The Few, The Proud, The Asburians

So over the past couple of days a friend and I went from Asbury all the way to Parris Island. Our goal was reached when we saw our other friend graduate from the Marines. While we were down there, we felt very inspired. Being around all the Marines and seeing proud parents, friends, and family it's a very emotional time. Even though my friend was just a friend, it still made me want to join the Marines. Obviously I am not going to right now. My goal for now is to finish college and then we'll see where God leads me.
Hearing him talk about his experiences, and just hearing how much he appreciates life so much makes you want what he has. While the military will definitely change your life, I think most of it is for the better. If you can endure the hardships and push yourself through then everything just seems better. He was telling us that he is less selfish, gets along with his family better and he just seems more confident in life. It's a good change.

After hearing all that I think I have learned similar lessons in this hard time at Asbury. I appreciate my family a lot more than I did even six months ago. I enjoy school. I appreciate the opportunities that are in front of me.

I'll be honest, I thought about a lot of things this weekend and it's hard for me to say what all is on my mind. Last night all I could think of was the blogs that were in my head. This has become kind of like a site of life aspects that I learn. I think I should sort my thoughts then come back and give them the time that they need.

Update to life

Alright so now I'm finally feeling like writing. School is great. I think I am going to get a lot out of my classes because I want to get stuff from them. One of my friends said that he feels more motivated and I feel the same way. I'm trying to maintain a positive outlook on my classes even though some of my classes are going to be dry and somewhat boring.

Currently we are watching Lost and getting ready for January 31st!! Luckily I am able to do this because I don't have much homework yet. I have been having a really good start to my semester. I can't get over how good things are going. I am working out everyday and hanging out with great people. I decided not to play tennis this semester, but I am going to try to get a job at the YMCA. It should be an easy job, just supervise kids and resolve their petty conflicts.

Next week I will be going to Greenville then trek to the Marine corps training place, I forgot the name of it at the moment. That's all i can think to write about right now, sorry.

What's coming is due.

So for those of you who knew, i'm sure that you are wanting to know how the holidays went and how my sister's wedding went. All of it was a giant blur because of the wedding. It trumped all other activities, but it was worth it, we gained a brother.

Christmas was great, it was strange because Corey, Kate's husband (so strange to say), was with us on Christmas morning. It's nice that he really enjoys our family and loves being around us.
We woke up to a glorious Christmas morning. It was probably 60 degrees and sunny. Some people might hate this weather because it is right in between warm and snowing. We got neither warm tanning weather or icy flakes, but it was still a beautiful day none the less.



During the holidays I knew that I was going to get bored. My mom had the same thoughts and suggested that I go ask this guy for a job. "This guy" did some work on my tahoe when my "friend" haha j/k, rear-ended me. His name is Jeff McGee and he works at an auto body shop. Another guy named Mike also works there, he's a year older than me. They are hilarious and very helpful in giving me tips about autobody work and stuff. It's been waaaay better than sitting in my house feeling worthless.

I have noticed that all throughout this break I've sought out solitude. Usually I'm dying to see my friends, but this time it's different. I want to be back at Asbury...crazy I know because just months ago I was saying the exact opposite, but God has really opened my eyes to how much joy and satisfaction the future can hold if I just pursue it. Back to solitude...I haven't called hardly any of my friends and I just sit around at home when I get back from the body shop at 5. It's kind of nice though. I bring this up because at New Years when most people are out partying, I was just chillin with the Ervin family. I baby sat both of their boys who are now in 5th grade and ...2nd I want to say. They also have a 1 year old girl who I have not spent much time with, but still am very close to their whole family. After their house I went home to my other sister, Virginia, and my mom where we watched a rerun of the ball dropping in NY and Lenny Kravitz singing "I'll Be Waiting." I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW MUCH I LIKE THIS SONG. oh man it's great. get it. now. haha

Just some little thoughts on the wedding: It was great seeing everyone, but I did not get to spend even half the time I would have liked to spend with everyone. It was so busy I just saw them and hardly got to say hello. Also seeing my sister up there in her wedding dress made me realize she was actually married and starting her own branch of our family. A realization happened of how great of a sister she was, and how great of a sister Virginia was. To put it in comparison, when my grandmother died in May, It brought to the surface how many great things she had done, and just how much she really cared for us. The same feelings came over me with Kate. Obviously Kate isn't dead, but she is out now. Does that make sense? If not i'm sorry. All that to say the wedding made me reflect on just how much Kate cared and looked after me. Even through all the frustration we had together, I know deep down we are very close. The same goes with my family in general. Why do we wait until things are gone or out of our hands to appreciate them. Take things you have now and appreciate them. That's what I feel we should do, but have not figured out how. If anyone does, let me know.


Well I think this has been long enough. Definitely. Have a great 08!

Grandparents

Christmas/House Plans

Ahhh mere minutes before Christmas. It sprang upon me this year. There was no build up, no looking at lights, just school, intramurals, finals then BAM it's Christmas. I mean there were subtle hints and everything, but this Christmas season was so different for me. And let me just be honest for a minute.

For all the people out there who are saying, "Don't forget what Christmas is really about" and "We should go to more services because it is Christmas." Well i do understand that and I feel bad because usually, I'm the person those statements are directed towards. I'm the guy who loves the giving and receiving of earthly gifts, but not so much about the Christian meaning of

Christmas.

I'll admit that I do feel disgusted with myself at times for having everything I do. I am soooo blessed with family, friends, wealth, happiness, and what do I give back. Hardly a thing. It's pathetic. My spiritual life is definitely lacking and getting it where it has the potential to be has bothered me for years.

Wow I really went off on that, sorry. -Well on another note, this whole semester I've been picking up ideas of a house. I absolutely cannot wait until I own my own house and have money to fix it up. Well, today I started a blueprint. haha. yeah i know...interesting. It seems to be going well, I started out with an eeeenormous casa but have downsized to, well not a mansion anymore. haha. It's really a lot of fun, especially when you're bored. I might post some pics later if I do a blog just on my house once I finish my blueprint.






This should probably be all for now. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a great rest of the Holiday season.

The Boundary Between Alone Time and Togetherness

So the other day I had to go to the mall to get my parents some Christmas presents. I asked a couple of people if they wanted to go with me because I felt like someone should go with me or I was lame. Then I was thinking about it...I honestly think I like shopping by myself because then I can take my time. I can look at what I want to look at. The only part that sucks is when you need another opinion or just someone to talk to. But if you know how I shop then you know that I like to window shop. I love just going in stores and looking at things.

It's funny because one of my friends in McKenzie today was like, "hey do you want to go to jackson (where the mall is) with me so I don't feel stupid going by myself?" It made me think of the other day when I went shopping.

Oh an important side note, if you want a cheap pair of khaki pants or black pants, or any pants for that matter, DO NOT go to Men's Warehouse. They have great clothing at high prices. The guy that worked there was really nice though, he came and acted like a butler to me or something it was kind of cool. I think he could definitely tell that I had never shopped for that nice of clothes before. haha. But I ended up buying a pair of black pants, and when I got home I went suit shopping so now i'm gonna go return those 50$ black pants haha. I hope whoever reads this has a great Christmas.

American Idol or Vocal Cords that suck

Alright So I was wondering if I really had a decent voice or if it was just in my head. I resent the people that always sing loud and honestly do not know they are bad. It's one thing if you're bad and don't care, to me that's a great thing. If you sing and you don't know your bad well now i'm just pissed off. Just kidding :).

Anyway I just decided to record myself and listen to my actual voice. To be honest I'm kind of pissed off at myself. Haha that's right I fell into the "loud singer who sucks" category. I was surprised to hear how struggle mcstruggleson it sounded. Anway I hope you enjoy this. Make sure you listen to it all the way or else you will miss the end mini speech.

Another note, the video part of this, was just so you weren't just bored out of you're mind while covering your ears. it's really stupid, but hey it's better than nothing.