-Friday, January 20th 2006
I'm going to go off on a little rant, because I haven't done that in awhile. Something you hear asked of people occasionally is "what is your pet peeve?" Well, I used to say that I never had a pet peeve. And I can now say that I do. And its a whopper. Let me tell you...
I dunno how your Christmas break went, but mine was kinda bad, in the fact that I planned to see many friends over break. And we all agreed to do stuff. And then I ended up sitting on my butt, at home, every night, because they never bothered to even make an attempt to call me. And no, I didn't just sit around. I talked to answering machines, left messages on rather drab Instant Messager boxes. In other words, what I'm saying is I made an attempt to contact people to find out what's going on, which turned out to be much more effort than anyone put forth in return.
Now, I know that in life, things don't always happen as planned. Things come up, events get postponed or even cancelled. That I understand. But its important to tell the person you've made plans with to let you know that you can't go through with them. Don't just sit there and say "Oh, well they'll figure it out when I don't show up." That's just plain rude. A quick phone call, or email, something that won't take to long, to let your friend know what's up is the best way to make sure that everything is cool, and nobody gets hurt.
I wanna tell you about my two friends, integrity, and trust. In this world, there's two things that will get you everything from respect to a job, and they are integrity and trust. When you can't attend a planned function, even though that may not be what the other person wants, a simple note to let them know you can't go earns you integrity and trust. When you can't do something, you forget, or just don't feel like it, and you don't tell them, that doesn't build integrity and trust. Untrustworthy people don't have many friends, nor do they get the jobs they interview for. And if you don't want to hang out with the person at all, don't make plans and then not show up. Just tell em that in the first place.
-Sunday, January 15th 2006
Once again, my children, gather around the campfire, and I will speak to you my thoughts of the past week. I'd like to point out this is the first time we've met in 2006, and apparently we're working on the second year of doing this now. So for those of you, who have tracked me through my mental trials and travels, wow, I can't believe you stuck around that long. And for those of you who don't want to, but would like to take a look into my previous insights, please feel free to surf back to the past thoughts.
Well its 2006, just past the first week of school, and what am I doing online you ask? Well, tomorrow is a holiday, Martin Luther King Jr day I believe. Or maybe presidents' day....armistice day? Whatever. If you've ever watched WKRP, you'll know what I'm talking about. No, this is the one and only vacation day we get between now and Spring break. And after spring break, its a month shootout til the end of the year. Yes, be forwarned, college ends (hopefully) in 15 weeks. Do you know what this means? It'll be summertime again, yay. And we'll all have summer jobs again, boo. Oh well, the money is good right?
Now we go from business and economics to the weather, with Ollie Williams. How's about this unusual weather we're having? 65 degrees on Jan 2nd? 55 last week? Its just nice, unbelievable spring-like weather. I've always thought spring was my most favorite time of year. Its when the leaves start growing, the flowers bloom, the grass starts greening up, the weather warms up, and especially, the birds return. Yes, you haven't realized it, but they're gone. Go outside and take a listen, especially if you don't live in a big city. Hear that? Silence. Nothing. That's what we get to experience all winter. And yes, you too will witness the return of the birds. You'll walk outside one day, and the sky will be filled with the sounds of chirping birds. And at night, crickets. And then you'll know, the best time of the year is here. But yes, the sky turns blue, the leaves start growing, the flowers blossom, the grass greens up, the lawnmowers start, 43 cars fire up their engines and take to the field in the greatest spectacle of racing, the DAYTONA 500!!!. Whups....I think we switched to sports. :-).
Well, its time for this Anchorman to log off for awhile. Be sure to tune in next time for the adventures of the Kung Pow, Buckaroo, Campaign.....Buffet...
-Saturday, December 31st 2005, 7:35 PM
- I haven't given you guys a good honest effort for a thought of the week lately, so if you've been waiting for one, here ya go.
- So here I sit after a meal of beans. Call it Fart Fest 2005 if you will. I don't exactly know why my parents do it. Some obscure tradition rumored to bring you good luck. We do this every year, just like tomorrow's tradition of corned beef and cabbage. Someday these traditions may be forgotten, and no longer executed. I won't mind so much if the ones about beans die.
- Every December 31st, I like to sit back, and reflect on what all has happened in the year. Usually I end up missing the year I'm in before its even over with. But I'm blessed with a pretty lucky life. I've got a family that loves me, I've got a pretty good truck, I've got some good friends, and even though sometimes life doesn't seem like its going to be fair, in the end it turns out okay. Its nice how I could have a bad year, and in the end I still would say it was "pretty good." So, I'd like to take a moment and share with you some of my highs and lows of the new year. And please, feel free to take the time to examine your own year.
- 2005 was the first time I'd ever asked someone out, right on January 1st. Let me tell you, its actually really special when you do something like that. And even though me and Michaela parted ways on rather crappy terms, I still care alot about her, and I still value what we had as my best relationship ever. So I guess I started off the old New Year right.
- It was the first year that I'd ever gotten a job, working over the summer at Heartland Automotive. That was what really pushed me and matured me. I don't know of many people my age who can say they have friends who are near retirement, but I know I can. Kay, Charlie, and all you other people at Heartland, thank you. I did alot of growing up those days. I learned how to be a bit more light hearted, not take things personally, and to just shrug it off if I screw up. So what? Fix it and move on. Also I probably wouldn't have made it through those days without em. It was also the first time I ever got to go on a road trip without my parents, of course with Michaela, to the Kings Island. Being as how my parents didn't really care for such places, I always felt kinda cheated. So when I got to go...I realized I wasn't cheated at all. These theme parks are neat, as long as you stay off the rollercoasters...
- I also got to experience a true wonder, something very few people get to take. I got a shot to go back in time. Yes, really. I got to see my ex-girlfriend Sarah, and her daughter Emma. It was like being thrown back into the past when I was a senior in highschool. 2 years of growing up, to finally be able to make things right with her. Didn't get it done though, but I hope wherever Sarah and Emma are, they are happy. Also got reacquianted with my ex, Ashlee, and was really hoping it'd be a similar powerful experience....but sadly, our schedules have yet to mesh where we can actually hang out with each other.
- I'm gonna bet you guys are getting tired of girls, but I have one more I'd like to mention, because if I don't, I may get killed. There's my other friend Sarah, Holtsclaw of course. She's a friend I met via the internet. In a way, she's like the female version of me. We've shared alot of the same experiences, we've got some stuff in common, and we seem to just about be able to finish each other's sentences. And because of her visits to Purdue to go shopping or what not, often times TJ, Dustin, Adam, and any of my other friends may end up in the local newspaper for some various silly stunt we pulled to relieve the frustrations of college life. Did I mention she's a writer for the local paper?
- In spite of all these good things, 2005 has brought with it its share of disappointments. Everyone knows I'm a big NASCAR fan, and no bigger disappointment was the underperformance of Dale Earnhardt Jr. This year was his worst season ever, winning only one race (2 a year since 2000 except for 2004 where he won a record 6 races), missing the Chase for the Nextel Cup, working with substandard cars, and a team who just tried their hearts out and still wound up short. It was also disappointing to see Michael Waltrip, fellow DEI driver, end his career at DEI and move to Bill Davis racing. Toyota is calling to NASCAR, wanting to become a contender for 2007, and since Michael's brother Darrell pretty well seems to be the pitch man for the Craftsman Truck Series, Toyota wants Michael to be their primary spokesperson for the Nextel Cup. And it was understandable. DEI doesn't want to leave Chevrolet, so Michael needed to find a team who'd consider it. Enter Bill Davis Racing, owner of the #22 Catepillar Dodge. There's a very strong notion that the team will switch to Toyota, along with a few others, if the Dodge Charger nose contraversy doesn't work out. So, two disappointed drivers.
- Lets see, of course with the best relationship of my life so far came the hardest breakup ever with Michaela. Its been abut 6 months, and it still hurts just as much as the day she dumped me. When, when, when will it ever end?!
- Once again I managed to successfully underperform in a class, thus I now get to initiate a "victory lap". Hence, do not pass go, do not collect $200, go straight to the beginning of the semester and start over. But, completely opposite to freshman year when I didn't do so well, I sit here comfortably. I'm not mad, I'm not scared that its gonna set me back any further. I know these things happen, and I tried my heart out to hit the cutoff for exams, but I missed by 1.2%. Had I have gotten that, I would have passed the class. It was a tall order to fill, and I tried my best, but I guess this wasn't a good season for me either. Hang on Jr and Mikey, I'll join ya.
- I wasn't the only one who had a rather rough year. I'm convinced whoever told me that college gets easier as you go on, was lying to me. Whether to make me feel better, or just in spite, I'm not really sure, nor do I care. Because of this fact however, I'm losing a few good friends, hopefully for just a semester. TJ's taking some classes back home. There's a threat Andrew will not be next door when I return, and even Edgar casts his doubts about a return trip from Idaho. Next semester may be very trying indeed. Also losing all my friends from home, to colleges across the United States, makes me a pretty lonely, unhappy person when I get to go home for the weekend and just sit around with very little to do, other than homework.
- These are only a few of the things I remember, there are probably many more where the only way I could remember is if I wrote them down. And in spite of all the bad, and in rememberance of all the good, I can still sit and say this year was a good one. And why do you ask? Because this was a year of large personal growth for me. I can look back 6 months ago, I can look back 5 years ago, and know that I have changed from that insecure, unhappy person I once was, to the more secure, happier person I am now. I'm exactly where I want to be, and for the first time in a long time, I'm happy with what's going on in my life. And I hope that 2006 is the year things will be even better. One may only hope. And of course, I hope it is good for you all as well.
- I leave you with this final note, as we end the holiday season. May your life be blessed with many good things upon you. May you draw strength from the bad times. You will achieve what you want to, even if takes more than you hoped. Keep your friends close, your family closer, and in the busy world of today, be sure to stop, and take some slow time out for yourself. That's the key to victory.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!
START....YOUR....ENGINES!!!
-Sunday, December 25th, 2005, 12:49 AM
- Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house...wait....I guess it is Christmas huh? Okay. Well, Merry Christmas everybody! Hope you and all your family and friends have a good one. That's really all I have for this week, so take it easy out there, okay?
-Tuesday, December 20th, 2005
- Twas 5 days til Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except mom and me. Dad's already asleep. And boy I hope we don't have mice. Mom hates mice. I'm not in the mood to deal with furry rodent objects.
- So how y'all doin? Good I hope. Enjoying break? You better be. Remember, you only get a couple more years of this...once you graduate college, you don't get to take 3 weeks off for Christmas, and 16 weeks off in the summer. Noooooo gotta work forever. So enjoy the time you have. I am. Today I changed the oil in 3 vehicles. Sound exciting? No?! What's wrong with you people?!! I also swept the floor. Yea, me, sweeper, and I didn't blow it up. Who'da thunk it? And I found my old pocket knife. I missed that thing.
- So here we are in the midst of Christmas shopping, with the target date just on the horizon. Yes folks, 5 days til. I've got 2/5 of my shopping done. Hopefully to have 4/5 done by this time tomorrow evening. Good luck to all you shoppers out there.
- I'm gonna end this early this week cuz I've really got nothin to say so if I don't put up anything else before Christmas, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
And as the sign reads.....God Bless y'all real good!
-Tuesday, December 6th, 2005
- So I was sitting here in a lab computer with no excuse NOT to update my website. It's been awhile. Quite honestly, I wonder if anyone even reads these things? If you do, give me a shout and let me know you still care!
- I was just looking over some past Thoughts that I had published to you. Did you realize that I've been doing this since October 31st of last year? This has been going on for more than a year? Wow! Doesn't feel like it. So much time flies when you're busy. That's one of the things that always bothered me. Remember how when you were a little kid, Sesame Street was on for an eternity, followed by Mr Rogers, and both those shows combined seems like it took a day to go by? Now, here we are in school, and days go by like hours. Hours go by like minutes, and minutes like seconds. And I'm only 20! Does time keep getting faster as we age, or does it have two speeds? Fast, and really fast.
- Well this is dead week once again. The week before exams that Purdue University is supposed to not give us quizzes or tests, assign new projects, and etc under penalty of something. But its been violated so many times, if I had a penny from Purdue every time they did it, I'd be a billionaire and Purdue would be a homeless person living in a cardboard box. Imagine the physics of trying to cram millions of square feet of buildings, trees, shrubs, roads, sidewalks, and squirrels into a cardboard box. No, what dead week means to students is that next week, is exam week. Exam week is a mixed blessing of sorts. They dangle the carrot at the end of our nose of getting 3 weeks off for Christmas break...but first we have to go through the hardest part of our lives to get to it. Oh well. Gotta pay your dues right?
- So to all of my fellow students, good luck on your exams, and always remember....someone will always do worse than you!
-Sunday, November 20th, 2005, 4:07 PM
- My favorite sport is coming to a close. The command has been given, the cars are making their parade laps, and I'm forced to keep in mind that next year won't be the same, and I should enjoy these last 400 miles. What's changing? For one, a bunch of good older drivers are retiring, like Ricky Rudd, and Rusty Wallace. Names, cars, numbers that you would expect to always be there with the same sponsors, won't be there anymore. Michael Waltrip is leaving DEI, so the #15 NAPA Chevrolet will never be again. And next year, the Ford Taurus will be a distant memory, replaced by the new Ford Fusion. And of course this is the last race of the year, which means for the next few months I will be going through severe NASCAR withdrawl. Luckily computerized racing games should help me bridge the gap. Its been a long, disappointing season for DEI, but still a fun one, and hopefully next year will get even better!
- Congratulations to Martin Truex Jr, for winning his second NASCAR Busch Championship in a row! Only a handful of drivers have ever done that, one being his owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr. If he's anything like Jr, he's gonna have a great future in the Nextel Cup and DEI. Good luck, my boy!
- Off to the races! Enjoy! And of course I didn't forget, Happy Thanksgiving y'all!
-Tuesday, October 4th, 2005
- Why yes, I haven't put up a message here for awhile. Thank you for noticing. No the last couple days, I've been busy. So I've been a little late putting up a message for this week. And I didn't even put one up last week. Boy you're gonna have to get on my case! Not doing my job am I? Oh well. I'll try harder next time.
- I was all fired up for Talladega this weekend. Junior's playground its been nicknamed. And what happened? A lap 19 crash took out 2/3 of the DEI cars. Which is sad because both cars were really good, and I, as well as many others, hoped it would be Junior's triumphant return. O hwell. It wasn't meant to be. But on the good note, Dale Jarrett won the race, and Jarrett hasn't won a race since 2003. So I'm pretty happy for him. Congrats Dale. You earned it.
- So I ended up hanging out with Sarah again this weekend. I think its interesting. You can know a person for years, yet, not really know them. What they say about time changing people is entirely true. Some for the good, some for the bad. But I really think I can say, without any offense, that Sarah is more fun to hang out with now than she ever was. :-). I had a really good time, and all we did was go to the park, and shop at Wal-Mart, and talk. That's the key right there. Talking. Or at least that's what all these relationship doctors say. Talking. Not movies, not music, not games or going out to eat every now and then. Just talking is the best date you can probably ever have. If you wanna call what we did a date.
- Well I am off now. Have a good week everyone.
-Tuesday, October 4th, 2005
- Why yes, I haven't put up a message here for awhile. Thank you for noticing. No the last couple days, I've been busy. So I've been a little late putting up a message for this week. And I didn't even put one up last week. Boy you're gonna have to get on my case! Not doing my job am I? Oh well. I'll try harder next time.
- I was all fired up for Talladega this weekend. Junior's playground its been nicknamed. And what happened? A lap 19 crash took out 2/3 of the DEI cars. Which is sad because both cars were really good, and I, as well as many others, hoped it would be Junior's triumphant return. O hwell. It wasn't meant to be. But on the good note, Dale Jarrett won the race, and Jarrett hasn't won a race since 2003. So I'm pretty happy for him. Congrats Dale. You earned it.
- So I ended up hanging out with Sarah again this weekend. I think its interesting. You can know a person for years, yet, not really know them. What they say about time changing people is entirely true. Some for the good, some for the bad. But I really think I can say, without any offense, that Sarah is more fun to hang out with now than she ever was. :-). I had a really good time, and all we did was go to the park, and shop at Wal-Mart, and talk. That's the key right there. Talking. Or at least that's what all these relationship doctors say. Talking. Not movies, not music, not games or going out to eat every now and then. Just talking is the best date you can probably ever have. If you wanna call what we did a date.
- Well I am off now. Have a good week everyone.
-Monday, September 19th, 2005
- Well happy Monday all. How are you doing? Okay I'm hoping. Have a good weekend? That's good. Well its back to work for all of us.
- I had an interesting weekend, or well, an interesting Saturday night. I basically told one of my friends, Devonna, that I'd pick her up and take her home after a charity car wash. So by the time that I got down to pick her up, I found nobody there. Apparently they all packed up and left early due to lack of customers. So I drove around for a spell looking for her, to no avail. And I ended up driving by my ex-girlfriend's house. Now for those of you who don't know, we went out back when I was a Senior in high school and we parted ways. That was almost 2 years ago.
So I'm out driving around, and I went past her house, and her dad was sitting outside so I thought to myself, ya know...why not. So I stopped and talked to him for awhile, and I ended up going inside to see Sarah's mom. And then I met Sarah and I got introduced to her 9 month old daughter. And I've gotta say...it all seemed the same...yet different. It was like...taking a piece of the past, and transposing it into the present. It was a kinda weird, really interesting situation. So afterwards we went out to dinner and talked for about 3 hours. And then I came home. It was truly as close an experience of "walking down memory lane" that I've ever felt.
- Oh yea, and hanging out with Emma, Sarah's 9 month old daughter, that was pretty cool too.
- Well that's all I have for this week. Bye all. Good luck on exams.
-Tuesday, September 13th, 2005
- I just got out of my second exam for the year, and the first for MET 211. What did I think of it? Well it was 2 questions longer than the hour we were alotted. But I like the professor, he's pretty nice and fair so we may see something back out of this. At the very least, the next test won't be as long. Its sad when 7 questions takes 60+ minutes to solve.
- New things to report. Hmm, new pet peeve. When you promise someone you're going to hang out with them, and then you totally blow them off...yea, I didn't particularly care for that. Oh well. Life goes on right?
- Furgee's motor should hopefully be ready this weekend. And yes, I know, that's what they said last weekend. So we shall see. Hopefully we'll have it back and in before the white stuff starts falling, and I'm not talking dandruff.
- And finally we have the freaky picture. See that picture of Dale Earnhardt up there? Yea. That was taken last weekend. Apparently they had some Dale Earnhardt impersonators at Richmond Virginia last weekend. Kinda freaky isn't it? That's pretty realistic. Maybe they had a fake Brian France giving Dale Earnhardt Jr a fake waiver to get into the Chase for the Championship of 2005. And next weekend, a fake Tony Eury Jr to fill the vacancy for crew chief of the 15, driven by Michael Waltrip.
-Sunday, September 4th, 2005
- Sorry all. I've been busy as of late with school and classes and stuff, so I haven't had the time to devote to updating the site. Oh well. If you're used to seeing me every day or every other day or so, then you pretty much know what's going on with my life anyway.
- Not too much new to report here. Added a few pictures on the website. Added a few more items to the list of stuff I've replaced on my truck. So you can check that out here. I'm still busy working so yea, not much will change around here. I'll be sure to add some new water though because the old is getting kinda stagnate and the mosquitos are still around....
- I am considering looking into some other forms of website hosting, as Purdue offers me a large web space, and yet I don't use it. Also I think the bandwidth is fairly unlimited which means that no longer would I have the deal with two people can view the stupid site before it goes down. Let the research continue.
-Wednesday, August 24th, 2005
- It's been awhile since I added anything here. I've been busy getting ready for college, moving into college, and now I'm getting the lovely experience of college classes. Actually I'm writing this right now between some classes. I had the free time. Next up on my list is one more class for the day, followed by a snack, and then maybe some rest. I'm tired. Why? Because I set my alarm clock for 6 am this morning...and yet I still woke up at 4 am, 5 am, 5:10, 5:20, 5:30, and 5:35 am. This is downright rediculous. What do I do, wake up just to see what time it is? And that's another problem, waking up. Yea, I don't like doing that. Do you? I didn't think so. I'm going through a weird experience right now where I will sleep a good 8 hours, wake up, and feel like I've slept for an eternity. And yet, I want to go back to sleep. Agh! Talk about weird.
- Well I'm going to go do some other important stuff right now. I'll update the site with pictures some other time. Have a good one.
-Saturday, August 13th, 2005
- I know I promised you guys I'd take pictures of the Brickyard, and I did bring my camera. Unfortunately I forgot in the car. Don't worry, I want to kick myself as much as you want to kick me. Instead I'm gonna go to various websites and try to pick up pictures from them, since the NASCAR community loves to take pictures of drivers and wrecks and stuff. That'll be nice, right? Kind of a compensation in a sort of way. Oh yes, and congrats to Tony Stewart for winning. I was really happy for him. Being from Indiana, this would be his hometown track, the one he went to see races at when he was a little kid. So he's fullfilled a lifelong dream. Kasey Kahne came in second, and I'm proud for him too since this was his second attempt at the Brickyard. Dale Jr unfortunately got wrecked and ruined my day. And he ran into his teammate Martin Truex Jr, who was making his first start at the 400. So that pretty well ruined my day, but good ol' Michael in the 15 charged right in and worked his tail off to earn a 16th place finish. Had the race been longer I bet he woulda been knocking on the top 10. So way to go Michael! And now I hear he might not be leaving DEI. Can't wait to find out!
- This has been my first week off from Heartland, and I still got paid yesterday! Woohoo. In hindsight, I kinda wished I had worked this week because I've been sitting around all the time trying to figure out what to do and being mad at myself for staying on the computer too long. I need to get off my butt more. Today, me and Nick made our usual last junkyard run of the summer. And like usual, I didn't find anything I wanted. Well, I mean I was going to look for a door handle for my truck, but I ended up wanting to buy a whole nother ranger and a John Deere combine to boot. Hey, how many people do you know that's restored a combine? Exactly! And its gonna stay that way too. I ain't made of money!
- And the most shocking of all, my girlfriend Michaela has dumped me. Yes, it was on World News Tonight. Actually, it didn't even get a mention anywhere. But yes, after 8...what I thought was happy months, she gave me the cold shoulder. Just like that. Turned on me as quick as you can snap my fingers. So yes, I miss her. I dream about her every single night and I can't get it to go away. I sit and listen to sad songs whenever I'm at the computer. But I think I'm getting better. As the song by Tracy Lawerence goes, "But I won't go so far as to say that I'm fine. Too much of what I've felt for you remains. I'd like to believe in the healing hands of time, but in truth I really can't say if I'm getting better, or just used to the pain."
- Until next week everybody.
-Saturday, August 6th, 2005
- Because I will be going to the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard tomorrow, I am going to go ahead and update my website today. I know it seems like I'm rubbing it in, and yes, I am. HA! :) But so I did a host of things this week to make you happy for one more.
So I guess I should explain some of the pictures above. I made them a little collage sort of thing. The first picture on the top left is of course, my girlfriend Michaela with her guitar (unnamed). She's looking to name her guitar, so if you have any suggestions, please email them to me! The second picture up there is one of my many cats, Sassy. At least, that's what Michaela calls her. Anyways, I ducked through the slats on the handrails of the deck to take a picture of her, but she got up and walked over to see what the camera was and I ended up with this amusing picture. Kinda looks like Hoops and Yoyo off the Hallmark ecards. The bottom left is a picture of my modified nametag from work that I wore the last couple days. And finally there's Buster, mole hunting. Intensive concentration.
And yesterday was my last day at work. Yes, it did hit me about 10-15 minutes til quitting time. It was actually quite fitting because when we got done, it was about 2:30 pm, and on really good days, we get out at 3. Yesterday, we got out at 3. So that's it. That's the end of it. I'm done. I will miss the people, maybe even the place, but I won't miss the work. I won't miss people always coming up and trying to get us to do stuff last minute. I won't miss standing around waiting on parts to come in. I won't miss being sent home, only to come in hours later, or worse yet, coming in hours early. But I will miss the people. That feeling will be the hardest to get over, and the people at Heartland make those bad days a little better. So kudos to you guys. I don't think I would have lasted this long without you.
I'm off for the week, headed to the Brickyard. I will probably have pictures up on the site soon, so stay tuned!
-Saturday, July 30th, 2005
- Well guys, I've been having a time of it lately. Everytime I get on to update my website, it acts like it times out or something. Usually after I get this old thought posted on the old thoughts page, and I start to write a new thought. Oh well. So far I'm doing lucky.
So being as how I didn't get to write you anything last week, let me tell you about my trip to Paramount's King's Island. This was a trip sponsored by Heartland Automotive for their employees. Michaela and I got ready and we went down there and after hunting around for a good 30-45 minutes, we FINALLY found the company picnic. Thanks people, for NOT giving us a map when we entered the park. For that matter, thanks people who made a big deal at the metal detectors. You know how when you go to the airports, they make you take all the metal stuff out of your pockets and run through the detector? Yea, they have those kinda things at amusement parks too. They LOVE steel toed shoes. I had to walk through that thing, AND then get wanded before I could pass. And oh yes, I had to check my little tiny knife at the door. Ooooh, big weapon there. What am I gonna do? Open an envelope? Anyways, we rode the Vortex, which is a rollercoaster that takes you upside down at least 7 times, and quite frankly the combination of speed and whips and turns and whiplash makes me never want to ride a rollercoaster again. I told Michaela if we got married and had kids, she can take them on those kinda rides while I stay firmly planted on the ground. Anyways, after that we did a few other things, and I think instead of talking about it, I'm going to just create a page on here and show you all the pictures she took while we were there. So tune in next time for the adventures of the Kung Pow Buckaroo Buffet... wait...
Also on another note, it does appear that I'll be getting to go to the Brickyard 400 again this year! Wooohooo! That will be next weekend, believe it or not, and I promise you I will have pictures, and I will post them on here as soon as I can!
And on a final note, this is my last week working at Heartland. Yay!!! Take this job and shove it....oh...man...its still not time yet! Sorry. I guess you will just have to wait. Anywho, I can honestly say I will never miss the place, or the work, but I will miss the people. I feel like I've made a bunch of new friends, and oddly enough, these people are all over the age of 20. That's different. But yes, I'm going to miss the people. I used to say that our department felt like a family, and to a degree it still does. But with all the layoffs and the personell changes, our family is starting to feel a little bit broken, so I think now is probably the best time for me to leave, before that feeling really does go away for good.
Welp, I'm out for this week. Tune in soon and see what upgrades to the website I offer. Have a good one.
-Monday. July 18th, 2005
- Good evening everyone. This is me signing on one more time to talk to you about what's going on in my little world. Sorry about not putting stuff up last week. I intended to change the quote, but Geocities went down because I went over my allowed bandwidth and they shut me down for over the hour that they promised. Yay. So I gave up and stopped caring.
- Things to note in my life:
1. This is my 3rd to last week at Heartland Automotive. I will be putting in my 2 week notice Friday.
2. I may very well be getting to participate in the Putnam County 4H Fair Parade on Friday...thank's to previously mentioned Heartland Automotive.
3. Michaela and I will be going to Kings Island this weekend in Cincinnati Ohio, courtesy of previously mentioned Heartland Automotive.
Wow. after reading that, Heartland Auto has pretty much taken over my entire life. This is not cool.
- As you may or may not have read, it was announced late last week that Michael Waltrip will NOT be returning to Dale Earnhardt Incorperated for the NASCAR Nextel Cup 2006 season. That means the 15 car will be up for grabs. DEI is currently in talks to keep NAPA as their primary sponsor, however NAPA has also expressed interest in Michael no matter which team he ends up working for. No word yet as to who he will be racing for next year, or if he will even be racing at all. I'm just sad this all ended like it has. I wish it wasn't so.
- The question has been posed to me though, when Michael gets another ride, will I still root for him, or will I root for whoever ends up riding in the 15 car. Well to be quite honest, the answer to that question is yes. I'm very committed to DEI. I will support Dale Earnhardt Jr, and now Martin Truex Jr, and whoever may end up in the 15 car. But I like Michael. So even if he ends up driving a VW Beetle I'm still going to be loyal to him, probably even put him before whoever drives the 15 car.
- Another question asked of me was if I was to root for someone outside DEI, who would it be? That answer would be: Tony Stewart. No, I'm not picking him because he's won 3 of the last 4 races. I'm picking him because he's an all around decent guy. You know you could have fun with Tony if you met him in person, and he's a native Hoosier. Matter of fact his parents live down the road from my aunt and uncle in Columbus. I THINK. At least that's what I remember. But yes, I'd pick Tony.
Have a good evening y'all.
-Sunday. July 3rd, 2005
- Well happy 4th of July everybody. We're a day early here, but that's fine with me. who wouldn't want to play with fireworks a day early? Just be careful and count your fingers and toes before and after each firework is set off, that way you'll know if you should be going to the hospital or not.
- Anything new going on around your place? Well lets see, not too much here. Got Furgee all prepped for the mowing season except for one thing: gas. You know, that's kinda important. Gotta have gas to make the tractor go. And then they complain that all these vehicles and tractors and machinery we use create all this pollution that goes into the atmosphere and causes the greenhouse effect. Actually, Dad heard a report the other day where they said we're now hurting the Greenhouse effect because our cars are getting less polluting and the greenhouse effect is going away, causing more of the sun's energy to get through the atmosphere and it warms up the earth too much. Apparently alot of sunlight is reflected off the earth with this same greenhouse effect we've been told will cook us in our own juices if we're not careful... so it kinda sounds like we're *&^%ed if we do, and we're *%@#ed if we don't, don't it?
- Other things. Last night was the Pepsi 400. Dale Jr needed a good finish, and he needed it badly if he wants to stay in the chase for the championship. And he got it too, motoring from 39th to 3rd in under 160 laps. Tony Stewart dominated the race all night long, leading over 150 of the 160 laps, and went on to take the checkered flag. So good for Stewart, this is his second win in a row, and GREAT for Jr! Wooohooo! Michael ran in contention most of the race, but about 75 laps to go he cut a tire and tore the NAPA Chevrolet all to pieces, but on his way out he took out the points leader, Greg Biffle. I don't like Greg Biffle. He wins too much, and when he doesn't win, he whines. So I can't complain, though I did like the Stars and Stripes NAPA Chevrolet. Michael plans on winning next week's race at Chicagoland, so you can bet to see the 15 in victory lane.
- So until next week, same time, same channel, keep your stick on the ice.
-Sunday. June 26th, 2005
- Alright, so its been awhile since I updated the website. But I have a decent excuse, I've been busy. Anytime I'm not working, I'm...well...complaining about working. And I'm sure that gets old alot, but you know what, I still have a job so you all can tough it out a little more :). Nah I think its starting to wind down, and its interesting how fast my summer went while I have had this job. Its like, we've got not much left to do before it ends and we start back to school. Ugh, school, not something I want to think about right now. But its also interesting, I don't like my job, yet, I find myself looking forward to it because it gives me something to do. And the money is good too, but that's not really the reason I'm doing it.
- So I have realized once again that I haven't really given you a good quality thought for awhile now. And let me mention, that is hard to do kinda, because I can't just dream up something right off the bat. No, some effort gets put into these things. Like my question about Earthquakes. Okay, that will be my thought of the week. In school, they always taught us that if there's ever an earth quake, we should get under our desks. Okay...so this little 35 pound metal and marble (at least I think that was marble, it had the right finish on it) table is supposed to protect us from the falling ceiling tiles, the drop ceiling grid work, and heavy girders that may break and fall upon us? I don't think so. And what if we're out in a hallway and the concrete blocks start cracking and falling to the ground? Not good there either huh? So if there's an Earthquake, why don't we go outside? I mean go outside in the middle of a parking lot or something...because out there, there's no roof to fall on you. Maybe a tree, a telephone pole, or a light pole if you're really unlucky...but if you go outside, doesn't that pretty much make you safe? So why don't they tell people to go outside when there's an earthquake? I know you can't during a storm or a tornado, that I understand, but isn't an earthquake a special circumstance?
-Saturday. June 11th, 2005
- Ok. So I didn't update the website last week for a good reason: I was busy, and thus I forgot. So here's your update for the past two weeks. I widened the main page because, well lets face it, that was annoying wasn't it? I mean its great that you can still see it all in spite of that stupid Yahoo toolbar that pops up on the right. I mean, what use is that thing anyway? Its not. Its just advertising. There's no room for advertising on my website, so I made it bigger. Now you have to minimize the toolbar to see everything, but hey, the Muddy Hole TM got a little bit bigger, and things are going well when the mudhole grows. So I hope you like this better, cuz I sure do.
- Any personal thoughts I've come up with this week? Well lets see...I'm starting my 4th week of work...Or have I been there 4 weeks already? Time gets confusing. Ever notice how during the school year, you can't help but remember the dates usually, because you're writing it down on EVERYTHING. But then over the summer, you don't know what the date is for weeks at a time. Nor do you really care. Nope, the passage of time doesn't appear to exist over the summer, unless you have a job. Then the passage of time isn't fast enough, and quitting time can't get here fast enough. We spend all of our time looking forward to something else, whether it be lunch, closing time, tomorrow, the weekend, age 16, age 18, age 21, retirement, we stop looking at the present and enjoying it while its here. So yea, do that today. You're hearby required by law of the Muddy Hole to stop, and enjoy the moment. And after all that rant and rave, I still don't know what date it is.
-Sunday. May 29th, 2005
- Yes its been awhile, I realize, since I last came to you and talked to you about what I was doing, or what's been on my mind. Truth is, last Monday I started a new job, and I didn't want to get on here and complain about "Oh I have to work. Woe is me." Cuz ya know, nobody likes that. Nobody likes it when you feel sorry for yourself. So I haven't said anything. Anyways, after my first week of work at Heartland Automotive (we make headliners for Suburu), I can say it definitely is tiring. The people there are interesting though. In spite of the fact we often have to work over time due to another department's screw ups...even though we're all very annoyed, we still try to have a good time. I'm truly impressed with these people's abilities. Its almost stress free where I work...almost.
- Also I had several graduations this week...and by several I mean two, however there was a fair number of friends at one, and my cousin Robbie in the other. So first off, Friday we had a graduation at GHS, so I want to congratulate (See Sara, this time I spelled it right!) Kenya Ferrand, Jesse Kendall, and Chris Sedillo, and the rest of my friends in that class, cuz 13 years is a long hard haul and you guys not only did it, you did it and received high honors. So good for you. Have a sucker :). And secondly to my cousin Rob, who will probably never read this, congrats man, and good luck at UK.
- Anything else I need to mention? This is Memorial Day weekend...there's a NASCAR Race on and I finally get to watch it! Yay! I hate how the last few races have been on FX and we don't get that channel. So I've been having NASCAR withdrawl. I guess I don't really have anything else to report, so until next week, if the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.
-Saturday. May 14th, 2005
- Well its Saturday night. I had nothing else to do so I'm in the process of updating the website. Adding some new things. I've been pestered by a few people that want me to add their pictures to my website, and I will get to that. I promise. The pictures are on my computer downstairs. So I'll try and take care of that tonight.
- Other things to mention: last night I went to prom. No, we're not talking about the one with Kenya, that happened about a month ago. No, last night I went to prom with Michaela. That makes 5 this year! That's awesome! And weird! But anyways, yes, I'm going to hang it up after this. But that's not what I want to talk about right now. I experienced an odd moment last night. When we were standing out there on that dance floor, she went to go dance with one of her friends, and I sat on the sidelines and watched her. And I dunno what it was, maybe her, maybe her dress, maybe the scenery. I dunno what it was, but it just seemed like an absolute fairy tale. Ever hear of Cinderella going to the prom? But, I dunno. She looked absolutely stunning. I can't even begin to explain it. I've certainly never imagined it. I am truly a lucky person for being with her, and being her boyfriend. It feels absolutely wonderful, I've never felt like this about anyone before, and quite honestly, I don't think I could feel the same way about anyone else. Help! I think I've fallen in love!! I'm over my head!!
- On another note, tonight I was sitting here listening to the Chevy American Revolution 400 at Richmond International Speedway, and its the first time that Kasey Kahne ever won a Nextel Cup race. He's tried all last year, and all this year, and he's had absolutely the worst luck. Always having a great car that gets wrecked somewhere near the end, or slipping up somewhere about halfway through. And he finally won one! I know I'm a big fan for DEI, but I've got to congratulate Kasey Kahne. He drove a strong race, and I'm sure fans everywhere, even fans who don't belong to him, are very proud of him. Good job Kasey!
-Sunday. May 8th, 2005
- Well sorry I didn't write anything last week. I was pretty busy and all. Had a four day weekend and still didn't get everything done that I needed to. Oh well, that's life.
- So new big things to talk about: for one, I'm 20 now! Woohoo. It actually happened last Tuesday, but I was so busy. Anyways, thanks to all the people who sent me e-cards or short messages. I really appreciate it. Nothing makes a person feel better than to know when they're cared about, and lately, I really needed that boost, so props to everyone!
- Another big change in the wind: No more school! Yes, that's right! Today (well, technically now it was yesterday), was my final day of college for this semester, and My two hardest tests fell together on that day. I can't say I did great on both of them, but at this point, I'm just glad I made it out alive!
- And to all my friends of Purdue who read this, I hope y'all have a great summer, and keep in touch, and enjoy it. Cuz we'll be back prank calling everyone next year!
-Monday. April 25th, 2005
- Its the last Monday of the year! Yay for me! I have no more Mondays until August! Which is good. I feel sorry for those people who have an exam next Monday.
- How was your weekend? Pretty good I hope? Let me tell you about mine. My friend Kenya asked me to her senior prom. Isn't that sweet? So anyways, I wanted to go with her so I could assure she'd have a good time. And she did, for which I am glad. I got to see her all dressed up, and she got to see me all dressed up, and now between the two of us, we have plenty of black mail pictures. Some of which may end up on the site because I don't think she reads my site anyway! One of the more interesting things that happened was the fact that the NASCAR Nextel Cup race was on Saturday night instead of Sunday like usual, and they just happened to have that on the tv in the main lobby. Let me tell you, I wasn't the only person watching! Which makes me wonder, if your prom features a tv tuned to the NASCAR race, would you be a redneck? I'd guess so.
- So on a more serious note. I was just sitting here looking at this computer room (ENAD 302), and as I glance around I can see one girl. Maybe two...all I can see is a head. And it looks female-ish...you know...long hair. But these days, how could you tell? Anyways, so I'm looking here and I see one girl. One. Maybe 15 guys. One girl. Where are they all? So then it gets me to thinking, well, how many girls are in Engineering? How many girls are in Technology? A few, but not a whole lot. Well...why is that? Most of the girls I know are psychology majors, or better yet, education! Yes that's right, most of the opposite sex I know want to teach grades 6 and below. But no takers for the technology industry? Why? Is it the lingering effects from a world's stereotypical past? Or is it that girls just don't care about technology and stuff the way I doubt I could appreciate to the fullest extent, teaching, or psychology. Though someday I may end up in a chair at a psychologist's office...
-Monday. April 18th, 2005
- So, I have to go to class soon. I haven't had the time to update anything. I did put up some new pictures on my website, and I'm considering adding a little banner to one of my more favorite bands, Big & Rich. So yea...in the spirit of me having no time ... chickens look ugly. There's no two ways about it.
- Have a great week.
-Tuesday (yea, I know. I was busy), April 12th, 2005
- So I was downstairs eating lunch, minding my own business, and I overheard this couple next to me arguing. I wasn't evesdropping. When two people talk loud enough, it becomes perfectly legitimate for you to listen because they're practically yelling and its all you can hear. Anyways, I guess their relationship wasn't going too well, and she was wanting to yell at him, so he got out his laptop and refused to say anything to her until he finished playing Solitare. After that, they started talking again and everything was just peachy. Anybody find that weird?
- Also, I'm tired of inconsiderate people. You know the type. The kind of people who will stop everyone in the tray return line so they can talk to one of their friends. Yea, I'm tired of inconsiderate people. We should round them all up and put them in a crate and ship them to Abu Dabi.
Monday, April 4th, 2005
- Well this does appear to be my first entry into the website for the month of April. Last week's Monday was pretty darn good. Actually all of last week was really nice because it was a break from big exams, projects, and all sorts of stuff. Everything just kinda left me alone last week and it was a great time to relax and recharge and get ready for the last 4 weeks of school! Yes, that means only 3 more Monday entries for this website. Aren't you so glad? I bet not. I wonder how many people even read this?
- Anyways, I was talking to one of my friends the other day and she brought up a very valid point. In your life, you're gonna have friends, and you're gonna have someone special. That someone special will be the person who is always there for you, and always cares how you feel. And you know you are that special someone to somebody who you are always there for, and they always care how you feel. This seperates the so-called friends, from the really true friends. It sounds really elementary when you first read it, but take a moment and you can actually see just how deep this comment can really get.
-Monday, March 28th, 2005
- Well this has been the best Monday I've had all year. No exams this week, a fairly light homework night, and the weather outside couldn't be better. Yup, Best Monday all year. I took my friend Kathy for a walk in the woods over in the park, and we talked about stuff and had a good time. We only have 5 weeks of school left before classes are up, and then a few days of pure torture with exams, and then I'm out for the summer! Yay!
- So people, this is the time of year to do that spring cleaning. Do the things you've wanted to. Make the time to do something special. Love the people you're with, and just all around be happy. Because Spring is the best time of the year, and after a cold, dreary winter, this is just what the doctor ordered! Now if you'll excuse me, I believe I have an email I've been putting off for a few months.
Hasta Lasanga!
-Monday, March 21st, 2005
- Another Monday. Another Monday in a string of Mondays. Strung from here to the end of the year. Let's see... probably about what, 5 of these things left? And then exam week, but I'm not counting the Monday of exam week because the Monday of exam week I have no exams so I will not be here on the Monday of exam week. Getting a tad repeditive, eh?
My spring break was good, how's about yours? I didn't get much done around the site, but you know what? That's my perogative :). I did do a few things here and there, but not enough to amount to much. So I will eventually get around to updating some more things because alot of the information on here is somewhat outdated. Not totally, just somewhat.
Class begins soon. My physics lab got out later than I hoped it would. So instead, I'm sitting in a computer lab, waiting for my next class to start. I'm hungry. I hate my Mondays. They have all the classes back to back. They're as bad as my Fridays. But you can't actually hate a Friday, ya know? Cuz its like, Friday. The best day of the week. So um...yea, I'm gonna go now, and finish my Monday, which is in a string of Mondays, from here til the end of the year. And stuff.