Get out!

Why aren't these benches full? Why don't people congregate outside during breaks? Why choose to be spend your free time indoors when you are forced to be inside the rest of the day? Eh. At least I enjoyed my lunch break. :)

Day made!

This is something Dustin drew/wrote in one of my notebooks while I was home over the weekend. I found it this morning as I was taking notes for my anatomy class... It pretty much made my day!

Mexican

There is something about Mexican sodas that make me feel at home. Same thing with Mexican chips and candies. They're the things I've loved since I was little. They're things that I used to be able to have only when I was in Mexico. Now, they sell them here and it makes me happy.

A day at Dustin's

Spent the day at Dustin's, like I did during that break that seems so long ago. While I studied, he took a computer monitor apart. Aren't we adorable?

Dallas bound!

Actually, we have been in Dallas for several hours now and that's why this photo is so late. We were stopped at a gas station in Hearne on our way back to the city that birthed us!

Daisy daisy, up with the morning dew

At 6AM, while most people are sleeping, I am outside walking Canelo Dog. The only things I hear are the jingling of Canelo's tags, the sound of his nails against the concrete sidewalk, my own footsteps, the chirping of the birds, and the obnoxious train, which is just as loud in the wee hours of the morning as it is throughout the entire day. Everybody else is still in bed (at least everyone who lives in my apartment complex). I always feel that Canelo and I are the first to emerge into each and every weekday. With 8 o'clock classes Monday through Friday, we can't help it. We even wake up before the sun does! How unnatural is that?!

I don't enjoy winter mornings too much. They're actually quite miserable. Remind me to enjoy spring mornings when they get here and remind me to take pictures of spring mornings so that I can compare them to this mess of a picture.

When I'd rather be in bed.

Shelter from the storm?

I promise that when the weather is nicer, not as cold and miserable, I will be more willing to whip my (phone) camera out and take pictures of the beautiful outdoors. For now, photos that I take at home will have to do.

This morning's weather was simply awful. I woke up ten minutes before my alarm went off because Canelo Dog was trying to hide under the bed, which could only mean one thing... Thunderstorms. I rolled out of bed, put a jacket on, put my rainboots on, dressed Canelo in his rain jacket, strapped him into his harness, grabbed an umbrella and out we went. I knew that if there was any hope for me to get him outside to take care of his business, I had to try immediately. The longer I wait, the more anxious he becomes, and the less willing he is to go outside. Since I wouldn't be home until after five, I just HAD to get him to go.

He did well, did what he had to do and came right back inside, straight to my closet. Before leaving to grab the bus to school, I went into the closet to check on him. That's this photo.

Pretty clothes = safety?

Canelo had it good, nice and comfy, albeit scared, in my closet. I left to stand out on the sidewalk and wait for the bus. It was merely drizzling at this point, but I could hear the thunder in the distance. By the time the bus made its way around the route and onto campus, the storm was right on us. I had to get off the bus and make my way about a block and a half to the next bus stop, so that I could ride to the vet school. My raincoat and umbrella were no match for the weather monster. It was raining so heavily and the wind was blowing it on me from all directions. It took about fifteen seconds of walking in that rain for me to be entirely soaked from head to ankle. Had it not been for my rainboots, I may as well have jumped in a large body of water. That's how drenched I was. My socks stayed dry, though, and when I made it to campus, I changed into a set of scrubs that I had been keeping in my locker.

What a morning!

Groggy day

Sometimes, I lack creativity or vision or inspiration or motivation. So here's a photo of my apartment. That's all the effort I was willing to put into my 365 project today.

Daisy Cooks!

I have a pantry full of cooking goods because, at twenty-seven, I have finally decided to give cooking a try. I have sort of been forced to do so since I don't have anyone who will make delicious food for me anymore and since I'm trying to stick to a vegan diet. This is good, though. Also, I am aware that there is a "Daisy Martinez" who is famous for her culinary skills... Whatev. Bet she can't rock physical exams on animals like I can! Boom!

What the hell is stone ground mustard?

A gorgeous day could not go to waste

Midway through today, I became aggravated because I was well aware that the weather outside was perfect, yet I was stuck inside studying. It kinda ticked me off. A few minutes later, I was packing my books and pens in a bag, calling Canelo to get leashed up, and heading out the door to go to study at the park. It was just what I needed.

Here's Canelo Dog, my awesome companion, chilling underneath the picnic table that I was studying at. He enjoyed the weather too, I feel. It was perfect.

My boy.

Thoughts to end the day.

Facebook did not only lead me to finding the love of my life, it has also provided me with very happy moments. Tonight, I saw a friend share of photo that was pro-gay marriage. I had no idea at all that this person supported equal rights! It made me very happy, to say the least. After reading hateful comments on the photo, I ended up posting my own opinions, regardless of the fact that what I wrote would pop up on that stupid instant news feed on the side and that others would be able to see it. Who cares, though, right? Why should I care? I always tell myself that whatever I post on Facebook is okay, because out of all the people who can read it, the only person I truly care about is my Mom. This got me thinking...

A few months ago, I posted a photo of myself wearing a purple shirt in support of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders. In the caption, I explained that that was the reason I was wearing the shirt. Mom saw it, of course, and left me what I just realized is the best comment that has ever been written to me. She wrote that I am a great person, with a wonderful heart, and that I am beautiful in many ways, but especially because of how loving I am towards others, including those who don't receive love elsewhere, and that she was proud of me.

Is that not the greatest thing? Now, any random person could tell me those things and I would be all sorts of flattered, but coming from her? Really: the greatest thing.

Anyhow, here's my 365 photo for today. Last night, I was practicing my future signature and came to the conclusion that Maxwell isn't very fun to sign. Maybe you can tell how much I struggled and maybe you will notice that towards the end, I started to include DVM after my name. Ah, I have quite a future to look forward to. I will be Ms. Daisy Martinez no more... I will be DR. DAISY MAXWELL!

Letter 'X' how I loathe you.

No light at the end, just stairs

There is a tunnel, under the ground, it actually runs underneath a busy street here in College Station. A convenient thing. It connects the vet school building with the Medical Science Library (where I do most of my studying during breaks between classes and on weekends). On any given day, you'll find vet students walking up and down this thing. Today is Friday, though. Classes are out early on Friday and most students don't stay to study. Imagine that. So I was able to get this photo without that awkward moment of having a person think I am taking a picture of him or her. TGIF

Mustard, I love you!

Vegetarian corn dogs: delicious and animal-friendly. It's a double win. I had to wear a bib made out of napkins to eat this. Oh, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Nom nom nom.

Boring day

There are some days that completely lack excitement and today was one of them. The only exciting part of today was supposed to be eating a free lunch by attending a school meeting. I ended up hating the food and not eating very much of it. Some dishes are meant to have meat in them. You can't simply prepare them without the meat and expect them to be just as good! Even drenched in soy sauce it was bland. Oh well.

This brand of soy sauce will always make me smile because it reminds me of a time when I was about ten and my brother was about 12. My dad took us out for lunch and was being goofy, making us laugh the whole time. It was just the three of us. Dad was always good about taking my brother and me places, making sure we spent quality time with him and that we enjoyed life. I can not say it enough: I have wonderful parents.

So although today was a blah day, at least I was reminded of a much better and special day. We shall see what tomorrow brings.

Elmyra

"I'm gonna hug you and kiss you and love you forever!"

That's what Elmyra from Tiny Toons would say to all the animals she would find and keep. It was hilarious.

Dustin and I went to his parents' house during the break to look through box after box of old toys. When this one surfaced, I told his mom that when I was little, I would sometimes be called Elmyra because of how much I loved animals myself. His mom told me to keep this toy and it's sitting on my bookcase now. Regardless of what Dustin thinks, I intend for it to be part of my future home's decor somehow. Coming from Dustin's mom and being a reminder of my wonderful childhood and the fact that I've always loved animals? I love it. It's the simple little gifts that mean the most and make me happy.

Tiny and toony.

Snotty

This is a page of class notes from the Embryology course I'm taking. That spot towards the bottom of the page is whatever came out of Smartie's nose whenever she sneezed in my direction. It's sweet that she sits on the table or on her cat tree, which is practically next to the table, and just watches me study. Sometimes she'll even come over and play with my hair. Other times, she'll sit on my books, something I take as a sign that I need to take a study break. And then there are times when she sneezes all over me and my school things. Silly girl. 

With love, from Smartie

She isn't sick, mind you. She simply has chronic nasal discharge and sneezes all the time. Yes, she's been examined by veterinarians. Nothing can be done except to dope her up on antihistamines, which I don't always like to do because she gets so drowsy. What I am hoping is that once I am a doctor myself, or even while I am a student here, I can figure out what gives. Until then, I just try to make her comfortable, cleaning her nose all the time with a bulb syringe... And letting her sneeze all over me and my things. What other person would allow that? I'm so glad I adopted my baby girl.

One week back

Eventually the photos I took while I was in Dallas will be pushed off the main page, replaced by all the photos I have been taking here in College Station. It almost makes me sad. What's worse is that I have no idea when I will be back in Dallas, or when I will see the people I miss so much again. I do know that I will be seeing my Dad next weekend. He's bringing me a couch that Dustin is giving to... us. He's giving it to me, but in reality it'll be ours because, let's face it, in a few years we'll be living together. Back to the point, I get to see my Dad in a few days! Yaaaaaaay!

I am so unbelievably happy that tomorrow is a holiday that the university actually gives us (unlike Labor Day). I spent yesterday doing busy work and I spent today studying. Hopefully, I can relax a little tomorrow, although I will more than likely freak out about not studying and get back to it. Can't help it sometimes.

Yup. Back at it.

Live from College Station

It's Saturday night! And I'm at home, at the Critter Castle, waiting to get sleepy so I can go to bed. I spent the day cleaning, dusting, washing, wiping, scooping, sweeping. Once I was done with that, I did a bit of reading and studying. Needless to say, I'm done with today and not wanting to do anything else. I barely remembered to do this! I'm thinking a movie and a fruit bar are calling my name...

Here's Smartie making her first appearance in my 365 project. Just like a cat, fascinated by water drops. I love my pretty baby!

Pretty pretty meow meow kitty!

Two birds, one stone

Remember that other idea I came across? The one about taking what's in my closet and coming up with outfits that I have never worn before? Remember when I stated that I would post photos of those outfits as part of my 365 photography project? No? Well, here's my first outfit post anyhow!

I have had this dress for at least three years. It came from Target. The button-down shirt I have had for about two. It was rescued from a thrift store (that's what you do when you buy second-hand... You rescue something and allow it to be fabulous again!). The boots were a gift from my Dad, the leg warmers I bought at Forever 21, and the tights are just tights. I would have never considered wearing this outfit prior to the hours I spent perusing fashion blogs during my winter break, but I love it! Even with the heavy boots I felt super pretty and Zooey Deschanel-y wearing this. Oh, yes. I am going to thoroughly enjoy trying to be creative with my clothes. I already love it.

So here's the photo. Hmmph. The thing is that as far as the fashion challenge goes, I excelled today. As for the photo project, not so much. I will have to find a better way to photograph my outfits. Still excited, though.

Narcissism.

By the way, killing birds with stones or any other object is so not cool. Be kind to animals, y'all.

Cozy Castle

It's a quiet night at my apartment. TV and music are both off as I just got out of the shower. The critters are all cozied up throughout our little castle (er, the apartment I referred to earlier). Really, I want to turn this lamp off and just go to bed. It's too early for that, though. Two hours. Two hours, then I will be all wrapped up in my blankets drifting off to dream land. Aahhh.

Wheels on the bus

It was a lonely ride to school this morning. Six stops into the route and I was still the only person on the bus (besides the driver). Eventually three other people boarded, but that was still pretty dang lonely! And eerily quiet!

How do you like those seat patterns, eh? :/

I just love my school

Thanks and gig 'em.



WH06P!



Under my umbrella, ella, ella

The first day of the spring semester was a cold, gloomy, rainy one. Not a single ray of sunshine made an appearance all day. Well, what do I know? Maybe there was at least a tiny little ray, but I'm back to spending the entirety of my days in lecture halls and laboratories so I wouldn't know. There are absolutely no windows. I've mentioned before that huge walk-in closets are on my wish list for the home I will one day share with Dustin. Add a lot of windows to that list.

My shot for today comes from me speed-walking through campus. I was rushing in part because I didn't want to miss my bus, but also because if there was a bus already waiting at the stop, I could get out of the crappy weather. Ugh.



Eh-eh-eh



Oh my gawd, we're back again

I just referenced a Backstreet Boys song in the title. What kind of 'N SYNC fan am I?! Eek!
Yes, we're back in College Station, my critters and I. No more missing my closet...  Ugh. I forgot the state I left it in! It's quite a mess and the bigger mess that I have to unpack doesn't make it any better. Joy!



Eeeeeek



One week down!

My seventh photo on the seventh day of the year. This also happens to be my last night in Dallas, but I'm not going to get sad about it. Not yet. Dustin and I are at Inwood Tavern. Look at all those alcoholic beverages I won't drink. I'm sipping water from my red Solo cup. Awesome? Yes, I am.

A little sippy sippy.

My beloved

Snapped this picture of Canelo Dog this morning during our walk and noticed that his body and shadow form somewhat of a heart. Cute. I love my boy.

CUTE

Angry dog, happy daisy

I just got home from having dinner and drinks with my friends. Cent, Heather, Tee, Jessie, and Lisa all made time to hang out with me (in the middle of their work weeks) because I'm leaving Dallas this weekend to head back to school. I am so thankful that I will always be able to come back to this city and have a reliable group of wonderful friends waiting here for me. It's the best.
We went to a restaurant/bar in Deep Ellum called Angry Dog. Here's a shot of the decor.




Could have shared a photo of my friends instead. Ehh.

 

What's a bushing?

Bunch of crap.

Wouldn't expect to find me at an AutoZone, would you?

Moving on without me

Today's photo comes courtesy of my first trip to the new SPCA of Texas animal shelter. Technically, it wasn't my first visit to the building itself. I went there several times years ago for varying reasons. You know, back when I worked for them. My fellow employees and I would be sent there to unload donations from trucks, to undergo further training, to pick animals up... But this was years ago when that place was just a warehouse with offices in it. Now, it's an animal shelter. A very nice one at that.

I just had to see it. Especially because when I started working for the SPCA, back in August 2006 (geeze, I'm old!), I was told that the new shelter would be opening in two years and that we'd all be transferred to work there. I had such high hopes for the new place... A state of the art shelter for animals. How exciting! But the two years passed, the economy crashed, and we never moved. I ended up leaving the SPCA to work at an animal clinic, with not even a small sign that the transformation from warehouse to shelter was going to begin soon.

Five and a half years after I started, and two and a half years after I quit, it finally opened. I wish I could have seen the back, where most of the action happens, but I couldn't, of course. Still, I'm so happy for the animals and hope great things happen for them all.

Noice.

Lazy daisy day

Today has consisted of sitting around all day watching stuff. Stuff like three different documentaries, football games, and Henry Rollins speaking about his new book. I can't complain. Lazy days like today are what I wished for so desperately during the fall semester. Believe me, in a few weeks, I will longingly look back on today and think of just how good I had it. Aaahh.
As for today's picture? He's not going to appreciate me posting this, but I don't even think he reads my blog so maybe it's safe. We seriously did nothing today, though. As a result, this is the only photo I got. I think it captures the day's laziness well. Also, how cute my boyfriend is. :)

The love of my life, y'all.

365

So you know how my blog's tag line is, This is how I do life. One daisy day at a time? Well, for a while I've been trying to find a creative outlet, one that isn't too time-consuming since I am a full-time veterinary student, but is satisfying nonetheless. Over the past few weeks, while I've been on my glorious winter break, I've browsed several blogs for ideas and found two that were particularly intriguing and seemed simple enough to actually carry out.

The first came from several fashion blogs. It was a challenge to mix and match thirty items of clothing and somehow come up with thirty different outfits. As I read more about it, it became increasingly apparent that the challenge was called a challenge for a reason. Not as easy as you'd think. Still, the general concept of taking what's in your closet and coming up with outfits you never dreamed of wearing when you bought the items is appealing. Something I will try a soon as I get back to my closet (it's in College Station, I'm in Dallas... Yes, I miss it and the large amount of clothes, shoes, accessories I left with it).

The second idea is very doable considering how many pictures I already take. Basically, you take a photo everyday for 365 days and share. That's a year's worth of photographs. I like this idea because I can combine the fashion idea with it whenever I am actually able to come up with an outfit. Just take a picture of the dang outfit! I think the rest of the photographs will more than likely be of clouds, my pets (adorable!), trees, food (I love food), and crap from school.

I'm going with the 365 challenge. Perfect for a glimpse of how I actually do life, one daisy day at a time.

So here's the first photo on the first day of the year (I'm excited!). Dustin and I started the new year by cooking a healthy meal. The recipe called for way too many tomatoes!

What does "seeded" mean?