Two Completely Different Peninsulas

Even though school is out for the year, it doesn't mean I'm not learning anything.

My grandpa has been a hero of mine for as long as I can remember. He's the coolest guy I know, and spending time with him this week is making that even clearer. Yet there are some obvious differences in how we live our lives.

Something about being in the military, and probably being old too, gets him up at 4 a.m. every day to make a pot of coffee. The thing I prefer about grandpa, compared to other ex-military I've lived with, is his sneakiness.

There are other guys that wake up at an ungodly hour, and want everyone to be up with them. So I appreciate my grandpa not being obnoxious...

Another thing I find funny about him is that he believes everything he reads on the Internet.

There are some very interesting people that find some very interesting ways to convince other people to believe in their very interesting theories.

But the best part about my grandpa, which is also the part I could really benefit from imitating, is his demeanor. He’s been married to my grandma for more than 50 years, and though he’s been mostly deaf for about 20 of those years, he’s still able to make my grandma and everyone around him happy.

That is something that I strive for in my own life. My main purpose is to make everyone I know as happy as possible. Though I’ve driven off that track recently, this trip is opening to my eyes about what my real purpose is.

My days of selfish searches for happiness are over, and its back to being me.

It shouldn’t have taken a trip down to Florida to make me realize this, but the pancakes were definitely worth the trip.

Vacation?

“I did absolutely nothing, and it was everything I dreamed it’d be.”-- This basically sums up my last 5 days on planet Earth.

I haven’t been this lazy, this bored, this…fat in such a long time.

It is times like these that make me realize how much I appreciate school and the stress that comes with it. Even though classes are hard, and most of them stupid, it is still a responsibility that keeps people like me sane.

I’ve already cleaned my apartment, and my car, I’ve done all my laundry, and I’m going to bake up a storm tomorrow…what else is there to do?

I leave for Florida on Friday, and I will be there until the first week of January. That’s awesome, I know.

But will it make a difference? I am afraid I will just be bored AND warm. Plus, I won’t get to see my friends at all over Christmas break.

I guess I just miss hanging out with certain people, and I am recognizing that I would rather be with them than be warm…and not have to worry about scraping off my windshield…or have to wear multiple layers of clothes…ok, so maybe my friends can wait.

Regardless of all those things, and how I rank my friends against my warmth, I miss school. I am still in town, still walking distance from my classrooms, but it’s the people that make the difference.

I hope that I feel different at the end of next semester. I hope I am ready to move on from college and start working in the “real world.” I can’t imagine living my life without talking to the people I am talking to now. It seems impossible to think that I will need to spend more than $100 a week on myself. I feel like I could live like this forever.

But I know that’s not true. I have to move on. Just like that relationship you were in that caused you so much stress, and made you so angry sometimes, after it’s over…you miss it.

I guess I just need to find a new girlfriend…right?

n/a

Throwback Jams

I am the traffic cop.

i stand in the middle of life's traffic and direct people where to go, and help them along. i am more concerned about their well-being than my safety.

compliments come in fleeting moments. "how brave you are." "i wish i was that strong." but with the next breath, they are back into the traffic.

so i decided i wanted to hitch a ride. i was tired of being stagnant in the middle of the intersection, and wanted to get out and GO somewhere. luckily, there are people that oblige.

so we took off at the speed of life. i was initially blown away at how effortless it is to live this kind of life. how easy it is to meet new people and share experiences. but then i realized that this was not what i thought it was. instead of being a willing passenger, i became an uncomfortable prisoner trapped in the trunk.

every now and then i say something positive about it. "at least i'm laying down." "i don't have anyone else to worry about." but those are easily outweighed by the darkness...the loneliness...and the insomnia.

one day this car will run out of gas, and the driver will let me out of the trunk and say to me, "look. look at where i have taken you." and i will see the place that i have been telling people all my life to avoid. the place where people are broken into other people, dependent on identities that are provided from people who don't have one themselves. more than likely, it will be a desert. except, instead of grains of sand, there will be millions of lost people that will still say "this is the life."

no doubt, i will find someone that is on their way out, saying, "i need to get out of this place." and i will know exactly where to go. and instead of being cargo in the trunk, i will be a passenger. i will get to see the sights. see the things that i had done to get to where i was, and see how long of a drive it really is.

as we return to the city, the comfort i always had will be looked upon differently. i will pass another traffic cop that has a wanting look on his face: a face of jealousy. i think to stop and give a warning, but realize that it is a trip he must take.

as i settle into my new life, i realize that it is not the cop that keeps the traffic sane...it is the traffic that keeps the cop sane. the need for guidance is one everyone has, but those who give it are in need of a different experience entirely.

despite being road weary, i am glad to have taken that trip.

and at least now i can say:

i am no longer a traffic cop.

As deep as the snow...

If there’s one thing I do like about winter, it’s the walks.

There’s nothing I enjoy more than taking a walk in the calming snow, listening to Explosions in the Sky, and just thinking.

Of course, tonight the thoughts were a bit more depressing than usual.
As I sat down to enjoy my McDonald’s dinner, completely comprised of dollar menu items, I realized what I was wearing…of all things.

I noticed my $400 North Face jacket was covered in snow, so I brushed it off with my $70 Burton gloves. The snow got all over my $150 iPod, as well as my $100 LG Chocolate.

If you’re thinking, “Wow, this kid is well off,” that’s exactly what I was thinking. I remembered that when I came to McDonald’s as a kid, I never imagined I would have all this expensive stuff.

It was a good realization: I have been blessed throughout my childhood and that I have grown into a very fortunate college student.

Then as I left, to continue my hike to campus, I thought of how exactly that all came to be, and how things are now.

I thought about how I will be the first kid of my generation, on both sides of my family, to graduate college…and it’s not because I am the oldest. I am far from it.

To be honest, it couldn’t come at a better time. My parents have sacrificed so much for me and my three brothers during our time in their house. And now that we have all gone off to college, things are finally starting to catch up with them.

They are foreclosing at the beginning of December, and will be without a home of their own for the second time in their life. All so I could have my jacket, and my gloves, and my phone…

To be honest, I can’t help thinking of that really sad scene from Titanic, where Jack dangles in the water while Rose is safe on the door. My parents have sacrificed so much so that I can live through the night. Now I have to make sure that I make their sacrifice worthwhile.

Needless to say, there’s a lot of pressure for me to succeed. There have been too many “near-successes” in my family, and I am the one that has to go take the cake. My mom has always called me “the perfect child,” and I have worked hard to maintain that title. Trust me…I have made A LOT of sacrifices to make my family proud.

Yet, I am still far from successful.

I know that I have $11 in my wallet to last me until Wednesday, a multi-thousand dollar loan to apply for to pay for next semester, and an internship to find so I can get out of school and finally start my life.

The only thing keeping me together is the people around me. I have always believed that I am fueled by those around me and what they are feeling. Luckily I have met some AMAZING people here at school, and when Thursday comes around and I have to say what I am thankful for…you can guarantee that I’ll be name dropping.

So in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I just wanted to give you some perspective of things that you have that you may be taking for granted. My story is in no way a tragedy, in which I need any additional love, support, money, or sympathy. Just wanted everyone to know that even in the face of huge struggles, there is always something to be thankful for.

So find that something, and hold on tight.

n/a

Here we go.

Sunday, September 7

I just saw the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. EVER.

Trust me, I see a lot of girls where I work. I see a lot of girls on campus. I see a lot of girls everywhere. But this girl, I promise, is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL one I have ever seen.

I always wondered about people that believed in “love at first sight.” I always believed that it was kind of an oxy-moron. If anything, it would be “lust at first sight” because the only thing you get…is what you see.

But I think I get it now. For some reason, and I don’t know if it is because I am really bored sitting here at work, I honestly think that there is something special about her. To be honest, there’s no way to not be creepy in this situation. I can’t exactly go up to her and say, “Hi. I’m Neely. You are…gorgeous.”

I’ve been called many things in my life, but smooth has never been an adjective used to describe me. So, as I sit here, going out of my mind, all I could think about was to write a blog about it.

This, for the most part, makes me a gutless coward of a nerd that doesn’t have the nerve to go talk to this girl. Maybe she will get coffee…

n/a

Preface

I’ve made a decision…again.

This will all be over on Sunday. Either I can start thinking about this for real, or I can start to really forget about it. Luckily, I’m halfway right now, so I won’t be too hurt.

Regardless, I’m glad it’s coming to an end. I’m tired of thinking that I’m not good enough, while everyone else is telling me I am. If there’s only one person keeping me down, I’d say it’s about time to have a resolution with them.

I’ve started too much drama, caused too many problems, and put myself in a position that I’ve never been in before. Though this is probably the time in my life that I have questioned myself the most, I’m glad it has happened.

But also glad that it’s almost over.

November will be a great month. I will either be on to the next, or laughing with the current. Though I prefer the latter, it’s out of my hands.

No doubt, the majority of you have no idea what I’m talking about, but just consider this foreshadowing for the next crazy chapter of my life. I’ve been saving it all because I didn’t want to start talking about it before I knew how it ended.

Despite what happens this weekend, it is good entertainment nonetheless. So I hope you enjoy it as I much as I have for the last month.

Besos.
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You're just ordinary people...

So once again I’ve come across a situation in which I have to explain myself and how I live my life.

I’m not annoyed, don’t worry. I’ve had to answer these questions for about as long as I can remember.

No, I don’t smoke, drink, swear, or have sex. Never have (and for some) never will. BUT: that does not mean that I hold you to those same standards.

Just because you live your life like the majority of the world’s population, does not mean that you cannot be my friend. In fact, you might just be able to swing a date with me…if you’re lucky. So don’t worry about it.

For the most part, I don’t have a problem with the activities themselves, just the motivation behind them. If you drink to fit in with your friends, to me that shows insecurity. If you drink to get away from life, that shows a fear of dealing with your problems. If you drink to have a good time, and can do so without hurting yourself, by all means have at it.

It just kind of hurts my feelings when people think that I want nothing to do with them because they smoke or drink or have sex or all of them…at the same time. That perception is what got me hated in high school: I came off as an elitist jerk because I never went to anyone’s parties. It wasn’t that I was better than anyone, it was just that drinking Natty Light and taking a dip around a bon fire wasn’t very enticing…

I know that I’m different. I’m reminded everyday by something or other. I can’t have a lot of things that other people get. And I get left out of a lot of stuff. But I still believe that I can live my life the way I want to and coexist with you normal people.

At least I hope so.

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Soundtrack of Your Life

So I noticed tonight, as I was driving home, that certain music brings back certain memories.

I’ve felt it before, obviously, and I think it happens to everyone, but I think it’s a phenomenon that should be talked about more often.

I think it makes sense that a song has a meaning if something meaningful happened during the playing of that song…right? But what about a song that brings back a memory that happened way before the song ever came out?

This is confusing, so I’ll use an example.

Let’s say you break up with your boyfriend/girlfriend: tragic. You are overwhelmed with these feelings, but don’t have any sort of music to turn on to make you feel better. Basically, the only music you have is from the relationship…which isn’t helpful, because that just brings back memories of a time you’d like to forget.

So you go through this phase where you have these feelings inside you, but nothing musical to listen to that will release it and make you feel better. Until one day, while browsing random music, you hear a song that represents EXACTLY what you went through.

It’s as if the artist was in your exact same position at one point and instead of suffering with nothing to listen to, created the most perfect piece of art in order to release his feelings.

This is why I love music so much. You can’t describe the things that it is capable of: the feelings you get, the thoughts it evokes, it’s just magical. Those things in life that can’t be put into words can usually be put into music. And I love that music.

It’s a good feeling to have. Not only that there is music to comfort you, but also that you know that you are not the only one that has been through what you’ve been through. Eventually you find out that no matter what happens to you in life, someone else has been through it. And trust me, for the kind of crazy stuff I get myself into, it surprises me every time I hear a song that describes me perfectly.

If you’ve ever read a survey I’ve done on Myspace, or anywhere else, whenever the question is asked, “When was the last time you cried?” my answer has always been when I watched the movie, Click.

Well …I have a different answer now.
Don’t judge.

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"I'd Like To Teach the World To Sing"

The best thing about politics is that they work on different levels of commitment from voters.


If a voter is paying attention, the politics have to be keen and sly in order to be effective.


However, if you don't pay attention to the news, or keep your mind on alert, you can be suspect to some pretty easy politics.


Take this Myspace bulletin post I saw, for example:

From Sunday's Televised "Meet the Press" Senator Obama was asked
about his stance on the American Flag.


Obama Explains National Anthem Stance Sun, 07 Sept. 2008 11:48:04 EST, General Bill Ginn' USAF (ret.) asked Obama to explain why he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played.


Senator Obama Live on Sunday states, 'There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like To Teach the World T o Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it.


"We should consider to reinvent our National Anthem as well as to redesign our Flag to better offer our enemies hope and love.


It's my intention, if elected, to disarm America to the level of acceptance to our Middle East Brethren. We as a Nation have placed upon t he nations of Islam an unfair injustice.


My wife disrespects the Flag for many personal reasons. Together she and I have attended several flag burning ceremonies in the past, many years ago. She has her views and I have mine". Of course now, I have found myself about to become the President of the United States and I have put aside my hatred. I will use my power to bring CHANGE to this Nation, and offer the people a new path of hope. My wife and I look forward to becoming our Country's First Family. Indeed, CHANGE is about to overwhelm the United States of America .


-Now, if you don't find this an absolute ridiculous attempt at comedy, please do the country a favor, and DON'T LEAVE YOUR HOME ON NOV 4.


The thing that is keeping McCain within shouting range of Obama in this race is the circulation of these rumors, and others like how he was "sworn in on the Koran" or that he is a "radical Muslim." And what's worse is that some ignorant people out there actually believe it.


If you really want to develop an opinion on someone, you should do more research than believing something posted on Myspace or Wikipedia...or Fox News, for that matter.


But don't just take my word for it...

n/a

Whoa

So, I guess I underestimated how many people were still following this. All I did was link it on Twitter, but for some reason the people that are talking to me about my last post don't even know what Twitter is...

So I guess I should explain myself and the situation from the previous post.

Now everyone knows that I live a pretty conservative life. I don't take a lot of risks, or give in to "social norms" or anything like that. But for some reason, I was interviewing a girl for a blog...and something clicked.

I didn't know what to do, really...nothing's ever really clicked before. It was just refreshing to meet someone, completely random really, that was able to "get me" right off the bat...and enjoy it.

That's probably what got me in trouble: my excitement that I finally found someone that liked me for me. I don't have to fake anything, I don't have to try really hard to make her smile, I don't have to struggle to think of something to say. Everything is easy.

Now because I've never run into that before, my instinct is to...well...make her my girlfriend, duh. And that, of course, is where it all hits the fan and makes me a bad person.

For the record, I do not advocate any level of cheating: emotional or physical. It's not fair to anyone involved and is just an overall crappy thing to do. And that's to say that that's what happened in this situation.

I made a really good friend, whom I like a lot. And, like any good friendship, she likes me too. But, since I'm a stupid boy, I sort of ruined it by suggesting another level. And now I'm at a point of no return.

I put my neck on the block, and now it's up to her to drop the axe or save my life.

Do I feel bad? Yes and no.

I don't feel bad for meeting this girl and falling for her, because those are feelings that no one has control over, and shouldn't be apologized for.

I do feel HORRIBLE for this other guy. I'm sure his feelings for her are as significant, or they wouldn't be together. And I really showed no respect for him by talking to this girl in my mindset. That's shady and completely out of character for me.

So really, I'm just sorry: apologetically and in the lame sense too. I tried to hotwire this guy's Porsche and the only experience I have is from the movies.

We'll see how this goes...and how many cops will become involved.

n/a

Where did I go?

So...it's been about a month.

Actually, probably a little more than that.

To be honest, I really haven't had time for anything for the last 4-5 weeks, including homework and sleep. (Two of my favorite things)

But sometimes things in life come at you out of no where and you're forced, willfully, to prioritize them over EVERYTHING.

This is especially true when dealing with Latinas....yeah.

So I'd say that "I'm back," but honestly I haven't been going through with anything I've been telling myself lately, so in reality I will probably be staying up until all hours of the morning with a girl that absolutely blows my mind, watching George Lopez.

To be honest, I really haven't been this happy in a long time. So, despite the critics, I'm willing to give love a chance on this one.

Maybe it's a phase, or maybe I'm coming to my senses, but I've decided I am going to follow my heart instead of following the rules. As selfish as that sounds, it's the most refreshing thing I've done since I shaved my head in high school.

Now I understand that some of you are hurt by this decision, but I want you to know that I still love you all and I'm not meaning to offend you by not taking your advice.

This is something I want to do. And when this big head is pointed in a certain direction, it's hard to turn it around. So...blame my mother for keeping me in the incubator too long.

Anyway, if you haven't met this girl yet, you should. You will most definitely think she is amazing, as do I. I mean, if she can get along with my brother, I'm pretty sure she may have a future in special education...

n/a

Gassy

I really have no accurate economic expertise.

Sometimes I try though.

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What makes a killer look menacing?

I see hundreds of people a day, sometimes thousands, on campus. Even though this college isn't the best "melting pot," there is at least some variation in culture. It's just recently occured to me, however, what creates the kind of ignorance that is prevalent in areas like Mid-Michigan.

The popular theory is that "people fear what they do not know." So...that makes a lot of sense.

Whenever you mention going to Detroit, or Flint, or Saginaw, the first thing that comes to the native from the thumb's mind is "hope you're wearing neutral colors." Granted, we have 3 of the top 10 cities with the highest crime rates in the country, but that still shouldn't scare someone to the point that they can't wear their favorite blue bandana.

Unfortunately, this thought process has lasted for generations. So most of these kids that are afraid of Detroit are only scared because their parents were too chicken to take them into the city and go to the zoo.

So...the kids have no choice but to buy into the stereotypes provided for them through movies and 5 o'clock news, because they've never been there to see it for themselves.

The circle of life, I suppose.

If I have any pet peeves, it's ignorance. (That usually covers a lot of things, but I like thinking that having a short list of hot buttons makes me a better person :p)
But even I have trouble sometimes getting over the stereotypes of people and entertaining the idea that maybe...just maybe...there is actually a real person trying to order coffee.

Even if they are gangsters, everyone's allowed to enjoy a white mocha once in a while.

BUT...

I have decided that no matter what race you are, if you have long hair in a pony tail, a goatee, and ask if I have any free water as you menacingly take a bite out of your green apple...you look like a murderer.

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I'm a Pro

I guess someone has taken a liking to my writing. So now I'm writing for Grand Central Magazine as the Blog Editor...basically the sweetest job ever.

But don't think that just because I'm writing for a different site that I will forget about you guys. There are things I can say on here that I can't talk about on the site.

Plus, for every entry, I'll give a little extra background info on every story I post. That way you are in "the know." Cool?

Alright, so here's my first post.

Don't laugh at my picture please. Be sure to browse the sight as well. There are some interesting stories for sure.

n/a

Yesh

So the apartment is now equipped with The Office Season 4 on DVD. That's right. We are part of the dedicated fan base that went out the day it was available, bought it at Wal-Mart, then had it playing all day and night.

In fact, I think we've started back at Disc 1 three times now.

My favorite part about The Office: Pam.

Girls like this do not exist. I promise, she has the qualities that pretty much every guy dreams of. And the only thing holding her back from being someone that I would want to call in real life...is her red hair.

(Pam and Addison Shephard are the only two redheads I've every considered attractive)

And I'm pretty sure that girls feel the same way about Jim, too. So it just feels good for these two perfect people to be in a perfect relationship. It gives us all hope that love is possible...in Scranton, PA.

I really do need to find a new tune to sing...so someone send me an email, or Facebook message, and tell me what to write about.

Cuz love is boring.

n/a

Beginning of the End

So you have to get over something. Something you’ve been thinking about for a long time. What’s your first instinct? Get pissed off at it?

YES!

For example: you get a bad grade on this test you’ve been studying for. First reaction?

“That teacher is so dumb. I honestly can’t believe some of those questions. He said they were straight from the notes, but I didn’t read ANY OF THAT!”

Yeah. So now that you know what I’m talking about. Let’s apply it to something else.

If you’re reading this now, and haven’t done so already…you should go back and read up on the “girl situation” that people all across campus have been asking me about…oddly enough. It’s possibly the greatest story ever told on the Internet. For cereal.

So, after that, I guess you know where I’m getting at. If you’re FORCED to get over something…how do you do it? You better believe I’m coming up with every single thing to be mad about. But does it work?

Classes and teachers are easy to get mad at because they only last for a semester. But people are a different thing. (No, teachers are not people)

Once you’ve put someone up on a pedestal, it’s hard to bring them down. Well, actually it’s pretty easy, but difficult to tell your brain. When you have a simple one like mine, it gets confused. So…what’s next?

Some things aren’t meant to work out. BUT some things are meant to appear out of reach to test how far you’re willing to stretch out your hand.

(John McCain impression) And that, my friends, is the greatest threat to our country. The false hopes that are being spoon fed to a younger generation over the Internet: people that make themselves out to be some sort of savior. Do you honestly believe in this heroic catalyst that will change the world and how it thinks?

This isn’t the movies, kids. I don’t care how romantic you think this girl is, and how romantic you are. This will never happen. The forces of nature are counteracting our vision of what is meant to be. There is no hope for me. Or for you. We will all live lives wishing something spectacular would happen, only to see the spectacle as an awkward waste of time.

…SIKE!

LoveWillFindAWay
n/a

Baxter, You Know I Don't Speak Spanish

The great thing about Telemundo is that you don't have to know Spanish to find it entertaining. My roommate is a Spanish major, and studied abroad in Spain, so sometimes I ask for a translation. But for the most part, I just enjoy the extravagance and pure energy that is portrayed through the short Mexican game show hosts.

I'm kind of finding a similarity between Telemundo and life.

College has always been fun for me. It's usually fun for everyone. But for the most part, it's just like Telemundo. You don't understand what's going on necessarily, or the meaning of the things that you find exciting. You're just there for the good times.

But after being out in the real world, I kind of feel like my roommate. I understand the meaning of college. I've never sat in a 400 level class, while going through the syllabus, and said, "Yeah, I know about that...and that...and that...this will be a breeze." It's a nice feeling.

At the same time, though, it's kind of depressing though. I can only watch Telemundo for so long before it gets boring. The yelling and screaming wears you down after a while, and you just have to change the channel.

The sad part is, when I graduate, it's like I'm changing the channel to like...Lifetime or something.

BOOOORRRRRIIINNNNNGGGGGG!!!

n/a

Working Out

Sometimes you need motivation. Sometimes you need intervention. For me, I just need more time.

I don't know what it is about being up here at school that makes me think that day after day of fast food won't get to me. I wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and say, "You know, fourth meal isn't that great for me."

I think I am like a lot of people. Something gets to me one day and I say, "I'm going to the gym everyday from now on." Or something like that. So yeah, we go for a few days, and as soon as we see the slightest bit of difference in our bodies, we go, "See, I'm all better...let's order pizza."

So what is going to change those kind of habits? I remember watching an infomercial when I was 12 that said, "In order to truly be healthy, you can't just 'go on a diet,' you have to make a commitment to make a lifestyle change." Even to this day, I cannot argue with that point.

However...IT IS REALLY HARD. If anyone has been out with me before, you know that I have the ability to knock out a couple handfulls of sodas(which is why I refuse to drink alcohol, because...things would happen). And, back in my prime, I could pretty much eat anything you put in front of me: an entire large pizza, a bowl of mashed potatoes, triple cheeseburgers...yikes.

Now, thankfully, just typing that makes me nauseated. But I haven't ironed out my stomach yet. There are still things I have to overcome to be truly comfortable with my eating habits. But that is the last point I want to make.

There was a point this summer where I felt I was the healthiest I have ever been. I had been playing basketball a couple times a week, cut back on pop, and sweating my life away at football practices. Yet, when I got on the scale, I was still around my average weight. So believe me when I say: weight is just a number.

As long as you are comfortable and feel good with yourself, that is all that matters. That is, after all, the whole point of going on diets, exercising, and stuff like that. To make yourself feel better.

Now to make myself feel better, I'm going outside to brown my pale skin.

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Yay

So tomorrow is my last day at my internship, and I must say…I AM STOKED!

Over the summer I’ve hung 3 paintings, changed 4 light bulbs, built a chair, made coffee, vacuumed and dusted, taken out the trash, and spent 300 hours on Facebook. But it was all worth it.

Not only will I remember this experience for a long time, but I will also use what I’ve learned and apply it to my everyday life. There are things about being in the working world that you never know until you get there. Now that I know a few of those things, I am going to do my best to take advantage of my last year in school.

There’s no place like college, and I’m finally starting to realize that. Yet, I am still excited to be on my own for real. Though next time, I better get paid for this crap.

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College is Coming

So it’s my last week in the working world until next year, and I can’t wait for it to end.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the everyday grind. But I seriously can’t wait to get back up to school.

This year is going to be the best year yet, I think. I have finally gotten the exposure I need to truly appreciate where my life is at right now. I went to move my brother out of his dorm back in May, and the campus at his school was…well, depressing.

I counted how many girls were even somewhat attractive. I was there for almost 24 hours…I saw 4.

There truly is no place else like Central. And a lot of people disagree. Some people hate it, they think it’s a bad school, they think Mt. Pleasant is a crappy town, and they would rather go to State or U of M. To those people, let me ask you this…why aren’t you going somewhere else?

If you aren’t happy with where you’re at, why are you here? Seriously. Because you are just bringing me down with you.

I even get annoyed when people wear clothes with other school’s logos on it. I mean, that seems completely disrespectful to me. It might be because I’ve spent the first 3years of my college career dedicating my life to supporting the sports teams here, but I really think that you should take some of that money that you’re spending on booze and go to the bookstore and by a CMU hoodie. And get rid of that blue and yellow rag.

I’m going to have lots of time on my hands this semester, and it’s a good thing, too. I seriously have to study for at least ONE semester the entire way through. I usually do well with keeping up on the reading up until, I don’t know, week 2. So this year will be different.

I WILL MAKE IT TO WEEK 3!

I guess the thing I’m most excited about is having my baby brother up there with me. I’ve never been in the same school as him, so it will definitely be something to remember. He’s quite the pimp, so I’ll need to warn my friends. But this is finally a good opportunity for me to be a good older brother…and tote him around like a trophy.

Chicks dig that kinda stuff.

Anyway, I have to finish summer stuff first. I have to write paper after paper for this internship. But only 2 more to go! Hooray!

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Soal Maits

I have a feeling that soul mates exist. Though I’m not convinced that there is “only one;” rather, I think that there are qualities in people that match exactly with what you are looking for. Whether they line up with you perfectly, or provide just enough friction to keep things interesting, we all look for certain things in a soul mate.

So here is the question. If you have a person picked out as your soul mate, but they don’t consider you THEIR soul mate, does that disqualify them from being the perfect match?

For example: you know this person inside and out, and love everything about them. You are refreshed by the amount of things you have in common, and find it effortless to talk to each other. Whenever you think of them, you begin to smile, and every time you talk to them you get butterflies in your stomach. Yeah…it’s that bad.

BUT

They don’t feel the same about you. (Again, I don’t know how many times I’ve talked about unrequited feelings)

What do you do? Do you hold out in hoping that this one thing changes and you can finally begin your lives together? Or do you move on to find the next person that fits your bill?

Either route is going to come with some amount of pain. I mean, come on, if you are denied by your soul mate, can it get much worse? But I wouldn’t take it as a complete fail. Think of the things that you have gained from that experience.

Instead of measuring your next date by previous relationships, you can stack them up against this soul mate. You can see how well they compare to the guy/girl of your dreams.

Even better, you finally have some peace of mind that the person you had envisioned in your head actually exists out in the world. You all know what I’m talking about. We’ve all thought about “the one” and how perfect it will be: but to have that embodied by an actual person gives you a confidence boost that there is hope for you yet.

As to whether it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all…I think that’s a dumb question. A life without love is a wasted life. Falling for someone and having it shoved in your face sucks, yes. But it makes that final connection you make even better when everything clicks, and you really have found the one for you.

Apparently I’ve hit a nerve with some of you. I appreciate the requests. Keep them coming.

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Maybe This Will Help

If you've seen the new Batman movie, you will understand this.

There's more to people than their personality and looks and even being alive. What people stand for is way more important than anything else.

This is why girls fall for Batman without going on a date with him. They love what he stands for: liberty, justice, and sweet rides.

So, sure, you might think it weird to be oddly attracted to someone that doesn't feasibly make sense. The fact that you actually have no shot on a personal level with this person is outweighed by what they mean to you.

For example, I love Barack Obama. I've never met the guy, and a relationship would never work out. But I love what he has done for millions of people when it comes to reviving hope and interest in our government. Though he may be a horrible guy (he's a politician, remember) what he stands for in America right now makes people look past his flaws.

So there. I'm blinded by the light, wrapped up like a douche in the middle of the night. But heres the thing...I DON'T CARE. If I can't have the person, can I PLEASE settle for the symbol?

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I Gots Skills Boi

These are some skills that you will need to be successful in life.

I'm sorry to say that bow staff skills did not make this list.

My forte is #9.

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Baby Stuff

I can't wait to have kids so I can buy every single one of these things.

The great part is that each of these were developed by parents with good intentions.

My baby, for instance, will be strapped with Bluetooth as soon as it pops out. That way I can give it verbal commands from across the country, if need be.

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Party People

I know I go to a party school, but I've only been to a few, and thrown just one of my own. Yet I found this to be absolutely hilarious.

I could think back and label at least 3 people that fit each of these descriptions.
Hopefully my fellow party people will find this funny as well.

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Young and Restless

So I’ve been on this tear lately about finding a name for my kids. I feel like I am under some pressure to pick a good one, considering the originality of my own name. But the search has brought on other revelations.

I did some math this morning as I was thinking about how old my parents were. So…I’m 21 now. I have to find a girl to make a wife (2 years minimum), settle into career (1 year minimum), then there’s the pregnancy (10 months). So I’ll be at least 25 by the time I have my first kid. Not that bad, right?

Well, this is what I am thinking about. I’m a man, so if I have a son, I want to be able to play his sport with him in the front yard. Whether it’s throwing a ball around, or shooting hoops, I want to be physically able to do that stuff. But I’ll be 40 when my first kid is 15. That’s old.

Whenever I think of being 40, I picture Just For Men gel and medication for a mid-life crisis, not lifting weights with my teenage son.

So maybe this exercise was meant for me to realize that 40 really isn’t as old as I’ve always thought it was. To be honest, I stopped keeping track of how old my parents are, and I don’t think that they mind. But I think they were at a good age for me: old enough to be parents, but young enough to be cool. I don’t want to be the dad that is as immature as his teenager, but I also don’t want to be the guy with gray hair that is up reading the newspaper every morning before the kid catches the bus.

I hope I’m not alone in these thoughts of my future parenthood. I have found that it is quite a motivator when considering things like diet and exercise and how you live your life. Because I know for sure that most of you are at least slightly competitive people.

And I will never unintentionally lose a game of 21 to my kid.

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Nostalgia

Alright, so I just took two hours out of my day to go and read every single wall post on my Facebook and Myspace pages.

If anyone is looking for some insight as to how you've changed over the years, and even who your true friends are, I would highly suggest doing that. I must have laughed at least a hundred times remembering what was going on back in 2006...which was two years ago, by the way.

Sure, I feel old. I got to see my birthday wishes from my 19-21st birthdays. That's intense. But I also got to see relationships evolve one simple sentence at a time.

So I want to thank all of my friends that have hung around me all this time. It takes a lot of patience, and a strong stomach, to deal with me sometimes and I appreciate it. Hopefully I will be able to continue to make you laugh as much as I can.

Love.
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Revelation

Ok, so something hit me yesterday...and it wasn't at football practice.

I actually SMILED thinking of someone. How weird is that? I think I finally figured out what I need in a girl, and I've never felt so good about it before. I could actually think about how perfect things would be.

All this time I've been going in the wrong direction, looking in the wrong places, agreeing to the wrong terms...now it's all me. I actually get to decide what's good enough.

I know you might not think this is a big deal, or even worth blogging about. But if any of you have felt this before, you know how big of a deal it is.

Just thought I would share.

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This Weekend

This weekend I experienced the first death in my extended family with my dad’s dad getting killed in a car accident. Now, before you sympathize, know that I haven’t seen or spoken to my grandpa for about 10 years. My grandparents got divorced around the time I was in the 3rd grade. My grandma remarried a man that led to her getting an accounting degree and took her around the world on mission trips. So, to my juvenile mind, the other guy was just bringing Grandma down.

So not only am I dealing with his passing, but with the shame of having such an opinion of a man that I didn’t even know. Yet I especially feel bad for my father. He was down in Florida for the first month and a half of the summer, and stopped by to see his dad.

He wasn’t home.

It had been two years since my dad and grandpa had spoken, and from what I heard, it wasn’t the most memorable conversation. So, again, my dad is not only dealing with the death of his father, but also the fact that he was minutes away from speaking to him one last time, but couldn’t make it happen.

So, yeah, I’m definitely in one of those states that I’m trying to make the most out of everything, and not take advantage, and all that stuff. But I know that it will eventually fade. Hopefully I won’t end up like my grandpa, years removed from my family, and dying alone. To me, that’s the worst way to go out.

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Question the Cliche

While I was ironing my clothes this morning in a dark room (didn’t want to wake mom) I was thinking of a phrase that a lot of kids my age use: “Live for the moment.” And since my best analytical thoughts come to me before 7 a.m. I thought I would share them with you.

Does living for the moment not sound selfish? If you aren’t living with the future in mind, your satisfaction will only last as long as your moment. Right?

I mean, I look forward to entering the working world, living with my wife and kids, to my retirement, and even to see my grandchildren grow up. I use those events in my future to inspire my actions. So really, I’m not “living for the moment” but rather “living for the life.”

I understand the present is fleeting, but so is the future. I would hope that foresight is much more rewarding that instant gratification.

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The Dark Night...No Words

Instead of trying to write a clever review for Dark Knight, I thought I would simply provide a conversation that I had about the movie with a fellow, knowledgeable friend of mine. Enjoy.

lnbomb: what did you think?

neelybomber: well, there was a lot of hype
neelybomber: and i mean A LOT of hype

lnbomb: yeah... but im sorry... i feel it lived up to every bit of it
lnbomb: i say 9.9 tho
lnbomb: cuz the only thing i didnt like
lnbomb: is that they didnt kill the joker
lnbomb: it was redic that he stayed alive
lnbomb: when he gave the speech about being "like gravity... it just needs a push.... " he shoulda unclipped himself and died

neelybomber: i actually thought they were gonna let him fall like in the first batman movie

lnbomb: yup
lnbomb: me too
lnbomb: and it seems like they had that speech for that very reason... but removed it... my brother said it might have been because they felt it insensible to kill him.... but I was like screw that...
lnbomb: i dont think its a matter of that at all
lnbomb: one thing is for sure however.... they better not try to revisit it
lnbomb: because no one would be able to touch ledger's performance

neelybomber: i agree
neelybomber: but in a way, the joker will live forever...

lnbomb: true..... that movie def made me even more aware at what was lost when he passed

neelybomber: yeah. i can def believe that that role caused his death

lnbomb: ohhh it was so spectacular
lnbomb: he stole the movie

neelybomber: i didn't even recognize him...which was the best part

lnbomb: yup
lnbomb: but the whole story was so well written aswell
lnbomb: and i think they pulled twoface in as early as they did because they don't have any intentions of revisiting the batman series anytime soon..... which i think is for the best

neelybomber: yeah. i liked the katie holmes look-a-like

lnbomb: LOL
lnbomb: yeah totally
lnbomb: HOWEVER, there was a slight hint at catwoman.... did you catch it?
lnbomb: but i dont wanna see that garbage

neelybomber: what was the hint?

lnbomb: when he was talking about the new suit... and he asked if it would protect from dogs... and he said it should from cats at least

neelybomber: haha...you might be looking too far into it

lnbomb: no way.... there was no point to that conversation otherwise.... but like i said... i hope it was just a nod to the series... rather than a possible seed
lnbomb: kinda like it was a huge nod to the fanboys when he said " you want to be able to turn your head?"

neelybomber: haha, yeah ok
neelybomber: you still have leave room for coincidence tho

lnbomb: oh and i do... im not that sure in my own thoughts hahahah

neelybomber: quite the movie

lnbomb: for sure
lnbomb: i probably will see it again in theaters

neelybomber: i'll just get it on blu-ray. one of the speakers in the theater blew out when the tumbler came out
neelybomber: so it sounded like there was distant gunfire for the rest of the movie

lnbomb: hahahaha

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r.i.p. heath ledger

Kids Love This Man

Despite any policy issues, kids will be won over again and again by things like this:

Saying he is "sympathetic to late night comedians' struggle to find jokes to make about me," Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill) today issued a list of official campaign-approved Barack Obama jokes.

The five jokes, which Sen. Obama said he is making available to all comedians free of charge, are as follows:

Barack Obama and a kangaroo pull up to a gas station. The gas station attendant takes one look at the kangaroo and says, "You know, we don't get many kangaroos here." Barack Obama replies, "At these prices, I'm not surprised. That's why we need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil."

A traveling salesman knocks on the door of a farmhouse, and much to his surprise, Barack Obama answers the door. The salesman says, "I was expecting the farmer's daughter." Barack Obama replies, "She's not here. The farm was foreclosed on because of subprime loans that are making a mockery of the American Dream."

A horse walks into a bar. The bartender says, "Why the long face?" Barack Obama replies, "His jockey just lost his health insurance, which should be the right of all Americans."

Q: What's black and white and red all over?
Barack Obama: The New Yorker magazine, which should be embarrassed after publishing such a tasteless and offensive cover, which I reject and denounce.

A Christian, a Jew and Barack Obama are in a rowboat in the middle of the ocean. Barack Obama says, "This joke isn't going to work because there's no Muslim in this boat."


Nothing beats humor and originality.
McCain has neither.

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What time is it?

Oh my God I’m gonna play football.

I’ve been a band kid my whole life. Though I’ve always really enjoyed watching football, I never really thought I would be capable of putting pads on and hitting someone. But now I get to see what I’m made of.


I have two younger brothers that both played for the high school in town. They did quite well, actually…both of them all-conference, both offered to play in college. So when this high school announced that they were having an alumni football game, of course my two brothers were going to play.



I’ve always been the good older brother that went out to play catch whenever they wanted to, and be sort of a punching bag for them…all for the good of the team. So when I joked around and asked if I could play too, I was surprised to hear my brother say, “Yeah, sure.”

Crap. What have I gotten myself into?

So Tuesday was the first “practice.” It was just a 7 on 7 drill with the high school team. No pads or anything. But for some reason I was still kind of scared. I didn’t want to be “that guy.” Luckily when I was on defense, a guy came straight at me with the ball and slipped on the grass. Of course, I pushed him in the chest when he came at me, so it looked like I knocked him off of his feet…I felt better after that.

All I’m thinking about is how sweet of a picture it would make having me at quarterback with my two brothers in the backfield.

I’m extremely proud of my little brothers and have always been jealous of their success. So it would definitely mean a lot to me to be a part of something that they take seriously, and are very good at.

I just hope I don’t break anything.

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Nature vs. Nurture

No, this isn’t what you think it’s about. But you might be able to apply it to multiple conditions.

My mom was watching a documentary on kids with Tourette’s last night. (Only for a little bit, though, Dad wanted to watch Big Brother.) And I couldn’t help but get frustrated at some of the things that were happening with these kids.

I have some friends with what I suppose you would call “low level” Tourette’s, where it’s just some sort of physical movement that they don’t have control over. But the kids on this show were barking, and screaming, and talking in weird voices, and swearing…and claiming that it was a completely different person, and they have no recollection when the go into a tantrum.

Now what I found interesting was that when I looked into the history of Tourette’s, it has only recently become a more common occurrence in children.

(This is where I become an insensitive jerk)

I told my mom last night when we were watching the show that the kids were making most of it up themselves in order to get attention. She was obviously appalled, but funny enough, the next section of the show talked about how the kids are acting out on their own. They followed three kids with Tourette’s to a “summer camp” for other Tourette’s sufferers. Oddly enough, their “tics” were reduced dramatically.

Now there are two options for this: they aren’t under the “stress” that they are put under when dealing with unaffected kids at school, or they know that they won’t get attention from these kids that are employing the same tactics.

I know that seems cold, but think about this. Our society has recently been diagnosis-happy in the last decade or so. We’ve seen the evolution of things like A.D.D., learning disorders, and now Tourette’s. Is it a coincidence that these cases are exponentially growing? I don’t think so.

Instead of making your kid concentrate, you say he has A.D.D. and give him some Ritalin. Instead of taking time to teach your child to read, he has to have a learning disorder. And instead of having control over your kid’s overactive emotions, you allow them to act on every thought, and claim that it is Tourette’s.

You think back in the ‘50’s they would allow some kid to run around barking at people and shouting profanities and claim that they have no control over it? I don’t think so. We have just become so sensitive to such disorders that saying things like I am saying now are appalling and offensive.

Now don’t get me wrong, there are some kids that have legitimate mental problems, and those should be sought out and treated. But realize that if you tell a child that they have a condition, they will learn what they are allowed to do, and take it to the limit. I just wish parents would try good old fashioned “shut your mouth” tactics before calling up their therapist.

Send your complaints to neely.d.adkins@gmail.com

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I'm Saving Myself

I don’t know, I guess it’s the hardest thing I’ve had to do. At least, that’s what everyone else thinks. I have even had people that think I’m lying about it. (Of course, if I was going to lie about this at all, wouldn’t it be the other way?) But how many people share my beliefs?

From what ex-girlfriends have said, I’m definitely part of an endangered species. Which is cool in some ways, but sucks in others. I’ve always wanted to marry someone who has lived their life at least somewhat like mine, and has saved themselves for the sanctity of marriage. But where do I look?

Apparently, I shouldn’t do any searches in Texas.

But this is a different issue entirely. How do we teach kids how to act when it comes to sex? It used to be up to the parents, but lately it seems that the crappiest people are becoming parents, so I’m not sure we can trust those people with that responsibility. So now it’s up to the schools.

But of course, the parents want a say in what the schools are teaching their kids. If you teach abstinence, you leave out methods of protection. But if you teach safe sex, then that comes off as giving permission to have sex, as long as you’re protected.

A vicious circle.

So this is my observation. There are A LOT of young mothers out there. So the question is what are they going to teach their children? Will they spare their child of their experience by teaching them abstinence, or be proud of their life and tell their daughter to just “be careful?”

The weirdest part about this is talking to girls that lost their v-card when they were 15 or 16, and they all said that they were “in love.” Oh yeah? I get the mental image of the middle daughter in Dan in Real Life that calls Steve Carell a “murderer of love.” I can see these girls rebelling and “going out” with some 18 year old boy that has his license…(I just pray for a daughter so I can own a shotgun)

I remember when I was young and was head over heels for a girl, but the limits of these relationships are shifting to the extreme. I would be excited if I got a note from a girl I liked. Now pre-teens won’t settle until they have stolen each others’ innocence.

Ridiculous. How long will it take until no one has respect for themselves anymore?

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My Newest Friends

I never got a chance to blog about the friends I made at Rothbury. I went in determined to meet some new people, but after the first lonely day, I was somewhat deflated.

Luckily, my neighbors were actually really cool people. Even though Jared went to Western, I was able to look past that...for a couple of days. And I don't think Autumn is capable of NOT being friendly. So I was lucky to be put next to these guys in the midst of all the hoopla.

Thanks for saving my weekend, guys.

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The Things That You Have Come to Fear the Most

So I just got done watching 300. And it was funny to see how the use of fireworks and elephants were so intimidating back in the day.

People are naturally scared of things they've never seen before.

My grandma has never been on the Internet. Think about that. Even though 93% of Americans are connected to the Web, probably 99% of America has been online: either at school, or a library. She has no desire to be connected to the rest of the world. She just wants to watch her soaps and go to thrift stores.

Which made me think.

As the complexity of our society evolves in the future, will the simple life be more and more attractive? I know that I've thought about moving into the hills of Ireland and being a shephard for the rest of my life. Something about being removed from the pressures that have been created in the world is ridiculously appealing to me. And I'm still 21.

At one point in early human history, the only thing you worried about was finding your next meal. Then you wanted to make a friend...of the opposite sex. So you're priorities were simple: Feed yourself and your loved ones and get some sleep.

Now we've complicated life with money. If you think of all of life's responsibilities, a vast majority are rooted in the desire for money.

I've opened a topic that I could go on forever with. I'll just tell you to watch Wall-E for more insight into our future.

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7-11

Don't forget your free Slurpee today!
I need to get in a car and drive half an hour to find one.
So...Happy Birthday 7-11!

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You Need Help

So do I.

If you think about it, everyone needs some therapy. It's just that some people have it already, but not in the form of a professional.

A therapist is nothing more than a person, who doesn't know you, that sits and listens to your problems. Most of the time, you talk your way through them anyway. So basically, they are there acting as a more complicated game of Pong: bouncing back your information, and keeping the dot moving.

So instead of wasting money on that, why don't you find something a little more convenient? Take writing for instance. You can learn a lot about yourself by just sitting down and writing. If you've ever kept a journal, you already know this. You don't just learn from writing, but reading what you wrote a long time ago gives you insight on your problems.

But what is the best alternative to expensive help? A friend.

I've noticed that if you just take someone that you "know of" and can establish that they are good listeners and are willing to help, you can basically throw anything and everything off of them and they can provide a practical opinion. The best part about it is that since they don't know you that well, they aren't affiliating the problems with the people you are talking about. Perfect!

Of course, usually the opposite sex is the ideal candidate for such a position. I find that most of boys' problems stem from girls, and most girls' problems stem from everything. So they need a MAN to handle that kind of thing. (jp)

So thank you, my friends, for being there for me. But also thank you to the friends that need me too. Makes me feel all important and stuff.

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Another change

I think I've found my niche.
It's life.
Technically everything is life, so the category doesn't make much sense.
But I tend to get the most out of posting things about love and relationships, and other things that people gain insight from.
Hopefully this sticks.
Keep sending in those requests.

neely.d.adkins@gmail.com

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Stuck in a Desert

I learned that I truly don't have any survival skills.
But for some reason, I think I could hold my own out in the wild.
I've watched Bear Grylls for long enough to know some tricks.

Any Man vs Wild fans in the house?

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Nananana, Nananana, Hey Hey, Snoop Dogg

Wait. Neely’s moving? That’s weird. He usually doesn’t do that.

HA!

So it’s that time again. I get to find all of my things and pack them up into a box or two and throw it into the trunk of my car. It’s kind of depressing, really. I don’t really own anything of value. It’s not that bad, though, considering I can fit everything I own into the back seat of my Grand Am. I would make a good nomad. (Which I kind of consider myself anyway)

I’m 21. I’ve lived in 13 different houses across 6 states. I attended 3 high schools before sophomore year. Yet I only have 757 Facebook friends. Lame.

It’s funny talking to people that have lived in the same place their entire life. When they hear my story, they always say that they are jealous. “I wish I could live in as many places as you.” Really? I would think about that for a second.

The longest time I spent in one place was 8 years in Florida. Every other time I’ve been uprooted within less than 2 years of being in one spot. It’s definitely harder than you think to leave what you’ve made somewhere and start over.

So if you’ve ever wanted some insight on my personality, lemme shed some light. Since I hate being alone, I had to develop a personality that got people’s attention right away. I wanted to leave my first day of school (which I’ve counted as having 19) with at least one new friend. That’s where I developed this need to make people happy, if even at my own expense.

But this does come full circle. Sure, I can make friends and stuff, and I can do a decent job at giving them what they want. But when it comes to finding a girlfriend…that’s when it gets tricky. Instead of having my energy spread around to all my friends, it’s all funneled to one person.

So yeah, if you’re saying, “You know, Neely and I used to be tight back in the day, but ever since he went to school, I haven’t heard from the kid.” I’m sorry. I have finally figured out what I told myself I needed to learn a year ago: I can’t dedicate every ounce of energy to making someone happy, and not get anything reciprocated. I lost the desire to go out of my way for someone, because there was really no point. I was tired.

But I’m back! If there’s anything good about moving, it’s that it IS a fresh start.

Papa’s got a brand new bag…and it’s packed with all my clothes.

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Am I a People Person?

So this weekend has kind of opened my eyes to a lot of things, especially when it comes to interacting with people.

Of all of the 50,000+ people that were within that three mile radius, about 49,000 were the kind of people that I would never talk to. They come from a different background than I do, have different beliefs than I do, even dress differently than I do. Yet, despite all of those differences, I could sit and talk to them for hours about Dave Matthews and John Mayer and how oddly good Snoop Dogg's show was. It was a weird phenomenon that I have never experienced before...and unfortunately it took me until Saturday to realize it.

I started to use my media credentials to start up conversations with people, and it was the best idea I had all weekend. I learned that no matter how weird you think someone is, you have something in common that you can talk about.

I suppose what got me started thinking about this was a comment that was left on one of my blogs about not making a friend because everyone there was weird. It struck a chord, because it was true.

Everyone deserves a chance, and it's not fair to stereotype people and assume that you would have no potential of being friends without talking to them first. Even if they are trying to sell you rolls, or beans, or mollies, or headies, or whippets...doesn't mean there isn't a personality within that salesman.

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7 Reasons for Rothbury's Return

1.Lax Security
There was an amazing amount of illegal activity during this festival weekend, but I don’t think even a quarter of it was cited by the authorities. I’m not a party pooper at all. I’m just saying that if people are able to openly consume and sell drugs without being punished, why wouldn’t you want to come to a place that allows you to do so for four days straight?

2.Good music
Four days worth of music is a lot to book, but for the first festival, I think the acts were solidly picked. There was a good mix of genres that were all well accepted by the massive audience. It’s amazing to be at a festival where you can watch Sam Beam from Iron and Wine, then head over to check out Snoop Dogg, then stick around to catch 311.

3.Good People
This is probably due to the first two reasons, but the audience that the acts draws are typically non-violent individuals. Security’s main function, in essence, is to identify the few troublemakers and make sure that they are not going to cause a problem. After four days of walking around in a mass of 50,000 people, there wasn’t one of them in a bad mood.

4.Good location
Double JJ Ranch is in the middle of nowhere. Which is good (unless you are in need of a Wal-Mart to develop photos). The festival site is in a forest and the campsites are all on empty fields. There’s the Wildcat Lake just inside the grounds, and Lake Michigan 20 minutes away. When John Mayer can break out of his hallucinations and realize how great the festival is…that says a lot.

5.Good weather
This last weekend was certainly a fluke, with all four days sunny and 75. But western Michigan is a good location for a summer concert with temperatures not likely to get about 85 degrees, and also provide a cool breeze at night. There is just enough sun to get you tan, but not enough to make you too sweaty.

6.Good prices
Though $250 may seem like a lot of money to pay for a concert, when you consider that you are paying for a campsite and four days worth of music…it’s a great deal. I was less than 50 feet away from John Mayer and Dave Matthews, and that alone would have cost me more than what I paid for the whole weekend. It’s a great option for a July 4th weekend getaway.

7.Contract
Of course, all this talk is irrelevant to why Rothbury will return next year. Double JJ Ranch and Madison House are contracted for at least one more year of Rothbury. So make plans now to attend next year, especially if you want to sleep in a cabin and get backstage.

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Rothbury Nonsense Pt. 1- A Photo Diary

Here's a collection of random photos from Thursday and Friday of Rothbury Festival.


This is what I like to call the most annoying thing on the planet. There are several pads connected to the middle of this thing that make a noise whenever you hit it. Most of them are monkey screams, some are bongos, and there's one deep bass pad. The irony is that people act like monkeys when they interact with this.

They come up to it cautiously, and slightly tap the pad. Then they see that it makes noise, and they try to make some sort of musical pattern out of it. Then other people hear the first person, and they approach it the same way. Eventually, all the pads are full, and instead of trying to play together, they all try to play their own thing. This quickly turns into everyone at every pad slamming their pads as fast as they can to make as much noise as possible.


This symbolizes the nature of our government. We made it, and took pride in it. Then we enter it, and it seems to be a fun time. But when we want out, there's no way to get out without ruining what we've created, so we settle for being trapped in a ball...rolling around out of control.


At least that's what the hula hoop lady told me.


There was a Guitar Hero bus that had a stage set up in front of it. You faced off against someone else on at least Hard, and the winner won a t-shirt. Of course, knowing how I play Guitar Hero...I walked away with a hat.


It's hard work walking around all day. Especially when you start drinking at 10 a.m. and start rolling shortly thereafter. Then, to top it all of, it's such a beautiful day and the grass is so soft and green. So leave this girl alone. She's got it bad.


This guy was at least 6'4 and was definitely making a scene. The back of his shirt says "Spirit of the wild." And, to me, that's basically what he embodied.


Good news from Rothbury: EVERYONE IS STAYING REGULAR. This guy showed up every morning at 9 to take our poop away. He was pretty cranky when I asked him about his day though. I don't know why. The sun was out.

More to come soon. I promise!

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An Angel Among Free Spirits

So I was fully expecting to make a friend here, and we would join hands and skip down the pathways from show to show.

Didn't happen.
Won't happen.

Everyone is tripping or tipsy.
Not my gig.

HOWEVER. There are employees that aren't allowed to engage in those activities. Which brings me to Kristin.


Voila. THE most decent girl at Rothbury. And she's watching the garbage.
The halo is no coincidence.

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Rothbury: Day 1

It's officially Friday in the quiet village of Rothbury, Michigan. The night sky is clear, and the stars are shining brightly. The atmosphere is peaceful with the sounds of a babbling brook, sleepy bugs, and...Disco Biscuits?

Lots of good music today! And the best part is...I've never heard of any of these bands. Check them out, and I'm sure you'll find something you enjoy.


Greensky Bluegrass is not your traditional hoe-down gig. Though they front the stage with a stand-up bass, mandolin, and slide guitar, the audience expects nothing but good tunes and rock and roll...and they aren't left wanting. The only downside to this group...they're from Kalamazoo.


Underground Orchestra, from Los Angeles, had the whole crowd grooving. With the electronic melodies backed by a powerful bass line and the additional percussion, their blend of sounds went unmatched today.


Perpetual Groove may look like a bunch of old guys from Georgia (which they are), but their name is not misleading. It's a funk/rock fusion that Miles Davis would be proud of...in the 70's.

Zappa Plays Zappa was truly the most eclectic act of the afternoon. As I came closer to their stage, I could have sworn I heard dueling jazz xylophones...though I could have been experiencing a second-hand hallucinogen. These guys brought it, and the crowd definitely couldn't get enough.

Finally, Disco Biscuits truly could not have been appreciated more as the first band to play in the dark at Rothbury. They drew the biggest crowd of the day (basically because you could hear their music all the way in my tent: which is way far away) and they were roaring well into Friday morning. They had a nice mix of disco, obviously, funk and jazz. They even slowed down for a ballad. Great show!

Now I have been taking pictures and documenting other happenings here at Rothbury, but unfortunately the closest photo development store is 20 minutes away and, well, it's 12:30 in the morning. I'll repost this tomorrow with pictures of the bands.


The "everyday shenanigans" post will have to wait until tomorrow. But you really don't know what to expect until you see these pictures.










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They have me surrounded

Okay, so I made it across the hand to Rothbury!

I definitely should have thought about what time I left today. I am so far away from the entrance that I can barely stand it. I feel like I'm at fat camp.

Anyway, I'm not allowed to have a digital camera. So I stopped by K-mart and bought a couple disposables. This is something else I should have thought about.

I've already gone through half a camera after walking around the camp site for about an hour. There are some characters here and I feel out of place with hair that isn't on my shoulders...or that has been washed lately.

Other than that, my tent is pitched in a corn field...which is surprisingly comfortable. And I don't think I will see a shower head for the next four days.

So much for making a friend.

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Debating...but I have no choice.

I really should have posted this earlier.
Here are my two options for driving to Rothbury.

This takes 3 hours and 15 minutes.


However, I am going all the way south to Lansing, then coming back north when I get to GR. As much as I'd love to do a tour of the biggest cities in Michigan, that seems a little ridiculous to do all that driving.


This one takes 3 hours and 28 minutes. But it's not a freeway, and straight through farming country.


I don't mind driving on roads that are only 55, because I normally don't drive 55...obviously. But I don't have very good depth perception, so I'm that guy that is hesitant to pass a tractor going 15 mph if I can see an oncoming car off in the distance.

I just hope this doesn't take me all day for choosing to view the splendors of the Michiganderan Farmer.

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ps- If you would like to call me, that'd be great. I have nothing to do for the next couple of hours. Thanks.

Ageism and Technology: The Struggle of American Youth

Ok, so I consider myself a pretty smart guy. I can figure things out pretty easily and am a fast learner. Sure. I play on Facebook a lot, and I know how to convert songs from my iTunes to my iPod.

HOWEVER, this does not make me an IT professional. In fact, I only learn to do things that I use every day, i.e.- blogs, media players, paint, AIM. And there are still aspects of those things that I haven’t mastered yet.

But for some reason, because I am a kid in college, everyone over the age of 35 ASSUMES that I am a computer wiz, and could take apart an XBOX and put it together again before they get back from the grocery store. I don’t think so.

Yeah, I can connect your camera to your computer. Sure. I can set you up with a sweet Myspace page. No problem. But there are some tasks that we traditionally (sorry for such an ironic word) reserve for people called “IT guys.”

I don’t mind doing things. I’m always willing to do whatever I can to help. But I will not stand for such a blatant stereotype of my generation. You cannot just hand me $300 worth of software and routers and say, “Make it work.”

Whew.

On that note, I’m considering an IT minor. Anyone wanna do it with me?

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My Diet

That's right. My name is Adkins and I have my own diet.
It's pretty successful, actually. 100% of people who have tried it have had success.
And it's so simple, you can do it too.

I lost 40 pounds over 4 weeks last summer. I saw this video and decided I needed to so something.




So listen up.
It's called "caloric intake."

First, go here and figure out what your daily caloric intake should be. It will give you the surviving amount, the weight loss amount, and the extreme weight loss amount.

Guess which one I go with.

My "extreme weight loss" number, just to give you an example, is around 1500 calories. So, I aim for 1000, knowing that I can cheat if I have to.

Second, choose what you want to do. For me, it was giving up pop (a 20 oz is generally 280 calories) and riding my bike to work. I play tennis and basketball about three to four times a week as well. So there are a lot of activities that burn calories in addition to my diet.

Next: prepare to suffer. Usually the third day is the worst, which is where I think I cheated big time. BUT, I felt guilty and ran like 3 miles that night. Just know that you can always trade out exercise for calories.

Now I'm not suggesting you starve yourself. Drink LOTS of water, and eat something small every four hours. This will definitely curb your appetite. If you are doing extra exercise, your metabolism will become more high maintenance anyway, so find your favorite low cal snack to munch on. Fruits and veggies are usually the best.

You've probably heard this before, but in order to be successful, you can't treat this like a "diet," but a "lifestyle change." A diet is a temporary change in your food intake to achieve a goal, then stop. If you make it a lifestyle change and learn to appreciate the results, and how easy it is to maintain yourself, you will be better off in the initial stages and after you've lost your weight.

Hope this helps you guys as much as it helped me.

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Disclaimer: I am in no way a medical professional. I am speaking from personal experience about a lifestyle change that was extremely successful for me. Everyone's body has different needs, and I do not guarantee any results like mine.

New Title

I've chosen a niche. It's called juice.
I like juice, and everyone should drink some everyday.
Since most my stuff is pretty juicy: whether it's advice, opinion, or linking to current events: I figure the title is fitting.

Hope you enjoy it, and tell your friends.
Taking requests here and here

Love you guys.
Especially you :)

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Ok. Hi?

So I have this problem. I can’t be nice to people without coming off as a creep. If I go for a while without talking to a girl, and I say, “Hello, beautiful,” that somehow comes off as, “Hello, Clarice.”

Since there’s no possible way that I genuinely think this person is beautiful, or that they should know that, I hence have no right in saying such a thing… since she has a boyfriend… and it’s not me. So this is where I make my decision.

I posted about love a while back, and made reference to unrequited feelings. Unfortunately, the only help I can get with this is from TV and movies. So, I’m obviously tanking.

Even though this is a Jim and Pam situation in my mind, it’s not working. And really, I’ve been putting it in the back of my mind because it’s too embarrassing to think about. And even too embarrassing to write about.

I’ve been running uphill for as long as I can remember with this chick, and she wants nothing to do with it. But my big, stubborn head has made me press on…despite all the advice I’ve been given.

All I can say is that I’m trying my best to fight it out, because I think that it’s something worth fighting for. Even if I find someone else to move on to, you know, that isn’t dating someone else…I still think that this says something about my stance on love.

You can’t stop it, and you can’t force it…but sometimes you do have to ignore it.

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I Didn't Make the Cut

I only get down on myself when I see people like these guys. With sources like Ripley's Believe It or Not, and Guiness Book of World Records, it's getting harder and harder to believe this stuff. But it seems that there are legitimate people with super powers out there.

They have yet to come up with a name for my condition, so you'll have to wait for that list.

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John Spiker Interview

I got the chance to interview John Spiker, the bassist from Filter and Tenacious D. Let me tell you, this guy's a cool dude. You check out the published interview here.

But since you all are my loyal readers, I'm gonna give you the EXCLUSIVE questions and answers that didn't make the final cut. Enjoy!

GC: What are the differences between the two frontmen: Jack Black and Richard Patrick?

JS: It’s fun to be around Jack, because he’s a crazy man. He’s always making you laugh and its always a great time. With Rich it’s a different story.

There’s no question there’s a political, environmental message to the record and when I joined this group, I wasn’t really hip to all of it and I was like, “Yeah, I don’t really pay attention to that kind of stuff.” But we met with soldiers in Washington D.C. where troops come after coming back from Iraq and it’s unbelievable being with these people. It’s undeniable that this war is a real thing and people are actually dying. We watch it on TV and say ‘Oh that sucks”… it seems fake, until we went and met these people.

Filter did this show in Kuwait a few months ago for the troops. And we met a guy at Walter Reed who was at the show in Kuwait, and was a huge filter fan. And a week after the show was deployed right into action. He lost both of his legs, one of his arms and his hearing. He was talking to us via this chalkboard that he had to write on because he couldn’t hear. And he was like, “yeah I saw your show in Kuwait, you know, when I was an entire person.” And you know, in that two months time, a lot has changed for him.

Even the kid that “Soldiers of Misfortune” was for. This kid said, “Yeah, I’m gonna go do whatever they tell me to do. I’ll serve my time, and I’ll come out with some money in the bank, so I can pay for college.” And ten days later he died.
That’s one of the biggest differences. Although we have a blast out here, and the show is certainly light-hearted, we’re not on stage yelling at the crowd…

GC: So it’s not an Anti-Flag show?

JS: No. Exactly. We’re here to have a good time for sure. It’s really interesting to take the opportunity when you have a platform that Rich and we do with our band and do a little bit of something with it. He’ll be the first to tell you that he’s not trying to change the world. It’s the sort of thing like,“Hey, let’s talk about this. Let’s just all at least be aware of what’s going on.”

GC: You’ve done some international dates this month with two shows in Germany and one in London. How are they reacting to the political message, and are you hesitant to offer that to them?

JS: Any political views and beliefs are about the United States, and directed at the United States. This country definitely doesn’t need any help spreading anything bad about us. The record isn’t just about “this a crap war,” there’s a song on the record called “The Take” which is all about our impact on the environment.

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I Hate Baseball

I played baseball when I was in high school...at least, I was on the team. I was a pitcher, so I got to play maybe once every couple of weeks. And since I was pitching, I usually got DH'd, so my plate appearances were few and far between.

I do, however, remember one of my at-bats that lingers in my mind that changed the way I look at things.

I stepped up to the plate, and I can tell you that the sun was bright. Not in my eyes, like I should have complained...just oddly bright. I went through the same motions I have done since my t-ball days: tap the far and near corners of the plate, and wind the bat around a couple of times. I know I stole the moves from someone, but who it was didn't matter at that point, because the wind up came sooner than expected. The first pitch was a fastball right down the center, and I didn't even flinch. 0-1.

Now I'm a professional kinda guy, so I shrug it off as if I am just giving the other team a fair chance at this game by allowing the first pitch to sit prettily in the middle of the plate without doing anything about it. To this, the pitcher smiles at me. (Yeah, he actually grins like an idiot at me not swinging.) So I straighten my back out, and wiggle the bat around, then comes the next pitch: a fastball...in the exact same spot. 0-2.

At this point my coach is probably going mad inside. Instead of shouting out some encouraging tid-bit, he chucks a few more sunflower seeds in his mouth and checks his watch. Now , at this point, I was honestly expecting something different. No idiot is going to let two fastballs right down the middle fly by him without swinging away at them...

So the third pitch WAS something different. A curve in the dirt. 1-2.

Finally something went my way, and I felt more in control. The next pitch, the pitcher shakes off 3 signs, and guess what he throws...that same fastball...in the same spot. I'm locked on at this point, but get cocky in trying to decide where I want to place it in the field...so I end up being late and foul it off. Still 1-2.

What a battle. Only 4 pitches and it feels like we've been at it for days. Never before had I experienced such a battle of wits in which I had come upon such a worthy competitor. Part of me didn't want it to end, but with the next pitch, it did.

He hung is curveball up and inside and I casually directed my elbow at it. Hit by pitch.

We both stood in disgust. I was about to get a hit. He was about to strike me out. I trot to first base and stand there in disbelief. I realize that I will probably never see this kid again. Our battle is over, and though it is something he and I won't forget soon, everyone else on that field would say, "just another at-bat."

I have the mentality that I should have no regrets, only mistakes. And everytime I think of that at-bat, I get frustrated at my mistakes. But of course, I made something positive out of the experience.

I learned that hits are meant to be, and all you have to do...is swing.

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