Abilene Zoo

Yesterday I spent time with my family at the Abilene Zoo. Even though it was hot it was worth the trip. Yesterday evening was so hot! 101 degrees to be exact. Trey and I rode his motorcyle to Buffalo Gap and my helmet was pretty soggy. The funny part is, we drove all the way out there and they didn't even have regular church because of vacation bible school.

Pretty in Pink

I wasn't laughing when I saw this hyena.

Natasha (my sister) and Angelica ( my niece) feed the purpule tongue garaffe

Angelica's reaction to the hyena

AWWWW...

Simba's momma

Isn't this adorable?

It's So Wrong...

If they mated.



This is from the Conon O'Brien Show, "If they Mated." When I was in middle school my friend and I entered the talent show and did a sketch called the Dominique & Austi O'Brien Show. We actually won 2nd place.

7th grade those were my glory days.

Near Death Experience!!! (Oh the Drama)

Yesterday, I made my way home on my scooter, taking the normal route. I was counting the number of churches I pasted while driving down a one-way street. Good thing I had church on my mind because I almost died! This gas-guzzler SUV pulled out in my one-way lane driving right for me, head-on. I hit the brakes and the mad woman behind the wheel continued to drive towards me. I couldn't switch lanes because several cars were on my right. The mad woman obviously needed something to grab her attention since she wasn't stopping, so sitting there waiting for the hit, I threw my arms up in the air and yelled, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" This got her attention and she hit the brakes and backed-up. You know I really wanted to get off my scooter and walk over to her vehicle and give her a lesson in driving, but I'm not perfect by any means. Can you imagine the girl who ran the red light, last year (that would be me), giving the mad woman a lesson in driving. Give grace, where grace is needed.

This morning I was thinking what would Trey do without me, if something happened...Well, he would go on an all cereal diet that's for sure, he would fall asleep on the couch every night, and he would convert our guest bedroom to an all Dallas Cowboys room. Good thing I'm not going anywhere.

A New Home

Yesterday, Trey and I officially became members of the Buffalo Gap First Baptist Church. It's pretty exciting and I'm anxious about getting more involved. This Wednesday I plan on going to a bible study. I guess that was the highlight of the weekend.

Friday was really low-key. I spent the night on the patio reading a book that I bought several months ago, while Trey fell asleep on the couch. I think work really wears him out.

Brandon my brother-in-law came over Saturday to help Trey organize our garage and disassemble his truck. So, now the truck is no longer in a million pieces it's in a billion pieces. I think in the next few weeks we're going to have the frame sand blasted.

Sunday we went to church and later I meet up with my mom to work out at the gym. Oh, yes and I also had a chance to play with my DVD player.

It once was lost, but now it's found!!!

For graduation, my parents, bought me an amazing DVD player. It records shows onto a DVD-R, you can also burn DVD's by hooking up a camcorder via firewire, and more. I didn't tell my parents this, but I really haven't had a chance to play with it because the remote has been missing for about a month. That's so bad, I know. I looked everywhere for it, but had little luck. Get this, I would try to watch The Simpsons Season and I was only able to watch the first episode from each disc.

Yesterday, I wasn't even looking for the stupid remote and the darn thing magically appears where I promise I'd looked before...okay, maybe I didn't look in the exact place, but I guarantee I looked in the general area. I'm so glad I found it. I was getting ready to call Panasonic and order a new one.

Learning To Say No

The past month for me was insane. I had numerous projects to due and not to mention events and what not. Well, it's a new month for me and yesterday someone asked if I wanted to make some extra cash by editing a project. I thought about it for a few seconds and then told them no. It was hard to say no, but I'm glad I did.

P.S. Bruiser is doing much better, but he's still having problems walking.

Sad Scenario

This morning I got off of work and came straight home. Everytime I pull into the drive-way my dogs, Daphne and Bruiser, meet me at the fence. This morning Daphne was there, but Bruiser wasn't. I immediately knew something was wrong. I rushed through the fence and around the corner and I saw Bruiser lying down on the concrete. His tail was wagging and he was trying to stand up with his front legs, but couldn't manage to pull himself up. He started crawling with his bottom dragging on the pavement. I tried calling him and luring him in the house which he loves, but nothing helped. He managed to pull himself up temporarily and wobble through the door. He only went a few feet before plopping down. I've never seen him that calm before. I called the vet and Trey and I rushed him over. I don't know what's wrong with him and the vet's not sure either, but after taking some x-rays he thinks something might be wrong with his spinal cord. The vet recommends he be confined to a small space for a month and take medication. Right now Bruiser's in the shop with a massive fan blowing on him and I check on him every hour. It's horrible seeing someone you love in so much pain. I hope tomorrow he'll be up on his feet again.

What the 4th of July Means to Me

To me the fourth means, Independence, fireworks, picnics, family, and homemade ice cream.

Home Alone

I'm all by myself today. Trey went to Arlington to watch a baseball game with his friend Sean. Sean and him have been friends since middle school. It's pretty funny hearing them talk about their old school days.

I bet Trey's having a blast at the game, but I can have fun too. Who says mowing the yard isn't a blast or how about laundry? Okay maybe I'm a little mad that he's having all the fun, but he deserves it after last night. Yesterday we went to the drive-in and watched the Lake House. I know it must've been torturous for him. It was so bad on him that he fell asleep. I on the other hand, loved it! But then again, I'm such a sucker for romantic movies.

Goodbye Digital Media Class

No more digital media class.


Yesterday was the last day and tonight we're having an end of the summer banquet. I guess we'll eat and they'll pass out awards to the students. I know for sure they'll be screening the video I stayed up editing until 4 am this morning. As a matter of fact, I'm sitting here while it's burning to disc. I hope Trey can come with me. He just called and told me how he's excited because he talked to a guy who restores 69' Chevy's, the same make and model as his truck. Let me fill you in, if you don't know... Trey bought a truck our first year of marriage. He's never driven the thing, however it is in a million pieces in our garage if you'd like to see it. I love Trey to death and want his dream truck to drive one day. One day it will.

Plumbers and Toilets

Last night started like any other, then all of a sudden our front bathroom was ankle high in sewage water. It was a horrible sight and disgusting smell. Trey was yelling at me, "Dominique bring me towels, bring me towels!" So, now I have to go out today and buy new towels. No way am I using gross sewage smelly towels to clean my body. Yuck! The plumber came this morning at the crack of dawn and said everything was a-okay. Oh, the joys of home owning.

The Best Coffee EVER!!!

Before I begin, I want to say I've discovered my favorite coffee all over again! I love H-E-B coffee called Taste of Abilene, but I never realized they sold it seperate from there coffee bar...You know where you can buy it grounded. Well, I found it and freaked out!

Now switching gears, I guess I've been dancing around work I've been needing to do, but I definelty had fun this weekend. The highlight: rockin' on the bass Sunday during church and of course the coffee! The Low: staying up late and waking up earlier.

Trey and I rented Running Scared. The movie claims it makes Kill Bill look like Sesame Street. Based on that claim alone, I had to see what all the fuss was about. Indeed, it was pretty gory, but I have to say it was much, much better than Kill Bill.

I just posted a new video on my website

I just posted my latest video online. I worked on it for about 3 weeks and it was screened at the Abilene Country Club a few weeks ago. It was a lot of hard work, but very rewarding.

Summer Fun

Yesterday we spent time with the pups in the backyard tossing the football around. As you can see our Doberman is almost as tall as Trey.

Well, I can't believe another week has flown by. My mom is out of town so this weekend Natasha, my younger sister is staying with us. I have tons of video projects I have to work on, but that's the same song I've been singing all summer. I'll try to pull myself away from the computer that chains me, if I can I plan on seeing at least one good movie and walking my beagle. Trey and I will be going to church this Sunday. I think we found a church we both enjoy. The church is out in Buffalo Gap called First Baptist of BG. Wednesday we practiced with the praise and worship band. Trey played guitar and I rocked out on the bass. This Sunday the praise and worship leader wants us to play with them so that's pretty exciting. I can't explain how wonderful it feels to play in a band again!

T-Shirt Reads: I Don't Need an Encyclopedia Because My Wife Knows It All

That was the T-shirt we gave our Dad for Father's Day, along with another one that read: For Sale: Make Offer. We spent our weekend watching movies and were caught in a rain storm. Saturday Trey and I made our way to the Drive-in to watch the Fast and the Furious followed by The Break-up. It looked like it was going to rain and sure enough it began to storm on us. It rained for a good 30 minutes and hailed for 10. Luckily we didn't have any damage to the car.


By the way, The Fast and the Furious was suprisingly decent and the Break-up wasn't bad either. Oh, I failed to mention I received my diploma in the mail Friday. Yeah, I piece of paper that says thanks for the money and here you can have a paper. Real nice!

Where'd the Power Go?

Last night we went over to our friends house and had a wonderful steak dinner and then later we went to see my favorite: Garfield. I don't know if the couple we were with wanted to see it, but they were good sports about it...Afterwards, when we exited the theatre it was beginning to storm, so Trey and I made our way home for the night. When we got home I started to brush my teeth and Trey was watching TV when the electricity went out. I was scared, but Trey and I found each other in the dark with the guide of our cell phone lights. 15 minutes later, we were still in the dark.


Our neighbor called and said, your small dog, Daphne is in my backyard. When I went to get Daphne, Stacey our neighbor, said she put her back over our fence. I called Daphne's name, but I had no luck. I ran to our fence near the ally and heard Daphne crying. She was soggy and muddy. What a night!

Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties

I'm not seven years old, but I'm super excited about the new Garfield movie. It comes out today and I'm gonna try to see it this weekend. Although I have to say I'm disappointed it's not showing at the drive-in. Tonight Trey and I are hanging out with a married couple from one of the churches we visited a few months ago. Trey said they were thinking we could watch a movie tonight. I'm pretty sure they want to watch the new Jack Black movie, Nacho Libre. OH BOY! That movie is either gonna be really dumb or really brilliant. Other than that I have to sort papers for class, work out, work, edit, and work on the yard.

Vet Visit

Poor Brusier is a sick puppy...we'll he's not ill, but he's having skin problems. He's been itching his butt bare. Yesterday we took him to the vet and they treated him. I hope he gets better. Last time I posted his weight he weighed around 75 pounds, he now weighs 93.

Entertaining An Idea

Last week Trey came home and asked, "What do you think about moving to Austin?" initially I said no way, I don't want to leave my house and family. Ever since he asked me I've been seriously considering the idea. I just hope Austin isn't a smaller version of LA because I swear if I have to pay 6 dollars a day to park my car I will freak out!

1,000 Miles Later

Can you believe I've put 1,000 miles on my little scooter? I think it's time for a tune-up. With teaching a class this summer and working on numerous video projects I haven't had a chance to ride it as much as I would like. I have to haul equipment and it's really hard to attach a light kit to my back.

P.S. I just posted this picture because I thought it was too cute.

Back to Normalcy...Sort of...

Last night my video was screened at the Abilene Country Club. I love making videos and it's so rewarding, but it's so creatively draining. Now I will move on to the next project on my list: Upward Bound Banquet Video....It never stops does it? At least I'm busy and not bored. Never a dull moment.

Sunday Morning

My younger sister had her first communion today so Trey and I went to church to see her. We spent the rest of the afternoon with my family. Trey and I ventured to take my niece with us to Target. That was interesting because usually its just us two, but it was fun.

First Day of Class

Upward Bound is officially in session. Today was the first day of class and I think I like this teaching business. Here are a few photos I took while the students were shooting. They had to shoot a short movie using no dialogue and no editing software. Monday we'll watch it so it should be entertaining. I can't wait.

Production Update

Production is running smoothly and it looks like I'm officially heading towards Post production. YES! I should reward myself with some sleep.

Production = Stress

I'm having flashbacks of the stressful life in LA. When I was in production for a movie I always had trouble sleeping. I'm currently in production and soon I'll start editing. This week will be trying for me. I have to shoot cover footage Tuesday and Wednesday, Wed. I start teaching, Friday I have a wedding rehearsal, and Saturday a wedding to shoot. I will not sleep, I will not eat. I hate it when my schedule is overwhelming, because I always try to do my best and when I have too much on my plate it's inevitable to cut corners. Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers.

I have a confession to make

I like watching South Park! There I said it (or wrote it/whatever), now I can sleep at night. I'm a South Park closet watcher. Is that bad? I've been spending my free time catching up on three of the seasons. I know it's a bad show, but it always has a positive message at the end...A moral lesson, if you will...But it's not suitable for the kids.

Obsession of the Month: Cooking!

The past week Trey and I have only ate-out once. It's safe to say I have rediscovered my kitchen! I feel so domestic and I'm loving every minute of it. A couple of days ago Linda and I made Rosemary Tortellino...and let me tell you it was delicious. I hope this obsession last longer than a month because Trey and I have saved a good chunck of cash, by saying no to fast food. I haven't been this inspired since I saw the movie Super Size Me. Well, I have to go now because I'm going to check out the food network website.

Too Cool For Abilene, Texas

Trey and I woke-up early to go to the Harley Davidson HOG Rally. Apparently, 5,000 bikers are in Abilene this weekend for this event. It was so cool this morning, watching all the people ride their bikes! Friday I was riding my scooter around town and several bikers saw me and just smiled. I'm glad I can make people smile.

Words From a Loving Soul

I'm so happy! I cannot express how happy I am. Graduation was absolutely wonderful. Afterwards Linda, Marilyn and I had a joint party that our parents hosted. We each had our own tables dispalyed with our college accomplishments and pictures of us throughout the years. Another thing we had on the table was an open book notebook for guest to write words of encouragement. Here is something Trey wrote to me:

"Hey babe, Dom,
I love you! You are awsome. Words cannot express how proud I am of you. Hope you have a great summer. Enjoy it because you will not have another one in a very long time. Relax and have fun. You are extremely talented you should not worry about your future. I will always be here for you in good times and bad.

Love your Hubby,
Trey"

The light at the end of the tunnel is drawing near

Who would've thought the day would come when I would graduate. I guess it still hasn't come, but it will tomorrow. I'm so excited and extremely emotional. When I was younger I always thought of college being a mystical place that seemed out of reach, but here I am graduating with honors and the top graduate in my field of studies. All I know is the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know anything about anything.

Only in Texas

Western parade in downtown Abilene. Trey and I went to artwalk this evening.

If my dog had a blog...

If my dog had a blog he'd write, "I enjoy smelling the grass and barking at birds." What a life!

Picture Happy

Happy Graduation to me! In the next few days I'm sure I will have tons of photos plastered all over this blog. For graduation Trey bought me a sweet camera. (Thanks, Trey). I love it! I love it! I love it! I've been taking pictures of everything. I hope you enjoy my temporary obsession with photos.





Trey and I have been visiting churches for the past couple of months. This Sunday for the second week in a row we went to First Baptist. I like how their is an opportunity to volunteer with the video production. The studio to this church is amazing! Everything is new and they broadcast in HD. Sweet! This past Sunday Trey helped with the audio board and I observed. I'm more interested in running a camera.

Big Baby

Can you believe he's only one.

Brusier's Crate.

Strange Dream

I don't know what I ate the other night, but for some reason I had this horrific dream about pregnancy. Yes, I Dominique was pregnant with 12 babies at once! It was the most random thing. During my dream I even went through labor. The 12 babies were just popping out. They were all small except one was huge and it had a massive head with bright blue eyes. It was so bizarre. I think the reason why I had this dream was because right before I went to bed Trey and I were talking about babies.

Paying Out the Nose For an Expensive Hobby

Despite my luck with electronics, I have purchased another external hard drive. I ask myself everyother day why can't I have another hobby that is less expensive. WHY? WHY? WHY? And Trey echoes the same question. It looks like this summer is going to busy even though I won't be working full time....yet.

- Today John, my boss, asked me to make a video for the radio station
- I'm doing some freelance video work for ACU online summer course
- I have to shoot and edit a wedding early June
- And I'm teaching a media class to High School students

Wow, I guess my major will pay for itself huh? I already have serious plans for my summer income. SAVE!