Gizmo

So, we took Gizmo to Utah State University yesterday.  We played with him out on the quad.  We were running quite a lot trying to wear him out.  And it's just so much fun watching him run.  He definitely doesn't let his missing leg stop him.  He loves playing tag.  And he'll actually let us chase him unlike some dogs who will only chase you.

Anyways, we decided to walk around campus.  That was when Gizmo found his friend in the Eccles Conference Center.  And he just couldn't figure out why his friend kept following him or why he couldn't play with him...

Oh man...  My dog didn't know what to think of the reflective walls.  But Jared and I were definitely amused...  He actually cried because his reflection wouldn't come out and play even though he knew it wanted to.

Failure

I think I am coming to the conclusion that I have just been too busy this year.  And there are quite a few things I forget about or toss aside in order to keep my mental health in order.  And I think it's getting to me, and I'm to the point of admitting it.  I can't lead it all anymore.  I don't even know if I can be a leader in most of the things I'm involved in anyways.

Even though I don't want to admit it and I know my group members contribute different strengths, I have come to the conclusion that I am leading my senior project along.  And if it's not the whole project, then I'm at least leading the lab portion of it.  And it is stressful.  I wish I could just sit back and let some one else take charge.  If only I could just contribute when absolutely necessary instead of being there 24/7 to pick up the slack when no else cannot or will not.  I think I'm just sick of it all.  It's all too stressful.

Dreams are supposed to be my gateway out of my miserable, busy school/work life.  But instead, I'm dreaming about work and the project.  How are we going to take the reactor down?  Will we ever not get contamination in one of our runs?  Is it going to explode anytime soon?  Are we even going to get good results with all of this?  Am I going to look like a fool at the final presentation?

And the fact that I can't go on vacation without freaking out and getting stressed over it all.  It's spring break, and I still have to work.  Work does not believe in days off.  And since my senior project has been on the waiting list, it is being worked on over spring break.  And Jared has told me I am going to Salt Lake with him at the end of the week to get away from it all.  So, I have to push it all to the beginning of the week.

I just want to sit on the sidelines from now on.  I don't want anymore of my responsibilities.  I don't want to be willing to be there to do all of it when others won't.  Just stop.  I can't do it all.  And that's my conclusion.  I really want to throw out some major things in my life out of my life.  I'm done.  White flag.

I hate research.

Corrupt Cops

Seriously, police officers wonder why they have a bad reputation?  Because they hold themselves above the law.  I know there are actual law-abiding citizens that are police officers.  But, it really only takes one bad cop to make the whole system corrupt.  Let's take my drive home tonight as an example.

I'm one light away from my home.  The light changes.  I have the green light.  And then I see the fast-moving vehicle going in the opposite direction take a right-hand turn in front of me without slowing down.  He/she ended up in three lanes over from where he/she should have been if the turn was taken at a proper speed.  And lo and behold, it was a police officer who had technically cut me off.

Now let's say the roles were reversed, and I was the crazy, speed-happy driver.  I'd have been pulled over instantly.  I'd get a ticket for running a red light.  And my blood alcohol would be tested.  But since it was the police officer, and there's nothing I could really do to bring justice to corrupt cops, he/she was able to continue on his/her way going 50 miles an hour on a 30 miles an hour road.  How convenient.

Now we can bring up the what-ifs. Maybe he/she was late for an important date.  Maybe he/she was being called to a police-worthy scene.  Ahem, hello?!  That's what police officer lights are for...  That's what lets other citizens know you're above the law to protect our safety.

Reminds me of the time the police officer got sick of waiting for the light to change.  He turned on his lights and went on his way.  After a few seconds past the intersection, he turned his lights off.  But hey, at least he let me know he was going to be above the law to protect my safety (although I don't know how being impatient protects me).

Birthday Surprise

Yes, I know my birthday was over two weeks ago, but Jared decided to give me my birthday present yesterday.  And oh boy was it a surprise...  Instead of going out and buying it, he asked me if I wanted it for my birthday to make sure I wouldn't freak out over the cost.  This all occurred around 8:30 pm last night.  When I found out what he planned on getting me, I couldn't say no after getting over the cost.  So, after dinner, we went to Wal-Mart and got me my birthday present.  Here is what it is...

Needless to say, I was up until two in the morning playing with it.  I've only added artists A-D.  I got a lot more songs to add to it.  But, oh, I am so excited!!!

And now Jared wants one...

Car Crash

There were a few car crashes in Cedar City today.  Story here.

There's a reason why I hate driving with semi's on the freeway.  After the first semi hit five cars, another car was stopped behind the semi.  And another semi couldn't brake in time.  The car ended up pinned between the semi's.  It killed the driver.  There were 20 vehicles total in this accident.

And then a trooper was trying to respond to the freeway crash.  Another car crashed into the trooper killing the driver and passenger.

Sad day.  My thoughts and prayers go to those involved in those wrecks.  And I thank God everyday for keeping me safe on the roads everyday.  I know I take my safety on the road for granted sometimes.  So, maybe we all need to take a step back and remember to be safe drivers...