The Journey

NEW BLOG

2011-10-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

I have moved to a new blog, www.t-moneytime.blogspot.com is no more. You can now follow me at:

www.strayhornslr.blogspot.com

It will be more fun than a barrel full of rabid monkeys with lasers attached to their heads!*

*Note: there will be no actual rabid monkeys with lasers attached to their heads....that would be cruel.

Big Island and Oahu Sunsets

2011-09-16T10:36:00.001-07:00

On a recent trip to Hawaii, I was able to take some pictures of amazing scenery and sunsets. The first picture is from Waikiki beach in Honolulu. The second picture is in Kona on the Big Island. The colors represented in these photos are simply breathtaking. It was amazing to experience such vivid colors of the sun setting over the pacific. Moments such as these make you glad to be alive.

As with all my photos, these were taken with my trusty Nikon D5000. In this case I was using my Nikor 18-55 DV and 35mm Nikor DV lense respectively.

Job searching sucks

2011-09-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

That is all....

The Lake

2010-02-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

I took some pictures of the lake a while back, I love the way the clouds reflect in the water. Let me know what you think.

SNOW PIX

2010-01-30T13:11:00.001-08:00

Between last night and today we have gotten upwards of 5" of snow in our little neck of the woods, so I took my camera out to Lake Johnson and had some fun. Then I took a picture or two into Photoshop to see what I could do. I think I got some interesting results.

How the liberals are right.

2010-01-18T21:08:00.000-08:00

You know I sort of grew up thinking that Democrats had it all wrong and that they were evil. I have realized as of late that this was most likely a snap judgement. While Dems. seem to raise taxes and continually allow for the expanse of gay marriage and for abortion, there are several things that I do tend to agree with which that camp stands for.

1. Social justice. I do not necessarily feel the government should tell me where my charitable giving should go, but I am thankful for them wanting to help those who need it.

2. Environmental issues. Under the Bush administration our environmental policy and standards took a giant leap backwards. This is not about saving the pretty trees, it is about doing what is right so that resources will be available for the future. Also if you think about it if you do bad things to the environment (especially soil and water) it will more than likely effect human health (cancer HELLO!!). We humans are tied very closely to the world we live in, so even if you don't care about the environment or your fellow man you have to agree it is good to keep the environment healthy because it is the only way to keep you healthy.

Connecticut

2010-01-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

Over the holiday season Hannah and I went to visit Hannah's 94 year old grandfather in Connecticut. These pictures were taken at sunset off oh his balcony. Who knew Connecticut was scenic!

My new camera!!!

2010-01-03T19:12:00.001-08:00

For Christmas I got a great present, one that I have been wanting for years and finally got! It is a Nikon D5000 DSLR. This camera is amazing, if it was acceptable for men to carry purses I would take it in the case everywhere! I am hoping that in the future this blog will contain pictures taken from this camera and give my blog a new twist.

I am a stupid sheep.

2009-12-15T17:48:00.001-08:00

Isn't it amazing how God uses the very things that we hold onto the hardest to get our attention? I am a stubborn person who wants his own way, and going through the process of God getting my attention and teaching me can be painful. While this is true it is also necessary, and I am thankful that God loves me enough to correct me and to teach me His way and to prepare me for His plan. Praise God in the good and in the bad, for he surely works for the good of those who love Him.

The how you know you have a gross job quiz.

2009-12-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

1. Do you wear foot condoms? Yes/No

2. Do you have your name on your shirt? Yes/No

3. Is your butt crack constantly exposed? Yes/No

4. Do you wash your hands before going to the bathroom? Yes/No

If you answered yes to at least two of these, your job is probably pretty gross. PS I think I just made Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe obsolete!

12:15

2009-12-11T21:14:00.000-08:00

I have nothing to say and it is 12:15. Life is a funny thing. Eight months ago 12:15 would have been early, I would probably be spending my time being distracted for the 10th time that night by two of the best room mates a guy could hope to have. We would discuss everything from how stupid the Prius is, to how great cheese is. However random the conversation, it was always top notch, believe me... But now not a year later I sit here silently at 12:16 and it is late. There is no conversation and no cheese, although Priuses are still dumb. It is now 12:17 and time marches on.

GO STATE!!!

2009-11-28T12:24:00.000-08:00

How do you turn a disappointing 4 win year into a very exciting 5 win season? It is very simple, beat Carolina! Although this football season was one marred by injury for the pack, we played hard for 60 minutes every game and never gave up. We were very close to beating South Carolina, Wake Fores, and Florida State but couldn't pull it out. But with all of the adversity and all the close losses I am still a proud member of the NC State faithful, a real fan who does not make snide remarks like "Just wait for basketball season", like many Carolina fans are undoubtedly proclaiming as they exit Carter Finley. A fan who will wear NC State gear the day after an embarrassing loss or after a big win the same. I love my team, and I love it when we beat Carolina! For the third straight year we have willed our selves to victory as the underdog!

With 13 season ending injuries this year and being so close to at least an 8 win year, one can only imagine what is in store for future O'Brien coached teams which avoid the injury bug! I am excited for the future and thankful for todays 28-27 win over the Heels. I have great hope for the backs, am encouraged by the O-line's improvement, anxiously awaiting the return of Nasty Nate, and looking forward to seeing how O'Brien's recruits and team make North Carolina State University proud for future seasons, for at his direction we are bound for big things! Until next season...

Shout out loud for the men who will play the game to win,

We're behind you keep fighting for state!

Hold that line hold it fast we'll reach victory at last,

We're behind you keep fighting for state!

Stand up to the fray and let your colors wave,

Shout aloud for dear old NC State!

GO STATE!

So where ever we go we will let the whole world know,

we're behind you keep fighting for STATE!

Blindside

2009-11-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

Today I went to see the new Sandra Bullock movie, Blindside. It was amazing! Sandra Bullock's character seemed to be written for her, and lets just face it she is flat out hot for her age. Besides this obvious fact, it was a true feel good story of human decency and overcoming the odds. Best of all it was a true story. I would recommend this movie for all.

Lets hope the bye week fixes things magically...

2009-10-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

So over the last two seasons NC state has gone 4-2 after our bye week. Lets hope once again some late season heroics can magically fix what seems to be a spotty defense which started the season top 5 in the nation by all measures, but quickly fell from grace in ACC play with a secondary that has struggled to implement the zone schemes which the coordinators have put into place. In addition 10 season ending injuries including freshman running back James Washington have plagued the pack. So hold on pack fans and hope for some TOB late season heroics.

I know you have heard this before...

2009-10-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

So I have seriously slacked on the blog as of late, but I am committing from this point on to post more frequently. I say more frequently because well it is vague and if I get busy Iwont be turning my self into a liar. You know you have to cover your bases.
In any case the last three months has been a giant wedding extravaganza! Hannah and I have been flying around the state watching our dear friends experience one of the most important and life changing events in life. It has been such a great testimony to see couples who truly love the Lord and seek to glorify him making a commitment that will last a lifetime. It excites me to think of how these couples can impact the world together. Until next time you stay classy!

Quotes from Ariel Down on Football

2009-09-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

On a missed tackle: “Sometimes you only get one shot in the music business, in life, whatever. In tackling you get one shot. You make that fucking tackle.”
On a big hit: “That’s why you go to a football game. You want to see someone get knocked the fuck out.”
On the pep band: “Tuba players are the rock stars, dude.”
On the crowd: “Love life, love music, love sport, love people. Music brings everybody together. Sport brings everybody together. It’s great. Embrace it.”

These guys have sort of a rediculous 80's metal band feel in a somewhat modern context, I almost like it but then again....

This is how I know I am a wood dork...

2009-09-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in my office and one of my officemates asked me a simple question about making a table. I went on for about 20 minutes until I saw his eyes glaze over. I then spent the next 30 minutes looking through the wood handbook (Bible for woody raw materials) putting together more information about wood-moisture relationships, dimensional stability and drying than any normal person would care to know. But the sick part is I nearly get wood my self looking at it...I think all hope is lost...

LOVE THIS SITE!!!

2009-07-24T08:48:00.001-07:00

see more Fail Blog

Potent Quotables: Bill Cosby

2009-05-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.

-Bill Cosby-

These are extremely wise words from a man who does stand up in suede track suits. This quote is particularly relevant to me because I am the type of person that has always tried to never offend and to never step on toes. The last thing that I have ever wanted to do is to offend or alienate. I am not saying this is particularly a bad thing but I think the ever wise Dr. Huxtible is on to something. "the key to failure is trying to please everybody." An interesting statement to be sure. I think it is true that when you try to please everyone you will be overworked, overstressed, and not be able to do anything particularly well. I know for a fact that this is true for I have done it.

I think this can also line up with the idea of being all things to all people. Sure do what you can to relate to people and be willing to meet people where they are, but by no means should you live your life to bend to others will. Stand up be firm and do what is right. Focus on what matters. Well done Mr. Cosby.

Potent Quotables: Birthday Special

2009-04-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

"As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do." -Andrew Carnegie

Yes today is my birthday and I often grow nostalgic and insightful on my birthdays. I think of the years passed and what it is I have accomplished what I have to show for it. At times this has been depressing and frustrating and at other times encouraging and joyous, but the bottom line is that I feel it important to take stock every once in a while to make sure you are moving in the right direction. At this point I am keenly aware that intentions mean little and actions do indeed speak louder than words (for better or worse). God has a plan for you and it is important for you to be aware of that and understand that it is your plan to seek, it is yours to pursue. I am keenly convicted that it is important to have purpose, to stand up, to understand that life is about more than just "me". Maybe it is good to sometimes pay attention in our own lives to what it is we have done and give account to our selves and make prayerful adjustments.

Potent Quotables: 1: Theodore Roosevelt

2009-02-23T14:34:00.000-08:00

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." This quote is very simple. The idea comes from a man of a generation that was harder and more sincere and produced out of world war and economic hardship no one of the past 50 years could possibly understand. This quote is a personal challenge to any one who reads it to do exactly what it says do what you can in what ever situation you find your self in. I do not believe it can ever be a bad thing to live up to your potential and to have the satisfaction of knowing that you have done all that you could, that you have wasted nothing of your self.

One more reason to love Russell Wilson

2009-02-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

www.gopack.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9200&ATCLID=3671728

NC State 2009 Football Schedule

2009-02-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

So the 2009 schedule is out for Wolfpack football! There will be eight home games including a season opener against South Carolina, a non conference match up against Pitt., ACC match ups vs. Clemson, Maryland, Duke, and a season finale against the Tar Holes. It is looking like we could win a bunch of games if we can come out of the gates the way we finnished the regular season last year. GO PACK!!!

Potent Quotables: Introduction

2009-02-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new weekly segment of potent quotable. This series will showcase a famous quote and expand on it and the truth and relevance which it contains. It is my hope that this segment will bring some interesting historical context to today's every day life

i cant believe i just did that

2009-02-04T14:36:00.000-08:00

Its funny, in my 4 and 1/2 years of college I have never done what I just did. I just walked into a classroom for a normal class, I even brought my computer so I could work on stuff for other classes, but after sitting down and making small talk with a few classmates I was told that there was a test. I DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS A TEST. So I winged it. I have no idea how I did but I am hoping it was not too un-good....

Baseball

2009-02-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

Ok so it is early February, and just two days ago I watched one of the best superbowls I have ever been witness to. The semester is in full swing, and there are a million things jockeying for my time. With all of this in mind it is only fitting that I am focused on the fact that the first home game of the Durham Bulls season is on my birthday, April 9th! I think I have an enfatuation. But how could I not when for the second season in a row the bulls made it to the IL final series but could not clench the Governors Cup trophy, which goes to the winner of the International League. This of course with a similar fate for the Bulls major league affiliate, the Tampa Bay Rays who as we shold all know had a story book season until losing in the world series to the Phillies. If you throw in the fact that a strong majority of the current Tampa Bay team has played in Durham, you arrive with an infatuating coctail of baseball obsession on my part. I can not wait to see what the Bulls and the Rays (and of course my personal favorate ST. Louis Cardinals) preform in their perspective divisions and leagues.

Dont waste your life

2009-01-21T20:59:00.000-08:00

It is interesting how certain things can rise to prominence in your mind at different times in life. Sometimes it is a simple as what to do with a spare moment or two and other times as complex as trying to grasp the meaning of life or the reason for children dieing of hunger half a world away.
At the current moment the importance of life and its calling for the follower of Christ is paramount in my mind. Questions such as what God's will for me, or what do I want to do with my life are more complex and daunting than anyone can even imagine. Just because there is a plan in place, does it make it the right one, or just the easiest? Where do we look for answers? Can we ever truly know definitively if we are moving in the right direction or even managing to tread water?
There must be an answer and I would argue that we should look to the Lord for guidance. Should we sit on our thumbs waiting for a response? No. I believe we should use the brain that we were given to discern our gifts, use them and do what makes us come alive. God has wired us to be passionate about certain things, and to excel at those things. Why would he do this if we were not meant to pursue those things. To do anything else would be telling the almighty that what he gave us was not good enough and that we have a better plan.
What do you think?

SNOW....and CHANGE!!!! Here comes the CHANGE!!!!...but mostly snow

2009-01-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

It actually snowed here overnight and today. It wasn't even that wet icy crap, it is the fun fluffy real snow type! It is great so later me, my sister and who ever else are going to go outside and make a snowbama in honor of Barak Hussein's inauguration. HERE COMES THE CHANGE....maybe.

I anit gonna stop im gonna spit the truth!

2009-01-19T10:30:00.000-08:00

Alright. So the other day I was hanging out with my buddy who just happens to be a life long Carolina fan and something amazing happened. He admitted that Carolina fans are the worst of all fans. In his own words, and this is absolutely true: all Carolina fans are snobby, ignorant, and fair weather fans. If the Tar Holes lose a couple of games or are down by a few scores they begin to boo, and leave half way through the game. But in some ways I guess I cant blame them. If I had champagne, caviar, and shrimp cocktail waiting for me in my overpriced status symbol better known as a BMW 3 series, I would leave that crap hole called the dean dome early too! WTF Carolina fans could you be bigger posers?

Pandora

2008-12-14T19:02:00.000-08:00

So the other day i was supposed to be studying much as I should be right now and I discovered the greatest thing ever AND I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. Its name is Pandora and it is a website that lets you create your own radio station surrounding any artist you can think of. No commercial interruptions, and best of all you can rate songs as they come on, and skip songs and put them on a do not play list. This is quite wonderful i do say! How did i exist for 22 years with out it?
On a different and unrelated subject I love the thought that two days from now I will be done with school for the semester. I also love that I will be snowboarding in less than two weeks, maybe less if i can kidnap some folks before then! Watch out! I think I am going to get a jolly rogers and fly it on my car and wear an eye patch and get a parrot and cut off Matt's hand and replace it with a hook and cut off Michael's leg and replace it with a really splintery peg leg and we will go around Raleigh annexing people's apartments and having awesome techno dance parties. Yes. Yes...

SNL....oh SNL Sometimes You Are too Much.

2008-12-09T20:19:00.001-08:00

James Carville

2008-11-24T23:03:00.000-08:00

Refer to the post below.

Snowboard Like James Carville is chasing you!!!

2008-11-24T22:58:00.000-08:00

I am thinking of trying to organize a ski trip to either snowshoe or wintergreen in mid to late January. The general idea is to get enough people to get a house for cheap and plan to ski for at least two days. For the few of you that actually read this if you are interested hit me up with possible dates, evening activities, matching uni-tards, or mandatory mullets for this trip.

Take out the slack in the line

2008-11-19T20:32:00.000-08:00

When you wakeboard there are a few things that need to happen. First it is very important that you are wearing a life jacket and are securely in the boards bindings. Then you must have the rope handle and position your self for take off. Lastly the slack must be drawn out of the line.
I feel like there are several very interesting metaphors that can be drawn out from this simple act of pure joy. The first of these is that in order to successfully navigate Christian life it is important first of all to have salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus. You must be strapped into the word in order to get clean translation, if this does not occur you are sure to be in for a painful fall (trust me). Next it is very important that the connection be made between your self and God on a daily basis, with out the rope in your hand it is hard for God to lead. Finally it is imperative that the slack be taken out. No lazing about and putting things off. You may feel as if it is OK for a split second but if you miss this step in preparing for takeoff your shoulders will surely be ripped from their sockets, and then where will you be?
Ephesians 6:11 says "put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes." I would argue that the process of putting on this armor can be hard work and take some time the above steps are essential to doing so.

Warning: Vented Frustration Below

2008-11-17T19:57:00.000-08:00

There is a fine line between idealist and realist. If you often find that people roll their eyes at you when discussing practical, moral, spiritual, or culturally relevant topics and you have no actual experience or knowledge regarding the subject there is a good chance you are an idealist. Do not claim that you know anything at all if your entire realm of learned ideas is derived from wikipedia. This is not a citable source in most scientific comunities, and I will not accept it as fact when discussing anything unless other sources confirm the same information. And another thing please try your hardest not to sound like a pompass know it all when you refer to wikipedia as your "reputable source".
If the above statement applies to you get out, talk to people, get some ideas that can qualify as original, and for God's sake learn how to shut up!

Always There

2008-11-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

Last night I was reminded of how comforting God can be. I was really struggling with some stuff and basically distraught and felt completely abandoned. This may sound somewhat melodramatic but what can I say I am the way I am. But in my own little pit of despair I started to read out of John and to pray through my struggles and then began to worship with some simple songs. "Oh praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead" what simple words but as I sang those words God filled me with joy by reminding me that he is the one who loves me and cares for me and will always be there no matter what.

It doesnt matter what you do if it is for the wrong reasons

2008-11-03T21:37:00.000-08:00

It occurs to me that there are many things in life to occupy your time with. You can be aimless and not even care and end up in a dead end job that simply pays the bills. You can be too focused on obtaining some convoluted "Americanized Dream", you can be ruled by addiction or obsession. The bottom line is that the world does not need people that play at being important or simply do what ever will get them by or get them the benz in the driveway, as Gil Bailie puts it, “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

Life has a purpose and that purpose is firstly to know God, and secondly to live your life for him.

"Today is the greatest"

2008-11-02T22:15:00.000-08:00

It would be great if every weekend could be as good as the one I just had. It seems like nothing could go wrong. This of course is a highly momentous chain of events which was neither expected or deserved.
To start off the weekend the fellas and I found onesies in the boys department at Target and proceeded to wear them to a couple of parties for halloween. What a blast! We slid on hard wood floors, acted the ages we wish we still were and just had a great time.
In addition I got a lot of sleep, saw my parents, Hannah and sister, had a chance to hang out with some other folks and to top it all off I just might be getting a 4Runner almost for free! So that should make it easier to go snowboarding, camping, or to take the boat out to the lake. The possibilities are about as exciting as a cat with an M80 attached to its tail.
I hope this week continues on in this trend, but even if it does not, I am still thankful for the last couple of days.

Best Round of Disc Golf Ever

2008-11-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

I shot seven under par Friday at Kentwood Park!

Get high on a mountain!

2008-10-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

So it should be general knowledge that I love the mountains about like I like breathing. This is the best time of year, it is getting cold and crisp outside and the possibilities are endless. Camping, hiking, snowboarding, making a human sled out of Michael Wilson and riding him down king street in down town Boone. The possibilities are endless. I just can not wait to head west! The Appalachians are a magical place where I feel at home, where I belong, where I see the majesty of God.

Never trust a man who trusts politicians

2008-10-27T12:26:00.001-07:00

Post #30

2008-10-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

So in honor of my 30th post I am going to do ..... nothing special. So this week has brought the suck. Hard. But you know what I will not let it bother me any more from this point on. I have come to the conclusion that sometimes life does seem to suck, but in just a moment God can give you a glimpse of his goodness or just a hint of redemption for something you thought was broken and in that show you He is still here, still cares, and will keep his promises. I find that this is really and truly where our focus should be during these hard times.

The Lake

2008-10-05T18:47:00.001-07:00

So this Saturday I went to the lake with my family and MichaelWilson, ... one word. The air temperature was perfect, the sum was shining the water was silky smooth and the gas was free! What a great day. To add to that the food was good and I cleared the wake behind my boat which is a little tough because of the lack of weight (smaller wake) and the fact that we do not have a tower on it. It was pretty much the perfect day at the lake!
On a different note i wrote a poem about the futility in which some people go through life the other day im one of my (useless) classes and i felt like it accurately depicts the way that 90% of the world goes through life:

The futile

Look at the world around you,
what do you see?
People struggle every day,
living in futility.
They long for pleasure,
while struggling through pain.
They strive for excellence,
they worship the same.
We make our own cages,
fasten our selves inside.
I made this cage,
we say with foolish pride.
So rattle the cages,
open the doors.
Use the key you have been given,
that's what it's for.

tUESDAY

2008-09-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

This week so far has been a little better than normal. I have got to see my fiance every day at least for a little while, been less stressed than normal and fell surprisingly in control of life (which propabally means it is all about to come crashing down) . I have been encouraged by the people that are around me and fell very blessed. This is in sharp contrast to last week which was very hard and very frustrating. Such are the ebbs and flows of life. Through all of my post teenage life this pattern has emerged and with it two finite truths: 1. Life is hard, and the world is a broken place 2. Life is good if you will look for the good in it.

Church

2008-09-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

So today I had a different experience at church. I worshiped at Vintage 21 for the first time since returning from Vermont. It was amazing to see the incredible cross section of people present to worship and hear about God and what he has for us and what he wants us to do. Usually the most unique thing about Vintage is the music but today the message was what stood out. Pastor Tyler spoke out of Ecclesiastes and spoke about the process which Solomon has gone through and how Wisdom is folly along with the other temporary things of the world, and that we should spend our lives in the pursuit of the eternal. This in it self is not extremely different but normally the messages given are of a higher spiritual and intellectual level and in this case he made it very practical. As always the whole experience was enlightening, encouraging, and challenging. If you are interested in finding a church that looks and feels a little different but still is biblically solid check out www.vintage21.com.

Gravity

2008-09-15T12:56:00.001-07:00

online games

2008-09-15T09:09:00.001-07:00

Online games are only fun when you are supposed to be doing something else.

commediyeahhhhahhhh

2008-09-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

So this weekend I rode my bike 150 miles in New Bern. For the record that is a long way to go in 8 hours on a bike. It was challenging, it was hot, and it was fun. Oh also in the process of doing this I also rode my bike down the the left hand lane of highway 70. That was in a word....incredible.
Also on a different note Guinness sucks, Royal Bean has great Chai, and I am a huge fan of a good cup of coffee and reading something insightful first thing in the morning. In fact I would love to wake up to crisp mountain air and soft rays of sun on my pillow every morning somewhere in western North Carolina. Then sit out side on my front porch overlooking a mountain lake in the brisk cold sipping strong coffee and spend some time with the Lord. That is how I want to start my days. I dont want to get caught up in the stress and bustle but rather live out my days appreciating the beauty, complexity, and peacefullness of nature, working in a way that helps people see Jesus for the first time or in a new way. Just a thought from a random mind.

Drugs in church?

2008-09-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

First of all I want to start by saying that I LOVE coffee, but I have noticed a trend over the past five or six years growing in churches all over the triangle. I can count no less than five large churches that most people would consider very successful and gospel teaching places of worship that offer a coffee bar to all worshipers before the service starts. This started to get me thinking, why is this very addicting beverage ok in the eyes of the church and not alcohol? It seems strange to me that a substance that has more of an effect on the overall mood and mental state of a person than that of the same ammount of beer alright when the latter is not? I am not suggesting that the church start having a keg at all services or suggesting that coffee stop being served, I am simply trying to make light of the common stereotype that alcohol is unquestionably evil. To make the point that there is an unfair and useless taboo surrounding alcohol. Why is coffee good and alcohol so very bad?

The magic of cereal!

2008-09-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

There are a prestigious number of foods that are perfect, complete, and versatile enough to be a meal in it self and to be eaten at any point in the day. Cereal is the chief of these elite few. Cereal is meant to be eaten for breakfast, but since I moved out on my own I have eaten cereal at every time of the day. I have eaten it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks between breakfast and lunch and dinner and after dinner. Following are a list of my personal favorites.

1. Lucky Charms
2. Cinnamon Toast Crunch
3. Rasin Bran Crunch
4. Four Grain Cheerios
5. Captain Crunch, Crunch Berries
6. Oh's
7. Coco Puffs
8. Frosted Cheerios
9. Apple Jacks
10. Frosted Flakes

John Mayer Trio

2008-09-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

So a friend of mine over the summer told me about John Mayer's new band the so called John Mayer Trio. As a rule I typically do not like anything by an artist that is capable of writing a preforming such awful songs such as your body is a wonderland and fathers be good to your daughters. But when i checked it out he is an awesome blues guitarist and lays some down some sick tracks.

People is bein bored..edded...ed some mo.

2008-09-03T16:17:00.001-07:00

People is bein bored..edded...ed.

2008-09-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

Girls be crazy

2008-09-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

The title says it all girls are crazy. To make matters worse it is self inflicted. I choose so subject my self to this modern day torture by first asking a girl to marry me and then trying to plan a wedding. I expected that she being one of the most sane and stable women I have ever met could retain her sanity during this process but I was wrong. What I have been observing over the past 2 or three months is the equivalent of what happens when you give speed to a cheetah.
On a different note I am excited to say that the Durham Bulls are once again appearing in the post season in their quest for the International League Governors Cup. I love baseball, and since I was gone to yankee land all summer I didnt get my usual fill of 20+ Bulls games this summer so I get a chance to now enjoy watching tomarrow's Tampa Bay Rays for $7 a seat! Now that sir is a bargain!

Blog-O-the day!

2008-07-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ok so a while ago I was hiking the AT (Appalachian Trail) and encountered a couple hiking. I got into a discussion with them and asked them their names. To which they responded that I could call them Mr. Clean and the Pug nosed girl... I was like what tha.......? So at any rate after reading the book "Into The Wild" about a main character who re-names him self Alexander Supertramp, I asked a buddy of mine about it. He told me that it was a common thing to do to give your self a trail name or trail alias and that it is part of the hiking culture to leave notes at different points on the trail using this name. So after carefull thought and consideration I have decided to dub my self Professor BoBerry in honor of the best BoJangles creation of all time. I think the professor part has a nice ring and is part of the reason that I am now intending to persue a masters degree which will get me one step closer to tenure as Professor BoBerry, or as my future students will call me Prof. BoBuster (similar to ball buser)!

Ludlow Circuit

2008-07-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

RIP Senator

2008-07-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

Jesse Helms died today. While I did not necessarily ways agree with his stances, you could say that he was consistent and would do what he said. You could count on Senator Helms to stick to his word.

North Carolina, the best state ever...

2008-06-28T20:08:00.001-07:00

So the other day I was trying to learn how to play the song "House of the Rising Sun", which I thought was by Credence Clearwater Revival (FYI INCREDIBLE), but it turns out that it was preformed by The Animals. So my question is can any one name an Animals song that anybody
has ever heard of? I have been racking my brain and for the life of me I can not think of one.
On another note I have figured out why Vermont is known as "the green mountain state", it rains here constantly. This state is a giant tease, it is the perfect temperature and the perfect mountainous location for an out door nut, but it rains almost every day so you can't do anything. It is the equivalence of blue balls.... sort of....my only point is that it rains a lot.... ok... don't judge me!.....
Once again on a different note there is no sweet tea, biscuits, BoJo's, greasy hole in the wall breakfast places called Pam's farm house which share a building with a dank dive bar called "the goat", or Yuengling in Vermont, one more reason for blue balls.....or something, and my parents brought me NONE of the above even though they came all the way from North Carolina to see me. Can you tell I miss the Ole North State....

Red Necks in New England??

2008-06-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

I have found the holy grail of the blue collar comedy tour and the ammo to refute the common stereotype that red necks only exist south of the Mason-Dixon line. Here in Vermont (rural Vermont) a state containing less people than the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hell area, also one of the northern most states in the continental U.S., I have discovered Red Necks!! They may talk with that annoying New York whine, and they may have a few more tattoos than your average Dixie redneck, but all the signs are there. They love Nascar more than their kids, they are missing half if not all of their teeth, they live deep in the woods, and they never shop any where but Walmart. Now I am not saying that any of these things are necessarily bad all I am saying is that i have just discovered the equivalent of big foot. I have discovered the northern Red Neck!

Is this how I am precieved?

2008-06-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

Idealist Portrait of the Teacher (ENFJ)

Even more than the other Idealists, Teachers have a natural talent for leading students or trainees toward learning, or as Idealists like to think of it, they are capable of calling forth each learner's potentials. Teachers (around two percent of the population) are able - effortlessly, it seems, and almost endlessly-to dream up fascinating learning activities for their students to engage in. In some Teachers, this ability to fire the imagination can amount to a kind of genius which other types find hard to emulate. But perhaps their greatest strength lies in their belief in their students. Teachers look for the best in their students, and communicate clearly that each one has untold potential, and this confidence can inspire their students to grow and develop more than they ever thought possible.

In whatever field they choose, Teachers consider people their highest priority, and they instinctively communicate personal concern and a willingness to become involved. Warmly outgoing, and perhaps the most expressive of all the types, Teachers are remarkably good with language, especially when communicating in speech, face to face. And they do not hesitate to speak out and let their feelings be known. Bubbling with enthusiasm, Teachers will voice their passions with dramatic flourish, and can, with practice, become charismatic public speakers. This verbal ability gives Teachers a good deal of influence in groups, and they are often asked to take a leadership role.

Teachers like things settled and organized, and will schedule their work hours and social engagements well ahead of time-and they are absolutely trustworthy in honoring these commitments. Valuing as they do interpersonal cooperation and harmonious relations, Teachers are extraordinarily tolerant of others, are easy to get along with, and are usually popular wherever they are.

Teachers are highly sensitive to others, which is to say their intuition tends to be well developed. Certainly their insight into themselves and others is unparalleled. Without a doubt, they know what is going on inside themselves, and they can read other people with uncanny accuracy. Teachers also identify with others quite easily, and will actually find themselves picking up the characteristics, emotions, and beliefs of those around them. Because they slip almost unconsciously into other people's skin in this way, Teachers feel closely connected with those around them, and thus show a sincere interest in the joys and problems of their employees, colleagues, students, clients, and loved ones.

Mikhail Gorbachev, Oprah Winfrey, Pope John Paul II, Ralph Nader, John Wooden, and Margaret Mead are examples of Teacher Idealists.

Ludlow, VT Memorial Day

2008-05-26T12:52:00.001-07:00

What a great place! Going from the traffic jams of RDU, to a village in central Vermont is insane! I love it here even though I am over 700 miles from any person I know and not even in the same hemisphere as the woman I am engaged to marry. I am choosing to look at it as an adventure, a growing experience, and I think I could learn a lot from the people of this town and the way they conduct tehm selves. For example today I woke up and looked outside to see festivities to honor the Men and Women who have fought and died for my freedom. This day means something here, it is not an excuse to get out of work or to go to the lake, it is about remembering those who gave all they had and asked for nothing in return. Please pray that the families of those in battle, and the men fighting to preserve our freedom will be comforted by knowing that no matter what God loves them and if they only ask, he will sustain them all the days of their lives.

He went to Jared

2008-04-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

Ok these commercials are getting ridiculous. Get some better actors. Get a better scripts. Just get better. Please. You are making me look bad, if I had known that their commercials could get worse i would have never bought at Jared.

A small revelation of something i already knew but failed to realize

2008-04-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have found that being engaged can be hard. To the most casual observer it may appear that the only difference between my dating relationship with Hannah and my engaged relationship with Hannah is that she has a nice ring and also i now have no money. But this is far from the truth. I must now learn how to put her needs in a greater place of importance, and in many cases above my own. This can cause some discomfort as well as frustration. I want to serve her but it is difficult when it means putting my wants on the back burner for the time being. I am thankful for this opportunity but i must say it is a challenge, and only one of the many. Love is clearly a choice and by no means easy. But with all of this being said, I welcome the challenges to come.

Oh Colbert you silly billy

2008-04-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

Steven Colbert making fun of Korean R&B singer Rain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beWdU6PE3Xo&feature=related

Amazing!

Psalms 37:23-24

2008-04-23T07:08:00.000-07:00

"If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumbles, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."

These words have been very encouraging for this time in my life. Knowing that if I trust the Lord and do all I can to walk in his ways (and even when i fall short) that he will lead and uphold me. Being able to rest in him knowing that if I trust him to lead he will take me where he wants me and where I am supposed to be gives me peace in knowing my life will be used for a purpose. I think one of my greatest fears is that I will waste my life and it will count for nothing. And it is very difficult to ignore the call of the comfortable middle class lifestyle that I am so accustomed to, but life is not about comfort, and it isn't about stuff. God calls us to live for a purpose and to follow hard after him. He wants us to have life to the fullest (John 10:10). If you call Jesus Lord, it means that you have agreed that He should be in control of your life, and the only way to have life to the fullest is to give up control and say yes to what ever God calls you to do.

School gets in the way of life

2008-04-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

School gets in the way of life. That is profound. It is interesting to see how before college your entire life is supposedly building towards it. It is important to get good grades so you can get in the right honors and AP classes so your GPA will be good so you can get into the right college. You even see people in high school who join clubs they care nothing about just for their college application. And then there are the essays, which might as well be a place for students to agree with what the university thinks.
My point is this: i feel as if you are taught that college education transcends everything, but the truth of the matter is that after four or five or six or seven years it is possible that you can be no wiser for all the college loans and all nighters. I feel it is important to live life simply to live life, and not just to jump through hoops.

ode to 1 a.m.

2008-04-20T22:00:00.001-07:00

Time in the capital city 1 a.m. Why am I up,...I have no idea. I was tired three hours ago but for some reason here I am. I must say that I don't even care. I know that at seven a.m. 96 rock will be playing some Black Sabbath or some Nickel Back to bring me out of sleep with the worst "rock" they can think of. Why cant they just play something solid like Led, the Rolling Stones, Skynard, or some Smashing Pumpkins would be nice. How about "Today is the greatest" I know its seven in the morning but i would prefer to greet this unholy hour with some decent music. I don't want to hear about some Canadian wanna be is going to be a big rock star or how some washed up druggie needs his wife Sharon to help him find a toilet and a bat's head to bite off. Give me the good stuff, give me blues inspired art!

I said I would...

2008-04-17T21:52:00.000-07:00

OK so i said i was going to blog this so i will even though I'm pretty sure no one will ever read it, its still therapeutic to see it in print. I can not stand it when girls pray like they are talking to a little baby soft and cuddly version of God. What is that? Its like they can not grasp that He created the universe! Please don't try to sound tender and fuzzy he is your Lord. I'm sure that this does not bother any one else the way it does me but it just seems like you should speak in reverence and with a healthy understanding of what is going on and the gravity of the fact that you can actually talk to the creator of life in a way that says I respect the fact that you were compared to a lion in the old testament. Come on.

Inoguration

2008-04-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

You know what really grinds my gears...when people are fake polite because they have to be. I am a guy who appreciates people that are real and are can manage to give me that courtesy. Not to say you shouldn't be civil I'm just saying what is the purpose behind being all fake Prozac smiley? Does any body hear what I'm sayin? You should tell it like it is when ever possible and in this life you have to know what you stand for. It is no good to be like well hey there its nice to see you and then not talk to them the rest of the night. It is better to ignore them all together, because if you do say some crap like that all you end up doing is making them feel welcomed, polite and pretty much alone in a crowd....its good to know what you believe.
"I believe in the soul, the cock, the pussy, the small of a woman's back, the hanging curve ball, high fiber, good scotch, that the novels of Susan Sontag are self-indulgent, overrated crap. I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing AstroTurf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, soft-core pornography, opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve and I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days. Goodnight"

Crash Davis, Bull Durham 1988