Creature Features

6:04pm: Who Are You?...I Am Me!!!
I know it's been so long that you probably forgot what I look like...Or that I even exist. Here I am with an update for all...Or no one, if there isn't a soul that reads this any more. I noticed that Jen seems to be the only one that is really writing in her journal any more...regularly anyway.

Let see, for those of you how haven't heard...Ha ha ha...Dale and I are engaged and we are slowly putting the pieces of the wedding plans together...I just now here that we have the priest, Ya!!! I know what I am doing / making for the flowers. We know how many people are going to be in the wedding party...if they say yes! We don't have a date, except for next year around this month. The only other thing I can think of that we know is what kind of a honeymoon we are going to take...a cruse.

The Zoo is going well...The education department is no more, the animal collections department staff are learning to do shows, presentations, exhibit interpretations, etc...with help form the Education Specialist - ME!!! I am still going on outreaches, but they have been expanded to year round...that makes it really fun for my boss to figure out a schedule that works for the entire staff. We have added a few animals to the collection for the crawl space...1 corn snake (no name), 4 mice (white with grey patches - Patches, grey with red eyes - Fivel, orangish brown - Mrs Brizbee, black - Gadget), and 1 rat (Stella). The wolves have a new improved hill with 3 waterfalls that lead to 2 shallow ponds for the wolves to play in. The pond is so not the pond anyone remembers. It is now deep enough to have a building in it...and it does, The Cave for under water viewing of native wetland fish, other water dwellers, and the bottoms of ducks.

Not sure what ells to add...Hope every thing is good with everyone ells!
Chat at you later...

2:18pm: The Zoo Trash
Here is the trash of the week, on Tuesday, October 11th Amy (my boss & friend) was fired!!!... or her position is no longer needed. After 12 years of devoted service to the zoo and all she had to servive with Andrew... Nice!!!

Wednessday there was a meeting where it was revieled about Amy and the fact that Lori is now in charge of the Animal Collections... and no one is really happy about that (at least in AC). Rick (the one everyone would want in charge) doesn't know yet... Rene turned in her 2 week notice, and then got fired... at least she can collect unemployment. Danyel asked if Rene quite or was fired... She was let go, so Danyel's let them know it was her last day also. Lish, Katie, and I are just hanging in there for the animals right now and the hopes that we can convince Nancy that Lori was a bad desition. I will be helping out as a keeper in AC when ever I can... That's cool, I missed those animals. The good thing is I still have say on my days off!!! Pluss Ann is still suposed to be able to scedule me for outreaches when ever she needs to... So we'll see how much that works with their "plans".

Today is Thursday, my outreach for today is done & went really well. Linda Harper went with me & we took Gabby (conure), Buddy (ferrot), and Dino (bearded Dragon). I am to stare back in with AC tomorrow... We'll see how that goes. I'm being trained by Katie. I'll keep everyone up to date on the trash at the zoo... after all this is the creature feature.

2:29pm: Hi everyone I am still alive!!!!!!!!!!

I have a new Jack artofact!!!!!!!!
It is so cool!!!!!!!!
A Jack Bust...that talks!!!!!!!!!

Yessssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!
See you later all!!!

1:17pm: Hah, I am at work...On lunch...and missing YOU!!!
You know who you are...I hope...

See all of you after work today...
Were we eating?

11:18pm: New Pic... Once again!
Finally down louded the pictures from my camera...
This is Dale and I dressed up for a friends wedding...

I think it's really cute!!!
Talk later...

Had another really great weekend with Dale!!!
This time with his family... birthday party...
Viewing a new house... and I use that term lightly!!!

I am so happy...
Sweet dreams to all...

8:34pm: What a Weekend!
Friday,
... I prepared some snacks for the weekend (at my brother's and up north with Dale's family - in Bay View (Petoskey). Ham roll-ups, 3 kinds - plain, pineapple, and a new (at least to me) cream cheese I found honey-nut. I made 6 of each, thinking we would use 1/2 each place... but I'm getting ahead of myself. Also make some of the pizza dipper crescent rolls (4 each flavor - pepperoni/peppers and ham/mushrooms), 2 for each place.

Saturday,
... got up and made honey-cereal-mix for up north. Dale came over, and I finished packing while the mix was cooling. Went over the list in my mind... surprise, surprise, (packed too much, but) I didn't forget anything! At about 10:00 we were off to my parents house... she keeps introducing Dale to family members either before I can or just after I already did... cute! We waited to almost 12:00 for the rest of the family that was going with all of us to arrive... then (in three vehicles) we were off (2 to 3 hour tripe).

At Greg and Julie's place, for his B-day (an excuse for the rest of the family to see his place). The food is, of course over flowing... and we still used all 18 rolls of ham roll-ups. It was a lot of fun... every one talking, eating, laughing, and playing with the nephews... Dillon took to Dale, using him as a mountain to climb over and lay on. Before long everyone was stuffed and it was time to go (about 5:30 or 6:00)... and we (or Dale) had a 5 hour drive ahead of us (or him)... I think I fell asleep part(s) of the way there...

Arrive in Bay View (Petoskey), 10:30 or 11:00, great the family (mom, dad, his sister, and one of his nephews), chat for a while, move things in from the car, chat some more... then go to sleep!

Sunday,
... In the morning, we go out (Dale first) to great the other awake people in the cabin... Breakfast is a chocolate, chocolate chip muffin (over course) and a glass of milk. Once everyone is up and dressed in not PJ's, we are off to do some sight seeing and shopping. They take me to see all the beautiful areas and buildings around... The first place we all went shopping at was a... (big pause)... Toy Store!!! I bought a big tennis ball (the size of a soccer ball), and two more decks of cards... they are cool!!! After shopping, we did the majority of the sight seeing, then back to the cabin for a nap before dinner... and then it was time to say good-bye, and be on our way... I think I slept most of the way back to my house... Dale and I watched some TV before we went to bed, but I could feel my self falling to sleep... and I almost cried (tears of joy) with what you whispered in my ear...

What a beautiful weekend...
Sweet Dreams everyone...

11:22pm: Always the bad-guy!
...Or adult as some might say. Today at work was the day the Steven's Van Line workers got to come into the zoo and get a hole bunch of free-Bs. Why, politics... anyway, most of the management staff is never there on Sundays (as it was for this day also). Darrel and I were the only two management there... the Zoo Crew volunteers were assigned to a physical plant personnel (to take pressure off Darrel who was MOD - manager on duty, and me). The guy they chose is bran new this year, yes he is older, but he acts as if he can do anything at the zoo... He knows nun of the rules, and doesn't seem to care.

The keepers have complained about him in the past doing things like: mowing the lawn in between the monkey cage and the fence... which would be a good thing normally... but not when the capuchins are out there. Only the keepers are allowed to go in that area at that time... not to mention the stress of having the mower going!

He wanted his child to volunteer in the past, I explained to him that he can not volunteer with out an adult with him (being only 11 or 12), and explained that bringing his son when he is working is not an option. Yet, one day I walk in and there they both are... he wants me to show his kid around and let him know what he would be doing as a volunteer... I explained that I could not do that, and reminded him that this was unacceptable. his answer was, "I know but I just wanted him to get an idea of what he would be doing if he wanted to come..." Then bring him on your day off!!!!

Anyway, today was the day (Rob had convinced Nancy and Ann that his son is really into photography, and that some teacher some were had given him awards or something... So he is to take photos at the snake table. I have to handling volunteers there controlling the snake... he tells his dad that he is set and knows what he is doing. Dad walks away and he proceeds to ask them how to load the Polaroid camera... He had to retake several photos because he cut off the peoples heads... and that's just at the photo area!

At lunch time I am told, by one of the keepers that a really small kid volunteer, not a Zoo Crew member, was pounding on the wolf window... later in the day I caught him leaning over with his hand in the prarie dog exhibit tapping on the glass... trying to get their attention. I corrected him then about that... I went to Darrel about everything and asked him to handle it since Rob was his employee and it was his son... I did not get him as a volunteer. I proceeded to let Nancy know that I had some problems with what went on to day (including the Zoo Crew volunteers using their cel phones while working). Anyway enough of the troubles with other peoples kids...

That was not the only problem today, once again Lori and I bumped heads a little... she wanted to change around the rotation of the rabbits again, because she does not like the idea of Paddington (an education rabbit - not exhibit rabbit) getting put on exhibit only 2 times a week. I proceeded to let her know that I needed him to stay that way, and that I agreed that he needed more attention, so the education department would schedule him more... I think she got it. I asked her about Kami and when she (the blue-tongued skink - lizard) would be coming back on line... she said that it was going to be another week, so I circled her name on the schedule sheet and marked her off for one more week. Then I find out from Ashley (one of my staff members), that Carrie (an other one) asked Amy (my boss and head of the animal collections department) about when Kami was going to be able to be used being that it is difficul to schedule the other animals with out having her as a back up. Amy approved using her... so I let Lori know what I was informed and surprisingly enough... she said "oh, ok... I don't know that much about repiles"... Wow!!!

Long store...left pretty long, work was difficult and exhausting... but the day ended with love and laughter...War of the Worlds (again)... Applebees and the best waiter ever (Bob)... and great company (Absinthe, Boat-dude, Tizzal, Doll face, and DW!!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!

12:09am: Magical Night
Thanks for the waking dream...
And the perfect moments within...

6:25pm: Yesterday's Event - Bye to Kristie
I had a party yesterday... and before everyone thinks,
"I wasn't invited"....It was a zoo going away party for one of the keepers...
It was pretty cool, I made (or had) way to much stuff of course.
We got to see my night blooming flowers open right before our eyes...Cool!
My mom brought over the reinforcement rum slush...Cool!!!
And she dropped off the segment from Home Town News on CNN that I did for the zoo... and they made me watch it...

I don't sound like that do I?... must learn to speak in sign language.
I don't look like that do I?... I should only come out at halloween, then I'd fit in... People hit me for saying that at the party, but really...

Anyway, Wednesday the director Nancy Parker and I are going to record something for channel 49... I think that's the right channel.

The Home Town News segment is still playing until Friday the 16th, in-case anyone was interested...

8:57pm: I'm glad your sweatshirt is still here!
Even though you wanted it for the fireworks...
Big grin!

I know you don't read these anymore,
But see you tomorrow...
Sweet dreams!

11:01am: The prowling has ended!
What can I loose, only the blues
Why keep concealing everything your feeling, say it to him...
What can you loose...
May be it's sure, he's had clues which he chose to ignore,
May be though he knows and just wants to go on as before,
As a friend nothing more,
So he closes the dore...
Well if he does, those are the dews,
Once the words are spoking something may be broken...
But what if he knows, at lease now you have part of him...
What Can You Lose - Madonna.

I been holding back now my whole life
I've decided to move on now
Gonna leave all my worries behind...
Searchin' My Soul - Vonda Shepard.

I don't want an other pretty face,
I don't want just anyone to hold,
I don't want my love to go to waste,
I want you and your beautiful soul...

8:17pm: Mixed Day
Good Part - CNN came to the zoo today to film a segment for Home Town News, and Nancy (the zoo director) had me do the interview. We decided the segment into 2 sections at the zoo... 1) At the Crawl Space talking about the creepy crawlies you will encounter when you visit this new area, and 2) in the Butterfly Encounter talking about the Zoo Crew Volunteer program. It's only 4 minute (2 minute each) but pretty cool. I can't remember when it is going to air... next week or the week after.

Bad Part - I hate solicitors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I say I'm not interested (no matter how insane you may think I am - because the stuff you are offering is so irresistible to you), the answer is NO... Not keep hassling me, only to finally get the message, hang up, report to you supervisor...and not even 5 minutes later the supervisor calls back to check (weather I am really out of my mind or did the lackey not do a good enough job). Any way that was just a rant...

11:54pm: Bold New Heidi
Yes, I have a new pic... I showed a version to a critic and she did not like the back ground... I proceded to look through my possible backgrounds and found this... I think it's "cool"...

Hehehehehe

Anyway, enjoy...

12:17pm: Brotherly love
I called a lot of people early this morning... But didn't get anyone except Sarah... Sorry once again for waking you, and thanks for everything...
I talked to Dave... He called me back right after I hung up with Sarah, though I never left a message. He know it had to be something important... Thanks to you too, for all the kind words...

I hung up with Dave and the phone rang again!

Timmy, my little brother... I think I almost gave him a heart attack. At frist he thought I said Ma died... I quickly corrected it with a very loud "RA". He knew just what to say... and when ever I start to think that no one really knows my soul all I have to do is think of his words of truth. The connection we have is still very stronge... I thought it was gone for a while there, but... he can see throw to the truth of who I am even when I feel that I've lost my way... He reminded me that I truly care for all animals, and that I gave her more years than she would have had if she had remained out in the wild... someones lost pet. A white snake. Easy prey... He told me to not beat myself up about it... and I will try... Thank you Tim, I love you so...

And good by my little friend...
Ra, the beautiful soul.

7:07am: Ra is dead...

7:55pm: Bugaloo
Well it's been quite the week. I have spent so much time at the Zoo you'd think I lived there now. The murial is complete, the bugs are out smarted... for the most part... damn millipedes, water bugs, and teeny-tiny orb weaver. The signs are up, the fake plants adorn the room... hiding imperfections, the mess is cleaned up and the paper was taken down for all to see... all that payed 37.50 to get through the door last night.

The event was a hug success!!! We got a lot of people to pay to have their friends eat bugs... or chocolate chip chirpy cookies, no bake meal warm droppings, and jello cricket gigglers. Some people payed to eat something themselves, and a few people payed to not have to except the challenge. They eat Damon's food and drank alcohol... adding in the eating of the crunchy critters.

All in all it was really fun, but very tiring. I have put in, as of today 9 hours and 15 minutes over what I would normally have put in on this day in a normal week... cool over time. Tomorrow is Breakfast with the animals, so I have to be there early again, but then I have Sunday and Monday off!!!

Well talk at how ever is reading later.
Love you all...
And sweet dreams!

11:27pm: Random Thoughts
I can feel this body dieing all around me...
When I'm happy I am sad but everything's good...
I turn to the crowd as they're watching, they're sitting all together in the dark, in the warm. I wanted to be in there among them...
Look out on a summer's day, with eyes that know the darkness in my soul...
Somebody somewhere turns out the lights, somebody all alone faces the night...
Now I know I can shine a light, every things gonna be alright...
I just want to live now for a little while, and cast my dreams to the wind...
Why live life from dream to dream, and dread the day when dreaming ends...
Birds sing out of tune, and raindrops hide the moon, I'm okay,
Here I'll stay...

8:45pm: Think Of Me - by Heidi 1992
Think of the snow:
As a single flake, it reveals a unique beauty.
As a tiny work of art it's pattern, intricate craftsmanship,
and delicate structure remain only unto this snowflake.

It quietly dances from the sky, into your world.
Falling upon you, under your feet,
aside to safety, or out of sight...
So there it lies
Alone.
Hoping it wont vanish from the heat of your world.
Waiting
until more snowflakes fall, one by one,
gathering as strength.

As a blanket of white, it covers all of your world with a cool calm.
As a crystal haven, its magic fills the air with the mystory of youth.

So children are entertained with clever games,
utilizing their imagination...
children of all ages, race down a snow covered hill,
or create a frosty friend from glistoning balls of white.
They leaving memories of their visit as prints, angels, and words;
or carve a crystal dream from a gathered block.
And when the night comes calling
it approaches only as a whisper;
as though the snow would shatter in true darkness.
Or, perhaps it enchants even the night into a calm beauty.
Numbing it.

When you feel numb, desensitized
remember to take a brake.
Leave the snow to it's silence, knowing it has your memories.
For the cold has teath, and its mark is frostbit.
Stronge burning sensation, bordering on stinging,
it grips your flesh and beyond.
So here's a reminder...
to much of anything can be painful
life's lesson!

Just as everything can be sweet, soft, and calm;
Those things can also be cruel, harsh, and violent.

As a snowstorm, it reveals the darker side.
As a blissered, it becomes a blinding furry carried by the wind.
It holds death in it's gripping cold,
and can chill your very soul.
Only shelter can stop it.
This creature blocking your escape, pushing you around,
creating chaos, and berrying everyting alive.

So the storm claims the day, remaining in truth...a short while.
Leaving, with you, memories;
grand barriers to over come,
slick passageways, and strength in numbers.
So you become thinkers, using your mind
to master all that stands in the way.

Masters of all kinds:
clearing you paths for safety, or keeping extra warm,
avoiding the dangerous areas, or with coco in hand
remaining at home.

As the winds have died
the storm, well out of sight grants the night
safe passage,
and with this travilar came these thoughts
I bring to you.

7:09pm: Night Vision - Suzanne Vega
By day give thanks
By night beware
Half the world in sweetness
The other in fear

When the darkness takes you
With her hand across your face
Don't give in too quickly
Find the thing she's erased

Find the line, find the shape
Through the grain
Find the outline, things will
Tell you their name

The table, the guitar
The empty glass
All will blend together when
Daylight has passed

Find the line, find the shape
Through the grain
Find the outline, things will
Tell you their name



Now I watch you falling into sleep
Watch your fist curl against the sheet
Watch your lips fall open and your eyes dim
In blind faith

I would shelter you
Keep you in light
But I can only teach you
Night vision...

5:18pm: Like a bad Penny!!!
I'm back...my Dad fixed something and here I am. I have a hug new computer desk they snagged from the trash...Yes my parents are trash pickers, and I love them for that!!!

The open season started at the zoo and it has been a little wierd...after all the shows are completely different. No scripts, just figure out what you want to say before you go on...connecting the animals of corse.

The Education department is taking care of the bugs for the Crawl Space...and they are cool. Except that the scorpions both died and so did all the American cockroaches. The rest are doing fine. We have American millipedes (10) and an African tiger centipede (1 - so cool!), Madagascar hissing cockroaches (12), wolf spiders (2), Chilean rose hair tarantula (1), and carniverous plants (very cool!).

Anyway, talk at you later!!!

9:00pm: Here I am once again, on my computer typing for no real reason...
Life has been busy lately, both at home and at work...
I am helping design the new exhibit for this year...
"Crawl Space"
It will have bugs in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am also drawing up plans for the future, so the director (Nancy) can use them to help get grants for construction.
They are going to have stickers made of the bugs I drew, and who knows what ells.

Any way see you all later...
Love alway...
HE

6:31pm: It's been a long time...but I saw this on Sarah's and had to do it...
You have a mysterious kiss. Your partner never knows what you're going to come up with next; this creates great excitement and arousal never knowing what to expect. And it's sure to end in a kiss as great as your mystery.

I don't know how to make links and stuff, so go to her journal to take the quiz.

2:59pm: Well it's Christmas everyone, thanks for all your concerns and well wishes. I'm at my Grandma Enszer's, with family...we just tried hard to finish off the left overs, but alas...there are too many! Surprise, suprise...my family (either side) made to much food for an army to eat.

I feel like I have a ball in my throat...but at least it doesn't look like it. Yesterday was pretty good, lots of huss-el and buss-el at Grandma E's house. Then this morning just felt like another day. Anyway I'll see you all sometime, hopefully before the year is up! Lots of love and best wishes...

5:33pm: Well it's Christmas eve, I'm making 3 different kinds of chex-mix. My Grandma Hak died on Wednesday and her funeral is on Monday...

3:26pm: THREE NAMES YOU GO BY: (these are mostly past nicknames but nonetheless)
1. Heidi
2. Stick-chick
3. Peter pan

THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU HAVE HAD:
1. Hi dee
2. Mina Draco
3. (that's it for the names - sad haw)

THREE (PHYSICAL) THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. bone structure
2. eyes
3. size

THREE THINGS YOU HATE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. To forgiving
2. To apologetic
3. To thin

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:
1. French equals size
2. German equals family
3. Adopted equals me & brothers

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:
1. Man made heights
2. Crocodiles
3. Peewee (the Emu)

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:
1. Sweets (candy, cookies, etc)
2. Very cold water (several glasses)
3. Good thoughts

THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1. Long underwear top
2. 2 pair of socks
3. Pajama bottoms

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE Musicians/BANDS:(In no particular order...)
1. Poe
2. Vanda Shepard
3. Prince

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS AT PRESENT:
1. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride
2. Dolphin
3. The song I can't remember the name to - Sarah & Melisa know!

THREE NEW THINGS YOU WANT TO TRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS:
1. Letting go of the pain from the past
2. Being happy for all around me (and myself)
3. Hanging out more with old, new friends and any combination in between

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP(besides love):
1. Things in common (likes, dislikes, beliefs, etc)
2. To be the only one in his thoughts (as if all the others are boys)
3. Honesty

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE:
1. I care about the safety of all creatures.
2. I have loved someone more deeply than even I though would be possible.
3. I trained a tarantula to pose for pictures.

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT THE OPPOSITE (or same) SEX THAT APPEAL TO YOU:
1. Eyes
2. Back (v shaped)
3. Jaw line

THREE THINGS YOU JUST CAN'T DO:
1. Float
2. Lift 100 pounds
3. Stop caring about...people

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1. Art work - painting/drawing
2. Creations - costumes/literature
3. Collections - NBX/Disney/animal stuff

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1. Turn back time
2. Wipe my mind of certain memories
3. Disappear

THREE CAREERS YOU ARE CONSIDERING:
1. Zoo Education Star (I'm on my way)
2. Well Known Artist (I'm just getting started)
3. Teacher (I kind of do this already)

THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION:
1. Australia
2. Disney (again)
3. Vegas(again)

THREE KID'S NAMES:
1. Cathrine mina (Cat for short)
2. Vincent Draco (or Vagah - he he he)
3. I don't know! I can't think right now...

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1. Feel happiness within again
2. Find the person who can love me the way I am capable of loving them
3. Get some books published

THREE PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO TAKE THIS QUIZ NOW OR ELSE!:
1. I believe I am the last one to take this,
2. So no one,
3. And none.