Find your passion!

Since I drank more than my fair share of beer last night, I thought today was going to suck. However I found it to be quite enjoyable. I noticed a few things today. Number one, I like my classes a whole lot. I look forward to going to class. In one of my classes we have people who just randomly talk during lecture. Old me wouldnt have cared one bit. However, new me finds myself engrossed in my lecture, so much so that when my prof addressed the issue, I became upset because he stopped. Another thing I noticed is that my profs really, truely enjoy their content. My oceanography prof was going on and on about microscopic phyto and zooplankton today. He was so into it, it was actually quite inspiring to see. Her is a man who gets excited about talking about tiny living organisms and the role they play in ocean floor sediments. In my biodiversity class, my prof was also full of enthusiasm. If you spend 5 minutes in his lectures you soon find out what a conservationist he is. He too gets excited talking about science, ecology, and ecosystems. He was especially inspiring when he began talking about fishing... man does he love fishing.

Anyhow, I had to turn in some hw at my oceanography prof's office, and as I was talking to him, he mentioned that I was doing well in class. I was happy because obviously I like to do well, but I was also glad that he noticed. I told him that it was probably because I like the class a lot, which made him smile and say that he was glad there was one other that finds it interesting. I couldnt help but leave the building and driving home in a good mood. The day was rounded out by a pretty good training session with the academy kids and a decent workout.

So before I hit the sheets, I cant help but feel in a sort of philosophic mood. I feel pretty cliche saying this but I will say it... Find your passion in life and do anything and everything you possibly can to enjoy it. It will make your life much more enjoyable. You really only have one life to live, so why bother doing something you dislike or even hate? Im glad I have a pretty good idea of what I want to do. I seem to be headed in the right direction...at least as of this point in my life. Everythings good! Go out and do what you love! I love you all (even if no one reads this) and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it!

Oldies...

As I am about to go to bed, I am in an oldies mood. I thought to myself, why do I like oldies.... many people have asked me that question before too. I have very extreme tastes in music, and many people can not figure it out... Therefore, some insight on my love for oldies....

1st... almost all oldies songs are carefree. They are written about simple things. They do not talk about bitches, hoes, sluts, drinking, partying, money, and or whatever kind of crap is being sung about today. In my oldies experience three main song themes spring to mind... love (being in, falling in, or losing someone they love) girls, and fun times. Most oldies are catchy and uplifting. If you think about it, oldies are really the first form of modern expression. Most music before the 50s was either jazz, swing, or classical... It was hard to find a way to express one's self, without being frowned upon. These songs are early trend setters.

2... there is a historical allusion in most of these songs. Most of these songs paint a historical picture looking at the popular culture at the time. The Beach Boys talked about surfin, cars, and girls... they were really some of the first rockstars.. if you dont believe me, read up on them. The words and phrases used in some songs are unique and interesting.... for example... 'at the hop' and ' pants so old that they shined'. Oldies are a link to a time when music was easy and happy.

3.. Its a connection to my parents, more specifically my dad. My dad is one of the smartest people I have ever come across. He hates any sort of music that I listen to now, with some exceptions. When oldies shows/ concerts come in town, I like to go see them with him and hear his stories. I find it very interesting when he tells me about the memories he has with some songs.

4... I was a fan from when I was a baby. Since I was a baby, I have been listening to oldies. My dad used to play oldies in the car, at home, and pretty much anytime the radio was on. Plus, when I was younger I was a troubled baby. I had a lot of health problems. I used to not sleep very well and used to cry a lot. The first song that ever put me to sleep was called ' Sink the Bismarck' by Johnny Horton. It is still one of my favorite songs to this day.

I find that no matter what mood I am in, oldies can usually shake my mood. I dont know what it is about them, but I find solace, peace, and hapiness with them.

5 current listens...

- Since I Met You Baby - Ivory Joe Hunter
- Bottle of Wine - Jimmy Gilmore and the Fireballs
- Johnny B. Goode- Chuck Berry
- Little Bit O Soul - Music Explosion
- Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show - Neil Diamond

Enjoy!

I almost forgot

A few more things I almost forgot....

Currently, I am upset at HIMYM and Scrubs. They are putting out new shows at an extremely slow and gay rate. I want new episodes from now until the end of time...do you understand me? You are not permitted to sit back with reruns. I expect new hilarity on a weekly basis.... I dont think thats too much to ask for.

Current Music trends...

Currently my music selections look something like this....

Favorite song of the moment - U2 - I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
Fav album - U2 - No Line on the Horizon
Song with growing promise - Lily Allen - Fuck You
Song with an ability to get stuck in my head - Calvin Harris' Acceptable in the 80s
Shittiest song on the radio - anything with akorn on it, that guy sucks ass
Most overplayed- As much as I hate to admit, All Summer Long by Kid Rock.. its time to move on, that was released what seems to be a year ago atleast.

Also, my mother bought a wii... she loves it, cept for the fact that her trainer says she is 60 yrs old... I guess its hard for mama to realize she is old than she thinks...haha.

A few new things....

Sooo an update since last posting.... I have begun to take salsa lessons, which are fantastic. Myself and three other friends are newly exposed to the world of salsa and part time merengue. Thursday nights are what I look forward to the most during the week now. We found a place in south Toledo, down from where my gma used to live. They offer lessons for 5 bucks. I have to admit that it seemed a bit shady at the time, but we met some really friendly and really nice people.

On a different note, my request has finally been fulfilled. Scolari is out as manager of my mighty blues.... and thank god for that. At first thought I believed it was a quick decision. The man had no coached a club team in years, so why put him in charge of the richest club (the the time) in the world. His bogus excuses after his termination are retarded. He blamed a distance between himself and the players and players going behind his back. Some of that maybe true, but I just feel he wasn't cut out for the EPL. I think he is a decent coach, but not a tactician. He can not change tactics mid game and I believe ultimately, that was his downfall... that and his severe lack of discipline and his loose training styles. Guus Hiddink is a decent replacement, I am undecided as to how much I like him in the manager position.

Continuing onward, I have learned to hate my climate change class. I think my profs are dumb and unconcerned with actual learning. They do not even interact with us, even though it is online, they could still interact. All they do is post one question for us to respond to and thats it. They may help with problems here and there, but otherwise, the class is a joke. I can read a book quite easily on my own. I think most of the students would benefit more from interaction. Instead, they post outside readings, and chapter readings (some of the week's material may have over 50-100 pages of information) and then quiz us over 20 random questions they make up. These questions can be from anything we were required to look over that week. That is complete and absolute horseshit.

As a challenge to myself and from my friend Jenny, I have opted to give up facebook for lent. Some may not know that I enjoy challenging myself with certain ideas, but I do. I enjoy physical, emotional, and mental challenges like these, just to test my abilities. Not to mention, it is a good way to keep from getting way too attached to something.... I am not a facebook addict, I dont care what anyone (Jenny) says. She is an addict herself.. She is addicted to peanut butter and jelly and track 4 on repeat. I say she should have to cut those out instead of her beloved french fries....

Speaking of french fries, I am going to get myself a shamrock shake from Mcdonalds.... quite possibly the best creation ever. Its like holiday crack for st. pat's day and I need to make sure that i pick one up before they disappear.

I recently went to the doc to figure out some stomach troubles. She (is a quack) said that it appears that I am lactose intolerant... which if it is really true, makes me wanna cut out my stomach and get a new one. I really dont believe her because I eat yogurt, ice cream, and drink milk during the day and have no problems. It is only at night that my stomach feels like acting up. (asshole).

Vh1 classic

This channel is sweet. Especially with these countdowns of top 100 hard rock songs. I have to say though, Bret Michaels needs to end it. I am tired of seeing this washed up piece of crap host these kind of shows. He had one decent showing way back. I will give him Every Rose Has Its Thorns and Talk Dirty To Me... other than that, end it Bret! Go away! You dont see Lou Bega putting his face on worthless crap and self promtional garbage. He was happy with Mambo #5's brief success.

I really cant believe #47 was Bawitdaba. I love the song but come on....47 out of 100 of all time? that seems a bit too soon to put it in the top 50.

What keeps me up at night

As an insight into the intricate and confusing workings of my mind, I have decided to shed some light on my inner thoughts. I usually do not try to talk about serious stuff, even though in reality I have thoughts and concerns for not just myself and my family, but for most of everyone else too. So in no particular order, these are thoughts and concerns that strain my brain....

- As with everyone I am sure, whether they admit it or not, I am not prepared to die yet. I am 25, but I am aware of my own mortality. I know that my parents and others are supposed to precede me, but nothing is certain. Moreover, when I die, I really do not want anything to happen to my body. I like my body. The thought of it being burned or buried displeases me. I suppose I will have to come to terms with death. I am not saying I am afraid of it, Im just saying I am not prepared yet. However, with people like U2's Bono, it makes death seem exciting. Bono has told of a story when U2 was supposed to play, but death threats had been made against the band and specifically Bono. Bono went on with the show anyhow. In the middle of Pride, Bono stepped up and closed his eyes while singing. He has talked about this moment as being prepared to meet his maker. When he opened his eyes, he saw his band mate shielding him from any possible assissins bullet. Now I know thats not a moment immediately linked to death, but its some what comforting (to me at least). But when it really boils down to it, death is something that happens alone.

- Why do people not recycle? There are so many recyclables that are thrown in the garabage everyday. That is trash that CAN be reused and reusing it can prolong our well being on this planet, however short it may be.

- As of recent, I have become less and less found of humans and their behaviors. In general, I believe humans to be unnatural, selfish, and pest that has invaded the earth. Humans repeatedly take and take from the Earth and give nothing back. Everyday I think about that one day when the Earth stops giving and what will happen then. To be honest, its one of the reasons that I do not want to have children. I think that forcing a child to be raised in adverse situations is immoral and unfair.

- I do not understand why more people do not act when they are displeased. I see many people just sit by when things happen that make them uncomfortable, unhappy, or angry. I think people should stand up for what they believe in, even if it means they are alone. It is better to think for yourself than to follow like a mindless drone. I am guilty of this, but I am working to improve it.

- Since I have begun taking more science classes, it has completely changed my outlook on life. I have started to conserve energy. I now find myself when a light is on in our house that is not immediately beneficial. As a matter of fact, I find myself getting annoyed or feeling guilty when lights are left on. I have even power stripped our tv downstairs so that it is completely turned off when we are not using it. I have also started unplugging my phone charger, laptop, and turned off my comp if i am not using it... instead of letting it run. I know these may seem like small things but if many people adopted them, we would conserve and save more.

- I have become a advocat for stewardship. I believe that we must take care of our planet before its too late. I know I am sounding like a giant science nerd, but its for a good cause. At some point our resources with be extinguished... then what? It important to take care of what we have before its ruined beyond repair or gone for good.

- I dont like people who say "its not my problem", "who cares", "it doesnt matter", and/or" so what". Those are all negative phrases that show carelessness, selfishness, a lack of respondsibility or a combination of all three. They are all responses to situations which must have upset or bothered someone.

check this out

I was recently referred to check out a new artist. My friend and brother Tyler suggested checking out Zac Brown Band's album. I was skeptical at first. However, I have given it a good, thorough listen through and am very impressed. It is a good CD from start to finish. I have to say, that has become something to be desired these days with artists constantly churning out rubbish cds. I highly recommend this album. I think it will come in handy on those summer days where feel good music is needed.

Much to do about nothing

I feel like hell this week. It's Tuesday, best day of the week because of Scrubs, but I have to miss it. I am going to see a training session from our club director's father. He is a very well respected man within the English footballing community. He played at Derby County in the 70s, won the league twice and played against some great European competition.

Back to the lecture at hand, my whole body aches after a weekend of pure fun, enjoyment, and a vast amount of physical activity. First of all, I find it harder and harder to stay out later (without really feeling it the next morning atleast). I guess I am just getting older and doing much more during the day than at night. I used to be a tireless ball of energy, but not anymore. Saturday evening and night was a night of intense physical work I have not done in years. Some friends of mine and I played in a tourney. We played some good, consistent opposition. Our team failed to secure a result the entire weekend, but it was to be expected. It was the first time some of us had played together, so it really wasnt too surprising. Anyhow, it was fun and I really enjoyed playing with my buds.....even if I am still feeling it now.

As for another thing, I finally found someone who agrees with me on the whole Lampard / Gerrard issue. I contend and have for years that Frank Lampard is the best attacking midfielder that England has to offer. However, my friends who I believe are not looking deep enough at the issue and fairly evaluating say that Gerrard is better. However, my man Jimmy, our new english director at our club agrees with me. Simply put, as Jimmy did, Lampard is the one you can rely on year in and year out to score 20 goals a season.

SUPER FRANK

New U2 Single!

Sorry to be misleading, but cell phones and the weight room don't mix. If you want to call someone, call outside of the gym. If you want to workout, stop checking your damn phone all the time.....that is all

Recent events...

Recently I've been out of town and pondering my next blogging topics.... and came up with a few, so I am going to address them all here and now...

First up - 8 simple rules for surviving in st louis with your old soccer coach and one of your best mates. (at the NSCAA convention of course.

#8. Always be on alert. There are celebrities around you at all times and you need to be on point... If you are slow on the camera draw or with the quick wit to get their attention, thats your fault.
#7. Make sure that the taxi drops you off at the correct hotel... which will eliminate the 10-15 block walk in almost 0 degree weather to find the correct one.
#6. Be social.... its a great place to network or reconnect with friends and or old coaches. We met a cool girl named sarah.... case in point.
#5. Unless you are trying to fit in with the other few thousand coaches, you should probably pack more than training pants and tops. Its always nice to be part of a crowd, but when you look like every other jackass creeper, chicks wont talk to you. Have some individuality and wear normal clothing.
#4. Chat up the hot girls at the exhibits..... no further explanation needed
#3. Always make sure that people in the bar know you are friendly and from out of town... it will almost always lead to drinks being bought for you... or them kicking the shit out of u later in the alley... either way, you landed the free drinks. Bikers guys are nice... if you offer them some pizza.
#2. If its not nailed down, steal it. Take any sort of souvenir to remind you of your trip.
#1. Take advantage of the free beer in the exhibit hall on opening night. You make plenty of friends, box kangaroos, make asses out of yourself, and have good night.

-oh and one more thing, if you go with me, prepare to drink some beers and have some fun.

Next- These resolution a-holes need to stop pretending they are enjoying their workouts and get out of my gym. I'm tired of these worthless peons that take weights when I need them just so they can sit and chat with their wiener friends and ruin my good workout. I have a message for them.. " Get out, nobody likes you"

Next- The muse's new song or newly radio played song Supermassive Black Hole.... so tight, i recommend. Likewise, Britney and Gaga have been in my brain for weeks and I honestly like it. I swear every Gaga song makes her hotter and hotter in my head.

Lastly- School has started up again. I am ready to test my science noggin and push it to the extreme. Obama gets inagurated tomorrow, that should be pretty fantastic as well

until my next post.... get the beers in.

Scrubs absolutely dominates

Less than a hour before I am about to view the season premier for Scrubs, I find myself to be in a nostalgic mood. As most of my friends know, I am a huge Scrubs fan. I can not get enough. I have tried to think of a reason why, aside from its humor, interesting story lines, sometimes dramatic situations, and awesome characters. I think that in a nut shell, after you watch a show, you come away feeling at least one of these three ways.... 1. you've learned something. You may have learned a new joke, been taught a lesson in humility, or found some useless trivia knowledge. 2. you can identify with at least one of the main characters..... Turk and his confidence and awesome dance moves , JD and his ability to connect and show a genuine care for people, Carla and her constant gossiping and pulpit preaching to other, Dr. Cox and his knack for telling it how it is and his lovely people skills. Of course there are other characters... as far as I know or think Sarah Chalke is done, but I am not sure. (How I met You Mother throws me off there)... Dr. Kelso is gone... which I am not a fan of... whatever came out of his mouth was usually hilarious.... Of course the Janitor owns, but I feel bad for those who identify with him. Finally #3 the show has a way of leaving you wanting more, which all shows do, but it works individually... what will happen next with jd, carla and turk, dr cox and so forth....

I am ready to watch.... Courtney Cox better be funny or else I will be pissed.

Allow myself to introduce.....myself...

It's always an interesting challenge to try to describe yourself when asked to do so. I know no one asked, but I don't really give a shit, I'm going to do it anyways. I'm 25, a dude, and own at pretty much everything I do except: advanced math, paying attention to people I don't like (but then again, I think that could also be a strength...) following multiple directions at once, following posted speed limits, and the piano. I am however fairly intelligent, easily amused, a die hard football fanatic (that's soccer, however I will never reference it by soccer. its football, deal with it.) a fan of american college football, an absolute and complete music junkie, a non believer in religions, and devout follower of Scrubs, How I Met Your Mother, and Big Bang Theory.

Now I realize that my self explanation is short, but I find it difficult to sum one's entire being up into a paragraph. Those are the main, highlights of me. This blog however, was created for two main reasons. I have come to realize recently that I am getting older and my ability to share my thoughts and feelings with my peers is getting harder and harder. Most of my friends have moved away and it is difficult to discuss and bitch about current events and yada yada yada. Additionally, I find that there are certain happenings in the world that are very much displeasing to me. I feel it is my moral right and obligation as both a human and an educator to voice my support or lack of support on basically anything. However, this will probably end up being a forum of rants and raves over sporting events, coaching moves, shitty players, awesome players, music, actors and/or shows, and whatever else pops into this wonderous head of mine.