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  • Day 04

    Day 01- A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.
    Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with the longest.
    Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
    Day 04 - A picture of a habit you wish you didn't have..........
    Day 05 - A picture of your favourite memory.
    Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.
    Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.
    Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
    Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
    Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.
    Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
    Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
    Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
    Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
    Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
    Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
    Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
    Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.
    Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.
    Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
    Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.
    Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
    Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
    Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
    Day 25 - A picture of your day.
    Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
    Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
    Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
    Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
    Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

    Acute Insomnia


    Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep. People with insomnia have one or more of the following symptoms:

    • Difficulty falling asleep
    • Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
    • Waking up too early in the morning
    • Feeling tired upon waking

    Types of Insomnia

    There are two types of insomnia: primary insomnia and secondary insomnia.

    • Primary insomnia (Me): Primary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems that are not directly associated with any other health condition or problem.
    • Secondary insomnia: Secondary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems because of something else, such as a health condition (like asthma,depression, arthritis, cancer, or heartburn); pain; medication they are taking; or a substance they are using (like alcohol).

    Acute vs. Chronic Insomnia

    Insomnia also varies in how long it lasts and how often it occurs. It can be short-term (acute insomnia) or can last a long time (chronic insomnia). It can also come and go, with periods of time when a person has no sleep problems. Acute insomnia can last from one night to a few weeks. Insomnia is called chronic when a person has insomnia at least three nights a week for a month or longer.

    Causes of Insomnia

    Causes of acute insomnia can include:

    • Significant life stress (job loss or change, death of a loved one, divorce, moving).
    • Illness.
    • Emotional or physical discomfort.
    • Environmental factors like noise, light, or extreme temperatures (hot or cold) that interfere with sleep.
    • Some medications (for example those used to treat colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure, and asthma) may interfere with sleep.
    • Interferences in normal sleep schedule (jet lag or switching from a day to night shift, for example).

    Causes of chronic insomnia include:

    • Depression and/or anxiety.
    • Chronic stress.
    • Pain or discomfort at night.

    Symptoms of Insomnia

    Symptoms of insomnia can include:

    • Sleepiness during the day.
    • General tiredness.
    • Irritability.
    • Problems with concentration or memory.
  • Day 03

    Day 01- A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.
    Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with the longest.
    Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
    Day 04 - A picture of a habit you wish you didn't have..........
    Day 05 - A picture of your favourite memory.
    Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.
    Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.
    Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
    Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
    Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.
    Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
    Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
    Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
    Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
    Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
    Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
    Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
    Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.
    Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.
    Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
    Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.
    Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
    Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
    Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
    Day 25 - A picture of your day.
    Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
    Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
    Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
    Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
    Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

    Friday Night Lights


    If you want to fully understand Texas Culture, watch this show. They nailed it.

    The show uses fictional small town Dillon, Texas as a backdrop for real life issues such as Race, Rape, Abortion, Lack of Economic Opportunities, Drugs and School Funding. The show details events surrounding the Dillon Panthers and the East Dillon Lions. Real life football coaches Mack Brown (Head Coach of the Texas Longhorns) and Mike Leach (Former Head Coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders) both make cameo appearances.

    I'm more of a Lions fan, myself. A few factoids:

    Episode "The Son" was nominated for Best Writing in a Drama Series at the 2010 Emmy Awards alongside "Shut the Door. Have a Seat." (Winner, Mad Men), "Pilot" (The Good Wife), "The End" (Lost), "Guy Walks into and Advertising Agency" (Mad Men). Episode "Always" currently holds the same title beating ""Baelor" (Game of Thrones), "Pilot" (The Killing), and "Blowing Smoke", "The Suitcase" (Mad Men). Friday Night Lights was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series at the 2011 Emmy's alongside Mad Men (Winner), Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones, and The Good Wife. Kyle Chandler ("Coach Eric Taylor") won for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series beating out Steve Buscerni ("Nucky Thompson" Boardwalk Empire), Michael C. Hall ("Dexter Morgan" Dexter), Jon Hamm ("Don Draper" Mad Men), Hugh Laurie ("Gregory House" House), and Timothy Olyphant ("Raylan Givens" Justified). Connie Britton was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series alongside Julianna Margulies (Winner, "Alicia Florrick" The Good Wife), Kathy Bates ("Harriet Korn" Harry's Law), Mireille Enos ("Sarah Linden" The Killing), Mariska Hargitay ("Olivia Benson" Law and Order: Special Victims Unit), and Elisabeth Moss ("Peggy Olson" Mad Men). Friday Night Lights was listed on Entertainment Weekly's list of "New TV Classics" at number 71. The show ran for 5 seasons for a total of 76 episodes.

    I love this show. It's my favorite. Clear eyes. Full Hearts. Can't Lose.

  • Day 02

    Day 01- A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.
    Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with the longest.
    Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
    Day 04 - A picture of a habit you wish you didn't have..........
    Day 05 - A picture of your favourite memory.
    Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.
    Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.
    Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
    Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
    Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.
    Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
    Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
    Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
    Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
    Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
    Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
    Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
    Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.
    Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.
    Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
    Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.
    Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
    Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
    Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
    Day 25 - A picture of your day.
    Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
    Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
    Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
    Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
    Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

    Jennifer

    Our dad's are partners and run a practice together. I've known her all my life, and have always been able to talk to her about anything. She thinks she's cooler than me, but I'm four months older, so I win.

  • Day 01

    Day 01- A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.
    Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with the longest.
    Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
    Day 04 - A picture of a habit you wish you didn't have..........
    Day 05 - A picture of your favourite memory.
    Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.
    Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.
    Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
    Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
    Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.
    Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
    Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
    Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
    Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
    Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
    Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
    Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
    Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.
    Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.
    Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
    Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.
    Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
    Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
    Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
    Day 25 - A picture of your day.
    Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
    Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
    Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
    Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
    Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

    Day 01

    1) I am the redheaded girl in the middle.

    2) I live in West Plano.

    3) I'm a rising sophomore at Austin College.

    4) I went to Plano West Senior High School.

    5) I am a Royal.

    6) I have three brothers and six sisters.

    7) Sue Ellen is the biggest badass on Dallas. Fact.

    8) I have a Media Minor.

    9) I think screenwriting is the shit.

    10) I think the Shogun in McKinney is sketchy.

    11) I am Dutch and Irish.

    12) My favorite movie is The Wind that Shakes the Barley.

    13) I managed to graduate in the top 10% of my high school.

    14) I love to make fun of myself.

    15) My name is Amanda.

  • That Gentle Night

    Pretty lights, smooth waves, and a gentle seaside night in Galveston, Tx.

    Unedited Blackberry snapshot of a gentle seaside night.

  • Dallas is back!

    The original Dallas ran for fourteen seasons from April 7th 1978 - May 3rd 1991. I wasn't born until 1992, and even I know who shot J.R.

    We all know the story - Ewing Oil Company founded by Jock who cheated out his partner. His wife, Miss Ellie, and their three sons: J.R., Gary, and Bobby constantly trying to one-up each other.

    Well, Dallas is back! Which season is going to be a dream? Who will shoot J.R. again? Dallas is back and on cable.

    Can Dallas the next generation possibly as epic as the original Dallas icon?

  • Dylan, Day Three

    Dylan made it safely to Ama this morning. We're still waiting to hear if she'll need to be taken to Dallas. Geez, this isn't even my baby and I feel guilty being away from her. Picture courtesy Julia's iPhone.

    Operation Keep Scott Distracted seems to be working.

    He asks about Dylan a lot, but the kid is pretty ADD. In this case, it's a blessing. Picture courtesy Cassandra.

    My sister said Scott was over 9lbs when he was born. I've got word that Dylan has gained weight and is now 3'3. Tomorrow she takes her test to see whether she'll need to be transferred to Dallas. Let's hope she gets to stay in Ama.

  • Dylan, Day Two

    I didn't know how to comprehend this image, so I did what I do best. I snapped a picture.

    Shh, she's sleeping.

    She's being transferred to another hospital tonight where she can rest before the long helicopter flight to the "big city" if need be. Since yesterday she's lost weight, and is now 2lbs 14oz. I'm back with my sister Julia tonight so I can go to work tomorrow. The neonatalogist said the "riskiest moments" are in transport. 

    I was six weeks pre-mature, but I don't think that's too uncommon. Dylan was born at 28 weeks. Doctors tried to stop labor, and for a while we really thought she'd come on time; but then Cassandra's water broke out of nowhere. Right now Cassandra and Dylan are in a helicopter on the way to a larger hospital in Ama. The hospital near the ranch has a very crude NICU and "just can't handle this ordeal". Dylan will spend two nights in Ama, where she will be accessed, treated, and if her needs are beyond the Amarillo NICU, flown to Parkland.

    I just hope she'll be okay while I try to sleep.

  • Heartbreaker

    Today I took a trip to Amarillo, but not to chill at the ranch. My sister Cassandra went into pre-mature labor Saturday at 5 in the morning.

    I took this photo with my "big camera", a Cannon Rebel, of my baby niece held in my mother's single palm. The camera was bigger than the baby. My iPhone was the same length as her torso, and the diameter of her head was equal to my pointer finger. My sister named her Dylan. It's a good name for a baby boy, and I guess it'll work for a baby girl too.

    I'm at my hotel room now. I just can't get the image of this little girl out of my head. Little little girl. I can't sleep, and even though the doctor says she has a 90% change of surviving, I'm worried sick. Sick to my stomach. My sister is beside herself and I'm in my hotel with Sally Kate and my daddy. None of us can sleep. The little eyes, hands, fingers, feet, toes, eyes, nose-tube, and full head of hair will certainly give me nightmares, and I'm terrified for baby Dylan and my sister who gave birth to her at 28 weeks. Dylan was 3lbs 1oz and was 11 inches long. Hours after giving birth, my sister doesn't even have a remnant of a baby bump. This sweet helpless girl will always be behind the rest of us in size, strength, mobility, developmentally, and (probably, but not 100% certainly) intellectually.

    I feel scared for Dylan's future, Cassandra's well being, and big brother Scott's confusion about why he can't take his baby sister home. I've never felt such compassion for someone I've only just met. It's scary, heartbreaking, and keeping me awake at night. I've said my prayers, and hoping they will get this sickness out of my stomach.

    "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lead not on your own understanding. In all your ways agnowlege him, and he shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

    Maybe I'll cry myself to sleep soon.

  • I Fell in Love Today

    They say the last thing you think about before you go to sleep is what your heart truly belongs to. My heart belonged to Basketball. When I was in 9th grade, the coach moved me up from the Shepton team and allowed me to play varsity at West. That year was the best of my life.

    I remember the constant suspense of whether the ball was going to swish for success, or clang with the loud sound of failure. I remember the roaring crowd, shouting for a victory. I remember my team. My girls. One team. One goal.  The tap tap tap of the ball against the court. The magnificant swish. The final buzz of the alarm. Crowning a champion. My heart belonged to the tap tap tap and the glorious swish! I remember. I remember my craving for perfection. I remember love.

    Basketball and I were supposed to stay together through college, but I made a choice. I chose to walk away. I chose to leave my love for myself. I came down with chronic bronchitis, was hospitalized my Sophomore season, and I lost everything. I was too heartbroken to continue, and when I started school at West my team had moved on. So had I, grades were more important. My academic achievements would carry me through college. I would no longer rely on my love.

    Today I fell in love again. My sister finally found someone athletic enough to join her at the CC for a game of racquetball. She's good, was on the Squash team in college. Their different sports, but Squash is more complex and I am somewhat familiar with racquetball. I used to play with my friends at my Grandma's church.

    With each rally I felt the boom boom boom in my heart I am so used to, and have been longing for. Suspense was no longer a recluse. Is Julia going to return my shot? Am I going to return hers? Who will win the epic rally? We weren't scoring per-say, but I won. I discovered a new place for my heart.

    Tomorrow we're going to meet my young love again. Julia wants to finally kick out her baby weight, and I am so infatuated. So addicted, I cannot leave my love for long. The day I chose my long-term health over basketball, my other half left me. Basketball had moved on to better lovers, the NCAA.

    Today I felt love again. The sickness in my stomach when the rally rejected me, and I could not return a shot. I am again week at the knees. I feel the burn of passion as I write to you. I have a sport again. Racquetball is my new love. My stomach flutters thinking of our next encounter. My heart warms as I dream of my new affair.