Valentine's Day

So tomorrow is Valentine's Day, which is a pointless "holiday." I just read that people will spend upwards of $17 billion on gifts, dinner, and other things on their significant others. Why? Are there not enough designated holidays for gifts already? What's even worse is when people expect extravagant, out-of-this-world gifts. If anything, Valentine's Day should be a day of simple gifts that are personal. So what did Emily and I do for the day? We got each other simple gifts and spent the evening watching movies. Perfect! Many people asked me what I got her and when I responded that I got her screwdrivers, I could tell they wanted to just say "What the hell are you thinking?" (I got a lint roller) I was thinking that we don't need to spend money to show each other we enjoy each other's company. But I thought, what else could I do for Valentine's Day? Well Emily, here is another gift that will hopefully make you laugh at the silliness of "romance."

Gamble Chocolates and Antacid Hearts! (Skip to 3:42)

Bacon!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Anxiety

It is late and I cannot seem to fall asleep. For the last few nights I have really struggled to sleep. I seem to be anxious at the time when I need to be calm the most. I'm not sure of the reason for this but it sucks. I have been trying to do a better job of getting to bed earlier and it seems to not be working at all; in fact it is backfiring. I have also been just lacking motivation in my classes this week. Again, it has been a real struggle for me. It has happened all of the sudden and I have been searching for answers. It's something that isn't completely new to me so I am not too worried about it passing but I just wish it was something I didn't have to deal with right now. The cat is fighting me for attention so I will leave you with that. Just remember to slow it down.

Painting

I found this on Donald Miller's blog the other day. I just loved the quotes from it.

“I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.” – Vincent van Gogh

I only ask you to remember this: even in the darkest nights and the rainiest of days, moments of light and color mysteriously, majestically, and sometimes whimsically (like a rainbow of flowers disguised as umbrellas) shine through. Paint that truth.

Transition Period

I have been told many times this week that this semester is the start of a transition period in my life. Entering into Block A is supposed to signal to students that they are almost professionals and, therefore, need to start acting like one. We were told to start thinking about what we say, how we dress, what we tweet, what we blog about, start networking. Personally, It has felt like a transition period for me but probably not because of the same reasons for most people entering Block A. Most of my classmates are still around 21 and think about things 21-year-olds think about. They go out, they party, they have fun. I do that about twice a semester. I'm older and had my time being a 21-year-old.

I think this semester has felt like a transition period because I feel like I'm finally fitting in at college. I have loved my time at K-State and I enjoyed my time at Emporia State but I could never find a place where I felt comfortable. I feel like I am in the right major for me. I know more than one person in each class. In fact, I have at least 10 people in each class that I know and can talk to. There are at least 5 people that I have worked in groups with and know personally and that has made a huge difference in the comfort I feel walking into my classes.

It is a transition period for me and it feels great. I'm looking forward to this semester for many reasons. My life finally feels like I'm grown up. And that, my friends, has been a long time coming.

Irony

While trying to fall asleep last night I though of something and it made me laugh. I used to leave Emporia every weekend that I could when I was going to school here. Now I'm living at home and going to K-State and all I want to do is spend my weekends in Emporia. I find that a tad ironic.

Dane and Christy

It seems that a lifetime has passed since I have started this blog, which coincided with my move back home. Every time I think about how long it has been I really struggle when figuring out exactly how long it has been (over 4 years is the answer). Most of you, if not all of you, know the story behind my move back home and it was something that helped my life a great deal. But one of the only reasons that my life has turned out so well in this time is because of the help of my friends, and a couple in particular. They would be Christy and Dane.

I had exactly 1 friend in this town when I moved home and if it weren't for Christy, I may not have gotten the opportunity to have the friends I do now. Christy was responsible for getting me to Church, introducing me to Abandon Kansas, introducing me to her family and friends, and helping me re-discover my love of playing music. It was a simple invitation to join her family while they were fire pitting that really changed my life. I wouldn't have become friends with Brock or Dane. I wouldn't have the relationship with God that I do. And I probably wouldn't be playing music. I owe her a great deal, more than I will ever be able to express quite honestly.

I can remember meeting Dane the first time I was around the Bebermeyer's fire pit. He didn't talk much to me, other than a simple introduction. But in the time since he has become someone that I can always turn to for advice, knowing he will always lend an ear. I got the chance to play music with Dane at his church and it was always a fun experience. We have been to concerts, we have been drinking, we have talked about girls and we have tried to write music in our underwear. We had some great memories in the few years that I got to know Dane and I can say, with great joy in my heart, that he is a wonderful person and I am lucky to have him in my life.

I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to the Wutke's before they left on their journey to Australia and I am awfully mad at myself for that. There was so much I wanted to say to them, gratitude that I wanted to extend, but it wasn't meant to be. I will kick myself for two years for not driving back to give them hugs goodbye. Luckily for me, and the rest of their friends and family, technology has allowed us to remain in close communication from across the globe. I couldn't give them my best wishes in person but here I am, writing them down, knowing they can read them.

It is a bittersweet moment for everyone in their lives because we will all miss them so much while they are walking along their journey that God has sent them on, but we miss them knowing that they are doing God's will. They are so lucky to have the opportunity to be in Australia and start their lives together, grow together. We all were skeptical of the idea, some may still feel that way, but eventually I realized that I was being selfish in not wanting them to go. I didn't want to give up my close friends. But they aren't gone, just on an extended vacation.

So Dane and Christy, even though you just logged of Skype without saying you were leaving (I am assuming you found the grocery store), I love you both so much and I couldn't be more proud of you. I am forever in your debt, eternally you might say. You have helped me grow into the man that I am today. I look forward to hearing about your adventures, seeing pictures, and reading about your lives over the next two years. Heck, maybe I will even visit one day. Stay safe, have fun, grow together, and please, come home soon. We all look forward to your arrival!

I'm Caught In Suspension

Well it's official, I am in Block A next semester. After getting a rejection letter on wednesday, I received an acceptance letter on saturday. It has been a whirl-wind few days for me on the road in Emporia, Lawrence and Manhattan. Today couldn't have been a better day. Friday couldn't have been better. Or thursday. Wednesday night was one of the best nights of my life. This song is a perfect descriptor of that night on the dock of Olpe Lake, under the moon and stars.

Suspension by Mae