or American Pit Bull Terrier.  Their reputation is misleading, for they truly are amazing dogs.  They are incredibly loyal and loving.  And, more importantly, they are very, very gentle around children.  The true nanny dog.  For example, see icon.   I mean really, he let us put heart worm reminder stickers all over him.    My dog is truly pleasantly confused. 

I will be completely honest and say that one of my favorite holiday traditions is eggnog.  Seriously, I wait all year for eggnog. 

But, eggnog takes a backseat to Christmas tea with my mom.  My mom and I started doing this a few years ago, after I  moved across the state from her to attend college.  Most of the time, I am not able to be home with her on Christmas so I try to make it if not a little bit before Christmas day, at least the day after Christmas.  My mom makes this special Christmas blend of hot tea and she and I have tea while listening to traditional Christmas music and talking or watching the snow fall.   We use this time to just have time together around the holiday when everyone's super busy.   She usually will save a special gift for me, just to give it to me when we have tea.   Last year she gave me one of my great aunt's crochet hooks.  My great aunt passed away on Christmas eve about four years ago and was incredible with a crochet hook.   Everytime I use her hook, I think about her. 

Like the great warrior poet Ice Cube once said:  If the day does not require an AK, then it is good. 






~From Generation Kill

WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother's & father's middle names)
Louise Alfred
NASCAR NAME: (first name of your mother's dad, father's dad)
Milan Harlan...Wow...that's kinda creepy. 
STAR WARS NAME: (the first 2 letters of your last name, first 4 letters of your first name)
Gomarc...Um, I give up. 
DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Green Parrot
SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you live)
Lynn Wyoming...Ugh. 
SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite alcoholic drink, optionally add "THE" to the beginning)
The Black Stella
FLY NAME: (first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
Malk.....Wow. 
GANGSTA NAME: (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite cookie):
Coffee Pumpkin
ROCK STAR NAME: (current pet's name, current street name)
Bishop Lamar
PORN NAME: (1st pet, street you grew up on)
Prince Kimball

Wow, this was odd. 

My parents actually supplied me books that were not-very-appropriate.  When I was twelve, my mom got me the book "The Amityville Horror", followed by "Rosemary's Baby" and "Go ask Alice".   By the time I was in fifth grade, I was reading at a tenth grade level and my mom figured that no matter what she did, I'd read them anyway.  However, there was the "Sleeping Beauty"  erotica trilogy that I never let on that I'd read to my mom.   That is, until a friend of mine dropped off a copy that I'd loaned her and I found my mom reading it later that day.  What killed me, was when she asked for the next book in the series. 

So I just finished the most idiotic assignment I've ever had to do EVER.  IN MY ENTIRE EDUCATIONAL CAREER.  

Define: 

Crime. 

Post your definition on the discussion board on blackboard.  (Note:  this is for CJ 101)

( I have no hope for future generations )

Hi. 

I'm alive and still with MASSIVE amounts of free time on my hands.  Oh, how I wish the fates would align and give me what I want most:  a job. 

School starts on August 25 and yes, I'm going four days a week.  It's not so bad.  I finish in less than a year and trust me that date is looming.  It looks like I'll be spending an obscene amount of money this semester simply on books.  That's right, you heard me...books.  All of my classes seem to require more than two books apiece.  Goody! 

Now for all my stalkers out there:

Monday:
Quantitative Research Methods

Tuesday:
Communication Ethics

Wednesday:
Quantitative Research Methods

Thursday:
Communication Ethics
Criminal Justice 101

My brother's 30th birthday is in a little over a week.  This sunday, his girl Colleen and I have planned a surprise party in his honor.  He hates surprise parties, therefore he gets one for the big 30.  I bought him the special edition of Hardboiled and a few other little goofy things.  Keith and I leave for mom's sunday morning bright and early at 8 am.  Party starts a noon and I'm doing the cakes.  Other than that, not much going on here.  Save for the fact that Keith is running an AD&D game, for those playing along at home; that means 2nd edition.  We're having alot of fun and we're training some people on how to play. 

I would like to introduce you all to Lavender.  She is my new 'tiel and Pepper's new future roommate. 

My contribution to the impending holiday.....







see more crazy cat pics

Last friday I met with my program advisor to hammer everything out for the coming semester(s). 

Our vet visit yesterday for our booster shot and testing went smoothly.  We do not have heartworm or tummy worms.  We are the picture of health.  Now we are 63 lbs.  And quite the handsome boy.  We did get our heartworm pills and this is what the boys did to the poor guy....

I received a G from jayafel

Comment and I'll give you a letter; then you have to list 10 things you love that begin with that letter. Afterward, post this in your journal and give out some letters of your own.

1.  Google.  Where would I be without Google?  I love how I can find just about anything using google.  Google makes me happy.  I know it is cheesy, but hey. 

2.  Grover.  You know, Grover from Sesame Street.   He was always my favorite as a kid.  His "Near and Far" bit still makes me crack up.  In fact "The Monster at the End of This Book"  was one of my favorites as a kid-Grover was the monster if you guys didn't already get that. 

3.  The Goonies.  God, I've watched that movie so many times since it came out.  I actually think that I'm on my second DVD of it.  This movie must have been a generational thing because when I was purchasing it at Target last time, the clerk looked at me funny and said "Isn't this a kids movie?"  Obviously she's never seen it. 

4.  Grape Jelly.  Peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches.  Yum!!!!!!! 

5.  Ginger.  An underrated spice.  I use ginger in alot of things too. 

6.  Gardening.  As was evident from my container garden last year, I happen to have a green thumb.  I love to garden, it is a really great stress reliever. 

7.  Garnets. Garnets are a beautiful stone, and I absolutely love working with them.  They come in several different colors and varieties.  

8. Gambit. Ahh Gambit from the X-Men.  He was always second favorite after Psylocke and Wolverine.  This last year for Halloween Keith and I were going to dress up as Gambit and Rogue, but no one wants to see me in spandex. 

9. Ghosts.  I'm a huge parapsychology nerd.  This would probably be why I watch Supernatural religiously. 

AND......

10.  Gangrene.  How can you not love something that is described as "the putrefaction of tissues"?  Gangrene is essentially a natural process, tissue decay, but instead of happening after death, it happens when the subject is still alive.  It really is a fascinating process. 

Just thought that I would post something from my brand new laptop. 

Peppermint would like to wish everyone, especially em_again a Happy Valentines Day!!!!!  He sends kisses and race car noises. 






And so would Bishop.....How can you resist THIS face????






He wishes that auntie em_again would visit him and bring more CHEWIES!!!!!!!!  He sends kisses and bully love!