My dear dog Max

My beloved dog, Max, was found dead in his doghouse this morning. We think he may have had died in his sleep several days ago.
We got Max as a puppy when I was six or seven years old. He was hard to train, and his breed was difficult to handle. We ended up chaining him up outside for most of his life. My dad told me we'd never get another dog because of Max...but in July my dad got us a Shih Tzu puppy from his best friend's wife's dog shelter. We are training her vigorously so she doesn't end up like poor Max.
While yes, Max was an unbelievably un-trained dog, he was quite the gentle dog at times. When he was younger, he tore up anything in sight. He'd run alongside the car when we'd drive away. Each time I brought him his food, he jumped for joy. I pet him and he pant like nobody's business. Just like each dog, he was stubborn at times and very hyper. As he got older, he was a gentle, kind dog who was sweeter than a drop of syrup. When I was three or four, our old dog Mindy bit me on the face and clawed my arms. I have a scar from it. I was angry at her for accidentally biting my kitten's head and killing it. So I hit her with a stick, and she fought back. I had a bad experience with dogs and so when we got Max, I was sure I'd hate him too. And sometimes, I did. But now, I miss him. I felt bad that I didn't go see him more. He was a sweet dog, who in dog years was in his 70s when he passed away. My dad is out burying him now. Sigh, goodbye Max. Goodbye.

R.I.P Maxwell Edward Ticen
2003-2011

Sweet Memories...

Finally, fall...you have come!
My little sisters anxiously await for you. They love to cover our cars with crisp leaves and to jump into huge piles of them. Their smiles are priceless. Their laughter is delightful to hear. This tradition of leave raking and jumping started years ago when my older siblings were still young enough to want to do that stuff. Ben used to get the biggest piles raked up, Bekah knew the best leaves to find, and Melanie showed me and Aaron how to jump correctly and how to land. What I would give to go back to that time, before they all grew up and passed on. Now as I am writing this, Lydia and Angie and our dog Gabby are outside loving the weather and carrying on the tradition. Perhaps I'll go out and join them. After all, somebody's gotta teach them how to jump correctly. (:

Things I Never Though About Before...

Haha...wow. Today 20 students got EMT certificates through a state-wide test. My mom helped train them. I got to help train them. Weird...I trained them?
Well, not really...Idk exactly. As they learned new skills I let them practice on me. I have played many parts. I have done all in my powers to help them to become life-savers.
Or maybe this EMT cert will never go beyond being a framed picture on the wall. Maybe this is just for bragging rights. Or maybe...someone will take this, go out in to the field, and save strangers' lives. I have watched my mom do it for the past five years of my life, and have seen miracles performed. Whether it be a cardiac arrest that my mom brought back to life, or a little old lady that fell from her wheelchair and just needed a lift, that person will respect my mom for the rest of her life. What a wonderful way to make your mark on the world.

These Are The Times...

Have you ever been in a place where you just don't know how you will ever make it through? Not a good cry, nor an encouraging word can bring your spirits to a point where you just know that you'll be okay.
August 17th marks eight months that my beautiful sister went to be her Heavenly Father. It is also her 25th birthday. It is also the day I have to go under the knife for wrist surgery. They have not given me many pieces of good news since I developed this cyst. I must wear a brace to prevent further injuries, I must refrain from strenuous activity so I could barely help my sister move, I have to refrain from playing sports until I'm given the OK from my doctor, and post-surgery I cannot play piano for several weeks. In case you are unfamiliar with my wrist injury, I will update you: I tore the lining in my wrist, and the joint fluid underneath came up and formed a large bubble (a.k.a ganglion cyst). I had it drained with large needles, and they told me if it comes back, I'm going to have to have surgery. If not, I'm a free girl. Unfortunately, it did come back, and when it did it was much more aggressive and painful. I have gone to four different doctors for this, and finally God has given us the right one (this doctor was my ortho doctor when I broke my arm in 2005). I am hopeful for a speedy recovery and peace, as this is scary and also a very hard time. God put it this way for a reason, and He will take care of me. This I know.
On a brighter side, choir starts on the 24th!! :)
I can't wait.

My little sister....

My little sister Lydia is the prettiest, awesomest and coolest girl in the world. And my big brother Ben is a fatty. Ginny, you've been hacked sister!





Love: Lydia.

So many months later...

I can't believe its been so many months since Mel's death. I really can't. It seems as if its been centuries, but I remember it as if it were yesterday. All the things we once did I truly miss. I can talk to her, but the conversation is well...one sided. Life is different without her. Sometimes I let loose and cry a little bit because I just wish I could hug her again or talk to her. Say the things I want to say. Listen to her sweet, musical voice.
I miss her, in short. I can't wait to see her again. <3

16 Random Facts

1. I have a HUGE love of horses. My favorite horse is the Tennessee Walking Horse.
2. I have a little brother with autism and a communication disorder, who is the smiliest, sweetest kid you will ever meet. Each morning he greets me with a "Hello, Sissy" and a smile and a kiss on my head :)
3. I have a boyfriend....yeah, I know, hard to imagine :) His name is Michael.
4. My favorite concert that I have attended is Jeremy Camp. But a close second is Matt Maher.
5. When I was a year and half, I dislocated my arm.
6. Physical pain doesn't make me cry. Emotional pain makes me cry, though.
7. I am a bowler. I average 100 a game. Its not all too impressive, BUT, there is an art I haven't quite conquered yet. I bowl for my school league in Logansport and this year we made 10th out of 16.
8. I met my first best friend when I was four months old.
9. My first job was at a daycare. I was on naptime, diaper and outside duty all at one time. Average diaper changes made were 8, BEFORE naptime.
10. I've been homeschooled my whole life, but took four classes at a private school last year.
11. I have one boy cousin, Danny, and one girl cousin Marissa, who I have fond memories with. I used to beat Danny in computer games. I was very tight with Marissa because she was only a month older than me.
12. I have always known my future occupation. It changed slightly over the years, but not much. I've always wanted to be in the medical field. Now, I have my sights set on a labor and delivery nurse.
13. My favorite song is "On and On" by Chasen.
14. At my sister's funeral, I made up my entire 5-min long eulogy on the spot. I only had the first two lines written out.
15. My dream date would be kiteflying, a picnic and counting the stars with the man of my dreams.
16. The reason I did 16 random facts? Idk. Just random ;)

My "First" Post

Actually, that's not technically correct. See, I had a Blogspot when I was in junior high (yeah, I know, eons ago) but after I got busy I stopped using it and forgot my password...
Anyways, a little about me. I am from a family of eight kids, I love to coach and play soccer, play basketball and also play the piano. Out of all, I couldn't pick a favorite. Coaching soccer is great because you get to "mentor" your kids and teach them something that you were taught at the same age. I also like being called "Coach Ginny" ;). Playing soccer (I have been for eleven years) is something I adore. Being the only girl most of my years, I showed the boys who was boss. I was a defender and I was a goalie (until breaking my arm in a goalie accident in 5th grade). I also liked to watch preppy girls eat my dust (just kidding :D). Basketball was something my oldest brother taught me how to play when I was a young girl. My dad used to pick me up so I could reach the hoop so I could "dunk it". I loved playing it, loved making memory after memory and friendship after friendship. I have been playing piano since I was a seven-year-old little girl who loved watching Mel and Bekah tickle the ivories. Even Ben played a little while. "Mommy, can I play piano too?" she smiled at me and said, "Absolutely!" She has always wanted us to play piano because she never got the chance too. For that, I'll eternally be grateful. Now that my oldest sister has gone on, I have decided piano and music in general must be more of a priority in my life. She was my first piano teacher and she was the best, in my opinion. I only wish I could play for her now. She said she always loved singing and playing piano with me. This year, in the Master's Voice Singers (the choir I have been involved in for the past two years), we will sing and play piano and I will think of her. And for that sake, I'll sing a little louder.