Colorado News

Colorado has been my home for the past 22 years. There is a lot going on in a short period of time! I figured I'd share a blog about it to let it be known, and make it easier to get information and updates. I will provide links to those, and ways to help if you want to and am able to!

I'm not a praying type of person, but we can get all the prayers, thoughts, vibes, whatever you're comfortable with! I heard that there are now 10 fires in Colorado. There is a serial arsonist out there. There has to be.

I have been following Waldo Canyon Updates to get the recent updates. I'm also been following KOAA 5's Facebook Page and Colorado Springs Gazette's Facebook Page to get updates as they come in.. if you want to follow, that's where I'd go. I almost want to stop checking 'cause it's really freaking me out!

If you live in Colorado and want to help, here are links and numbers for you that I got from the Gazette's website..

Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado needs Gatorade for our firefighters, along with soup and cereal. You can drop off donations at 2605 Preamble Point.

Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region offering FREE cat adoptions starting at 11 a.m. today. This will make room for incoming animals from the Waldo Canyon Fire.

YMCA of Pikes Peak Region opening aquatic sites to evacuees needing to shower during regular business hours.

Family Life Services opening up space for affected business to work. Please contact Julie Abel at julie.abel@flscs.org

FREE Sky Sox tickets offered to displaced evacuees to today's 1 p.m. game as well as Monday's 12:35 p.m. game. Call 597-1449.

Wondering about how to volunteer with the Pikes Peak Red Cross? Volunteers are asked to visit their office at 1040 S. 8th St.

Goodwill expected to release information later today about their anticipated needs.

All Breed Rescue is accepting animal evacuees at 20 Mount View Lane. Call 264-6460.

Food Pantry open for evacuees at Grace Be Unto You and Grace Mountain Church, 3195 Airport Rd. at Chelton.

The large animal shelter at Penrose Equestrian Center needs volunteers. Call 520-7773.

Mountain Springs Church is accepting the following: paper goods, pillows and air mattresses, beverages and bath towels.

Ice, coolers and pet food can be dropped at the Cheyenne Mountain High School Evacuation site, located at 1775 LaCleda St. VOLUNTEER VETERINARIANS are also needed.

Rocky Mountain Healthcare Services providing shelter for evacuees. They also accomodate pets. They are located at 310 S. 14th St. in Old Colorado City.

Norris Penrose Events Center needs fans, extension chords and hay. 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd., 625-1101.

Trinity Nazarene is offering respite for evacuees between 1p.m. and 8 p.m. They are not a shelter but want to provide comfort and air conditioning for those waiting to return to their homes.

Downtown's newest hotel, The Mining Exchange is offering a $99 overnight rate for evacuees.

 

Norris Penrose Event Center needs fans, extension chords and hay. 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd.

Taz Drawings

Growing up, I've always been a huge fan of Taz, the cartoon character. I used to draw his character when I'd get a new shirt, or anything else that had him on it. I have one of Daffy Duck and Garfield.. Garfield is my second favorite cartoon character. I need to start drawing them again! It's been at least 10 years since I last drew one of them.

Did this one in my Drawing I class in 2001

Got this from a notebook I own.

Candy wrapper

Shirt that I own.. I believe.

From one of my favorite shirts.

Candy Wrapper.. I believe or a shirt.

Candy wrapper.

I have more, but they wouldn't upload. I think I will start drawing them again.

Skies, oh so many wonderful Skies *photography*

One of my favorite things to take photos of is the sky/clouds. They are very interesting to look at and sometimes gorgeous! I haven't taken any in a while, but here are the ones I've taken in the past. =o) Some of 'em were taken by my cell phone as well. It'd be awesome if I ever became a professional photographer who focuses on the sky, landscape, and animals. =o)

Enjoy!

Paula Abdul - 1990 Medley Mix *Lyrics*

Since the late 80's, early 90's, I have been a huge Paula Abdul fan. If you're close to me and known me for YEARS, you know this. I decided to challenge myself in creating a lyric music video, so I chose to do a medley! Since Paula is my favorite artist, I chose to do one of hers. I'll admit, it can be a lot better, but I am pretty darn proud on how it turned out! I hope y'all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it.

Nager Syndrome

People have always wondered what kind of syndrome I have. When I took Public Speaking, my first speech was an informative speech. I chose to talk about my syndrome. It was an easy A.. I decided to share that with you guys.. I will always attach photos at the end with more information.

~Tammy

Tammy L. Caudle

COM 115-109 - Public Speaking

Prep Outline - Speech #1

Nager Syndrome

1. Introduction
   1. When growing up, people have always asked me why I am the way I am.
   2. Nager Syndrome is a rare syndrome.
   3. People will have a better understanding on what I have.
   4. The three main points that will be discussed are what Nager Syndrome is, what the distinct characteristics are, and a tiny bit about the rarity of it.

Now I will be talking about what Nager Syndrome is.

1. Body
   1. What is Nager Syndrome?

            i.       It is a condition that affects the development of the first and second branchial arches.

1. The branchial arches are the body structure parts of the face, mandible, ears, and neck.
   1.  The first arches are the nerves and muscles help mammal chew, the use of the lower jaw, and includes two out of three bones that concerns the ears.
   2. The second arches are the nerves and muscles that allows the facial expression to happen, along with the one bone in the middle ear, most of the external bones of the ear, and parts of the bone above the larynx.

 ii.       It’s also a condition that affects the hands and arms.

It’s time to talk about the distinct characteristics that most Nager Syndrome patients have.

1. What are the Distinct Characteristics?

       i.      Non-functional elbows and thumbs.

1. The bone for the elbows may not form or be melded.
2. Thumbs may not have knuckles or be really small, so not able to be of use like normal functional thumbs.

         ii.      Cleft Palate

1. It’s an opening at the tip of the mouth.

         iii.       Hearing Loss

1. The bones in the middle ear are usually not developed correctly, known as conductive hearing loss.
2. 60% of people having this syndrome has the conductive hearing loss.
   1. People usually wear a bone conductive hearing aid so they can hear almost as well as everybody else.
   2. Speech impediment comes along with the hearing loss.

          iv.       Development issues of the arms.

1. The radius bone is non-existent or smaller than it should be.

          v.      Development issues of the lower jaw

1. The lower jaw is very small so it doesn’t grow along with the upper jaw.

Last but not least, how rare is rare?

1. The rarity of the syndrome

            i.      The syndrome is so rare, there has been around 75 cases reported.

            ii.      The actual cause is unknown, but it’s been proved that it’s genetic.

It’s an interesting but a little frustrating syndrome.

III. Conclusion

1. Nager Syndrome is a syndrome that affects different parts of the upper body; It has very distinct characteristics; It’s so rare that there have been around 75 cases reported.
2. Nager syndrome is rare, but now people should have a better understanding on what it is specifically.
3. Since people have always asked me why I am the way I am physically, I have decided that they should be educated about the syndrome.

Relationships

I've been thinking a lot lately about relationships. Why? I have no clue, maybe because I just turned 31 years old back in June. For my entire life, except for a month/month and a half when I was 16, I have been single. Even then, it wasn't an actual relationship. All we did was just hang out like I hang out with other guys in my life. Never even been kissed. I can't even imagine ever kissing anybody. How sad is that?? Never been on an actual date. I went to my high school senior prom with a very good friend of mine *I didn't want to go, but family members insisted, and it was a group 'date'*, and we ate at Marconi Grill on Valentine's Day when I was 18. I wouldn't call those dates since it was two close friends keeping each other company 'cause we had nothing better to do.

I've always been a person who tells the other person that I like them, and ask them out. I'm so not a traditional girl! I believed that if you want something, you gotta bust your butt to get it or make it known. Notice the word 'believed'. I don't necessarily believe in that anymore when it comes to feelings that goes along with relationships. I always get one of the two which 'we're such good friends, I don't want to ruin that friendship' and 'I'm not ready to date, but when I am, I will let you know 'cause I like you too', and then start dating other pepole. Complete bullshit. Oh well, I'm so over it. I'm just not going to tell anybody that I like them unless they tell me first. Makes me wonder what the hell is wrong with me? Am I not worth it or what? I know that's not me, it's them, but I do question that every now and then. Even though, I truly believe it's them, not me, because it doesn't hurt any less. There are times where I want to ask 'Is it because you're uncomfortable around me? Am I not good enough for you even though you know there's a chance that I might be? Am I really not deserving to be loved and taken care from other person?' This really eats at me from time to time, and it really brings me down. I feel like I'm a failure when it comes to intimate relationships. I just one chance to be loved for who I am, does not pity, and truly values on who I am as a person. Not degrade me 'cause my physical body.

There have been at least two guys who were interested in me, but I have no interest in them. They either creep me out, or I just don't have that kind of connection with them. I gotta say, I'm glad that I say no, 'cause I'm doing what feels right for me. I think I would hate myself if I said yes and not be happy with the person since my gut very rarely steers me wrong. Some people just don't get that, and it frustrates me!

Since I've been single for so long, I don't think I would know what to do if a guy I like actually likes me back and decides to give me a chance. Then my fear is that I will screw it up because I don't know how to be in a relationship. I talked to my sister about this, and I agree with her. Maybe I'm a person that does not do relationships, and I am fine with that. I think I just want to know that mutual feelings can be shared, and that I am the girl of his dreams. I'll admit, I will totally freak out 'cause it would be entirely new thing to experience. I wouldn't know how it would feel for somebody to genuinely care about me and want to be with me, and it scares the crap out of me.

I'm content with what I have. I am glad to be 'one of the guys'. As long as I have my sisters, and their kids, and good friends, I can never be alone, and I'll always be content and happy about it. Even though, I  am completely satisfied with my people in my life, I am human, so I still wonder why other parts of my life don't work out. I just want to know if I'm worth it, or not..

Me and my brain, it thinks too much especially when it's not needed. It's just one of those things I wonder and think about. 

The Moon *photography*

I love taking photos especially of the sky, landscape, animals, and loved ones. I think I will try to become a professional photographer of animals and landscape that includes the sky! We'll see about that! I wanted to share some of my moon shots that I have taken!

My absolute favorite shot I've taken.

KoRn - Coming Undone (Acoustic Version) *Lyrics*

For the past few years, I've come to appreciate music by KoRn! One of my favorites songs is Coming Undone. I told a buddy of mine that I was going to do a lyric music video of that song, and he told me to find the acoustic version and do that one instead. Smart man that he is. Thanks Davis, for the suggestion! I LOVE this song, both versions that is. Enjoy!

My 30th Birthday

"When you are born, you don't know what the hell is going on
In your teenage, your parents will tell you what the hell is going on
In your 20s, you know very well what the hell is going on
In your post 50s, you need to ask someone what the hell is going on
It's only in your 30s that you realize that the whole point was to enjoy this confusion!
Happy 30th Birthday. Enjoy it while it lasts"

~Unknown

30 years ago, I was born to Vicki and John Caudle. I was their first child they had together. As I look back, it doesn't seem that long, but life definitely happened, for the better and for the worse. I couldn't ask for anything else.

For the past few days, I've gotten a couple of surprises. I woke up to a card on my door from my apartment complex's staff. I love, and I mean LOVE getting cards. I got 'birthday bombed' a few days ago by my neighbor and her daughter and nieces. It really made my day!!

I had a nice surprise to start my day off. I am not a morning person, and I don't wake up until my body lets me *unless I have school, work, or early plans* or I get visitors. I knew my good friend and her girlfriend was coming, but I thought I'd be getting a text to let me know that they were on their way. I meant to wake up, but I fell back to sleep. I got a text stating that they were at the door! Holy crap, I look like shit! Very, very few people get to see me in my morning do. Normally,  the only people who see me is people who have lived with me, or I've been friends since grade school.  Well, anyways the stopped by to bring me some breakfast that they had made and a birthday card. They made pancakes and eggs/potatoes mix. Yummy stuff! They are awesome, awesome people to think of me, and drive the drive. They don't live too close to me! Once again, thank you ladies!!

As they were about to leave, I checked Facebook, like I always do when I wake up, I had lots and lots of birthday wishes. They always make me feel good. I can never thank you enough for taking the time out of your day to wish me a happy birthday. Even if it's five seconds. I thank you. You guys are awesome people!

My sister, Janet, and her boyfriend, Mike, took me out to early dinner. We went to Chili's, and of course, I had my Monetary Chicken with cheese fries and chocolate molten for dessert. Good, good food. Thank you again, Janet and Mike, for taking me out!

For the past month or so, I have known that I will be getting a kitten from Janet. I wasn't supposed to get her until Sunday, but since it was my birthday, I got her two days early! She is SO cute. She's a nice addition to my little family. My baby, Billie, isn't happy at the moment, but I think she'll be fine in a couple of days. She likes to be the main cat in the house, which she still is. She just doesn't seem to think so at the moment. I hope she'll realize it soon. =o)

I should end this. I hope everybody has a GREAT weekend. Take care, and talk to you soon. =o)

~Tammy

Best Semester Ever - Branding for a Restaurant

One of the classes I took at PPCC was Electronic Prepress. We all worked for an actual client, Smiley's Bakery and Cafe. They are known for their fresh bread, pies, and breakfast food. At the end of the semester, the owner picked a winner. I was not chosen, but I was one of the top choices. I give congrats to a good friend of mine who did deserve it, Duane. At the end of the semester, I was very proud with what I accomplished. I decided to share it with you guys!

 First assignment was to create the logo. You need a logo before doing anything else. We had to create different types of logo. This one was chosen by the owner for me to work on for the rest of the semester.

This is part one of the corporate identity. We had to create business cards, letterheads, and envelopes. This is the business card

 Part two: The letterhead.

Part three: The Envelope.

The thing the owner wanted the most was the menu. Hers was a mess!! This is how she chose her winner, since this is what she wanted the most. We had to do black and white only. I think I'll create the color version to where you can see what it would look like. Of course, it'd have to go along with the rest of the identity. This still does. The shades of the gray goes along the shades of the orange the I used, and so forth. The fonts are exactly the same that I've used throughout the identity which derives from the logo. I don't have font that does not come from the actual logo that I created. The top is the front of the menu, and the bottom is the back of the menu. It's a tri-fold menu.

I created a mockup for the website. I don't like it at all, so I'll have to work on it before I show it.

This is the other one that I presented to the owner. My instructor and I was hoping that she'd choose this one for me to work with, but she didn't. I am very proud of this one as well.