Ding! Dong! The Wicked Witch is Dead!

This one could be a doozey, so pull up your favorite chair or couch and have a sit. While you are at it, grab yourself a drink and something to munch since Steve informed me that the blog has no food or drinks. HAHAHAHA
Well, the title is a bit expressive of how I feel. Just take dead out and turn it into gone and that is a good summary. I will start by saying I'm not admitting to anything here or saying I did anything, I'm just stating what has happened. So, the handler of Sausage Dog has made it up in her mind there is no possible way Guide Dog's could have known about her dog being so fat or having health problems unless I told them. Resulting from her thinking that she no longer talks to me. This explains the title. I'm kind of happy about this, because she wasn't exactly the greatest friend for me. She was full of constant drama, whining, bitching, and an all together bring you down kind of person. So, I feel lots better now that she is gone.
Here is a clip of the song:
Ding!Dong! The Wicked Witch is Dead!

To keep with this Wizard of OZ theme, Here is how I feel about the situation and
maybe I should have a heart?
I've been really busy with school that I haven't had much time to think about much, other than school. Calculus and Statistics are kicking my butt though. Well Calculus more than Statistics though. I'm really liking my 1960s literature class and Marketing is a bit redundant in some parts.Still trying to finish some of those classes left from last semester. I only have 2 left to finish now. I did finish my Wellness/Fitness class by completeing 3 miles in the allotted 1 hour time limit given to everyone. I was told that no matter what I finished I would still get full credit, that just fueled me to finish in time even more. Leah didn't like it much, but I was pumped after I finished and very proud of myself. So, I got an A for that class. I also ended up with a B in biology after everything was done. Business Law likes a quiz, a final, and a research paper. My freshman orientation class is just waiting on the teacher to tell me what is left to finish. I still can't believe that I'm graduating this May and its only the first step in a long journey lol.
Here is another song that reminds me of Calculus and Statistics:
Calculus and Statistics, YUCK!
In my spare time, which there seems to be little of, I've been watching American Idol. I know I crossed over to the dark side, but Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson's chemistry really makes it interesting for me. I've picked my favorite guy who auditioned in Austin. I love him while everyone I know hates him. Maybe you guys might like him.
Casey Abrams audition in Austin
He has that very bluesy/jazzy sound. Which deep down and in a place I'm not too scared to admit I have...I love this kind of music. I'm a sucker for something different I guess.
Here is one of my favorites of his. In this video, he is doing his solo performance in Hollywood during Hollywood week or as the judges called it "Hell Week" He is keeping the pretense of being different and plays an upright bass.
Casey's solo during Hollywood week
This one has to be my most favorite performance of his to date:
Not sure who originally does this song, but I love it
Sorry for the onslaught of links, but another few are coming :) This has to be one of my least favorite performances of his, even though I really like the song.
I Put a Spell on You
This is the most recent performance I could find, and he still gives me goosebumps with his voice.
Most recent performance and I just love it!
So this week is spring break, but not for me I'm spending it doing homework. Well Tuesday I'm going shopping with a couple of friends of mine, that ought to be fun :) Everyone needs a break from time to time right?
Gosh, May 5th I'll be done at this college and moving on to another one to finish my bachelors degree. But this summer I get to go to Vegas. That trip has me a bit nervous. I'm flying there by myself and may get there before Taylor and his friend get there. We are going to Vegas to be there for Taylor's best friends wedding. Taylor has been knighted best man. I am making sure someone gets me pictures since Taylor is supposed to wear a suit and this boy is the last person I would have ever thought to be seen in a suit. I think its going to be lots of fun if I can relax and not worry about the minor details. Thats alot of my problems, I over think stuff and over analyze it to death. Life would be so much better if I could just learn to turn my brain off and relax. So that is my goal for the Vegas trip, to relax.
I'm trying to talk my mom into taking me home after graduation, well back to their house, to have a graduation party. I'm sure they won't want to do it, but I really want a graduation party. You may ask why would I want a graduation party now?
Well the answer is simple, I didn't have a graduation party after my high school graduation. My party consisted of TV,my hospital cup full of ice water, my parents couch, and good strong pain meds. My high school graduation was 3 days after I had surgery the first time, the time they installed all this hardware. so, yeah I was just glad to make it through graduation without getting violently ill.
So, to make up for that I want to party this time, for this graduation. Its a bit much to ask for, but I really want it! To be able to celebrate my accomplishment with old friends and my family will be so awesome!
Well, hmm, I would also like to thank Steve for giving my blog back after he hijacked it.
Here is a little Public Service Announcement just for Steve:
Stop using the word"Tweeps" and "Tweople" those words just make you sound like a dork.
HAHAHA
No really, it is just that most people find them really annoying...and my PSA sucked....I guess I need some more marketing classes.

****Pay no attention to those people behind the curtain****
Well, everyone else has gone to bed so I guess its my turn.
I promise, I'll try to update more often and make time for this little place I call my internet home :)

Night everyone and sweet dreams!
XOXO
Amanda Ellen and Leah

This Is A Test, And A Hostage Situation

My name is Steve, and starting now, I am holding this blog hostage. Don't worry, I'm not violent. the last thing I want to do is hurt anybody. Ok so that's a bit of a lie. I'd actually like to hurt lots of people, but what's important is that I'm not going to. that is to say that I'm not going to so long as you all cooperate and let me do this the easy way.

Hmmm. I've never taken something hostage before, so I'm trying to remember what comes next. Do I fire warning shots into the air? I don't have a gun, so that could be a problem. Let's see if this works.

BANG! POP! BOOM!

Well, do you feel warned?

I feel like I'm messing up this entire thing. It strikes me that perhaps I shouldn't be threatening you all with ammo letter word sound thingies until *after* I've demanded stuff, so yeah, let's do that.

What I want is simple. I have no long list. I don't want cigarettes or pizza or beer or lottery tickets or whatever other stuff most of us hostage taking types ask for. I only want one thing, and it's not even a self serving one. What I want is to better the world through banishment of something truly horrible. What I want, and I know this may be tough for some of you, is for everyone in the world to renounce the use of the word tweeps. Jimminy Christmas in July, I hate that word! It makes you all sound like such fools, and in the case of some of the guilty I know that fools you are not.

And if it's not too much to ask, can we also knock off tweeple and all other variations? Yes, I think we can. Don't make me word shoot you again, because I will! Do you hear me? Well, do you? Why is nobody answering me!? Why!? Oh wait, it's because you're reading from far away. If you're not far away then you're in here, and I haven't seen you around. But...um...what was I saying again? Oh yeah. I have a keyboard and I know how to use it!

BANGBANGPOWPOWPOWBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG!

See? I mean business here! Stop with the tweep thing and nobody gets hurt. Really, that's all I ask.

Wait, I do ask for one more thing. Please FeedBurner, post this to Amanda's Twitter without incident. I'd like that very much. I'd like it almost as much as I'd like for Twitter to be tweep free.

I hope we don't have to have this talk again. This hostage thing gets old pretty fast, plus I'm getting hungry and I can't find any food in this blog. Perhaps I should have demanded some when I started, or maybe I should just go and hostage take a recipe site.

Spring Semester is looming

Well, my last semester of community college starts Monday. It is hard to believe I've spent the last 3 and half years here..but its all almost over...Its bitter sweet. I'm ready to move onto my bachelors, but I've made lots of friends and relationships at this college I don't want to see end.
I know Leah has many friends at the college who she will certainly miss.
But I think I might have over done the last semester...15 hours on top of 8 hours I didn't finish last semester?
So here's the course list:
Statistics
Calculus for Business and Economics
Special Topics Literature class over the 1960s
Marketing
Technical Writing
and then tack on the 2 biology papers to finish which one is done, so only one left, the freshman orientation class I didn't complete, business law I still have some quizzes and a research paper to write for, and my wellness fitness class...yep..I'm going to be a busy bee this semester.
The best thing?
My dad is going to be my escort at graduation since they won't let do some O&M a few days before...That is going to be awesome!
It is hard to believe that in May I'll be an official college graduate...
It makes me feel very accomplished :)

Thats it for now,
I have to research a paper over fetal stem cell research and why I think its ok.

Amanda Ellen and Leah The Princess"

What people are using to find me?

I've seen RO and VomitComet (Karen and Steve) do this, so I thought I would give it a shot.
I don't have much, but hey they look promising.
being blind
Wow, is there someone wanting to know what its like to be blind or do they know someone who is blind and wanting to sympathize? Being blind isn't that bad :) It can help you make some real cool friends :)


is gary allan dating anyone
Not sure, but if he isn't then send him my way...He can stand in line behind Josh Hamilton...Ah, God has truly blessed this world with those 2 handsome men :)


student killed in crash stephenville
OMG! I didn't hear about this one, but thats not far from here. I hope the family is ok for the situation.


was a real bad day for

Was a real bad for who? I've had bad days, but we all get through them. Want to hear about some bad days go to Karen and Steve's blog...those people are having bad days :)

Well I guess thats it...Wanted to do this to kill some time while I bake buttermilk pies :)

Bet you thought I was gone didn't you?

So, its been a while since I posted! I'm back but just for a minute. Christmas break is finally here and I have time to compplete a whole thought! I'm also procrastinating against packing since I really don't like it. :) Where am I going you may ask? Well, I'm taking a little vacation, going to see my parents in PA (I am not sure how to spell the whole word lol) I am making a long weekend leaving Friday and coming back on Tuesday. My mom and 2 of the ladies that works with her are taking me to NYC on Saturday for a fun filled day of shopping and sight seeing! We also get to spend the night in NYC and go look at everything all lit up! Times Square lit up for Christmas its going to be awesome! I'm just looking forward to a change of scenery, not having to worry about anything, and getting to see my parents. Oh, this will also be fun since its going to be the first big snow Leah and I have worked in before. Time to dig out the good ol' booties, and mom bought her a sweater. I'll have someone take pictures so I can try to get them up here at the very least I'll get them on my facebook. I'm really excited and trying to pack light so I can bring stuff back, but I'm just not sure how to do that lol. Well, thats about all for now, I want to leave you guys with a cute little poem for the holidays!

Its called:
A Guide Dog Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and the kennels were still,
with most dogs now asleep having eaten their fill.
The Labradors sprawled out, quite snug in their beds,
while visions of ANYTHING edible danced in their heads.
And the Goldens and Shepherds curled up on the floor,
some twitched in their sleep and some even did snore.
The dog food was stacked in the feed room with care,
in hopes that a trainer soon would be there.

On the window ledge, one of the kennel cats lay,
surveying the lawn at the end of this day.
Something was different, that little cat knew.
Tonight something would happen, it had to be true.
For that day as the workers had left to go home,
They'd wished Merry Christmas! before starting to roam.
The dogs had noticed it to during this past week's walks,
the trainers seemed just that much happier and eager to talk.
In the mall where they worked through the maze of people and stores,
there were decoration and music and distractions galore!
Most dogs pranced along without worry or fear,
but some balked at the man on the sleigh and those fake looking deer.
The cat was almost asleep too when he first heard the sound,
a whoosh through the air and a jingle around.
It reminded him of a dog's collar when the animal shook,
but this sound kept on growing. He'd better go look.
>From the ceiling there came a faint sort of thunk,
as the kennel cat climbed to the highest pile of junk.
Once before people had worked on the roof,
and come down through the trap door to a chorus of "Woooof!"
But the dogs still were quiet, all sleeping so sound,
as this man dressed in red made his way right on down.
He patted the cat as he climbed past his spot,
then made his way right to the trainers' coffee pot.
A shepherd sat up, not fully awake,
then a Golden followed her with a mighty loud shake.
That did it! All the dogs sprang to life with loud noise.
In spite of the din, the old man kept his poise.
He filled the pot full and it started to brew,
then he pulled up a chair and took in the view.
Dogs all around him, so carefully bred,
he knew well their jobs, the blind people they led.
Some had stopped barking and looked at him now,
while others delighted in their own deafening howl.
Laying a finger in front of his lips,
the jolly old man silenced the excitable yips.
"You all may not know me, but I'm Santa Claus,"
the old man smiled and took a short pause, While he filled up his mug with hot liquid and cream,
"I've always wanted to stop here. It's been one of my dreams."
The cat had climbed down and was exploring Santa's sack.
"Yes, little kitty, that's an empty pack."
Santa smiled as he drank and looked at those eyes,
deep brown ones and gold ones held wide in surprise.
Some of these dogs, he'd seen just last year,
in their puppy homes, cute and full of holiday cheer.
He'd seen the effects of a pup on the tree,
but now they were here at the school, just waiting to be.
"I didn't bring you presents or bones just to chew.
I'll tell you something better, what you are going to do."
"You all will work hard and the trainers will share,
both praise and correction, gentle and fair."
"You'll go lots of places and face big scary things.
You'll ride buses and subways and hear fire sirens ring."
"Cars will drive at you but you will stand strong,
not moving into danger, not moving toward wrong."
"And then just when you think that this trainer's the best,
the kindest, and funnest person, toss away all the rest,"
"That trainer will begin to ignore you and give you away,
handing your leash over despite your dismay."
"Now the person who pets you and feeds you will be
a blind person. That's a person who can't see."
" This man or this woman may see just a tad,
but their view's missing parts or the focus is bad."
"So you, well trained dogs, will act as their eyes.
You will work as a team and discover the size"
"Of this great world we live in, because you will go
a million new places with this person, you know."
Santa sipped at his coffee and looked over the brood,
knowing what he had to say next might sound kind of rude.
"Not all of you will make it and become canine guides.
Your time here isn't wasted though. You won't be cast aside."
"Some of you will be drug dogs and some will find bombs.
Some will become pets in a home with a dad and a mom."
"All these things are important. People wait on long lists,
to receive such good dogs as you, the school folks insist."
The last drop of coffee had gone into his cup
as Santa turned, smiling at each wide eyed pup.
"The best gift of all is to give something back.
That's why there's nothing for you all inside of my pack."
Draining his mug, Santa went to each pen,
and petted and scratched each dog again and again.
"Now next year and many more years after that,
you all will give gifts wherever you're at."
"You might lick a hand that's had a bad day,
Or notice a car and step out of the way."
"You might help catch a crook or discover some loot,
Or just bring some joy to a tired old man in a funny red suit."
"Your master will love you and treat you with care.
In return, your training and trust will always be there."
After the last dog had been petted and soothed,
Santa put away the coffee pot and made ready to move.
Up the ladder he rose to the door high above,
with a smile and a wave as he slipped on his gloves.
And all the dog ears were pricked as he disappeared out of sight.
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!"

(Author Unknown)


Have a Happy Holidays everyone,
Amanda Ellen and Leah

Giants vs Rangers!!

So, its offcial, the Giants will be playing the Rangers starting wednesday for the world series title!! I have to say I really hope Texas keeps up what they've been doing and kicks some Giants butt! I am so excited, and I held off on this post to see who we would be playing. I am also relieved that its not the Phillies. Seems like the big names won't be making the talk of the town this year! First time for the Rangers to the world series ever since they've been a ball club! I'm so excited and think its a good time to be a Texan! I was also glad that Josh Hamilton got the AL MVP, his speech was very touching and I've loved him since the first time I heard him play. He just goes out there and gives the game everything he has and then some. He is just an awesome player and glad he got the award. So, sorry if I ahave an Californians reading or any Giants fans here, but I hope Texas kicks the Giants butt all over the place and we come with the World Series under our belt!!

Go Rangers and I can't wait for Wednesday..Cliff Lee will be starting things out right!

GO RANGERS! ALL THE WAY BABY! IT'S TIME! CLAWS AND ANTLERS BABY!!!

Thats all,
Amanda Ellen

Couch Ponderings and ramblings :)

Well, I titled it that because really I am laying on the couch with a neck pillow in my jacket and PJS. I've reached a state of boredom that is really horrible. I don't like to be bored, and this whole not going out and no one has come to see me business just isn't fun. Oh, you may ask why I am not going out, well a little over a week ago I had surgery to revise my shunt. Oh whats a shunt you may ask well, a shunt is a piece of plastic tubing, or thats what I have been told to think it is, that runs from a valve implanted in my brain down to my stomach to drain my spinal fluid since my brain can't seem to do it properly. Oh, its going to get better, I think I'll take this time to educate everyone on my disease, give me just one sec to hit up google :)
***google time***
Please be patient as all of our operators are currently helping other customers :)
Ok, so according to google this is how you properly spell the disease its called hydrocephalus.
According to the Mayo Clinic, here is the definition:
"Hydrocephalus occurs when excess fluid builds up in your brain, most often because of an obstruction preventing proper fluid drainage. The excess fluid can compress surrounding, fragile brain tissue, causing brain damage. Left untreated,hydrocephalus can be fatal. Once known as "water on the brain," hydrocephalus is sometimes present at birth, although it may develop later. About 1 out of 500 children is born with the disorder. The outlook if you have hydrocephalus depends on how quickly the condition is diagnosed and whether any underlying disorders are present."

The Mayo Clinic's symptoms include:



"The signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus vary by age group and disease progression.

In infants, common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus include:

■An unusually large head
■A rapid increase in the size of the head
■A bulging "soft spot" on the top of the head
■Vomiting
■Sleepiness
■Irritability
■Seizures
■Eyes fixed downward (sunsetting of the eyes)
■Developmental delay
In older children and adults, common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus include:

■Headache followed by vomiting
■Nausea
■Blurred or double vision
■Eyes fixed downward (sunsetting of the eyes)
■Problems with balance, coordination or gait
■Sluggishness or lack of energy
■Slowing or regression of development
■Memory loss
■Confusion
■Urinary incontinence
■Irritability
■Changes in personality
■Impaired performance in school or work
Hydrocephalus produces different combinations of these signs and symptoms, depending on its cause, which also varies by age. For example, a condition known as normal pressure hydrocephalus, which mainly affects older people, typically starts with difficulty walking. Urinary incontinence often develops, along with a type of dementia marked by slowness of thinking and information processing.

When to see a doctor
Infants and toddlers require emergency medical care for these signs and symptoms:

■A high-pitched cry
■Problems with sucking or feeding
■Unexplained, recurrent vomiting
■Exhibiting an unwillingness to bend or move the neck or head
■Breathing difficulties
■Seizures
The following signs and symptoms don't constitute an emergency, but they do warrant a call to your child's doctor:

■A rapid increase in the size of the head
■A bulging "soft spot" on the top of the head
■A change in the appearance of the face or eyes
■A decreased level of interest or engagement in social interactions
Older adults need a complete physical and neurological exam if experiencing:

■Walking difficulties
■Impaired thinking
■Urinary incontinence "

Am I scarying anyone yet?
I had headaches, messed up vision, nausea, and vomitting. Not sure about that sunsetting of the eyes thing...but um, I also did and still do have problems with my train of thought, my memory is really fuzzy for most things before surgery the first time around and things now are a bit fuzzy from time to time or I sometimes don't remember things at all. I do have the lack of energy thing still now, it seems I can sleep a lot! I also have a real balance problem, but it was much worse before the first surgery!

Here's what they say are the causes:
"Hydrocephalus is caused by excess fluid buildup in your brain.

Your brain is the consistency of gelatin, and it floats in a bath of cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid also fills large open structures, called ventricles, which lie deep inside your brain. The fluid-filled ventricles help keep the brain buoyant and cushioned.

Cerebrospinal fluid flows through the ventricles by way of interconnecting channels. The fluid eventually flows into spaces around the brain, where it's absorbed into your bloodstream.

Keeping the production, flow and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid in balance is important to maintaining normal pressure inside your skull. Hydrocephalus results when the flow of cerebrospinal fluid is disrupted — for example, when a channel between ventricles becomes narrowed — or when your body doesn't properly absorb this fluid.

Defective absorption of cerebrospinal fluid causes normal pressure hydrocephalus, seen most often in older people. In normal pressure hydrocephalus, excess fluid enlarges the ventricles but does not increase pressure on the brain. Normal pressure hydrocephalus may be the result of injury or illness, but in many cases the cause is unknown."

One of my chambers in my brain are clogged with a big ol' mass of scar tissue at everyone's best guess because its not malignant and its not pressing too hard on anything. How I got the scar tissue will forever remain a mystery, and it will prob stay there forever unless it turns malignant.

Here's somethings that can give you a good chance of getting this disease:
"
■Lesions or tumors of the brain or spinal cord
■Central nervous system infections
■Bleeding in the brain
■Severe head injury"

The Mayo Clinic has the pretty normal treatment options here:
"Hydrocephalus is usually treated with surgery. Options include:

■Shunt placement. The most common treatment for hydrocephalus is the surgical insertion of a drainage system, called a shunt. It consists of a long flexible tube with a valve that keeps fluid from the brain flowing in the right direction and at the proper rate. One end of the tubing is usually placed in one of the brain's ventricles. The tubing is then tunneled under the skin to another part of the body where the excess cerebrospinal fluid can be more easily absorbed — such as the abdomen or a chamber in the heart.

People who have hydrocephalus usually need a shunt system for the rest of their lives, so additional surgeries may be needed to insert longer tubing to match a child's growth. Revisions to the shunt also may be needed if the tubing becomes blocked or infected.

■Ventriculostomy. This surgical procedure is sometimes used when there's an obstruction of flow between ventricles. In the procedure, your surgeon makes a hole in the bottom of one of the ventricles, to allow the cerebrospinal fluid to flow toward the base of the brain, where normal absorption occurs."

They tried both with me, and only the shunt works.
Ok, so to my most recent surgery, my shunt needing revising, which meant something was broken and it needed fixed. What needed fixin you may ask?
Well the valve in my brain had become covered in brain goo for some reason and the cathedar piece that protrudes from the base of my skull, which isn't noticeable, was broken. With these 2 issues I was having killer headaches that felt like the back of my head was going to blow out, double vision, shaking of the hands, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty processing anything I was abosorbing. Not sure if the mental side of things, not the headches and the sakes part, was because things weren't working right or if thats just a symptom left from the surgery I haven't really encountered before or if its going to stick with me since the levels got so high this time.
But I only spent 2 nights in the hospital, and got a groovy new haircut and 30 stitches. I think I am the only person I know who made a fuss because they gave me stitches this time instead of staples. I now know why I made a fuss because the stitches are painful because they are the kind that goes away on their own and they hurt when they are trying to go away!

Well, hmm...thinking that might be the end of my couch ramblings and thoughts for the night.

Oh, I forgot this disease did cause my blindness because the pressure caused my optic nerves to atrophy which gave me optic neuropathy!
Hmm, if I remember something else I will edit so look for the edit sign in the title!

Night everyone!

Amanda Ellen and Princess Leah