Here's to the twilight, here's to the memories
These are my souvenirs, momental pictures of everything
Here's to the late nights, here's to the firelight
These are my souvenirs, my souvenirs
I close my eyes go back in time
I can see you smiling, so alive
We were so young, we had no fear
We were so young, we had no idea
That life was just happening
Here's to your bright eyes, shining like fireflies
These are my souvenirs, the memory of a lifetime
We were wide-eyed with everything, everything around us
We were enlightened by everything, everything
So I close my eyes and go back in time
I can see you smiling, so alive
I close my eyes and go back in time
You were just a child, and so was I
We were so young, we had no fear
We were so young, we had no idea
That nothing lasts forever
You and me together
We're always now or never
Can you hear me?
Can you hear me?
I close my eyes and go back in time
I can see you smiling, you're so alive
I close my eyes and go back in time
You were wide-eyed, you were wide-eyed
We were so young, we had no fear
We were so young, we had just begun
A song we knew, but had never sung
It burned like fire inside our lungs
And life was just happening (nothing lasts, nothing lasts forever)
And life was just happening (nothing lasts, nothing lasts forever)
I wouldn't trade it for anything...my souvenirs
-"Souvenirs" from Switchfoot's Vice Verses
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
10 years later...
Today is September 11, 2011. Ten years ago, we experienced one of the defining moments of my generation. Nothing else has so dramatically changed the world that once was into what the world has become. From the way we view the Middle East to the way we travel has shifted.
That Tuesday, so long ago, is a blur for me. I remember being in my Bible teachers room when I heard the news. The class sat shocked for a second. My Bible teacher, Chad Barrett, prayed fervently, yet calmly, for the people in New York. We continued with our scheduled day at Hamilton Christian Academy, but nobody felt much like doing any assignments. We didn't have TVs in the classrooms so information was scarce and a long time in coming. I remember some of the students wanted to call home. Rumors were moving through the student body, saying that Lake Charles was a target or something because of the oil refineries. Fortunately, nothing became of that, but already you could see signs of the changes and (in some cases) fear that some people had.
I remember getting in the truck with Mom and Jared to go home that day. Mom had the radio on listening to the news reports. I don't think any of us had actually seen any images from New York yet, but it was all we saw on TV that night.
Seeing the initial videos, pictures, dust, fire, blood and death was shocking. I remember President Bush giving his speech to the nation:
"Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts."
By this time, the death and destruction had pushed all the tears out of me. I was just numb.
I don't remember much about the following weeks. I know that HCA had an assembly, and that I got the chance to read a poem that I had written. I remember having to read it twice for some reason and got a lot of claps afterward.
A few years later, I got the chance to go to Ground Zero while on a mission trip to New York City with the LSU Baptist Collegiate Ministry. I had never been to NYC before then, but remember standing there looking at the memorial site, thinking that it was like there was a hole there. Like something was missing. At that point there was still a section of cross beam in the shape of a cross that was like the centerpiece of the memorial.
Ten years later, the images and videos still push me to tears.
I think that they always will.
9/11/01 - Never forget.
"I can hear you! I can hear you, the rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!"
-President George W. Bush
That Tuesday, so long ago, is a blur for me. I remember being in my Bible teachers room when I heard the news. The class sat shocked for a second. My Bible teacher, Chad Barrett, prayed fervently, yet calmly, for the people in New York. We continued with our scheduled day at Hamilton Christian Academy, but nobody felt much like doing any assignments. We didn't have TVs in the classrooms so information was scarce and a long time in coming. I remember some of the students wanted to call home. Rumors were moving through the student body, saying that Lake Charles was a target or something because of the oil refineries. Fortunately, nothing became of that, but already you could see signs of the changes and (in some cases) fear that some people had.
I remember getting in the truck with Mom and Jared to go home that day. Mom had the radio on listening to the news reports. I don't think any of us had actually seen any images from New York yet, but it was all we saw on TV that night.
Seeing the initial videos, pictures, dust, fire, blood and death was shocking. I remember President Bush giving his speech to the nation:
"Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts."
By this time, the death and destruction had pushed all the tears out of me. I was just numb.
I don't remember much about the following weeks. I know that HCA had an assembly, and that I got the chance to read a poem that I had written. I remember having to read it twice for some reason and got a lot of claps afterward.
A few years later, I got the chance to go to Ground Zero while on a mission trip to New York City with the LSU Baptist Collegiate Ministry. I had never been to NYC before then, but remember standing there looking at the memorial site, thinking that it was like there was a hole there. Like something was missing. At that point there was still a section of cross beam in the shape of a cross that was like the centerpiece of the memorial.
Ten years later, the images and videos still push me to tears.
I think that they always will.
9/11/01 - Never forget.
"I can hear you! I can hear you, the rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!"
-President George W. Bush
Monday, April 11, 2011
Human
I love nature documentaries. I could watch the lions chasing after the wildebeest, or the weird bug getting taken out by the chameleon, or the great white shark making a seal disappear. And like I tell the kids I teach, I root for the predator. I don't really know why. So it should come as no surprise that when I found out that the Discovery Channel would be running a new series called Human Planet and I got really, really excited!
Katie and I watched it Sunday, and it was amazing to see the different stories of people from all over the world. The struggles that some of the people go through just to get a good meal or an education.
Watching that, I was thinking that we are incredibly blessed that we don't have to spend half of our day risking death, trying to catch fish to eat for dinner each night. How we don't have to spend our work day, inside a poison gas volcano to mine sulfur while breaking our backs. How my education was a 25 minute drive into town each day, and I could see my parents at the end of each day.
I know I get freaked out when my bank account gets a "little" low. But then, I catch myself, and remember that Joshua Ongadia, my Ugandan Compassion child, gets by on $38 a month.
I get bored and frustrated with the every day same-old same-old. But then, I think about the children in the world, who spend weeks during the harvest chasing away monkeys so the village can eat.
I can sleep in a comfortable bed each night in an air conditioned room; not worried about soldiers coming and taking me or my wife away. I have more clothes in my closet than some people will wear in a lifetime. I can go down to the store and buy whatever food I want to feed whoever I want. I can lift a lever and get cool, clean water.
When I slow down, I sometimes think why I think I'm such a big deal. 6 billion people in the world, and I think I'm the center of it. In the grand scheme of things, I am a speck. We all are.
And I am so blessed...
Katie and I watched it Sunday, and it was amazing to see the different stories of people from all over the world. The struggles that some of the people go through just to get a good meal or an education.
Watching that, I was thinking that we are incredibly blessed that we don't have to spend half of our day risking death, trying to catch fish to eat for dinner each night. How we don't have to spend our work day, inside a poison gas volcano to mine sulfur while breaking our backs. How my education was a 25 minute drive into town each day, and I could see my parents at the end of each day.
I know I get freaked out when my bank account gets a "little" low. But then, I catch myself, and remember that Joshua Ongadia, my Ugandan Compassion child, gets by on $38 a month.
I get bored and frustrated with the every day same-old same-old. But then, I think about the children in the world, who spend weeks during the harvest chasing away monkeys so the village can eat.
I can sleep in a comfortable bed each night in an air conditioned room; not worried about soldiers coming and taking me or my wife away. I have more clothes in my closet than some people will wear in a lifetime. I can go down to the store and buy whatever food I want to feed whoever I want. I can lift a lever and get cool, clean water.
When I slow down, I sometimes think why I think I'm such a big deal. 6 billion people in the world, and I think I'm the center of it. In the grand scheme of things, I am a speck. We all are.
And I am so blessed...
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Little by Little
Married life is great. I love it and highly recommend it. Katie is amazing and wonderful; the best thing that's ever happened to me. I love her very much, and can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together!
Life is starting to get crazy again. OE season is about to start back up again, and football season is finally back. We're finally getting some more rain again, and that means that the quiet gray days that I love are coming back.
This summer has been a little weird for me. I've missed the students that come out here, and (to an extent) the craziness that that brings. I think I'll be glad when they start coming in and this year can get underway.
I bought the new Goo Goo Dolls album. And I must say that it's pretty awesome. Here's one of my favorites: Not Broken.
(If the video doesn't work, then click here!)
Little by little, one walks far. - Peruvian proverb
Life is starting to get crazy again. OE season is about to start back up again, and football season is finally back. We're finally getting some more rain again, and that means that the quiet gray days that I love are coming back.
This summer has been a little weird for me. I've missed the students that come out here, and (to an extent) the craziness that that brings. I think I'll be glad when they start coming in and this year can get underway.
I bought the new Goo Goo Dolls album. And I must say that it's pretty awesome. Here's one of my favorites: Not Broken.
(If the video doesn't work, then click here!)
Little by little, one walks far. - Peruvian proverb
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Learning from Toys
Normally, I don't really cry in movies or previews for that matter. But today, it happened twice in the same theater.
There was a trailer for the upcoming Chronicles of Narnia movie: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. And I don't know; there was just something about it that just hit that nerve. Like I said, I don't really know what it was there. Something maybe about seeing the Lion, Reepicheep, Caspian, and the others once again on screen. Or maybe seeing the different scenes of the book coming to life again. Or maybe just knowing who and what the Dufflepuds and the Island Where Dreams Come True are and anticipating what will happen with them. Needless to say, I'm very excited for this movie.
The second round of tears came during the incredibly awesome movie, Toy Story 3. I can't really say to much without ruining the plot, but there was a section in the movie where Woody, Buzz, and the gang were in a very bad situation. So bad, that even Woody was resolved to the only fate that he could see. Through an unexpected (and hilarious) turn of events, Woody, Buzz, and the rest were okay. Since I can't really go that much into detail, I'll just say that the filmmakers gave me a much needed glimpse of God's love, providence, and rescue.
And it was just what I needed.
My last post was a reaction to things that were going on around me that I ultimately have very little control over. It was a post from a weary mind in a weary moment of weakness.
There is so much to be joyful about. See my previous posts if you want to read the extended lists.
We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us... We are far too easily pleased. - from C.S. Lewis' "The Weight of Glory"
I am a half-hearted creature. Infinite joy is offered to someone who seems to only wants to sulk in his own self-pity. I am far too easily pleased with this. Joy is not happiness. Happiness is temporary while joy is an attitude.
In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37
Friday, June 18, 2010
Striving
My last post detailed some of the little things that I look for and appreciate. I must admit that, for whatever reason, I'm finding this to be somewhat difficult these last few days. And the worst part is that I can't really put my finger on what exactly is making it difficult.
It's tough. And some days I don't want to even try. I just feel like curling back up in bed and sleeping it all away. There are days where I'm just weary.
I feel that there are days where I have to try very hard to find any joy. I know that I'm blessed beyond imagining. Some days and some hours, I have a difficult time actually remembering that.
So I put on my big boy smile, and press on.
Sometimes for days on end.
Striving to find that joy.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Little Things
Over the last few days, I've tried to come up with something meaningful to post here. It's turning out to be a lot easier said than done.
Awhile back, I posted a list of little things that I was thankful for that I might/usually take for granted. Some of these might be repeats of the last entry, but that's okay. In no particular order, here goes:
A wonderful fiancee'.
A good bed.
Great friends.
Fruit snacks.
Nature documentaries like Planet Earth and Life.
Solitude.
Creme soda.
Rain.
Family.
Rest.
Stars.
Campfires.
Laughter.
Peace.
Joy.
Awhile back, I posted a list of little things that I was thankful for that I might/usually take for granted. Some of these might be repeats of the last entry, but that's okay. In no particular order, here goes:
A wonderful fiancee'.
A good bed.
Great friends.
Fruit snacks.
Nature documentaries like Planet Earth and Life.
Solitude.
Creme soda.
Rain.
Family.
Rest.
Stars.
Campfires.
Laughter.
Peace.
Joy.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
John 8:9-11
9. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there.
10. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
11. "No one, sir," she replied.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
10. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
11. "No one, sir," she replied.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Toby, Trip, and a New One
TobyMac's new CD came out tonight, and I've spent the last few minutes listening to it. The little that I've heard is very good, and I would highly recommend it. Especially this song called "Hold On". It's really good. Oh and this one too!
I've also been listening to Lecrae's prodigy, Trip Lee, the last couple of days. In his song, "Who He Is," Trip Lee sings:If I'm worth dying for, yes this God is worth living for.
I've never thought of it quite like that. Never really put it together that I'm worth it.Awesome...
Here's a new one for everyone. I recently found this again, and after a few minor touches, here it is for your enjoyment:Tell Of His Power
Oh praise the One who hung the stars
Stringing up Orion's belt
Who sees the heavens darkest part
And strokes Ursa's starry pelt
Sing power to the Name who flings
Bright comets across the way
Who listens as the sunrise sings
And smears clouds across the day
On high with silvery dignified grace
Who shakes the mountains into dunes
And breathes the breeze across your face
Sing, my soul, with awestruck wonder
To Him who pours out time
He knows each storm; each peal of thunder
And every tear you cry
Deeper than the ocean floor
More gentle than the purest dove
More terrible than the storm
Cry mercy, oh my withered soul
Though you are worthy of none
And He will speak and make you whole
Proudly proclaiming you His son
Adoring but terrified
Draw near, my spirit, to His loving power
Come closer and be purified.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Haiti, Waterslides, Life and Matthew
I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't really followed the crisis down in Haiti. I have no excuse really. I'd see the little blurbs and hear the stories and for whatever reason, I would tune it out; ignore it. It never really cracked this callous shell that I built up to isolate myself from all of it. And tonight was the first time that I ever really looked at anything about it. I don't know where that came from, but I don't like it.
Which got me thinking about some things...
Over the last few days, my co-workers and I have been working on the waterslides at Sky Ranch. Using handheld paint scrapers, we've been slowly scraping the top layers away, trying to get to the fiberglass underneath. This in turn will allow those that know about such things to replace the plastic coating with a new coating that will allow kids to slide better. It has been hand-crampingly slow work, but as my friend, Kate, would readily attest, there are some things to gain from such work.
Primarily, if you can manage, you can find yourself working all by yourself. Just you, a scraper, and a stubborn piece of plastic coating. This in turn led me to let my mind wander as my fingers worked on auto-pilot. Scrape, scrape, scrape. So many life analogies.
Imagine you were the slide with the stubborn piece of plastic coating (it's a tan color to help you visualize). That plastic coating is your shield, put there to protect you from life's troubles. And you're happy with that shield. But then the scraper comes along and starts slowly and carefully chipping away at everything you were using to protect yourself. Everything you were holding on to is slowly, but deliberately, being removed. Fiberglass shards start flying. Large chunks are falling away. But it doesn't go smoothly.
It doesn't go smoothly....
It hurts....
And to me (and some others) this is Life. We have a tendency to make ourselves comfortable with this little life as we know it, content to hide behind all kinds of things to fool ourselves into thinking we're happy. And for the most part we succeed.
And then God comes along.
And He slowly starts chipping away at us. And it hurts.
But God is always right there next us, whispering, "I know it hurts. But I have something so much better for you. Please just trust Me."
Most of the time I think that we can't hear Him because we're too focused on the sounds of our own shattered kingdoms to notice.
Because it hurts.... because it isn't what we want.... because we don't understand it....
I don't understand the magnitude of earthquake in Haiti. I don't think anyone does. What came to mind when I tried to understand it all was Matthew 24:6-7:
6. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see that you are not alarmed. Such things MUST happen, but the end is still to come.
7. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
There is a certain level of comfort in knowing that Jesus said all of this had to happen. It helps me to know that He is sovereign in all of this. I don't have to understand why it happened. Jesus knows why.
And He's in control...
The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!"
-Matthew 8:27
Monday, January 25, 2010
Wii Fit
So last Friday I bought Katie a Wii Fit Plus for our 2 year anniversary. It's safe to say that I am NOT in shape at all. First time a video game literally kicked my butt...
Been a long time...
My apologies for my extended absence from this place. I've fallen victim to laziness and the oft-used excuse of "I've got so much going on right now..." So we'll just skip the awkwardness and pretend that I've been here all along... And now at the urgent request of Katie and my friends at Growing Freely and Just a Little Mishap....
On with the show...
For those who didn't hear (or see the video), I'm engaged now! Katie said yes! We're going to be married on July 17th, 2010! And then it's a long, fun week in Walt Disney World staying in the Animal Kingdom Lodge! It's going to be so much fun!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Turkey Day
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'm standing on Times Square waiting in line to go into ESPN Zone! Figured I'd try this blog app out while I was waiting! Hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Ahh...fall...
Here it is again. Fall. Gotta love it....the air; the colder temperatures; the falling leaves... As I've mentioned before, I love this time of year. Now, if we could just get all this without all the rain then we'd be set.
I was looking through a bunch of old Facebook pictures the other day, which, naturally, got me thinking about the past (something that I probably do too much of), and how strange it is that people are in your life for a season before moving on with their lives. It's happened to me before, but it's still pretty weird when I realize it. For instance, there's this guy I'm friends with on Facebook that I haven't seen in years. I mean, years. Like I was 5 the last time I saw him. And apparently, he and I were best friends way back then. Now he's married, and I know next to nothing about him.
A more recent example is the Perry family. Cody and Christian were two of my best friends growing up. I remember playing Ninja Turtles with them, hanging out at church, and having sleep-overs all the time either in Ragley or Moss Bluff. We went to the same church; Cody and I had a crush on the same girl there. Mr. Ed and Mrs. Cathy were almost like second parents. I remember crying and crying when I found out that they were leaving to go to a different church in the same town. Now, all was not as I feared, of course. We kept in touch, and I was even in Mr. Ed's Sunday School class.
*Sidenote* - Mr. Ed, if you ever read this, thank you so much for that class and for all the times you let Jared and I invade your home. You challenged us, and cared about each one of us individually. You always wanted the best for all of us; even when you might have thought we were being morons. You gave and gave and gave; never asking for anything in return. You truly were an awesome man of God.
I'm starting to feel that way about high school and college friends as well. I know that some of them will always be there if I need them, no matter the length of time that passes like the Perry's, Kade, Ken, Ryne, Bill, Jimmy, Lyndsey, and David. I'm incredibly thankful for that. There's no way I deserve one friend of this caliber, yet I've just named 7 plus a family of 4.
And I can't help wondering if I've had as good of an impact on them as they have on me. Have I done as Mr. Ed did and cared, challenged, and gave of myself without asking for anything back? For the ones that I don't really talk to anymore...is there anything that I could have done to change who they are now? I realize that I can't take responsibility for anyone's life but mine, yet it's still something that I think about every now and then....
Ahh well.....
I'm very excited for Friday! The OE group has decided that we're all going to dress up as Harry Potter characters! I'm going to be the one, the only.....SEVERUS SNAPE!!!
I have the cape, outfit, hair, and wand! It's going to be awesome!
Quote of the Post:
Poetry is the rhythmical creation of beauty in words. -Edgar Allen Poe
I was looking through a bunch of old Facebook pictures the other day, which, naturally, got me thinking about the past (something that I probably do too much of), and how strange it is that people are in your life for a season before moving on with their lives. It's happened to me before, but it's still pretty weird when I realize it. For instance, there's this guy I'm friends with on Facebook that I haven't seen in years. I mean, years. Like I was 5 the last time I saw him. And apparently, he and I were best friends way back then. Now he's married, and I know next to nothing about him.
A more recent example is the Perry family. Cody and Christian were two of my best friends growing up. I remember playing Ninja Turtles with them, hanging out at church, and having sleep-overs all the time either in Ragley or Moss Bluff. We went to the same church; Cody and I had a crush on the same girl there. Mr. Ed and Mrs. Cathy were almost like second parents. I remember crying and crying when I found out that they were leaving to go to a different church in the same town. Now, all was not as I feared, of course. We kept in touch, and I was even in Mr. Ed's Sunday School class.
*Sidenote* - Mr. Ed, if you ever read this, thank you so much for that class and for all the times you let Jared and I invade your home. You challenged us, and cared about each one of us individually. You always wanted the best for all of us; even when you might have thought we were being morons. You gave and gave and gave; never asking for anything in return. You truly were an awesome man of God.
I'm starting to feel that way about high school and college friends as well. I know that some of them will always be there if I need them, no matter the length of time that passes like the Perry's, Kade, Ken, Ryne, Bill, Jimmy, Lyndsey, and David. I'm incredibly thankful for that. There's no way I deserve one friend of this caliber, yet I've just named 7 plus a family of 4.
And I can't help wondering if I've had as good of an impact on them as they have on me. Have I done as Mr. Ed did and cared, challenged, and gave of myself without asking for anything back? For the ones that I don't really talk to anymore...is there anything that I could have done to change who they are now? I realize that I can't take responsibility for anyone's life but mine, yet it's still something that I think about every now and then....
Ahh well.....
I'm very excited for Friday! The OE group has decided that we're all going to dress up as Harry Potter characters! I'm going to be the one, the only.....SEVERUS SNAPE!!!
I have the cape, outfit, hair, and wand! It's going to be awesome!
Quote of the Post:
Poetry is the rhythmical creation of beauty in words. -Edgar Allen Poe
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Lonely Weekend. Good Weekend.
This has been great. The roommate is out of town. Katie is with her family. And I am here in the apartment alone. I think I might have possibly said 17 words out loud all day yesterday (mostly during the LSU game). Seriously, it's been great. Especially after the last few weeks...
I was lead teacher for one of the best group of 4th graders. Willis Lane Elementary came by our neck of the woods Wednesday for three days of Outdoor Education fun! Those kids were seriously awesome! I told them that at least three times over the course of their stay. Seldom have I seen a group of kids that big (139ish) and that young be so attentive and cooperative.
Campfires this week were epic. I had both of them (Monday and Thursday) with the one and only, David Huss. While we had the classic pair of Banana Bandana and Hidey Ho!, we also had two great Boom-chicka-boom contests, both of which I won! Harry Potter style - for the win!
I turn a quarter century old tomorrow. 25. It's pretty crazy. My birthday present from me to me is a brand new 32 gig iPod Touch! That also is pretty crazy. My old iPod kicked the bucket on Wednesday so I figured why not?
It's raining right now. And it's cold. I love it!
I turn a quarter century old tomorrow. 25. It's pretty crazy. My birthday present from me to me is a brand new 32 gig iPod Touch! That also is pretty crazy. My old iPod kicked the bucket on Wednesday so I figured why not?
It's raining right now. And it's cold. I love it!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Rainy Weekend
I must admit, I do enjoy a dull, grey rainy day. Things cool down for awhile and most of the time you're forced indoors for a quiet afternoon in front of the TV snuggled up with your girl. It's been a weekend like that. Football and friends as well for most of the day Saturday.
MLIA. Enough said. Click on that only if you have a few hours to kill. Seriously. Oh and Sporcle.
I can't wait for the winter to get here. It will be a welcome reprieve from the heat. This weekend's rain almost made it feel that way here.
There goes another rumble of thunder. Man, I love falling asleep to the rain on the roof...
MLIA. Enough said. Click on that only if you have a few hours to kill. Seriously. Oh and Sporcle.
I can't wait for the winter to get here. It will be a welcome reprieve from the heat. This weekend's rain almost made it feel that way here.
There goes another rumble of thunder. Man, I love falling asleep to the rain on the roof...
Monday, September 7, 2009
Where Stately Oaks...
I've been meaning to write something for quite some time now. Funny, that I've purposely been hiding in my room all night and am just now trying to blog something. Sigh. Ah well.
These last few days have sometimes seemed to be a roller coaster ride for me. I've been stressed out from creating a new Outdoor Education class from the ground up; from dealing with argumentative (and sometimes abrasive) people; and from not getting the quiet, solitary time that I've desperately been needing. So stress, stress, and more stress. Fortunately, the new class is almost finished, and tonight was a giant step in the right direction back to my mental sanity. As for the argumentatively abrasive people....well, here's hopin...
Anyway...
This past Saturday was the first weekend of LSU football for the 2009 season. Before you can groan and think, "Oh, here he goes again," just hear me out. Recently, my mom and I were talking about how much I changed when I went off to college. Thinking more about it, I know that she's right (she always is). I definitely learned a lot about myself and figured out what kind of person I wanted to be. So, I guess that this time of year allows me to reminisce on those times and recall the good, the bad, and the what ifs. For instance...
The Bad - Cramming for tests. Homework. Boring job. Other stuff.
What If - I had never gone to South Africa? I had never gone to Mexico? I had gone to Louisiana College instead? I had never gone to Sky Ranch? I had gotten any of the girls that I pathetically pined after? I had never set foot in the BCM?
The Good - Becoming the person that I am today (or at least starting on that road). South Africa. South Africa again. Mexico. Sky Ranch. Incredible friends that stuck with me all throughout my time at LSU (and still do). Getting on the front cover of USA Today (if you don't believe me then look in the Painted Posse album on my Facebook page). Learning what life is. Road trips to LSU away games with friends (Arizona State, Ole Miss, Florida, Auburn, and SEC Championship). Touch football games on the Parade Grounds. Late night poker games. Being involved in 3 good friends' weddings (at least). Rooming with one of my best friends. Late night Walmart runs with Kade (the best friend). Ski trips. Helping to found the Painted Posse and getting multiple newspaper and TV appearances with them. Learning about football and then arguing with my dad about whether football or drag racing was the better sport. Leaving high school behind. Leading a Freshman Family group that included my cousin, Michele. Saturday night in Death Valley with 92,000+ people. Cross campus games of Capture the Flag. Helping one of my good friends setup his proposal site with candles at the fountain in the quad. Going to Tiger Stadium hours and hours before the game to get front row seats. Hearing Mike the Tiger's roar. Getting a text from my mom anytime she's in Baton Rouge saying that she's in the Promised Land or bowing to Death Valley (which always brings a smile to my face)....
The list goes on and on...
I know this might be a little cheesy and cliche', but my time at LSU was one of the greatest times of my life.
So here's to another great season of Tiger football, full of ups and downs and fond memories. I love it.
Where stately oaks and broad magnolias shade inspiring halls
There stands our dear Old Alma Mater who to us recalls
Fond memories that waken in our hearts a tender glow
And make us happy for the love that we have come to know
All hail to thee our Alma Mater; molder of mankind
May greater glory, love unending be forever thine
Our worth in life will be thy worth; we pray to keep it true
And may thy spirit live in us; forever L-S-U!
- LSU Alma Mater
These last few days have sometimes seemed to be a roller coaster ride for me. I've been stressed out from creating a new Outdoor Education class from the ground up; from dealing with argumentative (and sometimes abrasive) people; and from not getting the quiet, solitary time that I've desperately been needing. So stress, stress, and more stress. Fortunately, the new class is almost finished, and tonight was a giant step in the right direction back to my mental sanity. As for the argumentatively abrasive people....well, here's hopin...
Anyway...
This past Saturday was the first weekend of LSU football for the 2009 season. Before you can groan and think, "Oh, here he goes again," just hear me out. Recently, my mom and I were talking about how much I changed when I went off to college. Thinking more about it, I know that she's right (she always is). I definitely learned a lot about myself and figured out what kind of person I wanted to be. So, I guess that this time of year allows me to reminisce on those times and recall the good, the bad, and the what ifs. For instance...
The Bad - Cramming for tests. Homework. Boring job. Other stuff.
What If - I had never gone to South Africa? I had never gone to Mexico? I had gone to Louisiana College instead? I had never gone to Sky Ranch? I had gotten any of the girls that I pathetically pined after? I had never set foot in the BCM?
The Good - Becoming the person that I am today (or at least starting on that road). South Africa. South Africa again. Mexico. Sky Ranch. Incredible friends that stuck with me all throughout my time at LSU (and still do). Getting on the front cover of USA Today (if you don't believe me then look in the Painted Posse album on my Facebook page). Learning what life is. Road trips to LSU away games with friends (Arizona State, Ole Miss, Florida, Auburn, and SEC Championship). Touch football games on the Parade Grounds. Late night poker games. Being involved in 3 good friends' weddings (at least). Rooming with one of my best friends. Late night Walmart runs with Kade (the best friend). Ski trips. Helping to found the Painted Posse and getting multiple newspaper and TV appearances with them. Learning about football and then arguing with my dad about whether football or drag racing was the better sport. Leaving high school behind. Leading a Freshman Family group that included my cousin, Michele. Saturday night in Death Valley with 92,000+ people. Cross campus games of Capture the Flag. Helping one of my good friends setup his proposal site with candles at the fountain in the quad. Going to Tiger Stadium hours and hours before the game to get front row seats. Hearing Mike the Tiger's roar. Getting a text from my mom anytime she's in Baton Rouge saying that she's in the Promised Land or bowing to Death Valley (which always brings a smile to my face)....
The list goes on and on...
I know this might be a little cheesy and cliche', but my time at LSU was one of the greatest times of my life.
So here's to another great season of Tiger football, full of ups and downs and fond memories. I love it.
Where stately oaks and broad magnolias shade inspiring halls
There stands our dear Old Alma Mater who to us recalls
Fond memories that waken in our hearts a tender glow
And make us happy for the love that we have come to know
All hail to thee our Alma Mater; molder of mankind
May greater glory, love unending be forever thine
Our worth in life will be thy worth; we pray to keep it true
And may thy spirit live in us; forever L-S-U!
- LSU Alma Mater
Saturday, July 11, 2009
When Did That Happen?
Time's flying here in Colorado. 20 days left for my stay here at Sky Ranch Ute Trail near Lake City in Colorado. I'm in a coffee shop here called Mean Jeans in Lake City listening to a little "American Girl" by Tom Petty while chuckling at seeing the "No ID; No Alcohol" sign next to the cash register. Outside is one of the semi-frequent 15 minute long rain showers that seem to be all the rage here. Oh and the side of a mountain. That's always cool.
It really has been fun here. Being one of the activities guys can be a little tiring but at least we are free from the obligations of planning and entertaining. Plus we get to do all kinds of manly things like chop wood, hunt bears, and get cool scars. I've already torn chunks of skin out of my right hand twice so far, pulled (or cut) about 16 splinters out of my hands and arms, and have suffered through a bunch of muscle cramps, sprains, and strains. At present, my middle finger on my right hand is missing a bit of skin and the muscle that is over my left shoulder blade is a dull ache at the moment.
At least the temperature is only in the double digits...
I played a lot of basketball this week with a really cool family. They were the Davis family from the DFW area (or thereabouts) and Mr. Brad and his four sons (Joshua, Caleb, Jonathan, and David) played four pretty intense games of full-court 5 on 5 basketball Monday night and last night. Joshua and Caleb are 16 and very good players. I was impressed and happy with myself for being able to keep up with them (ya know since I'm an old 24 year old). They were a very cool family who you could tell enjoyed being around each other and loved each other. I'm going to miss them.
My cousin Anna recently gave birth to her first child, Daniel. He's premature and very, very tiny.
I'm going to try to stop by on my way back from Ute Trail to see him. It's pretty awesome that Anna and Jason have a kid now. It's weird too though. It's always been The Parents and the Grandkids whenever we have family get-togethers. Recently, the Grandkids have added two spouses to the ranks. Now we have a first cousin once removed or something like that. Seems like we're growing up or something like that. Getting older. I mean, I'm getting excited about turning 25 this year so that my insurance payments will go down. When did that happen?
It seems like the theme of this year so far has been The Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Getting Older, Part 1. Family is getting bigger. Parents are getting doctor bills. Having to worry about payments and insurance. Moving. Moving again. Savings account. Life insurance. Being in the position of having been out of college for two years. Making cross country trips solo and booking a hotel solo. Weird and different. But good. Real good.
Ah well at least I still like stupid pictures....
Quite hilarious...
It really has been fun here. Being one of the activities guys can be a little tiring but at least we are free from the obligations of planning and entertaining. Plus we get to do all kinds of manly things like chop wood, hunt bears, and get cool scars. I've already torn chunks of skin out of my right hand twice so far, pulled (or cut) about 16 splinters out of my hands and arms, and have suffered through a bunch of muscle cramps, sprains, and strains. At present, my middle finger on my right hand is missing a bit of skin and the muscle that is over my left shoulder blade is a dull ache at the moment.
At least the temperature is only in the double digits...
I played a lot of basketball this week with a really cool family. They were the Davis family from the DFW area (or thereabouts) and Mr. Brad and his four sons (Joshua, Caleb, Jonathan, and David) played four pretty intense games of full-court 5 on 5 basketball Monday night and last night. Joshua and Caleb are 16 and very good players. I was impressed and happy with myself for being able to keep up with them (ya know since I'm an old 24 year old). They were a very cool family who you could tell enjoyed being around each other and loved each other. I'm going to miss them.
My cousin Anna recently gave birth to her first child, Daniel. He's premature and very, very tiny.
I'm going to try to stop by on my way back from Ute Trail to see him. It's pretty awesome that Anna and Jason have a kid now. It's weird too though. It's always been The Parents and the Grandkids whenever we have family get-togethers. Recently, the Grandkids have added two spouses to the ranks. Now we have a first cousin once removed or something like that. Seems like we're growing up or something like that. Getting older. I mean, I'm getting excited about turning 25 this year so that my insurance payments will go down. When did that happen?
It seems like the theme of this year so far has been The Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Getting Older, Part 1. Family is getting bigger. Parents are getting doctor bills. Having to worry about payments and insurance. Moving. Moving again. Savings account. Life insurance. Being in the position of having been out of college for two years. Making cross country trips solo and booking a hotel solo. Weird and different. But good. Real good.
Ah well at least I still like stupid pictures....
Quite hilarious...
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Colorado!
For those of you that haven't heard by now, on Sunday I'm going to be heading to the great state of Colorado to help out at Sky Ranch's Ute Trail camp. For the next 5-6 weeks it will be mountains, high ropes, kayaking, mountain rain storms, sleeping under the stars, mountains, and way cooler temperatures than those here in Texas. It's going to be awesome!
Oh and here's a new one....
Goodnight
Goodnight
Daylight
I hope that
All is well
Would that I
Could touch your face
Though Orion refuses
To allow me
Gemini laughs
In derision
At my longing
Andromeda sighs
Goodnight
Daylight
I pray Draco
Leaves you be
And someday soon
That Ursa
Bears you swiftly
Back to me
Though Aries
And the Archer
Fight to keep
Their Queen from me
Goodnight
Daylight
Let Leo guard
Your bed
And very soon
The Scales will tip
And we will be
Restored again
Darkest night
Lies before the dawn
Which soon breaks
Into daylight
Oh and here's a new one....
Goodnight
Goodnight
Daylight
I hope that
All is well
Would that I
Could touch your face
Though Orion refuses
To allow me
Gemini laughs
In derision
At my longing
Andromeda sighs
Goodnight
Daylight
I pray Draco
Leaves you be
And someday soon
That Ursa
Bears you swiftly
Back to me
Though Aries
And the Archer
Fight to keep
Their Queen from me
Goodnight
Daylight
Let Leo guard
Your bed
And very soon
The Scales will tip
And we will be
Restored again
Darkest night
Lies before the dawn
Which soon breaks
Into daylight
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Funny Class Moment
So here at Sky Ranch, I teach a class entitled "Expeditions." During this class, we take the kids on a hike to talk about the carbon cycle, walking them through how carbon can move from one organism to another. For the section where I talk about carbon moving around in the Animal Kingdom, mostly through animals eating each other, I get the kids to act out different animals that are going to eat or be eaten by another animal.
A few weeks ago, I got a kid and told him to be a raccoon. Not knowing what to do or what noise to make, he finally gave a feeble "rawr." (Think the sound you make when you pretend to be a monster)
I gave him an exaggerated confused look and simply said, "Um, raccoons don't rawr."
Cue enthusiastic laughter from my raccoon demonstrator, the other kids, the adults, and myself.
Good times....good times...
A few weeks ago, I got a kid and told him to be a raccoon. Not knowing what to do or what noise to make, he finally gave a feeble "rawr." (Think the sound you make when you pretend to be a monster)
I gave him an exaggerated confused look and simply said, "Um, raccoons don't rawr."
Cue enthusiastic laughter from my raccoon demonstrator, the other kids, the adults, and myself.
Good times....good times...
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