FutureShipp

2004-10-29T09:30:00.002-05:00

Walking

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2004-10-29T09:30:00.001-05:00

Through the Horse

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2004-10-29T09:30:00.000-05:00

aww, how sweet

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2004-10-29T09:29:00.000-05:00

Laughing

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I'm Moving...AGAIN!

2004-10-20T09:04:00.000-05:00

I've made the switch. I'm now a Monroe-blogger. It's going to be a while before the transition is complete. I've got to get my wonderful sister to help me figure the thing out so I can post pictures and make a new layout or something...the plain white is killing me. But you can still drop in for a visit. http://monroeblogs.com/rachel/ Try it. I don't plan any more moves until January, at which point my real address will change, but not my URL.

2004-10-19T15:47:00.002-05:00

The Bride

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2004-10-19T15:47:00.001-05:00

Mother of the Groom

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2004-10-19T15:47:00.000-05:00

wedding weekend

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Weekend Update

2004-10-18T13:58:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a weekend! The wedding and festival were quite a site. It was a very busy weekend with 12 hours in the car, a few hours sleeping, and many hours traipsing about the Renaissance Festival with a load of camera equipment. I haven't had a chance to look at the results of my work yet, but there are sure to be some interesting photos (to say the least).
Now I'm back to work and already exhausted. The weekend was hardly a break from work, it was way too packed to be relaxing. I officially have every weekend between now and January 15th booked. The first shower is in less than two weeks and from then on I will be running around like crazy. All the things I would like to get done will probably not get done, and all the things I must get done will be squeezed in some how.
I will have to admit it. With less than three months to go on the countdown to the wedding, I'm stressing a bit. I know, I know, everyone told me I would be. It's not so much the wedding that is getting to me, and it's nothing to do with the commitment, I'm ready for that. There is just so much stuff going on. And not feeling well isn't helping in the least. I don't know if I have an ear infection, a sinus infection, or just a really messed up face (ie. my jaw and teeth). I'm staying on as much pain reliever as possible as I wait for the good Doctor to get back from vacation. It is certainly going to come in handy living across the street from him, though he may not agree. I can't afford to be sick, but I sure hope it's an infection and not a real jaw issue. I'd much rather take some antibiotics than deal with the jaw problems like my sister has for so long. I don't handle pain very well. I hope every thing calms down soon! As I told Andrew last night, I need a good massage, pedicure and manicure, and a nice big bubble bath. And maybe my own personal slave.
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I should have pictures from the wedding to post very soon, perhaps even tomorrow. So just hang on all you people reading/looking at my blog just for the pictures (yes, you lingering few who never comment, I know you're out there).

Another oldie.

2004-10-14T14:48:00.000-05:00

I've taken "band" pictures for a couple of different friends. Both the bands are no longer together, but I still have a few fun pictures. This is from the less creepy band. We had fun in the studio with this.

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I'm leaving for Houston in the morning so no more posts until Monday. I should be back with lots of new material though since I'm shooting a wedding at the Renaissance Festival. Even I will be in costume for the event.

Who am I?

2004-10-14T09:37:00.000-05:00

Outgoing (E) 78.26% Withdrawn (I) 21.74%
Realistic (S) 65.63% Imaginative (N) 34.38%
Emotional (F) 53.13% Intellectual (T) 46.88%
Organized (J) 58.54% Improvised (P) 41.46%

Your type is: ESFJ

You are a Supporter, possible professions include - nurse, social worker, caterer, flight attendant, bookkeeper, medical/dental assistant, exercise physiologist, elementary school teacher, minister/priest/rabbi, retail owner, officer manager, telemarketer, counselor, special education teacher, merchandise planner, credit counselor, athletic coach, insurance agent, sales representative, massage therapist, medical secretary, child care provider, bilingual education teacher, professional volunteer.

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Texarkana

2004-10-13T13:51:00.003-05:00

When I was in high school in Texarkana I spent a lot of time babysitting for one particular family. When I was there they had 6 kids, and since I left two more have been added to the family by way of marriage. There are seven girls and only one boy. I am very close to many of these kids. I was around before two of them were even born. I have a very special bond with two of the younger ones. I just love seeing their faces light up when I pull into their driveway. The older two girls have always seen me as a friend. I like it that way. They will tell me anything, but they will also listen to me. I know I always enjoyed having older friends, and now I especially enjoy having them look up to me. The boy, Hunter, has gone through stages of being close and being distant. It's got to be rough in a house with that many girls. He's pretty tough though. You couldn't find a more typical boy. He is an avid baseball player and his goals in life are to become a professional baseball player and buy his mom whatever car she wants.
I don't get to see them very much. I don't really go to Texarkana as often as I would like. But when I do, their house is one of my first stops. It always takes a few tries to get to them because there is always a lot going on around their house. When I finally catch them at home though I never want to leave. I just love it when the girls attack me with hugs before I'm even out of the car. The little one is always a little timid at first, but she doesn't take long to warm up to me.
They have all taken to Andrew rather well. They love to be silly and giggly as most girls do. When we leave there Andrew and I both have that look on our face...that "I want kids" look.
They have gotten over crying when I leave, but it is still always hard to leave them. I never know when I will be back, but I am certain that when I return I will be greeted in the same way, with smiles and hugs and many many stories. I love those kids.

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Stolen Material

2004-10-13T09:14:00.000-05:00

Since Rick stole from me, I'm stealing from him.

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Friends

2004-10-12T10:25:00.001-05:00

Christin inspired me to post a picture of some of my friends. This is a few months old. This was taken at Aaron and Amy's house after my graduation. Pictured here: Back row: Jeffrey, Jonathan, Andrew, Steven, and Maddison. Front Row: Kat, Me, Vickie, and Kelsey.
This is a large representation of my friends from college. A few important people are missing, but I spent a lot of time with these people. They're great.

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You asked for it

2004-10-12T10:25:00.000-05:00

This picture is from the first role of film I developed, and was the first picture I actually printed myself in the dark room. It will always have a special plave in my heart. Jessie, you asked for it, so here it is.
It's Sarah.

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Sunday Quote

2004-10-12T10:19:00.000-05:00

Sunday's sermon quote:

"Money ain't Shalom"

The girls

2004-10-08T10:58:00.000-05:00

Here are a few more pictures from last weekend of the McBroom girls and of Sophie. More for Christin to come back and look at our wonderful niece.

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it's raining

2004-10-08T10:35:00.000-05:00

I was supposed to be taking bridal portraits for a girl who's wedding is next weekend, but it's raining. I was really looking forward to taking them. I had an appointment at 10, so I planned to go in to work late and I slept in. Unfortunately since it's raining, I'm at work. My plans were rained out.
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I need to take some pictures. I haven't done any photo sessions with kids lately. I need to convince Amy and Angela to let me take some pictures of their girls. I'm sure that wont be hard!
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I've been engaged for exactly 6 months. I'm getting married in exactly three months. Wedding showers start in three weeks. This is getting very real.
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1. If you could have a servant come to your house every day for one hour, what would you have them do?
2. If you could teach your pet to do one thing, what would it be?
3. If you had to name the dumbest purchase you've ever made, which would it be?
4. If you could program the perfect evening of television shows, which ones would you select, and in what order?
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Maybe I'll dig up some more old photos now. Have a great weekend!

Today's random thoughts

2004-10-06T13:25:00.002-05:00

Today is just like yesterday, which was just like the day before. The past two weeks at work there has been very little to do. I've left early many of the days just because I couldn't find anything else to do. Since my boss has been in and out of the hospital over a month now, things at the office have been rather slow. I get excited when one of the appraisers hands me a report to finish. I feel important when the phone rings, it's like I really am needed here.
Once again, this isn't a complaint. I still love my job. I like it more when I'm busy though. Time goes by much faster when I'm busy. When I'm busy it's as if I'm only here for a couple of hours, and then I get to leave to go see Andrew and other friends.
Looking back it's hard to believe I've only been here for four months. But at the same time I realize that the summer flew by. I've been engaged for 6 months, that's just abjured. I'll be getting married in three months, that's even more absurd. Maybe then, when I'm living in Calhoun, I wont have things to do every night and I'll actually be able to go to bed at a reasonable hour each night. Since Andrew is busy most nights with work and school I try to find things to do with friends. It works our pretty well. Tuesday nights are usually my "free" night, but things always come up. Last night was the Mitch Hedburg show at Tech. It was alright I guess. I think it was worth the $5 I paid for it, but probably not worth the $10 that others paid.
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These two are from my boss's house. I snapped a few pictures while my actual subject was getting ready on Monday.

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This one is over a year old. This is Charis...My best friend from high school, a former roommate in college, and a future bridesmaid in my wedding. I use to take SO many pictures of her. I use to have more pictures of her in my dorm than I did of everyone else combined (that wasn't when I lived with her). She's still one of my favorite people, but I seldom get to see her. She's always been photogenic. Pictures of her from 9th grade are even good...and it's really hard to have good pictures of anyone from 9th grade.

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Update...This may take a while

2004-10-05T10:15:00.001-05:00

Here's a series of pictures from the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Yesterday I spent the morning taking Senior Portraits for Jeffrey's sister, Tara. She came in from Mangham to have them done. Her twin, Marla, was supposed to come too, but Tara said she didn't want to get up that early on a day she didn't have to go to school. So Tara came, we had a great time. We went to my boss's house/yard to take the pictures. I took at least 150 pictures, but have slimmed it down to about 115 for her proofs. Here are a couple of my favorites.

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Sunday night Andrew & I had Aaron & Amy and Robbie & Angela over to Andrew's house for Supper. We really enjoyed having them there and visiting. The girls got to play in the sand box and only limited tears ensued. We also enjoyed Claira's proclamation that "Lorna ate my arm", and moments later "Lorna ate Matty".
Sophie provided the most entertainment though. She was playing with a teddy bear of mine that had boots on. Sophie just HAD to wear those boots. So she did. They didn't quite fit, but she walked around in them anyway.
Sophie also told me "I love you". That will make anybody melt. Isn't she just the cutest?

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Saturday I went to the tech football game. I had a blast. No one thought that tech would come out of it ahead. We beat Fresno! I don't think I have ever cheered that much at a sporting event.
Here's Steven, Jesse, Vickie, and Andrew

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IF

2004-10-04T13:53:00.000-05:00

1.If you could have chosen your own first name, other than your current one, what would it be?

2. If you were instantly able to play one musical instrument perfectly that you never played before, what would it be?

3. If you could receive one small package this very moment, who would it be from and what would it be?

Dreams

2004-10-01T13:23:00.000-05:00

How do I stop dreaming? I'm tired of getting married over and over again in my dreams. I dream late at night, just after I get into the bed and tune out the annoying sound of the clock ticking. I dream just before I wake when Christin is walking out of my bathroom. I dream when I go back to sleep for 10 more minutes of snooze. I can't seem to just sleep. I want a good night's rest in peace. I wake up and feel like I've been busy all night. I'm so busy in my dreams that I'm grinding my teeth, which makes my mouth hurt during the day. I guess it's all that subconscious stress showing itself in my sleep.
And by the way, I'm NOT STRESSED! (yet)

It's all part of being a Booth

2004-10-01T13:00:00.000-05:00

I remember talking to both Aaron and Christin about this in the past, but it hasn't really been an issue in recent years. Now it's back and stronger than ever. I am my friends' psychiatrist. I am the person that they call when they need advice, or when they just need to talk, or even when they need to cry (the latter being predominately for the girls.) This is not a problem for me. I appreciate that they are comfortable enough, and trust me enough, to let me know how they feel and what's going on in their lives.
As many of my close friends are getting back into the swing of things at school and as they finally grasp all the changes that must take place this fall, many of them are having a hard time adapting. Those that are or have been in relationships are finding it hard to cope with the schedule changes and the priority changes. I find myself somehow put in the middle of many of such relationships. I don't know what happened over the summer to make me be the one with the answers (I'm not saying that I DO have the answers, just that some friends seem to think so), but here I am lending an ear to each in turn. Sometimes I'm there just to nod and smile, other times I'm there to give an example as to how things might turn out, and still for others, I am expected to have all the answers and give sound theological reasoning behind any given belief. Needless to say, each time gets tougher.
I love my friends, and I am glad that they can come to me. Some call me at 8 am and say "you're the only person I knew I could talk to that is up right now). Some call me in the middle of the day at work and say "I know you're not too busy, can I spill my guts to you?" And some even call me late at night when I'm dozing off to sleep and I say "I'm here, what's the matter?"
I'm not trying to toot my own horn or say that I am great at advice or at solving other people's problems. I'd actually much rather just listen than have to speak. I guess what I'm saying is the same thing my siblings told me when I was in high school...Something to the effect of "We're Booths, for some reason our friends think we know the answers so they come to us. It's just part of being a Booth." I wonder if that will change when I become a Shipp?

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I'll try to have some new photos to post on Monday. I'm running out of ideas. My clicker finger doesn't feel like clicking, and my eye doesn't feel like seeing. And I'm just in a daze.

More Nacogdoches Photos

2004-09-30T11:44:00.001-05:00

Jake

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Anne Elisabeth

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Another busy weekend...The story of my life

2004-09-30T11:21:00.000-05:00

I'll admit, I went to see First Daughter and I liked it. I enjoyed it more than Princess Diaries 2. I went to see it Tuesday night with my friend Kat and we had a great time. I almost cried twice! It even had an unpredicted twist. As far as romantic-comedies-for-teenage-girls go, it was really cute.
Tomorrow night I am going to see Ladder 49 with a big group of friends. I am really looking forward to it.
Also on the plate for this weekend...Too much football. Friday night Andrew and I are going to Mangham to watch the high school foot ball game with some friends. Jeffrey's sisters are on homecoming court. One is being crowned queen, and the other is a maid. I've never been to a high school foot ball game, this could be my new love (yeah, right!). Saturday night there's another LA TECH football game. I don't know who we're playing, but chances are we'll loose. It will be fun to be in the sea of blue though, sitting next to the band. My favorite part of the game is when the band plays their little intro and we all scream "move the chains, move the chains, move the chains". My least favorite part...? "L-O-U---I-S-I---A-N-A TECH, *DAWGS*. Come to think of it, I do know that we're playing some other dogs...It's the battle of the bulldog or something like that...But I still don't know what other team might be the bulldogs.
I don't know if I'll be able to handle that much football, but it will be fun to hang out with friends. Andrew and I are also considering playing a round of golf with his parents. We'll see if we're all feeling up to that. The biggest and most important thing on the agenda for this weekend is SLEEP!

IF, part V (this is so fun!)

2004-09-29T11:58:00.000-05:00

1.If you could have discovered one medical cure in history, which one wuold you choose?
2. If you had to have a personal friend redecorate your house, who would you pick to do it?
3. If you were to choose a musical instrument that best describes your character, what would it be?
4. If you had to cancel one month of the year forevermore, so that period of time no longer existed, which month would go?
5. If you could adopt one personality trait from someone you know, what would you take, and from whom?

These questions just keep getting harder and harder, and I keep asking more. It's so much fun though. It makes people comment on my blog, and I like it.

More Steel

2004-09-29T11:43:00.002-05:00

After posting pictures of the Steel kids yesterday I was reminded of a few others of their kids. These are some of my absolute favorites. Sarah, Hannah, and Joshua are all very photogenic. They are great subjects!

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A slacker's education

2004-09-29T09:24:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday night after Bible study, Charis and I were talking about our high school experience. We have both realized now how great it really was. She admitted that she actually knew more then. She claimed she was smarter in high school than she was in college. I argued against her trying to convince her that she is indeed smarter now. After loosing my battle with Charis, I walked away rethinking my entire education.
After thinking about her conclusions of her education, I realized she was pretty right. I'll admit, I very seldom put my nose into a book to study. I didn't then, I didn't in college, and I especially don't now. I was smarter in high school. I worked harder, I learned more, and I became a much clearer thinker. I didn't think much of my education then. I claimed that it was hard, harder than all those public school educations. In truth though, it wasn't hard. It wasn't hard to think. I didn't study. I didn't do much homework. I made good enough grades, but I never really had to work for them. Over all, I enjoyed my high school experience.
Then I went to college and once again didn't really work for it. I took the easy way out I guess, I was an art major. Looking back at it now (all 4 months since graduation) I realize that I could have selected a much more useful major. I took all the art classes: drawing, design, painting, all sorts of photography, but I wasn't a master of any of them. I wasn't quite creative enough to make straight A's, and I couldn't make up enough stories about my art being based on emotion and the most difficult trauma from my childhood. For the most part the teachers liked me, I always was a suck-up. The art classes were a little time consuming, but not really HARD. I put a little effort into each class and managed an "A" or a "B". Al the academic classes were pretty easy too. I studied a little for Biology and Chemistry, but just enough to get average grades. I use to tell my roommates, "I strive for mediocre." I kept the necessary GPA. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Photography. Until a couple of weeks before graduation I thought I would eventually have my own photo business. Now, I'm not so sure about that. If I had the chance to go back and re-do the college thing, I would pick a different, more useful major. Maybe I'd go with teaching, or nursing, or maybe even something to do with speech. I'd even enjoy history or english, but those would be about as useful as the degree I currently hold.
I am very glad that I have a degree. If I am ever in a city where I actually have to take my resume to places and try to get a real job, it will come in handy to have a degree (period). As it stands right now though, every job I've had has fallen into my lap. I worked for a photo studio for a little while, and it didn't work out. Now I work for an appraiser as a secretary. I love this job. There's no stress involved. It's easy. I love the routine, I love the pace, and I especially love the paycheck.
I don't want anyone to get me wrong here. I truly appreciate all the money my parents poured into my education. I'm very glad that I had the opportunity to go to Veritas, even in its beginning years. I am thankful for my college education. It's great to have a degree. I just wish I had Paid more attention, worked harder, been more motivated to learn. But I guess that is part of being a teenager, no desire to learn.
I think of all the great things I could do...IF I had this degree or that degree. I weekly consider going back to school for another degree or a masters. Partly to get back into the college life, partly for the education, and partly just to be the only Booth kid to have two degrees. As much as I think about all that though, it's not going to happen. Marriage, money, and time are all keeping me from it. And above all else, the one thing I want to do with my life, the thing I was made for and have desired as long as I can remember, is to be a wife and mother. I want to be just like my Mom. I want to help my husband in whatever way I can, whether that be having a job to help out with the expenses, or staying home to care for the household needs. I want to be a loving and faithful wife. I also want to be the best mom ever. I want to stay at home with the little ones. I want to watch them grow and teach them well. I want to help my husband raise Godly children.
For seventeen years of education I took the easy route. I always did enough to be average. I tried to avoid the shadow of my siblings and do something a little bit different, but wound up in the same place. I love being here, right where I am. This stage of life is wonderful. I'll be married in three months and beginning my new family. It's crazy to think of. I know I have much more to learn, and I still lack so much wisdom. But with the help of my family and friends, and with each year, I learn to appreciate the little things (and the big things).
I hope I am growing up. I hope I'm living up to all the expectations people have for me. And at the same time, I hope I keep a fun, child-like side and surprise people periodically. I want to be that 80 yr old that loves life and is thankful for every twist and turn.

For Rhea

2004-09-28T09:53:00.001-05:00

These are a couple of years old, but I still love them. These are the Steel kids. Gypsy's photo of the little rascals reminded me of these.

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As promised

2004-09-28T09:20:00.000-05:00

As promised, here are some photos from this weekend. The kids gathered around dad, the little girls cuddling up close, Caroline, and Leah.

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If...

2004-09-27T09:51:00.000-05:00

1. If you could have been the producer of any single television show or series, which one would you pick?

2. If you could "uninvent" one thing in the world so that it would no longer exist, what would you choose?

3. If you Could own any building in existence, which would you pick?

and one more...

4. If you were invited to join one current musical group, which group would you want to be a member of, and what instrument would you play?

Monday...

2004-09-27T09:33:00.000-05:00

Well, it's Monday again. I had a very difficult time getting up. I just wanted to stay in bed all day. But here I am, sitting at my desk, being oh so very productive.

Andrew and I spent the weekend in Nacogdoches with my parents. As always, we had a very relaxing weekend. I just love sleeping in that big bed, in a room all-by-myself. The temperature is always perfect (a little chilly, but just right). We got to sleep in on Saturday, which was very nice. In the afternoon we went into the big city to buy fabric for bridesmaids' skirts and Andrew ended up buying me some fabric to make curtains for his living room. We also finished a big project with mom, we re-upholstered a chair. It turned out so much better than any of us expected. It looks pretty good next to the couch.

Sunday after church I pulled out the camera and took a few pictures of the kids. There are so many little blonde heads bobbing around the church, they're irresistible. The church was packed pretty full, but there's no getting in the way of the kids when the service is over and they run to Pastor Booth for the candy. They all crowd around waiting for the Pastor to sit down with the bucket full of candy and wait for the call "girls and babies". I just love that.

I'll post pictures tomorrow. I got in too late last night to download anything on my computer at Andrew's house. But I promise...I'll have some tomorrow.

IF...Part III

2004-09-24T09:10:00.000-05:00

1. If you could possess one supernatural ability, what would it be?

2. If you were given one hour to spend an unlimited amount of money in any store in the world, where would it be?

3. If you had to choose the worst book ever written, what would it be?

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I'm going to try to dig up a picture to put on here today. It may not happen though. Andrew and I are going to Nacogdoches this weekend, so perhaps I'll come back with some new photos.

This is not a joke

2004-09-23T10:39:00.001-05:00

Yesterday as I was driving in deepest-darkest Calhoun I passed by a large field of cows. Many of the cows were lounging around, eating grass in the usual cow fashion. Several of the cows though, were laying around in a big pile. As I continued past them I thought to myself, "why would they be all piled up like that?" (not really though, I could tell they were dead by the buzzards circling overhead)
When I drove back by a few minutes later, there they were, a heaping pile of dead cows accompanied by the nearby living cows. This is somewhat disturbing, is it not?

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P.S. Mitch Hedburg is coming to Tech October 5th.

The questions are endless

2004-09-23T09:09:00.000-05:00

1. If you had to lose one of your limbs, which one would you sacrifice?
2. If you could only keep one of your limbs, which would you choose to keep?
3. If you were to be the personal valet of any one man or woman from history, who would you want to work for?
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Something for you to anticipate.... A very large pile of dead cows...Photos to come!

Work Boredom

2004-09-22T13:49:00.002-05:00

You can tell that I have very little to do today at work. I had considered going home early, but since there really isn't anything for me to do outside of work and considering that in the next couple of weeks I have to take some time off for doing photo shoots with people and a wedding out of town, I guess I should stay here. So I am trying to keep myself busy and entertained by adding more of my own photos onto the blog that very few people even look at. (how pathetic is that?)
Actually, I figure by posting pictures of Sophie that a select few relatives of hers and mine might make a comment or two. I feel so fulfilled when people comment. So for those of you who have been, thank you. You are fulfilling my blogging life.

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Sky Line

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Image

2004-09-22T13:20:00.002-05:00

Andrew's house came complete with candles on the front porch. On either side of the front door there are candle-holders with brand new candles in them. (I guess they're not new anymore since we lit them Friday night.) I liked the shadows they were making on the house.

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Another flower

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An Abstract

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IF.....questions for the game of life: Part 1

2004-09-22T09:12:00.000-05:00

Kara bought this book last weekend at the Lincoln Parish Library book sale. Much to my enjoyment she left it in my car. It's really quite entertaining.

Question one:"If you could have permanent possession of any single object in the world, what would you want it to be?"
Question two:"If you could own one painting from any collection in the world but were not allowed to sell it, which work of art would you select?"

Come on, answer them.

Worn Thin

2004-09-21T11:03:00.002-05:00

Everywhere I turn people are telling me I'm stressed. Everyone seems to think that getting married in a few months should and is making me crazy. I keep begging them to understand that I am NOT stressed out, but their constant demand that I am is making me that way. People telling me I'm afraid, or worried, or that my brain is just to full of things, "you need to take a break from thinking about the wedding" they say.
NO! I'm not stressed about it. I'm just tired already of being pulled every-which-way and told that "it's going to get to you". I am enjoying the wedding plans. I am enjoying most of the activity, and even the decision making has been easy. All of my family and Andrew's family seem to be bearing the largest load, and that is a great relief.
Yes, I am ready for the wedding to get here. I am ready to be able to share a home with Andrew. I am ready to have a normal, everyday routine. The regularity of my job is great, but having every weekend booked between now and January is a bit wild. Not that I want to turn down the showers and the great opportunities, I just want to sit still. I want to lay on the couch and watch a movie and fall asleep at 8:00. Then I want to sleep until 10 am the next day and lounge around in my pj's all day. Yes, that's it. I want to be lazy. I want a 'vacation' day to spend laying around the house doing absolutely nothing productive.
And just for the record, my face breaking out has NOTHING to do with stress. The only stress I have right now is that I lost some of my bosses photos in the abyss called my computer .
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This is how Vickie felt friday night after her injury. That's kind of how I feel right now. But instead of sitting with my head in my hands, I'm here at work, waiting for my wonderful fiance to come pick my up for lunch. That will make everything better.

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Images without words

2004-09-21T11:02:00.000-05:00

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Overheard...

2004-09-20T13:56:00.000-05:00

from the backseat of my car:

"cheese is AMAZING"

-Kara

A few for fun

2004-09-20T10:00:00.003-05:00

Andrew bought me flowers friday night. The flowers were for his house though. They are still very beautiful though. He had three arrangements around the living room. He was proud of himself for putting them together himself. I only know what one of the flowers is, but I still like the rest of them.

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I love taking pictures of Jeffrey. He is so fun to photograph. Every picture I've seen of him is great. He's just such a great subject.

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Jeffrey's girlfriend Kat

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The Best man, Jesse, with a smirk Friday night as he watched the fabulous events of Twister unfold.

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This one, I think, is very self explanatory. Soak it all in. This was the end of the night.

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Moved in!

2004-09-20T09:54:00.000-05:00

Andrew has officially made the move. He has been staying at his new house since Wednesday. Here are some more pictures of the house, with all the current furniture in.

Living Room

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Living room with new couch

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Mantle

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Kitchen with new refrigerator

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Guest room

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Master Bed Room

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Office

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Subject change

2004-09-16T14:47:00.000-05:00

Today I am leaving work early. I am heading to pick up Andrew from his new house in Calhoun so we can go to Ruston. We are having our picture taken. A friend of mine that I went to scool with is in town and he's going to do some engagement-type pictures of us. I'm a little apprehensive about it. I don't like being on that side of the camera. Plus, we're going to be really hot. The shirts I bought for us to wear were intended for use in breezy downtown Ft.Worth, where we were going to have the pics taken. We will be quite toasty in the humid Louisiana sunshine.
I'll put a photo of two up when I get them in. For now here is one from Thomas and Emily's wedding back in January.

Rachel and Andrew in Januray

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Tonight is also the first TECH Christian Student Fellowship (CSF) Bible Study. Since the teacher of 9 years (Mr. Lonn) left for a Pastoring position in MS, we have a new teacher. Duane is teaching now. I'm sure it will be different, and equally possitive that it will be wonderful. Even though I graduated, I feel a loyalty and need to be there for support and just to be an extra warm-body. The younger Pierce's food is also a perk. I'm hoping for 15 people to be there. In the past we have had as many as 40 on the first one of the year, but with Mr. Lonn gone, several 'active' members of the group graduated, married, and with-child, the crowd may be slim.

Thanks to Bekah

2004-09-15T10:46:00.000-05:00

Thanks Bekah for the info on how to put the links on the sidebar. I've been wanting to do that for a while but didn't know how. But watch out, if you do anything else that is that cool on your blog, I may come to you for more help.

Zach

2004-09-15T10:28:00.000-05:00

A good friend of mine from highschool was diagnosed with Cancer a couple of months ago. He seems to be doing pretty well, but all prayers are appreciated. The following is an email his dad sent out yesterday.
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Zachary Update 09-14-04

We just got back from six days at Arkansas Children’s Hospital where Zachary underwent his second major round of chemotherapy and things went very well. Zachary had about an hour of nausea the first night but none after that. His appetite wasn’t very good during the treatment but we’re told that is normal. Then he was just worn out on the last day. But again, overall, things went well.
He had lost 10 lbs. since his last visit three weeks ago and as you know he really doesn’t have much to spare. Dr. Stine is not that concerned but doesn’t want to see him loose much more. We’re going to work on his appetite and nutrition.
It will likely be a couple of months before we know how successful the chemo has been. They don’t have major tests scheduled until the 13th week of treatment. It is at that point that they’ll decide whether he gets surgery, radiation, etc.
The lab work for the drug Gleevec came back “not negative”. What this means is that he is more than likely a positive candidate for the drug. Dr. Stine is very positive about the use of Gleevec and we will be starting that drug as soon as we get approval from the insurance company (1-2 weeks).
Now that Becky & I have seen both of the treatment phases, only one of us will accompany him at future chemo treatments. Becky will be going up for the 3-day phase and I will go on the 6-day phase. His next treatment will be a 3-day treatment around September 29th. He will continue receiving treatments locally on MWF. He now has his driving privileges and will be taking himself to these appointments. This not only helps us with logistical problems but it also makes him feel better just getting out a bit on his own.
Please continue to remember us in your prayers. The prayers, cards, letters, phone calls, emails, and passing comments of encouragement have meant a lot to all of the Ramsey family.

Steve Ramsey
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The Puppy

2004-09-14T10:51:00.001-05:00

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Here's another cute picture of the cute puppy, Lorna. Here she is with her new baby-bear, a gift from her grandpa (Andrew's dad). Lorna is just adorable when she carries that bear around in her mouth.
She is learning quickly. I've been working with her on getting her to sit. She does pretty well when there is a treat involved. She understands "NO!" pretty well, but has selective hearing when it comes to her name. We love her!

Andrew's House

2004-09-14T10:50:00.002-05:00

Here are some photos of the new house. It's really coming along. Aside from the small flood due the Sears guy not knowing what he was doing when connecting the refrigerator, everything is going well.
Andrew had the water turned on yesterday, and when we got to the house we turned on the water to the refrigerator. Shortly after that Andrew left for class, and I went down to Aaron and Amy's house. When I got back about 45 mniutes later the kitchen floor was covered in water. I quickly turned off the water to the fridge, and tried to tighten it. When I couldn't get it I called Aaron. To make a long story short, Aaron, Andrew, Jesse, and Jeffrey all tried to fix it, with the same result. It still doesn't work. And the Sears guy said "it's not my fault." So now Andrew and I are going to fix it ourselves. I hope that goes well.
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The couch should be in today sometime.

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The Front view

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The Kitchen
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The Living Room

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The Back Yard (with a deluxe sandbox for Sophie)

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Comments

2004-09-13T13:44:00.000-05:00

I wish I knew who has been reading my blog, but there are no comments. I know a few people have had trouble postins a comment because of the system, but I'm working on it. SO KEEP TRYING! I want some feed back.

His, Mine, and Ours

2004-09-13T09:32:00.000-05:00

The weekend was filled with activity and and new things. Friday after work Andrew and I went to look at furniture as I considered buying a new couch. We looked all over Ruston and got somewhat depressed at the prices. After that we went out to the new house to take a load and show the house to some friends. Jesse, Steven, Vickie, and Courtney were there. Despite the fact that it was a room full of old boyfriends and girlfriends we had a blast. The most entertaining part of the night was watching Jesse and Andrew play Twister.
I was staying at Andrew's parent's house that night and very much looking foward to sleeping late on saturday. When we got there we were greeted by a message in the kitchen that said if we wanted a refrigerator we had to be ready to leave at 8:00, it was from his Dad. So, as appealing as sleep sounded, that appliance sounded better. We went to Sears and his Dad bought us a brand new refrigerator with a much debated ice-maker. It was delivered to the house that afternoon.
We also went back to Ivan Smith furniture and I made the jump. I bought a couch. It's the same couch that Aaron and Amy have, but it's a different color. It will be delivered on Tuesday.
So, it's been a big weekend for us. It may be HIS house and MY couch, but it's OUR refrigerator. But just think, less than four months it will all be OURS!

Incase you were wondering...

2004-09-10T10:55:00.000-05:00

It's not called "babysitting" if they're YOUR children!

Back to School

2004-09-10T10:36:00.000-05:00

Tech started today. All my friends, including my Andrew, are getting back to the books. They'll go to class today to meet their teachers, get acquainted with their class schedule, and inevitably go home with something to read for homework. With classes starting on Friday in typical Tech fashion, many of the teachers will blow of the first day flipping through the syllabus and letting the students leave early. But there will be that one teacher that can't let a day go by without lecturing and passing out homework. Andrew will come home with an exhausted expression.
This is the first fall that I'm not going back to school. After graduation in May I found it hard to believe that I would miss it. I must admit, I missed this week. I don't miss the going to class part or the crazy schedule. I really missed this first week. The week when everyone is back in town, getting settled into the dorms, buying books, and just hanging out. This is the week when everyone is relaxed and enjoying eachother. This is the week no one has to be anywhere at any particular time so they just sit and chill. That's what I want. I wanted to just goof off with all my friends. For many of them, this is their Senior year. They are anxious to get started, but within a few weeks they will have true senior-itus.
I'm also going to really miss the three hour lunch breaks sitting in the student center talking, reading, sleeping, and generally being as unproductive as possible. Now I just sit at my desk, working, listening to the radio, and frequently playing on the internet. I guess it's a decent trade, at least now I get a regular pay check.
One other thing I don't miss is the lack of sleep. I don't think I could make myself stay up until 2 or 3 in the morning then get up for an 8 o'clock class. No more naps in the afternoon, no more starting a movie at 11 pm, no more sleeping til noon on days I don't have class. No more playing frisbee in the quad at midnight ending up drenched in the Lady of the Mist (fountain). No more late night trips to Walmart or sudden urges to go to the Huddle House. I won't be doing those things anymore. I was always the driving force behind many of my friends. They don't even do most of those things anymore. Ever since I got even a semi-real job those things died out.
They say that old habits die hard. But not this one. I'd rather go to bed at 10 and get a good 9 or 10 hours of sleep a night. I like the routine. I like the sleep. I like the paycheck. I think I'll just stay here for now.

Home Sweet Home

2004-09-09T13:15:00.000-05:00

Andrew got a house! Last night we met with the Alexander's out in Calhoun to look at a house to rent. Andrew can start moving in today. It's a 3 bedroom 2 bath house with a fire place, a nice open kitchen, and best of all, lots of HUGE closets. There are three closets in the master bath, one of which has floor to ceiling shelves, perfect for shoes. I'm so excited, I wish we were already married so I could move in too. I do get to help move though since most of the components going into the house are mine. I'll get to be there Saturday morning unpacking while he is working. (that way I get to put things where I want them.
There is a huge pack yard for Lorna to play in, there's even a sandbox. (oh boy!) We'll have to throw a sand box party sometime. I'm sure it would be a hit. I'll take some pictures of the house soon so I can show them off.

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I wish I could be in Texarkana this weekend.Jack and Amy are getting married on Saturday in Texarkana in a small ceremony at the church. Kristen is leaving on Sunday to go to Europe for the remainder of the year. And Jeff is leaving on Monday for the long awaited Police Accademy. I know they are all very excited about the upcoming events. Best wishes to them all. I just hope that Kristen and Jeff are back in time for my wedding.
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Yesterday was the four month mark. Now, in less than four months, Andrew and I will be married. It's hard to believe that we have been together for nearly a year and a half, and we've been engaged for 5 months. It's hard to imagine life without him, and even if I could, I wouldn't want to. It's going to be weird being the first of our college friends to marry, but we'll adjust to it easily I'm sure. I don't think any of them really want to be married right now anyway, they're all busy having the fun college experience.
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One more thing to note: The REAL Jesse is back. We've missed you! Good to see you again.

Puppy pics

2004-09-09T13:08:00.000-05:00

She's a keeper! Lorna is fitting right in. She has been staying with Andrew at his parent's house and has quickly become a yuppy-puppy. She stays inside most of the day and all night. She whines terribly when left outside alone. She had her first doctor visit this morning and was given good marks on health. The people at the vet's office fell in love with her and Andrew bragged "she's all mine." Lorna's whines are awfully hard to resist and she makes a better sad-puppy face than Andrew. (Imagine that)

isn't she cute?

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watch out for puppy teeth, they'll get you every time

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Fort Worth

2004-09-08T15:49:00.003-05:00

I didn't get a chance to take any photos of Lorna, so here are a few more from the weekend in Fort Worth.
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I really enjoy taking pictures of lights at night. They're always rather abstract, but I like them.

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I'm not really trying to express myself in my photography, though I am sure all of my art professors would tell me otherwise. I just like taking pictures. That's all there is to it. While I was in college I often refered to myself as "the least artistic person in the art department." It really doesn't bother me though. If being a real artist means I have to have some crazy story about the inspiration and emotion behind my work then I don't want any part of being an artist. I take pictures because I'm decently good at it, and I enjoy it. I'm not trying to express myself I'm just showing you how it is.

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Architecture is always at least somewhat interesting. Last year I did a whole series of photographing old barns and such in and around Nacogdoches. Some of them were really neat. I have already sold two of them, but I really wish I knew where I could sell more of them. Anybody have some bright ideas for me?
This one isn't that great of a photo, but the architecture is neat.

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I also enjoy the blue sky. I know it's been done over and over again, but I still love big white puffy clouds in the bright blue sky. I could never get tired of taking those pictures.

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LORNA

2004-09-07T15:36:00.000-05:00

One more thing. Please welcome Lorna. We picked up the puppie last night. She is very cute, as many puppies are. When we got her we first called her Addie, but within an hour we had changed it to Lorna. Addie just didn't seem to fit her.
Lorna is Black and White with a hint of brown on her face. The inside of her ears is brown, that's my favorite part. She looks very much like a border collie except for her snout which is a little longer. She is only 8 weeks old so she is pretty small, but she is very solid.
She already likes Andrew better than she likes me. It's just not fair! And I think Andrew has already developed a soft spot for her. Mr. Shipp (Andrew's Dad) certainly has a soft spot for her. I think he fell in love with her the moment he saw her.
I'll be sure to take some pictures of her tonight so I can post them soon.

Weekend Vacation

2004-09-07T15:19:00.003-05:00

Andrew and I spent the long weekend in Fort Worth visiting some of his/our friends from TCU. We enjoyed the time while it lasted, but were very ready to come home. We missed the slow pace of Ruston/Monroe and we realized how much we've changed over the summer.
We spent one afternoon/evening in down town Fort Worth. I had my camera in the car, so I took it along thinking I'd snap a few photos. I ended up taking over 100 of the buildings and sky. It was a beautiful day and I was seeing things differently because of the camera around my neck. I felt like a real tourist!

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While we were eating dinner at a local pizzaria we noticed a Korean family eating nearby. There were four generations of women. A new baby, mom, grandmother, and great grandmother. I wanted so badly to take pictures of the grandmother holding the baby, and of the great grandmother with another little girl, but I couldn't get up the courage to just start snapping them. I knew I couldn't be that sneaky, and I didn't want to go ask them. I wanted to get some natural shots of them, but I didn't. I regret it now as I knew I would, but what could I do?

After dinner we went to the movie theater to see Vanity Fair. I need someone to explain it to me now. It was weird.

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Fun Faces

2004-09-07T15:18:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned last week, Andrew, Christin and I had some fun with my camera. Andrew and I were making faces, and Christin was giving her usual smile. Here are a few for fun.

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Thursday night2

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Thursday night 3

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thursday night 4

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Get Out of Town

2004-09-03T13:13:00.000-05:00

In about two hours I will be leaving work. I'm headed to Ruston to meet Andrew then we're off to a fun filled weekend in Fort Worth. I am really excited about seeing our friends out there. It has been way too long since I've seen them all and since Andrew wont be living there my trips to Fort Worth will be few and far between. It will be so nice to spend this extended weekend out there with friends.
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Christin is also headed in that general direction. She is on her way to Idaho by way of D/FW to spend a total of 11 days away from home. Things just wont be the same at home without her. At least she left a few of her clothes for me to steal. I will miss her.
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I wish I had a cool recent photo to post. Andrew and I took some fun pictures last night at my house. Andrew and I were making funny faces at the camera while Christin had her usual beautiful smile. (She's so photogenic, it's not fair)
Since I can't put one of those up right now, here is one of a little Nix boy in Texarkana. He's so cute. When I talk to him he stands holding his hands behind his back with that innocent look. He's a sweety.

Paul

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Girls Night Out

2004-09-02T15:49:00.000-05:00

Last night I got the chance to hang out with just the girls. The cause of the get together wasn't all that great, the break up of two of my close friends, but we had a great time reguardless. Tuesday night I got the call for a manditory "girls night" around the same time Andrew got the call for "guys night". Our recently broken up friends are both in our wedding, which puts us in a rather tough spot, but we got into character and filled our roles. I spent my night with the girls talking, laughing a bit, helping a friend avoid tears, eating greasy food, watching tear-jerking chick-flicks, and painting bar stools at Kat's. Meanwhile the guys were out playing cards and no doubt, avoiding the break-up conversation all together. When I finally got in touch with Andrew after several unanswered calls, he informed me that "it's guys night, no talking to girls allowed." My responce was, "I'm not a girl, I'm your fiance." It passed.
All in all it was a good night for us. It was really good for all of us to get away from eachother...two couples and a former couple. I think that was the first time this summer that Andrew and I were in the same town and not together.

I don't have any pictures of the girls from last night, but I do have this one of my girls in Texarkana. These are the three youngest of eight. There are seven girls in their family, and only one brother. These three crack me up.

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The Missing Link

2004-09-02T15:29:00.000-05:00

I really wish I could post more of my photos and such, but they're all on my home computer. Unfortunately my home computer isn't at home. It is sitting in the floor in Andrew's room at his parent's house along with boxes and boxes of my belongings. Every photo that I have is in his house. The trunk full of snap shots, the boxes and boxes of portfolios from college, the frames with specail photos, the albums from vacations, and my hard drive FULL of digital photos from the last couple of years. I can't even take pictures with my digital camera now because I have nowhere to download the camera. I sure hope that Andrew gets a place of his own soon so I can set up my computer.
I know, it sounds like I am already planning to take over his house. Well, that is exactly right, I am. When he moves into his new place, where ever that may be, all of my things are going with him. Dishes, cloths, furniture...along with the endless supply of artwork and photographs will all find their way into his new home. I'll be setting up house before it's even my own. I don't have much choice though, the house I live in is already full of everyone else's life, art, and kitchen gadgets. There's no more room for me! I need a place too.
Soon I will be able to have all my things in one place. I'll have my clothes and books, my photos and art, my computer...and my Andrew. It's hard to believe that in just 4 months we will be married. It's going to be so nice to tell my friends, "I have to go home to my husband." (not that I ever go anywhere without him)

It's a girl!

2004-09-01T14:09:00.000-05:00

Andrew and I are getting a dog. I know, it's a big commitment. When you think about it though, it's nothing compared to getting married. Since we're already engaged to be married, there aren't a whole lot of other commitments we can make to eachother. So, we're getting a puppy.
A friend of ours, Jeffrey, has claim on some puppies his parents have. They are half Border Collie and half Collie. They're about 3 months old. We haven't seen them yet, but from their descriptions we've already picked one. The puppy we're getting looks more like a border collie - black and white with shorter hair. And you guessed it, it's a girl. We should be getting custody of her sometime next week. Now all we need is for Andrew to have a place to live.
I guess it has become some sort of family tradition to have border collies. Uncle Scott has a billion of them. Mom and Dad have an old deaf one, Kirk. And then there's Aaron and Amy's dog, Neo.
We also need a little help on the names. Since border collies are Scottish, we're trying to pick a suitable name. We've picked a few, but are open to suggestions. Here are the ones we like so far:
1. Fiona
2. Lorna
3. Addie
4. Dandy
5. Nessa

Tell me what you think.

A Little More Sophie

2004-09-01T09:28:00.000-05:00

A few more photos of my adorable niece. These were taken at my parent's house in Nacogdoches a couple weeks ago. Amy and Aaron, I'm sorry for exploiting your daughter.

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One more

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Sophie

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A photo to get started

2004-08-31T12:49:00.000-05:00

This is a few years old, but it's one of my favorite photos. I wish I could jump back into photography, but I can't seem to get the boost I need. I hope I haven't lost it already.

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Baptist Church Sign

2004-08-31T12:44:00.000-05:00

"Heck, it's where people go who don't believe in Gosh."

Sophie

2004-08-30T12:45:00.000-05:00

I can't help but post a picture of my adorable niece. This is also just my attempt at posting a photo. If it doesnt' work, I'll try again later.

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Getting Started

2004-08-30T11:58:00.000-05:00

I had another blog over at Xanga but I didn't really like the way Xanga worked. So here I am, the last of the Booth Children to jump into the blog world. I can't promise much. I have the worst writting ability the Booth clan has to offer.

So, for what it's worth, here I am, embarking on a new blog experience and draging you along with me.