Today I took a trip with my Dad and Brother up to see my Great Grand Mother. She lives a good hour and a half away from us which gave me plenty of time to think about things not just in the Green area, and talk with my dad about a lot of it.
We started out the conversation about how incredibly awesome it's going to be to get out of bed in the morning and already be on campus at school and ready to take on the day. In all honesty the hour drive in rush hour traffic to school Monday through Friday was killing me. I was already exhausted by the time I parked the car no matter how loud the music was on the way there or how much caffeine I took in-the result was always complete exhaustion. I got in to West hall, the brand new and awesome looking dorm where most of the people I know are housed. Life is going to be good, regardless of my roommate situation although I think I'll be able to get along with him just fine. After all I have lived with my brother for the past 18 years (lol just kidding Eric). It's going to be freaking amazing to finally feel like I'm in college too, away from home family and everything I've known-although honestly Elmhurst feels like home too in a sad and strange kind of way. I am seriously so very excited for this fall, not only because I'm getting the hell out of dodge, but academically as well. I want to finish and start teaching already. Seriously, come on now....
Anyways talking Green wise is a major point of conversation around this house lately. Conservation, alternative fuels, everything. One of the main points I keep bringing up is getting off this petroleum necessity that has consumed the world. I'm driving a Toyota Matrix XRS and getting on average 27-28 MPG, which I am incredibly pleased with. I love my car and am very glad I went with the Matrix when I was looking at cars. BUT I still have to roll in to a gas station every week to fill her up with gas, and I refuse to put anything but premium in her to keep her running like new for as long as possible. 40 bucks a week in gas, which is better than most I know, and come this fall I won't be driving as much as everything I'll need to get to is within walking distance, including the girlfriend :)
Still, the thought of having to pay more than 6 dollars a gallon for gas makes me both sick to my stomach and pissed off, so my solution is less than 5 years buy one of these babies and get off my petroleum addiciton for good. That Truck, or SUT as it's referred to by the website will go 100 miles on a single 10 minute charge and has zero emmissions. IT IS 100% ELECTRIC and still goes 0-60 in under 10 seconds and has a top speed of 95 mph! A pickup truck that does not use gas...now that sounds like a badass machine to me. My next vehicle is going to be a Phoenix SUT in blue unless Toyota stops draggin their feet. The 2009 Chicago Auto Show is going to be a very interesting event, and I'm excited to see what all the big names will have in the ways of fuel conservation-I hope that I'm not disspointed.
My record of how much I'm putting in to the waste stream continues on schedule with day 2 being today. This coming Saturday edition will have that full report, as well as what we do aroudn this house to conserve and recycle and what I do aroudn my office to conserve and recycle, and will most likely be published on Sunday just so that I get the full 7 day record down. So far my lists are not as massive as I initially thought, but I'm sure my weeks tally will be enormous enough for me to have to make some changes-we will see though. I've also just decided that my account with INGdirect.com is now going to be my Green Savings Account, and every pay check I will divert as much money as possible in to it- saving today so that I have a stable and Greener tomorrow :D.
Saturday Thoughts
Saturday Thoughts
July 12th, 2008
First Green Edition
July 12th, 2008
First Green Edition
Just took a break from a very busy day at the office with my weekend job and decided it would be a good time for Saturday Thoughts. This week for Saturday thoughts I really wanted to touch on Going Green. This will most likely be the first of many Saturday Thought Editions that touch on this topic as it has quickly become a big part of my life, thoughts and obsessions. I've spent many hours this past week coming up with a detailed outline of what I would need to live a sustainable life once I have a place of my own. A plan that drew out exactly how I was going to use photovoltaics, rain water collection, water recycling, recycling of everything possible, all the materials and items I would need and a step by step plan of how all of this was going to tie in to my house, vehicle and everyday life.
The outline is coming along slowly but surely and when I am happy with it and feel it is pretty well rounded I'll post it up here. The research is actually a lot of fun to me as well as time consuming-there is a TON of things out there (as you can imagine like everything on the internet). I have yet to find things that seem bogus, impossible or completely false yet aside from conflicting reports and calculations. Even the calculations are only off by a few digits. Needless to say, there is a lot of credible information out there on ways to make your whole dwelling green. The next step on my plan is to research codes and requirements for Chicago and the surrounding areas to make sure all of my items and ideas will be able to go in place legally-again I'll put it up here as soon as I am sure everything is right and attainable.
If you live in Chicago and want some excellent ideas the Museum of Science and Industry has a pretty awesome and decent exhibit called the "Green House". It has a huge amount of sustainable and AWESOME ways to build your house green-and many of them can be applied to existing structures too. Possibly the biggest point for me were dimmable LED lights ALL OVER THE PLACE. LED's put out an enormous amount of light, generate no heat, and consume the smallest amount of power possible. They almost do not register on a consumption meter! and they are super bright. A composter in the kitchen, bamboo counter tops, flooring and cabinets also made me hold my breath for a second or two. Bamboo grows insanely fast, is easy to cultivate anywhere, and is incredibly strong in any form. They even had blankets and towels made out of bamboo-and the blanket was soft to the touch and I'll bet was incredibly cozy. The home was heated and Air Conditioned with a radiant floor system. Instead of running the tubing through concrete, they ran it under the wood composite sub floor and used aluminum sheeting to help dissipate the hot and cold energy being circulated by the system-and only using 75 gallons the house was very cool and comfortable on a pretty warm summer day. All these things are now on my grand master green plan and will be-without a doubt- be integrated into my future home along with some improvements on the Museum's ideas.
If anyone has any questions or wants to collaborate via email: comment on here with your email or question and I will be sure to get back to you. The Green Movement is not and CAN NOT be a fad, we all need to do something to be less harmful to our planet. Even just starting to recycle your paper products would be an excellent help!
end of line.
Saturday Thoughts
I'd like to start this weeks edition of Saturday thoughts off with yet again something about driving. Driving consumes a lot of our time and energy from day to day, after all in order to do most things in our lives it involves travel of some sort even for a short distance. Most of this travel is done via personal vehicle.
My first thought is just about the same as last week. Drive 65 and stop being a jerk behind the wheel. We all have the power to be courteous and kind to each other and a responsibility to make sure that we and our fellow travelers have every chance of making it to and from their destination safely. Slow down, set the cruise or relax that lead foot and keep your vehicle moving at 65 mph at the most. The interstates are not race tracks, you ARE NOT Mario Andriette, your vehicle is not entered in the Indy 500. Seriously slow down. Not to mention the insane increase in MPG you will achieve. There is something about keeping your speed under 65 mph no matter what your driving that helps even the thirstiest engines consume less and become more efficient.
My second thought for the day has yet again to do with driving. Again we all have to do it, we all have places to go and people to see and we all want to get there safely-at least I hope we all do. So here is my challenge, while still maintaining safety behind the wheel, use a little kindness and let someone who has their turn signal on and is waiting patiently in front of you. The driver with their turn signal on that is not running people off the road deserves a favor. Let them over, slow down slightly, acknowledge to them some how and continue on.
This leads me to my next challenge. If someone lets you over on the expressway or on the streets, if someone goes slightly out of their way to help you out in some way, or even if someone smiles at you or is in any way nice to you. Do the same to three more people. Don't explain to them that they have to do this too, it will happen automatically. Not one, two, but THREE people. Tip a little extra, help someone drag a couch off their property that someone else very rudely left there. Pay it forward. An old concept being revived as of today.
A pretty amazing week once again. Spent a lot of time with the Angel in my life, walking, talking, sharing meals, coaching, and enjoying each others company. This year's fourth of July was the best 4th I have had in a very long time. It was low key and laid back, and wonderful :) Thank you Sweet Pea.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
end of line.
My first thought is just about the same as last week. Drive 65 and stop being a jerk behind the wheel. We all have the power to be courteous and kind to each other and a responsibility to make sure that we and our fellow travelers have every chance of making it to and from their destination safely. Slow down, set the cruise or relax that lead foot and keep your vehicle moving at 65 mph at the most. The interstates are not race tracks, you ARE NOT Mario Andriette, your vehicle is not entered in the Indy 500. Seriously slow down. Not to mention the insane increase in MPG you will achieve. There is something about keeping your speed under 65 mph no matter what your driving that helps even the thirstiest engines consume less and become more efficient.
My second thought for the day has yet again to do with driving. Again we all have to do it, we all have places to go and people to see and we all want to get there safely-at least I hope we all do. So here is my challenge, while still maintaining safety behind the wheel, use a little kindness and let someone who has their turn signal on and is waiting patiently in front of you. The driver with their turn signal on that is not running people off the road deserves a favor. Let them over, slow down slightly, acknowledge to them some how and continue on.
This leads me to my next challenge. If someone lets you over on the expressway or on the streets, if someone goes slightly out of their way to help you out in some way, or even if someone smiles at you or is in any way nice to you. Do the same to three more people. Don't explain to them that they have to do this too, it will happen automatically. Not one, two, but THREE people. Tip a little extra, help someone drag a couch off their property that someone else very rudely left there. Pay it forward. An old concept being revived as of today.
A pretty amazing week once again. Spent a lot of time with the Angel in my life, walking, talking, sharing meals, coaching, and enjoying each others company. This year's fourth of July was the best 4th I have had in a very long time. It was low key and laid back, and wonderful :) Thank you Sweet Pea.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
end of line.
Saturday Thoughts
Here's an experimental idea I've had in the back of my head for a while now. I do a lot of driving and a spend a decent amount of time alone in a quiet office which gives me plenty of time to think. I set this blog up initially so that I could share not only my experiences and have an outlet for rants but also to put up my ideas and opinions so here it goes: A weekly collection of thoughts and opinions from a less than perfect human being.
First and foremost let's discuss the oil crysis that is going on right now. Gas to hit 7 dollars a gallon in two years F@%^! I'm right there with you ladies and gentlemen, I recently bought a car and I love the thing immensely. It's a kick ass ride that is a blast to whip around with a great stereo. It's a 2.4L 4 cylinder Toyota Matrix XRS and is rated 19/29. I'm averaging 26-26mpg every time I fill up and here's how:
1. Cruise is your friend.
All you wanna be race car drivers out there need to slow down, drive 65 and leave it there. All the zig zagging and lead foot driving out there is not only safe but burns through your fuel tank at a much quicker rate than if you keep the car at constant speed and UNDER 70 mph. My father and I have both proven that the under 70 mph method not only helps return high averages of mpgs, but any speed between 65-70 gets you to your destination in a time efficent manner as well. No you can't leave your house with only 10 mins to drive 40 miles, so some time budgeting is required. Not to mention if everyone drove the speed limit or slightly above, emmisons and greenhouse gasses can be reduced significantly.
2. Walk
Get up off your butt every once in a while. If you can walk to the store, ride a bike, take the train: DO IT! Mass transit is not always the most convineint way to get around, living in Chicago all my life I understand this completly. BUT it saves you gas like none other, why? DUH because you're not driving. Simple solutions for complex problems. Oh and walking is good for you too, it's already started to change my pudge on my body :)
3. Turn your car off, stop idleing your vehicle
I see this all over the place and it drives me crazy. In the bitter cold Chicago winter or intensley hot summer I can sort of understand it, and I'm guilty as charged with this sometimes too. But seriously, sitting having your car idle for a long period of time is not good for several things. One is the environment, two is your car, and three is YOU. You may not realize it but there is an amount of fumes that gets back into your car when you are just sitting there with the engine running, windows opened or close does not matter. Air filters and all that does not matter, if there is no air flow to carry the fumes away they find their way into the cabin and now you are breathing an intesnly charged amount of polluted air-much more potent than the city air you breathe everyday anyway.
YES it is bad for your car! Your car is not designed to sit there idle forever. If there is not changes in pressure and combustion in your cylinders carbon builds up in them and then you've got huge problems, not to mention all the unnecessary heat, wear on your intake system, gear train, engine mounts, everything.
The environment just because why would you want to churn out more pollutants than need be?
Since I'm on a role with the environment here I'll continue. Recyle. Seriously, it's not that hard and YES it does make a difference. NO things that are in the proper recycle bin do not just end up in the landfill anyway. IT DOES MATTER.
Use a piece of paper front AND back before you toss it in the recycle bin. We do it at my office and it cuts paper waste by more than half! We print things that are not official documents on the backside of official documents that are not being used anymore. Essentially "scrap" paper is run through the same printer with the blank side up and viola! Two pieces of printed paper for the price of one. We mark the side that is old with a squiggle in pen so we can differentiate between the two.
Turn the freaking lights off, please. Around my house and my office I only have lights on that I absolutley must have on either for security reasons or if I'm working in a specific room. Also seriously, change your bulbs out from those pre-historic bulbs and use florescent or LED. Yes they cost slightly more when you buy them, but in the long run they can and WILL save thousands of dollars.
Quit smoking and drinking like you're invincible. You're not, get over yourself and grow up. An occasional cigar and or drink is totally fine but getting drunk off your ass just because you're in college and can? What are you 14?
All of you activits and "believers" should read the biblical text you keep refferring back to saying you are doing God's will. All of you claim to be doing it for "your God" when ultimatley we're all trying to get to the same place and please the same deity with a different name. Seriously stop killing each other, brainwashing your children, and smell the 21st century. Believe what you want when you want, no one is right the bible is too freaking old to be correct anymore and God is not as prominant in everyday life as we are led to believe. I believe in God, I really do-my life experience and blessings like my darling girlfriend are proof there has to be some higher power running the show. But maybe he/she/it just does not give that much of a shit about you as an individual, but the world as a whole. Love your neighbor as yourself is the greatest commandment given, why are we not obeying it more?
Finally stereotypes and ignorance. I've heard so many people bitching about how stereotypical society is and how stereotypes suck and blah blah blah. First off stop playing in to them. If you don't like the stereotype: ELIMINATE IT. Plain and simple, we are all in control of our actions and mouths-those of us without disorders-use some self control and get rid of the stereotypical behavior.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
end of line.
First and foremost let's discuss the oil crysis that is going on right now. Gas to hit 7 dollars a gallon in two years F@%^! I'm right there with you ladies and gentlemen, I recently bought a car and I love the thing immensely. It's a kick ass ride that is a blast to whip around with a great stereo. It's a 2.4L 4 cylinder Toyota Matrix XRS and is rated 19/29. I'm averaging 26-26mpg every time I fill up and here's how:
1. Cruise is your friend.
All you wanna be race car drivers out there need to slow down, drive 65 and leave it there. All the zig zagging and lead foot driving out there is not only safe but burns through your fuel tank at a much quicker rate than if you keep the car at constant speed and UNDER 70 mph. My father and I have both proven that the under 70 mph method not only helps return high averages of mpgs, but any speed between 65-70 gets you to your destination in a time efficent manner as well. No you can't leave your house with only 10 mins to drive 40 miles, so some time budgeting is required. Not to mention if everyone drove the speed limit or slightly above, emmisons and greenhouse gasses can be reduced significantly.
2. Walk
Get up off your butt every once in a while. If you can walk to the store, ride a bike, take the train: DO IT! Mass transit is not always the most convineint way to get around, living in Chicago all my life I understand this completly. BUT it saves you gas like none other, why? DUH because you're not driving. Simple solutions for complex problems. Oh and walking is good for you too, it's already started to change my pudge on my body :)
3. Turn your car off, stop idleing your vehicle
I see this all over the place and it drives me crazy. In the bitter cold Chicago winter or intensley hot summer I can sort of understand it, and I'm guilty as charged with this sometimes too. But seriously, sitting having your car idle for a long period of time is not good for several things. One is the environment, two is your car, and three is YOU. You may not realize it but there is an amount of fumes that gets back into your car when you are just sitting there with the engine running, windows opened or close does not matter. Air filters and all that does not matter, if there is no air flow to carry the fumes away they find their way into the cabin and now you are breathing an intesnly charged amount of polluted air-much more potent than the city air you breathe everyday anyway.
YES it is bad for your car! Your car is not designed to sit there idle forever. If there is not changes in pressure and combustion in your cylinders carbon builds up in them and then you've got huge problems, not to mention all the unnecessary heat, wear on your intake system, gear train, engine mounts, everything.
The environment just because why would you want to churn out more pollutants than need be?
Since I'm on a role with the environment here I'll continue. Recyle. Seriously, it's not that hard and YES it does make a difference. NO things that are in the proper recycle bin do not just end up in the landfill anyway. IT DOES MATTER.
Use a piece of paper front AND back before you toss it in the recycle bin. We do it at my office and it cuts paper waste by more than half! We print things that are not official documents on the backside of official documents that are not being used anymore. Essentially "scrap" paper is run through the same printer with the blank side up and viola! Two pieces of printed paper for the price of one. We mark the side that is old with a squiggle in pen so we can differentiate between the two.
Turn the freaking lights off, please. Around my house and my office I only have lights on that I absolutley must have on either for security reasons or if I'm working in a specific room. Also seriously, change your bulbs out from those pre-historic bulbs and use florescent or LED. Yes they cost slightly more when you buy them, but in the long run they can and WILL save thousands of dollars.
Quit smoking and drinking like you're invincible. You're not, get over yourself and grow up. An occasional cigar and or drink is totally fine but getting drunk off your ass just because you're in college and can? What are you 14?
All of you activits and "believers" should read the biblical text you keep refferring back to saying you are doing God's will. All of you claim to be doing it for "your God" when ultimatley we're all trying to get to the same place and please the same deity with a different name. Seriously stop killing each other, brainwashing your children, and smell the 21st century. Believe what you want when you want, no one is right the bible is too freaking old to be correct anymore and God is not as prominant in everyday life as we are led to believe. I believe in God, I really do-my life experience and blessings like my darling girlfriend are proof there has to be some higher power running the show. But maybe he/she/it just does not give that much of a shit about you as an individual, but the world as a whole. Love your neighbor as yourself is the greatest commandment given, why are we not obeying it more?
Finally stereotypes and ignorance. I've heard so many people bitching about how stereotypical society is and how stereotypes suck and blah blah blah. First off stop playing in to them. If you don't like the stereotype: ELIMINATE IT. Plain and simple, we are all in control of our actions and mouths-those of us without disorders-use some self control and get rid of the stereotypical behavior.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
end of line.
Update
Hello There! It's been a wonderful week, and I thought it time to update my blog before I call it a night and curl up for sleep.
Firstly, my flare up continues to make my life difficult and I found out the medicine I'm on for my condition has possible side affects that are identical to the symptoms it is supposed to be reliving me of.... I like my doctor and told him I would try an increase from 6 400mg tablets a day to 12 400mg tablets a day. 4800mg a day with this medicine and although i have noticed a slight difference in things that are good, there are a lot of problems that are more intense. After reading the info on this drug and thinking about it, I know understand why I've got pain in my chest, abdomen, joints, heart burn, and a whole long list of things. I always thought medicines were designed to treat symptoms not intensify them but apparently I'm wrong on that.
After one more week if things don't improve I'm going back to see Dr. J and I'm just going to have him give me the freaking injectable and call it a day. The thought of sticking myself every two weeks with this stuff is not all that appealing but if that's what it takes to start feeling like I"m living instead of just existing I'm all for it. The injectable is called Humira, and it seems like a very good option.
On to happier things now that I'm done ranting :) First and formost Jess and I are official. I am officially off the market. I'm taken and very very very happy about it! I made it official on Tuesday, June 24th 2008! She seriously makes me happier than I've ever known and being around her makes me feel sooo good and safe and strong-it feels better than playing music, scary thought huh? I can definitely see this going someplace amazing and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for us and this incredible relationship :D!
Got an XM portable tuner and it's pretty freaking sweet! I can listen to my cubbies at work now :D and I know the guys around the office are going to appreciate hearing the game while they are in!
Speaking of Cubs: SWEEP! Now what White Sox fans? Win the world series once and you all act like the Sox are these incredible ball players. That happened 3 years ago now and you guys can't do it again..... It's our turn this year!
Eric and I went to our first night game at Wrigley Wednesday night and it was a blast! They won against Baltimore 7-4. In the words of my brother "Baltimore Sucks!" WOOT GO CUBS! The plan is to attend some more home games in the near future and get some people to go with us. Let me know if you want to and we'll get something going :D
In Eric's news: He had an interview today with the FAA over the phone! Lucky duck doesn't even have to get dressed for his interviews I simply could not believe it-but I am so very happy for him and hope very much that he gets the job!
end of line.
Firstly, my flare up continues to make my life difficult and I found out the medicine I'm on for my condition has possible side affects that are identical to the symptoms it is supposed to be reliving me of.... I like my doctor and told him I would try an increase from 6 400mg tablets a day to 12 400mg tablets a day. 4800mg a day with this medicine and although i have noticed a slight difference in things that are good, there are a lot of problems that are more intense. After reading the info on this drug and thinking about it, I know understand why I've got pain in my chest, abdomen, joints, heart burn, and a whole long list of things. I always thought medicines were designed to treat symptoms not intensify them but apparently I'm wrong on that.
After one more week if things don't improve I'm going back to see Dr. J and I'm just going to have him give me the freaking injectable and call it a day. The thought of sticking myself every two weeks with this stuff is not all that appealing but if that's what it takes to start feeling like I"m living instead of just existing I'm all for it. The injectable is called Humira, and it seems like a very good option.
On to happier things now that I'm done ranting :) First and formost Jess and I are official. I am officially off the market. I'm taken and very very very happy about it! I made it official on Tuesday, June 24th 2008! She seriously makes me happier than I've ever known and being around her makes me feel sooo good and safe and strong-it feels better than playing music, scary thought huh? I can definitely see this going someplace amazing and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for us and this incredible relationship :D!
Got an XM portable tuner and it's pretty freaking sweet! I can listen to my cubbies at work now :D and I know the guys around the office are going to appreciate hearing the game while they are in!
Speaking of Cubs: SWEEP! Now what White Sox fans? Win the world series once and you all act like the Sox are these incredible ball players. That happened 3 years ago now and you guys can't do it again..... It's our turn this year!
Eric and I went to our first night game at Wrigley Wednesday night and it was a blast! They won against Baltimore 7-4. In the words of my brother "Baltimore Sucks!" WOOT GO CUBS! The plan is to attend some more home games in the near future and get some people to go with us. Let me know if you want to and we'll get something going :D
In Eric's news: He had an interview today with the FAA over the phone! Lucky duck doesn't even have to get dressed for his interviews I simply could not believe it-but I am so very happy for him and hope very much that he gets the job!
end of line.
It's Been A While
One of my favorite rocks songs of all time. "It's Been A While" by Staind :D
Anyways it really has been a while since I've updated this, I just really have not been in the mood to blog recently-but here it goes:
Everything is going fine for the most part, a few hiccups here and there but that's life-it's to be expected. I passed all of my classes and I officially have Junior status at Elmhurst, a dorm on campus this fall, and caring and amazerful almost very soon to be girlfriend. I still have my job despite all the time I've had to take off for school family and fun related things. I took the basic skills test which was a lot less scary than I thought it would be. I've started being serious about physical activity and have already noticed a difference in my body.
My health is another matter right now. My Crohns feels unstable and it looks like I may be switching medications and finally getting on something that is more powerful with less side affects than traditional drugs. I'll keep this updated at the least on what is going on with that, just in case any google searches on Crohns lands a hit on my blog. I've had Crohns and UC for a little over 3 years now, and I don't claim to be an expert but living with it does give a little bit of a different perspective.
My mother is still desperately trying to find work, and her desperation and frustration with herself is still bringing the energy of this household down but we're all hanging in there and trying to be supportive. Keeping her busy when she's not looking for jobs has proven tough and the task seems to have fallen on my shoulders while my Dad is at work-but I'm not complaining it keeps her in a better mood, we get stuff done around this house that drive me crazy, keeps me busy and active, and helps her keep her mind off things at least a little.
I am happy to report that the fishes, frogs, and snails are all doing well and are very healthy and happy! Even those doomed to die after a couple days my Dan (HA I WIN) I've had most of my fish over a year now and I am so proud at how well I've taken care of them. A little bit every couple of days keeps the tank healthy and the fish happy :D
To Jess:
I know I say this all the time but I want to say it again. You are seriously the light in my life, my rock, the reason behind my strength, determination, drive, and happiness. You have shown me a way of life that is so secure and steady I never could have dreamed would be this amazing. I've got such a good feeling about our future together, and yes we need to take things one step at a time, but as far as I'm concerned as of today- you are it Sweet Pea. You're the only one for me. And very soon my darling it's going to be official, and I can't wait for my plan to go in to action with asking you to make it official! :D MWAHAHAHAHAHA :D!
Anyways it really has been a while since I've updated this, I just really have not been in the mood to blog recently-but here it goes:
Everything is going fine for the most part, a few hiccups here and there but that's life-it's to be expected. I passed all of my classes and I officially have Junior status at Elmhurst, a dorm on campus this fall, and caring and amazerful almost very soon to be girlfriend. I still have my job despite all the time I've had to take off for school family and fun related things. I took the basic skills test which was a lot less scary than I thought it would be. I've started being serious about physical activity and have already noticed a difference in my body.
My health is another matter right now. My Crohns feels unstable and it looks like I may be switching medications and finally getting on something that is more powerful with less side affects than traditional drugs. I'll keep this updated at the least on what is going on with that, just in case any google searches on Crohns lands a hit on my blog. I've had Crohns and UC for a little over 3 years now, and I don't claim to be an expert but living with it does give a little bit of a different perspective.
My mother is still desperately trying to find work, and her desperation and frustration with herself is still bringing the energy of this household down but we're all hanging in there and trying to be supportive. Keeping her busy when she's not looking for jobs has proven tough and the task seems to have fallen on my shoulders while my Dad is at work-but I'm not complaining it keeps her in a better mood, we get stuff done around this house that drive me crazy, keeps me busy and active, and helps her keep her mind off things at least a little.
I am happy to report that the fishes, frogs, and snails are all doing well and are very healthy and happy! Even those doomed to die after a couple days my Dan (HA I WIN) I've had most of my fish over a year now and I am so proud at how well I've taken care of them. A little bit every couple of days keeps the tank healthy and the fish happy :D
To Jess:
I know I say this all the time but I want to say it again. You are seriously the light in my life, my rock, the reason behind my strength, determination, drive, and happiness. You have shown me a way of life that is so secure and steady I never could have dreamed would be this amazing. I've got such a good feeling about our future together, and yes we need to take things one step at a time, but as far as I'm concerned as of today- you are it Sweet Pea. You're the only one for me. And very soon my darling it's going to be official, and I can't wait for my plan to go in to action with asking you to make it official! :D MWAHAHAHAHAHA :D!
The School Year's End
Well Spring 2008 is officially over, I've got most of my grades and there is no more class to attend. I still have a lingering feeling of being overwhelmed with things to do even though when I stop to think for a second I know there's nothing; I kinda like the feeling of realizing all I have are semi-lazy days ahead of me for a good two months.
I can't honestly say I learned all that much academically this semester. Granted I learned how to play violin, viola, cello and upright bass-but honestly string instruments aside from their pickyness I find to be extremely easy to get the basics and even some advanced things down with very little practice time involved. I don't think I ever seriously got out one of the instruments and sat down to practice. Ever. String instruments have their own quirks, shortcomings, advantages, and all things in between-just like every other instrument out there. Quite honestly I find some of my Clarinet technique type things to be far more challenging than a string instrument. So what does that mean? That I'm a horrible Clarinet player and better at stringed instruments? Or that string instruments are just not that terribly hard? I'm hoping for option two, cause I've been playing clarinet for most of my life.
Which brings me to the list of things I've learned this year:
1. True friends have an amazing way of proving themselves to you, especially in a pinch. Those that don't truly care and are only around you for their own personal reasons get weeded out when faced with a drastic life situation. To those of you who were there to keep me cool and snap me back and keep me sane THANK YOU. Especially you sweet pea, like you said in your letter today: I really don't know where I would be without you.
2. Your family is your family for better or worse and to give up on them would be wrong-you only get one. However, it's okay to want space and keep your distance-especially if it's to protect yourself and your sanity.
3. Overall, the individual classes you take really don't matter that much in the grand scheme of a degree. Get through the stupid classes so that you are awarded that piece of paper that says "I demand a good salary and benefits and YOU have no choice in the matter"
4. Know what you want, if you don't know take time to slow down and figure it out.
5. NO ONE is worth being abused for. If all you get is a negative picture when with said person BAIL OUT. It's not doing either of you any good and just continues a cycle that should have been stopped a LONG TIME AGO.
6. No matter how attracted you are to a person despite their flaws and shortcoming, always make sure that said persons flaws and shortcomings are not going to destroy your life.
7. There really is such a thing as a mature, grounded, caring, loving, well grounded relationship and it CAN be achieved in the opposite sex despite what I've encountered before and the example I have at home. You both have to work at it though, but when it's with the right person the work becomes a natural course of action you don't even think about. It becomes less work and more something that just happens out of instinct.
8. Prayers really do get answered, guidance is truly given whether by God or someone or something else-but you have to open your eyes and ears and be acceptive of the answers and guidance otherwise you will be left cold and alone and feeling abandoned.
9. ANGELS DO EXIST
10. If ever there is a time in your life you would rather just end it all and give up, remember you are not just giving up on YOUR life but on the lives of the people you love and care for and vice versa. No matter how hard life gets, abandoning the people in your life is the most selfish and evil thing you could possibly do to a person you love. Carry on, it gets better-there are not ALWAYS trains sometimes there really is light at the end.
11. It's okay to say and know and feel that you need someone in your life in order to make it not only easier but more complete, more substantial. To be your compass and help hold you up in times of weakness.
12. The shitty things and relationships you go through. All the heart ache, pain, sleepless nights and rough times become worth it in the end. She comes bursting in to your life when you have given up all hope at your darkest hour and have just accepted that things will never change. When that point is reached, she comes in and turns your world upside down, shakes your heart loose of all it's despair and helps mend the broken bones so that you can stand on your own two feet, grab her hand, and weather the storms for her.
13. Jessica: You are seriously in my top 10 list of precious people in my life. You've shown me how to stand up and be a man, helped me take care of things I never thought I would ever shake, make me feel more alive and together than I ever thought possible, you've helped mend my broken bones, healed my wounds, and given my heart safe hands to rest in and feel loved. Thank you for all the patience, time, understanding, love, compassion and true caring you've shown me. You are one in a million bajillion sweet pea, and I seriously have the bestest feeling about us. I never want to leave your side. Ever. And I plan on sticking to you like glue for as long as you'll have me-especially if it's forever and a day :D
14. Finally, the most important things in your life are those that are consistently doing you good. Whether it be friends, family, school, a job, exercise or whatever. If it's not doing you good, then you're doing no good sticking with it. Cycles need to be broken, things need to change, the future of the planet depends on it.
There may be more, but I'll post them later.
Brookfield zoo tomorrow! WOOT :D! I am SO EXCITED!
end of line.
I can't honestly say I learned all that much academically this semester. Granted I learned how to play violin, viola, cello and upright bass-but honestly string instruments aside from their pickyness I find to be extremely easy to get the basics and even some advanced things down with very little practice time involved. I don't think I ever seriously got out one of the instruments and sat down to practice. Ever. String instruments have their own quirks, shortcomings, advantages, and all things in between-just like every other instrument out there. Quite honestly I find some of my Clarinet technique type things to be far more challenging than a string instrument. So what does that mean? That I'm a horrible Clarinet player and better at stringed instruments? Or that string instruments are just not that terribly hard? I'm hoping for option two, cause I've been playing clarinet for most of my life.
Which brings me to the list of things I've learned this year:
1. True friends have an amazing way of proving themselves to you, especially in a pinch. Those that don't truly care and are only around you for their own personal reasons get weeded out when faced with a drastic life situation. To those of you who were there to keep me cool and snap me back and keep me sane THANK YOU. Especially you sweet pea, like you said in your letter today: I really don't know where I would be without you.
2. Your family is your family for better or worse and to give up on them would be wrong-you only get one. However, it's okay to want space and keep your distance-especially if it's to protect yourself and your sanity.
3. Overall, the individual classes you take really don't matter that much in the grand scheme of a degree. Get through the stupid classes so that you are awarded that piece of paper that says "I demand a good salary and benefits and YOU have no choice in the matter"
4. Know what you want, if you don't know take time to slow down and figure it out.
5. NO ONE is worth being abused for. If all you get is a negative picture when with said person BAIL OUT. It's not doing either of you any good and just continues a cycle that should have been stopped a LONG TIME AGO.
6. No matter how attracted you are to a person despite their flaws and shortcoming, always make sure that said persons flaws and shortcomings are not going to destroy your life.
7. There really is such a thing as a mature, grounded, caring, loving, well grounded relationship and it CAN be achieved in the opposite sex despite what I've encountered before and the example I have at home. You both have to work at it though, but when it's with the right person the work becomes a natural course of action you don't even think about. It becomes less work and more something that just happens out of instinct.
8. Prayers really do get answered, guidance is truly given whether by God or someone or something else-but you have to open your eyes and ears and be acceptive of the answers and guidance otherwise you will be left cold and alone and feeling abandoned.
9. ANGELS DO EXIST
10. If ever there is a time in your life you would rather just end it all and give up, remember you are not just giving up on YOUR life but on the lives of the people you love and care for and vice versa. No matter how hard life gets, abandoning the people in your life is the most selfish and evil thing you could possibly do to a person you love. Carry on, it gets better-there are not ALWAYS trains sometimes there really is light at the end.
11. It's okay to say and know and feel that you need someone in your life in order to make it not only easier but more complete, more substantial. To be your compass and help hold you up in times of weakness.
12. The shitty things and relationships you go through. All the heart ache, pain, sleepless nights and rough times become worth it in the end. She comes bursting in to your life when you have given up all hope at your darkest hour and have just accepted that things will never change. When that point is reached, she comes in and turns your world upside down, shakes your heart loose of all it's despair and helps mend the broken bones so that you can stand on your own two feet, grab her hand, and weather the storms for her.
13. Jessica: You are seriously in my top 10 list of precious people in my life. You've shown me how to stand up and be a man, helped me take care of things I never thought I would ever shake, make me feel more alive and together than I ever thought possible, you've helped mend my broken bones, healed my wounds, and given my heart safe hands to rest in and feel loved. Thank you for all the patience, time, understanding, love, compassion and true caring you've shown me. You are one in a million bajillion sweet pea, and I seriously have the bestest feeling about us. I never want to leave your side. Ever. And I plan on sticking to you like glue for as long as you'll have me-especially if it's forever and a day :D
14. Finally, the most important things in your life are those that are consistently doing you good. Whether it be friends, family, school, a job, exercise or whatever. If it's not doing you good, then you're doing no good sticking with it. Cycles need to be broken, things need to change, the future of the planet depends on it.
There may be more, but I'll post them later.
Brookfield zoo tomorrow! WOOT :D! I am SO EXCITED!
end of line.
Weekend Report
Well it's been a week since I've posted. I've been so busy with school and the lovely and so very tired I havn't felt much like typing anything out but here we go.
Just a general week with school etc. I got a 87 on my Ear Training test! Something that almost never happens and private lessons are coming along nicely.
Thursday I spent most of the day with the beautiful one just hanging out.
Friday we went to Cantingy park. For those of you who don't know it's a 500 acre plot of land just west of Wheaton IL that used to belong to General McCormick and is now a arboretum with two museums on site. The first museum is a war museum in honor of those that have fought in every war this country and been involved in. They cover everything from the revolutionary war era all the way up to Dday. Okay, so almost every war. There's been a few new ones in my lifetime that have yet to be added and I don't think they will.
Here are some pictures from Cantingy:
Kisses are one of my favorite things
The McCormick Mansion
The view from the side of the McCormick Mansion
Ahhh Victory! After a daring climb :)
My Victory Climb Pose.
Random Tree Face
Then it was back to the house for a quick power nap and then a food run. She sat me down after dinner and we watched Lord of the Rings movie 1 which I had only seen bits and pieces of before. It was amazing! and it helped that I had someone next to me that knew about the movie inside and out to answer questions I had. I never really got into them until now because I had a hard time following them but no worries with that anymore!
So that's it for the Weekend Report
end of line.
Just a general week with school etc. I got a 87 on my Ear Training test! Something that almost never happens and private lessons are coming along nicely.
Thursday I spent most of the day with the beautiful one just hanging out.
Friday we went to Cantingy park. For those of you who don't know it's a 500 acre plot of land just west of Wheaton IL that used to belong to General McCormick and is now a arboretum with two museums on site. The first museum is a war museum in honor of those that have fought in every war this country and been involved in. They cover everything from the revolutionary war era all the way up to Dday. Okay, so almost every war. There's been a few new ones in my lifetime that have yet to be added and I don't think they will.
Here are some pictures from Cantingy:
The Angel and pretty flowers!
Kisses are one of my favorite things
The McCormick Mansion
The view from the side of the McCormick Mansion
Ahhh Victory! After a daring climb :)
My Victory Climb Pose.
Random Tree FaceThe place is huge and has a TON of gardens and places to picnic. We are going back again once everything is totally planted and blooming.
Then it was back to the house for a quick power nap and then a food run. She sat me down after dinner and we watched Lord of the Rings movie 1 which I had only seen bits and pieces of before. It was amazing! and it helped that I had someone next to me that knew about the movie inside and out to answer questions I had. I never really got into them until now because I had a hard time following them but no worries with that anymore!
So that's it for the Weekend Report
end of line.
The Weekend Post
Sweet Pea and Me
In the world I see - you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty car pool lane of some abandoned superhighway.
The above quote is taken from the movie fight club. It's a favorite movie of my brother's and mine, and seems to fit more and more in our current predicament than ever-at least it does to me.
Unless something drastic happens that I need to get up on here right away I'm' going to fit all of Friday Saturday and Sunday into one long post. The weekends are usually less action packed for me and I don't feel like doing much of anything (with the exception of Friday)
Friday:
Just a typical Friday at school. I had to skip string tech to finish my Theory project but I got everything done and it was as right as possible.
Spent another wonderful afternoon/evening with the lovely. We had dinner with her parents and had some good conversation and a delicious sausage dish. Then off to the woodfield for fries, a walk, some shopping, and lots of holding hands and kisses :) Then back to the house for cuddling and falling asleep on the comfy couch :D
Friday night once I got home and was in my own bed and once again unconscious I had the strangest dream I've had in a long time. Strange enough to make me uncomfortable all of Saturday and even some on Sunday. The most vivid images that are still sitting in the front of my head are for some reason all of my teeth where falling out, only instead of it happening tooth by tooth they came in groups of three along with the gums. Or they came in slivers and parts of teeth still attached to the top of my gums. Section by section I pulled out most of the teeth in my mouth and the sadness that came over me when I looked in a mirror and smiled was sickening. I kept thinking, in the dream that is, that Jess would never want me to smile again and that I would never want to smile at all ever again. Now I don't know if that is my subconscious telling me to go to the dentist to get a cleaning that is well overdue or what it is but man it was freaky and gross :(
Saturday just work and home to work on my fish tanks. Saturday was the first day I've walked to work since basically November. I started here at Prairie Shore in September after working for a long year at Walgreen's. This place kicks ass, and even though I've made some mistakes along the way this job is easy and pays well. Everyone is super nice here as well, and I pretty much can do what I want when no one is around.
Both the frog tank and the fish tank are clean and the inhabitants are happy :) I bought a sludge extractor from petsmart which does wonders in both tanks helping get poop and algae up and out of the gravel without having to dump all the water out of the tank and rinse the gravel by hand. It is less disturbing to the fish as well, because they stay in the tank the whole time, not to mention it keeps the natural bacteria in the gravel and the tank which keeps the cycle efficient. Best 50 bucks I've ever spent on my hobby, and it's pretty cool and fun to use too :) I bought it in the store but here is the link for what you're looking for if you decide to buy one. I haven't tried any others just simply because I feel there is no reason to.
Sunday has been pretty un-eventful so far, just got done eating lunch and there isn't a whole lot to do around here. I suppose I should start working on my transcription that is due Tuesday but it's hard to do those without a piano. Tomorrow needs to kick ass all across the board. After band I need to get some recording done, well a lot of recording. I need to practice, try to get in to West Hall, dinner with the lovely and more things I'm probably forgetting (lol) It'll all get done though.
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On the way to work Saturday as I was walking down Leavitt I heard this amazing noise above my head. It was a bird, I'm not sure of the species, pecking and chasing a squirrel out of it's home and not letting up. The squirrel ran down a power line, being pecked by the bird and jumped on to the roof of a garage. In proportions, the squirrel was easily 4 times bigger than this bird, although the ability to fly gave the bird a clear advantage. Now the significance of this is there are so many times where I feel like I'm that bird trying to keep other people from stealing me or trying to destroy things I've been working so hard to keep together and survive. I'm sure we've all had these moments where we filled the role of the bird and someone or something else filled the role of the squirrel. It kinda made me feel like even though there is a few things going on right now that seem like they are 4 times bigger than I am, as long as I keep fighting and pushing forward those squirrels don't stand a chance.
Another thought I've had over the past couple of days is about fuel and driving and just general energy consumption. It bothers me that more isn't being done about the energy crisis happening right now, but what is being done is a start and a definite step in the right direction. Now we all need to take more than a step or two steps but an entire walk in this same direction. In 2008, why are we still so dependent on fossil fuels? Because of greed, laziness, and any other excuse that you can throw on here. It's past time to start changing things. Now I'm guilty as charged just as much as the next guy, but in my defense I'm concious of the things I throw away, how much I'm driving, the water I use, the electricity I use and thensome. Something I wish everyone would start doing. Don't throw the glass bottle you bought just in to the trash, put it in the bin that is right next to the trash can. If there isn't a recycle bin around, then walk it down the two flights of stairs and PUT IT IN ONE. The same goes for plastics and Styrofoams and paper. There should be more recycle recepticals in place for sure, but I know for a fact that Elmhurst College has plenty of them around and it doesn't take much to put your recyclable into bin B instead of bin A. Batteries too, when batteries decay it's nasty-find your local spot to recycle those batteries and DO IT. Be conscious of how much you are driving, can you walk to where you need to go? Anything under 3 miles should be a no brainer, "yes I can walk that" of course there are exceptions to that such as weather and things but if you have the opportunity use it. You get exercise in along with helping reduce emissions.
TURN THE LIGHTS OFF. Especially in rooms you are leaving, like PRACTICE ROOMS. Come ON MUSIC MAJORS! During the day, especially at high noon there's no reason to turn lights on in rooms that have big windows in the first place. Use the natural light it's better for your eyes anyway. Unplug things you don't use, like computers and other electronics-or make sure they are plugged in to a switched surge bar-they are out there and not expensive at all GET ONE or two or three.
No one is perfect and I know that, God knows I'm not. But seriously, start using those brains otherwise by the time we are all thirty there isn't going to be much planet left to dwell on...........
First Day of being a Teacher-kinda (Teaching 6th Grade at Emerson Elementary)
This morning was amazing to say the least. It started out as a regular day, sitting in the frick center with my dearest and finishing up some last minute homework over breakfast. The last minute homework this morning was a poster board that demonstrated the rhythm the bongos play according to the Batucada style of music. This board was used in a 6th grade music class at Emerson Elementary.
I met my group in the Lobby of Irion hall, had to rush to print the fact sheet I had put together out and got in my car and off we went. On the way there, while driving through Bellwood, I got pulled over for doing 52 in a 30. Strangely I'm pretty sure I did no more than 40 the entire trip but whatever.
Finally reached the school and now really had to rush to get myself together and present to this energetic and bright eyed group of 6th graders. I got through it, nervous and sweating, but I got through it and it ended up being a great time with the kids participating and laughing and dancing around the room and just generally having a great time with us.
Then back to school for a trio rehearsal that was really rocking most of the time. The three of us were decently solid with the music today, with a few mistakes of course. For the most part though, we had things together and once again I nailed a lot of the things that have been giving me trouble and tripping my fingers up for almost 2 years now.
It feels good to finally feel like I'm taking steps in the general direction of a good way. I have to admit I was really apprehensive about being a Music Ed Major since I decided to go in to it my senior year in High School. But seriously, after teaching that group of 6th graders, have them pay attention and really understand the concepts the five of us were teaching them gave me such a good feeling. A feeling of excitement and joy and general pride in these students-even though we were their teachers only for 30 mins.
Needless to say, now that things finally feel like they are sliding in to place both in my academic life and my romantic/social life the apprehension I've been feeling is almost gone. I don't think it will ever dissapear, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It will help me keep in mind that days like yesterday and today are the reason why I'm here and I'm working and I will finish my degree no matter how tough things get-be it health wise or any other way, this feeling of success even at the smallest level has given me a second wind of encouragement, enthusiasm, determination and drive.
On the health front, I went to see my Doctor today accompanied by my lovely. Everything seems, according to him like it will work itself out and my liver will calm the heck down before it self destructs. I have a small amount of fat on my liver which isn't helping things but that's easily taken care of with exercise and continuing to make healthy choices in the caf.
So my license has dissapeared once again, but overall and wonderful day for the second time in a row! I'll get my license back and just take the hit on my insurance, I shouldn't have been speeding and I know it running late or not. My dad said my new car was going to get my in to trouble and he was right (lol) way to call it and give me back luck dad..............
Getting pulled over this morning, while running late and already nervous I think was like the ultimate test for a first time teaching. I mean I was already nervous to begin with, running late which made me a little agitated and anxious, and then getting pulled over shook me up (it was the first time I had ever been pulled over [4 years of driving and a spotless record]) I kept it together though, my composure wasn't perfect by any means but it was together enough to teach a decently successful lesson and have a good time doing it. While I was teaching the kids in the small group I had, I forgot completely about the ticket and everything that had happened and was able to just focus on the incredible group of kids in front of me.
end of line.
I met my group in the Lobby of Irion hall, had to rush to print the fact sheet I had put together out and got in my car and off we went. On the way there, while driving through Bellwood, I got pulled over for doing 52 in a 30. Strangely I'm pretty sure I did no more than 40 the entire trip but whatever.
Finally reached the school and now really had to rush to get myself together and present to this energetic and bright eyed group of 6th graders. I got through it, nervous and sweating, but I got through it and it ended up being a great time with the kids participating and laughing and dancing around the room and just generally having a great time with us.
Then back to school for a trio rehearsal that was really rocking most of the time. The three of us were decently solid with the music today, with a few mistakes of course. For the most part though, we had things together and once again I nailed a lot of the things that have been giving me trouble and tripping my fingers up for almost 2 years now.
It feels good to finally feel like I'm taking steps in the general direction of a good way. I have to admit I was really apprehensive about being a Music Ed Major since I decided to go in to it my senior year in High School. But seriously, after teaching that group of 6th graders, have them pay attention and really understand the concepts the five of us were teaching them gave me such a good feeling. A feeling of excitement and joy and general pride in these students-even though we were their teachers only for 30 mins.
Needless to say, now that things finally feel like they are sliding in to place both in my academic life and my romantic/social life the apprehension I've been feeling is almost gone. I don't think it will ever dissapear, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It will help me keep in mind that days like yesterday and today are the reason why I'm here and I'm working and I will finish my degree no matter how tough things get-be it health wise or any other way, this feeling of success even at the smallest level has given me a second wind of encouragement, enthusiasm, determination and drive.
On the health front, I went to see my Doctor today accompanied by my lovely. Everything seems, according to him like it will work itself out and my liver will calm the heck down before it self destructs. I have a small amount of fat on my liver which isn't helping things but that's easily taken care of with exercise and continuing to make healthy choices in the caf.
So my license has dissapeared once again, but overall and wonderful day for the second time in a row! I'll get my license back and just take the hit on my insurance, I shouldn't have been speeding and I know it running late or not. My dad said my new car was going to get my in to trouble and he was right (lol) way to call it and give me back luck dad..............
Getting pulled over this morning, while running late and already nervous I think was like the ultimate test for a first time teaching. I mean I was already nervous to begin with, running late which made me a little agitated and anxious, and then getting pulled over shook me up (it was the first time I had ever been pulled over [4 years of driving and a spotless record]) I kept it together though, my composure wasn't perfect by any means but it was together enough to teach a decently successful lesson and have a good time doing it. While I was teaching the kids in the small group I had, I forgot completely about the ticket and everything that had happened and was able to just focus on the incredible group of kids in front of me.
end of line.
Wonderful Day
Today, for the first time in my college career I sat down in my private lesson and performed like a college music student should. I made a few mistakes here and there but for the most part my playing was excellent-I even got a good job from my teacher! Something that NEVER happens.
This cause band to freaking rock for me today. The two hour rehearsal flew by for the most part and I nailed most of the things that have been giving me trouble. Practicing helped but a big part of it was having a clear and level head, a good mood in my heart, and a happiness that I have never known fill me up and take control. This happiness I'm talking about is knowing someone like her can care for and take care of someone like me, an undeserving mess. "I owe it all to my girls ex-boyfriend" This mess is getting his act together, finally, all the work I've been doing personally is starting to show and pay off. I can feel a change inside me, a change in the weather for good and it feels amazing :)
Skipped my Bible Studies class tonight in an effort to not only spend a beautifully warm evening with the almost, but also get my presentation together for tomorrow. I'll be going in to teach the Bongos to a group of 6th graders in a less privalaged area of the city tomorrow. I've never officially been in front and in charge of a classroom before. Of course there will be 4 of my peers there with me, and we are going to break the class down in to small groups-but I'm still a little nervous and apprehensive. Tomorrow is the first test to see if this is truly what I want to be doing for the rest of my life.
Alrighty time to get my poster board together and get in to bed.
end of line.
This cause band to freaking rock for me today. The two hour rehearsal flew by for the most part and I nailed most of the things that have been giving me trouble. Practicing helped but a big part of it was having a clear and level head, a good mood in my heart, and a happiness that I have never known fill me up and take control. This happiness I'm talking about is knowing someone like her can care for and take care of someone like me, an undeserving mess. "I owe it all to my girls ex-boyfriend" This mess is getting his act together, finally, all the work I've been doing personally is starting to show and pay off. I can feel a change inside me, a change in the weather for good and it feels amazing :)
Skipped my Bible Studies class tonight in an effort to not only spend a beautifully warm evening with the almost, but also get my presentation together for tomorrow. I'll be going in to teach the Bongos to a group of 6th graders in a less privalaged area of the city tomorrow. I've never officially been in front and in charge of a classroom before. Of course there will be 4 of my peers there with me, and we are going to break the class down in to small groups-but I'm still a little nervous and apprehensive. Tomorrow is the first test to see if this is truly what I want to be doing for the rest of my life.
Alrighty time to get my poster board together and get in to bed.
end of line.
Food For Thought
This little tid bit is taken from Jessica's facebook notes. It hit home for me because it has to do with Faith and is a perfect example of how quickly we all forget how to be decent human beings regardless of race, religion or anything. Also because I do drive so much every day and see some crazy stuff and admittedly perform some stupid and crazy maneuvers this really hits home. The officers response at the end of this cracks me up :D
A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.
As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up.
He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects. He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' License plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper sticker, And the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, Naturally... I assumed you had stolen the car."
Priceless
Allow me to introduce myself
Hello to all!
For the longest time now I've wanted to start a blog to post ideas, frustrations and whatever else I can find. I've heard blogspot was the place to do it so here I am!
I'm a sophmore student at Elmhurst College studying Music Education (hence the title hehe) and loving mostly every minute of it. Like everyone else in the world I've found days, weeks, and sometimes months where focus on my degree and my future has become a little fuzzy. Music has been my life since the age of 3, and I'm sure that will never change no matter how fuzzy things get.
My primary instrument is Clarinet, and I love to play it-I don't practice nearly as much as I should though I have to admit. Right now I'm commuting to and from school each day which does make it difficult to find time and the desire to pull my horn out and practice, I'm getting better at that sort of thing though. I'm moving on campus in the fall of 2008 thankfully. Living in a single is what I'm hoping for, but it will be nice not to have to drive the 40+ miles each day and just go to class and do my thing.
So why did I decide to commute freshmen and sophomore year? There were several reasons, one being my younger brother (he's two years behind me) is still at home and I really felt like I couldn't leave him here to fend totally for himself with my parents being psycopaths. Another reason would be the girl I was dating is my brother's age, and my high school being only 2 blocks from my house cause my life outside of school to be displaced to the area around my home. She didn't live around my house or Lane Tech, but the covince of my house and the desire not to drive more than I had to (even though I love to drive) meant jetting from school every day as soon as I possibly could. Things have changed now and my life and an interest is centered more around Elmhurst as a whole and it feels excellent.
So why Music Education? Why not business or performance or law enforcement? Even though all those other degrees are enticing and have much different possibilities, to be able to help guide young minds seems to me the only worthwhile career I can possibly imagine. Of course, that's my personal opinion and I don't mean to knock any one down with their own life goals, I'm just saying for me Music Ed is it. I want to focus more or less in Private Instruction and High School Marching Band. I also want to get in to instrument repair and composition. I'm also considering doing a minor if I can fit it in but I'm not sure yet.
I have Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, for those who don't know that that is this link will take you to some information on Crohns and this link will take you to Colitis info. Yes it's wikipedia but it is correct. Admitedly having this condition makes life difficult at times. My symptoms as of late have been under control and I'm stable for now which is awesome. But flare ups that come at any time and pain that doesn't seem to ever go away does make things harder but not impossible. I do my best to not let it bring me down but some days are better than others. Everyone has their stuff right?
Just like everyone I've been through my share of stuff in 20 years of life. The most major experience that negativly affected my life was being diagnosed with Crohns and UC, this being tied with the accident of 2006. My brother and I were hit by a Jeep Grand Cherokee doing 35 mph as we were crossing the street going to lunch right around Christmas. It's something that my brother and I have thankfully both made it through but it's not something easily forgotten as Eric was in a difficult spot for a good span of time.
The most positive life changing experiences I've ever had would be the 4 Appalachia Service Project mission trips I went on through my church. A counterpart to Habitat for Humanity, our group of some 50 people spent a week in the southern Appalachian region of our country rebuilding homes and helping to create a better quality of living for those in need. I really need to get back down there and do some honest hard work on a hot tin roof, it helps keep my view of line where it should be. Unfortunately I won't be able to go down there and help out for a while :(
The support of my friends and family, however small, has helped so very much in everything-including staying in school when I've felt like I would rather get my life up and going now rather than in three years. Thank you to all of you incredible people, you guys are truly blessings.
Perhaps the biggest recent influence on my life, stamina, determination, source of strength and inspiration is my new found close friend and companion Jessica. As of right now, an almost girlfriend-but for sure the best almost I could ever have dreamed of. She's wonderful, and good to me, and takes care of me like no one ever has. Not to mention she's drop dead gorgeous and the cutest most adorable thing I've ever seen. :D
So that's pretty much me in a nutshell, at least for now.
end of line.
For the longest time now I've wanted to start a blog to post ideas, frustrations and whatever else I can find. I've heard blogspot was the place to do it so here I am!
I'm a sophmore student at Elmhurst College studying Music Education (hence the title hehe) and loving mostly every minute of it. Like everyone else in the world I've found days, weeks, and sometimes months where focus on my degree and my future has become a little fuzzy. Music has been my life since the age of 3, and I'm sure that will never change no matter how fuzzy things get.
My primary instrument is Clarinet, and I love to play it-I don't practice nearly as much as I should though I have to admit. Right now I'm commuting to and from school each day which does make it difficult to find time and the desire to pull my horn out and practice, I'm getting better at that sort of thing though. I'm moving on campus in the fall of 2008 thankfully. Living in a single is what I'm hoping for, but it will be nice not to have to drive the 40+ miles each day and just go to class and do my thing.
So why did I decide to commute freshmen and sophomore year? There were several reasons, one being my younger brother (he's two years behind me) is still at home and I really felt like I couldn't leave him here to fend totally for himself with my parents being psycopaths. Another reason would be the girl I was dating is my brother's age, and my high school being only 2 blocks from my house cause my life outside of school to be displaced to the area around my home. She didn't live around my house or Lane Tech, but the covince of my house and the desire not to drive more than I had to (even though I love to drive) meant jetting from school every day as soon as I possibly could. Things have changed now and my life and an interest is centered more around Elmhurst as a whole and it feels excellent.
So why Music Education? Why not business or performance or law enforcement? Even though all those other degrees are enticing and have much different possibilities, to be able to help guide young minds seems to me the only worthwhile career I can possibly imagine. Of course, that's my personal opinion and I don't mean to knock any one down with their own life goals, I'm just saying for me Music Ed is it. I want to focus more or less in Private Instruction and High School Marching Band. I also want to get in to instrument repair and composition. I'm also considering doing a minor if I can fit it in but I'm not sure yet.
I have Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, for those who don't know that that is this link will take you to some information on Crohns and this link will take you to Colitis info. Yes it's wikipedia but it is correct. Admitedly having this condition makes life difficult at times. My symptoms as of late have been under control and I'm stable for now which is awesome. But flare ups that come at any time and pain that doesn't seem to ever go away does make things harder but not impossible. I do my best to not let it bring me down but some days are better than others. Everyone has their stuff right?
Just like everyone I've been through my share of stuff in 20 years of life. The most major experience that negativly affected my life was being diagnosed with Crohns and UC, this being tied with the accident of 2006. My brother and I were hit by a Jeep Grand Cherokee doing 35 mph as we were crossing the street going to lunch right around Christmas. It's something that my brother and I have thankfully both made it through but it's not something easily forgotten as Eric was in a difficult spot for a good span of time.
The most positive life changing experiences I've ever had would be the 4 Appalachia Service Project mission trips I went on through my church. A counterpart to Habitat for Humanity, our group of some 50 people spent a week in the southern Appalachian region of our country rebuilding homes and helping to create a better quality of living for those in need. I really need to get back down there and do some honest hard work on a hot tin roof, it helps keep my view of line where it should be. Unfortunately I won't be able to go down there and help out for a while :(
The support of my friends and family, however small, has helped so very much in everything-including staying in school when I've felt like I would rather get my life up and going now rather than in three years. Thank you to all of you incredible people, you guys are truly blessings.
Perhaps the biggest recent influence on my life, stamina, determination, source of strength and inspiration is my new found close friend and companion Jessica. As of right now, an almost girlfriend-but for sure the best almost I could ever have dreamed of. She's wonderful, and good to me, and takes care of me like no one ever has. Not to mention she's drop dead gorgeous and the cutest most adorable thing I've ever seen. :D
So that's pretty much me in a nutshell, at least for now.
end of line.
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