ALL IS NOT LOST IN THIS CITY!

A few months ago, I was devastated to learn that my beloved Libertyland was closing. No, it wasn't the greatest, biggest, or even the most fun or attractive theme park in the world, but I've grown up with it, and it is dear to my heart. Every year, I faithfully attend the fair (at least once) and ride all the slung together in two days, throw your neck out of whack rides that it has to offer, and then drift over to Libertyland to ride the ol' faithfuls that I have come to know and love. Like my dear Elvis Presley, my favorite ride was also the Zippin Pippin(North America's second oldest wooden roller coaster). Not the biggest or most interesting roller coaster, but I loved it the most because I literally feared for my life every time I rode on it. The front cart was of course the best. The ride creaked and groaned with every motion across it's old pine timber frame. On the downward jolts, I'd hold my arms up but always felt like that time, I'd surely fly out because of only being restrained by a wobbly bar. So I was nearly in tears when I found out the city had auctioned off this ride for a pathetic $2500. I would have taken out a loan and set it up in my back yard for that!!!! Well, I would have figured out something. They moaned some trash about it having to be so cheap because whoever bought it had to take it away within 30 days. Bullarky!! And,who could forget the Revolution? It sped up to 55 mph and flipped you upside down a couple times. I remember the first time Tina talked me in to getting on it. After that, I was hooked. I have love for the goofy log ride with it's always wet seats and tunnel of luhve, darkness or something, that's fog machine took your breath away. And I have so many fond memories on the wonderful antique carousel. It was always the last ride of the evening after a full day of fair fun. Every single year, we rode that carousel. After learning of the Pippin's demise, I just knew that it would be sold for parts or mowed over because no one gave two hoots about preserving something as magical as it is. And while someone decides what in the world to do with it, it's just sitting there, getting older, needing to be preserved, wanting some thrilled kids to pick out their favorite horses to ride on so it can take them away in endless circles. Call me a kid at heart, too attached, or just plain dorky for loving the ghetto palace so much, but love it I do. And thus the devastation when I found out it was going to be sold for parts. How could the city allow this!??! But....... I found out today that apparently some jitney named T-Rex or something like that (some great themepark), is buying the ghetto palace and keeping the Zippin Pippin AND the carousel RIGHT HERE WHERE IT SITS IN MEMPHIS!! I could die of happiness! This place supposedly has a really good success rate at buying nappy rundowns such as my beloved, and turning them in to fabulous riding establishments. And to this Elvis (and myself) would say, "Thank you. Thank you very much."

Don't read until you have 5 hours...haha

Surveys.... Ramblings on and on about oneself but somehow so much fun....... This one was stolen from Tina's blog >Name:Brooke > Age:23 >Hair color:Dark brown with "still alot of red in it" apparantely :) >Eye color: Green, Brown, Hazel, bursty colors ...something like that. I think they change color depending on the light or something >Pet(s) and their name(s): Whoppy the beast otherwise known as Posey >Birthplace: M'town representin'! Haha >Nickname(s): Moose, Scooter, um, Punkin' Butt- still tryin' to figure that one out :-P >Most widespread Nickname: Moose....... hehllo! The very name of my blog! >Height:5'9 >Mood right now: Happy happy happy...... :) ( It's your fault Tina :} ) ~Favorites~ >Color:Royal blue or that crazy bright burnt orange >Animal:Dog >Number:Not 3!! I know that much! Maybe I dunno that's a goofy question.... >Gum:Orbitz sweetmint or Trident strawberry lime splash deliciousness >Sport:Tiger basketball to watch, volleyball to play >Season:Fall >Candy:Peanut butter chocolate things >Song:Ok, lame and make fun of me if you want(and I know you will) but for right now it's one by Celine Dion called My Precious One- makes me think of monkey every time I hear it and I get a lump in my throat > Actor: Still the ever so buff, bald, and fabulous Vin Diesel--yummy > TV Show: Survivor I suppose ~This or That~ >> Morning or Evening: Evening > Hugs or Kisses: Depends on who wants em' I guess > Love or Money: Love.....jeesh..... >Movies or Music: :( Um, I guess music? I like movies too though... >Big Crowds or Little Crowds: either, not all the time though > Beach or Mountains: Beach with a drink and a waiter and snorkel gear and a camera......... > Six Flags or Carowinds: What tha flip is Carowinds?? I LOVE rides.... :) As anyone can atest to that has been with me to the fair >Percussion or Strings: ahhhh...Strings. > Skateboard or Skooter: Skooter! (one of my million nicknames) Ooh! Plus they get incredible gas mileage > Heels or Sneakers: Ooooh heels please > Black or White:Black - as in nearly every item of clothing I own > Red or Green: Red > Skittles or M&Ms: Skittles > Sun or Moon: Sun > Water or Fire: Water >> ~Have You Ever~ >> Danced in the Rain: Not since I was little. Sounds very nice though. > Honked a Car Horn at Strangers: Yup! One of my great pleasures in life, except of course the one time I honked at this guy and it was in fact.... a woman. I've never felt as gay. My favorite thing is to honk the horn when Tina's driving though, embarrasses the crap out of her. Haha > Done Something You Regret: Hehllo! > Cried in a Full Theater: Why, yes. > Done Drugs: Why,no. > Smiled for No Reason:Yeah, makes people wonder what's wrong with you. > Thought About Something and Laughed Really Loud: Um, usually this happens at the meeting. And then I have to pretend like I was doing some sort of snorty sinus scratch thing. Don't think anyone buys it. > Done Something Stupid in Front of Your Crush: Mmmmm Crush Soda..... > Said Something No One Else Got: I have an odd sense of humor, so sure > Acted/Sang on Stage: HEHLLO! Me and Bryan Adams!!!!! I've had a few convention/assembly/drama yadda yadda yadda parts as well. > Talked in Front of a Large Group (EXcluding Oral Reports): Yup. >Had a Cavity: No >Said Something That Others Took Wrong: Um, you are speaking with the queen. >Been Told to Get Your Mind Out of the Gutter: Heh heh, yes. > Been in Love: I say no. > Fallen Down in Public: Can't count the times. My favorite time being after the convention helping clean. There was this nice family sitting down talking and I was walking up the steps in front of them and tripped up the stairs. My purse and I went flying. The only thing that came out of my purse of course was my Crown Royal bag that I keep my camera in and it landed right in front of them. I tried to explain it's what I keep my camera in but they were offended I'm pretty sure. haha > Been Stupid in Front of a Lot of People: Noo.....not me!! > Done Something Someone Said You Could Never Do: Yes! >> ~Do You~ >> Sing Well: I sing. Well? Eh... I like to do it so who cares?? ;) > Dance Well: I like to do it as well. > Get Embarrassed Easily: That'd be a heck yes and it shows, cuz I blush like a retard >Consider Yourself a Morning Person: NO!!!! I don't even consider myself a person in the morning! > Take Walks in the Rain: Uh, no. > Keep Your Promises: I try to. > Like to Talk: Me??? Nooo.haha > Speak Your Mind: A bit too much sometimes > Trust Others Easily: Yeah, gets me in trouble, wish I didn't >> ~Movies & Music~ >> Best Movie You've Seen in Theaters Lately: Stranger Than Fiction.... so good! > Saddest Movie: Braveheart. >Cutest Movie: Cute?Yeah, I guess I agree with Tina, Finding Nemo. >Movie You Find Yourself Quoting: Elizabethtown, Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail, Orange County, Napoleon Dynamite. > Ever Made Movies With Your Friends: Acted out retarded plays and such. > Radio Station You Listen to Most:93X I guess > Song Currently Stuck in Your Head: Snow Patrol- Chasing Cars > Stupidest Song You've Heard Lately: Fergilicious. Yes! I agree! Stupid song and sooo annoying! F.e.r.g......blah blah blah so delicious? But I'm not promiscous? Come on now. Get some better lyrics and then put them on the radio.> Song You Hear Most on the Radio: Oh good grief. Call Me When You're Sober. ALWAYS ON. > ~Randomness~ >> Would You EVER Skydive: Yeah, if it wasn't a life-threatening thrill sport.Oh well. If I did do it, it would be the one time the paracute didn't open. > Do You Think There's Gold on the Other End of a Rainbow? Uh, what? >What CD Have You Listened to Most Lately? Elizabethtown Soundtrack. > Have You Ever Held a Snake or Tarantula? A snake. No spiders. EVER. HATE SPIDERS. ESPECIALLY HAIRY HUGE ONES. > Do You Like Scary Movies? yup. Love em'. > What's Your Pet Peeve? Pencils writing. > Do You Have a Type A Personality? Sometimes I think so but Tina says I DO NOT so who knows?? > What Would YOU Do for a Klondike Bar? um, not a whole lot but they are really tasty! > What's the One Thing You Would Bring With You to a Deserted Island? Tina's IPOD > Ever Been Tubing? Yup, hot upper half, fridgid butt and feet > Drove a Jetski? No. > Do You Believe in Love at First Sight? No. > Introvert or Extrovert? Extrovert. > Do You Like Big Crowds? Sure. > What's Your Favorite Quote from a Friend? "That's not good, that's not good." - Mom in reference to missing a meeting. > What Word Do You Use Too Much? Tard, nerd, well...... > Can You Sing Your ABC\'s Backward\'s? I guess, if I wanted to. > What\'s the Latest You\'ve Ever Stayed Up? I don't remember. But it was when we went to Europe and I had to stay up to prevent jetlag. HORRIBLE. > Have You Ever Been Betrayed? Yeah. > What\'s Your Greatest Strength(s)? I don't dwell on my problems and can clear my head of them at night. > Weakness(es)? I have to work hard to say "I'm sorry." But I force myself to. Got a bad temper. Bald stocky men... hahahaha. > Do You Laugh a Lot? Yes. On a rare occasion, I let out a random snort, and that's embarrassing. >Are You a Leader or a Follower? I love to follow behind a good decision maker, but because of my personality and how much I hate to just sit there not doing anything, I lead(only when forced) I'm sooo bad at making decisions. >Do You WANT to Be Like Everyone Else? NO! >What\'s the Compliment You Receive Most? That I'm funny. > Do You March to the Beat of Your OWN Drummer? It's the beat of somethin! > Can You Talk Extremely Fast? yeah. > ~Last Words~ >> What Are Your Last Words? I hope I did well on my Anatomy and Physiology final I just took, our move goes well, I make it in to the nursing course when I want to, that everybody I love is really happy for at least a month. This was the longest survey EVAR!! The End. :)

"Everything's going so well!!"

WHOO HOO! I took my very last final today of my first semester of school. I am T.H.R.I.L.L.E.D. I can't believe it's flown by so quick! And here goes, I can't believe I'm saying this, but...... I actually think I might miss school once it's over and done with. I know it's gonna fly by and one day I'll be looking back reading this (after I've gotten home for the day from working at St. Jude might I add)saying, "Wow, that seems like just yesterday." And then, I'll probably add, "I can't believe I actually thought I would miss school! Yikes! I thought my head was gonna explode there towards the end." But for now, I'm taking it!! :) And I have the move to look forward to this weekend. No more shot up windshields!! I love our new house. I can't wait to clean it's carpets. How sick is that?? Happy happy happy............

More Crap...blah blah blah.........

Wow. At this point it's almost funny. It's like I could just have some regular prewritten entry for this thing. " Something really really crappy happened this week. According to custom, it was preceeded by something good. THE END." And here goes, you ready???? My car got shot up again last night! Yay!!!!!! They shot out the back windshield, a hole below it in the paint, and a hole in my front windshield. I'm slowly getting to know the entire police force in the city of Memphis! How grand. My sister and I took her car out last night and when we got home we pulled it in the carport and shut the gate behind it. Then, we pulled my car in and we went inside. We've started the custom of "tucking her car in to bed" each night by placing double thick blankets all on the part closest to the gate and we didn't do it last night. But, before I went to bed I thought, " Sure enough the night we don't do it, the beeeeeeeeeep!! will come back and shoot it through the gate." So I went outside and covered it up with two blankets. So her's didn't get it this time. I could not believe I actually went back out and did that. That's a bit of good news! I'll include a picture later of my car for your viewing enjoyment, if I can get Dan to show me how to put one on here that I took with my phone. P.S.I'm still having the Cooper's baby shower!!!! I WILL NOT BE DETERED! >:(

How much more??

Maybe I shouldn't write about bad things when they happen. I guess Satan realizes that we're still alive so that means he can keep targeting us. Around 12:30 a.m. my sister's car got it's back windshield, the two back windows, and the driver's side shot. It was a pellet gun we think. This is the second time it's happened, the last time being in September on the anniversary of when our family's business got broken in to and had over $40,000 worth stolen. The last time, the jerk shot out my back windshield and a hole in my taillight. He also put 6 bullet holes in my sister's car and shot out her back windshield. We discovered it when she was leaving for work and I was leaving for class. This time he did what I mentioned earlier and shot three holes in my dad's work van windshield. I discovered it this time. We of course have no way of knowing who did this. At first I was OK and trying to handle it without my sister finding out because she called in to work sick today with a cold. But mom and dad had gone to visit Tommy in the hospital and, therefore had turned off their cellphones, Deborah and Glenn were in Waynesboro, friends were all out of town, and I ended up listening to every one's voice mail. I was sitting on the front porch so Tina wouldn't hear me and come outside to investigate and be awakened to seeing her car like that again. And in that moment, I felt very alone and unsure of what to do and just started bawling my head off. I wanted to get the glass replaced before she saw it and I couldn't find the people's number that did it last time this happened. And I wasn't sure if I needed to call the police first to file a report (what good that does). And so I just sat there in my pajamas crying on the front porch. And then my phone rang and it was my good friend Carreen wondering if I still wanted to go to the zoo with her and her kids. I was really looking forward to that too. So I sobbed and explained what happened to her and her husband and they came over just to sit with me and wait. :) I finally got in touch with Tommy's son who let me talk to mom. And the worst part of all this is, I had to tell Tina. She never did find out on her own, but the guys that are repairing her car could only get two of the windows today(of course). So she would have found out anyway, and we were about to leave and get some coffee. I figured it was better to tell her instead of her just walking out there and seeing it. And so we've pretty much just taken turns crying since then. I'm SO tired, my eyes hurt, and once again... I'm mad at the world. I swear one day I'll have a happy post. :( Jeesh.....

Tommy

OK, it's official. Everything bad seems to happen in the winter months. Our family's best friend (1 of the triad of the spectacular, love them so much, don't know what we'd do without them, best friends in the world, Spencer bunch) had a heart attack this morning. A heart attack..... It absolutely does not feel real. I wish it wasn't. He's doing "good" now. The doctor put two stints in his artery and he has to stay in the hospital for a couple more days. I just hate things like this because I start to imagine my world without them. My mind replays the most recent memories and then starts going back further, straining to remember everything. I think of how I would feel, how his family would cope, what life would be like, how much things would change. I often do this with people I love, and every time, I get the most horrible dreadful nausea in my stomach. I can't stand to think of what it would be like without him. I love him so much. I guess it goes back to giving every bit of you that you can to the people you love while you still have them, because life is so uncertain. Makes me want to contact all my great friends and family and tell them just how much I really do love them.... sigh.....

Mad at the world

Well, I just got back from court. I got a ticket a few months ago and today was the date I had assigned to appear in court if I thought I was innocent. Did I mention the weather is disgusting as usual, it's frigid and I have a cold? Here's what happened. I'm driving down Summer, approaching Graham, doing the speed limit. It was that fun on and off rain Memphis is so very familiar with. I approach the light and as I'm on the lines, it turns yellow. So naturally I just went on through. I didn't even have to speed up to get through it. Anyways, I'm tooting along and almost 2 miles later I see a cop in my rear view, so I decide I need to get over so he can go on around me. Well, there's traffic in both right lanes for a while so I just got in the turning lane and he got behind me. So I pulled in to this abandoned parking lot and he proceeds to tell me I've broken the law and that I ran that red light. I say that it was yellow and of course I'm just the citizen, so I was wrong. He treated me like a real jerk, even questioned me about why I go to the college I go to instead of the one I have on my tags. (Scuse me I didn't know that was a crime) Also, treated me like an idiot for pulling to the left, God forbid I was nervous there was a cop on my butt and there was traffic all to the right of me. I literally was sobbing and begging him to let me go if he could and he tells me "No, you've broken the law." Anyways, I was bawling all the way to school and during school. So today, I brave the courthouse(funfun!!!!) to claim my innocence. Of the four people I could have pleaded my case with, I got the old fart with the corn cob up his rear who on top of it all was having a bad day obviously. He asks me if I'm guilty or innocent. I say innocent. And he proceeds to launch in to how I should have stopped. And he asks what a yellow light means, it doesn't mean speed up. I tell him that I was so far in the intersection that I didn't even have to speed up to get through it. Then he tells me I should not have been speeding. I say "I wasn't! It was raining and I would have had to slam on my brakes which means the car behind me probably would have rear ended me and I would have slid in to the intersection." So then he says, "OH! Well, if it was raining, you should have been going a lot slower!" I say, "I WAS DOING 35!!!" And he tells me I should have been going slower than that. So I think that the city of Memphis should clearly have "Regular Clear Weather Speed Limit" and then posted below that, the "If It's Raining Speed Limit". 35??? Come on now. He also tells me that he's heard all these excuses before. Anyways, I have to go to driving school for four hours, come back to court to prove I did, pay the fines, not get a ticket between now and May 16th, pay the $7 parking fee again, and once again brave the courthouse so that it won't go on my record. If I'd have known the corn cob guy's mind was already made up before I even went to court, I would have just paid the stupid fee when I got the ticket. So here I am, fuming over the fact that mine and my sister's cars can be shot up in the middle of the night, my family's shop can be broken in to and have tens of thousands stolen from it, a girl can get raped at the campus I go to all without punishment, and here I am, shackled to the law and forced to be treated like a criminal, punished to the fullest extent possible.

I've given in to the madness

Howdy! I'm Brooke and this is my little blog. There is a ton to write about, but I'll leave this entry to just celebrating it's small beginning. :)