Let the Games Begin!

I got my early voter ballot in the mail today... it's gonna be a fun next couple of weeks to see how this thing turns out. All I know is that if either one of these candidates get elected, I have decided to leave the country for about 5 months (maybe Italy?) to escape any financial trouble that might take place.

Italy

So, as unexpected as this is for both me and you guys, looks like I am going to be studying abroad in Italy next semester, which is really pretty sweet. It was one of those things that just kind of fell in place perfectly (except I still need to find a sub-lease). I'd be going to the island of Sicily, in the city of Syracuse. Lol I know none Italian or really much at all of their culture over there, but it will an adventure! And I love adventures... There's the world's most studied active volcano over there, Mt. Etna, and I'd be taking a volcanology class so that would be really sweet (at first I though it was about Vulcans, but then I realized it was an o and not a u as the second letter). I am really excited about this and have the support of my parents, which is a nice change. Lately nothing has really been happening in my life besides this. The coolest part about it is it cost exactly the same as if I were to stay here at Baylor. All my scholarships transfer which is amazing, and I don't have to pay fees to Baylor, just base tuition. I am really excited.

*Insert real title here*

Today seemed to be a pretty good day, especially the more I reflect on it. For once I actually feel completely comfortable with a test, and if there is any semester I need to do amazing on this is the one. I mean its a really easy class, but it is a good confidence booster.

Tonight I also had a really good conversation with someone I hadn't really hung out with in awhile. We talked about some about relationships and what not, and that ran into does true love really exist. Now I have always been a huge supporter of true love, and tonight when I said that I tried to think of an example, but nothing came up. Then, a memory of mine that I forget about every once in awhile came to me and reminded me that true love really does exist. When my granddad died, at the funeral I felt probably the most vulnerable I have ever felt. I grew up with him and my grandmother and it just kind of hit me all at once that he was no longer there. Both of my grandparents were in not-so-good health situations and we were expecting the time to come, and even when I found out it didn't kill me at first. But at his funeral, I was the most emotional I have ever been. After it was over, and all the guests had left minus our family, my grandmother asked if she could see him one more time. We helped her up there, and she looked at him and said "He is as handsome as the first day I met him." This struck everyone pretty deep and more tears were flowing. A couple seconds after that statement, she asked "Can I kiss him?" This sent me over the edge. I had never seen this kind of devotion and love before, and it is amazing what it can do to someone. Here is my whole family fighting tears, except for my grandmother, who only had a couple streaming down her cheek. She loved him more than anyone will ever know and thats how I know that true love exists. Sometimes in life, it might look like it doesn't, but life experiences like these are what keep people going on the right path. Thinking about this moment makes me vulnerable and I'm not afraid to admit it.

It was a good day and a good night. Too bad they all can't be like this, but the good ones will always make up for the many bad ones, atleast thats how I see it.

In San Antonio

My trip home for the weekend has been semi-productive so far. For those of you who care about college football, Baylor played amazing Friday night and are definitely on the right track. Today I spent most of the day with my mom, and that can either be good or bad. At times I caught myself feeling like I was in high school again and it was a tad annoying. I did finally get a new pair of running shoes; my old ones are entering their last stages of life because I go through tennis shoes like nothing else.

After a nice meal for a change, I came over to my dads for the rest of the weekend. My sister and I watched Stardust because it is her new favorite movie and I liked it despite the complete randomness at times. Randomness can be good, because if it wasn't then I would get no where in life. There was a good little scene about true love that really got me thinking for about five minutes, and I was gonna write about that tonight, but it is a little cheesy and I lost my mojo. But it is nice to know that as you get farther in life, you start to realize little things that were always so confusing before and start to accept them. I can't really give an example, but we all know it is true. Another thing I have really been enjoying lately is keeping up with my friends via their blogs. I've always found it nice to know what is running through their heads and wondering if there was anything I could help them with. Just seeing all my friends in different situations and living different lifestyles, but each being happy, makes me happy in turn.

One thing that has bugged me a little this week was the difference in my mindset in my intramural tennis match versus my intramural football match. I've always known I lack a killer instinct in certain sports and activities, but thought it was just random. It just occured to me one day that in things like singles tennis, or a video game, I have nothing to play for. It is just my own personal satisfaction and I already am satisfied participating in whatever. As for like flag football or doubles tennis, I want to win for my team mates and want to help them out with whatever I can. This was a weird epiphony when I first had it, but it makes complete sense now. If I could find something to stand for in tennis or other events where I am the only one competing, then I would do so much better. But if I am satisfied with just partaking in whatever I am doing and having fun, then should I try and be more competative in solo sports? I dunno.

Alrighty well thats about it for now. I'm gonna try and post some more interesting videos and stories eventually. Hope all is well!

Tennis and such...

Tonight I had my first tournament tennis game in awhile, as I am playing in the Baylor intramurals bracket. It was actually pretty fun. Took me awhile to get my nerves out of my system (prolly a little too long) and eventually I found my serve. The guy I played was probably about as good as me, but his serve was much better when it was in and he played net a lot, something I am not used to playing against. This match I had as much of a chance as my opponent at winning, but mental errors and prolly a little case of the jitters got the best of me. I did find my first serve, and held myself in many deuces. This is a picture of me right before I aced the guy, it was pretty cool I must admit. My biggest problem ended up being my forehand, and that is a little frustrating, but something I can easily fix. Next week I will have my second match and I think I will play a lot better.

So sorry I haven't posted in awhile, but life has been either uneventful or busy. Brittany made me another cake today in the shape of the world and its pretty much amazing. I haven't tried it yet because we were trying to finish it this past Saturday, but we had some problems with the fondant (and ended up tossing all of it off the Suspension Bridge in the middle of hurricane Ike because we like throwing things). It was a really good weekend. Nothing important or signficant has happened in my life to where it makes me want to write about something. KKY has a flag football game coming up and I'm thinking we are gonna be pretty good. It should be a fun week, along with all my tests and classwork.

My Birthday

My birthday this year was amazing. I'm not going to say much about it, but I really do appreciate my friends like nothing else. I got THE best birthday card I could ever get, and I never knew a half drank, year old bottle of cherry Gatorade could make me smile so much. I love all my friends and family more than they could ever assume, and would do anything for them.

Brilliant

Good news! My preaching about looking into the future instead of the present about energy and the environment is being supported by the CEO of Google. He recently met with some other big companies to demonstrate why we should switch to alternative energies and he basically says the same thing I did! Read!

Change

Today, the Science Building received its 75 new recycling bins as part as an initiative by the Baylor campus to be more green. Most of the people at Baylor already know about this effort due to the lack of trays in the dining halls and plastic to-go containers instead of styrofoam ones. While I was helping about 10 other people put together these bins, I started thinking about why we need so damn many (we didn't get close to finishing the three hours we worked on it). In this part of the country at least, people only recycle if it is convenient. I can see how that works, as Texas is one of those laid back communities where a lot of people are care free, but its still kind of weird. People, especially in places like Texas, aren't big fans of change. It takes something being forced onto them for anything to actually begin movement towards the future, like 75 brand new recycling bins that will be placed at every corner and more in this building. Maybe the answer to getting people to accept and eager to help environmental problems is first having them accept that change is ok. This was just a little epiphony I had as I was taking my restroom break from the assembly line. It really does depend on the background people have. I have a friend from East Texas that is basically against all efforts to become "green" on the Baylor campus because it is inconvenient for her. At first this made me a little agrivated, but now after thinking about it, all she is afraid of is something different than she is used to. I know this isn't a new realization, seeing there are tons of stories or historical events involving the idea about fear of change, but maybe it needs to be considered more on the environmental stewardship front. If people never accept change, then how can our society ever advance itself? I need to think of ways to guide people along. This would be an interesting psychology or sociology study.

Cool Article

This is a cool article about turning a 747 into a hostel. I wanna go!

It's Friday!

I think on Fridays I am going to try and post some random videos I find on the internet discussing different things...could be political, humorous, who knows!

Here is the first batch:

Starting off nerdy-


Some Family Guy-


Wish I could have done this-


Arachnophobia-

Hmmph

Tonight I was watching John McCain's acceptance speech for the Republican nomination and for whatever reason it got me thinking about a conversation I had awhile back with a couple of friends. It was about drilling for oil in Alaska, and when I voiced my opinion (which of course is against it), I found myself speaking to an unwelcoming crowd. Now, this kind of surprised me because these were my friends I was talking to and I was not being pushy at all, just speaking my mind. I was immediately attacked about my stance on the issue. I had no problem listening to what they believed in and I was not there to debate, but everything I said was shot down without even a consideration to what came out of my mouth. It just gets me that people don't even listen or try to understand the opposite stance anymore. The worse part is that this is common place in modern day politics. Everyone knows this, but it is ridiculous. Back to my friend story now. I'm not trying to be the biggest environmentalist in the world, just giving my opinion about this certain issue. People seem to latch on to one little fact and base their whole opinion on it. This post is not about how they disagree with what I feel, but how they treat the opposition...kind of annoying. I have no clue why McCain's speech provoked this memory, which happened over a month ago, but it really did get me thinking.

Now onto drilling in Alaska. Of course I can't write this blog without discussing my opinion! The main reason I don't think its the best idea is because people need to start focusing on alternate sources of energy. From past experiences, I've found that going for the easiest solution isn't always the best solution (and I am sure most of you know this to be true also). What makes the Alaska oil situation any different? Here we are as a nation with the potential to make some major breakthroughs in alternative energies, and we want to tap into a precious resource to solve the problem short-term. Last time I checked, patience was a virtue. If we allow ourselves to slowly release our lifestyles from oil dependency, it will allow for faster advances in finding cheaper, cleaner, more efficient forms of energy that will save the world's butt in the long run. We could find new technology common within, say 10 years, if we do this right. The problem is everyone has differing views, and both sides have valid arguments. Its all perspective, and remember that I most definitely respect your opinion.

I remember now what made me think of that little memory in Papa Rollo's (a local pizza place). There were supporters of John McCain in the audience wearing hardhats and safety vests that had a picture of a drilling operation in front of this beautiful landscape.

Reminds me of another story.

My 10th grade Spanish teacher told me about his most recent trip to the pyramids in Mexico. Here he is in the middle of this incredibly mesmerizing and historical location, and as he summits the tallest pyramid and looks out, the very first site his eyes come upon is a brand new Wal-Mart. Don't tell me that isn't disheartening.

Imagine driving or hiking through some of the most beautiful wilderness in the world, breathing the freshest air your lungs have ever come upon, and all of a sudden there is a brand new drilling operation right in front of the gorgeous mountain scape. I know somewhere deep down in everyone's heart, there would be disappointment.

Life Goals

I wrote this list awhile back when sitting in an airport somewhere cause my flight was delayed.  It's kind of interesting and shows the type of person I am.  This is a realistic list, and there are many other things that I would love to do but don't think I will get the chance.  I will add to it whenever I think of something else.

1. Highest point in all 50 states
2. Hike the Appalachian Trail
3. Live in Washington, D.C.
4. Backpack foreign country with Jeff
5. Go to all seven continents
6. Get a Ph.D.
7. Get a pilot’s license
8. Skydive
9. Raft a Class 5 rapid
10. Kayak Baja Mexico
11. Watch the 100 Greatest Movies of all time
12. Drive cross-country both ways
13. Visit all National Parks
14. See the Tour de France
15. Go to the Olympics
16. Visit as many major airports as possible
17. Go to all 50 states and territories
18. Pay for my kid’s college
19. Meet the President
20. Own a husky
21. Go to Lake Baikal
22. Write a book
23. Learn to surf
24. Watch a volcano erupt
25. Go to Turkey
26. Buy a 1967 Mustang GT
27. Have sex while camping/backpacking
28. Be in a band
29. Go to DCI World Championships
30. Go to Disney World as many times as possible
31. Go to Banff National Park
32. Own a pair of sunglasses for longer than 6 months
33. Go on a cruise to Alaska
34. Go on a cruise in the Caribbean
35. Be an extra in a movie
36. Go back to Broadway
37. Live by a body of water
38. Own a kayak
39. Learn to play the violin
40. Go to Jordan
41. Own as many Teva sandals as possible
42. Gift as many Teva sandals as possible
43. Watch at least two Tennis majors live (Wimbledon, French, Australian, US)
44. Graduate from Baylor
45. Pay off student loans
46. Get an internship that I want
47. Be a dad
48. Watch SNL live
49. Visit the Amazon
50. Go to Angel Falls
51. Get my SCUBA certification
52. Go to Australia and New Zealand

 

Tough Predicament

So this morning after I had showered (yes I did shower) and put on my favorite pair of boxers (they are green and white plaid Old Navy ones), I found myself in one tough predicament.  What should I put on first, my shirt or my pants?  I mean, doing it in either order would get the job done efficiently, but I just couldn't come to agreement with myself about what I should do.  I decided to just make a bold move and put my pants on first, but wait!  What if I wanted to tuck my shirt in?  Even though I don't do that too often, it could still happen...  I then decided to go on with life and put my pants on first, but if the day came that I wanted to tuck in my shirt, I could rethink my decision and then pursue the best course of action.  

Hearing constantly about a stupid argument that doesn't really matter and either solution would work just fine can get really annoying, and I'm sorry if this offends anyone, but just think about it.  Good thing people decide to draw out everything and make it way to serious, because that always has the best ending for everyone...

Anyways, I am writing this blog on the new Google Chrome web browser!  It is actually really nice and has some features that no other browser has.  Only bad part so far is that it only the beta and not all websites support it.  I can't wait until the full release, but I am planning on using it from now on.  You all should try it out!  

Karate Kid

So in the past couple of weeks I have watched all three Karate Kid movies (thanks to www.hulu.com). These movies really have an impact on me and I always forget that when I start watching them. Maybe it doesn't have the best acting, but the morals it contains is unbelievable. I think I might need to purchase the box set of them sometime. Mr. Miyagi is that wise little man that I should keep in the back of my head when I'm faced with tough decisions. Its really cool when you find some kind of popular culture that matches up with what you believe in. Loyalty is something I've always preached and believed in more than most. Everyone gets tested throughout life, but if you remember your roots (like the bonsai tree) and stand firm with what you believe in, then you will survive. I've been tested a lot in my life and I know that in some situations I haven't handled myself in the best manner, but I think its finally hit me. It's like when you wake up and the first thought through your head is "Wow, so thats what I've been doing wrong..." I'm not saying I've made completely idiotic decisions, I'm just talking about little things in life. It really is important to find your set of values and hold true, but not to the point where you aren't willing to let them change as you gain more life experience. I know for a fact my views of the world and how to live life have changed a lot since 2 or 3 years ago. I have lots of wonderful people to thank for that too. Thats another thing: don't try and make it through life on your own, because there are plenty of people around that care about you and want you to succeed in your own way. Because I have allowed myself to change in a positive way and slip cozily into an outlook on life which I believe in, I feel incredibly comfortable with my life. It's kinda crazy what can happen when you just sit back and think about everything.

Random Fact #2

Random Fact #2: The best movie in 1938 was You Can't Take it with You

First week of class

So I think I actually was successful in picking out the perfect schedule for me this semester. I didn't find myself dissapointed once this week; no "damn I wish I was somewhere else" or anything like that.

My MWF classes are my favorite set of classes by far since I have been at Baylor. It starts out at 9am with Watershed Assessment. This class is probably my favorite since being at college. And for whatever reason it is nice to start out the week with your favorite class. I never would have guessed that. Also, its special because it demonstrates my nerdiness and love for environmental science to the extreme. I mean, who would want to take a class called Watershed Assessment besides a semi-hippy sci-fi band geek? Whats really cool is that I have become totally in love with the topic on the third day of class. I am really looking forward to the lab too. Every lab is in the field, hands on, career oriented. I have always said that I don't really want to stay in Texas after college, but today I found myself seeing a content old Tim managing a watershed somewhere in Texas. Interesting...

Next up is Wildlife Ecology, which is probably my second favorite class. It is incredibly easy. I have no clue why it is a college level class. The professor, Hiedi Marcum, is incredible. She, like most of the ENV faculty, is easy-going and really caring about the subject and her students. I think this semester is making me 100% comfortable with my major. Anyways, I have like 6 friends in this class and that is nice for once. Its going to be easy and fun, although I never thought I would find myself saying I wish a class was harder.

Right after Wildlife Ecology, I have Intro to Anthropology. Another easy class. It is in one of the oldest and most forgotten buildings on campus, but that is cool because all the old writings and graffiti on the back of the desks are from like the 60s. Senses of humor hasn't changed... So man I have a really relaxed prof and 2 bra burners so far. Go Tim in picking his professors right. Its also nice because I am finally getting my name out there with the ENV faculty.

Random Fact: The average man can produce 1/8 horsepower.

The rest of the days MWF are filled with work and band, which is going well. On W, I do have my watershed lab from 2-5.

On TR, I have chem 1 and then Christian Scriptures. Chem isn't going to be too bad I have a feeling, and I am actually looking forward to Christian Scriptures because it is half religion, half philosophy. My professor in that class is pretty cool. It is the largest class I've had at Baylor, which is weird cause the usual size is about 30 and I have 250. Out of all my "large" lecture classes, this guy knows what he is doing and can engage the class. He is funny but down to earth at the same time, respecting everyone's opinions (which is nice because about half of mine differ from most people at Baylor). Speaking of opinions, what does everyone think about McCain's VP candidate? I'm still forming my opinion, but initially I'm now leaning more towards Obama because of her policies about hunting game and drilling and such.

For my most important semester to date, it looks like I have set up myself pretty well. Get to know your professors, sit in the front of class, and try your best to be interested in the subject and you will be fine!

First Post

I guess the best way to start this blog is to explain its purpose. Lately, I've found myself to be forming more and more opinions about life in general and the world around me. This blog will let me write about them and hopefully help me complete my thoughts and my views (I tend to have a problem with not doing that). It'll probably contain some humor, some serious contemplations or epiphanies, and maybe a couple bad words, but I don't expect to be criticized by anything I say on here. One thing I have found out recently is that writing about happenings is coming easier and easier to me. My religion professor asked all of his students to write a paragraph about themselves and my paragraph ended up being a little 500 word essay. Oops. But it was fun! I think college has really brought out the writer/deep thinker in me. I know I still have my stupid moments but I really do put maybe too much thought into everything that takes place around me. This can be considered either a blessing or a curse because it can cause some headaches. Anyways, I think this is a nice little first post. Hopefully I can write in here often. At least once a week is my goal.
Well, guess now I can just wish everyone happy readings! And write your own blog, it helps with whatever you want it to help with.