I just have to share with you the wonderful blog of Omar, a citizen of Iraq. His website, entitle Iraq the Model, is an excellent insight into the mind of the Iraqi people themselves, free from the influences of the government and media mogles. This is one great example of the bit of freedom that is coming to the people of Iraq… the freedom of press, my friend. Be sure and check it out.

Yes, it comes out… I got a speeding ticket back in March, but waited till the last minutes to take care of it. These things cost outrageous amounts of money! The guy who pulled me over was driving a white, unmarked, unlighted SUV and was parked on the side of the freeway as if his vehicle had broken down. Thank goodness for my radar detector or I would have been clocked going alot faster than what he caught me at. Well, to put you at rest, I drive alot slower now and actually obey the speed limit (usually). Safety first!

Today has been great so far. Since the underclassmen are taking the TAKS test this week, I didn’t have to be at school till 12:55. I woke up around 9:30, ate breakfest, went to the gym (where I saw my neighbor and my pastor), then mowed the lawn and finally got ready and went to school. Once there, I got to leave class and just walk around and interup all my teachers’ classes and mess with there students. I had to bring a whip for one of my friends who is in the variety show, so I was waving that thing around and whipping chairs. ‘Twas fun.

And the day isn’t over yet… Go forth and enjoy the day that the Lord has made!

I forgot to share yesterday that I finalized my tuxedo rental and boy am I going to be lookin’ good! I like pinstripes and I like white suits, but I think both are a little too much, so I found the perfect medium. My tux is being specially ordered (it’s not in stores yet) and was designed by Marc Echo. The pants are black with silver pinstripes on the sides only and then the jacket is white with black velvet pin stripes on it’s side. I’m wearing a cumberbun and bow-ties, both dark with pinstripes. My sister graciously offered to pay for it, so many thanks go out to her. Oh, heck ya it’s gonna be awesome!

On the flip side of things, I’ve gotta pay $85 in court fees plus the defensive driving costs to clear my speeding ticket. I also need to get to work on the Bear Advertising website and write my college essay, too. Plus all the usual work… so, gotta run.

It is a strange encounter with jealousy that leads me to this ramble. Recently I got a touch involved with an old flame, but I decided that it would not be wise to let it progress much further and so took a few steps back from the relationship. A few weeks later the girl shared with me that she had met someone and that they she forsaw a close connection developing. Now, as per my decision, this should not bother me, but I can’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy lurking about. Why?

In othe news, I produced my first full-fledge t-shirt order yesterday. The customer was very pleased and my boss was also happy with my work. This means that more orders will be coming my way, meaning more work, but more pay. And the rat race continues!

It’s interesting how I used to feel sympathetic for those around me who lost loved ones, but after experiencing it myself, the empathy I feel for total strangers is overwhelming. You truly cannot relate to the pain and grief of losing someone unless you’ve had to deal with it yourself. When I overhear someone talking about someone passing away, especially in a tragic accident, I just want to throw my arms around them and offer as much of me as I can, with the hope of providing even the smallest help.

One of my friends was in a wreck late Saturday night. She’s fine, but her face is bruised badly and she has many cuts and marks all over her body. I pray everytime anyone I love enteres a vehicle and I make sure not to have any harsh feelings between us. You just never know.