Um, so I took the GPS back. It was a piece of junk. The interface was very nice, but the functionality was a little shady. I used it to drive to the dance party last Tuesday, but when I started it up to go home, it wouldn't acquire the satellites. It took 2o minutes to find them, by which time I had already gotten lost and then unlost by dead reckoning. No thanks to the GPS, I finally got home some 1/2 hour late. Harman/Kardon should stick to making sound equipment and stay away from GPS.
The dance party was super fun! I was a bit nervous at first, but once we got into it, it was a blast. We learned the hustle, cha-cha, rumba, electric slide, and cuban shuffle. A few guys tried the "Soldier Boy" routine. ;-) I was able to do most of the dances with only a few limitations because of my knee. At the end of the night, I was feeling a bit sore, so I called it quits. It was very enjoyable and I'm glad I went. Part II is tonight...I'm looking forward to it.
Speaking of my knee, the news there isn't so great. I went to the doctor/surgeon on Wednesday and he thinks it's both a meniscus tear and an ACL tear. I actually had an MRI yesterday. It was almost comical listening to him messing with my knee and saying, "Oh boy....oh boy." So my options are really to just do physical therapy and hope it gets better naturally or to pursue the surgery route (likely outpatient arthroscopic). The doc doesn't think that (based on my condition) I will regain full mobility taking the non-surgery route, so I'm probably just going to bite the bullet.
I'm so glad I have insurance now. The MRI alone was $1,100. I racked up about $250 from the visit and X-ray last week. The bills will only continue to pile up as the process continues. Fortunately, my deductible is only $1,000 (a benefit of a high premium), so after that magic number (which I've already reached in the last week), I only pay 20% of my in-network expenses. Praise the Lord for health insurance!
If I do need surgery, I'll probably wait until I get back to WA. I'll have my family around to help take care of me, as well as a month away from work. I just hope that recovery time is quick and that I regain full mobility afterward. I want to get back into playing soccer and football again. It's been so long...I can't wait to get back on the field! :-)
Also last Wednesday, I left for Galveston, TX for a miniature vacation. What a nightmare my trip was. I'm never flying Delta again, if I can help it. They got me to Atlanta, then promptly cancelled my already-overbooked flight to Houston, thereby overbooking all the other flights to Houston! They then stuck me in a hotel room, paying for a whopping $10 of it and leaving me with the other $65. Meanwhile, they sent my bag on to Hobby Airport in Houston and sent me on to George Bush Airport in Houston the next day. Lovely efficiency. So I showed up 16 hours late, without my bag, and $65 poorer. They delayed my flight on the way home too, so I just said, "No more." Ugh.
Beyond that unfortunate travel experience, the trip was great! It was awesome seeing Casey, Josh, Milan, Sarah, Chase, and of course Kelly again. Kelly really does live in a nice area. When she and John (her boyfriend) picked me up from the airport, I was kinda surprised....I had always envisioned Texas as this brown, dusty place with tumbleweeds blowing across the road. No, it was actually very green and beautiful, if a bit chilly! The people where not the backwards, southern-drawling, cowpokes I envisioned either...they were down-to-earth, surprisingly modern, and amazingly friendly! Downtown Galveston is a nice place too....very touristy, and the beach front is quite the attraction. I was very impressed, all in all. Kelly has some nice friends from there too.
Thursday night was a bit odd...we had a crawfish boil! I'd never seen that done before. It's definitely a southern thing. I think the weirdest thing was that the crawfish were still alive when they went into the pot....
On Friday, Kelly's dad (who owns a fishing charter service) took us deep sea fishing! That was amazing. I'd never been out to sea before, so I was kinda excited, kinda nervous. We all took dramamine before we left, and I didn't get seasick at all. Poor Casey and Josh both did. Chase and I were just naturals at the boat movement, I guess....even Kelly lost it once, but Chase and I slept in the cabin for a lot of the trip out and never felt even slightly nauseous.
We went about 20 miles out and tied up to a natural gas rig. I caught a ~ 12-inch red snapper. Those fish were practically leaping into the boat, but we couldn't keep them because it wasn't their season. We did catch four redfish, which we blackened up for dinner that night. Chase took the big fish prize with a 29-inch redfish.
I left on Saturday with Josh, Chase, and Milan. It was definitely a whirlwind vacation (less than 48 hours), but still worth it. Praise the Lord for good friends! :-)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
New Toy (Tool) and Heart Thumping
So I got a GPS for my truck yesterday. Call it an impulse buy (it kinda was), but I don't really feel that it was a bad one. If you know me well, you know that I get lost....a lot. It takes me a good six months at least to get familiar with an area before I know it well enough to avoid getting lost. Even then, I usually stick to roads I've driven before and sometimes end up wasting time because I take the long way without knowing it. The Vancouver (WA) metro area is the only location I would say I know fairly well...and I lived there for about 5 years!
This semester alone, I think I've spent a good 4 hours or more trying to get unlost as I've attempted to familiarize myself with the Hampton Roads area. The most frustrating example occurred when I was in downtown Norfolk, got on the wrong freeway, got confused, and ended up clear down by Chesapeake...ultimately a 1.5 hour detour! The obvious cheap solution would be to buy a map, but reading a map and driving at high speeds in insane HR area traffic is a recipe for disaster. Plus as soon as I leave the map, I'm dead in the water.
So I got a GPS. For the price, it's quite efficient. I drove to work with it this morning and it performed wonderfully. It told me when to turn and announced the street name (handy for ambiguous intersections...do I turn in the driveway or the road?). When I took an unexpected turn (a shortcut I knew about), it quickly recalculated my route without missing a beat. I can't wait to test it out tonight.
Ooh boy...speaking of tonight. Um, yeah...it's a dance party. I'm already nervous, ha. I don't know why either. I doubt I'll even be able to dance, what with my knee and all. Probably has to do with the large number of amazingly pretty females my age at that church. Yep, I'm a guy...and when a guy is around beautiful girls, his heart starts pounding. C'est la vie. ;)
Anyways, the purpose of the dance party is actually to learn how to dance, instead of just doing it for the fun of it. There are evidently two weddings in the church coming up quickly, and knowing how to dance is definitely a bonus for the reception. There are a some very good dancers in the church (my friend Gabe is one of them), so a few of them are going to come out and teach us clumsy feet how to groove. Like I mentioned, I doubt I'll be able to actually do anything (stupid knee), but I'll at least be able to watch and hopefully learn academically by others' example. I really need to learn quickly though, because it just occurred to me on Sunday when this was being discussed that I am a groomsman at Caleb's wedding...which means I'll probably have to dance...and possibly with other people watching! Augh...help me! :o
This semester alone, I think I've spent a good 4 hours or more trying to get unlost as I've attempted to familiarize myself with the Hampton Roads area. The most frustrating example occurred when I was in downtown Norfolk, got on the wrong freeway, got confused, and ended up clear down by Chesapeake...ultimately a 1.5 hour detour! The obvious cheap solution would be to buy a map, but reading a map and driving at high speeds in insane HR area traffic is a recipe for disaster. Plus as soon as I leave the map, I'm dead in the water.
So I got a GPS. For the price, it's quite efficient. I drove to work with it this morning and it performed wonderfully. It told me when to turn and announced the street name (handy for ambiguous intersections...do I turn in the driveway or the road?). When I took an unexpected turn (a shortcut I knew about), it quickly recalculated my route without missing a beat. I can't wait to test it out tonight.
Ooh boy...speaking of tonight. Um, yeah...it's a dance party. I'm already nervous, ha. I don't know why either. I doubt I'll even be able to dance, what with my knee and all. Probably has to do with the large number of amazingly pretty females my age at that church. Yep, I'm a guy...and when a guy is around beautiful girls, his heart starts pounding. C'est la vie. ;)
Anyways, the purpose of the dance party is actually to learn how to dance, instead of just doing it for the fun of it. There are evidently two weddings in the church coming up quickly, and knowing how to dance is definitely a bonus for the reception. There are a some very good dancers in the church (my friend Gabe is one of them), so a few of them are going to come out and teach us clumsy feet how to groove. Like I mentioned, I doubt I'll be able to actually do anything (stupid knee), but I'll at least be able to watch and hopefully learn academically by others' example. I really need to learn quickly though, because it just occurred to me on Sunday when this was being discussed that I am a groomsman at Caleb's wedding...which means I'll probably have to dance...and possibly with other people watching! Augh...help me! :o
Monday, March 17, 2008
The Real World
Wow. I realized it's been all of four months since I've posted on this blog. That's reprehensible. The only thing I can say in my defense is to refer to the subtitle of the blog...when it says, "my crazy life", I wasn't joking!
So, a lot has happened in the last four months...a LOT. First and most importantly from a career standpoint: I am currently finishing up the last five weeks of my internship with NASA at Langley Research Center (LaRC) in Hampton, Virginia. Yeah, remember how I was sharing last time about how encouraged I was at the career fair because everyone was so positive? Well, God provided yet again...with the king of internships at NASA! I applied to the program earlier in the year and totally forgot about it until the notification showed up in my inbox.
The program is called the Undergraduate Student Research Project (USRP). It's a fairly good program as far as internships go, although definitely not co-op level. The USRP pays $9,000 for the semester (less in the summer), not including travel costs each way. Obviously the financial benefits aren't too shabby, but the real value is in the experience. I have been working this semester in the Space Mission Analysis Branch of the Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate (SACD) of LaRC. Some of what I do is sensitive, but I in essence assist with developing and refining tools used for, well, space mission analysis! =)
It's starting to look like I'll probably be here for the summer as well. There's another internship program called Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars (LARSS) that I was selected for...the program managers are just waiting for the funding before they offer me the position. If all goes well, I'll be working with the Aeroelasticity Branch of the Research and Technology Directorate (RTD). I contacted my future mentor through the program office earlier this semester and expressed interest in working with him. I tell you what, connections like that are invaluable. He basically guaranteed me the position before anyone else's applications had gone out!
In any case, I'm really looking forward to this summer. I've had some substantial analysis experience now here in the SACD and I should get some experimental experience in the RTD. After this summer, I should be able to make an informed decision about what I want to do permanently. This experience has opened my eyes to the fact that I really don't understand the real difference between theoretical, applied, and experimental physics. I need to find the differences and determine what I want to pursue in order to better plan for my future.
So that's the career side of things. In other news, my grandfather very generously gave me his truck! It's a 2004 Nissan Frontier, but it looks absolutely brand-new. It had all of 4,687 miles on it when I got it...I think he drove it to the feed store a few times per month and that was about it! In any case, he didn't want me to drive my old Jetta all the way to Virginia and back (probably a valid concern), so he decided to gift me the truck now instead of leaving it to me in his inheritance. I was absolutely blown away by the surprise gift...what a blessing! It's by far the nicest car I've ever owned. I put a new stereo in it recently and that was a nice commodity as well. Like I said, that truck has been a huge blessing for me.
In yet other news (not so great this time), my knee has been a real pain (literally, ha!) recently. I injured it for the first time not too long after my last post on this blog. I was playing an intramural soccer game, was playing above my limits (and knew it too), and ended up getting hurt. The first time it happened, I don't know if I've ever felt anything so painful. Yes, I say the first time...I have since re-injured it three times. Ugh. I went to the ERAU nurse for it, but she didn't really have anything to say, so I just kinda shrugged it off. I had nearly full mobility again in about a month...but promptly killed it again. This has continued for the last four months until I finally got sick of it, obtained health insurance, and made an appointment with a Sports Medicine specialist. My friend Stephen (who's played soccer pretty much all his life and knows firsthand about knee injuries) thinks it's the meniscus. In any case, I just hope it's not super-expensive to fix (if it even needs fixing...maybe I just need physical therapy) and that it doesn't involve a long recovery time.
This knee injury has frustrated me to no end because I haven't been able to do really anything active. I injured it the last time by throwing a football. Just that little amount of twist was enough to pop it out. That kills me...I'm a very active guy and not being able to do anything is really frustrating. I'm also in pretty much the worst shape of my life for the same reason. I just hope I don't have any permanent damage and can get back to my active lifestyle. I don't think I'll ever take mobility for granted again!
As far as church life goes, the Sovereign Grace Church here in Chesapeake is great! I just wish it was a bit closer (and maybe just a bit smaller). It's about an hour's drive south of me from Yorktown, where I'm currently living. It took me a while to get to know people, but once I did, they're very nice and very friendly. I find that the same Spirit that is in Daytona is in Chesapeake.
Nevertheless, this has been hands-down one of the darkest times of my life spiritually. This is really the first time I haven't had a circle of support around me during the week. At home, I have my family...at school, I have my friends. Here, I have no one. Yeah, there's church and church friends on Sunday, praise the Lord! But during the week, it's pretty dark. I get dragged down as the week goes on, typically becoming less and less Christ-like and more and more like the world. It's a relief to go to church on Sunday, wash all that off, and get a breath of fresh air.
I'm coming to realize that I rely too much on others for my spiritual well-being....I need to learn to rely on God for that and to supplement my own relationship with Him. My quiet time has been nearly non-existant and I haven't memorized Scripture in a long time. See what I mean? Everyone needs accountability, don't get me wrong...that's a main thing I'm lacking here! But I really find that I need to learn the spiritual disciplines on my own too....because at times like this when I have no encouragement, I have to work extra hard at the relationship. If I haven't built the discipline, the strength isn't there.
So, that's my life in a nutshell right now. Career = better than ever, with more opportunities than I'd ever dreamed I would have at this point. Finances = not bad at all, although not great...but transportation is now not an issue, thanks to Grumpa. Spiritual life = probably one of the darkest times ever, although I am actively trying to find ways to hook up with believers during the week for encouragement, accountability, etc. I could definitely use your prayers for that last issue.
Life. What a challenge! But what a blessing too. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away...blessed be the name of the Lord! =)
So, a lot has happened in the last four months...a LOT. First and most importantly from a career standpoint: I am currently finishing up the last five weeks of my internship with NASA at Langley Research Center (LaRC) in Hampton, Virginia. Yeah, remember how I was sharing last time about how encouraged I was at the career fair because everyone was so positive? Well, God provided yet again...with the king of internships at NASA! I applied to the program earlier in the year and totally forgot about it until the notification showed up in my inbox.
The program is called the Undergraduate Student Research Project (USRP). It's a fairly good program as far as internships go, although definitely not co-op level. The USRP pays $9,000 for the semester (less in the summer), not including travel costs each way. Obviously the financial benefits aren't too shabby, but the real value is in the experience. I have been working this semester in the Space Mission Analysis Branch of the Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate (SACD) of LaRC. Some of what I do is sensitive, but I in essence assist with developing and refining tools used for, well, space mission analysis! =)
It's starting to look like I'll probably be here for the summer as well. There's another internship program called Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars (LARSS) that I was selected for...the program managers are just waiting for the funding before they offer me the position. If all goes well, I'll be working with the Aeroelasticity Branch of the Research and Technology Directorate (RTD). I contacted my future mentor through the program office earlier this semester and expressed interest in working with him. I tell you what, connections like that are invaluable. He basically guaranteed me the position before anyone else's applications had gone out!
In any case, I'm really looking forward to this summer. I've had some substantial analysis experience now here in the SACD and I should get some experimental experience in the RTD. After this summer, I should be able to make an informed decision about what I want to do permanently. This experience has opened my eyes to the fact that I really don't understand the real difference between theoretical, applied, and experimental physics. I need to find the differences and determine what I want to pursue in order to better plan for my future.
So that's the career side of things. In other news, my grandfather very generously gave me his truck! It's a 2004 Nissan Frontier, but it looks absolutely brand-new. It had all of 4,687 miles on it when I got it...I think he drove it to the feed store a few times per month and that was about it! In any case, he didn't want me to drive my old Jetta all the way to Virginia and back (probably a valid concern), so he decided to gift me the truck now instead of leaving it to me in his inheritance. I was absolutely blown away by the surprise gift...what a blessing! It's by far the nicest car I've ever owned. I put a new stereo in it recently and that was a nice commodity as well. Like I said, that truck has been a huge blessing for me.
In yet other news (not so great this time), my knee has been a real pain (literally, ha!) recently. I injured it for the first time not too long after my last post on this blog. I was playing an intramural soccer game, was playing above my limits (and knew it too), and ended up getting hurt. The first time it happened, I don't know if I've ever felt anything so painful. Yes, I say the first time...I have since re-injured it three times. Ugh. I went to the ERAU nurse for it, but she didn't really have anything to say, so I just kinda shrugged it off. I had nearly full mobility again in about a month...but promptly killed it again. This has continued for the last four months until I finally got sick of it, obtained health insurance, and made an appointment with a Sports Medicine specialist. My friend Stephen (who's played soccer pretty much all his life and knows firsthand about knee injuries) thinks it's the meniscus. In any case, I just hope it's not super-expensive to fix (if it even needs fixing...maybe I just need physical therapy) and that it doesn't involve a long recovery time.
This knee injury has frustrated me to no end because I haven't been able to do really anything active. I injured it the last time by throwing a football. Just that little amount of twist was enough to pop it out. That kills me...I'm a very active guy and not being able to do anything is really frustrating. I'm also in pretty much the worst shape of my life for the same reason. I just hope I don't have any permanent damage and can get back to my active lifestyle. I don't think I'll ever take mobility for granted again!
As far as church life goes, the Sovereign Grace Church here in Chesapeake is great! I just wish it was a bit closer (and maybe just a bit smaller). It's about an hour's drive south of me from Yorktown, where I'm currently living. It took me a while to get to know people, but once I did, they're very nice and very friendly. I find that the same Spirit that is in Daytona is in Chesapeake.
Nevertheless, this has been hands-down one of the darkest times of my life spiritually. This is really the first time I haven't had a circle of support around me during the week. At home, I have my family...at school, I have my friends. Here, I have no one. Yeah, there's church and church friends on Sunday, praise the Lord! But during the week, it's pretty dark. I get dragged down as the week goes on, typically becoming less and less Christ-like and more and more like the world. It's a relief to go to church on Sunday, wash all that off, and get a breath of fresh air.
I'm coming to realize that I rely too much on others for my spiritual well-being....I need to learn to rely on God for that and to supplement my own relationship with Him. My quiet time has been nearly non-existant and I haven't memorized Scripture in a long time. See what I mean? Everyone needs accountability, don't get me wrong...that's a main thing I'm lacking here! But I really find that I need to learn the spiritual disciplines on my own too....because at times like this when I have no encouragement, I have to work extra hard at the relationship. If I haven't built the discipline, the strength isn't there.
So, that's my life in a nutshell right now. Career = better than ever, with more opportunities than I'd ever dreamed I would have at this point. Finances = not bad at all, although not great...but transportation is now not an issue, thanks to Grumpa. Spiritual life = probably one of the darkest times ever, although I am actively trying to find ways to hook up with believers during the week for encouragement, accountability, etc. I could definitely use your prayers for that last issue.
Life. What a challenge! But what a blessing too. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away...blessed be the name of the Lord! =)
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Blessings
God has really proven Himself faithful on my behalf in the last week or so. I am just amazed at how He was continued to bless me.
First of all, finances have gotten really tough again. I haven't been able to work for about a week and a half because they haven't needed me...Paul Davis (PDR) is still waiting on the subcontractors to finish their jobs before PDR can do the finishing work. Because of that, I haven't been able to work (or produce income) for a while. Well, that's a problem. Even when I'm working as many hours as I can, it's not like I have extra money lying around. When I don't work at all...things get ugly.
Well, all that changed last week. I logged onto my Embry-Riddle e-mail account to see a message from ERAU Financial Aid. They informed me that my financial aid award had been adjusted. I looked to see exactly how, and was shocked. The University has awarded me two additional scholarships for the 2007-2008 academic year, totaling an extra $5,050 for the year!
That's not the half of it.
The scholarships are retroactive, meaning they were meant to apply to this semester too. Since I've already paid for this semester, I actually had a credit in my account of roughly $2,500! A refund check is on the way. I actually went to the cashier today and pulled out $150 for upcoming bills, and it's in my pocket right now. The other $2,350 or so will arrive via check in my mailbox very shortly. I plan to pay urgent bills with it, live off my PDR income, and stick the rest in a savings account to gather interest over the next two months.
Here's the cool thing. My federal student aid this year is a lot more than it was last year. Add to this the fact that my university expenses are reduced (living off-campus), and after some calculations, I find that my expenses due to the university are around $3,100 for next semester. Well, let's not forget the credit in my account....! As long as I don't spend too much of that credit on bills, I am looking at having to come up with less than $1,000 for next semester! This at a university whose estimated costs for this school year approach $40K! Is God amazing, or what??!
Wait, there's more.
Last Wednesday and Thursday was the career fair. I almost didn't go, but decided to do so at the last minute. Last year, the fair was quite disappointing. Most exhibitors said (in essence), "Thank you for your interest...come back next year." This year was much more exciting. Nearly everyone I talked to showed some interest in me as an intern for this summer. USA (United Space Alliance), FAA, and Lockheed Martin were all quite positive. Boeing was the most encouraging. I talked to a recruiter and he grilled me on the spot. He saw the good GPA and degree program and asked me some interview questions right then and there. Then he gave me a time and place the next day for a "mock interview."
Friday was the mock interview and it went quite well. He described it basically as a mentoring session. We went through the process of a full-blown interview, after which he critiqued me and then took a hard look at my resumé. He said I did a good job in the interview and he liked how I answered his questions. He did say my resumé needed a little help, so he showed me how to tailor it to Boeing's career requisitions. Then he gave me some homework and told me to apply for some internships (and to let him know which ones I apply for).
That experience was very encouraging. It was good to know that my interview skills are up-to-par, and also to see that I am becoming more desirable. I have yet to see what will come of the Boeing experience, but I am hopeful that between Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and everyone else in the industry I will be able to land an internship this summer.
Yes, I can say with authority...God has richly blessed me. I had a rather nasty head cold this weekend, but even in the midst of the worst headache of my life, I was able to say confidently that I am blessed beyond what I deserve.
"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!"
First of all, finances have gotten really tough again. I haven't been able to work for about a week and a half because they haven't needed me...Paul Davis (PDR) is still waiting on the subcontractors to finish their jobs before PDR can do the finishing work. Because of that, I haven't been able to work (or produce income) for a while. Well, that's a problem. Even when I'm working as many hours as I can, it's not like I have extra money lying around. When I don't work at all...things get ugly.
Well, all that changed last week. I logged onto my Embry-Riddle e-mail account to see a message from ERAU Financial Aid. They informed me that my financial aid award had been adjusted. I looked to see exactly how, and was shocked. The University has awarded me two additional scholarships for the 2007-2008 academic year, totaling an extra $5,050 for the year!
That's not the half of it.
The scholarships are retroactive, meaning they were meant to apply to this semester too. Since I've already paid for this semester, I actually had a credit in my account of roughly $2,500! A refund check is on the way. I actually went to the cashier today and pulled out $150 for upcoming bills, and it's in my pocket right now. The other $2,350 or so will arrive via check in my mailbox very shortly. I plan to pay urgent bills with it, live off my PDR income, and stick the rest in a savings account to gather interest over the next two months.
Here's the cool thing. My federal student aid this year is a lot more than it was last year. Add to this the fact that my university expenses are reduced (living off-campus), and after some calculations, I find that my expenses due to the university are around $3,100 for next semester. Well, let's not forget the credit in my account....! As long as I don't spend too much of that credit on bills, I am looking at having to come up with less than $1,000 for next semester! This at a university whose estimated costs for this school year approach $40K! Is God amazing, or what??!
Wait, there's more.
Last Wednesday and Thursday was the career fair. I almost didn't go, but decided to do so at the last minute. Last year, the fair was quite disappointing. Most exhibitors said (in essence), "Thank you for your interest...come back next year." This year was much more exciting. Nearly everyone I talked to showed some interest in me as an intern for this summer. USA (United Space Alliance), FAA, and Lockheed Martin were all quite positive. Boeing was the most encouraging. I talked to a recruiter and he grilled me on the spot. He saw the good GPA and degree program and asked me some interview questions right then and there. Then he gave me a time and place the next day for a "mock interview."
Friday was the mock interview and it went quite well. He described it basically as a mentoring session. We went through the process of a full-blown interview, after which he critiqued me and then took a hard look at my resumé. He said I did a good job in the interview and he liked how I answered his questions. He did say my resumé needed a little help, so he showed me how to tailor it to Boeing's career requisitions. Then he gave me some homework and told me to apply for some internships (and to let him know which ones I apply for).
That experience was very encouraging. It was good to know that my interview skills are up-to-par, and also to see that I am becoming more desirable. I have yet to see what will come of the Boeing experience, but I am hopeful that between Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and everyone else in the industry I will be able to land an internship this summer.
Yes, I can say with authority...God has richly blessed me. I had a rather nasty head cold this weekend, but even in the midst of the worst headache of my life, I was able to say confidently that I am blessed beyond what I deserve.
"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!"
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Insanity
It's obviously been a few days since my last post. I think this is because the word "busy" no longer accurately describes my life..."insane" is probably more like it. I recently sat down with a friend and found that after all my scheduled activities, I have roughly 4 hours of free time per week. So I have started keeping track of my time and how I spend it. I have been amazed to see just how much time I'm really spending on school...and also how much time I waste. I am definitely a work in progress when it comes to time management.
I got kinda scared yesterday. For really the first time this semester, I took a quantitative look at my grades, and wasn't pleased with what I discovered. I found that I have one A, three B's, and one C. NASTY! Those aren't horrible grades, but considering I have a 4.0 GPA up until this semester, those grades are far below my normal performance. While the discovery was rather unpleasant, I think it was exactly what was needed to remotivate me. It is still possible to pull out an A in every class, although it would take a miracle to do so in Dynamics (the class I have a C in right now). Good thing God's in the business of doing miracles! I also heard that the teacher may actually curve a little bit at the end of the year....if he does, that may just be my saving grace. But ultimately, all I can do is my best, and just let God handle the results.
Another thing adding to my busy schedule is a Bible study that I am starting up with Michael. He's a Resident Advisor on-campus, and has several kids in his hall that are interested in the study. He didn't want to run it completely himself (the University is pretty touchy about stuff like that), so he asked me to lead it. I am the primary facilitator, but he is of course there for backup, to stimulate discussion, etc. It's mostly evangelistic in nature, but there are one or two believers that will be coming as well. It makes me a bit nervous, because I've never led a Bible study before, but I think it will be a good experience. I just hope God uses us in the lives of these kids.
Beyond that, life goes on. The fleas still aren't completely gone, but they are fading slowly. The cat still hasn't returned. Work is going well, but I'm not getting the hours I need right now. Finances as a whole are still pretty tight, but my grandpa is flying me up to his place in Tennessee for Thanksgiving. That is such a blessing...I remember what a huge relief it was last year at this time to just dump everything for a few days and spend time in total relaxation. The absence of anything to do (which would normally bother me) was exactly what I needed.
I am already starting to joyfully anticipate my return home. It's always a weird dichotomy. In one sense, I miss my Florida friends (whom I grow closer to all the time), but in the other, I'm so insanely happy to go home. There's no comparison as far as the climate goes. One friend told me when I mentioned I was considering NASA at Cape Kennedy for a career, "But you hate Florida!" I wouldn't say I hate it...not unless you do a qualitative comparison between Florida and the NW. Then, yeah...I pretty much hate Florida. But it's not a bad place, all in all. I just wish all the people I love could be in one place. I know....I'll make Embry-Riddle and all my Florida friends relocate to the NW. Then I'd never have to leave. It's a nice thought anyway. I guess the lack of separation will make Heaven all the more joyful, huh?
I got kinda scared yesterday. For really the first time this semester, I took a quantitative look at my grades, and wasn't pleased with what I discovered. I found that I have one A, three B's, and one C. NASTY! Those aren't horrible grades, but considering I have a 4.0 GPA up until this semester, those grades are far below my normal performance. While the discovery was rather unpleasant, I think it was exactly what was needed to remotivate me. It is still possible to pull out an A in every class, although it would take a miracle to do so in Dynamics (the class I have a C in right now). Good thing God's in the business of doing miracles! I also heard that the teacher may actually curve a little bit at the end of the year....if he does, that may just be my saving grace. But ultimately, all I can do is my best, and just let God handle the results.
Another thing adding to my busy schedule is a Bible study that I am starting up with Michael. He's a Resident Advisor on-campus, and has several kids in his hall that are interested in the study. He didn't want to run it completely himself (the University is pretty touchy about stuff like that), so he asked me to lead it. I am the primary facilitator, but he is of course there for backup, to stimulate discussion, etc. It's mostly evangelistic in nature, but there are one or two believers that will be coming as well. It makes me a bit nervous, because I've never led a Bible study before, but I think it will be a good experience. I just hope God uses us in the lives of these kids.
Beyond that, life goes on. The fleas still aren't completely gone, but they are fading slowly. The cat still hasn't returned. Work is going well, but I'm not getting the hours I need right now. Finances as a whole are still pretty tight, but my grandpa is flying me up to his place in Tennessee for Thanksgiving. That is such a blessing...I remember what a huge relief it was last year at this time to just dump everything for a few days and spend time in total relaxation. The absence of anything to do (which would normally bother me) was exactly what I needed.
I am already starting to joyfully anticipate my return home. It's always a weird dichotomy. In one sense, I miss my Florida friends (whom I grow closer to all the time), but in the other, I'm so insanely happy to go home. There's no comparison as far as the climate goes. One friend told me when I mentioned I was considering NASA at Cape Kennedy for a career, "But you hate Florida!" I wouldn't say I hate it...not unless you do a qualitative comparison between Florida and the NW. Then, yeah...I pretty much hate Florida. But it's not a bad place, all in all. I just wish all the people I love could be in one place. I know....I'll make Embry-Riddle and all my Florida friends relocate to the NW. Then I'd never have to leave. It's a nice thought anyway. I guess the lack of separation will make Heaven all the more joyful, huh?
Monday, October 22, 2007
C'est la vie
Yes, life goes on. The weekend was pretty good, actually. I have very few complaints. Friday was a rough day, since I didn't get to bed until around 2:30 a.m. I got my Fluid Mechanics homework done, but didn't even touch the Differential Equations homework. Fortunately for me, the professor didn't collect the assignment...it's not actually due until tomorrow at the test.
I spent most of Friday finalizing (and mailing) my application to NASA for their Undergraduate Student Research Program. I applied for all three sessions (Spring, Summer, and Fall). If accepted to the program, I would work for NASA as a research assistant at one of their 9 locations nationwide. I specified several preferred locations, but they will of course have the final word. The position pays $9,000 for the spring or fall sessions and $6,000 for the summer session. I really hope I can land a position with them or another company sometime this year...my resumé could really use the boost and delaying my degree by one semester would put me back on track (taking fall classes in the fall).
I tried to go to work Friday afternoon, but after about an hour, I began feeling rather nasty. Ty (my supervisor) suggested I hit the road if I wasn't feeling well. I was reluctant to lose the hours, but after another half-hour, I decided to take his advice. I went home and chilled for a while, and felt better after that. I then vacuumed the whole house in an attempt to quell the flea invasion.
To my great surprise (and relief), the vacuuming made an INCREDIBLE difference. I could walk around the house freely without being attacked. I sat down on the couch (a daring move) to watch Black Hawk Down later for a couple hours and was only bitten once in the entire time. It was wonderful.
Speaking of which, I'm so happy because I can actually watch movies again! I got tired of Jesse's possessed DVD player, so I went to Wal-Mart and got a $30 player. I hooked up the audio to the existing DVD system's audio-in channel and the video to the TV and Presto! I had DVD capability (with a great sound system). I was watching Black Hawk Down with the volume and subwoofer up so high that whenever something exploded, the couch shook. It was awesome. =P
Later on Friday, I got to hang out with Kelly and her boyfriend, John. I hadn't met him before. He's a pretty great guy...I think Kelly made the right choice. =) I went over to Kelly's apartment and we all had pizza, played Smash Brothers, and watched Brad Stine's newest DVD, Wussification. It was very funny (as always), but I think Tolerate This! was still the funniest.
Saturday was a pretty low-key day. I got up rather late, grabbed some food, and generally chilled until around time for CFC. After CFC, most of the gang headed out to Go-Kart City to play mini-golf and race go-karts, but I wasn't really up for that...so Bryan and Tom and I headed back to my place to watch Cars. I love that movie, haha.
Sunday was also pretty laid-back. Most of the church was at Celebration, so there was a sparse crowd. Tom and Bryan and I sat in the very front and held up three signs that read "We ♥U Dan" at the beginning of the service. That got a few laughs. After church, we grabbed lunch at Riddle, and I headed home for some HW. Later that night, they came back over along with Bryan's roommate (Will) and we watched Wild Hogs. That movie cracks me up...it's very funny, but very inappropriate in parts.
Today was a good day as well. I got up on time for once, spent some time with the Lord, and headed to Riddle to finish up some HW before class. I got some breakfast, and headed to class. It's funny how starting the day off right sets the tone for the whole day. =) Tonight I need to study Diff Eq for a while...I have that assignment due and a big midterm tomorrow in that class.
So...that was my life over the past few days in a nutshell. Pretty boring, I know, but that's how it goes. Only 7 weeks left of school and then finals...and then home for Christmas!! =D
I spent most of Friday finalizing (and mailing) my application to NASA for their Undergraduate Student Research Program. I applied for all three sessions (Spring, Summer, and Fall). If accepted to the program, I would work for NASA as a research assistant at one of their 9 locations nationwide. I specified several preferred locations, but they will of course have the final word. The position pays $9,000 for the spring or fall sessions and $6,000 for the summer session. I really hope I can land a position with them or another company sometime this year...my resumé could really use the boost and delaying my degree by one semester would put me back on track (taking fall classes in the fall).
I tried to go to work Friday afternoon, but after about an hour, I began feeling rather nasty. Ty (my supervisor) suggested I hit the road if I wasn't feeling well. I was reluctant to lose the hours, but after another half-hour, I decided to take his advice. I went home and chilled for a while, and felt better after that. I then vacuumed the whole house in an attempt to quell the flea invasion.
To my great surprise (and relief), the vacuuming made an INCREDIBLE difference. I could walk around the house freely without being attacked. I sat down on the couch (a daring move) to watch Black Hawk Down later for a couple hours and was only bitten once in the entire time. It was wonderful.
Speaking of which, I'm so happy because I can actually watch movies again! I got tired of Jesse's possessed DVD player, so I went to Wal-Mart and got a $30 player. I hooked up the audio to the existing DVD system's audio-in channel and the video to the TV and Presto! I had DVD capability (with a great sound system). I was watching Black Hawk Down with the volume and subwoofer up so high that whenever something exploded, the couch shook. It was awesome. =P
Later on Friday, I got to hang out with Kelly and her boyfriend, John. I hadn't met him before. He's a pretty great guy...I think Kelly made the right choice. =) I went over to Kelly's apartment and we all had pizza, played Smash Brothers, and watched Brad Stine's newest DVD, Wussification. It was very funny (as always), but I think Tolerate This! was still the funniest.
Saturday was a pretty low-key day. I got up rather late, grabbed some food, and generally chilled until around time for CFC. After CFC, most of the gang headed out to Go-Kart City to play mini-golf and race go-karts, but I wasn't really up for that...so Bryan and Tom and I headed back to my place to watch Cars. I love that movie, haha.
Sunday was also pretty laid-back. Most of the church was at Celebration, so there was a sparse crowd. Tom and Bryan and I sat in the very front and held up three signs that read "We ♥U Dan" at the beginning of the service. That got a few laughs. After church, we grabbed lunch at Riddle, and I headed home for some HW. Later that night, they came back over along with Bryan's roommate (Will) and we watched Wild Hogs. That movie cracks me up...it's very funny, but very inappropriate in parts.
Today was a good day as well. I got up on time for once, spent some time with the Lord, and headed to Riddle to finish up some HW before class. I got some breakfast, and headed to class. It's funny how starting the day off right sets the tone for the whole day. =) Tonight I need to study Diff Eq for a while...I have that assignment due and a big midterm tomorrow in that class.
So...that was my life over the past few days in a nutshell. Pretty boring, I know, but that's how it goes. Only 7 weeks left of school and then finals...and then home for Christmas!! =D
Friday, October 19, 2007
Refreshing
God was really faithful to bring me rejuvenation over the past two days in answer to my frustrations earlier this week. It was actually pretty amazing!
Wednesday was the day I was studying for my SE 300 (Team Software Engineering) class. I actually skipped most of my classes because studying took priority in this case. I met Steve-O for our weekly lunch, during which we sat down and did an activity mapping out how I spend my time each week. We found out that yes, I am indeed very busy. In fact, we discovered that after everything (including a few hours of planned leisure time), I have about 4 hours of free time a week. Yeah...kinda crazy.
So I took the SE 300 test and it really wasn't bad. There were a couple questions I was unsure of, but it's not like math or physics where there is absolutely one right answer. There was one question in particular that busted me...it read, "What is regression testing?" I (being the wise-guy that I am) said, "Regression testing is when you 'regret' not studying certain material for the upcoming SE 300 'test.'" Har har. But he did say at the beginning of class that if we could make him laugh, he might give us a bonus point. =P
After the test, I met briefly with Sean (President of Christian Fellowship Club). We discussed some questions/concerns I had about the club and my position in it, whether I was actually the Worship Coordinator or just the Worship Leader. I also had some things on my heart regarding the club's focus....it seems a little too superficial for me. More on that another time, but Sean agreed with me 100% and mentioned that there will be some changes in the near future.
I was driving home after this when Lazir called me up. He said, "Hey, we've got a free ticket to the Jeremy Camp concert...do you wanna go?" I hadn't had the resources to go to the concert before, so I wasn't planning on going. But evidently Kelly had paid for her ticket and then had not been able to go, so there was a spot open. I still was hesitant because of the workload I had. I ended up compromising by bringing my Fluid Mechanics book to the concert and studying it whenever the lights were on! I felt like a nerd (and made myself look like one when interviewed on camera for the host church), but at least I got some studying done.
In any case, the concert was AMAZING. Mainstay opened for Jeremy Camp, and they were both very good. Jeremy was doing the "Unplugged" tour, so he did a lot more worship songs (more of an acoustic sound) than normal. It was great...God totally ordained that I go last night because it was exactly what I needed to relax and refresh my relationship with Him. I honestly think last night (and today) was the closest I've felt to God in months.
Today was also a very good day. I work all day on Thursdays, and ended up spending the day working with Drew. He's a young guy that just got engaged recently, so I picked his brain a lot about his relationship...I'm always trying to glean advice from those going down the path before me, particularly in that area. Work was tiring, but mindless, so a good break from studying.
After work and a shower, I headed back to school. The Student Government Association shows free movies every Thursday night, and this week's movie was Transformers. I love that movie, so I couldn't pass it up. I hooked up with a couple of friends to see the show, grabbed some food afterward, and headed home.
I'm actually interrupting my work right now to write this. It's around 2:00 a.m. and I have yet to decide whether or not I'm going to sleep at all tonight. I knew when I went to the movie that I would have a late night (having two HW assignments due tomorrow that I hadn't started yet), but I'm still deliberating whether or not to bash out some other stuff that needs doing too. Hmm....to sleep or not to sleep...that is the question. Of course, even when I do "sleep," it's not that restful. I still haven't figured out if I have insomnia, sleep apnea, or all/none of the above. I really should go to the doctor for that someday.
Anyways...life goes on. Or as the French say, "C'est la vie..." =P
Wednesday was the day I was studying for my SE 300 (Team Software Engineering) class. I actually skipped most of my classes because studying took priority in this case. I met Steve-O for our weekly lunch, during which we sat down and did an activity mapping out how I spend my time each week. We found out that yes, I am indeed very busy. In fact, we discovered that after everything (including a few hours of planned leisure time), I have about 4 hours of free time a week. Yeah...kinda crazy.
So I took the SE 300 test and it really wasn't bad. There were a couple questions I was unsure of, but it's not like math or physics where there is absolutely one right answer. There was one question in particular that busted me...it read, "What is regression testing?" I (being the wise-guy that I am) said, "Regression testing is when you 'regret' not studying certain material for the upcoming SE 300 'test.'" Har har. But he did say at the beginning of class that if we could make him laugh, he might give us a bonus point. =P
After the test, I met briefly with Sean (President of Christian Fellowship Club). We discussed some questions/concerns I had about the club and my position in it, whether I was actually the Worship Coordinator or just the Worship Leader. I also had some things on my heart regarding the club's focus....it seems a little too superficial for me. More on that another time, but Sean agreed with me 100% and mentioned that there will be some changes in the near future.
I was driving home after this when Lazir called me up. He said, "Hey, we've got a free ticket to the Jeremy Camp concert...do you wanna go?" I hadn't had the resources to go to the concert before, so I wasn't planning on going. But evidently Kelly had paid for her ticket and then had not been able to go, so there was a spot open. I still was hesitant because of the workload I had. I ended up compromising by bringing my Fluid Mechanics book to the concert and studying it whenever the lights were on! I felt like a nerd (and made myself look like one when interviewed on camera for the host church), but at least I got some studying done.
In any case, the concert was AMAZING. Mainstay opened for Jeremy Camp, and they were both very good. Jeremy was doing the "Unplugged" tour, so he did a lot more worship songs (more of an acoustic sound) than normal. It was great...God totally ordained that I go last night because it was exactly what I needed to relax and refresh my relationship with Him. I honestly think last night (and today) was the closest I've felt to God in months.
Today was also a very good day. I work all day on Thursdays, and ended up spending the day working with Drew. He's a young guy that just got engaged recently, so I picked his brain a lot about his relationship...I'm always trying to glean advice from those going down the path before me, particularly in that area. Work was tiring, but mindless, so a good break from studying.
After work and a shower, I headed back to school. The Student Government Association shows free movies every Thursday night, and this week's movie was Transformers. I love that movie, so I couldn't pass it up. I hooked up with a couple of friends to see the show, grabbed some food afterward, and headed home.
I'm actually interrupting my work right now to write this. It's around 2:00 a.m. and I have yet to decide whether or not I'm going to sleep at all tonight. I knew when I went to the movie that I would have a late night (having two HW assignments due tomorrow that I hadn't started yet), but I'm still deliberating whether or not to bash out some other stuff that needs doing too. Hmm....to sleep or not to sleep...that is the question. Of course, even when I do "sleep," it's not that restful. I still haven't figured out if I have insomnia, sleep apnea, or all/none of the above. I really should go to the doctor for that someday.
Anyways...life goes on. Or as the French say, "C'est la vie..." =P
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Frustrations
There are a lot of things annoying me right now, but I'm trying not to let them get the best of me. Especially after God's miraculous financial provision this past week, I'm trying to be grateful...but it's not easy.
First of all, there's the fleas. They are still not gone yet...on the contrary, the traps are still collecting their bodies like they're going out of style. I actually found one biting my arm today while I was taking a nap. That's a first; I've never had one on me while I was in bed before.
The second major annoyance is just my schoolwork. The rapid pace here at ERAU is killing me. It wasn't bad near the beginning of the semester, because I had all day Thursday and nearly all day Tuesday to study and play catch-up. But now that I'm working on those days, I really only have evenings to do that...and more often than not, those become occupied as well. I am falling badly behind in Fluid Mechanics, and I'm not exactly "current" on any class except possibly Team Software Engineering. It's so hard to get caught up when you're behind. It will all come to a head soon, as midterm exams loom on the horizon. I have to be caught up by that point, or bad things will happen.
I guess those are just the two major annoyances that have me a bit frustrated right now. They're quite manageable, all in all...I just need to get my academic act together. Brittany (Jesse's sister) is going to take Lucy (the cat) to her vet to be de-fleaed. Once that happens, Lucy will actually be an ally against the fleas because she'll literally be a roving flea trap. Anyways, Brit is going out of town this weekend to Celebration (like HOFCC's Family Camp, almost), so that may not happen until next week.
All in all, life is going well. I have no complaints about the weather recently (although it is just a smidgeon hot today). I do want to be more faithful about getting up early to work out though...it always seems to set the tone for a successful day when I do so.
First of all, there's the fleas. They are still not gone yet...on the contrary, the traps are still collecting their bodies like they're going out of style. I actually found one biting my arm today while I was taking a nap. That's a first; I've never had one on me while I was in bed before.
The second major annoyance is just my schoolwork. The rapid pace here at ERAU is killing me. It wasn't bad near the beginning of the semester, because I had all day Thursday and nearly all day Tuesday to study and play catch-up. But now that I'm working on those days, I really only have evenings to do that...and more often than not, those become occupied as well. I am falling badly behind in Fluid Mechanics, and I'm not exactly "current" on any class except possibly Team Software Engineering. It's so hard to get caught up when you're behind. It will all come to a head soon, as midterm exams loom on the horizon. I have to be caught up by that point, or bad things will happen.
I guess those are just the two major annoyances that have me a bit frustrated right now. They're quite manageable, all in all...I just need to get my academic act together. Brittany (Jesse's sister) is going to take Lucy (the cat) to her vet to be de-fleaed. Once that happens, Lucy will actually be an ally against the fleas because she'll literally be a roving flea trap. Anyways, Brit is going out of town this weekend to Celebration (like HOFCC's Family Camp, almost), so that may not happen until next week.
All in all, life is going well. I have no complaints about the weather recently (although it is just a smidgeon hot today). I do want to be more faithful about getting up early to work out though...it always seems to set the tone for a successful day when I do so.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Journaling
Ok, so I've decided that journaling is a good idea, so I'm going to start posting on here more frequently. Each post may be tiny, but I will try to post at least once every couple days. I just think it'd be cool to have a written record of what was going on in my life at certain times so that I can look back one day and remember. My memory will not last forever.
Wow, there's a lot going on right now. I am back in school here at Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach. After talking to Stephen Edwards, a friend and mentor, I decided to change my major to Engineering Physics. I think it more accurately reflects the interest I have in advanced theoretical physics...much more so than engineering. It will be challenging, but enjoyable. EP is the most difficult degree program at ERAU, so the little free time I have now will soon be gone. AE and EP match up almost exactly for the first two years, so nearly all of my classes should transfer.
Speaking of classes, they're pretty crazy right now. I am currently taking Differential Equations, Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Dynamics, and Team Software Engineering. A couple aren't too difficult, but a couple others are simply nasty. Dynamics in particular is a nightmare. I will likely lose my perfect GPA this semester. I could still get A's in all my classes...but it would take a miracle. In one sense, it'd almost be nice to get just one B so that the pressure would be relieved and I could just do my best without having to obsess about landing an A for everything.
I am living in my associate pastor's house while he's away at Pastor's College. He (Jesse) is letting me live there for a discounted rate, because he knows that my roommate and I will take good care of the property. It has been a real blessing to live in such a beautiful little house, but it has had its share of headaches. These include a minor mold problem, our water once being shut off, one of his cats running away, and a flea infestation (supplied by the other cat, who managed to lose her flea collar). If I was faced with the choice again, I would likely still choose to live off-campus....but the headaches are rapidly catching up to the benefits.
Speaking of my roommate (Jonathan), he is a real crack-up. He's one of those characters that are very reserved and really keep to themselves. It takes a while to get to know him. But once you do get to know him, he's really a pleasure to be around. He's a very militaristic kind of guy...he trained to be an Air Force MP until he was given a medical discharge at the last minute. I feel bad for him. He really hates that discharge, but after being somehow injured during training, the Air Force didn't have much of a choice.
So that's my life at the moment. Lots of things going on (and more that I didn't list here), but rather enjoyable too. I'll try to journal more often, so if anyone actually reads these, check back soon!
Wow, there's a lot going on right now. I am back in school here at Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach. After talking to Stephen Edwards, a friend and mentor, I decided to change my major to Engineering Physics. I think it more accurately reflects the interest I have in advanced theoretical physics...much more so than engineering. It will be challenging, but enjoyable. EP is the most difficult degree program at ERAU, so the little free time I have now will soon be gone. AE and EP match up almost exactly for the first two years, so nearly all of my classes should transfer.
Speaking of classes, they're pretty crazy right now. I am currently taking Differential Equations, Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Dynamics, and Team Software Engineering. A couple aren't too difficult, but a couple others are simply nasty. Dynamics in particular is a nightmare. I will likely lose my perfect GPA this semester. I could still get A's in all my classes...but it would take a miracle. In one sense, it'd almost be nice to get just one B so that the pressure would be relieved and I could just do my best without having to obsess about landing an A for everything.
I am living in my associate pastor's house while he's away at Pastor's College. He (Jesse) is letting me live there for a discounted rate, because he knows that my roommate and I will take good care of the property. It has been a real blessing to live in such a beautiful little house, but it has had its share of headaches. These include a minor mold problem, our water once being shut off, one of his cats running away, and a flea infestation (supplied by the other cat, who managed to lose her flea collar). If I was faced with the choice again, I would likely still choose to live off-campus....but the headaches are rapidly catching up to the benefits.
Speaking of my roommate (Jonathan), he is a real crack-up. He's one of those characters that are very reserved and really keep to themselves. It takes a while to get to know him. But once you do get to know him, he's really a pleasure to be around. He's a very militaristic kind of guy...he trained to be an Air Force MP until he was given a medical discharge at the last minute. I feel bad for him. He really hates that discharge, but after being somehow injured during training, the Air Force didn't have much of a choice.
So that's my life at the moment. Lots of things going on (and more that I didn't list here), but rather enjoyable too. I'll try to journal more often, so if anyone actually reads these, check back soon!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Back at home again
It's been a while since I've posted on this blog, but I did have a bit of an excuse. Finals and term projects tend to kinda monopolize one's time! But after a week of going absolutely insane, I finally finished all my schoolwork and headed home for some much-needed R&R.
I got into the airport in Portland at about 6:15 pm (about 30 minutes early, much to my mom's chagrin). There was going to be a large crowd of people waiting for me at the gate, but since I was early, they had to come find me at the baggage claim area. All in all, over 20 people (not including my family) came to greet me at the airport. I felt very loved. =)
After grabbing dinner at Izzy's (a local pizza and buffet restaurant), my sister, Janelle, Kevin, and I headed down to south Portland. We killed some time at Wal-Mart and then went to the movie theater to meet another group of people at the midnight showing of Spiderman 3. The movie was very intense, but rather long. We didn't leave the theater until about 2:30 in the morning.
The next day was my 20th birthday. I can't belive I'm 20 now...it makes me feel like an old man. I'm no longer a teenager. In any case, my birthday was pretty low-key, which was fine. I went for a drive with my mom (it was WONDERFUL to drive a car again!!), and had pizza for dinner. It was a very relaxing birthday.
Since then, I've been redesigning my resumé, working on my book, doing "Sonnydo" chores, and generally chilling. I'm going to enjoy this week, because next week is when the work begins. I'm going to find a full-time job and spend a lot of time finding scholarships for next semester. I'm really looking forward to the end of this summer though....I think a few of my Florida friends are going to visit me here!
I got into the airport in Portland at about 6:15 pm (about 30 minutes early, much to my mom's chagrin). There was going to be a large crowd of people waiting for me at the gate, but since I was early, they had to come find me at the baggage claim area. All in all, over 20 people (not including my family) came to greet me at the airport. I felt very loved. =)
After grabbing dinner at Izzy's (a local pizza and buffet restaurant), my sister, Janelle, Kevin, and I headed down to south Portland. We killed some time at Wal-Mart and then went to the movie theater to meet another group of people at the midnight showing of Spiderman 3. The movie was very intense, but rather long. We didn't leave the theater until about 2:30 in the morning.
The next day was my 20th birthday. I can't belive I'm 20 now...it makes me feel like an old man. I'm no longer a teenager. In any case, my birthday was pretty low-key, which was fine. I went for a drive with my mom (it was WONDERFUL to drive a car again!!), and had pizza for dinner. It was a very relaxing birthday.
Since then, I've been redesigning my resumé, working on my book, doing "Sonnydo" chores, and generally chilling. I'm going to enjoy this week, because next week is when the work begins. I'm going to find a full-time job and spend a lot of time finding scholarships for next semester. I'm really looking forward to the end of this summer though....I think a few of my Florida friends are going to visit me here!
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