Smart Hospital™ at UTA

Photo by freelance photographer Jon P. Uzzel












Usually I’m the one taking the photos, but last week a photojournalist stopped by work and needed bodies. It’s summer time so a lot of the nursing students are off campus. So, somehow I found myself posing as a nurse. The article including picture, appeared on Fort Worth Business Press.

Read the Article

Right now it’s an exciting time to be working for the School of Nursing at UTA. We’re getting pumped up for a one of a kind facility called the Smart Hospital™. I guess you just have to read the article to see what all the buzz is about. Lately, we’ve been getting a lot of press, which makes my life busy. Typically, the reporters don’t bring their own photographer, since I take care of that for the department, but in this case the FWBP hired a freelancer to shoot this.

Here is one of my favorite photos I’ve taken for the Smart Hospital™

First Pre-Contruction Meeting

We had our first pre-construction meeting and everything appears to be running smoothly. You have to really use your imagination, but in a few months this will be our home.

Reverence

There’s something about a Catholic church that I deeply admire. It’s more than just the statues and stained glass windows.

My Family Just Keeps On Growing

Trey and I had a wonderful time visiting family in Port Lavaca, but it’s good to be back home.

The weekend was packed with swimming, dancing, celebrating a marriage, and having just about everyone in my family ask Trey and I when we’re going to have a baby. Did I mention I have a big family? Yes, all my cousins are around the same age as me and they have “at least” one child running around. It’s great.

No Streaking Here Folks: 101 Portrait Photography Lesson

Before you jump to conclusions, I promise I didn't go streaking. This picture is the result of my husband being a dork.

Everyone knows that if you're going to take a photo of a woman wearing a strapless dress you zoom out so it won't appear to look like this. Trey thought it was hilarious.

A Long Drive

It's been almost a year since Trey and I have visited my family in Port Lavaca. I'm excited because this weekend we'll jump in the car and make the long drive. I'm actually looking forward to the drive. I'll be the pilot and Trey will be my navigator. The main reason why we're going is for a wedding Saturday.

Planning the Kidnapping of a Smiling Dog

A few months ago we had to find our loving beagle a new home. You see, we downsized to a smaller living area and with us both working all day we wouldn’t be able to leave her alone for hours by herself. So, with her best interest in mind, we found a loving family to take over where we left off.

Since we’re moving in a few months, I’ve been jokingly planning the kidnapping of Daphne. No, I would never kidnap her, but I sure do miss her smiling face. Yes she was a smiling beagle, I promise.

Trey is already talking about the next kind of dog he wants and it’s hard for me to even imagine another dog when I know Daphne is still out there. He’s talking about getting a welsh corgi. I don’t know maybe one day you’ll check-out the blog and see our cogi smiling back at you.

If you don’t know what a corgi looks like here is a picture.
(photo from Silvermine Corgis)
Funny looking dogs. They make me smile just looking at them.

The Benefits of Living in a Small Space

I can stand in the middle of my efficiency apartment and see the kitchen, sitting area, sleeping area, bathroom, and closet. I always look at the upside of everything, including my current living situation. So, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are many benefits of living in a small space.

1. Cleaning is a snap
2. No lawn to mow
3. Utility savings
4. Unbelievable Rent

Art of the Trade in the Form of Tools

When Trey had to be on call this weekend I think he understood it to mean that WE were on call. Saturday morning, I hadn't even got out of bed and he was insisting I go with him. "Come on dom, it'll be fun. Come with me. Please."
I caved. "Okay, okay I'll go."

So, there we were at a no name store. I hovered over his shoulder as he worked and occasinaiolly he’d say hand me the thing-a-ma-hopper, which in English means a ratchet or something to that nature.

After we completed the first call, I jokingly said I was an apprentice learning the trade. Not even a minute after that remark I picked up the tool belt and every single thing-a-ma-hopper scattered on the dirty convenient store floor.

So, this weekend I didn't learn the entire trade of HVAC, but I did learn that Trey has a rigid personality when it comes to his tool belt. According to him the placement of the tools are key to an orderly belt.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

I lost Trey in the store and found him in the sports section. As if hours of NFL network aren't enough.

Last week Trey asked, "Do you know what today is?" I scrambled to think...anniversary, birthday, holiday? No. It was the first day of the Dallas Cowboys training camp. I guess I should've known that.

A $5,000 Dollar Gift Comes With a 6 Inch Compromise

Mistakes happen all the time, but this last mistake someone made was a generous gift valued at $5,000.

A few weeks ago Trey and I selected the lot for our house, which we couldn’t believe didn’t come with a premium. The builder encouraged us to select that lot because our patio would always be shaded in the evening and it is also a corner lot, which for some reason people really like and I guess it doesn’t hurt for resale purposes.

So, with no premium attached and all the options for a better lot, Trey and I selected that soil for our house to be built on. Well, a few days later we found out that someone working in the office made a BIG mistake because the lot was actually worth 5 thousand dollars not ZERO. In the end we’re getting the better lot, but we have to compromise by deducting 3 inches from each side of our house, which is really no big deal because we’ll get those inches back in the patio area.

By the way, I’m so ready to move and start cooking in a real kitchen again.

Canon In Action

Here are some of the first personal photos I've had a chance to take with the Canon 30D. All together I'm impressed with the image stabilizer lens. Although, I've realized it doesn't always mean a clean photo.

Entertaining In A Small Space

This weekend my mom and sister stopped by and stayed at our place. As we were there I could feel the walls closing in on us. The space is just right for Trey and I, but when you add two extra bodies to the mix it becomes too much. Luckily, we didn’t spend much time there; instead we spent time all over town and even had a chance to show them where our future home will be. We have everything lined up for the builders to start and soon enough we’ll meet with them to select the design elements of the house.

Well, no weekend is complete without stopping by the Cowboys stadium.

In Town

My mom and little sister are in town and I already know it's going to be a busy day tomorrow.
This evening Trey and I took them to Central Market to eat and watch a band. We eventually ended up downtown at Sundance Square. As I was walking around I was wearing my camera around my neck and a street evangilist asked me if I was a tourist. I live here, but walking around with a camera apparently makes me look like I don't belong.

Building the American Dream

After viewing dozens of homes in the surrounding DFW area, we decided it would be in our best interest to build one. Well, I’m not literally building the house instead we’re having a professional build it in a developing community.

The best part about this builder is he’s designing the exteriors of the homes to look like older homes. Sounds like the perfect match for Trey and I. We selected an elevation that looks similar to a brick bungalow. It’ll be so cute.

Another big selling point for us is the house will be a very green home, which means our electric bill will be low. Also the HVAC will be nice too, but Trey could probably go into more detail about that than I can. All I know it will equal nice utility savings.

I’m excited and can’t wait for them to start building. I plan on documenting the entire build and if the weather plays out right we should move in by mid-November. Wow, these builders move fast.

Enjoying Life

Can you tell she had a great time at the zoo?

It's Here! It's Here!

Yesterday I went to the local camera shop, walked to the closest salesman and said, “I’m here to buy a camera and I know exactly what I want.” My co-worker was with and just laughed. I haven’t had a chance to take many photos, but the few I have look spectacular. Now that I have this camera Trey thinks I’m going to neglect my other one, but I know I won’t. Especially since the 30D is for work. Originally, I was looking into buying a Nikon, I’m glad I selected the Canon. It’s nice to already be familiar with the Canon brand and to be able to pick it up and start shooting.

Impromptu Slumber Party

Despite all of Amy’s indecisiveness, she made the trip. She also invited Ray at the last minute, without letting me know and he was unable to make other sleeping arrangements for that night. So, Saturday night was like one big slumber party at the Anderson’s. But we all had a good laugh Sunday morning about it. We laughed about how Trey and I were comfortably sleeping on the oversized bed, while Amy slept on the hot leather sofa, Angelica slept at her feet, and Ray ended up on the floor with no covers. When you live in a shoebox an extra comforter takes up much needed room and Amy failed to tell Ray to bring one. It was okay because he laughed the whole thing off.

Well, Trey was on call most of Saturday, so I was the official Fort Worth tour guide. Some of the main highlights: the zoo and later that night Sundance Square. We did however stray from my tour agenda when Trey mentioned the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. He insisted we drive to Arlington at 10:30 to admire it. Ray is a Cowboys fan as well and he encouraged the drive. Once we got there the stadium was not lit very well, but the guys managed to appreciate the beauty of the shadows. Overall, it was a wonderful weekend and great memories were made.

Here are some stills I snapped at the zoo.

Don’t Be Indecisive, Just Come Over

For the past week, Amy and I have been talking on the phone. She’ll tell me one day, "okay I’m coming this weekend to visit you and I want to go to the water park, the zoo, the mall," etc. She’s bringing my niece with her and a friend. To my understanding her friend is making sleeping arrangements for herself, but Amy and my niece will be crashing on our couch at our apartment. Yes, the shoebox of an apartment. This should be really interesting. So after about four different conversations of “I might come, I’m not coming, well okay maybe,” she finally decided she will make the trip.

Optometrist appointment

Trey went to his appointment yesterday and he was told he didn't do any severe damage to his eyes. The damage that did occur will heal with time. He was given some eye drops and has a follow up appointment soon.

A Contactor Exploded in Trey's Face

HVAC can be a dangerous job.

Sunday Trey had to run a service call and while he was working on the equipment a contactor exploded in his face. The explosion was so bright that he had to sit there for about two minutes waiting for his eyesight to return. Even with his sight back, he said everything had a yellow tint to it. This morning he’s still feeling the effect of the explosion and is trying to make an appointment with an optometrist. To begin with Trey already has sensitive eyes.

Well, while Trey was out of town working, I stayed behind to look at open houses. I drove all over Fort Worth. I even went into houses that were ridiculously high just because I wanted to kill time. I’ve always had that kind of curious nature, where I want to see how other people live. I think it’s fascinating.

As you know, I want an older house. But can I be honest for a second? I’ve been so disappointed with the historic neighborhoods. They are so inconsistent. You’ll see a beautiful house, a good house, a run down house, followed by a vandalized house. Once we buy, we have to consider resale value even though we don’t want to buy and then move soon, it’s just something that has to be seriously considered. Looking for a home is exciting some days and other days it’s frustrating. For the most part it’s been exciting, but when I first realized how bad some of the historic neighborhoods were it was definitely a let down. This is good news for Trey because now I’m seriously considering newer construction.

Lights, Camera, Action

I finally pulled out the light kit. For weeks I’ve been trying to find time to experiment with lighting and well, basically just get familiar with the lighting equipment. I got the camera stuff down, but I really want to polish my lighting skills.

When I was going through the grip equipment, I found about half a dozen C-stands. I love using C-stands for production and I've already managed to put them to great use by using them to hold my backdrop.

Other than playing with lights, I'm looking forward to the weekend. Originally, my mom and sister were coming to visit us, but at the last minute declined due to weather. Trey is on call this weekend, but I'm sure we'll find some free time to do something fun.

The Summer Without My Scooter

Scooter withdrawals don’t even begin to describe how I feel not having my shiny friend. With the move and our current living situation, Trey and I have made the wise decision to keep his motorcycle and my scooter in storage. Trey jokingly said we can bring my scooter to Fort Worth, the only catch is--- I have to drive it from Abilene to here. He’s crazy and he knows it.

Last week, as we were driving I saw a vintage scooter shop. As Trey passed it I yelled, “STOP AND TURN AROUND!” When I was browsing through the aisles of shiny bikes, I began to regret leaving mine behind. There really isn’t anything I can do to make it better except look forward to spring. Maybe by then we’ll have a place to store our bikes. The funny thing about the whole situation is we recently paid the note off on both bikes…so now we really own them and we can’t even drive ‘em. The next note to be paid is the Element. I’m really excited about that one because by end of this year we’ll own it too! Hooray for financial peace!

Downtime Produces An Oppurtunity to Learn

There is never a dull moment at work.

Recently, I’ve had some downtime, so I try to use the time to develop new skills. A new skill I’m working on is shooting video using green screen. I whipped this video together in no time. When shooting this type of video, it’s assumed the better the lighting the better the effect. Well, I didn’t want to lug out my light kit to experiment so I just used the available light on set. Not bad if you ask me. I could see myself using the green screen for future projects.

Green Screen

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Victory Park

I don't know why my picture has this crazy tone to it, but you get the picture.

Arena Football

This weekend Trey and I had a chance to attend the Dallas Desperados football game. This picture was taken right outside the game in Victory Park. After seeing downtown Dallas, I prefer downtown Fort Worth any day. We arrived early before American Airlines opened and we needed to kill some time. We walked around and saw tons of places to eat, but there was really nothing to do. So, we wandered around aimlessly until the gates opened at the game. Oh, it was hot, but once we arrived at the game I had a great time. Everyone should experience a live major sporting event.

New Versus Old

Now that we sold our house we’re in the beginning stages of house hunting. If you know me, you know I love older homes. You know, houses built before 1940. My wonderful husband on the other hand, wants to buy a newer house. Yeah, talk about battle of the sexes. I’m keeping my options open and Trey is making sure of that. I’m telling you, Trey can be extremely persuasive when he wants something. If HVAC doesn’t work out for him he should consider sales.

Dog Whisper Meets South Park

I know two people: Rosie and Pete would both appreciate this video.
South Park Meets Dog Whisperer

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Planetarium Panoramic

Here is UTA's planetarium. Trey and I had a chance to go to a special showing a while back. I've always been fascinated with astronomy and the planetarium is a great showcase for it.

Yes, if you haven’t noticed I’m enjoying creating panoramas. When I get a chance I want to head downtown and take more.

Awesome!

I got my new stiching software last week and I've been playing with it ever since. As you can see not all of DFW is underwater.

Electricity Outage Almost Sabotaged My Potluck

If you haven’t already heard, Dallas Fort Worth has made national news. Top stories are North Texas Under Water. Fortunately, all I’ve dealt with is heavy rain while commuting.

I say that’s all I’ve dealt with, but last night I was excited to make a dish for today’s potluck. Right before I started to make it, the electricity went out. 20 minutes later and right after the 10 o’clock news I finally completed it.

The rain doesn’t really bother me, but when the electricity goes off I do get frustrated. All this week rain is still in the forecast, which makes me assume we will have a wet Fourth of July.

Done Deal

The house sold. It’s a done deal and I’m very happy. From here Trey and I will continue to move forward. Big plans and goals are ahead for the Anderson’s.

Remember My Tomato Plant?

Last week when I made a trip to our old house I plucked some tomatoes. Last time I posted a picture of this plant it was barely stubbing the soil. Looks good huh? Talk about homegrown.

One thing I planned on doing this spring was plant a little garden. I only got to plant tomatoes and by then Trey and I had made up our minds to move to Fort Worth. So, my dream garden will be on hold until we buy a new house. It's all right because I can wait.

Even Though I'm Excited, I'll Still Miss Home

This past weekend I had to make a trip to Abilene to take care of some last minute housekeeping. While I was there, I managed to take the last photo I will ever take of that house. We've done so much to that house and I know the new owners will love it as much as we did/do.

Margaritas and Mexican Food

In a matter of days Trey and I will officially sell our house! Selling this house is huge for us. I’m really excited about our financial future and I know Trey is too.

To celebrate I opted for champagne, but Trey is not a drinker. So, I proposed sparkling cider for us and then later Margaritas and Mexican food. Yes, I like Margaritas. Is that surprising?

Trey Zone

Trey has his own blog now, properly titled Trey Zone.

You should check it out. He hasn't had a chance to put all the bells and whistles on it yet, but he has big plans for it.

No Title Necessary

I Didn't Marry a Football Player

I didn't marry a football player, but for some reason my husband thinks it's totally awesome to have three quaters of his wardrobe dedicated to football jerseys. It's kinda cute, but don't tell him I said that. I don't want to feed the habit.

He's all hyped because he just got a new one in the mail yesterday. I bet he can't wait to wear it. Oh, boy.

Trey reminds me of those husbands you see on tv sitcoms that are really into football, but the thing is he's not acting, he's really like that. Too funny.

Calcium Does The Trick

I've been thinking, I feel more comfortable with long hair. This whole shoulder length bit is fun and fresh especially with the summer, but come on...There's nothing better than nice thick, pretty, long hair on a girl. Right? Well, this brunette is growing her locks out again.

My secret to long hair fast is Calcium with vitamin D. It does the trick every time.

Problem Solved

Okay I figured it out!

My search is over. I found the perfect combination of two different software programs to produce exactly what I need. I love the idea of CleVR, but it just isn't doing the trick for me. I found something else that works better, but I'm still sticking to AutoPano as my stitching software.

Thank God, I figured it out!

Off To A Good Start

I haven't purchased this stitching software, therefore it has the watermark plastered on my VT.

Overall, I'm not too happy with this result, but it's the best thus far. The stitching software is great, it's just this display that sucks. All I see is horizontal lines.

Trinity Trails

Trey and I found this great trail near our apartment. I've been wanting to go for sometime, but we always have something going on.


This Sunday, instead of grabbing the bible's in the morning to head to church we grabbed the bikes and headed for the trail.

Busting My Brain

Creating a Virtual Tour. Yes, I have volunteered to do this. In a few months I will be making a virtual tour for a new nursing building our department has added. I've been busting my brain looking for the right software.

Here I created a simple panoramic. The trick is taking this picture and adding the motion to create the feel of a 360 world.

This project has really taken me out of my comfort zone and I appreciate the challenge. If you've ever done a Virtual tour and know a great software program share the secret.

I found this one program, Stitcher Express out of the 20 plus that I've either downloaded or researched. It’s the best so far, but I'm realizing it has its limitations. I have to first use one software called Auto Stitch that blends all the separate pictures into one and then run it through Stitcher Express to create the moving tour. Doing this is no problem, but the major limitation I find is that I also want to include the ceiling and floor. For example the picture above has a whole set of photos I shot of the ceiling and floor that are not included. Blending all those photos together are extremely challenging. Even manually running them through photoshop makes for a frustrating day.

I will figure it out. It might take a few more days, but I’m determined.

If I have a chance, I’ll load the quicktime virtual tour I’ve created from this panoramic.

Morning Commuter: Part II of II

Since I do commute every weekday morning, I'm constantly looking for things to keep me occupied while driving. Part I of this post inclined I would subscribe to an audio book club, but since then I've changed my mind. I am a woman, so this should be no surprise. Someone mentioned the public library and so I looked into it. I went a few days ago and walked out with two audio books and a few cd's: Jonny Lang, Liz Phair, and Yellowcard. I'm definitely going back to check out more audio books and cd's. They have a pretty good selection of Radiohead, all of which I think I own, but it’s still cool that they even have ‘em.

My primary interest, as far as reading material goes, is in classic literature....Harper Lee, Jack Kerouac, J.D. Salinger, George Orwell, Ray Bradbury, Burroughs, etc. I’ve always wanted to read a Separate Peace so I snatched that one. It’s currently playing in my car. Thus far it’s been slow, but hopefully it’ll pick-up.

As for the cd’s, I’m really into the Jonny Lang album. Good blues and soul music. It just makes me want to dance.

Sundance Square

Friday night I planned date night. I've been wanting to go to downtown Fort Worth specifically, Sundance Square. SS is an area that is alive at night. This picture doesn't really give the area justice. The place where everyone is...is just around the corner and beyond.

There is so much to do in this city and I get excited and I want to do it all and then I have to remind myself, "You live here." I will get around to doing everything I want eventually.

A Friend From Far Away Isn’t So Far and Work On Memorial Weekend

Film School Friend:
Unlike Trey, my highlight this past weekend was not watching the Dallas Cowboy’s Stadium take shape. Instead, I had a great time hanging out with my old friend, Cortnee.

Cortnee is a friend I went to film school with and she produced one of the short movies I directed. It was wonderful catching-up over some good food.


Work:
I had my first three-day weekend with UTA and I was surprised when I heard Trey had the weekend off too. Even though he had the weekend off he was on call, which means stand-by. So we didn’t make any plans for Monday. Sure enough that morning he receives word his services are needed out of town.

Sometime, between waking-up and brushing my teeth, he convinced me to go with him. He lured me by saying, “You can browse the downtown shops, while I fix the (whatever it was that wasn't working).” I went and 8 out of 10 shops were closed for the holiday. Even with all of that, I don’t regret forfeiting the holiday to go with him out of town. I think I had more fun acting retarded with him, even more so than if I had stayed home.

Putting the Car in Park

Every other weekend Trey and I park the Element in the Wal-Mart parking lot and we stare across the street. We don't look at a lake view or the sunset or anything romantic like that, instead we stare at the construction of the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Yes, I'm convinced he's obsessed and he takes me with him to take pictures.

Morning Commuter: Part I of II

I'm just one of many American's who commutes to work. I wake in the morning and I think, "I hope I can beat the traffic." I must be new to this commuting thing because I actually look forward to driving in the morning. Recently I've been looking into purchasing audio books. I found this one store that works the same way that Netflix works, accept its audio books. I'm seriously thinking about joining.

The reason why I’m interested in audio books is because I don't want to feel like I'm losing time. If I'm going to be in a car for 30 minutes at a time, I want to be doing something productive.

Summer Plans

1. Attend a Wedding-Brian and Susan's Wedding near the coast
2. Go to the Ball Park
3. Go to Six Flags
4. Go to a Water Park -Maybe hurricane harbor
5. Shopping - My favorite
6. Attend a concert - I have to see which bands are coming to this area
7. Go to the Botanical Gardens
8. Go and Visit Uncle Jerry and Aunt Karen in Southlake
9. Go to Central Market to shop, eat and take a culinary class - Honest to God, I love Central Market. Have you been? It makes shopping an event not a chore.
10. Take bikes out to Trinity Trails
11. Continue to work out - I recently got a membership here at the UTA gym. It's amazing! The cardio machines have LCD screens so I can watch the food network while burning off some calories.
12. Find a church and make some new friends in this area.

We Got An Offer On The House and We Accepted

This weekend we agreed to an offer on our house. It's an offer we couldn't refuse. Now it's a waiting game with home inspection and waiting to close. The sale is pending so anything can happen between now and then, but I'm trying to stay optimistic. Keep us in your prayers this week.

Open To Change? Maybe

Since we've moved we've had to make changes and I'm the first to welcome change with open arms. In this case I'm resistant. The whole dog-sitting thing isn't working out and the best alternative is to find new homes for both of our dogs.

Luckily or unfortunately, I can't make up my mind....Daphne has already found a home with a nice lady who is an acquaintance of a friend of ours. As for Bruiser, he’s in the beginning stages of being introduced to a family.

I told Trey that once we get settled in a house, I'm going to ask for Daphne and Bruiser back and he informed me that, "You're not suppose to give a dog to a family and then a year later ask for the dog back." I don't see the problem.

Anyways, I called Linda yesterday and she found a job! She's my jogging buddy from Abilene. Linda and her husband are moving to Oklahoma. I’m so proud of her.

Run-away Beagle

Brandon is fostering Daphne and Bruiser and D-Dog is already in trouble.

She's managed to dig her way out of his yard. I know it's stressing him out with having to chase her all over and therefore it's stressing me out. I feel so helpless. I'm here and Daphne is there. Brandon's doing the best he can, it's not him it's the never ending quest Beagle's have to follow their nose.

This weekend we're making a trip to Abilene to secure Brandon's backyard and try to make it Beagle proof. In the meantime, Johnny and (let me try to spell this right) Jonell are fostering D-Dog at their house. Thanks guys! Poor Daphne is probably traumatized with all this adjusting, but Bruiser couldn't be doing better. Last I heard Bruiser was cuddling with Molly, his sister.

Nikon vs. Canon

I'm currently camera shopping for work. I told my boss we could use my Canon SLR, but she is strongly against workers using personal equipment for work. So, the upside is I get a new toy at the state's expense...too cool!

I know several photographers and they swear by Nikon and so I went into this camera shopping adventure with the intention of buying one.

Today, I made my way to a professional camera shop and after holding the Nikon in hand I was disappointed. Trey was with me and he saw a Canon 30D and asked if we could test that one out. The camera body, the options, and especially the image stabilizer lens are very impressive.

Before I fall too hard for this camera, I have to check the specs to see if this camera passes the test.


Apart from camera shopping, I think I’m annoying Trey because everyday after work I come home and tell him how much I love my job. Most of the time he goes along with it, but now after almost two weeks he’s probably thinking shut-up already. Oh, well at least he doesn’t make it too obvious I’m annoying him. (love you trey)

Trey's Coming Home!

That's it.

From Abilene to Fort Worth and Back

This weekend I finally got to see Trey! We met in Cisco because Brandon graduated from CJC. I also had a chance to see my mom, Trey’s parents, grandparents, Shelly, and some old friends. Trey and I didn’t stay long after the ceremony because we wanted to get back to Fort Worth before midnight.

And now it’s start of a new week and yes, Trey is back in Abilene. We don’t know when he’ll start working in the DFW area, so for now he’s just working in Abilene and coming home on weekends (home now being Fort Worth). At least we had the entire weekend to see each other, but while he was here I put him to work. We went to my office and I had him hang several frames so at least now it doesn’t look so sterile.

We also had a chance to go to the mall and Trey bought a Tony Romo jersey. Regular retail price is around $200 and we found this one on sale for $50. I’m so glad we found it because I know he had his heart set on buying one, no matter how much it cost.

Submitting a Video To Oprah

My first video project here at UTA will be submitted to the Oprah show. Apparently students in one of the nursing classes initiated this video.



So, yesterday I had a two camera set-up and interviewed the class in a panel format. They talked about serious nursing issues that affect both you and I. The main issue discussed was the nursing shortage. Talk about a huge issue! Even if this video doesn’t make it on air, I hope Oprah raises public awareness of the serious nursing shortage in this country.

Okay, back to the video: So, by submitting this video they are hoping to stir up some interest and hopefully appear on the show. I would love it if it aired on national television. When my supervisor told me we’d be producing this video I told her, “I love Oprah, I tivo the show everyday!” No joke.

As you can tell work is great. The people I work with are extremely talented and I have so much to learn from them.

short and sweet

We don't have an ISP yet at the apartment so post may be slow the next few days.

I just wanted to let you know the move went smoothly, the job is even better than I anticipated, and living in DFW is AWESOME! The only downside is Trey is back in Abilene for at least a week working. I'll see him this weekend and hopefull he'll be done working there and he can start working in this area.

That's all I have for now.

10 Inches Later and What Seems Like 5 Pounds Lighter

Finally, my first short haircut!

Besides cutting my hair off, Trey and I have been making our rounds saying goodbye. I'm all ready to move and now I'm just waiting for it. All I have left to pack is the kitchen. One of the hardest things about leaving is not leaving my home behind, but leaving our dogs. Trey's brother is going to dog sit for us, for no telling how long. This morning I dropped Bruiser off to get neutered. I hope he doesn't cry too much.

Mac Account Expired

My mac account expired and I didn't feel like dishing out the money to renew it.

So, for now I no longer have a host to hold my personal website. Just thought I'd let you know. Bye-Bye website.

I've Never Had This--

Short Hair.

A couple of months ago, I told everyone: I'm growing my hair out to donate it to a child who has cancer. Time has passed and here I am with long hair, headaches, and split ends. It's safe to say I'm ready to butcher my hair. I have an appointment this week and we'll see if I don't chicken-out. As much as I want to cut it, I’m also terrified that it will look hideous. If it turns out to be a bad cut, don't plan on seeing any pictures posted online. Either way, I'll at least write to let you know how the hair looks.

By the way, I'm cutting off at least 10 inches! That's the minimum to donate to this particular hair collection center.

Shacking-Up…..In A Small Space

Since I last posted, things have been moving fast. In a matter of days Trey and I will be moving to Fort Worth to start our new jobs. This weekend we made a trip to the area with Johnny and Joneil, friends from church.

Trey and I are in the process of selling our house here in Abilene and we’ve decided we’ll shack-up in an EFFICIENCY APARTMENT for a few months while we’re in FW and eventually buy a house there. I can barely believe it, but this weekend we found an apartment. When we move into our efficiency apartment I know it will be a drastic change, since our current house is over 1,600 sq feet and this apartment is only 400. Yikes! I’ll adjust and I’m looking forward to living below our means. Joneil told me she’s really proud of us because we’re not using this new job as an excuse to splurge and she said Dave Ramsey would be proud. Who cares what Dave Ramsey thinks because I’m secretly excited about living a much simpler life for a while. You wouldn’t believe how affordable our rent is, even if I told you and the surprising thing about it is that we’re in a really cool part of the city. We have access to two malls, tons of restaurants, shopping, churches, and no telling what else.

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH: Side Note---Dominique Got THE job!!!!!!

I haven't announced this until now, but I’ve been interviewing for a job at the University of Texas in Arlington. Well, today I drove to the Metroplex for a follow-up interview. The interview was great like all great interviews are, so I left saying to myself whatever comes of this so be it.

After the interview I began the drive home. I hadn’t even made it past Fort Worth and they called my cell to ask me to join the team. And of course I said no….yeah right, I said yes before they had a chance to finish the question.

So what will I be doing? They mentioned mopping and sweeping and ….no just joking. I’ll be working in the school of nursing as the Audio Visual Specialist. Sounds different, but it’s exactly in my field of studies. My position supports the school of nursing through distance education, live broadcasting of classroom lectures via internet, video production (my favorite)--- like promotional and marketing videos and probably a little bit of photography.

I’m really not too surprised I got the job, considering I had an army praying for me. I’m telling you the women at my church are prayer warriors. Bravo first to Christ and second to the women at Buffalo Gap Church.

I Still Love My Mac

My Mac is being stubborn.

The other day I was restarting it and it threw a fit. My three year warranty expired some time ago and the extended-extended warranty expired about a year ago. So, I had no choice, but to troubleshoot the computer myself.

I didn't panic and worry about my computer never working again, like I normally do when this thing occurs. Instead, I stayed calmed and focused on fixing the problem. About 20 minutes later, I resolved the error and continued on with my life as if the computer never stopped working.

I know one day I will have to say goodbye to my little Mac. When it eventually dies I know it will be bitter sweet, until then I'm going to enjoy the longevity of this old computer.

The Month of April Brought Snow To West Texas

On the side of our house we have a huge antique rose brush. It always blooms in spring. I took this picture maybe two days ago.


And this picture was taken today. I can't believe it's snowing in April.