The Cowgirl Adventures - An Epic Spaghetti Western

New year's resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:27:00 +0000

Yup, it's that time again when we all pledge to do something in the new year and admittedly hardly ever actually follow through on half the stuff we said we would. However I am going to try extra hard to do all this, because this year, I think it's genuinely important.

-I will volunteer for a victim support charity
-I will blog more often
-I will go jogging at least every other day
-I will drink more water and less caffeine
-I will learn a martial art

There we go, now it's time to do all that.

An update of my plans

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:31:00 +0000

I know it's been a while since I last blogged, but the truth must come out sometime.

After much deliberation, I have decided to stay in the UK. This was a very hard decision to make, but it was one which I felt was a very wise one. I had completely and utterly ran out of money and literally could not afford to stay in the States, even with my job at blockbuster.

This is not the end however, in the next few months I will be working my butt off in order to raise enough money to return to America for one last round before I go to university in September. I will be back to see everyone and my visit will include a trip to the East coast as well as some other states I haven't visited in a while.

I know I will have let some of you down by choosing this, and for that I really am sorry. But I stick to my decision and deeply look forward to seeing you again before the summer.

September 29th - October 29th: Another month in pics and vids.

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:37:00 +0000

WARNING!!!!
This video contains footage of me dancing and looking like a total loon. I wanted to include it because it's incredibly funny and it will be useful as future blackmail to someone who wishes to use it that way.

Have a good one guys!

STAR WARS IN CONCERT!

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:37:00 +0000

Ok so yesterday me and my friend Valerie went to see "Star Wars in concert" at the Key Arena. This concept is completely new to some people so I will explain.

Anthony Daniels (who as we ALL know, played C3P0 in all six Star Wars movies, though in my opinion there's only THREE Star Wars movies) hosts the event. And takes us through the entire storyline of Star Wars, starting from the innocent young boy Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace, to the crush of the empire at the end of Return of the Jedi. After he does a small bit of narration, there is a very well edited and constructed video clip with clips from the movies that show what he has just narrated. This is accompanied (sp?) by the popular theme music composed my John Williams and played by The Star Wars Orchestra (Obviously a group of pretty talented musicians)

Around the arena was the Star Wars exhibit featuring real life costumes and props from the movies, along with concept art for darth vader and other members of the sith like darth maul. It was so crowded me and Valerie could hardly get in let alone take some pics, but we got there in the end.

It was BLOODY brilliant and dare I say it, slightly emotional. We all know John Williams is a genius, but to hear his music in such crisp, clear sound was pretty choking. The final piece of music which was the original theme did actually make me cry, the way that piece finishes on that last crescendo chord really did get me. STAR WARS FOREVER!

The video was fantastically edited, and it really did remind me why I fell in love with the Star Wars franchise. I am going to buy the movies when I get back, I have to. Obviously I bought some merchandise (You only live once I though to myself) but even with my boba fett T-shirt and Star Wars coffee mug, I will never forget this experience. It was amazing. I am a true Star Wars fan to the end.

And I HAVE to end with this. "May the force be with you, always."

New Roommate!

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:33:00 +0000

Well I have some exciting news regarding my apartment.....

I have a new roommate!

Millie the cat moved in today. She is Susie's cat but I am "renting" her for my visit here. Things have definitely brightened up since she has moved in. I now have something to come home to, which is always very rewarding. She loves sitting in her cat tower overlooking her domiscile with an air of slight snootiness.

Millie is settling in very well to her new place and both of us are benefitting from the change. Things aren't so boring anymore and at least I have someone to talk to on a regular basis! I was starting to go crazy talking to myself all day.

Some borrowed amusement.

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:36:00 +0000

So I wanted to blog something today but nothing has happened worthy of blogging recently. So I nicked this quiz thing off my sister's blog. Time for some rubbish, ah well, it filled the time.

10 years ago... October 1999. That would make me eight and starting year 4. I don't remember much about it, but I know that was the year we had Mrs Corrigan as our school teacher. Despite the fact I hardly ever talk about her, she was one of my favourite teachers. We read the BFG by Roald Dahl in school and they was she read it out loud made it come to life completely. That's why the BFG is my favourite book to this day.

5 years ago... October 2004. Mmmmmm, unfortunately, I can't remember anything about that. :(

1 year ago... I had just dropped out of the Mikado after it proved to be too much and instead struggling desperately to get my History work on trade unions and Nazi Germany done before I dropped it in November.

Yesterday... Played some Pokemon, got my entire team up to level 30 FINALLY. Gonna beat Maylene after my comp time!

Today... Got up at 6 and died because it was so freezing in my house. My heating doesnt work and everyday I wake up I'm a snowcone. Had a quick breakfast and made a plan with my friend to see a movie tomorrow. Going to play some pokemon and call up my supposed place of work to see what the hell is going on with my application later.

Tomorrow... Saturday...Going to see "Surrogate" - A thriller starring Bruce Willis. It's very much like "I, Robot" apparently and meet a friend for lunch in Everett.

5 snacks I enjoy... Popcorn, pringles, chicken nuggets, taquitos and ritz crackers.

5 bands that i know the lyrics of MOST of their songs... Definitely ABBA, ummmm I can't really think of anything else.

5 things I would do with $100,000,000... Buy a house for me, buy a house for my sister, make sure my parents had enough to keep them going, give a whole bunch to charity, and then go on a shopping splurge. (Had to copy Jules' answer on this)

5 locations I'd like to run away to...Susie's first farm at Sedro Woolley, The Seychelles, Kyoto, Peak District.....ermmm that's all I can think of.

5 bad habits I have... Worrying incessantly, belching like a man, singing very loudly to every song on the radio, Giving up too easily (But that's changing), beating up furniture, eating out of boredom. (Ok, so there's six there, but I don't care)

5 things I like doing... Playing the guitar, Video games, learning something new, Writing, Eating.

5 TV shows I like... House, Bones, CSI, Family Guy, Manswers.

5 movies I like... Jurassic Park, Die Hard, Spongebob, Miss Congeniality, The Mummy.

5 famous people I'd like to meet... Hugh Laurie, Melina Kanakaredes, Lisa Edelstein, Robert Sean Leonard and Gary Sinise.

5 biggest joys at the moment... Pokemon, reading about philosophy and psychology, hot chocolate, Shark shaped chicken nuggets and Lily Allen's latest album.

August 29th - September 29th: Another month in pics and vids

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:00:00 +0000

Three down, nine more to go and LOVING it!

Movie Recommendation:- "9"

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:34:00 +0000

I went to see a very good movie today.

It's called "9" and it's movie that Tim Burton had quite heavy influence in developing. Danny Elfman is also to credit for composing the music. Normally with this duo, it is hard to go wrong.

And once again in my opinion they did not disappoint.

9 is a completely CG movie, as a matter of fact, it's the 4th CG movie ever made to receive a PG13 rating ahead of Beowulf, Final fantasy - spirits within and Kaena: the prophecy. It is also the second animated film released by Focus Features after Coraline (Which, we all know, was bloody brilliant too!)

So basic plot overview for you people without giving anything away.

"When 9 first comes to life, he finds himself in a post-apocalyptic world where all humans are gone, and it is only by chance that he discovers a small community of others like him taking refuge from fearsome machines that roam the earth intent on their extinction. Despite being the neophyte of the group, 9 convinces the others that hiding will do them no good. They must take the offensive if they are to survive, and they must discover why the machines want to destroy them in the first place. As they'll soon come to learn, the very future of civilization may depend on them." - Written by Focus Features

I LOVED it. It explored basic human fears and tendencies, such as the pursuit of discovery how far we can go with machinery and technology before it gets too much out of our hands and brings about total world destruction. The voice actors were brilliant, using the talents of actors such as Elijah Wood, John C Reilly and Christopher Plummer. The art and specil effects are completely unrivalled, using the cutting edge of digital graphics and high definition imaging to create a crisp clear image. The move was not too long, running at 79 minutes long and it even seemed to invoke my own personal feelings and opinions about the issues it was bringing forward.

Overall, a most enjoyable experience and one I would throroughly recommend.

All moved in!

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:26:00 +0000

Welcome to a guided tour of my humble abode in my latest vlog. I have been in here for three days now and even though it is INCREDIBLY lonely in here, it's really nice to have your own space and cook your own meals.

I tell you, this trip is really turning me into a smart, well centered individual, I have learnt so much over here.

By the way, with my new diggs, it is now impossible to access the internet normally, I have ride in to Snohomish everyday and use the computers in the library, therefore I cannot stay in touch as much I want to, just to let you know.

And also....it breaks my heart to tell you this....but there might not be a monthly slideshow this month. :(

Some overdue funniness.

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:27:00 +0000

Just a little quickie today before I head off for a snack but I thought I would share this little tantalising piece of humor with you.

We went to buy some stuff for my new apartment today (Which I am moving into tonight) and we passed a business that was currently up for sale. The realtor was "Mark Shite"

Now I'm sorry, but how could you NOT laugh at something like that? I was in hysterics for ages. He should have a son called Jack.

Lolz, fun times :)

Something beautiful and at the same time, very painful to watch.

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:25:00 +0000

I saw something amazing today.

I saw a birth.

From start to finish.

Even better than that, I caught it on video.

I dare you not to wince as you watch it.

An unexpected miracle

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 06:26:00 +0000

While stacking the firewood today I stopped inside to grab my breath and a cup of tea, but stepping outside I noticed a tiny bundle of joy in the process of being sprawled out on the pasture! Being home alone, I was completely terrified, I wasn't sure what to do or even if there was something that needed to be done. I called Susie and she said not to panic, just stay there and let it happen, if Irene (the mom) needed any help she would let me know. So I stayed and watched the fireworks.

This video is a collection of three separate vids I took whilst looking after it, the focus is a bit off on most occasions but it's still worth a watch.

Welcome to the world baby boy!

An update of my plans here.

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:31:00 +0000

As quite a few people are aware, I have been hitting problems here and sometime struggle to remain positive in the current situation I am in.

BUT that's not going to stop me. I am going to keep going and change the situation here. This is just a stumbling block and I am determined to succeed and stay here until June. It's gonna happen.

Just thought I would let you all know. I'm gonna do this!

Introducing Zeph's baby girl!

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:37:00 +0000

we had a baby in the night two days ago and I want you to meet her!

A VERY AMAZING THING, SERIOUSLY!

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:22:00 +0000

So I was job hunting in Snohomish yesterday, and popped down to 1st street which is the antique district to see if I could find some kind of small cafe that had vacancies. Instead I found a little cute shop called "Everything Tea"

It was very aptly named. It sold teapots and mugs and just about every loose tea you could imagine, but as I explored the very back of the shop I noticed something that made my heart hammer.

TEA! Yes, REAL tea ladies and gentlemen, not just bog standard British tea, but YORKSHIRE tea and PG tips!

This has to be the best discovery ever made since sliced bread, no more crappy American Lipton for me!

Today's been a good day.

Happy 19th Birthday Jenny Baby!

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 06:29:00 +0000

Today marks the day of my best friend's birthday. She is now 19 and I can honestly say that it is killing me not being able to celebrate her birthday with her.

For all of you that do not know how much Jennifer Rebecca Ingram has changed my life, this is a music video dedicated to her, complete with pictures and short video clips, this video contains pictures from the first time she came to my house in 2000, to the most recent social function we had, the leavers ball in June 2009. This video only shows a small slice of how much Jenn's fun loving, optimistic and outstanding generosity has changed my life and made me really see life in a completely different way.

Jenn, from that first awkward day of meeting you in town to this present day, I am so proud to be one of your friends, and feel completely blessed to know you. Have a fantastic birthday and please accept my most profound apologies that I can't celebrate it with you.

I love you babe!

EDIT: Stupid youtube wouldn't let me upload the music which was the friends theme tune so I had to pick some shitty teen punk song from their selection, sorry :(

Two down, ten more to go...

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:30:00 +0000

Here is my latest monthly vid for July 29th - August 29th.

Happy birthday Mom!

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:17:00 +0000

RESULTS!

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:56:00 +0000

Well the day has finally come, and I must say I was terrified. When I got back from farmy work I had a nervous last meal of brownies and milk.

And what quickly ensued was a pensive wait at the laptop, waiting for the email from Mr donajgrodzki with my results attached.

AND THEN THEY FINALLY CAME!

So yeh, my results are here! And School is finally over, that's it. It stops now. It sucks. I want to go back to Schooooooooooooooool! But anyway, it's still really good fun to have my results. I'm proud of myself and everyone.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Glasses!

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:07:00 +0000

Today me, Mollie and Caleb went back to Lynnwood to collect my eyeglasses from the opticians. I was very excited. In my opinion I don't think they look that bad.

Now I can honestly say I am a geek, the glasses complete the package!

In loving memory of Scamp: January 1998 - August 2009.

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:21:00 +0000

It is with a lot of tears and a heavy heart that I write this post.

On the 11th of August, 2009, Scamp lost her battle with Mast Cell Cancer. She was afflicted with a terrible infection that her suppressed immune system could not fight off. She has left this world and transcended into a place with no pain and no suffering.

Scamp was not a "dog" or a "pet" to me, she was, and always will be, my best friend. She knew exactly what to do when I'd had a rough day at school, she would put her paw on me and lick my arm and even though she could not directly talk to me she communicated her feeling and thoughts. We connected, we fit, best buddies.

She gave me the time of my life, I will never forget trying to hold her still in the car when we picked her up from the home, or coming home from a trip to Alton Towers and discovering all the kitchen furniture had been shredded. Who can forget her cheekily sneaking apples of the neighbor's tree and scoffing them before we could notice or her "mad dog" sprints through the house?

Every moment spent with her was pure gold, she made my childhood. She became a local celebrity at my primary school whenever mom had to pick me up, everyone who met her just loved her, she was one of those dogs that would not hurt a soul.

She truly was one of a kind.

I never got a chance to say goodbye to her before she was taken into the vets to help alleviate her suffering, and though that kills me I take comfort in knowing that the moments we shared together will never, EVER be forgotten.

Rest in piece Scamp, my beautiful, beautiful friend.

Today's events.

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 06:06:00 +0000

Well today was definitely a very productive day, we got some serious things done.

Today me, Mollie and Caleb went down to Lynnwood to get my eyes checked and also to apply for my own social security number which would mean I could get a job and open a bank account in the United States. I was very excited to finally get a sight test after everyone told me I needed glasses.

After my sight test the eye doctor told me that I was far sighted and had an astygmatism in one of my eyes (Meaning that the eye is shaped weirdly) this accounts for my appalling night vision apparently. She said that glasses would be the best route.

So I then spent ages going through frames and trying them on in the mirror, making sure that I got the right ones and wouldn't look too much like a dork, after finally settling for a pair of blue frames, I paid at the counter, and was told to collect them within 10 working days.

After that we were feeling kinda hungry, so we went to alderwood mall to have something to eat at the food court. While Mollie went to get the pizza, I sat with Caleb at the table and was the victim of many people pointing and giving me funny looks, they must have thought he was my baby. Weird.

Apres avoir mange we drove to the social security office with all of my needed paperwork and waited in line for an hour. The queue was HUGE, but finally my ticket number was called and I mentioned how nervous I was as I'd never applied before, but the lady typed in my passport number and said I did have a social security number after all.

Apparently, mom signed me up for one when I was 5 (Thanks mom, it would have saved me SO much time to already know that) and all I had to do was update my contact information and that was it.

So I'm now legally entitled to work in the US, finally!

Anyway I'm totally beat from today's events so I must depart.

Please support my best friend in her time of need.

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:33:00 +0000

I have been keeping this from you for quite some time now, but my dog Scamp is in a lot of trouble. On July 30th 2009 Scamp was diagnosed with terminal mass cell cancer. She is undergoing chemotherapy but even so, this is Scamp's last stand. I will never see my dog again. You have no idea how painful it is knowing I have to live with that.

Please keep up to date with her last few months of life as she fights to live with such a malignant disease. For more information, go to her blog page:

http://scamp-theblogdog.blogspot.com

It's so much easier blogging about it rather than talking about it. It's too painful otherwise.

Thankyou.

The Blue Angels

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:04:00 +0000

Well today was the last day of seafair. Unfortunately, I missed all of it partly because I completely forgot and also I had no time to go there anyway. The last day is celebrated by an amazing performance by "The blue angels" a group of six fighter planes from the US Navy. They do amazing stunts over Lake Washington for about 45 mins.

Well me and Denise and her friend from Vancouver (Lisa) travelled down there in the car and after hours of finding an appropriate place to watch them from we found a little neighborhood that looked out over the lake.

The show was AWESOME, seriously, it was the best stunt airshow thing I have ever seen, and the planes were gorgeous.

All in all, a jolly good show!

In appreciation of Strongbow

noreply@blogger.com (Louise Hedges) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 06:48:00 +0000

We were out shopping today and GUESS WHAT WE FOUND!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, Strongbow in all it's beautiful appley glory.

Honestly, today has been one of the best days ever, (minus me being sick and puking everywhere this morning.)