AS GOOD AS IT GETS
Sunday, November 22, 2009
It's All in the Name
Well....it's finally here. My new personalized Auburn tag. I really struggled with trying to decide what to put on it. I wanted to remain somewhat humble, but I am very proud of my accomplishments. So I choose my first and last initials with my 3 very important letters. Some folks will recognize exactly what it represents and others will try to sound it out...Good Luck with that.....my baby brother came up with "Sudafed." Pretty funny I thought!!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
SHOW US YOUR PETS
Show Us Your Life...PETS
Let me say....like everyone else who has posted something about their pet....I LOVE this dog. We both met up when we needed each other.
I had been taking care of my brother's White Shepard (80lbs, all white) Ruger, for a few years and he ended up having behavioral issues that I could not help (the dog not my brother). I tried everything including training school, medication, shock collar....all of it. Nothing worked. He would attack my mom and my brother. I know....why did we keep him for two years? You see, my major is special education and we are big believers in behavior modification. But nothing worked. So one day (after he turned on me) mom and I took him to get "his shots" but decided to leave him there to be put to sleep. That day tops the list as one of my hardest days ever!!! Mom rushed home and put all of his toys away to help keep me from being so sad. After a few days it got a little easier. I still have his collar.
BUT THEN ONE DAY....when I was teaching, a lady brought in this little shaved dog with the dirtiest eyes I had ever seen. But he was immediately interested in me. I sat on the floor in her classroom and he just came right to me and stayed. He had been to several families and just never clicked with any of them. Soooo....I brought him home. I was living with my mom at the time and she thought I was crazy. I was so sad because she didn't even seem interested in him. She said, "It's not that I don't like him, I just don't know him." Needless to say....he has become on of the greatest pets ever. Oh how I love him!! When I got him his name was "Gabby" so to avoid making him feel like a girl, we renamed him Gabriel and we call him "Gabe." He has been my angel.
I moved away to Auburn for 3.5 years to earn my doctorate degree...and look who wanted to go!
And yes I feed him table food. He usually waits patiently for his prize. On this day....yogurt!!!
Let me say....like everyone else who has posted something about their pet....I LOVE this dog. We both met up when we needed each other.
I had been taking care of my brother's White Shepard (80lbs, all white) Ruger, for a few years and he ended up having behavioral issues that I could not help (the dog not my brother). I tried everything including training school, medication, shock collar....all of it. Nothing worked. He would attack my mom and my brother. I know....why did we keep him for two years? You see, my major is special education and we are big believers in behavior modification. But nothing worked. So one day (after he turned on me) mom and I took him to get "his shots" but decided to leave him there to be put to sleep. That day tops the list as one of my hardest days ever!!! Mom rushed home and put all of his toys away to help keep me from being so sad. After a few days it got a little easier. I still have his collar.
BUT THEN ONE DAY....when I was teaching, a lady brought in this little shaved dog with the dirtiest eyes I had ever seen. But he was immediately interested in me. I sat on the floor in her classroom and he just came right to me and stayed. He had been to several families and just never clicked with any of them. Soooo....I brought him home. I was living with my mom at the time and she thought I was crazy. I was so sad because she didn't even seem interested in him. She said, "It's not that I don't like him, I just don't know him." Needless to say....he has become on of the greatest pets ever. Oh how I love him!! When I got him his name was "Gabby" so to avoid making him feel like a girl, we renamed him Gabriel and we call him "Gabe." He has been my angel.
I moved away to Auburn for 3.5 years to earn my doctorate degree...and look who wanted to go!
And yes I feed him table food. He usually waits patiently for his prize. On this day....yogurt!!!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
25 Random Things About ME
1. The two reasons I got my PhD...1) of course to make a difference in the lives of kids with disabilities and 2) because I can do ANYTHING I want...kind of proving that to myself.
2. I love MILK (fat free of course) love it love it love it!
3. I am a real scaredy cat. I check under my bed and in my closets every night before I go to bed.
4. I have one student who made a real impression on my life...if he had a good day he asked me to print him off some medical facts about random diseases. My mom even bought books for him at the thrift store. One day he asked me for a file box...when I asked him why, he said because if his family ever has to leave fast, he wants to have all of his medical stuff. Derek :) Yes...I gave him a file box.
5. I have a ton of anxiety...but fortunately control it without medication!! Thanks friends.
6. I do not like confrontation. I don't enjoy telling others they did something wrong or being told that myself.
7. I turn off the commercial of the white Ceaser dog waking up his mom because my dog lives with my mom, not me, so it makes me sad. Ex. I am not going to ever watch Marley and Me...no sense in feeling that sad.
8. Me and my brothers would do anything for each other....though it usually never appears that way when we are together.
9. My refrigerator is covered with photos and despite my attempts to clear it off I fear someone's feelings will be hurt when they are no longer represented.
10. I LOVE when I get a text message!
11. I think I can sing and always brag about my ability to tap dance...one day my friends will demand.
12. I know tanning is really bad for me....so I limit it to major events.
13. I always cover my cookie sheets with foil...no need to have extra cleaning to do.
14. Though I always ask for others' opinions, I do what I want.
15. I do not want to be rushed. If you tell me we are leaving at 8:00...that's when I'll be ready.
16. I will always give you the benefit of the doubt. I may get scr##ed in the end but that way I have no "what ifs."
17. I do not use a calendar!! I may have to eventually but I still have the ability to remember things. Watch me ginks myself. Occasionally I will put a reminder in my phone.
18. I am very good at forgiving and Forgetting. Gosh...if I couldn't forget some things I would be miserable.
19. I want to run away to get married. It only needs to be me and him. Not into all that planning. I will completely surprise everyone. Of course there will be a party when I get back.
20. I hope to have multiples when I have babies....best way to catch up!!
21. I have recently discovered that my good deeds on earth are not getting me into Heaven. God had Jesus take care of that for me! But I plan to keep doing good deeds.
22. I believe that the way you feel when you are first in love should never go away.
23. I have learned that there is only a need for a handful of true friends.
24. Full House was my favorite TV series on the original TGIF. I even own the first season on DVD.
25. I am not a very formal person. Suits make me nervous...though if the job calls for it I could handle it. Hate to change for a job though!! If you're good, you can get your message across just by being yourself.
2. I love MILK (fat free of course) love it love it love it!
3. I am a real scaredy cat. I check under my bed and in my closets every night before I go to bed.
4. I have one student who made a real impression on my life...if he had a good day he asked me to print him off some medical facts about random diseases. My mom even bought books for him at the thrift store. One day he asked me for a file box...when I asked him why, he said because if his family ever has to leave fast, he wants to have all of his medical stuff. Derek :) Yes...I gave him a file box.
5. I have a ton of anxiety...but fortunately control it without medication!! Thanks friends.
6. I do not like confrontation. I don't enjoy telling others they did something wrong or being told that myself.
7. I turn off the commercial of the white Ceaser dog waking up his mom because my dog lives with my mom, not me, so it makes me sad. Ex. I am not going to ever watch Marley and Me...no sense in feeling that sad.
8. Me and my brothers would do anything for each other....though it usually never appears that way when we are together.
9. My refrigerator is covered with photos and despite my attempts to clear it off I fear someone's feelings will be hurt when they are no longer represented.
10. I LOVE when I get a text message!
11. I think I can sing and always brag about my ability to tap dance...one day my friends will demand.
12. I know tanning is really bad for me....so I limit it to major events.
13. I always cover my cookie sheets with foil...no need to have extra cleaning to do.
14. Though I always ask for others' opinions, I do what I want.
15. I do not want to be rushed. If you tell me we are leaving at 8:00...that's when I'll be ready.
16. I will always give you the benefit of the doubt. I may get scr##ed in the end but that way I have no "what ifs."
17. I do not use a calendar!! I may have to eventually but I still have the ability to remember things. Watch me ginks myself. Occasionally I will put a reminder in my phone.
18. I am very good at forgiving and Forgetting. Gosh...if I couldn't forget some things I would be miserable.
19. I want to run away to get married. It only needs to be me and him. Not into all that planning. I will completely surprise everyone. Of course there will be a party when I get back.
20. I hope to have multiples when I have babies....best way to catch up!!
21. I have recently discovered that my good deeds on earth are not getting me into Heaven. God had Jesus take care of that for me! But I plan to keep doing good deeds.
22. I believe that the way you feel when you are first in love should never go away.
23. I have learned that there is only a need for a handful of true friends.
24. Full House was my favorite TV series on the original TGIF. I even own the first season on DVD.
25. I am not a very formal person. Suits make me nervous...though if the job calls for it I could handle it. Hate to change for a job though!! If you're good, you can get your message across just by being yourself.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Reading Again
What a joy to read for pleasure!
So I talked about a book I started reading a few months ago and felt immediately impacted by its message. "Calm My Anxious Heart" has helped me to be satisfied with my circumstances, primarily my desire to want a husband and a family. It has helped me to realize that in "God's time" He will show me what He has planned for me. So as I've been working hard to accept this another book has entered my life (Yes, I still have to pray every night to NOT worry about my future. A little aside...when letting go completely....funny things happen...further development to be discussed another time). This one by way of my friend Ashley. Every time she said the title of the book I never connected to the fact that 4:8 was in fact a bible verse. Yes, I'm new to this quoting bible verses, but still, it never clicked until I bought the book the other day.
The 4:8 Principle is based on Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." This book is about thinking like GOD!! Fortunately for me, though far from thinking like God, I tend to be a positive thinker by nature. I am usually hopeful. So as I work my way through this book, I will be interested to see how much more conscious I become of my own thinking. I am a bit of a day dreamer, wonder if that will be helped??
The funny thing too about Philippians 4:8, is that I have this verse on a sign over the bed in my guest room. OOOO chill bumps huh!!!
Thanks Ashley and more importantly Thank God for putting you in my life.
So I talked about a book I started reading a few months ago and felt immediately impacted by its message. "Calm My Anxious Heart" has helped me to be satisfied with my circumstances, primarily my desire to want a husband and a family. It has helped me to realize that in "God's time" He will show me what He has planned for me. So as I've been working hard to accept this another book has entered my life (Yes, I still have to pray every night to NOT worry about my future. A little aside...when letting go completely....funny things happen...further development to be discussed another time). This one by way of my friend Ashley. Every time she said the title of the book I never connected to the fact that 4:8 was in fact a bible verse. Yes, I'm new to this quoting bible verses, but still, it never clicked until I bought the book the other day.
The 4:8 Principle is based on Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." This book is about thinking like GOD!! Fortunately for me, though far from thinking like God, I tend to be a positive thinker by nature. I am usually hopeful. So as I work my way through this book, I will be interested to see how much more conscious I become of my own thinking. I am a bit of a day dreamer, wonder if that will be helped??The funny thing too about Philippians 4:8, is that I have this verse on a sign over the bed in my guest room. OOOO chill bumps huh!!!
Thanks Ashley and more importantly Thank God for putting you in my life.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Not Me...No Way!!
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. 
1. I did not start making my Christmas list during a 14 hour meeting on the same topic last week....I would never not pay attention to every detail of an important meeting. Nor did I begin my grocery list either.
2. I did not buy an $80 dress this weekend, after I have been trying to stick to a budget..Heck no...that would defeat the purpose of a budget! Now I need shoes!
3. When attempting to clean out my "research" closet (all my office and school stuff from Auburn), I did not just rearrange boxes and things and then consider it done.
4. During a Mardi Gras dance this weekend, I did not go sit in my car to listen to the Auburn game. I would never be that inconsiderate! Unfortunately, they lost.
5. This Monday morning, I did not spend the first two hours at working chatting with my friends and updating this blog. I have things to do!!
It feels so wonderful to be so perfect....yea right!!
1. I did not start making my Christmas list during a 14 hour meeting on the same topic last week....I would never not pay attention to every detail of an important meeting. Nor did I begin my grocery list either.
2. I did not buy an $80 dress this weekend, after I have been trying to stick to a budget..Heck no...that would defeat the purpose of a budget! Now I need shoes!
3. When attempting to clean out my "research" closet (all my office and school stuff from Auburn), I did not just rearrange boxes and things and then consider it done.
4. During a Mardi Gras dance this weekend, I did not go sit in my car to listen to the Auburn game. I would never be that inconsiderate! Unfortunately, they lost.
5. This Monday morning, I did not spend the first two hours at working chatting with my friends and updating this blog. I have things to do!!
It feels so wonderful to be so perfect....yea right!!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Put It In Writing
Literally, I still cannot hardly believe "it"...even to see "it" in writing!! This week has been so busy with meetings and dinners. I didn't think that just because "it" became official I would suddenly have so many more things to do!! Ohhh..to be so important!!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Relaxing,Tailgating, and Football
Thanks to the Baileys for letting us stay at the lake. What a great place to relax and unwind. The Baileys are Shelley and Jim's family whom I have come to know and love since I came back to Auburn. Friday afternoon, Shelley and I headed back to the lake to "celebrate." I was more or less letting my mind relax. Saturday morning we woke up early and headed to Auburn for the game. We tailgated at our car for just a little while (the game started at 12:30) and then we headed to the stadium. What a great bunch of people.....besides my family....they are my most favorite people. Thanks for making the weekend so special.
Me and Shelley unwinding after the big day!
The Tailgating Crew!!!
Gotta get a picture with Aubie!!!
Even the Baileys!!!
Gotta get a picture with Aubie!!!
Even the Baileys!!!
"D"-DAY
It is so hard to believe that the big day has come and gone...Dissertation Defense Date...that is. This day for me was like planning my wedding or my family....it took 3.5 years. So forgive me now if I tend to celebrate too much!! This is the journey my life has taken me on....and I could not be any happier....what an accomplishment!!! I told myself I could do it by the time I was 30....AND I'm still 30.
I drove up to Auburn on Thursday, November 5 to prepare for my presentation. First I stopped to get my hair done of course. I have the BEST hair stylist ever...I have no plans on changing any time soon. Anyways, I met with my professor, Dr. Rabren, on Thursday afternoon. We edited my presentation and did a practice run-through. All this time I was there, so was Shelley. She was scheduled to present at 8:30 am on Nov. 6 and then I was scheduled at 10:00 am. We finally left the infamous Haley Center at 7:00 pm on Thursday to head for the lake. We had a quick dinner at Niffer's and then hurried to get our refreshments made and get some sleep.
So Friday morning was the big day. I slept pretty well, only had a small fight with my pantyhose, and was feeling pretty confident. Everything went as planned. After my presentation, my committee (the 5 below) asked me to leave the room. A few minutes later, they asked me to come back in and said "Congratulations Dr. Zito!!" AND of course I burst into tears. My mom has always said that I was one of those girls who holds up well during the stress, but when it's over....I let loose.
I drove up to Auburn on Thursday, November 5 to prepare for my presentation. First I stopped to get my hair done of course. I have the BEST hair stylist ever...I have no plans on changing any time soon. Anyways, I met with my professor, Dr. Rabren, on Thursday afternoon. We edited my presentation and did a practice run-through. All this time I was there, so was Shelley. She was scheduled to present at 8:30 am on Nov. 6 and then I was scheduled at 10:00 am. We finally left the infamous Haley Center at 7:00 pm on Thursday to head for the lake. We had a quick dinner at Niffer's and then hurried to get our refreshments made and get some sleep.
So Friday morning was the big day. I slept pretty well, only had a small fight with my pantyhose, and was feeling pretty confident. Everything went as planned. After my presentation, my committee (the 5 below) asked me to leave the room. A few minutes later, they asked me to come back in and said "Congratulations Dr. Zito!!" AND of course I burst into tears. My mom has always said that I was one of those girls who holds up well during the stress, but when it's over....I let loose.
My Major Professor and Advisor, Dr. Rabren
My Doctoral Committee
Me...Laughing....NO...nothing was this funny...But I guess I had a good time.
Me...Laughing....NO...nothing was this funny...But I guess I had a good time.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
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