Anderson Avenue

Movie Madness

2011-01-23T21:59:00.000-08:00

So, the wife did one of these, and I thought it would be fun.

1. Name a movie(s) that you have seen more than 10 times.

10 Things I Hate About You

Dave

Major League

Major League 2

The Replacements

Love Actually

Serenity

The Last Castle

Man on Fire

Sum of All Fears

Remember the Titans

The Italian Job

The Recruit

Walking Tall

Paycheck

The Whole Nine Yards

Black Hawk Down

V for Vendetta

Shaun of the Dead

Enemy at the Gate

Barbershop

Hitch!!!!

2. Name a movie that you’ve seen multiple times in the theater.

2012 (same night)

Eagle Eye

3. Name an actor/actress that would make you more inclined to see a movie.

Will Smith

Don Cheadle

Chiwetel Ejiofor (!!!!)

Liev Schreiber

Ben Affleck

Greg Kinnear

Nathan Fillion

Anyone else from Firefly/Serenity, especially Alan Tudyk

Adam Sandler

Jim Carey

Steve Carrell

Morgan Freeman

Denzel Washington

Jon Cusak

Bradley Cooper

Ed Helms (at least I think, because love him so far in everything)

Idris Elba

Michael Ealy

Zooey Deschanel

Bruce Willis

Will Smith

Shia LaBeouf

Amanda Peet

Tommy Lee Jones

Dwayne Johnson (The Rock)

Simon Pegg

Oh...and Will Smith

4. Name an actor/actress that would make you less likely to see a movie.

Damon Wayans

Kevin Bacon (though his commercial is hilarious!!)

Glenn Close!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Billy Bob Thorton

5. Name a movie that you can and do quote from.

Hmm...not many. Probably just Serenity, 10 Things I Hate About You, Dave, and Hitch ("Locked Dooowwwnn.")

6. Name a movie musical that you know all of the lyrics to all of the songs

Pirates of Penzance! That's probably it though...Doo Dah's don't count as words. Maybe Oklahoma too.

7. Name a movie that you have been known to sing along with

Love Actually

8. Name a movie that you would recommend everyone see.

Fireproof, Dave, and The Blind Side. Oh, and Hitch!

9. Name a movie that you own.

See answer #1 (except Shaun of the Dead, oddly. Can't watch it with Kacey, so no reason in owning it. It comes on Comedy Central enough anyway.)

10. Name an actor that launched his/her entertainment career in another medium but who has surprised you with his/her acting chops.

Obviously, Will Smith

11. Name a movie that you keep meaning to see but just haven’t yet gotten around to.

Wide Awake

12. Ever walked out of a movie?

Not sure, but my parents made my friend Jonathan and I leave Austin Powers at the Calvert City Drive-In.

13. Name a movie that made you cry in the theater.

Good Will Hunting, Seven Pounds, The Blind Side

14. Popcorn?

Buttery please!

15. How often do you go to the movies (as opposed to renting them or watching them at home)?

We used to go every weekend, but that was before my husband worked at Family Video and could rent for free. (I'm the husband, copied from my wife's blog.)

16. What’s the last movie you saw in the theater?

The Tourist. Big mistake. (again, copied from my wife. But, really, it should have been much better.)

17. What’s your favorite/preferred genre of movie?

Sports or Comedy. Or Action Thriller

18. What’s the first movie you remember seeing in the theater?

Short Circuit 2 (I think that's earliest, didn't check the date against others). I remember this one vividly because the movie theater guy directed my grandma and me to the wrong place. We walked in and sat down through 10-15 minutes of a movie before we realized we were in the wrong place. The curse words tipped us off.

19. What movie do you wish you had never seen?

Titanic, Burn After Reading (Seriously, I call this one “Burn After Watching,” but you should just burn it before watching it.). The Tourist (mainly because I thought it'd be good.)

20. What is the weirdest movie you enjoyed?

Inglorious Bastards (the newer one), Love Actually

21. What is the scariest movie you’ve seen?

White Noise or 28 Days Later

22. What is the funniest movie you’ve seen?

HITCH!

2 Years and Counting...U.S. History, Left/Right, and Baby Names

2010-08-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

So, as many of you know (meaning the few people who actually will read this), this Past Sunday, August 8, was our 2nd anniversary. My Facebook status appropriately read:

Happy 2nd Anniversary to my beautiful wife, Kacey Anderson. Thank you for always being God's grace to me.

It's pretty crazy to think it's been 2 years since my nose got red, and my eyes got watery watching my wife-to-be enter the room...many of the people didn't see that, since it was for pictures before the wedding, although I have heard rumblings of people spying through the doors.

Memories of that day vary:

Dad playing the old "switch his pants with his mother's" trick on me. Why? Because I apparently was TOO CALM, and he said, "No one should be that calm on his wedding day!" Thanks Dad!

In the library, appropriately reserved for the more inteligent side of the bridal party, there were two male group prayer huddles. The first one happened as my best man, Billy Smith, and future brother-in-law, Kevin Reynolds, were moved to pray over me. The second was when the minister, Mike Darling, and the assistant photographer, Philip "The 3rd Darling" Matheny, entered the room and told us we must. We replied, "We just did..." They said we had to again, for the picture. I'm sure God understands.

Lots of fun pictures with the bridal party. The ones with me not in them are the best. The ones with Kacey, but not me are better than the best. The ones with Kacey and me are tolerable...she evens me out.

My cousin-in-law's (or is it cousin's-in-law?) dress breaking. Lindsay took it all in stride, with which my sister was thoroughly impressed. (Because you don't end a sentence with a preposition.)

Kevin with his white socks...seriously man, white socks?! I'm sure it doesn't take either of our Grammar Nazi mothers to figure that one out.

Greg, my future Father-in-Law, with his cowboy hat. Nothing to say here, he wouldn't have listened to anyone on this anyway.

New Found Glory: Hold My Hand. Still, one of our favorite songs.

I'm pretty sure all 4 parents cried, though I was only worried with not blurring my own vision. (You would have been too, she was absolutely beautiful.)

We, meaning everyone at the wedding, sang Had It Not Been the Lord. Amazing. Simply Amazing.

Clearly, not all the memories, but you get the idea.

(If you were wondering, I misspelled "intelligent." With the purpose of irony??? I think so.)

Also, on a totally different note, I'm still annoyed with "How did Bush beat Gore (related to the overall popular vote)?" references.

Number 1, learn your Pledge of Allegiance. We are not a pure democracy. Truly, we're not a democracy at all. So, the whole, "and to the republic, for which it stands..." actually is accurate.

Number 2, learn your U.S. history. I hear we've been doing this whole "only electoral votes matter" for a few years.

Put together, who should be blamed by Democrats for the loss??? Easy, Winona LaDuke! That's who cost Gore 97,488 votes in Florida, easily more than the 500 vote difference between Bush and Gore. (well, kinda.)

(In all seriousness...aren't we ALL glad that the "Inventor of the Internet" didn't become President???)

Also #3, Glenn Beck: Seriously. I consider myself probably more Republican than Democrat (and DEFINITELY a follower of The Way above both of those). And I know that you and Fox News have to put such a strong right spin on the ball (read: news) JUST TO MAKE UP FOR the left spin served by ABC, CBS, NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, and NBS. But you really make "The Right," and yourself, look pretty ignorant. Just saying.

Also #4, our baby-to-be Mayah "Something" Anderson is due September 14. At this point, we are not sure we will make it to that day. The little one has been working her way down for a little while, so we think any time after the next 2 weeks is possible. As long as it isn't September 11.

Oh, and if you curious what Mayah means, you might not want to google (also known as "search for") it. The reason is that many sites do not list it. Well, they list it, but many list it as "a variant of Maya" and put Hindi, Greek, or Latin as the origin. And as much as I like the meanings of Maya in those languages (God's creative power, mother/grandmother, and great, respectively), that's not it. Mayah is actually Hebrew for "close to God," which we pray will be true. Now just for the middle name.............

As you can see, my brain bounces around a lot. Good times, good times.

Father's Day?

2010-06-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

So, today, my beautiful, pregnant wife woke me up, which was a feat considering how out of it I was. But when I managed to drag myself toward the shower, I heard music. My wife had set up my iPod to play some Shane & Shane, one of the best duo's to ever sing in the shower to when waking up.
When I got in the bathroom, there was an envelope sitting on the toilet with my name on it, with a letter inside from my beautiful wifey. (Where else would she put it that she'd guarantee I would see it!) It contained lots of sweet things, encouraging words about the kind of daddy she thinks I'll be in a few months. Of course, she thinks I'll be a great, awesome, amazing, sweetastic dad. I'm hoping maybe I can manage just one of those (maybe the last one, as awesome and amazing seem a little too diety-esque for my reach.)
But it is pretty cool being married to such a loving wife who believes in me. And it's pretty cool being married to a woman who is so excited to meet her baby daughter, even though I'd consider your bladder being her soccer ball and your intestines being her running track to be a pretty deep relationship, but maybe that's just me.
I'm rather sleepy, so I'd say this is a sub-par blog. But I felt the urge to blog for no reason, so I figured I would. I'll blog again soon to talk about some of our changes recently. Thanks Beautiful!

Happy Father's Day to All
And to All a Good Night

Peace.

De-Institutionalization

2010-05-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

October 2009, that's the last time I blogged. I worked 6 days this week, somewhere between 60-70 hours, which isn't an atypical work-week for me. But definitely doesn't leave much time for blogging. Plus, when I work a lot, it's on my mind a lot, but you'd probably rather not read some of those things. And honestly, some of it probably is not HR-savvy.

But at my wife's request, I blog today.

You've probably noticed through facebook updates and such that we are expecting a little girl sometime around September 14. This isn't exactly anything that was planned, but as I tell most people, it's the most logical, God-planned consequence of the acts we take as married people (SEX!). But with the date getting closer and closer, we started analyzing everything from budgets to birthing statistics.

Budget-wise, we are cutting back out cable. No more sports in HD or MLB Network (which is probably why we've been on that channel for the past 6 hours). I also traded in Carlos, my '07 Mazda 3, for an '05 Mazda 6 with more miles. Cuts over a year off the loan, and saves us money monthly. We're making other cuts here and there, but these two show my dedication to the cause. :)

As for the birthing stuff...If you follow Kacey's blog (she's listed appropriately as "Beautiful" on my links, as she still is), you probably already know that we met with a mid-wife last week. I know that I have a pretty institutionalized thinking of many things, including births happening in hospital. It just makes sense, right? That's where we've been told since we were kids babies came from, hospitals. How can you bring a baby home if you stay home???
But the more my wife read, the more we talked to our doctor (who we like, nothing against her), the more uncomfortable she became with the idea of the hospital birth. So, she started looking into midwives and homebirths. At first, I had a very Scooby Doo-like, "hmmmMMMM???" But, as the wonderful, caring husband that I am, I listened. Everytime she had new info for me, I listened.
So, after emailing and talking to a few people, we were referred to one midwife. As I am a baseball fan, I love statistics and quick headlines. Here's the most interesting statistic I've learned:

1. Average hospital C-Section rate: 46%
2. C-Section rate for this midwife: 4%

You can see how that one can kinda jump out at you. I'll give the midwife credit, as she answered my "what if something goes wrong" and "what's the cost" questions well. Now, as this lady is a midwife, it makes sense that she has a hippie feel to her. But, when you give me statistics, my head can get around that. And if you give me straight answers, I can appreciate that too.

And here's a quick tidbit for you: It's ok in the State of Indiana to have your baby at home. However, you aren't supposed to hire an expert in that arena to help... (Again, Scooby Doo.)

What I do know is that my wife was truly about to come out of her chair with excitement at the end of this "interview." Kacey looking at me saying, "You good? I'm good. Let's do this," isn't usually the way you offer a "job," but that's probably the institutionalized manager coming out in me.

Probably not the best blog ever, but I've had my beautiful wife (and puppies) interrupting me throughout. :) Happy Mother's Day!

(I would also like to point out that this blog did not mention anywhere that the Tampa Bay Rays had a Perfect Game thrown against them today by the Oakland Athletics.)

Long Time No Post & Long weekend

2009-10-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

So, Hi. It's been a while. It's not because I don't love you and think good things about you. It's not about you at all. It's not you, it's me...

(Don't ask, I don't know...was just the first thing that came to my head.)

So, Kacey made the right move by going to the Zoe Conference, then to Paducah, this weekend. Although it would have been nice to come home to my beautiful wife Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. But I didn't come home Saturday night. I went into work Saturday around 12 noon, and came home sometime after 1pm Sunday. There was a large amount of business downtown all weekend, so my presence was need pretty much the entire time. Other than being called many different names, none of which are very nice, things were not as bad as they could have been. But after absorbing abusive language, running cars, and trying to control our drive, for 25 hours, I finally came home. I don't think I've been that tired before. Can't remember having bags under my eyes before, but I looked ROUGH! So, yeah, Kacey made the right decision, especially in listening to me when I said she should go to Paducah.

Even though I worked a lot, there were times in that 25 hours that were enjoyable. Sometime between 7:30am & 8am, one of my supervisors and I decided everything was funny. See, he had come in at 3pm Saturday, so he was about as tired as I was. And so, SLAP HAPPY set in. EVERYTHING was funny. One of my guys got frustrated trying to find something he was looking for (a car), and I still laughed. Even brought a tear to my eye. (I later apologized for this, he understood.) I finally told my supervisor, "We need to seperate ourselves, because this is NOT getting any better!"

So we did, about 20 feet apart. And then we made eye contact, and both lost it again. I guess it was kind of nice, actually. Laughing that much after being cussed out and called names, it was a nice difference. When I finally got home, I sat down on the couch. Maybe I was a bit delirious, but I actually thought I was going to mow my yard when I got home. Didn't happen. I fell asleep sitting up, with my head laying to the right on the back of the couch. I remember going and getting the pillow from upstairs. But I don't remember putting a blanket under where I was going to lay on the couch. I remember thinking that I SHOULD, but not actually doing it. Come to think of it, I don't remember driving home. I guess getting the pillow is the only thing I remember. Weird.

Today, Monday, I took the whole day off. Woke up quite a bit all night (apparently you're sore after being on your feet that long). After I woke up yesterday after my 4 hour pass-out, my boss called me. He had been out of town all weekend, but had heard about the work I and my colleagues had put in. So, he was cancelling our district meeting the next day (today), and instructed me to turn off my phone until Tuesday. He would go by my site and let my team know to call him if they needed anything. So, I stayed at home with my stay-at-home wife (ok, she's just working full-time from home, but she still "stays at home.") and hung out and relaxed.

Oh, and all that relaxing was done in our new house. I've promised some people we'll take pictures, but it's still full of boxes everywhere. In general, this house needs some lovin'. We've got all the paint on the walls (Thanks Lindsay for the painting weekend.), and a new couch. Even have cable tv (including the Sports Package with the MLB Network because my wife loves me), internet, and our wireless network. Just needs some organizing and other fun stuff. With getting old comes responsibility.

Kacey said, "You need to blog," so that was it. Peace.

A Walk Around the Block

2009-06-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

So, I don't know that anyone even still checks to see if I blog (other than my wife)...but I think it still posts as a Note on Facebook. But, here's one for those who do:

So, today is Father's Day. So, naturally, the sermon at church was about fathers. I did appreciate the leaving out of the "Honor your Father" stuff. That's expected every Father's Day. And, while you can't get away with NOT doing a Father's Day message, this was at least a message to (and partially about) fathers.

Many different things jumped out at me: Cute stories, great statistics, those types of things. I like how Ryan, our lead minister, showed both sides. There was the letter he read from a 3rd grader to her daddy about how she loved him, thanked him for playing ball, games, and spending time with her. That was followed with a letter from another girl in the same school class 4 seats away, a letter who's author also told her daddy how much she loved him. But then she talked about how she missed him, wondered what his house looked like, if he had ever seen her house.

No sugar coating stories, just real life, real facts. I love how much REAL stories show truth and opportunity.

The part of the message that stuck with me the most was part about the track relay team who had difficulties handing off the baton, and how fathers hand the baton down, and it's passed down generation to generation. It brought back a memory to me:

Just before I went off to college at Abilene Christian University, only a week or two before leaving town to start my own life, my dad and I took a walk around the block on a warm August night.

Now, my memory isn't the greatest, but I think I remember Mom telling me Dad was taking a walk around the block. So, I waited at the door to see when he would pass by our house. When he did, I asked if he was going to keep going, and if I could join him.

So, we walked around the block talking, listening, enjoying the night. He talked of work. I remember it being a transition time, and Dad was searching for the right path to take. But it wasn't just a spilling of information. I was being considered "on level" for the conversation, not a father talking to his young son. Since I was only 18, I didn't really have much input. But I enjoyed the feeling, the atmosphere of the conversation.

I don't remember if it was near the beginning, middle, or end of the walk. But I remember Dad saying that he wasn't sure how good of a father he had been, but that, "when you were born, I decided that I wanted to do better than my dad did. My hope is that I did, and that you will do better than me, and that your son will do better than you. And, God willing, one of these days we will get it right."

(A great example of this is when Dad and I went out on our sailboat when I was in 7th grade. Out in the middle of Kentucky Lake, on a Saturday morning, Dad stopped the boat, brought down the sails, dropped anchor, and said, "Nathan, I don't want to do this, and I'm pretty sure you don't either. But all my dad did was throw books at me and say, 'Let me know if you have any questions,' and I want better than that for you. And I think from here," he looked out at the shore far away, "neither of us can swim that far." And we proceeded to have our Birds and the Bees talk!)

As any son can say, we didn't have enough of these moments. But I can only say:

I hope that I can do better than my dad, and that my son will do better than me, and his son will do better than him. And, God-willing, one of these days, we will get it right.

Thanks Dad.

P.S. If you are a member of the Reidland Church family, and you missed Terrell's message (really, GOD'S message) last week, June 14, PLEASE get a copy. It was great...and more importantly, true! Thanks Terrell for being a willing messenger!

Hola from Indy

2008-11-18T16:35:00.000-08:00

So...my last post says "May 10." Wow, so much has happened since that date.

I went from that date (or around there) until late September without internet where I lived...or cable (meaning no sports!)

I got married 08/08/08 at 8pm. We had an 8 second kiss (according to Terrell Lee). I've never seen someone look as beautiful and amazing as my wife did that day. Not possible...no way, no how. I know it's a little late, but thanks to EVERYONE who made that day happen the way it did.

I got to spend a few days with family and my friends. Having Billy and Pam down from Minnesota was awesome!

We went to St. Martin for our honeymoon and had a blast. Tiny little Hyundai to drive around on a little island, half Dutch owned, the other French. Kacey laughed at me a lot because I noticed all the cars that stuck out...expensive cars and SUV's stuck out GREATLY! We didn't do a lot on the island, choosing to relax and enjoy each other's company for the most part. We did, however, spend every night with Michael Phelps. Well, we watched him swim at least. Watching Kacey watch the races was my main enjoyment in that.

After we got back to Nashville, I started to be contacted about a manager's position in Indianapolis, IN. Actually, earlier in the summer (around late May), I had met with my District Manager and the District Manager over Memphis and Indy in two seperate interviews. I didn't really share that with many people. I hate looking like a failure, and had endured that feeling enough. So, if you don't tell people about opportunities you have, you can't fail. I just gave you a life lesson, free of charge.

(I realize that's a bad outlook, but it's the one I had at the time.)

In the first week of September, I drove to Indianapolis for my first interview. More of a "get-ta-know-ya" kind of thing, both for the current manager to get to know me and for me to get to know the hotel and city.

The second week of September, I was invited back for a second interview and to meet the General Manager of the hotel. I get there, and right before going to meet the GM, I get paint on my suit jacket. Nice.

Monday night, September 15, Kacey and I drive to Indy to look for apartments. I hadn't been offered the job yet, but I felt like this was the right thing to do. We spent the night in Indy, then most of Tuesday looking, driving back to Nashville that night.

Friday, September 19, I am offically offered the job.

Saturday, September 27, we pack up (with the help of my familia and Randy Bridges) and move into our new apartment in Indianapolis that night.

Tuesday, September 30, I have my first day as the Contract Manager at the Sheraton City Centre in downtown Indianapolis, IN.

It's been an interesting, yet fun, time so far. As far as the marriage goes, I've never had so much fun in my life. Between my many work hours, I've been able to enjoy the fact that my wife and I are rediculous, especially in the car where we sing and dance. (Side note: The reason why they put people on salary isn't to pay them more, but less. If I was making my old hourly wage, I'd be making a killing most weeks.)

This past Sunday night, we were invited to a couple's house with another couple for a game night. It was our second time to be invited. But this night was memorable. It mainly centered around the fact that I hadn't slept but 1 hour since Friday night. With those 4 other people there, I will likely be known for the word "Riverdance" in Catch Phrase for a while. They will likely forget the most important part (the fact that my team guessed my word) and just remember my little demonstration of the second part of "Riverdance." I don't think I realized I was with people that didn't know me (that whole lack of sleep thing), but I have no regrets...

Did I mention that I love my wife? If you haven't read her blog, her most recent post gives reason enough for me to. I am a blessed man, and already I forget that sometimes.

On a sad note, a brother of mine that I pledged at ACU passed away this past week. It really made me realize how crappy I am at keeping in contact with others. Hopefully I will get better at at that.

So, that's an very random update on my life. I work a lot, have a wonderful wife, and I learn something new everyday.

*Awake my soul and sing
The time for praise has come
The silence of the night has passed
The new day has begun*
-The Awakening

Yeah Yeah

2008-05-10T18:24:00.000-07:00

I know...it's been a while. I'd like to blame me not blogging on Kacey, partly because it's just fun to blame stuff on her. But how can I. She makes every day better for me. So, it's just my fault.

As for my phone: Found out Verizon had a tower mess up in my neck of Nashville, so the phone actually "works."

As for everything since last time...wow. Um, we've seen a few movies, including Iron Man...twice. GREAT movie, we both loved it! Oh, and she let me rent Alvin and the Chipmunks the other night. I thought it was AWESOME! I think Kacey liked it too, just probably not as much as me!

Work has been just that...work. I actually scheduled myself for a few days off this week. See, about 3 weeks ago (maybe 4), we got a new manager. So, in this "transition period" I've spent a lot of time at work, making sure things work the way they should. I gotta say, it's weird training your manager.

This Monday will be our 4th pre-marital counseling session. I gotta admit, I wasn't really comfortable at first, partly because the guy is two years younger than me. Luckily he's been married a few years, so that helps. It was just a little weird to me at first.

If you don't know already, Kacey graduated last Saturday. She looked beautiful, of course. Graduation itself was kinda boring, but that's to be expected. At least they had bagpipes. Oh, and my dad and I wore the same outfit!! But my out is that Kacey told me to wear what I wore, so that made me feel a little better! haha.

Um, I'm in Nashville while Kacey is home for Mother's Day. I hate not being up there with family. I have such a great mom. One of my favorite things growing up, mainly in high school, was this: Mom would be at the kitchen sink. I would walk in, come up behind her, and just wrap my arms around her neck. That's what I always think of when I think of hugging my mom.

Most likely, I won't be going to church tomorrow. Part of it is I may have to go to work for a little bit, still not totally sure yet. But, more than that...I hate going to church by myself. Everytime I've done it here in Nashville, I pretty much want to sneak out the back as soon as they say, "Amen." I mean, yeah, a few people will say, "Good Morning," and even fewer will make small talk. But, probably sensing my anxiety, they end the conversation...and I bolt. I'm not really supposed to HATE church, am I???? The one time I've felt somewhat comfortable at church before Kacey and I started going together when we began dating was sometime last fall at 4th Avenue....And that was only because Stephanie Reynolds was sitting beside me. (Note that Kacey was not! haha!!)

Well, that's about it. I'm sure there's other stuff I forgot. Oh well.

Happy Mother's Day! To you, Mom, for being so much but expecting so little! To Lesli for being a great sister and a wonderful young Mother! And to Stephanie, for raising such an amazing young lady...and helping me wear her into submission.

To my Beautiful Future Wife: 10 years!! :o)

Phone

2008-03-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

My phone doesn't work. I don't mean it's dead, just that it won't make or take calls. If you need me, call Kacey's phone...though that probably won't get me either. Just try emailing or something.

22 Hours, 1000 Miles

2008-03-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

So, as you probably know, Kacey and I made a fun little trip to New Orleans this week. And by "fun" I mean "necessary." With Kacey's passport having grown legs and deciding to live somewhere other than her apartment, we had no choice but to drive Wednesday night to the Passport Office on Canal St. in the City of Jazz. We left around 10:30pm and got there around 6am. I got us out of Nashville, then Kacey drove for about an hour or so, then I took us the rest of the way in. It worked out that she is engaged to one of the few people she knows with many hours of overnight-driving experience...and that I had scheduled myself off for Wednesday and Thursday, having no idea this would happen!

We got to the building we needed at 7:30am, took about 10-20 minutes for her to fill out her stuff, then walked around the French Quarter for about 4 hours. We learned a few things during this time. One, there isn't much Jazz being played at eight in the morning. Two, we clearly had missed the party (everyone was washing off the Bourbon St. sidewalks). Three, it wasn't our kind of party anyway. And, Four, it was painful walking around...well, for Kacey, because she had broken her little toe on her left foot in the car. (I am STILL rather unsure I totally understand how this happened. She explained it about four times...no clue.)

Kacey did take a lot of pictures, none of which I have at the moment, but there were some cool things. There really isn't a whole lot you can DO that early in the morning, but I think we did like New Orleans and would like to go back. It was kinda nice spending that much time together right before her Saba trip, especially since we wouldn't have seen each other that much. I told her when we left Nashville that we should view it as a mini-vacation, a one-day getaway. Although it was exhausting (I crashed for four hour straight on the way back), it was definitely interesting and something we'll always remember. I can hear it now: "Remember that time we drove to New Orleans and back in 22 hours?"

Dropping her off at Lipscomb to meet her group at 4am Friday morning wasn't fun...it was downright hard. And I don't like knowing that I won't even be able to TALK to her until Easter Sunday night when I pick her up at the airport. Next week will be interesting for me, to say the least. My Xbox died on me, so no video games until I get it fixed (that had been my main planned distraction). My roommate moved out today, so the apartment is a little bare...and that also means he's shutting off the cable Monday or Tuesday, so no TV. And possibly no internet. So, my connections to the world and my distractions will be mostly gone just when I need them most...HAHA. Oh well. At least I'll still have work!!! I'm not off again until next Saturday, so maybe that'll help.

So, if you don't see something from me for the next week, it's because I haven't figured out how to steal internet from other people yet. But Kacey isn't even gonna be here...so, basically my life will be on hold, so nothing to blog about anyway! :o) Geez, I miss her.

The Nathan Anderson Show and The Family Business

2008-02-29T21:05:00.000-08:00

So, this has been a memorable, if not EXHAUSTING, week. By the time I clocked in for my 5th day Friday, I was one hour short of 40! (That's 39, or 3 score and 9 years.) Here's how my week looked:

Monday: Supervised 7a-3p shift, then 2 hours of office work/department head meetings. This was the first day that Aaron, my manager, was gone, and I had things that I needed to have prepared for the next two days. Aaron told me that, during the three days he would be gone, it would be The Nathan Anderson Show. So, just as with any good show, you gotta make sure you know your lines. So, I didn't leave the property until I felt perfectly comfortable. Had a guy tell me he may call out sick Wednesday night. I just looked at him and said, "Dude...You CAN'T tell me TODAY that you're gonna call out sick in TWO DAYS, when you aren't sick right now!"

Tuesday: On property at 5:45am for final checks before supervising a shift 6am-3pm. 550 person breakfast. 310 check-outs. 250 people combined for lunches. 230 check-ins. 100% full Garage. 8 Valets. Our District Manager was there to help out and offer a "Manager Presence". I put him on the top of the garage and said, "Call me when there is one row left." We have NEVER parked cars the way we parked them that morning. It was nuts, but kinda fun at the same time. Got yelled at by an employee who though I HAD to let him park there. I finally told him, "Talk to your manager...He parked down at the library parking lot." Off the ramp at 3pm. Meeting at 4pm. Hotel Manager was very happy with the way things went. (They had been EXTREMELY worried, with Aaron being out of town.) Finished a few things in the office. Left at 4:45pm.

Wednesday: On property just before 8am for meeting with department managers, wearing the same outfit I proposed to Kacey in. (I figured it was good luck!) Hotel GM said, "Aaron should go out of town more often!" I took that as a compliment. 130 Valet Cars departing. Stayed around for an hour and a half to make sure no Valets died. District Manager called to say, "Good job, you were very composed [Tuesday]." Got to see the pretty snow. Came back before 3pm to supervise 2nd shift. Dude called out sick before I got there. He better be glad he's not working next week, or I'd give him a piece of my mind. Then I'd ask for it back...I don't have a whole lot to work with. Worked hard, made good money. Went home to Mike and Sara...and, surprisingly, Kacey. Went to bed.

Thursday: Supervised 7am-3pm shift. The Show is over, Aaron was back, so briefed him. Was a welcomed slower day. Went home. Took a nap.

Friday: On property at 7am, only on ramp for 30 minutes. 3rd Shifter advised us he was moving to South America to teach English. Cool...but today's his last day...not cool. Then to the office, where I fought with the schedule for 3-4 hours. Have one supervisor asking off next week, plus one valet. Gave myself Monday off. Then scheduled myself for 2 2nds, 2 3rd's to cover for the guy who quit, and 1 7a-3p, to mix it up. Also scheduled Aaron for 29 hours, on top of his salary work! With him, had EXACTLY enough guys for every shift. blah. Left around 3:20. Went and saw the love of my life for an hour and a half, then home to catch up on Jericho ON DEMAND and relax. I was ready for some of that.

Now, I head to bed. Getting up in the morning, heading to E-Town and moving the Hughes family. So glad I get to. When I thought I wasn't going to be able to help move them, I was pretty ticked. Just ask Kacey. Some families take picnics, vacations, go to ballgames. Not my family. No, the Andersons...we move. We move ourselves, each other, our friends, your friends. Geez, I've helped people move that I barely even know. I moved many college friends. This is Lesli's 7th move since she's been married. At least one of us was there for each. It's the Family Business. I got paid to pack and move a professor's sister from Abilene to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Money is always good. Food is also an acceptable payment. But for family...we'll take hugs. And, anyway, it's an excuse to see family.

So, I'm glad I gave myself off Monday. Will give me a chance to recoup, revive, and get ready for next week. I think Kacey thinks I'm going to kill myself...well, inadvertently. But I'm tough. I'm an Anderson. We move stuff. And, I've definitely got some Ruffin in me too. :o)

Love and Work

2008-02-26T15:52:00.000-08:00

So, apparently, I have something to blog about! ;o) Well, first off, I worked 11 hours today, so there may be some typos or things that just flat out don't make sense, so I apologize ahead of time.

So, yes, I did the "get down on a knee" thing. AKA, proposed to the most beautiful woman I know! I, like Kacey, would prefer to tell it in person or on the phone, but I'll put at least some things in here. Although, the only people who read this blog already know all the details, I'm pretty sure.

Anyway, we had a chance to go home this weekend and spend time with our families, which was so much fun! (Especially the whole "I have the cutest niece in the world" part!) We are really blessed to have known each other's families for so long. I mean, Greg was my youth deacon (and dare I say...Stephanie was the youth deaconess!). I've known Kacey and her family since I was 12 when they moved to "Paducah." (I say it like that b/c they live in MARSHALL COUNTY, a fact I like to remind Kacey of when she says words like, "like.") Anyway, I totally just went on a tangent....

Oh yeah, we went home. I told Kacey to "pack something nice" for Saturday night because, as much as we wanted to spend time with our families, I wanted us to have some "us time" too. Of course, she thought that meant PROPOSAL...which it totally did. You see, I WANTED her to know that I was gonna propose. But since she knew a ring was coming, and since we'd already talked "marriage," I had to have some way to keep the element of surprise. So, I decide to go the whole night without proposing, even give her a kiss goodnight and let her go inside. Then I would knock on the door, and be down on one knee, holding a ring, when she opened it. And this worked perfect for me. It meant I didn't have to hide my excitement or nervousness in fear of "giving it away" because I wanted her to expect it like that. So, it worked perfect, in my opinion. I'm sure I could explain it better after some sleep or in person...or both.

I have enjoyed so much telling people at work about getting engaged. It's funny, because almost all of them (mainly the women that work at the hotel) have pointed out my big goofy grin when I tell it. But I'm okay with being that happy. Today, one of the ladies almost started crying, saying it was "beautiful," which sounds good to me. I've never been more proud of anything I've done in my life than choosing (and even impressing at times) such a wonderful woman. The only thing that remotely competes is when I speak of Minnesota. It's kinda the same as Kacey speaking of Saba. But still, I don't think Minnesota or Saba compares with this for us.

As to what Kacey said on her blog... I don't know how exactly I'd explain our history. We definitely had an interest in each other for a LONG time. I never really spoke of it to anyone, not even family, mainly because I knew it couldn't work...well, then. Too much age difference, too much punching, too much distance, not the right timing. But now, God has finally provided us a chance and a time. Now, if she punches me, it's a little different. It's not a little girl who I think is cute, but a young woman who makes me light up when I see her. So, yeah, we haven't dated long. But we knew that if we were ever going to date, we would have to know FOR SURE. It was just one of those situations where we couldn't "just date." She waited until she "knew" and I am SO thankful for that.

To my best friend: Thank You! I am looking forward to the rest of our life, but not taking for granted every minute I have with you.

To everyone else: Thank you for your support, and most of all, prayers. Those also are not taken for granted! May God bless you for asking for His will in our lives!

Random update

2008-02-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

So, just a few things, none really related to the other.

I was reminded last night of the one area that Target falls behind Wal-Mart: Home & Office. I LOVE Target. Their style for stuff, pretty much anything, is so much better than Wal-Mart's. I would usually rather buy food at "Vah-Maht" (that's what my mommy calls it) b/c it's cheaper, but I generally go to the Food Lion for food anyway. Everything else is Target.
But last night, Kacey called me to see if I could run to Target to get her a portfolio and resume paper for her Career Fair today at the scomb of Lip. (I'll always remember Brad Fuqua telling me, "Hey, you got some scomb on your shirt!" HAHA) So, I get to Target, looking for a portfolio. The Home & Office section is small to begin with, always has been. But I could only find two boxes of resume paper (white and cream) and two Padfolio's (black and brown). So, we went with the only options that would work for Career Fairs, white paper and black padfolio. I love Target, but they really need to improve this section!

This morning was kinda weird for me. At 6:38am, I got a phone call from my manager as I was literally about to head out the door. That's about 3 minutes later than when I like to leave, so I thought maybe I was supposed to have been there at 6:30 and forgot. But, nope, he was just calling saying that we had our third shift person not show last night, and that he may need me to work 2nd shift (3-11) or third (11p-7a), so for me not to come in and wait for him to call me. We talked 3 different times this morning, and I ended up not going in at all today, so it was a day off. Weird.

Weather looks like it's gonna get messy for us tonight, though it's been better than what Kentucky has been getting. We haven't gotten any rain or ice yet, but they are saying the rain we are getting now should turn into freezing rain around 1am, then "freezing drizzle" around 4am...I had never heard of FREEZING DRIZZLE before!! I thought that was just part of freezing rain! Oh well. The weather is becoming like the new detail descriptions of ratings for movies. Like, Definitely Maybe, which I really wanna see, is rated "Rated PG-13 for sexual content, including some frank dialogue, language and smoking." Frank Dialogue...did Frank even know that he had lines in this movie, or that they weren't child-appropriate??? (I'm an idiot, yes. I already know this. But it made ME laugh!)

Speaking of movies that I want to see... There is ONE movie that I am more STOKED about than any other, more than the new Batman or Indiana Jones (and I'm pretty stoked about those two). Just ask Kacey, and she'll tell you: WALL-E. We've seen the preview in theater at least twice, and the first time, I was totally glued to the screen. The second time, I seriously freaked out when the preview started! I think Kacey gets a kick out of me, giving her a chance to laugh at me, as if she doesn't already get enough! But, seriously...I really wanna see that movie. If you haven't seen the preview, check it out!!

Well, that's all. Just figured I'd be a good person and update. Peace

Christian Conferences: 2nd Post Today!

2008-02-05T18:07:00.001-08:00

Yes, this is the second one today. It's about something that's been in my head for a while to blog about, so I figured I'd go ahead tonight with it.

Christian Youth Conferences. Christian Conferences. Large Christian gatherings. As a Christian myself, nothing frustrates me more in my job. There are three things I never want to hear as a valet supervisor, and CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE is definitely one of those three! You see, Christians are an interesting folk in large groups. I'm not judging your every-day Christian interacting in the normal world while they work their "normal" job. No, I'm talking about those who travel to things like "The Call" and "Luis Palau Festivals." The people who are there for there "Christian" shindig, but forget they are supposed to be Christ-like on their way there and back. I saw a book in the bookstore with Mike that had a title something like "God I'm Fine With, It's Christians I Don't Like." Such an appropriate title, especially for anyone in the Service/Hospitality industry.

One thing that frustrates me is the way in which they (the "Christians") affect my ability to "minister" to any of the people I work with...EVER! "The Call" was over 6 months ago, as was "Luis Palau," but my guys STILL talk about it with disdain! They don't forget. Why? Part of it is, right when they start to forget, some other Christian Conference will come in to remind them. Another part is because a seed has been planted, a bad one. And it works the same as a good seed being planted. You might be wondering exactly how it is that these conference participants create such disdain. So, here's just a couple:

1)Not treating hospitality staff with respect. I'm not meaning you have to be the nicest person in the world (though that doesn't help). But realize that you will close and open your own doors for ministry by the way you treat others. And, selfishly, realize that you'll get better service by the way you treat the staff. Just use your manners...and your brain!

2)Tip. If you are using services that you would normally see get tipped in a movie (valet, bell, wait staffs), then that's what you are supposed to do too! Each state is different. But in TN, those who work in that industry can be paid as low as $2.13/hour by their company. This means, pretty much, their livelihood is tips. So, they aren't just doing this job because they enjoy it. It pays the bills. Sometimes, when someone "stiffs" us offers just a "Thank You," we will pass that "Thank You" around to the whole team, since we tip pool. I usually take the "th." But, as a Christian, if you do not ever tip, you might as well be preaching about lolly pops, because it will matter that much to the valet, bellman, or whoever. (For the uneducated, because I get asked this all the time, $2 is average for Valet per service. $1 per bag is the old gold standard for Bell Service. $4-$5 should probably be the minimum for the whole bellrun. A full, heavy bellcart should be higher.)

If you are thinking, "Well, our youth kids don't always listen," or "Have you tried directing a large group that won't listen?" remember two things. The first is, I'm not talking about youth kids. Teens are a whole 'nother breed, but they wouldn't be the ones we are dealing with anyway. It's the adults that are the problem. And, yes, I have directed groups that wouldn't listen. But that still doesn't affect how you treat others. Frustrate you, yes. But don't take it out one those who are trying to serve you, that's just not cool.

I know that none of the people who read my blog are like this, but if you want to pass on this info to people, it would make my job much easier, and chance of ministry much higher!!

Wow, I'm Tired

2008-02-05T17:29:00.000-08:00

So, I've already posted the start to my weekend that was. So, after working 2 shifts that Friday (7a-3p, 11p-7a), I came home and got in bed Saturday morning a few minutes after 8am. Mike and Sara Darling were coming down with Stephanie Reynolds Saturday so that the girls could go do girly things, and I was going to spend some time with Mike, so I asked Kacey to call and wake me when they got done with their sushi lunch. Apparently, it was Stephanie who called me, but I honestly don't remember a thing. I just vaguely remember talking to someone and laying there afterwards, wondering if I really had. Apparently, according to Kacey, there were a few long pauses and "yeah" kind of responses from me. I think I kinda sounded like Lesli when you try to wake her up!
It was cool spending some time with Mike (or Mikey as the Reynolds' call him). I don't think I had realized it before, but I'm not sure he and I had ever done anything as simple as getting lunch. And, it was fun getting a chance to tell our "story" to someone who knew the both of us, other than family. We didn't do anything special, but it was definitely enjoyable (at least on my end). My brain had a hard time sticking to a thought, but that's slightly expected after 3 hours of sleep.
After the Paducah crew went back, I headed back to my apartment while Kacey took her cousin home. Just as I pulled up to my apartment, my phone rang: Aaron, my manager. He had the same dilemma as the previous night. And the same question was posed to me: Would I work 3rd Shift. Unlike Friday night, I actually decline. I honestly just wasn't sure if my body could do it. It was tough, I hate telling people, "No." Kacey and I ended up trying to hang out, renting the movie The Kingdom and picked up Chinese food. The movie was slightly disappointing, and we gave up on it after a boring 1st half of the movie. I actually ended up going to bed at a decent time. But even with that, when I woke up Sunday, I did NOT feel well at all, probably my body saying, "hey, I'm not feeling well, and you need to CHILL!"

So, we were back at my apartment Sunday afternoon. I went to lay down on my bed, not thinking I would actually fall asleep. But I did apparently...because I woke up to the sound of someone cleaning my kitchen. I thought it was my roommate, Grant, until I remembered Kacey was supposed to be here somewhere. Then I heard her speak, and realized SHE was cleaning my kitchen. So, I stumbled in there and asked her to stop, to which she said, "No." Her reasoning was that she knew we had friends coming down from Paducah for a Super Bowl party, and that since I wasn't feeling well (and that she had taken much of my free time recently), she was going to clean it. I disagreed, but didn't really have a lot of energy to put up a very substantial fight. So, I leaned against the wall. What I didn't know was that she wasn't done there, insisting on cleaning my bathroom too. I didn't like the idea of this. I mean, my bathroom isn't the worst, but it's still MY bathroom. Still lacking energy, I lost this fight too. I guess if I'm ever going to lose a fight, these probably aren't bad ones to lose! She even ended up pouring Hydrogen Peroxide in my ears. Isn't that an amazing woman?! Definitely gives me something brag on her about!!

My Super Bowl party was cut a little short. Channing, Jake, Nate, and Tiffany had come down to join us here in Nashville. But I got another call from Aaron wondering if I could work that night. The previous night, the one I had turned down, had been covered by the 2nd shift supervisor, meaning he had to pull a double. If I didn't work this night, he might have to do it again, which I didn't think was right. So, I said I would. But I definitely made a few people unhappy, mainly Kacey. It wasn't that I was working (well, mostly wasn't), just that I wasn't healthy and working overnight without sleep wouldn't help. I knew she was right, but it was still something I felt like I had to do. But making her "not happy" wasn't very fun.... I also had to leave my apartment with my friends sitting in my living room.
We actually all, minus Grant, ended up meeting for breakfast at Noshville when I got off work. I had one of the best omelets of my life...Spicy Chicken and Green Peppers. Yum. But, after I got home, I slept straight to 7pm. My phone was right by my head, but I missed two phone calls without flinching. I think I may have been tired or something. Today (Tuesday) at work was a long day, just because I didn't feel well. Aaron made me go eat one of his bananas at one point because he said I was pale. Oh well. Tomorrow is my off-day, so I plan on sleeping in and relaxing as much as I can. At least I made some extra money...and I was given something to brag on Kacey about......like I really need anymore opportunities. :o) But this is one that I can blog about and know that I won't get in trouble!

Mr. Reliable

2008-02-01T23:38:00.000-08:00

So, it's 2 o'clock, Saturday morning, February 2. I should be at my apartment, in my bed warm and asleep, right?? Well, of course not! Where am I instead? Why, the wonderful Downtown Nashville Sheraton working the 11pm-7am shift after having worked 7am-3pm today! YAY!

Just as Kacey and I were about to go out to see the movie Michael Clayton (sorry Stephanie, totally forgot to tell him, "hi."), who is actually George Clooney, my Contract Manager Aaron calls me on my cell. Whenever he calls and I'm not already at work, it's never a good sign. So, when I answered it was more of a, "Hey..." out of my mouth than any normal greeting you would give when answering the phone (ie. "?Bueno?" [I really wish I could do the upside-down question mark when typing...if you know how, tell me] [Kacey will be proud of me for using brackets inside the parenthases]). Hey informed me that our normal 3rd shift person couldn't come in because of some car problem, blah blah. He wanted to see if I could cover 3rd Shift or the next morning's 1st Shift (Saturday). But knowing that I already had plans for Saturday, I didn't really want to give that up. So, I asked him to keep calling around to the other properties and give me a call back around 10pm. He also said he would call back the 3rd shift person to see if he could get her a taxi.

Instead, Aaron calls back 15 minutes later and provides one of the best quotes I've heard in a while. When I asked him if the 3rd shift person could come, he said, "No." I asked why, and he said (no joke), "Car something. Baby something. Something, Something, Something." I died laughing, which is great b/c I should have been peeved at the thought of working.

So, yeah, I'm here. And it's cold. Kacey said I'm too nice and sweet. And I don't really agree with that. When Aaron said he appreciated it and I was his favorite, I said, "Well, you should," and "Yeah, I should be," respectively. A nice, sweet person doesn't say that. They say things like, "I would love to help," or, "It would be my pleasure." None of that came out of my mouth. But it did remind me of when one of the guys at work called me Mr. Reliable, meaning I could always be counted on to stay a a couple extra hours or pick up an emergency shift. So, I guess that's another name for me, Mr. Reliable.

One positive is, since I worked my 40 hours already, I'm getting overtime for this at the 11p-7a pay...so, that's always good. And, even though it's a Friday night, it's actually been kinda slow, so I'm in the office for a few minutes thawing out. Kacey was a sweetheart and brought me coffee and a muffin at midnight to go along with the two energy drink I already bought. I'm a pretty blessed guy!

Oh, and if any of you are planning on calling me Saturday morning before lunchtime, please....don't. :o)

INSIDE SCOOP

2008-01-30T17:19:00.001-08:00

So, I'm totally posting this without the female's permission. So, you better appreciate this because it may get my butt kicked. Anyway.....

So, we went out this past Saturday to Dave & Buster's with Grant, Channing, and Channing's new boyfriend. This was significant for two reasons. One, this was the first time for Grant and me to meet Channing's new boyfriend, Jake. See, Channing was my "little sister" in high school. Actually, that's never really changed. And I hadn't met Jake yet, so this was my chance to approve of him. And that's important. The last guy Channing was with (and I won't even mention the dirtbag's name) had no idea how to treat a sweet girl. And, he is a loser. Plain and simple. This is not gossip, it's fact. A guy treats my "lil' sis" poorly, it's about the same as my big sis going through the same thing. AND, the day i met THAT guy, I had a very, VERY strong URGE to punch him in the face...and that was two years ago. So, me meeting Jake was big. On first impression, seems like an okay guy. But time will tell....

The second significance of Saturday night was when Kacey and I were standing in line to put our name on the Bowling list. Somehow, we ended up hugging (awww....), then Kacey backed up from me quickly and just says something to the affect of, ".....Are we gonna be THAT couple?? The one that makes everyone else sick??" It was hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean, you should have seen that light bulb go off! And, speaking as someone who was Kacey's friend for a long time before we dated, it was an expected comment. She was definitely the person who would see a couple out (madly in love or not) holding hands, hugging, or even (God-forbid) kissing and say, "Get a room!" So, this is a moment I will remember FOREVER!!

On top of that great Saturday night (live) moment, I got a text from Kacey the other night, telling me that she was eating chocolate and watching a girly movie with her roommate. Then she blamed it on me! The AUDACITY!

So, yeah, life is going pretty good. But just don't tell Kacey I wrote this. She'll never know........

Rumors

2008-01-23T18:12:00.000-08:00

So, you know I love you all. I'm a loving person, it's just the way I am. haha! But I also hold grudges. So, that being said.....

There have been some rumors going around. I don't really know if things that are true count as rumors or not, but let's assume they do. Or at least, let's assume they may not be your's to tell. Usually, if you aren't in the story, it probably isn't yours to tell. So, let's try this. If you have a question, ask me if you aren't sure of the answer. If you know the answer, ask yourself if you are in the story. If you aren't, think of another story to tell. :o)

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, awesome. If you do, then hopefully we talked! Not mad at anyone, just a little frustrated. Love you guys!

My Turn: Girl.

2008-01-18T16:25:00.000-08:00

Yes, there is a girl.

Yes, her name is Kacey.

Yes, I totally stole this idea from her blog.

Yes, she thinks I'm wonderful.

Yes, I think she's crazy!

No, I have no idea what she's thinking.

No, I'm not complaining.

Yes, I think she's beautiful.

No, that will never change.

No, I will not divulge all the details on the blog.

Yes, I will probably divulge more on my blog than her.

No, that doesn't mean I'll update more often.

Yes, I think she's beautiful.

Yes, I know I already mentioned that.

No, I won't say I love her on here.

Why? Because I'd rather you see it than read it. Or maybe just hear it from her ;o)

Vacation

2008-01-13T14:34:00.000-08:00

So, for the first time in a year, I actually took some vacation time from the Saturday before Christmas through the Wednesday after New Year's. And it was awesome! I don't think I really realized it at the time as much, but I really needed that vacation. I spent the first week up in Paducah at my parents' house. Many of the nights I spent out pretty late, just trying to see as many people as possible. As much as I did that, I still didn't get to everyone, even though many nights I was out until after midnight. Just to see my friend Nathan Wallace, he had to pick me up from my family out at the mall!

But on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and the day after, I tried to spend as much time as possible with family. Christmas Eve, we pretty much relaxed and watched some tv. (Not a complaint...relaxing, especially with family, is one of my favorite past-times!) Christmas Day was a lot of fun. My family, between them, got me an iPod, speakers for my iPod, and a car charger, although Grandma didn't know what it was for! It really surprised me, since I didn't ask for anything. I've played with that thing since I got it. The only time I'm not messing with it is when I'm at work, or when Kacey has her iPod in my car.
Christmas morning is always special to me just because it's a chance to be with my family. I hate getting gifts, though I'm working on being better at receiving them, but I enjoy giving them. And that's kinda funny because I'm usually very poor at buying gifts for people. I never know what to get them. This year, though, I knew exactly what I wanted to get Lesli & Ryan and what I wanted to get Sydney, which was nice. But I had no idea what to get Mom or Dad. Luckily, when I mentioned that to Mom, she told me flat out what to get her. "Pajamas." My response was, "Wow, that was easy. Why didn't I do that 3 weeks ago!" She also helped me figure out what to get Dad. Good job Mom! And Lesli helped with my present for G-ma, so thanks to her too!
One of the more fun things that Christmas morning was watching Sydney with her toys. You could see her intelligence growing as she tried to figure out each little thing. Granted, she had about a million toys, but it was kinda fun watching her. Although, if you took the toy she was looking at so that she could open her new present, she was NOT a fan of that! But overall, I think she did pretty good. And, at least she will never not have enough toys to play with. That's why I just got her a UK t-shirt!

On Wednesday, the Day after Christmas, I went down to Jackson, TN to visit with my uncle, aunt, and cousins. It was a lot of fun spending the day with them, partly because I never know how much I'll get to see them, especially my cousin Leah and her husband, Drew, since they live in Wake Forest, NC...not exactly down the road! Once again, it was just fun relaxing and spending time with family, especially since these are the cousins that I grew up with knowing the most, although Brett couldn't be there. (I never remember if he has one "t" or two "t's" in his name...oh well, I think that's right.) And Sydney was really interested in Leah's son, Boone, who's still a 7-month old baby...I think. Oh, and the picture I took on the right is my favorite from there with Sydney, cousin Rebekah, and Lesli. I'm surprised I took it and not Ryan! HAHA! And thanks to Lesli handing me down her camera, I was able to take all of these pictures! YAY!

Two days after Jackson, I hit the road to Minnesota to see my best friend from college, Billy, and his wife, Pam (whom I've actually known longer than Billy). I guess I should say the road actually hit me though. It started snowing as I got to Peoria, IL. But once i crossed the Wisconsin border, the roads got rough. It's actually the most I've had to focus on a long road trip, as I was having to focus on other vehicles AND try to keep MY car on the road. After 13 hours, I arrived in St. Paul (technically, Eagan), MN...and I was exhausted! But my stay up there was great! It was the first time since I had actually seen Billy and Pam since they married Summer '06, so it was long overdue.

Probably the most fun night was New Year's Eve. We went over to someone's house from the Woodbury church. The main focus of the night was Nintendo Wii. If you don't know what that is, it's the video game system that makes you do stuff, like move your hands to drive/fly or swing the remote to swing the golf club in the Tiger Woods video game. Or, you can play DDR (Dance Dance Revolution), which I never play, but did that night. Here are some pictures from that night:

Great Picture of Billy!!

After leaving Minnesota January 2, I drove down to Paducah to stay the night, before getting up the next morning and driving back down to Nashville to start back work. And that's where the next post will start. Vacation was awesome!

I'm alive, I promise

2008-01-10T20:34:00.000-08:00

So, I know I don't post very often. But everyone that reads this knows I'm alive anyway...But I acknowledge that I am the worst about updating this (other than Mike Darling). So, bare with me, and I'll try to get better! Here's hoping Lesli sleeps tonight!

P.S. And, yes, Stephanie, I knew you'd leave a comment on here about my new girlfriend. And I even asked her permission to blog about her. So, there might be a mention of her, here and there. :-)

Old Friends

2007-11-12T19:17:00.000-08:00

At the request of Stephanie, I am finally updating this thing...I had stuff I wanted to type, just haven't gotten around to it. Anyway...

I've gotten a chance to talk to two special people in my life recently:

First, a few weeks ago, I got a message on Facebook. It was from this girl named Felicia. We did the summer internship up with the St. Paul Urban Ministry during the summer of 2005. It was a really a surprise to be hearing from her, but a few days later, I gave her a call so that we could catch up.
We hadn't talked to or seen each other since March '06, when I was up there with a Spring Break Campaign. What was really crazy was both of us were super-excited to talk to each other. She said her roommates were questioning why she was so excited to talk to me. She basically told them, "He's my homey!" On my end, guys at work asked if this was a chick I had a "thing" for. But I told them we just had this...connection. Wasn't something I could explain.

Getting to talk to Felicia was awesome. I had this huge smile on my face for the whole hour we talked on the phone. Maybe part of it was just the simple fact that someone was excited to talk to me! I mean, I can see how it would be an ego-boost! We caught up and just took the time to laugh. It made my whole week!!! It still makes me smile when I think of it. Here's Felicia's Facebook. How can that face not make you smile! HAHA

The second person I got to talk to was a guy simply known as Ducky (real name: Adam Duckworth). I hadn't talk to Ducky since at least March, if not sometime around the New Year. Ducky and I went to school together at ACU, on the same hallway Freshman Year. But more than that, we became friends, accountability partners, and brothers. He's probably the biggest nerd I know (and I know quite a few), but few people in my life come anywhere close to connecting with me the way Ducky does.
Anyway, I called Ducky Friday night while I was waiting for Kacey to meet me for American Gangster (which was great, but don't take your mom to see it...OR if you ARE Mom, DON'T GO SEE IT). Getting to talk to him was awesome, just to catch up. We didn't get to talk for too long, but just talking was awesome. I was supposed to call him back Saturday night, but my tiredness and Benadryl had an adverse affect on my ability to not pass out all night. (Apparently, there was a loud party in my apartment long into the night, and I didn't hear a thing.) So, I'm still looking forward to continuing my conversation with Adam (aka Ducky).

But both of these conversations got me to thinking. Why was it such a joyous experience to talk to Felicia and Ducky? Why was it better than talking to others? I'm sure time had some to do with it, but it's more than that.

With Felicia, we spent a whole summer together. It started with a retreat with the Urban Ministry, where every one of us told our "Life Path" story. Right from then, I was impressed with Felicia. Her story was/is very powerful, much more than mine has ever been. I knew she would make a difference that summer with the kids in St. Paul. We ended up spending a lot of time together because of circumstance (two of the interns were engaged to each other, and the 5th intern kinda quit), but the connection wasn't a forced one. We knew each others stories, and we were there helping each other do something special.

With Ducky, our connection started pretty quickly after we started being around each other. (He used to hide in his room because he thought our whole hall was crazy...he was probably right, but that's not reason to hide.) We worked at a church together, with me kind of as his #2. But we also started to hang out, get to know each other. And, along with two other guys, we started an accountability group. Adam and I quickly learned that, even though on the surface we were a little different, we had very similar stories, and he quickly became one of my most trusted friends ever. During what my roommate Grant calls "The Dark Year," Adam was the one person who I trusted. Still to this day, though we've talked only 2 or 3 times this year, if I needed to talk to someone I trust, Ducky will be one of my first friends to talk to me.

So, two different friends, two totally different circumstances. But they both made my days just talking on the phone. I love friends. :o)

My Name is Bobby Jones, and I'm Filipino

2007-10-06T19:05:00.000-07:00

So, yes, you read the title correctly. Yes I was born as Nathan Anderson to two white parents. But one night a week, on Wednesday nights (and sometimes other times too), I am Bobby Jones, the Filipino. Let me explain.

About 3 or 4 months ago, my cashier at work, Rommel, found out that I enjoy playing basketball. He said that he plays with a group of guys over in Mt. Juliet, TN. He lives close to me, so he knew it was only a short trip down I-40 going east for me, so he invited me to come join them.

So, I decided to join him one night, knowing that I could use the exercise. What I didn't know was that all the people there would be Filipino, which isn't a big deal, just surprised me some. (Rommel is Filipino, so I guess it shouldn't have.)

Some things hit me pretty quickly. One, I clearly hadn't played basketball in a while. You should have seen me trying to dribble the ball! Hilarious...to everyone but me! Two, this was the first place I had played with 2-3 zone defense in pick-up basketball (as opposed to just guarding "your man," you guard a certain section of the court). Third, linked to the first two things, I was not going to contribute much on offense.

Because of this, I basically just used my quickness to play defense, get some steals and blocks, and get out on the fast break. About half-way through the night, I got a rebound in the middle near the basket and decided to use the ol' Anderson Hook to shoot (it was actually more of a semi-hook shot). This was a shot that my dad and uncle had always used growing up, so it was nothing new to me. But when the ball miraculously went in, it was apparently something new to all of these Filipino dudes.

This is where I got my name. At the start of the next game, one of the guys called me Bobby Jones. I just looked at him. Then another guy said it. I was totally confused, so I looked at Rommel and he just shrugged. They said it a few more times, so Rommel later asked why they were calling me that. They said I reminded them of Bobby Jones...and I still just stared at them, trying to figure out what current player (that I hadn't heard of) was called Bobby Jones. Well, it turns out, they were talking about the Bobby Jones from the late-70's to mid-80's 76ers teams. Once they explained that, I kinda had an idea of what they were talking about.

When I got home, the first thing I did was google Bobby Jones. I came across this link. This actually was a pretty good comparison. Never the star on the team, but a guy who got a handful of rebounds, a few blocks and steals, a few assists, that sounded about right. So, from then on, a few of them call me Nate, Rommel calls me Mr. Anderson, and everyone else calls me Bobby Jones or Bobby.

That's how I got the name. Now how I got a new race.

Last Wednesday, we were playing as normal. I was on a team of all Filipinos, and there were a few 'hood-wannabes there too. Some of them had been there before. But the newest guy had a problem with the way teams were picked. To play the winner of the current game, you just call, "NEXT," to get in. It's not the way I prefer. Early in the night, I'd rather it be about who has played the least games, and sometimes that comes into play too. But this one new guy had a huge problem with it. He said we were cheating about who got to play. And as some people do, the pitch of his voice kept getting higher and higher. Then, finally, he said, "It's because I'm African-American, ain't it?!" I just stared at him (apparently, that's a common reaction for me). He went on about how we were cheating and didn't want him to play. Well, I didn't really want him to play. He talks too much, is a horrible teammate (I had to get onto him for telling a 13 year old kid that he sucked and wasn't good enough to play with him), so, yeah, I didn't want him to play because he's no fun to play with. We are all just there having good competitive fun, they way it should be. We laugh when I throw the ball to the wrong team (I'm good for one per night), and we cheer and say, "Nice play," when someone does something good. So, for this guy to imply that we wanted to or needed to cheat didn't sit well.

Well, he kept going on and on. It ended up delaying the start of the next game for 5 minutes. Then, he actually paused, amazing us all. I thought maybe it was hitting him how stupid he sounded. But, no. His next words were, "It's because I'm not Filipino." Of course, I'm looking around. Granted, I'm the only white guy on the court or even around it. No one knew what to say to this, so we just finally started the game up. One of the Filipino guys, Ai, came up to me as we started and said, "You're Filipino." My response was a sophisticated, "Huh?" So, he said again, "You're Filipino. He said it's because he's not, so you must be." We all got a good laugh, then started the game.

So, yeah. Apparently my name is Bobby Jones and I'm Filipino. I have to admit, I'm somewhat proud of that.

Encouragement, Confession, Home

2007-09-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

So, this weekend was a little different than I thought it would be, mainly b/c I decided to go to Paducah with Kacey after I got off work Saturday. One of my favorite things about going home is being able to go to church at my home congregation on Sunday. I don't know what it is about being there, but I love it. Part of it is being able to sing with my family. But I can't explain the rest. The last girl I took home back in the spring said that she loved seeing me there, b/c I was the most "me." I can't totally explain it, but she was pretty head-on.

On this particular Sunday, I'll admit that I didn't really focus during the first 5 minutes of Terrell's sermon. But when I did finally reel myself in, I was blessed with a great message. The idea of it was Encouragement. He talked about the different types of encouragement a little. But what really got me was when he was mentioning how much of an encouragement it is when someone who has dealt with one issue in the past helps someone who is dealing with the same issue in the present. And this really got me thinking.

One of the greatest purposes of the church has two facets:
1) Confession

2)Encouragement

These two things really go hand-in-hand. (A)When a person confesses, they need encouragement. (B)The greatest encouragement they can get is from someone who has been there, and can live to tell about it.

The strongest relationships I have had, both in dating and friendship, were with people who had seen me at my best, the way God wanted me to be, AND AT THE SAME TIME had seen me at my weakest, struggling to breath underwater. And it was the same way with them. In the same way I also have some of those relationships that maybe we didn't see each other at our weakest, but we've been honest with each other about our past and our faults.

After being that vulnerable with someone, and they are vulnerable with you, there is an automatic trust there. And it creates an atmosphere of freedom, a sense that the other person really knows who you are. Not only that, they still want to be around you, love you, and think you are worth something! These are relationships that don't die, no matter how often you talk or see each other.

Imagine an atmosphere where you can walk in, be transparent, have honest people tell you they love you, and are able to worship in that atmosphere that suddenly reminds you of Grace. That is the Church. That is the place where people come Home.

If we are honest with ourselves individually first, then with God and each other, this Home will exist.

People run home, for cover, sprinting to the safe place, the place where they can avoid the battle for just a little, while they regain their strength. Will we give it to them? Or will they walk into an ambush?

Day Off

2007-09-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

So, today is my day-off for the week. (Which I'm totally okay with b/c there isn't a lot of money to be made today!) As I usually do on my day-off, I was sitting on my couch eating, watching TV, and neglecting all of the things that need to be done! As I was sitting watching one of my favorite movies Love Actually (the cable-version, which is the only version I would recommend to my mom...and maybe I wouldn't even recommend that), two commercials came on for two drug products, both dealing with RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome, rather straightforward name). Anyway, both of the drugs named how they help and what the side-effects might be. THEN both of them, after the side-effects and NOT during, state, "Also, if you feel any gambling or sexual urges, contact your doctor." WHAT?!?!

The whole "may cause drowsiness," stuff made sense. But they have now managed to create a drug that could possible give you those urges. Sexual urges, that's biological in the strictest sense, so I can somewhat understand that. But GAMBLING URGES? Weird.

Anyway, that's all I had to say, just had to share with someone. Anyone. Can't keep that kind of thing to yourself. HA!

A simple man

2007-06-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

Let Go
Those are the words that I need to know
Move on
But I’m not sure that I am that strong
Stand up
My legs feel so weary
Forget
I’m just not there yet

Just leave
I didn’t know that I was going
Relax
Not sure I’m given time to react

Simple words
So hard to understand
Just a phrase
Not sure I can absorb
A simple mind,
A simple man

Just listen
Not sure I have ears to hear
Don’t wait
But I don’t want to go anywhere
Hold on
But I thought I was letting go

Simple words
So hard to understand
Just a phrase
Not sure I can absorb
A simple mind,
A simple man

I’m not even sure what I hear
Or if I listen to what I hear,
Do you hear?
My eyes are blinding my day
What do I see??

Simple words
So hard to understand
Just a phrase
Not sure I can absorb
A complex mind,
A simple man

Believe
With a heart full of holes

Jody Stevens, valet/songwriter

2007-05-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

So, I work with this guy here in Nashville. His name is Jody Stevens. Like every valet in Nashville (well, maybe except for me), he is interested in getting into the music business. For the most part, Jody is looking mostly to make it as a songwriter. He can be a somewhat goofy guy, definitely one of the most entertaining guys at our hotel. But unlike most of our guys, Jody actually has the industry in his vains. His dad, Jeff Stevens, has around 10 #1 music hits on the country charts, not to mentions other hits that didn't make it to the top. So, he knows what's the standard of great.
I was actually pretty surprised by the strong lyrical content of the song I Didn't Hear You. I told Jody a day or two after I heard this song on his myspace, "Man, I wish I would have written that!" As you may know, I am considered somewhat of a hopeless romantic, so this song fit my style pretty well, even if it is country sounding.

As for the song itself, it is a very telling song. Actually, for many guys, this song rings true to some point in their life. How many times are guys accused of not listening. Or listening, but not hearing?! This song, of course, is set in the romantic setting of the guy who had a girl, didn't really listen to her needs, then after losing her, realizes his mistake. I think the song tells a powerful story, easily fitting the country-romantic, lost-love song genre. Put this songs in the hands of a Keith Urban or another country star, give it a studio recording, and this is easily a top 10 hit on the Country Charts.

To check out Jody's Soundclick site to listen to this song and others, click here:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=693580

I Didn't Hear You, by Jody Stevens

2007-05-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

I Didn't Hear You

Another day and a bunch of words I didn't hear
I heard you talking, but it went right out the other ear
I should've been listening and hanging on every word
I can't say you didn't warn me or didn't try to make it work

What didn't I hear?
What did you say?
Why did you have to walk away?
And leave me alone
I should have known
I should have told you I loved you
Told you I cared
That I cherished the moments
That we shared
Cause you would have heard me
But I didn't hear you

Another night sleepless, wondering what I missed
How could I have let go of a love like this?
It sure is awful quiet, barely even a stir
I'm sitting here trying to fill in the missing words

(Chorus)

I don't know what I missed
But I know what I do
And I just want to tell you
Baby I'm missing you

(Chorus)

-Jody Stevens
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=693580

new poem, rather simple

2007-05-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Now I lay me down to sleep
Praying the Lord will keep my soul,
Renew my spirit and make me whole
And when I wake
Restore my light
Give it strength to shine so bright
Give satisfaction to my heart
And a steady focus to my eyes

With new light comes new day
For tomorrow, you are there
You are already there

Come to Jesus, my opinion

2007-05-20T20:23:00.001-07:00

The song below is a song that you MUST hear if you never have! Honestly, there is not too much you can say about the song, it's pretty self-explainatory. What's amazing is how he (Chris Rice) is able to, beautifully and simply, put together one song that basically shows the whole story of a Christian's walk. Because of that, the song applies and speaks to EVERYONE who knows the Lord. There isn't a Christian who hasn't been through at least one of those parts of the walk. So now matter where you are in your walk, you are in one of these parts. The rush of emotion that I get from this song is unlike any other.
I saw Chris Rice live at The Rutledge here in Nashville. Apparently everyone else (except my table) was there to see Nathan Lee. Lee actually played this song, saying that he was "jealous" of Chris Rice for being able to write such a song. I'm just thankful he wrote it!

Come to Jesus lyrics

2007-05-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live

-by Chris Rice

Lyrical Intelligence

2007-05-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

So, starting this week, I am planning on posting some lyrics of different artists' songs and giving my opinion on them. Just something to do, but if you're interested, keep your eyes open for it. I think the idea came from my last post about the Chris Rice song, so maybe we'll start with that one. I may even post some of my lyrics, though I won't give my opinion on them. One is already up under the Chris Rice song.

Chris Rice, Come to Jesus

2007-05-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

So, the affects of music on people have been know to be rather powerful. This isn't breaking news or anything, but when it happens to you, sometimes you still get surprised. Today, while taking my shower, I was listening to some music. Singing along with Jeremy Camp (an octave down, obviously) is a pretty good way to start your day. Then Chris Rice's song "Come to Jesus" came on. As soon as it started playing, I felt the emotion inside me, which isn't unusual because it's a powerful song. But when it got to the "Cry to Jesus" part, I just lost it. There I was in the shower balling my eyes out. I kinda laughed afterwards because I felt like a pansy. But I think it was just a simple reminder of how powerful music can be, especially if you are really listening. If you haven't ever heard this song, make sure to look it up (or download it legally on iTunes).

Where did you go?

2007-05-08T22:37:00.000-07:00

I taste your tears on my lips
I hear your voice echo in my head
I feel the touch of your hand
Oh, where did you go,
Where did you go?

I see the smile on your face
And I see my reflection in your eyes
Your Shadow hovers next to me
Oh, where did you go,
Where did you go?

Can you feel how I feel
When I touch your face
Can you see you I see
When I brush your hair

Where did you go?

Did you hear my voice on the phone
Did you feel the pain in my heart
Did my touch affect you in any way
Oh, where did you go,
Where did you go?

Did you see me on my knees
Did you see the look in my eyes
My presence is fading
Oh, where did you go,
Where did you go?

Can you feel how I feel
When I touch your face
Can you see how I see
When I brush your hair

Did you believe me
When I said I'd try
Did you believe
When I said I'm an idiot

Where did you go?
I'm right here, all alone.

2006: Sports Review

2007-01-24T00:49:00.000-08:00

So, we are almost a month past 2006, and I've had some time to reflect on the happenings of the Sports World. Here are just a few observations:

1. The Regular Season did not matter in 2006. Fox Sports Radio reports that NBA champs Miami Heat were 2-14 against Division winners during the regular season. But they beat the Dallas Mavericks in six games in the NBA Finals (thanks refs!). The World Series camps, my St. Louis Cardinals won only 83 games during the regular season, but swept the Padres in the first round (chosen by most experts to BE swept!), beat the Mets in a great NLCS, and beat the Detroit Tigers in 5 games in the World Series. And, in the NFL, we will have the Colts, who gave up 173 rushing yards a game in the regular season, and only are giving up 73.3 rushing yards per game in the playoffs so far, playing the Bears. These are the same Bears who couldn't get consistent offense all regular season, then went and scored 39 points in the NFC championship game! And last year's Super Bowl winner, the Pittsburg Steelers, barely squeaked into the playoffs. Craziness!

1(b). Speaking of my Cardinals...I'm still really ticked off at ESPN. The Cardinals won the World Series on a Friday night, so naturally I expected all my favorite ESPN shows to talk about it on Monday. Of course, I didn't get what I expected. Jim Rome said it was the worst World Series winner ever because they only won 83 regular season games. PTI barely even mentioned it on their show, saying "oh, in case you didn't know, the Cardinals won the World Series" as the show was in it's final minute! Usually, ESPN goes nuts over Cinderella stories. But they virtually ignored the Cardinals win. Maybe they were embarrassed they every one of their "experts" picked the Tigers in 4 or 5 games. Maybe they based it totally on viewer ratings (which weren't very high). But the Cardinals have a much larger fan-base than the Colts of the NFL, which was most evident when the Cardinals played the Rangers in Texas two years ago and there were as many Cardinals caps as there were Rangers. And what's the difference between the Cardinals and last year's Steelers (other than sport)?? Not much, other than the Cardinals won THEIR division. Oh, and while I'm on the Cards, when manager Tony La Russa filled out his lineup card for their first game of the playoffs against the Padres, it was the first time the Cardinals had all their starters playing at the same time since before the All-Star break.

2. Terrell Owens is annoying. Great player, but just doesn't help a team in the long run. (He just ripped Bill Parcells, who was on his way out of town, yesterday. Didn't have the guts to do it while he was still there I guess.)

3. Paying lots of money doesn't mean wins. Just ask the Yankees, Red Sox, Toronto, Mets, and Knicks. How interesting that includes 3 New York teams....hmmm. Maybe the Cubs should pay something other than money, like attention to that!

3(b). Having at least SOME money is helpful. Ask the Kansas City Royals and New England Patriots (who had tons of cap room but got no dependable receivers).

4. One thing that the Sports World is definitely losing is class. Examples: the aformentioned Terrell Owens and the New England Patriots (after their win against the Chargers when they jumped around on the Chargers logo).

I'm sure there are some other observations I may add at a later date, but I'm drawing a blank (rare for me, I know).

Also, a good website I'll add as a link:
MLBtraderumors.com: they scour the web and summarize all the info or quote their own sources.

Babies, Unclehood, Sports, Passion

2006-11-02T22:36:00.000-08:00

So, my niece, Sydney Kate Hughes, was born two weeks ago today (Friday). I was able to ride/drive down with my parents from our neck of the woods down to Arlington Memorial Hospital for the birth of Miss Sydney (I almost said "to witness" but that definitely was NOT happening!). While we were there (a few days longer than I first thought because of Sydney's short stay in the NICU), I had lots of time to just sit around and think about a few things.

First of all, it's amazing that God makes us as small as Sydney ( 19 1/4 inches, 7 lbs 2 oz.), and then we are able to grow SO BIG! My sister was practically the same size when she was born, and she ended up 5'7"! Of course, you just don't think about it much until you see a little baby like that...okay, maybe you do, but I didn't!

Second, I was glad I was even able to be there. Under the circumstances I was in only 2 weeks prior, I wouldn't have been able to go. I am just thankful that I was able to be there, to see my sister (who I hadn't seen since May), and hold my niece for 30 minutes! I must admit, I don't feel the most comfortable with babies, partly because I had never even held one until this summer when a young girl at church forced me to hold someone's baby (don't ask me why she did, I have no idea!) But holding that little baby was pretty cool, even if I had to wait until Monday to do it (it WAS going to happen). I've been told that my Uncle Howie (who, apparently I take after some or something) only held me when someone put me only his leg...ONCE! That's just crazy to me. Granted, I'm not a baby person, but I can't imagine not holding my sister's baby EVER! I know I used to be a sap (though not about babies) and that I've hardened quite a bit, but c'mon, not that much.

Thirdly (is that a word??), I had a conversation with Ryan and Lesli's friend Scott (I'm assuming there are two T's) one of the days. And it was purely sports!!!! It was great for me because I'm am a huge sports person. I don't just watch a game here or there, but I actually follow sports, like a fan! My roommate here in Nashville, Grant, likes sports, but wouldn't know what I was talking about if I just started talking about sports stuff. The only person I really get to talk sports with is Billy, and it's by phone because he's in Minnesota! You see, when I was in Abilene, I lived with Billy and Jeremiah, all three of us being huge sports fans. It's the only video games we played (well, other than the occasional WWII game where we shot each other...especially if we were on the same side!). But sports was such a big part of our house, even if our other roommate, Ben Farris, wasn't as into it. So, talking to Scott was like a HUGE release for me!! I could talk about something, and then when I would be done, he'd be like "So, where's A-rod going?!" It was great!

But the great sports conversation also got me to thinking about something else. Mainly, why don't I talk about other things the way I talk about sports? Now, I don't mean referring to tough week as a Slump or using baseball analogies to describe life. I mean, why don't I talk about the rest of life with that kind of interest? Why don't I talk about being a great man the same way I talk about the Cardinals chances of winning the World Series (which did happen, even if ESPN greatly ignored it the following week)? I mean, seriously, why do I not discuss the impact I want to have on peoples' lives the same way I talk statistics and sports rumors? I dunno, it just kinda got me thinking about it.

I do know one thing, I've got a beautiful niece with a wonderful mom and dad, which most kids aren't getting these days. But I'm gonna have to move closer or figure something out. I mean, how else will I teach her about sports?!

Let's Go Mavs!

2006-05-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

I think I just saw one of the best 7-game series ever in NBA history!! Even Tim Duncan said, "That was the best series I've ever played in, and I played Detroit in 7 last year." Wow, now that says something. But I do hate being a prophet. Last night, during halftime, Dad came in to see what the score was (I had been keeping him updated). I told him, "64-50, but the Spurs will come back and it will be a close one." He seemed surprised, and honestly, I can't blame him. I actually wish (somewhat) that I had been wrong. But I wasn't, as the Spurs game back to tie the game at 101, then take the lead 104-101 with 32 seconds to go! Luckily, Dirk drove the lane and got a 3-pt. play the old fashioned way, then got his hand on the ball for a block to send it to overtime! As you probably know, the Mavs won 119-111.
So, I don't want to hear anymore of that, "But who won a championship most recently" crap! The Spurs are a great team, but they were just beaten by the Dallas Mavericks. So, thank you's should be hand out. Thanks to:

Devin Harris, for showing the world your potential and that the Spurs are old and slow

Jason Terry, for being willing to shoot and clutch (but don't ever get suspended again)

Adrian Griffin, for being a Man when taken out of the lineup and series, then coming in for 10 seconds in Game 7 with a smile

Desegona Diop, for your great defense at the end of Game 7 and outscoring the Spurs bench BY YOURSELF! Can someone say baseline jumper?!?!

Keith Van Horn, for trying your hardest to defend Duncan (it' ain't easy), and coming back from surgery to hit three 3-pointers in Game 7. Your white, over-paid, but I don't care right now!

Josh Howard, for continuing to improve, playing defense, rebounding, and driving the lane.

Jerry Stackhouse, for looking like a winner for the first time in your career. Good timing, Game 7 in Overtime! You're the real 6th man!

And Last but not Least, the man who needs no last name:

Dirk, for show the world that you deserved the MVP votes you got, showing Billy that you're a winner, and for not settling for threes and taking it to the hole. You proved a lot of people wrong.

I think the Mavs are the favorites going into the Conference finals, and that's well deserved.

One last thing, Tim Duncan is a great player. But he complained more than any player this whole series, and that's sad because he truely is better than that.

Absence make the heart grown fonder?

2006-05-23T22:25:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not talking about Bret Hart and the Hart Foundation, you nutty wrestling fans! But I do apoligize for being away for so long. My computer has been messed up, and now that it's fixed, I don't have internet hooked up to it. So, thanks to all of my faithful readers (read: Lesli). Speaking of readers, my sister is El Prego. That's right, she's 5 months away from pooping out a little humanoid. We are hoping for a boy, and by we, I mean me! I'll add some posts here real soon.

Searching

2006-01-09T00:03:00.000-08:00

Everyone is searching for something. Searching for love, acceptance, purpose. During the summer between my junior and senior years of high school, I felt like I had to stop searching for at least one thing. I had just returned from a trip to inner-city Houston with a youth group from South Carolina. There was a bible study after I got back at the Neistrath's house, led by our then-youth intern Andrew Finney. I'm not sure if it was during prayer request time or when, but I mentioned that after being in Houston, I had decided that I should go into Youth Ministry. I remember feeling a great sense of purpose and even satisfaction in my decision. My sister was also there. I don't recall any exact words, but I remember her face. She seemed very proud (in a good way) and showed sincere support in my decision, as if she knew I was making the right choice.
From that summer through the end of my senior year, I felt my confidence in that decision grow and grow. I had become a leader in my youth group and a stronger believer in the way of Christ. As I went into my freshman year at ACU, that belief became even stronger. Although I felt like, to some extent, I didn't fit with many of the other Bible majors, with their experiences from big churches and their fathers who knew the professors personally, I still had a strong sense inside that I was going to be used to not just Change the World (ACU's motto), but Change Lives. I was assured in knowing what degree I wanted to get and what I wanted to do with that degree and my life. Even with insecurities about fitting in with such people as Bible majors, my belief in my purpose never wained. I felt like I was gaining tools to use on my work ahead. That is, until my sophomore year...
During the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college, I did an internship down in Brownsville, TX. Without going into details, it will suffic to say that I made some poor decisions, and many poor decisions were made around me. After that summer of seeing my arrogance and a church with no purpose to exist, things became rather dark for me.
I often refer to my second year in school as the darkest year of my life. Though there were fights with depression and that type of darkness, I refer more to the lack of light. I saw no light at the end of the tunnel, no light to guide my direction. I did see, however, my ability to alter persons' lives...though not the way I originally sought. So, during my sophomore year, halfway through the Fall semester and after considering transferring, I decided to change majors. It may have been a hasty decision, maybe it wasn't. But I felt I had lost purpose, direction. I saw what I was capable of when I was "at my best" and it was nothing I wanted any part of. I saw what people in "church" truly believed, and wanted nothing of that either. I still believed in prayer, though I stopped praying for months. I never stopped believing in God or that he had an overall purpose for life on Earth. I just stopped believing in myself or that I should have any involvement in his purpose. I did, however, start believe that in order for God's purpose to be fulfilled, I should stay out of the way, so as not to block his Light or be a hinderance to his saving ways.
I don't know that I've totally stopped believing anything that I've just said. This past summer was probably the best 3 months of my life. It was like God was allowing me to be used again, ever so slightly, in the lives of people who needed him. But I still long, hope, yearn for a sense of purpose even close to the one I used to have.
It's a bit foggy in my life right now. I don't know when the road will curve, wind, or stop. I don't know what paths I'll take. But at least this time there is a light, ever so dim, peeking through. Maybe one day I will see it in full brightness.

Jeans and Money

2006-01-06T23:57:00.000-08:00

I saw this Ameritrade commercial where a teenage girl come in to the room and asks her dad for $80. There's a whole story about investing, but my point is this. The dad still gives the $80 to the girl in the end. EIGHTY DOLLARS FOR JEANS!! I understand the general concept of higher price equals higher quality. It isn't always true, but I understand it. But when it comes to jeans, that doesn't apply. You might be able to say that "Wal-Mart" brands aren't as good as, say, Banana Republic, American Eagle or the Gap. I'll give you that (only because it isn't the point of my arguement). I'm talking more about the difference in name brands. Banana Republic costs more than the Gap. But what most people don't realize is that it's the same company, Gap Inc.! As with many companies with this set-up, they probably were made in the same factory if not at least the same type factory. Can you really tell me that Banana Republic jeans will last longer than Gap jeans?!
I think the Gap is too expensive, so I'm not taking up for them. Actually, it can't be that great of a company considering their products are so expensive, but they still managed to go bankrupt in the early part of this century. But here is my point. I'm a person who considers the Gap and AE to be high class. Not in quality, but only for the image they attempt to project. Old Navy cheaper than both of these. But they also are owned by Gap Inc. So, consider this: You could buy Old Navy jeans for $25-$30*, Gap jeans for $45-$50*, or Banana Republic jeans for $80-$125*. Knowing that all three are under the same parent company, Gap Inc., would you really buy either of the latter two?
My best pair of jeans I bought on sale for $19.99 at American Eagle. I usually freak if they are more than $25. I don't know what I would do if who I wanted to be required me to spend $50-$100 (or more) on jeans. I guess I'd only own one pair and have no shirt, underwear, socks, or shoes. Most people I know aren't dumb enough to fall into this trap. Thank you Mom for giving me a sense of worth when it comes to clothing.

*Prices found at oldnavy.com, gap.com, and bananarepublic.com, respectively. Sales prices were not taken into consideration.

F.O.R.D.

2006-01-05T13:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I like my car. For a 4-door sedan, I really like the way it handles. And it gets up and goes pretty good. But after the mechanic called me this morning to tell me what was wrong with my car, I could here the healthy voice of my Grandpa. Let's just say...he's never been a big fan of Fords. I wanna say he owned a Model A or something, but didn't never after that. I remember the Chevy trucks, two Cadillacs and one Impala (although G-ma bought that one really). But at 9am, I could here him talking about Fords. Of course, that would have been the guy 5-10 years ago. My uncle Kenny said something to Grandpa at the nursing home about buying a Ford recenctly, and he didn't really have much to say. But everyone there (well, except for maybe my cousin's husband and my youngest cousin who is only 15) knew what he would say. And a few went ahead and said it for him because they could hear it too. But m&d (codeword for mom and dad) have two chevy's in their garage...and a yamaha, but that's another story. So grandpa would be proud of them.

Funny how the mind works. Mechanic tells you bad news about the car, and you hear the voice of a man who no longer talks.

(Just to clarify. If you can't tell, this blog is more about that man than the car.)

weirdest thing I've ever seen

2005-12-20T01:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it's 3am, and i'm finishing up watching a movie, A Man Apart with Vin Diesel, when i hear a loud noise. Sounds like glass packs or some sort of loud exhaust, plus the sounds of burning rubber. Being one of the longer strips of pavement close to campus, this isn't an unusual sound. Usually, it's some sort of rich ACU kid with his mustang tearing down the street. Except this was different. this sound wasn't moving. After a few seconds of hearing the squealing, I realized it was in front of my house. So, I unlocked and opened my front door.

First I see my car, on the street straight in front of me. And right behind it, I see a late 80's Chevy truck....I mean, RIGHT behind it! He was the one trying to peel out. Unfortunately, he was peeling out into my car. But this wasn't him hitting my car, running into it while driving. It was like he was trying to push my car, though unsuccessfully. So, here's what I'm seeing. Brown ugly truck, burning rubber...not moving, because his front bumper is in my back bumper. (Apparently, my car was in the way...or he couldn't see my Kentucky plates well enough.) So, the calm person that I am, I politely said, "What the f*** are you doing?" Okay, so I might have been screaming. So, maybe it was more like, "WHAT THE F*** ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!?!?!?!?!" (Yes mom, I used the 'f' word...cool kids call it "dropping the 'F-bomb.') My hands were raise high as approached the truck. Apparently he heard me (though I don't know how). Man, I was pissed! He quickly backed up a few inches, and managed to peel out some more, going north on Washington, away from my house. My first instinct was to hop in my car. One problem. what was I gonna do when/if I stopped him. No gun, don't own one. No knife, lost it months ago. No bat (my specialty...it's the item i get when i'm scared), it's in the house. Oh, and my driver's license was in my work pants, so if i got pulled over, that would suck. The only real reason I wanted to follow was to get his license plate because I couldn't get it when he was speeding away. Since I didn't know how much damage was done to my car, I didn't wanna move my car either. (Yes, I thought of all of this in these few seconds. Maybe it's part of what keeps me calm in tense/quick situations, the quick thinking. And people always ask me how I connect things they say to other things so fast, and how i did it...I usually don't explain to them, so I'll shut up about it now too. back to the real story.) So, I did the next best thing. 911. I was watching the guy go down/up Washington towards school. I knew I'd be able to tell which street he turned on (most likely 16th) and which way. This would help the cops catch this guy, even if they are Abilene cops. Here's the conversation with the dispatch lady:

Dispatch: 911, what's your emergency?

Me: yeah, I just had a hit and run on my parked car at 1025 Washington Blvd. He's going south, no...north on Washington right now...turning right onto EN 16th. *coughing*He's in a mid-late 80's Chevy, looked ugly brown, loud with glass-packs or something. I came out the door, and he was peeling out into my car.

Dispatch: So you're on Washington?

Me: *coughing* Yes, 1025 Washington Blvd

Dispatch: And what kind of car?

Me: mid-late 80's Chevy truck, brown, loud glass-packs or dual exhaust

Dispatch: And which way on Washington was he going?

Me: Well, north, but...

Dispatch: Oh, north. And he turned left onto 16th?

Me: No, he turn right. He turned east!

Dispatch: So, he's turning off of Washington onto 16th?

Me: Yes! I can hear him still. he's loud, but he has to be close.

Dispatch: Okay, I'll have an officer at your house shortly.

Me: Okay, I'll be here.

Somewhat of a frustrating conversation, I thought to myself...along with other angry thoughts. I was coughing because the smoke from his burning rubber was sitting on my head. We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry...

Me: Hello?

Lady: Yes, this is the dispatcher with 911. Was it a Chevy car or truck?

Me: Truck.

Lady: Thank you. *click*

Man, they must not listen. I actually doubted that they would catch the guy. I mean, this is Abilene, not the NYPD. Or Paducah, for that matter. In a town that takes only 15 minutes MAX to get from one side to the other, the cops usually are known for being slow to the scene. Anyone who remembers my story from my old apartment when they could have had the guys red-handed, if they just woulda come 15 minutes after my call. nope, they took their time, and those guys got away. anyways...I went back inside my house, but I was so ticked that I went back outside (after putting on a beanie and coat...it's cold) so that I could pace up and down my sidewalk. What kind of idiot would just sit and peel out into the back of a car?!?!?!, I was thinking. That's just nuts. An officer actually showed up at my house about 5-10 minutes later. He asked if that was my car, I said yes. Then he informed me that they had the guy pulled over. This is the best part:

Officer: "It's what," looks at watch, "three in the morning? We've been looking for this guy all night. We got our first call on him at midnight!"

My call actually gave them the best location and allowed them to get the guy. Apparently, he's been driving around for 3 hours, getting himself liquired up. Dumb drunk! This goes to show you: Don't drink and drive. And if you're going to, don't try pushing a car that's in park. Especially when it's mine. Back to my movie.

weekend fun

2005-10-31T19:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm not a big party person usually. I just make appearances, but usually don't stay long at parties anymore. Well, starting this past Thursday, that has changed.

A friend of mine, Karen, needed a date for a party Thursday night. I'm one of those people that if someone will ask, especially if it's a friend in need of a date for an event, then I have no problems with going. It wasn't the most fun party...matter of fact, it was not very good. But I knew some people there, so that made it fun. It was a Halloween party, so I decided I would dress as a thug. I was going to wear a wife-beater (A-shirt), hang my pants from my the bottom of my butt, and wear my black LA Dodgers hat that I got at Dodgers stadium when I was 13 (thanks Dad) with a white bandana under it. Well, it ended up being kinda cool outside, so I wore a white shirt over the 'beater. I thought I looked pretty thug. Karen needed to stay 'till the end so that she could help clean up (that wasn't part of the deal! haha), so I got to stay for a while. I did get to take home some Dr. Pepper and candy for helping clean up.

The next night (Friday), Sarah Heal was having a Halloween costume party. So, I went as a thug again. Sarah Gomez went with me, and about 6 other choir people were there. We kinda kept to ourselves in the back of the house, spending most of the time setting fire to a pumpkin...man, that's fun!!! Around 9:30, we went to campus because school was showing Batman Begins for free!! Yay! I loved the movie just as much this second time. Afterwards, Sarah G., Emily, Kyle and I ended the night with IHOP coffee.

The next night was my turn to have a party. We were having a Scary Movie Night. I invited a decent amount of people, but usually not everyone shows up. Saturday night, however, I was actually wondering where I was going to put people. Luckily (spacewise), some of the people I had actually been counting on coming didn't come, so I guess that helped, though I'm giving them a hard time for not showing up. We watched Mind Hunters, Hide and Seek, and the Others. We had rented The Shining, but blockbuster put the wrong movie behind the right box (or something like that). Anyway, about half of the people stayed for all 3 movies. I spent the second movie getting my arm squeezed off by Sarah Gomez, and the third movie between the two Sarah's, with Sarah G. squeezing my arm, and Sarah H. jumping a lot. Man, that was real tough for me (haha!). Anyway, I ended up staying up all night talking with the Sarah's and Emily. Sarah Heal left around 4am, but Sarah G. and Emily stayed until 5pm. Yes, that's PM! It was a lot of fun, and since I don't have church on Sunday mornings, I didn't have to worry about sleep.

So, yeah, this weekend was actually a lot of fun. I can't think of the last time I stayed up that long talking, much less with 3 female friends. I'm a pimp! haha Just kidding!

Old friends still current

2005-10-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

I've been able to be on instant messenger the last two days more than I have the whole semester. It's fun being able to reconnect with old friends and know that something is still there. I talked to Kacey who's in Nashville until like 3am last night, Grant in Paducah, and Tara (briefly) in Boston...actually, she was in Maryland, but she still lives in Boston. Then I sent messages back and forth today with Ali in Paducah, who I haven't talked to at all in at least 3 years. I've also gotten to talk to 3 different people who were in my youth group in Brownsville, which was crazy! They say family will always be there. But you never know about friends, so it's good to talk to some. I've learned the hard way that friends don't always stay friends. But such is life.

On a sad note, you may have noticed that my St. Louis Cardinals didn't make it to the World Series. I've heard some people talk about them underachieving. But to do what they did this year without their star third baseman (Rolen), injuries all around, and never knowing what they would get out of their corner outfielders (although Sanders was great until he got injured again in the playoffs), I'd say is pretty stinkin' great! I'm proud that they could play their bench guys as much as they did and still win more than anyone else in baseball. I mean really, who would plan to start Abraham Nunez as their third baseman?! Props to the Cardinals organization for always being a class act and giving us a good team!

Speaking of props. Props to the Astros and White Sox for making it to the big games. (It had to happen eventually!!!!) But really, they both had great seasons. I expect to see a lot of bunts in the Series, and great pitching! I love baseball! (And, officially, I don't hate hockey.)

disappointment and hope

2005-10-21T23:05:00.000-07:00

Ya know, sometimes I just feel like no matter what I do, or what I plan to do, I'm going to disappoint someone. It's kinda like there's always a weight on my shoulders that I can never seem to get rid of. All my life, since I can remember, it's been there. I've never been able to explain it or to totally grasp it's affect on my life. Everytime I accomplish something or someone is proud of me in one part of my life, I'm a huge disappointment and failure in another. It's always been that way, always been there. There are very few times in my life where I can even remember it being minimal. I can probably count them on two hands, or less, if I thought long enough. The 10 days in inner city Houston after my junior year and this summer in St. Paul, MN are probably the only times that it was consistently minimal. Now, I'm by no means blaming anyone for this...no one has a bigger affect on my life than me.
But have you ever felt like one wrong move will shame you for life? Cause your family to disown you? Make people give up on you? Well, most of my life, that's the way I've felt. It's probably what causes me to respond so strongly to guilt driven motivation and the reason I've always struggled with self-esteem and depression.
When I was a young kid, I mean young like 4 or 5, I used to smile all the time. I remember it because I remember the feeling inside. If you look at pictures of me at that age, you can see the inner joy seeping out through a smile. I guess that's true of any real smile. I know I still have those now because I can feel them; feel them when my friends make me roll on the floor, doubled over in joyous pain, when I laugh so hard that I can't breathe and begin to cry. It's just that sometimes....it feels like the joy is only temporary, just covering up the other stuff. And I realize that as I laugh, hoping it's not true, hoping the laughter won't end. But it does. And I go back wondering how I can get back to it because it's left so quickly.

Heaven. I imagine heaven to be continuous joy seeping out of us. Only not through our smiles, but through our voices as we sing praises. Some people are afraid of death. Not me. Even if I am the lowest of all heavenly beings, I'll be in heaven.

sports and stuff

2005-10-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

So, the Cardinals lost their game tonight, leaving the series tied 1-1 and going to Houston for 3 games. I'm glad my sister finally admitted that the Cards are the best team to root for and that her love for the Yanks has died off. Proud of ya sis!

We had a flag football tonight. It was a close game. We were down by a touchdown, then tied it up on a deep pass to Danny. Then Allen intercepted a pass in their endzone, ran it out about 30 yards. Our offense drove to the 1 yard line (actually closer, and Danny's catch should have been another touchdown). After a dropped snap (dead ball), Ox threw the ball to Allen in the endzone, who made a great catch to win the game as time expired!!! Probably the best flag football game I've ever been a part of or witnessed. I did get one catch (didn't play much offense), and got warned for 'flag-guarding.' But the guy was pulling on my boxer-briefs and shorts, not my flag. I was guarding myself from mooning everyone! And that was my explanation to the ref!

On another note...it is so hard to listen for God's voice. I feel like there are even times in life that you have to decide something on your own because it has to be a prompt decision and you might be confused on what God wants exactly. But there is something greater that I believe. I think it is possible that God can work in my life no matter what road I take. With some decisions, I think it's not about which decisions you make, but the heart behind the decision. That gives me some peace about it.

"But He said to them, 'You give them something to eat.'" -Mark 6:37

Red Birds

2005-10-12T23:22:00.000-07:00

My beloved Cardinals won Game 1 of the NLCS against Houston. Many experts pick Houston to win, but I believe the Cards will get back to the World Series.

I must admit, though, that it was truely enjoyable to see the Yankees lose and the Red Sox get swept. I've always hate the Yankees (somehow my sister roots for them!!) and the Red Sox became the New Yankees after last years World Series win. I do feel for my roomate Jeremiah and our friend Luke Jackson...Jackson is from the New England area, and Jeremiah is an avid Sox fan.

Random Jeremiah quote: "I don't have a good memory when it comes to remembering." Wow!

Confusion

2005-10-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

So, if the person who causes the confusion complains about the confusion, is it a valid complaint? And should the person who is confused feel bad when they can't give solid answers to the person who confused them in the first place? Just a thought.

The things disclosed on this site are not required to be all the full thoughts of the writer. They are, however, the true thoughts. The writer may choose at his discretion to omit anything, including thoughts he would not be comfortable with all people reading. If all thoughts on certain subjects were to be written, it would be way too long, like some of Jeremiah's thoughts!

Prayers to Tong and Judy. May God give them grace in light of their young mistakes.

Be around me

2005-10-11T00:10:00.000-07:00

There are just certain people I like to be around. If they laugh, think I'm funny, or like goofing around, it just makes it a good day! Random thought.

RETREAT!!!!

2005-10-10T23:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the Choir retreat. It was such a great weekend. I got to know a lot of people that I wasn't close to, meet the ones I didn't know at all, and got to reconnect with others. It was great just getting away and having so much fun with all those people. Take a Hike and Mass Cranium were great. But a few things happened that I didn't expect.

Friday night some of us stayed up until sometime after 4am surrounding Josh Castle (one of the most talented people I've ever met!) at a piano. Then when everyone but Matt Harris and I went to bed, I sat at the piano and wrote a song at 5am! We went to bed around 5:15am, got up at 7:30am or so. I'm not totally sure how it happened, but I ended up playing that song that night in the talent show...at 7:30pm. So, basically 14 hours later!! A few people really wanted me to play, and I kinda wanted to myself. But if you know me, you know that I was nervous as everything. I was no Josh Castle or Michael Griffith, but I did okay. I'm glad I did it, since it's something I wouldn't normally do. I also sang with 3 guys a couple of songs. This wasn't nerve-racking because this is something I'm used to doing, though it's been a while. We just threw two songs together literally less than 5 minutes before the show began. But since I used to do quartet stuff, and I wasn't alone up there, it wasn't scary.

Speaking of the talent show...I love to see Michael Griffith play in the talent show. And there was a freshman girl named Jo who I was very impressed with...more so her body language and facial expressions. It was actually very enjoyable to watch!

The devo after the talent show when great. Sarah Heal and Jeremiah did a great job. I was glad everyone was so willing to open up to each other and to God's movement. I got to talk with Matt about life and girls. It was good for me. Having him there this weekend made retreat that much better!!
Speaking of Matt...he kept bringing up two things. 1) I should become a firefighter with him, then eventually go do vocational missions in Australia with him as a firefighter. I must admit, this sounds intriguing! 2) He kept saying that I should ask a certain girl out. It's kinda funny b/c he's not even sure if she's single!! Goofball.

I would definitely say I'm confused right now. But I keep moving, believing my footsteps are guided. Right now, I don't believe anything is concrete.

P.S. I would like to point out that I edited a previous post that said something negative about my sister. It took me a few days to see my typo and change it to what I meant to say!

Confusion

2005-10-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

I talked to my ex-gf Sunday night. I think we talked for about 3 hours total (phone disconnected in the middle). I'm not sure I came out of it knowing anything more than I did before the conversation. She had sent me an email asking me to call her. So, since I hadn't talked to her in 3 weeks, I did. Basically, from what I gathered, she wants to be friends, see how that goes, and wants me to wait on her. She also apoligized for an earlier email that was somewhat insulting to me. The decision of whether or not we were going to be friends (which I thought we still were) was left up to me. I must admit...I hesitated. When I read the not-so-nice email Friday, I was really hurt; more hurt even than when we broke up. I told my roomate and best friend, Billy, that she may have seriously lost any chance she had with me. When she said some things I didn't like when she broke up with me, it didn't really ruin any chance. But this, with us being friends, was pretty close to being too far.

So, at the end of the conversation, I told her I was good with being friends. But I don't understand the "seeing how it goes" part...mainly because I thought we already did that. We took about a month (after already being friends) to decide if we wanted to date. I'm not sure how good I'm going to be at going back to being friends who are interested in each other if we've already dated. I knew that this dating relationship wasn't going to be easy. I don't know that 'being friends' is going to help. You can't just look at a friendship and "know" that a relationship will work. You always are learning, and things are just different when you date someone compared to when you are just friends with them. I guess that's the funny thing about commitment...you actually have to commit. I don't know if she is willing to have me as any type of priority. A relationship with God is most important, but when in a relationship each person has to learn about working both relationships together. I don't know that Pa Nhia will ever commit to me without giving up at any instant.

On a good note, my Cardinals won their first playoff game today! And the Red Sox got blown out! Too bad the Yanks won though...

What a weekend!!

2005-10-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

So, I got an email Friday afternoon. Not the most positive thing in the world. It actually almost ruined my day. It almost ruined someone's chances at friendship too. Billy and I threw around the football for a bit while discussing the email. It didn't really help me feel any better...But I was having a Bunko party at my house with roomates and friends that night, so the show must go on, right? Anyway, most of the people from my spring break group came over, plus a few other friends. Although I faked part of the night, it actually was decent fun playing Bunko and Mafia!
Saturday night Billy and I went to Freshman Follies with his friend Amy and her roomate Tracy. Though Follies wasn't great, it was entertaining most of the time and had some decent music, though nothing great musically speaking. (Most people who don't know anything about music probably said that it was great!) Afterwards, we called some people and hung at our house again. Though we didn't do anything special, it was hilarious sitting around and talking. Between Rafael's wit and Amy being Amy, I was truely entertained!!
Sunday was good, as was church that night! I really enjoy going to Hope. Billy has volunteered me to sing bass on their worship team, so I'm looking forward to getting involved there. One of the greatest things about Hope is that, out of all the services this semester (2 a week), I've worn a baseball cap to all but three!! If you wear something nice, you really stick out, which is the opposite of most church atmosphere's, though I really like this better! I can wear shorts, flip-flops, jeans, t-shirt...anything I want that isn't obscene! Thank God for people who actually TRY not to judge people on the way they look. I mean, heck, they accept me!!

Another day, Scripture usage, and Love

2005-09-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

So, okay, maybe I went a little heavy on the whole song lyric thing! But they all spoke to me when I was reading them.

Today wasn't actually a bad day. We (Pi Kappa members & pledges) played capture the flag with Alpha Kai girls tonight on campus. Though many people, guys and girls, stood around talking a lot, it was still fun being able to chase people. Just doing something active always helps me, whether it's this or football practice, or just throwing a ball around. I was meant to be physically active.

You know, I love the Bible. It has so many good things to say. But sometimes I get annoyed when people use Bible verse as their only reply. I would rather someone say, "Well the Bible says ______ about this subject, so I think ________ ," than just reply (like in an email) with only scripture. I know we should bring each other back to the Bible, but it's hard to get to know someone in a friendship if that person won't give their opinion, or at least how they think the Bible verse applies, or how it affects them. Since the Bible isn't a book of rules, it's hard to always just use it as such, and it gets under my skin when people blindly use it that way. Or if they aren't blindly using it, they should at least give their feelings or interpretations. That's just my feelings when it comes to Bible usage in friendship.

There are few people I am more appreciative of than my sister. Though sometimes she's not the best at listen, but the best at interrupting, I never have a doubt that she will always be there for me. Thanks also goes to my roomates and Katie Noah for listening and giving great feedback. God bless and peace.

Old school

2005-09-29T03:05:00.000-07:00

Old School Lyrics by the greatest group ever:

How do I say goodbye
To what we had
The good times that made us laugh
Outweighed the bad
I thought we'd get to see forever
But forever's gone away
It's so hard to say goodbye
To yesterday

I don't know where this road
Is going to lead
All I know is where we've been
And what we've been through
If we get to see tomorrow
I hope it's worth all the wait
It's so hard to say goodbye
To yesterday

And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye
To yesterday
~It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday, Boyz II Men

Although we've come to the end of the road
Still I can't let go,
It's unnatural, you belong to me,
I belong to you
Come to the end of the road
Still I can't let go
It's unnatural, you belong to me,
I belong to you

Girl, I know you really love me,
You just don't realize
You've never been there before
It's only your first time
Maybe I'll forgive you, hmm
Maybe you'll try
~End of the Road, Boyz II Men

On a perfect day
I know that I can count on you
When that's not possible
Tell me can you weather the storm?
'Cause I need somebody
Who will stand by me
Through the good times and bad times
She will always, always be with me

Chorus:Sunny days
Everybody loves them
Tell me
Can you stand the rain?
Storms will come
This we know for sure
Can you stand the rain?
~Can you stand the Rain

I knew there was a reason why I loved these guys. They just speak my mind so well. Sorry for all the lyrics, but I've been thinking a lot.

Relient K

2005-09-29T02:43:00.000-07:00

Relient K is a great band. They're always fun, but include some deep lyrics too. These are just examples off of their newest cd.

Let it all out
Get it all out
Rip it out
Remove it
Don't be alarmed
When the wound begins to bleed

Cause we're so scared to find out
What this life's all about
So scared we're going to lose it
Not knowing all along
That's exactly what we need

And today I will trust you with confidence
Of a man who's never known defeat
But tomorrow, upon hearing what I did
I will stare at you in disbelief

Oh inconsistent me
Crying out for consistency

And you said I know that this will hurt
But if I don't break your heart
Then things will just get worse
If the burden seems too much to bear
Remember the end will justify
The pain it took to get us there

And I'll let it be known
At time I have shown
Signs of all my weakness
But somewhere in me
There is strength

And you promise me
That you believe
In time I will defeat this
Cause somewhere in me
There is strength

And today I will trust you with the confidence
Of a man who's never known defeat
And I'll try my best to just forget
That that man isn't me (2x)

Reach out to me
Make my heart brand new
Every beat will be for you
For you

And I know you know
You touched my life
When you touched my heavy heart
And made it light
~Let it All Out

And sometimes I think that I'm not any good at all
And sometimes I wonder why, why I'm even here at all

But then you assure me I'm a little more than useless
And when I think that I can't do this
You promise me that I'll get through this
And do something right Do something right for once
~More than Useless

Song lyrics

2005-09-29T02:28:00.000-07:00

This is a favorite of my sister and her husband...simple words, but deep.

*These words are my own, from my heart flow, I love you, i love you, i love you, i love you, There's no other way to better say I love you, i love you* *I love you I love you, thats all i got to say cant think of a better way, and thats all i got to say I love you, is that ok?* These Words ~Natasha Bedingfield

*I remember waking up to this song:
When you get caught in the rain, with nowhere to run
When you're distraught and in pain, without anyone
When you keep crying out to be saved
But nobody comes and you feel so far away
That you just can't find your way home
You can get there alone
It's okay, what you say is

I can make it through the rain
I can stand up once again, on my own
And I know that I'm strong enough to mend
And every time I feel afraid, I hold tighter to my faith
And I live one more day
And I make it through the rain
And if you keep falling down, don't you dare give in
You will arise safe and sound
So keep pressing on steadfastly
And you'll find what you need to prevail
What you say

And when the wind blows
As shadows grow close, don't be afraid
There's nothing you can't face
And sure they tell you, you'll never pull through
Don't hesitate, stand tall and say, yeah

I can make it through the rain
And stand up once again
And I live one more day and night
And I can make it through the rain
(Oh yes you can)
You're gonna make it through the rain*
~I Still Believe, Mariah Carey

When to give up

2005-09-29T00:28:00.000-07:00

So, this is what I've been struggling with...When do you give up on a girl, especially when she already broke up with you. It's been over a week since the breakup, and I miss her just as much as I ever have. I have no clue if we will ever get back together, but I haven't given up on that possibility.

I'll be honest about a few things. 1: I faked last week totally. 2: Linked to the first thing, I've had numerous times that I've fought tears. And some of those times I didn't win. But the number itself has surprised even me. Of all the girls I've dated, it has been a long time since I've cried over one. It doesn't mean I wasn't in some good ones, because I was, but I just didn't cry over them...at least not for this type of reason.

So, when do I say "I GIVE UP!" I mean, this isn't even close to being the longest relationship I've been in...Heck, it's one of the shorter ones. And when I think about it, it never was going to be an easy relationship. Different races, backgrounds, families...her first language isn't even English, it's Hmong, which I'm horrible at...it has never made since. But I guess since that didn't matter to me when we were together, it shouldn't matter now. And she does strive to honor God more than most people I know, by far!!

So, I'm stuck, torn, and torn to pieces. One thing for sure: One Love, One God, One Way.

Video Games

2005-09-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

What is it about video games that draws so many people, myself included? This weekend I played a video game for hours with a roomate and another friend. Every other night, I play a shooting game with two of my roomates. I think sometimes it's to let out aggression and frustration, which I've had a lot of lately (frustration, not aggresssion). Sometimes, for guys, it's a weird way of bonding, like watching football together. The relationship isn't any stronger, but it usually feels like it. But I think the greatest reason is the ability video games give us to escape; the ability to get away from life and live in an alternate life, if not for only a few minutes. It gives us more control than we normally have in our lives, even though most of us won't admit we aren't always in control. I don't have all the answers, but this one makes sense to me.

Pictures

2005-09-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

Quick thought. Have you ever noticed how special some pictures are. I can still see the picture of me with my cousin Leah when we were 4 years old that my grandma has. I have other pictures of friends, family, and relationships, some you look at and smile, some you laugh. This is why you put them on your wall, as your computer background. And others cause you to frown and fight tears. This is why you hide them, turn them upside down, and throw them against the wall. I know a picture paints a thousand words, but the memories it paints are so much more powerful.

Friends

2005-09-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

When you have that rough day, or rough few days, it's always nice to have real friends. I learned that this week, though I wish I didn't have to deal with the roughness first. I had some good friends who were there to talk, listen, just be in the room, or even just sincerely ask how I'm doing. Thanks goes to those friends, they know who they are!

Long time, Long days

2005-09-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

So it's been a long time since I've been on here. I thought (and was hoping) that I would have enough free time and internet access over the summer while I was in St. Paul. Turns out I had neither, so I couldn't write on here like I wished. So, it has been a very long time.

More than that, it has been a long last few days. I got the good 'ol breakup call from the gf, Pa Nhia, Monday night, which I didn't see coming. Maybe I should have, but hard times don't always mean the End Days. I always thought that no matter how frustrated I got, or how much I frustrated her, this one was worth it...worth dealing with the distance, frustration, and occasional hurt (which comes in all relationships). But I was enlightened a little Wednesday night at Hope in my small group. We were talking about relationships (go figure), but mainly friendships. Someone made the comment the the best relationships are the ones that you let yourself be the most vulnerable. I don't know that she believed that, and who wants that totally anyway. But that's probably something every relationship has to work on...along with forgiveness and second chance. Just looks like we won't get that chance to work on it.

Last thing on the girl: When people would ask me how it was going, I would be honest (especially with friends), but say that she was always worth it, that the relationship I foresaw was always worth it. You know...I'm not sure I ever want to feel that way again.

A few days not too busy

2005-05-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a while since I've last posted, or blogged, if you will. There really hasn't been enough in one day to write about. I've spent most of my time sleeping in here in Paducah, or being with family or church family.

Went with my grandma the other day to see Grandpa in the nursing home. This was the first time I've been home and he was in the nursing home. It's not too much different than the assisted living place he was in, but just knowing that it is to the point where he is in one is disheartening enough. The previous Tuesday Dad and I went out for Pizza night with my grandma and family. When we walked in, I spotted an older man. Dad leaned over and asked me who he looked like. "Grandpa," I replied. And he sure did. Just like Grandpa looked 10 years ago, his body filled out healthily. He's now weighing in around a paultry 100-105 lbs. Grandma said he just gained 3 lbs., which isn't much, but helps. One thing I noticed was that his hands were severely swollen. Grandma said she noticed it too, and that the nurse had mentioned it. He only said "hey" and "huh" while I was there, but Grandma says he appreciates it.

On a better note, I talked to Gary last Wednesday. Apparently, they weren't sure when I was coming up to St. Paul. I told him I had been telling people "around the 1st of June" because I didn't know when they wanted me up there. So, apparently we were waiting on each other. Anyway, Gary said that I may end up staying in Hudson, Wisconsin with the Hawleys, which I happen to know where that is. Oh, on a side note, I hate (!!!!) fundraising. I don't like asking for people's help, much less their money!!!! I guess that's part of my family and pride coming out in me.

I saw two of my friends the other day, Chris and Buff. They couldn't be any more different from each other, although that didn't used to be true. Buff is here working with his home congregation's youth and working at his parents' Exxon, where I used to work. His church is a small baptist church, but he said they are getting 15-22 kids each night, which is HUGE (in greatness and size) for his church. Chris however is the opposite. I heard he worked at the EB Games on Southside, so I dropped in on him. I don't mind language, but when I see Chris I have to brace myself for lots of it. But since he was such a great friend in the past, I hung out there for an hour or so. He said he wanted to get together and do something, but then threw in "but I won't go to church with you." He used to go to my church here...used to be the guy who would be on fire like no one else. *Sigh*

Well, tomorrow, I'm suppose to go play tennis with a few guys (I'm not good), then go to the doctor. Maybe Josh won't bust my lip again. Oh, btw, I was throwing the baseball last Sunday night, when a random frisbee came out of nowhere and hit me in the mouth. Hit me so hard, I checked my teeth first. My lip bled for 10 minutes. Josh Lee had thrown it apparently.

It's all about Family, My Old Kentucky Home

2005-05-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe it isn't my old Kentucky home, since I've never lived in this house. My parents moved across the community after my Sophomore year, and all my stuff (bedroom furniture, clothes, etc) is in Abilene. Anyway, this is still like home, especially church family.

Yesterday was Mother's Day. I had been planning on coming home today (Monday), until I realized that I would miss Mother's Day by one day...not acceptable. So, I altered my plans a little bit. I still went to the Rangers game Friday night with my sister and bro-in-law (we lost 8-6 because Pedro Astacio couldn't get out of the 1st inning!). I then went back to Abilene to finish a few things, then left Abilene at 5pm Saturday for Kentucky. Yes, I said 5PM. I stopped by Lesli's (my sister) and picked up her M. Day gifts for Mom and G-ma. I got out of Dallas around 9pm after getting gas, drove all night, and arrived in Paducah, Kentucky around 6am.

I had called Dad Saturday evening to let him know I was on my way, but not to tell M0m. So, when Mom got up and heard a deep "Good Morning" from the couch, she was a little surprised! To make the surprise even better, Grandma was at church and also didn't know I was coming. I found out at church that Mom had told some people the day before that she expected me in a week later, so that made it even more fun! Also, I love my home church family!! Even though my parents haved moved houses, I always feel like I've "come home" when I show up at church because of those people! Worship was great, which is an added bonus! Singing beside my mom is always fun for a couple of reasons. First, she sings Tenor, and that's fun. Second, she always looks at me and smiles (or some sort of reaction) when I sing deep bass. Communion was extra special because G-ma was beside me. Grandma goes to the Baptist church of the community, so having her there is always special. I'm a big believer in the community aspect of communion, so that made for a special Sunday. Those people in that building...they're my Old Kentucky Home.

After service I got to talk to and hug a lot of people. Kacey asked if I was going to go to Youth care group. I told her sure, even though I've been out of the youth group for 4 years now! After Jacob and Clint graduate, I don't know that I'll go anymore. But never say never, they always say!

We went to Ryan's Steakhouse for lunch. Chuck Hank (or chank, as i used to call him) and Andy and Randy Williams went with us. Andy and Randy brought their daughter Ali (sp?), and she was the focus most of the time, and rightfully so! She's cute and eats everything! Oh, and Andy is a guy I met at ACU back when I was a student recruiter, and this was the first time I've seen him here. He works with the Christian Counseling Center here.

The rest of the day didn't have as many details. Mom made me take a long nap (I really wasn't given a choice). Andy picked me up for the care group. He did a good lesson on communion that I think may have gotten some of the youth group thinking. We ordered pizza and played around with sports stuff. We tried to play Ultimate Frisbee, but it was hard to see. Andy hurt his knee. He said he thinks he ran into my leg, but I didn't feel anything. I rode home with Jacob "Fuzzy" Young, got to listen to his system. Speaking of him, he just called to see if i wanted to eat with him tonight at Mr. Gatti's or something. Not sure what my plans are, but maybe that'll work. I'm supposed to go see him play Varsity baseball tomorrow, but it might get rained out. Hopefully not.

Horror movie and Spiritual Warfare

2005-05-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

So, last I went to see a movie with my friend Heather. We had narrowed it down to two movies, The Amityville Horror and Hostage. I honestly was leaning toward Hostage, but Heather wanted to see the scary movie. Me being the tough guy that I am, I didn't want to admit I wasn't in the mood for a scary movie. So, to the Caremike for The Amityville Horror at 9:50pm. I did the smart (and dishonest) thing by going to Wally World first to get some candy before I picked Heather up.
The first thing about this movie that was scary was that there were 10 previews. Yes, I said TEN!! After the sixth preview, Heather said we were getting up and moving, grabbed my candy, and went down to the fourth row. I followed (only b/c she had my candy!). I asked, after I sat down, why we moved. Heather said, "The girl behind me was eating popcorn." Umm, okay...Then I remembered that those type of things (smacking food, clicking pens, tapping feet, etc.) annoyed Heather a lot.
So, we finally got to start the movie around 10:20pm b/c of the many, many previews (there should be a law limiting the number of previews). For the next hour or so (it was actually not a long movie, let out at 11:30pm), I was freaked out! I don't get scared very easily, especially if I'm around other people while watching the movie. But, dang, was I scared!! I told Heather random things through the movie, like, "why did we come to this movie," and, "You don't get to choose movies from now on!" I know that sounds wussy, but you watch it and let me know what you think!
After the movie, we decided to go to Super Wal-Mart, I think maybe to calm the nerves. I stuck in some Shane&Shane b/c I needed some Jesus Music! It helped. I decided it was one of the two scariest movies I'd ever seen. The only movie that was probably scarier was The Exorcist (however you spell it!). I know that's high praise (if that's what you wanna call it), but it's true. It did, however, spark a conversation about spiritual warfare. Heather told me about a ghost in one of her old houses that she and her roommate both saw walking down the hall all the time. I told her a few things I had seen and heard about.
When I was dropping Heather off, she suggest I borrow a book from her by Frank Peretti called This Present Darkness. She also gave me his second book, which I'll read when I get done with TPD. I read about 100 pages last night because I couldn't put the book down. I'll probably read some more tonight.
Anyway, I'm going to my sister's tomorrow night for the weekend. We're going to the Rangers game tomorrow night. I'm excited! I love baseball!! I wish it were the Cardinals, but the Rangers are probably my favorite AL team.

*For we do not wrestle against Flesh and Blood, but against the Rulers, against the Authorities, against the Cosmic Powers over This Present Darkness, against the Spiritual Forces of Evil in the Heavenly Places.* -Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

Dead Day...The end of Pledging as we know it!

2005-05-02T23:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, so today was an interesting day. The first big thing for me today was going to a meeting with Mike Spell and the other social clubs to draw for rushes for the Fall pledge season. Ran into Jordan from my SBC on the way, which was nice b/c I hadn't seen him in a few weeks.

Anyway, the first thing I noticed at the meeting was that some of the girls club reps were there, even though they did drawings an hour before we (the guys clubs) were supposed to be there. Found out the reason was so Mike could give us a written work in progress as to the new rules pledging. Lots of changes! First thing: no jogs or runs or "physical training" of any kind! For Pi Kappa, that means no Jericho Jogs, which is a big part of our pledging, and which we have a good purpose for doing. Anyway, the reaction for the whole group (especially Alpha Kai, surprisingly) was a very rebelious one, and I don't really blame everyone for feeling that way. We had that big meeting two Saturdays ago where we were told we would be given a chance to change the way we do pledging. Well, now they are telling us that they decided for us. As Billy put it later in the day, "You teach (as they did on Saturday) to empower people. You don't teach then tell." Well put my friend!

Anyway, they also said no pledge teams. Teams must now be as much of a 50/50 member/pledge mix. I really felt for GSP and Galaxy, because their members have to try out. I tried to help get a solution and talked with some of the GSP guys, just because that sucks for them and I wanted to help. Also, the new rules said that the purpose should be Club Unity, not Pledge Class Unity. So, no activity for pledges alone, including Float, breakfast, etc.

At 2pm (the meeting started at 12:30pm), we finally got to to draw for rush times. Bishop and I kinda wished some of our other officers had been there, even though Mike told them not to worry about coming. I just hope this all works out, but it might be ugly.

Tonight we also had Bishop's Bachelor party tonight at the house, which was a lot of fun. I think he got 3 drills, which was funny! Also went over to Levi's to was WWE. Those guys are always fun to be around. I left Levi's early to go meet with our Pres., VP, Pledge Director, and Bishop to talk about today and what we are going to do. Who knows...

BTW, the best thing I learned at the meeting today:
"It is an honor to play with the Siggies!" -Siggie leader person

Hello

2005-05-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

Well, this is my first blog. Hope it helps me keep in contact with people, and let y'all know what's going on in my life, especially while I'm in St. Paul, Minnesota. Peace.