CMA Performance

Kellie Pickler got a little emotional when singing the song she wrote about her mom. It would be nice if more "American Idol's" would write their own.

Medical Library

From intense studying over the past few months, I found myself getting a touch of cabin fever. I took that as a sign, and I decided to take my studying elsewhere. I wish that I could abandon it for a few days, but even if I did, I would follow me like a ball and chain. Then at the same time, less than excellence is not an option.

These pictures are from the med school library. It is a change in atmosphere for me, but long-term commitment in this setting cannot be good. This study area is located downstairs in the basement. No windows, no sunlight, and no life. It was good for me. It helped me concentrate, instead of being stuck between the same ole walls of my apartment.

I will probably return here. I think another good thing about it is no cell phone reception, which decreases distractions further. As I take my studying on the road, I will write about my experiences, boring as it may be. It is the only stimuli that I get these days. If you think it's boring, how do you think I feel?

Deck the Halls

The Christmas season has strolled upon us. Tis the season of endless traffic and crowds. I hope everyone can look at the big picture instead of the consumer approach.

Happy Holidays! I know it is my favorite time of year.

Waiting For Access

It is somewhat early, and no faculty has arrived at school yet. I'm sitting in the waiting room waiting for the doors to be unlocked so that I can begin my day.

The door pictured is the main door to our "school," a term that I now use loosely.

I hope today flows smoothly. Although, I hope I do have a confrontation with Freckalicious. I will try to get a picture of her (and a story) for future postings.

Student Lounge

At clinicals, in my down-time, I have become obsessed with our newly appointed student lounge. At first, it was a junk reservoir, but with some searching, some previously abandoned items have found a new home.

I like studying in here in the mornings before class. It's quiet, and no one bothers me. The majority of the class, which now consists of 25 students, thinks that it is out of the way. I'm glad they do because it provides me with more privacy.

I have a quiz today, which I believe will be incredibly simple. I hope I feel the same way about the test on Wednesday. This is a new class. We hope that it is not set up completely different.

If I have any readers left, I hope everyone is doing well. I may not post regularly, but I will try to put something up here and there to show I'm still alive.

School Pictures

Here's some pictures of the folks I see 5+ days a week. I got these pictures from a lady who walked around the first 2 weeks of school constantly snapping photos. I need to get some pictures of the people I make fun of...they are very interesting.

Look Into My Eye

Look at this swollen eyelid! I had some mild edema and tenderness, but this is what I saw in the mirror first thing this morning. It hurts a little more now. When I bend over to grab something, I feel that nice throbbing sensation in that area. Gosh...gotta love the body's inflammatory response.

The Daily Rain

It was raining pretty bad the other day. I was trying to get the picture of the water gushing up through the manhole. It almost looked like a hurricane passed through, but it was just a thunderstorm. My pictures would come out better if I actually stepped out of the car to snap shots.

Speaking of shots, I administered my first injections to patients on Sunday. Oh, I would liketo add that they were safe and successful.

Clinicals

Tomorrow is my first day of clinicals. Keep me, and my patients, in your thoughts and prayers!

Took A Breather

Saturday, I went out with some friends from school. We were celebrating Daniel's birthday. We went to a bar called Masquerades, which was inside Harrah's Casino.

I was impressed. The ceiling resembled a planetarium. There were stars, clouds, all in motion. The bar was circular. The giant blue thing was in the center of the bar, and it went all the way up to the ceiling. They also had an ice bar, which I had never heard of before. There was a frozen strip that traveled the entire length of the bar, where you could rest your beverage, to keep it ice cold.

It was a mixed crowd, and since it was in a casino, there was no one under 21 allowed, which was nice. The place was packed. I am pretty sure that it was from all the folks who attended the LSU/Tulane game.

I would definitely go back.

GSU president orders 'hanging photo' off Web

A recent incident at the elementary school on the Grambling State University campus that resulted in a noose hanging around a small child's neck has left university officials scrambling for answers.

Grambling State University President Horace Judson was driving to Dallas on Friday afternoon for the Saturday football game between GSU and Prairie View when his secretary called him, describing certain pictures that had been posted online by the student newspaper, The Gramblinite.

Among the photos immediately ordered taken down by Judson was one of a young girl in a school uniform, a noose around her neck, being hoisted by a woman who may have been a family member.

In the photo, the girl, a student at Alma J. Brown Elementary School at Grambling, appears confused and frightened. GSU oversees the school. The child apparently was taking part in a school lesson related to events surrounding the Jena Six, criminal defendants in that Louisiana town who stand accused of beating a fellow student into unconsciousness. Their arrests on adult charges have spawned organized protests by black leaders and national attention.

"At this point I'm starting a full investigation into what happened," Judson said in a phone interview from his car while en route to Dallas. "I will meet with all the people involved at 8 o'clock Monday morning."

The Gramblinite staff leaders could not be reached for comment on the incident.

According to an article in the newspaper written by Justin LaGrande, posted on the student newspaper Web site some time this week, and sent to The News-Star by Ruston Daily Leader publisher Rick Hohlt, "kindergarten and first-grade students at Alma J. Brown Elementary will always remember the day they marched for equality. The children marched in protest of the imprisonment of Mychal Bell, and the seemingly racial bias shown toward blacks in a small Louisiana town."

LaGrande wrote that while the students "marched," they actually only circled their playground with their teachers during the event.

"Before marching, the students were taught about racism," LeGrande wrote. "They also learned about the events surrounding the 'Jena Six' and their arrest."

According to the article, teachers "had a replica noose and explained why it is such a symbol of racism. They also allowed the children to carry chains and shackles."

The Gramblinite's Web site Friday included a comment from a woman who identified herself as Irene Booker. She said in her posted comment, "Yes, it was a rope around the little girl's neck. It was a (safe) demonstration as to what the rope symbolized to blacks. This was my granddaughter and she along with so many of the other students did not understand the intimidation of the noose. I held her in my arms and she knows that I would not harm her or put her life in danger. In order to understand racism one must experience it to make the connection."

Judson said Sean Warner, dean of the College of Education, has spoken with the principal of the elementary school about the incident.

"This is very serious. I will say that," Judson said. "I'll have a face-to-face meeting with everyone involved. We're going to find out what the facts are. At this point I don't know if my students were involved.

"These are minors at our school and this is a student paper that still must practice complete accountability," he said.

Given the nature of the situation, Judson said, "it was certainly my judgment to take those pictures down."

By Chris Day
cday@thenewsstar.com

Early, but not so Bright

I arrived at school a little early today. I study best in the mornings. Here is a view down Canal Street prior to sunrise. I enjoy views of the city. Well, I should rephrase that. I enjoy views of New Orleans.

Now I'm just sitting in the lobby anxiously awaiting for the cafeteria to open. It can't come soon enough for my stomach.

Quotes to Remember Edwin Edwards

"I did not do anything wrong as a governor, even if you accept the verdict as it is, it doesn't indicate that."

• On his indictment and verdict for racketeering
  

"I never speak ill of dead people or live judges."

• When asked for a statement while on trial for corruption

"I will be a model prisoner, as I have been a model citizen."

• On his way to prison in 2001

"The only way I can lose is if I'm caught in bed with either a dead girl or a live boy. "

• on his 1983 Gubernatorial election against incumbent David C. Treen
  

"My opponent and I have one thing in common we are both rumored to be Wizards under the sheets."

• On the Governor's Race: Edwards vs. Duke, in 1991
  

"If we don't get Dave Treen out of office, there won't be anything left to steal."

• on his 1983 Gubernatorial election against incumbent David C. Treen
  

Reporter: "What will it take to beat Duke decisively?"
Edwards: "For me to stay alive."

• During run-off election against David Duke
  

"Let the bastards freeze in the dark."

• Referring to Senator Edward Kennedy and Kennedy's political allies and constituents when they had Louisiana natural gas forcibly shipped out of state at artificially low prices during the energy crisis - causing shortages and price hikes of natural gas in Louisiana and an unprecedentedly cold winter for residents of the state.

“He’s so slow that he takes an hour and a half to watch 60 Minutes.”

• Edwin Edwards describing his opponent, Dave Treen in the 1984 Governor’s race.

The Sign

As a kid, ok up until two months ago, seeing the Superdome was an exciting event. The Superdome was the first sign that you were in New Orleans. Although, now traveling down I-10, there is a different sign to mark arrival in the city, which would be the water lines.

Nowadays, I see the Superdome on a daily basis. It's not such a big deal anymore. Every now and then, I sit back in amazement that I'm driving in New Orleans without white knuckles. The once foreign is slowly becoming more familiar. I'm just the same ole' country boy trying to make my way.

Perhaps a Plant

Today I called the property office for the fifth time to tell them that I have a problem with inner-apartment precipitation. Now, I'm just annoyed. In six weeks, they apparently cannot even begin to solve a problem. It rains just about everyday in New Orleans. I have to put a towel out daily to catch the rain. The rainfall today lasted a few minutes longer than the regular afternoon showers. I had to break out the big guns, the bucket and the skillet.

Now, I thought about just letting it rain. I mean, they are the ones that will have to fix the mess. However, I'm the one that's going to have to live with the black mold for months before it is fixed. It's bad enough that a cat lived in this apartment before me, and the carpet was never changed. In one spot, where the carpet meets the baseboards, the carpet was a little hard a clumpy. Yeah, that's right...it's left over cat feces from the old litter box.

Do I live in the ghetto? I thought I paid a decent amount of money for things to not be so deplorable. I may as well live on the Westbank.

I guess I should just make the best of the situation. I'll put a plant here. That way, the plant can grow and flourish with the natural rain sprinkling system that came along as a special amenity, courtesy of the Creeks.

Studying

I have been studying all day. Here is a look at some of the things that I have been doing. I like to catagorize things. It makes more sense to me that way. It would be nice if the information on my test were as basic as what is written on this board.

The View

When we are on short breaks from class, we go out into the hall for coffee and socializing. Here is the view I look into everyday. There is always something going on outside. We usually entertain ourselves with the cars parked on the top floor of the parking tower across the street. There is always one and only one. Interesting, huh? We're taking notes. Now this is only a hunch, but we think it is a drug deal. Don't worry, we're on it.

Early For Class

I'm early for school today. Actually, I'm early everyday. Today, I just don't have anything that I MUST do. When I get to school, I usually sit here, in the lobby of the hospital. I don't like to go to the class, sit on the hard chairs, and listen to the women cackle. I like to sit here on a padded seat. Those chairs in the classroom take a toll on a brutha after 6 hours.

Zen Wisdom

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead.
Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow.
Do not walk beside me either.
Just pretty much leave me the hell alone.


2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt
and a leaky tire.


3. Do not strive to be irreplaceable.
If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.


4. Remember always that you are unique.
Just like everyone else.


5. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.


6. Before you criticize others, walk a mile in their shoes.
That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have
their
shoes.


7. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.


8. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day.
Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all
day.


9. If you lend another $20.00 and never see that person again,
it was probably worth it.


10. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.


12. A closed mouth gathers no foot.


13. Duct tape resembles 'The Force.' It has a light side and a dark
side, and it holds the universe together.


14. Two theories exist about how to argue with a woman.
Neither one works.

16. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.


17. Never miss a good chance to shut up.


18. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a
laxative on the same night.

Get out of my way

No matter what time I try to go, Wal-Mart is absolutely ridiculous. It's constantly crowded the way that it would be the day after Thanksgiving. I guess I just need to get used to living in a new area. This is supposed to be the largest Wal-Mart store in the United States, but I think it could be a little bit bigger.

The lines are NUTS, and there is NO self-checkout. I waited 30 minutes just to get some meat sliced in the deli. I need to do more online shopping.

Orientation

I had orientation today at the hospital that I will be working for after I graduate. I learned many new things about the program, but they are all good. Whew!

School starts on Tuesday. I'm nervous. We are going to be in class from 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday. It's going to be tough as nails, but I'm determined.

We were advised far ahead of time that we would not have time for much of anything besides school, especially for the first 3-4 months. If I become MIA, that's why.

Wish me luck!

I MOVED!

Well, I have been talking about it for some time now, but I have finally moved out of my parents' house. Let's face the facts, a three hour commute, in one direction, was never going to work for me, and commuting was not an option.

I found a one bedroom apartment in New Orleans, with help from one of my friends. I really like the complex, and the apartment is a pretty good size. Another great thing is that the friend that helped me find the place lives right across the street from me.

I need all the help I can get. I do not know how to navigate through the city. I know some things about New Orleans, but I do not know how to connect area to area. It is going to be a learning process for me. School does not start begin until August 14th, so I have time to become familiar with my surroundings.

Aurevoir Fezzo's

Well, today was my last day at Fezzo's. I have quit many jobs, and I just added this one to the list. My program at school does not allow me to hold down a job, and I do not plan on living in New Orleans and working in Lafayette. That just will not work. I will miss my co-workers at the restaurant. Of course, I'm pretty happy that I will never see some again.

Today I worked at a catering event. It was easy, but it was outdoors. It was SO HOT. It especially sucked to wear black in the South Louisiana heat.

I have not quit working at the hospital. The hospital that I will be working at when I graduate is part of the same company, and they are going to allow me to transfer. That way, I will have several years of continuous service.

I am thrilled that things are finally going my way.

Something gone my way?

I made a trip to the mailbox today. I'm anticipating the letter, the letter that could change my life. I know that the letter can come at any time. I walk to the mailbox nervous.

I open the mailbox, and inside there is a stack of mail sitting there. Right on top is the letter I have been waiting for. I pulled that single piece out of the box, and opened right there. I could have waited until I was back in the house, but the suspense would have killed me. I rip open the envelope, and I see "congratulations!"

My prayers have been answered. My hard work has paid off! I have never been so excited in my entire life.

I have been accepted into a highly competitive accelerated nursing program in New Orleans. In nine months, I will earn my RN. It's so quick, but there isn't anything that I cannot handle at this point. I'm ready.

Another Wacky Weekend

Weekend nights at the hospital are constantly entertaining. Connie (pictured above), Mo, Shannon, and Staci keep me laughing. Connie proclaims that she has the biggest hair in America, so she was attempting to tame it down with a mesh netting over her entire head. Everyone on the floor had their camera phones out to capture this, of many, of her priceless moments.

I'm Flying Jack

Poo Poo Broussard does Titanic. Mais dat boy is crazy like dat, yeah.

POOH...My Lips is Chapped Chapped

My Lips is Chapped

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FINALly

While studying for my last final at UL, I snapped a photo to capture the moment. I do not dislike studying. I have discovered that it is much more fun than working at a miserable dead-end job. Furthermore, studying is actually rewarding!

I have an interview this Wednesday in New Orleans. Hopefully all my hard work will pay off, and I can get into a program there. If not, then I do have a Plan B, but Plan A is so much sweeter.

Ring Tones

I'm sitting in the computer lab at the library, and someone's phone rings. Personally, I have never made the "mistake" of not turning my ringer off. To me, it isn't one of those things to easily forget. Anyway, as always, someone made the mistake.

Many of us are guilty of having a song as a ring tone on our phone. Well, this chick was no different. Her phone rang aloud, playing her song. I don't know the name of the song (and I will not rest until I find out), but EVERYONE in the computer lab burst into laughter. Then...we couldn't stop thinking about it, and the laughter continued for a good while.

The computer lab is fairly large, and it can accomodate about 70 people. She was standing and walking when her phone went off. Man, I know this chick was humiliated.

Then, the next phone went off, playing the tune, "You're Beautiful," and we all laughed at that loser.

2007 Kentucky Derby Winner

A local boy, Calvin Borel, from around St. Martinville, placed first in the 2007 Kentucky Derby. It was an amazing race for him. As you would expect, he was thrilled at the race's end. Here is an interview I got from youtube with Calvin after the race.

As you watch it, ask yourself the same question as the producer of the video. Were Calvin Borel and Bobby Boucher separated at birth?



Yes, it is always the most coonass of us all that get the opportunity to appear on national television.

The day after the race, he was scheduled to have dinner at the White House. Also, he had a one-on-one conversation with the Queen of England. Man, I hope that was recorded. I'm sure that she required a translator.

Mais...you can't make shit like dat up, non.

UL LAFAYETTE PRESIDENT RAY AUTHEMENT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

UL Lafayette President Dr. Ray Authement, the nation’s longest serving public university president, announced his retirement Friday afternoon during a meeting of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System in Lafayette.

He was named the university’s president in 1974, after serving as acting president for a year.

“I today announce my intention to relinquish the presidency of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as soon as the board can arrange a smooth transition from this presidency to the next,” Authement told board members at the end of their regular monthly meeting. The board was meeting at the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise facility in UL Lafayette’s University Research Park. Board committees met on the university’s campus yesterday.

“I thank you so very much for all you’ve done,” Authement said.“As you can see, we’re making tremendous progress. I can assure you that I will continue to work with all of you to continue this development and movement forward.”

Jimmy Long, chair of the UL System Board, responded that the board, “individually and collectively, is saddened” by the announcement. “I also want to say that we appreciate your statement that you’ll be here for as long as it takes for a smooth transition.”

Dr. Sally Clausen, UL System president, thanked Authement for his service. “You have served as our ‘dean,’ both as a leader for our system office and presidents. You’ve also been a friend – the best friend higher education has had. Thank you for giving us your life.”

Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco issued a statement that commended Authement for his service to UL Lafayette and his work to improve higher education throughout Louisiana.

“ Dr. Ray Authement has given visionary leadership and service to the University of Louisiana, to the Lafayette community, and to the tens of thousands of graduates who are leaders across Louisiana and around the world. The university has thrived under his direction, growing from a small regional college to one with internationally acclaimed programs,” she said.

“Dr. Authement will always be the most beloved member of the Ragin’ Cajun family and I am proud to count him and his wife Barbara among my special friends. I thank them both for a lifetime of service to our people.”

Under Authement’s guidance, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has become a major economic force in Acadiana, while earning a national reputation in the fields of computer science, environmental and biological research, and Francophone studies.

He is responsible for the development of University Research Park, which houses numerous national research centers, the LITE facility and a hotel. Recently, the Carnegie Foundation designated UL Lafayette as a “research university with high research activity.” That puts UL Lafayette in the same category as Clemson, Auburn and Baylor universities.

During Authement’s administration, UL Lafayette became a selective admission institution and the first Doctoral II university in Louisiana.

He was a major force in successful efforts to change the name of the university from the University of Southwestern Louisiana to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Since Authement became the university’s fifth president, Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns have competed in NCAA Division 1, the highest level of collegiate athletic competition. The football team is a member of NCAA Division 1-A.

A $130 million construction boom on campus in the past decade produced the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum; Moody Hall, which houses the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration; a new computer science building; and Legacy Park, an apartment-style student residence on campus. Edith Garland Dupré library was expanded and totally renovated. A 400-plus parking garage and an indoor practice facility for UL Lafayette’s athletic teams are under construction.

Earlier in his presidency, Authement supervised construction of several other buildings, including the 12,800-seat Cajundome and an adjacent convention center.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s gifted assets surpassed $100 million during the Investing in Our Future Centennial campaign under Authement’s direction. UL Lafayette has 18 endowed chairs; each valued at $1 million. It has two endowed chairs funded entirely through private sources. The most recent addition to the university’s funded chairs is an endowed super chair in telecommunications, valued at $2 million.

The university has more than 140 endowed professorships, valued at $100,000 each, through the Board of Regents’ matching program and 29 endowed professorships funded through private sources.

When Louisiana’s oil industry virtually collapsed in the early 1980s, the university, under Authement’s direction, led efforts to diversify the area’s economy. For example, it helped existing businesses operate more efficiently, offered assistance to fledgling companies and showed businesses how to to obtain government contracts.

Since the mid-1980s, Authement established more than a dozen research centers, including the Louisiana Productivity Center and Institute of Cognitive Science.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1950; a master’s degree in 1952 from Louisiana State University and a doctoral degree from LSU in 1956.


Christine Payton
University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Burnt at Both Ends

In the past two days, I have slept a total of five hours. I feel like my body is ready for a rest, but I have to work tonight until 11pm.

I picked up a shift at the hospital, in addition to my other job and school. I am thankful that this boring semester is almost over.

Tomorrow is my first shift in the bar. I am a little nervous because I was only trained for about an hour one night. I hope that I can find everything and that I do not totally screw up the register. The computer in the bar is different than every other one in the house. Plus, I have no clue as to what they do to open/close the bar. I'm just being thrown to the wolves, I guess. I think my nervousness comes with good reason.

Turtle In The City

I was at Rebecca's the other day. I let the doggies out to go potty. They would not stop barking. I knew something was up. Low and behold, there was a huge turtle outside, just trying to make a nest. I think Chance scared it away, but it was a HUGE turtle.

Beautiful Day

Today was a beautiful day at Girard Park. Too bad that the day had to be wasted with school and work.

I had a 5 hour break today between school and work. I got some much needed studying accomplished.

Spring 2007

I hate every class that I have this semester. If I would generally like the subject, I cannot stand the teacher. I will be quite happy come May.

Work has been keeping me very busy, and I have little time for much else. However, I guess that is good because I am making really good money. It's more that I ever made with a degree.

Blast from the Past

Those of your who are my friends on myspace may have noticed that I recently posted a bulletin titled "Blast from the Past." Mo, a nurse that I work with responded with her own answers. I got a kick out of them, so I decided to post them on here. Maybe they are more interesting to me because I know her.

Fill this out about your SENIOR year of high school! The longer ago it was, the more fun the answers will be.

1. Who was your best friend?
Sonya, Tina, Toni, Chris...

2.What sports did you play
Track...for a while

3.What kind of car did you drive
Chevy Suburban

4. It's Friday night, where were u ?
Football game, of course.....Goooo Wolves!

5. Were you a party animal?
Officially or unofficially???? Hmmmmmmmm

6. Were you considered a flirt?
Hell yes..

7. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
Band. Rifle Captain....Contest of Champions Best Rifle Line~
Community Choir....soprano/soloist

8. Were you a nerd?
No. BUT I was considered a brainiac....

9. Did you get suspended/expelled?
Nope. But I spent my whole senior year playing cat and mouse with the possiblity. Those of you who really know me, know why:)

10. Can you sing the fight song?
Um........Hail oh hail to thee Rayne High....

11. Who was your favorite teacher?
Chief...better known as Mr. Waguespack, our band director

12. Favorite class?
Ok, this sounds nerdy, but English IV....we did a lot of writing, which is a love of mine

13. What was your school's full name?
Rayne High School

14. School mascot?
The Fighting Wolves

15. Did you go to the Prom?
Hell yes! We had about 3 inches of red wine covering the entire floor of the American Legion, and everyone's dress was ruined. There were ice chests everywhere...drinking age was 18 back then, and the after-party was at the Leonards' house in the Cove.
People lost lots of items of clothing that night......

16. If you could go back and do it over, would you?
YES..... YES .....YES!!!

17. What do you remember most about graduation?
Couldn't stop crying.....

18. Did you have any boyfriends/girlfriends?
Oh my......too many......

19. Where were you on senior skip day?
Due to some inside information, I was at school taking these really stupid "pop quizzes" that were worth stupid amounts of points and putting those of us who went waaaay ahead of the curve..there is something to be said about having friends in all the right places........

20. Did you have a job your senior year?
Nope

21. Where did you go most often for lunch?
Hanging out at the bandroom, or talking with the school's cutest coach when he had lunch duty. Lunch??? Did anyone really eat back then? I don't think I ever went inside the lunchroom except to order my senior ring.

22. Have you gained weight since then?
Um........yes, sure. Don't know many who haven't...or at least haven't had it sucked out, lifted or tucked....

23. What did you do after graduation?
Immediately.......party at The Sting! Don't know that I have ever danced that much in my life. My feet hurt just thinking about it...oh, if anyone out there knows what happened to my slip.....

24. When did you graduate?
Well, if you ask my kids...in the stone age ..LOL
But technically, we were still in the innocence of the '70's....but barely...1979!

25. Who was your Senior prom date?
Charles (Chuck) Fremeaux. Don't ask........it's a really long story.

26. Are you going to your 10 year reunion?
Been there, done that. In the days of "big hair.. short, and I do mean short skirts and lots of cleavage......." and I brought it all
to the reunion...I was newly divorced and having the time of my life.

27. Who was your home room teacher?
Mr. Waguespack

28. Who will repost this after you?
Dunno

29: Do you miss anyone you graduated with?
Sure, lots of people that I wonder about all of the time. We were a special bunch, in so many ways.

30: Are you friends with the person who posted this?
Yes. He's our monitor tech.....and a really cool dude!! Sometimes I feel sorry for him, though. Stuck in a room for 12 hours with all of us crazy women, having to listen to our girlie conversations, and put up with some of our antics...& by our, I really mean Connie's antics........one too many panty dances...again, don't ask...it's too jaded and sordid and tooo funny. You just have to be there when it happens. Luv ya B !!!!

OK....so I mostly wanted to share this with everyone because of #30. I've been working at the hospital for a little over a year. I felt like it took me a really long time to get to know people because I don't work very often. I'm PRN, so I just fill in when they have a need. Lately, I feel that they are very thankful when I work, so I'm thinking that they do like me, and her response to the last question just put a big smile on my face. I wanted to share.

I love working the weekends and nights...I am surrounded by the best crew at that time. I love you guys.

I Pay; Therefore I Am

I had to sit through an hour and 15 minutes of class listening to this small child babble, whimper, and cry. I pay good money to come to this class, just like everyone else.

My thought is that if you lack child care for the day...skip school. With a kid this age, a parent spends more time tending to it, than listening to the lecture. The bottom line is that it is just rude. Be considerate! Your baby is your responsibility, not my burden.

Mo

See...I am not the only one. This is Mo, and she is ready to go. We're just sitting around clowning folks right now. One hour left!

Workin' Hard 4 da Money

I am at work, and I am pretty freaking bored at this point. It is 05:26, and I have been sitting in this chair since 18:45 yesterday afternoon.

This is my little corner at work. I was recently moved, but the scenery doesn't change much, just the angle. I now sit on the side of a window, which is quite exciting in my little world.

Come on day shift!

LSU Basketball

Last Saturday, I attended my first LSU game. I enjoyed it. I got to see David St. Romaine, from USA's Nashville Star, perform at half-time. It wasn't that big of a deal, but something nonetheless.

Debate

I came to a religious debate at school, simply for 5 bonus points. Two hours later, I am still sitting here. Not only am I extremely ready to leave, but I have needed to use the restroom for 90 minutes.

So to stay on topic with this discussion: if there is a God, why am I suffering? Would a perfectly good being do that? I am not making a point; I just REALLY need a toilet.

Construction

It looks like UL is finally coming up in the world. Pictured above is the new parking tower. Twenty years overdue, but it has finally arrived.

However, keeping with tradition UL, has not found a sufficient solution to the parking problem. The tower will not be able to accommodate all students who commute. Many will find themselves still parking 3 miles from main campus and riding the bus.

State Examines Bubbling Water at Lake Peigneur

LAKE PEIGNEUR - A mysterious bubbling and foaming occurred again Thursday at Lake Peigneur, and state officials now are looking into what may be causing the activity.

Thursday's activity was spotted around 7 a.m., when Richard Suire, who lives along the lake, said he saw bubbles shooting one to two feet into the air. The activity occurred in an area about 10 feet to 15 feet across and about three feet wide, Suire said.

Although the bubbling soon dissipated, a larger area of foam could be seen in the same spot until around noon. Michael Richard Sr., owner of the nearby tourist attraction Rip Van Winkle Gardens, said the foam extended in a line several hundred feet long. Richard said he also noticed an unusual odor near the foam.

"There was a distinct petroleum odor," Richard said. "I could smell it when I was downwind from it. It was a strong petroleum smell, like crude."

This is the third time within the past few months residents have seen such activity. But until Thursday, representatives from AGL Resources Inc., the company that operates two natural gas storage caverns beneath the lake, had not seen the activity.

Keith Poston, AGL's managing director of corporate communications, said residents notified the company about the activity this morning, and AGL officials were able to photograph and see the activity.

"We really don't have any theories about what it could be at this point," Poston said. "We still don't believe it's coming from the caverns or our operations. The area where the bubbling occurred today is about a half-mile away from our caverns. It doesn't seem likely that the bubbling is associated with them, but we really don't know."

Poston said that although AGL found no problems when it checked its equipment several weeks ago, the company will continue to investigate the situation and may send divers to further check its underwater operations.

In addition, two representatives from the state Department of Natural Resources traveled to the lake on Thursday and met with Richard to try to get a better understanding of the situation. The state Department of Environmental Quality also is expected to investigate.

Nara Crowley, who also lives near the lake, said residents collected water samples Thursday morning and sent them to an area lab for testing. Crowley said she was unsure how long the tests may take.

In the meantime, Poston said AGL has no plans to stop its Lake Peigneur operations while the activity is investigated.

"We have no reason to believe that our operations are causing this, nor do we have any reason to believe that the bubbling could result in any kind of risk to our facilities," Poston said. "I'm sure the state will want to examine it further, especially now that we've pinpointed the location. But we have no plans to cease our operations based on what we've seen."

Amanda McElfresh
amcelfresh@theadvertiser.com

Mobile

Trying out blogging from my cell.

My First Mobile Blog

I decided to try out this mobile blogging thing. I am going to keep it short incase it doesn't work.

This is a picture that I took with my phone at Starbucks.

What? What's that??

At night, after things quiet down in the house, I have been hearing this persistent sound, coming from outside. I haven't been paying much attention to the noise, but I have noticed that it is a bit annoying.

Tonight, I decided to listen closely. Being the education person that I am, I concluded that the noise was a Long-eared Owl. Each time that I see an owl, I get pretty excited. They are nocturnal, so seeing one during the day is quite a treat. Although, they are very hard to spot during daylight hours because they are in a restful state.

Recently, I've noticed that I have become a little rusty on my avian identification, so I may leave my field guide out in case I feel the need to do a little birding.

eBay

Today is a new milestone for me. Maybe I'm a little behind the times, or maybe I am just a little too excited, perhaps a little of both. However, I listed my first item for sale on eBay today.

I am selling my cell phone. It's in great condition. I just wanted a new one. It is a Sony Ericsson w600i. If you want to take a glance, here is the link.

Even better....why don't you bid on it? Show it to a friend, if you like. I'd like.

Il Fait Froid

Gotta love Louisiana weather, or gotta hate it? I can never figure it out. Two days ago, it was hot and humid. We were running the air conditioner. That's a winter in South Louisiana for ya. Today, it's freakin' cold!

I'm no Dick Farot, but currently it is 37 degrees Fahrenheit, with a wind chill of 28. Two days ago, it was in the 80s. I know everyone complains about the weather, but I love the winter. I wish it was cold longer. A few weeks of winter is not enough for me. Hell, it isn't even enough to kill the mosquitoes.

Tonight, we are predicted to have "winter precipitation." Now, you know some coonasses are not prepared for that! All Lafayette Parish public schools have been closed for tomorrow, along with most private schools. However, UL is still open. That university never closes, except at noon on Fridays.

MmmMmm....Some gumbo would be good tonight, cher.

I have seen it all

Armed and Famous is a new show on CBS. Latoya Jackson is a cop. She doesn't play a cop; she is a cop. I was sucked into watching the show, and I kind of felt sorry for Latoya. Everyone thought that she couldn't do anything. She was so proud of herself.

The show is actually pretty funny. I don't know if it's meant to be funny, but I laughed a few times.