Have you ever encountered a website that tried to sabotage you? You know what I mean, the one that makes you want to toss your $2,000 machine out the window? Well hold on to your seats folks, the worlds WORST website just happens to be UAF’s Blackboard Learning System. I have struggled with this disgusting site for almost four years, yet I am forced (with a gun to my head) to deal with it until my student years are over. The unfortunate events of Blackboard lie completely beneath it’s support center; I do apologize to those who work for them, I mean no offense . My Blackboard sessions have not been updated for three years and I do enjoy encountering my old classes every time I open up my course list, YAHOO! If there are quizzes posted on Blackboard, the Auto Correct method is just not accurate. I can’t count on my fingers how many times I’ve had to contact my professors in order to re-correct my work. I did enjoy the prompt regarding a new password each year, yet it would have been nice if I could actually use my new password! Yes, Blackboard is a nightmare and yes, it does make me want to smash my PC in. I am destined to be held hostage under the wrath of this website until the bitter end of my student career. Thanks Blackboard!

It began a rather hectic day that involved a nasty doctor’s appointment for my 12 year old son Pedro. After a horrific blood draw, we were happy to escape the clinic darkness and explore the sunny day outside. I had a few errands to run for my mother, so we headed to the mall to buy her a bottle of vitamins at GNC. My son had developed a slight headache and I gave him some Tylenol to ease the tension. When we entered the mall, I directed him to the water fountains located in the entry way to the hall where the bathrooms were. As Pedro was taking his drink, swift and thunderous thumps grew louder and louder. I looked up to see a boy, perhaps 15 or 16, running rapidly towards the hallway where Pedro drank. The boy’s face was maroon in color and his hands were cupped tightly over his mouth. I knew at once what this meant and Pedro was in serious trouble. I watched in agony as the boy drew closer and closer to Pedro, every horrific thought ran swiftly through my mind. Pedro looked up at the boy and watched him pass him by, proceeding down the hallway in desperation. Then, we heard it, SPLAT. In disgust, I grabbed Pedro, avoiding the heaving nightmare in the hallway. Pedro grunted and yelled, “Oh SICK! There was red all over the walls!” We were quite grossed out by the events of that 30 second moment, yet one thankful thought spoke to us; at least he didn’t get Pedro.

I pondered in thought regarding my Jack Russell Terrier, Bandit, this morning. Sticking out of a sea of questions like a sore thumb, I fixated on one, why is this dog so crazy? I recalled a lovely day when I was riding horses with my son. I had attached Bandit to a little harness and a nice long lead rope to bring him along for the trip. Being a rambunctious rascal, it was necessary for me to keep him under control. The ride was enjoyable, yet one question sent a tinge of worry that fluttered through the pit of my stomach. What if we see another dog? If we crossed paths with another dog whether it be a Rottweiler, Husky, or Werewolf, our tiny 15 lb Bandit would insanely pursue it. The duration of the ride had been a relaxing one, the sun beating down on our backs, a slight blowing breeze caressing our faces….until. An over-sized Husky came leaping through the darkness of the tree-lined road side. My tiny Russell flipped around and hurdled aggressively toward the large beast. I turned my horse quickly in attempt to flee from the confrontation, dragging and tugging Bandit in panic. Bandit continued to avoid my aids, pulling and biting against the hold of his little harness. The Husky made a violent dive toward my little loco dog. Bandit was more than ready for the attack, yet while he was in mid-bark I pulled Bandit quickly up on my horse’s back by his rope and harness. The hoist has accompanied by a shrill scream resembling the shriek of monkeys trapped in a barrel of ice water. The Husky retreated quickly, perhaps realizing that my horse would have been more than happy to stomp on him. I held my small dog in my arms never forgetting the look of surprise on his face. My son and I both laughed with relief. Escorted by Bandit on my horse’s back, we headed home.

When I recall this story, I can’t help but to admire the integrity and grit of our little dog. These small breeds carry a bundle of wit in their tiny bodies, a hidden confidence that they could take on something so large and scary. Life could be a tremendous thing in itself, and we, petite and courageous, must pursue it. We have to be ready to leap out at the large, scary changes we will face and God will be prepared to pull us up on his lap when things get difficult.

I wouldn’t be surprised if this site in particular has been mentioned several times. My favorite site would be, of course, myspace.com. Myspace is a wonderful way to connect with forgotten friends and folks from far away. Myspace has several available options such as a blogger, a picture album, links to personalize your page, e-mail, and so much more. I have reunited with several friends that I had back in the day. The design of Myspace is very simple and quite quick to follow.  I highly recommend myspace, it can be a great experience.

Hi, I’m LaRene and I’m super cool! I like to ride horses and hang out with my boy. My son’s name is Pedro and he is in 7th grade. He’s a super cool kid too.

I’m oblivious about what else to say so I would like to share a joke with you all.

The pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won.
The pastor was so pleased with the donkey that he entered him in another
race and he won again.
The local paper read:
PASTOR’S ASS OUT FRONT.
The Bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the
pastor not to enter the donkey in any more races.
The next day the local paper headline read:
BISHOP SCRATCHES THE PASTOR’S ASS.
This was too much for the Bishop, so he ordered the pastor to get rid of the donkey.
The pastor decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent.
The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline:
NUN HAS THE BEST ASS IN TOWN.
The Bishop fainted. He informed the nun that she would have to get rid of the donkey so she sold it to a farmer for $10.
The next day the headlines read:
NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10.
This was too much for the Bishop, so he ordered the nun to buy back the
donkey and lead it to
the high plains where it could run free.
The next day the headlines read:
NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE.
Alas .. the Bishop was buried the next day.
MORAL OF THE STORY???
Being concerned about public opinion can bring you
much grief and misery and even shorten your life.
So, be yourself and enjoy life.
Stop worrying about everyone else’s ass and you’ll live longer.