I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth spins slowly

I'm getting excited. I've been to one football game in my life, and I barely remember it. Well, today, I'm going! With my friend and fellow columnist Amanda Greever. It promises to be a good day. It's raining now but the weather man has said it should clear up by the end of the game/beginning of the game.

I woke up this morning and made cinnamon streusel muffins. They were yummy. I'm now watching "Blackbeard's Ghost," the old Disney movie from the 1960s. It's been forever and a day since I last watched it.

I've applied for yet another job at The (Maryville, Tenn.) Daily Times. It's a Web/Print Copy Editor job. I'm perfect for it. I just keep praying that I will get it. It would be a wonderful opportunity for me, and great experience.

Pan has had to be confined to my bedroom. She kept leaving messes in the kitchen and I decided to do what was best for all of us. I let her out for a few hours a day, other than that, she's in my bedroom.

Last night, Ben, Mom, Dad and I went on a haunted tour of downtown Knoxville. The one in Charleston was much better. But this one was still interesting. It was cool to hear some of the stories of the famous buildings, like the Andrew Johnson Hotel, the last place Hank Williams stayed--because that night he died (supposedly in the car, some say he actually died in the hotel). Interesting stuff.

I'm reading "Twilight" again. I know, I know, don't judge me. I need the first few Harry Potter books! That way I can stop reading this mess! Ok, off to rest before getting ready to spend time with Ben.

I am easily make believe, just dress me up in what you want me to be

Today has been a bad day. Like, really bad. But I know tomorrow will be better. I keep telling myself that positive thinking is the way to go. The Big Bang Theory did make my day a little better. I think that was my favorite episode--ever. Dad enjoyed it as well.

In order to waste time tonight, I turned on the History Channel. The show is about how Tolkien developed his ideas for The Lord of the Rings. It is quite fascinating. Just thought I'd tell ya that. But, it's probably going to give me nightmares. I just can't turn away though.

Anyway, just thought I'd update my blog. You kids have fun doing whatever it is you do.

And I don't think you know what you've been missing

Pan has resumed her rightful place--on top of my jewelry box on top of the dresser. When we lived in Hickory, that is where she lived. It was directly below the air vent so I'd wake up in the middle of the night and she would be peering in it. There are a few things I miss about that city, my apartment is one of them. I loved my apartment there. If I could just pick up my little garden apartment and place here in Knoxville (and be able to afford it) I'd be happy as could be.

Pan did go on a little adventure today while I was at work. I let her out of the room while I was gone (for about three hours or so). I came home and found NO destruction. Maybe I can let her out for a few hours every day and eventually let her back out permanently. While I love her, I do not love her litter box. Oh well. The things we do for our pets when they are unhappy...And I really think she's unhappy. That breaks my heart. She was there for me when I needed someone and couldn't find that person. Yes, she is a cat. But she knows all of my secrets and fears.

I've posted another column and this time there's a slide show to go with it. Go check it out at www.thedailytimes.com/article/20091001/ENT/310019950.

I'm looking forward to seeing Grandpa Herb tomorrow. I don't think I've seen him since I moved home. I know he came to visit me once in Hickory. It was so wonderful to see him and to show him all I'd accomplished there (you know, with my beautiful apartment and everything). He's a great man who has a great capacity to love.

I talked to Mimi today. She said the guys are almost done redoing her deck. I can't wait to see it. I love getting away from civilization up at Ripshin. Being able to get away from it all and rest, well, I guess the best way to put it is that it is a healing place. Even Pan likes it up there. She takes up residence in the master bedroom upstairs. She's so happy when we're there. Maybe we'll take a trip up there soon. I think she'd like that and I know I would.

Anyway, I'm off to start reading "Lolita."

Pinking it up--

I have changed my blogger page and my twitter to show my support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I hope I can find other ways to show my support as well...While I enjoy saying things like "Save the Ta-Tas" and "Save Second Base." I mean it. I hope the day comes where we don't have to go around saying "Save the..." because they are safe. So change your blog and throw something pink on--guys too! I like a man in pink.

I'm an addict for dramatics, I confuse the two for love

So Miss Pan and I have had a few rough days this week. I was getting very stressed out. She was being all crazy and having some problems...Well, I decided to isolate her. I put her in my bedroom with her litter pan, water and food. I spent a good portion of the day cleaning my bedroom, putting up my clothes and what not. Pan has been the nicest cat she's been since we moved home. She's purring and kissing me and being the wonderful kitten I remember. She keeps walking over me as I type this. I haven't seen her this happy since before we moved back to Knoxville.

I talked to Grandpa Herb about it today. He thinks her problem is that we were by ourselves for a year and a half, and now we're in a house with three other cats and two other people. She's having to share me with other people as well, and it upsets her greatly. I knew she had a jealous streak in her, but it didn't really come out until this week. And I think I know why. She's had most of my attention today so maybe we've identified and have found a solution to the problem. Right now, she's curled up on the blanket I have over my feet.

Tomorrow I'm going to Tuckaleechee Caverns to do my research for my next column...This would be great, except I'm claustrophobic and will more than likely have an anxiety attack in the caves. And, I guess, that would make for some great reporting--but I'm sure the photos wouldn't be great.

I'm getting excited for hockey season. Too bad that most of the television stations down here in the South only show football...I guess that would encourage me to move up north so I could actually watch the majority of the season, right? Is that how that works? We all know how much I love football. Unless I'm much mistaken the season for the Penguins starts on Oct. 2. YAY!

Well that seems to be all I have for now. Will write again soon.

She woke from a dream, her head was on fire...

Why was she so nervous?

I just had the most bizarre, disturbing dream that I've had in a really long time. I've decided to stay awake until it seems like it'll be OK to go back to sleep. Normally, I'd get up, turn on all the lights and blast some music but seeing as how I live with my parents again that may be a bad idea. sigh

I'm having problems with Pan so any prayers will be greatly appreciated. I know this move back home has been beyond frustrating for her and she is starting to act out, or so I think. We may have to go visit Dr. Lehman.

Alright, I'm going to try this sleep thing again. Wish me luck.

There's no way out of this old world even if you try

I'm working on my column for this week. I'm having problems concentrating on it today though. I may just have to give up for the day, finish up some cleaning and then start on dinner.

Life's going well. I saw Baby Jake last week. He's beautiful. Can't get his wonderful face and little feet and hands out of my mind. I'm still stunned that my friends are old enough to have children (which also means I am old enough to have children). Jake was smaller than some of my old baby dolls. It's just amazing. Maggie and Shane have created something beautiful and wonderful and they are going to be such great parents.

I have registered and paid for the Institute of Newspaper Technology. I am pretty excited about it. Just a few more weeks and I'll be rubbing elbows with some pretty awesome people! It is the same weekend as the Foothills Fall Festival. I'm going to have a pretty exciting and busy fall. I can't wait for the leaves to start changing. This has to be my favorite season of the year. I'm so glad I'm back in Tennessee for it. I just hope the colors don't let me down this year.

I want to tear down the walls that hold me inside

I have never been one to watch football. Must less UT football. I've come to realize I didn't dislike UT, I disliked Phil Fulmer. I actually danced when he "left" the team. Lane Kiffin definitely had his work cut out for him, and we have no choice but to sit back and watch where he takes the team.

Now, I like hockey. Scratch that, LOVE hockey. The Pittsburgh Penguins are my team. Puck drops at the new arena on Oct. 2 (according to their Web site). I can't wait. I'll be watching and hoping we have a repeat of last year. That was intense.

I'm your biggest fan, I'll follow you until you love me

I just turned in my third Trex's Treks column. I got some bad news this morning that actually made me pretty upset: I didn't get the job at the Apple Store. I've cried about it, and yeah I'm still upset but I'll find something. I just know it. I made the right decision in moving back. I'm in a much better place emotionally, and that's worth way more than what I was making in Hickory, N.C. I love being near my family and I love what all else is going on in my life at the moment. I was here with my childhood friend was in labor, and that meant a lot to me. I still haven't seen the baby, but I will. It's just going to happen, I know it...

I'm off to job hunt. Keep me in your prayers guys. I need it.

Forget the urgency, but hurry up and wait

So, I had a fabulous weekend, and now to start to my week. I have my next column due on Wednesday. I went on the Three Rivers Rambler yesterday and had so much fun!! It was fabulous. (I am very sunburned though)
I'm hoping to see Maggie and baby Jake today. I am so excited for my dear friend. It is an amazing thing to bring a new life into this world, and I get choked up just thinking about it. She is going to be an excellent mother. I just can't stop smiling when I think about it.
I had some friends get married this past weekend. It seems like life just keeps going (duh, I know), but it changes and rearranges and it's just awesome at where it can go in such a short amount of time. I went for a ride around my old stomping grounds over the weekend, and just driving around being reminded of my childhood was weird. To think that I spent so much time in those places with kids who, looking back, had it much worse than me, but we thought that was normal for childhood...Come to find out, it wasn't!
And then seeing the Boo Radley house! I had not thought of that man in a long time...I wonder what really happened to him. All I know is that all the kids in the neighborhood steered as far away from his house as possible. The grass was tall, just like it always was.
I honestly believe that God is good, and He will provide.
After I write my column this week, I get to send out resumes. I'm still jobless, but still happy. Very happy actually.

Get up and shake the glitter off your clothes now

I've been feeling a bit under the weather, but still went to the fair last night. I just couldn't not go, it was the tractor pull! Today, I'm headed to a wedding. I'm really excited. And tomorrow, is a busy one. I have this Apple Career Seminar at 7 a.m. Yuck, but I'd love to work there. Then I have my research for my next column. I'm going to be exhausted by tomorrow night!

I still haven't been by to see Maggie and baby Jake. Unless I'm feeling 100% I'm not going to see them. I will not put either one of them in any danger whatsoever! I love them both too much to do that.

I'm sitting here drinking tea and trying to wake up. I cannot wait for Where the Wild Things Are it is going to be amazing! That and Alice in Wonderland! Its going to be a good year for little kids movies. I went and saw Extract this week. It left a lot to be desired.

Yesterday marked the anniversary of 9/11. I can't help but think that people have really forgotten what happened. I haven't. I even remember where I was and what I was doing. I guess that's the "perk" of having been in high school during a tragedy of that magnitude. And even if they "remember" they have moved on. I guess I haven't because of how drastically the future was changed for my friends and family members. So many have ended up in these two wars (sometimes fighting in one, going home for a little while and then returning to the second one), and have missed milestones in their lives. It's stunning to meet someone who has never supported someone in the military, especially after 9/11 when so many signed up to serve their country.

Anyway, I should probably do something constructive.

So!

I spent the weekend at the cabin and had a fabulous time! I didn't get any of my writing done. Ooops! But I have to amit this is my favorite time of year. When the weather gets a little cooler and the leaves start changing colors. There is just nothing like it. I can't wait for the leaves to start dropping. I may have to find a place where I can go rake up leaves and jump in a pile!!

I'm excited about all the great things that are happening in my life right now. I heard back from the Apple Store on Sunday and I literally did a happy dance. Just couldn't contain it! I have my weekly column in the Times and everything just seems to be falling into place, and I don't mind saying that. For once in a long, long time I'm not waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I have my column mostly done. I've got about 13 or 14 inches right now. I'm going to take a break, watch a movie or take a nap and let it percolate for a little while. Then I'll go back, read over it and decide what I think. Then I'll need to write my script for the video, which I will be putting together tomorrow.

Well, that's all I have for now. Just thought I'd also share a photo of Miss Pantalaimon. Isn't she beautiful? Mark Large of the Times took this photo.

My column

Every week I will have a column in The Maryville Daily Times. It will run in the Weekend Section on Fridays. Through a collaboration on the desk we have finally come up with a name: Trex's Treks.

This week, I wrote about Allison's Catfish Farm and Restaurant. Next week looks like I'm writing about Coning Farms and Market. There will be an online video component. I'm pretty stoked. Be sure to pick up a copy of the paper or visit the Web site. Thanks guys.

Quick update

I've had two articles published in The Maryville Daily Times this past week, one on Friday and one on Saturday. :-) Go me. One was on the Smoky Mountain Llama Treks and the other was a storm update. I'm currently working on my third article, the second in my column series! This time its on Allison's Catfish Farm and Restaurant. I'm so excited!

I turned 24 on Saturday. It was a wonderful birthday. My parents bought me a Garmin so I can take more road trips, hopefully after I get a job. Not sure if that is actually going to happen. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude about it all. It will happen. It HAS to!

Anyway, off to work on my column.

Le Sigh

Still no word on the job front. Applied to a couple more places today, keeping my fingers cross and prayers are being said. This weekend I'm planning a little road trip to see a friend. I can't wait. As much as I love being home, I really can't wait to see a friend and a cousin. This weekend will be nice.

Long time no talk

Hey everyone. Yeah, I know, I didn't do so well with keeping this thing updated. Things didn't work out so well at my job...And I couldn't post about it for fear the company would come knocking on my door and fire me (which I think would have been favorable to how it all ended after six long, stretched out months).

All in all, I am back home with my parents. Yay for being almost 24, unemployed, unmarried, living at home with the parents, but with a B.S. in Communications. Its not as bad as it sounds. I love my parents and they are being great to me. We play Wii on regularly, and I help out around the house. I need to find a job though. That's the hard part. I'm overqualified for almost everything I apply for and none of the newspapers seem interested in me. Granted the Knoxville News Sentinel did seem interested but they have a hiring freeze like everywhere else around here.

Pan seems like she's adjusting well to being back here. The problem is The Orange Mafia: Mom and Dad's three orange cats Izzie, Soffie and Maxx. They like to pick on her. Just this morning I was brushing my teeth and Soffie chased Pan up the stairs and into the bathroom. Scared the living day lights out of me. They really like to pick on her. I know they're kittens and see it as playing but she is an only child who didn't have siblings growing up in the same house, she just doesn't play well with others.

Well Mom is ready to go antiquing. I hope to keep this thing better updated now that I am home again. If anyone knows of anywhere that is hiring, please let me know.

The Devil is in the Dipping Sauce

Daddy told me last week that this is a good time of year to read John 12. So, I started on John 12 last week. Naturally, I progressed on to John 13 after Palm Sunday. I discovered something that I find a bit disturbing....Satan is in the dippin sauce.

In John 13:25, The One Whom Jesus Loved asked Him who was going to betray him. In 13:26 Jesus answered with this: "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish."

In 13:27 "As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him." So...was it ranch dressing or marinara sauce? Oil and vinegar? I want to know what kind of sauce to avoid this week.

I find this slightly disturbing. I love to dip my bread in sauce. It's just the way to go.

What I want to know is, would Judas have betrayed Jesus had he not taken the bread? Was it simply symbolic? A way for Jesus to show The One He Loved who was going to betray the Son of God? Or was Jesus hand picking the one to betray him? Throughout John, the writer makes slight comments on Judas and his untrustworthiness. Just last week in John 12 he pointed out that Judas wasn't concerned with selling the oil Mary poured on Jesus' feet to feed the hungry, he wanted the profits (or at least a share) to himself. So was Jesus simply picking the least faithful of his followers? Or was it, as I asked before, simply a symbolic gesture?

Just some thoughts...

Also

I twitter.

Here's the url: http://twitter.com/trexy04

Things

Well, things are things here. LoL. Not much to report. My friend Matt is flying down from Detroit to spend Easter with me. I am super excited about getting to spend four days with him. I have to work three of those nights, but we'll have the day to go do some fun things I'm sure. We will spend the Monday after Easter hanging out in Charlotte. Yay!

I go to the gym on average four days a week. Most weeks I'm there all six days it's open. It's really all I have to do in good ole Western North Carolina. Life here is really boring.

I am sick of the rain. It'll rain for like two or three days straight, we'll have sun one day and then it's back to raining. Ugh. Send me sunshine please. Supposedly, it's supposed to snow some time next week. I definitely not looking forward to that. It's April for Pete's sake!

I planted tomatoes this week. I hope to have lots and lots of yummy, juicey tomatoes here in a few months. We'll see. I may plant some leaf lettuce around the perimeter of the container. I have herbs to transplant as well. Today I bought a beautiful calla lily plant. I have never had a flowering plant. We'll see how this goes...

That's really all I have unfortunately. Hope all is well where you are.

I'm here

Well, I'm here in my new locale. I'm still not sure how I feel about this place. It's kinda confusing trying to navigate my way through the streets, there seems to be no real rhyme or reason to how the roads are set up. I was very excited to make it home from the gym without getting lost yesterday. :-)

I'm still learning my job. I'm hoping to be able to design at least one page today. That would be wonderful.