Archive for October, 2005
Halloween is definately one of my favorite holidays! You get to completely step away from all of your problems, all of your fears, and become something that 364 days a year you are not.
Today, I went to work dressed as a “Punk Rocker” … I’ve got it all - a black fauxhawk with white tips, eyeliner, and tattered clothing.
While this is just a costume to me - there are people who dress like this on a daily basis. I’ve manged to realize how society reacts to people who “peacock” themselves as emo or punk. People don’t hold doors, they sure dont hold elevators, and they don’t talk to you, even if you act polite and say hello. I’ve felt very alienated today - and IT IS HALLOWEEN so I know that at least half of the people I have run into realize i’m only dressed like this because its for fun!
So - next time you see a skanky looking emo kid or goth rocker - be friggin nice to them. They really arent looking for your acceptance, but i’m sure that they will appreciate a warm smile or simple hello…
I found some interesting facts about halloween and thought I would share them for those who normally wouldn’t read up on this….
The term “Halloween” is derived from Hallowe’en, an old contraction, still retained in Ireland, Scotland and some parts of Canada, of “All Hallow’s Eve,” so called as it is the evening (or eve) before the feast of All Saints (an important day in the Christian calendar), which used to be called “All Hallows” derived from All Hallowed Souls. In Ireland, the name was Hallow Eve and this name is still used by some older people. Halloween was formerly also sometimes called All Saints’ Eve. The holiday was a day of religious festivities in various northern European pagan traditions, until it was appropriated by Christian missionaries and given a Christian reinterpretation. In Mexico November 2nd, after All Saint’s Day, following Halloween, is the Day of the Dead.
Anoka, Minnesota, USA, self-proclaimed “Halloween Capital of the World,” celebrates with a large civic parade.
October 31st, 2005
As many of you know, I am now living in Kansas City. It is a place very different from home. The land is much flatter, there are a lot fewer trees, and people here talk _much_ faster than Western Kentucky.
I am writing this post to stimulate some thought to you soon-to-be-graduating college students who are certain that they are ready to get the hell away from [insert hometown or town of university].
I would like to preface my thoughts with the following information:
- I am for the most part happy
- I am for the most part lonely
- I am not moving back home anytime soon unless something major happens
A lot of times, people make irrational decisions - these decisions are made out of frustration with their current situation, money and financial matters, and lack of excitement in their current life.
That would explain exactly how I felt three months ago. I was very frustrated with my situation. I was stuck in a monotonous job that absolutely drove me nuts. I didn’t feel financially successful. At that exact moment, I felt like I needed a major shift in my life. I took a chance, left behind a few very important things, and decided to take a position in a metropolitian area that I honestly was not familar with…
Yes - it was very exciting. Yes - it is a beautiful place. Yes - I love my new apartment. Yes - I love my new friends.
but …
After a discussion with a great friend in Nashville, we determined that we really were not as happy as we had _assumed_ we would be after making the move!
There is a lot to consider before jumping ship and moving eight hours away from home.
- Your family will miss you and you will miss your family
Since I have left, my grandmother has started a battle with Cancer. My fathers side of the family has suffered a major loss (my step-grand-dad). It’s hard to be eight hours away from home and hear people you care about crying. You can’t be there, physically, for them.
- Making new friends is not easy
I don’t care if you are the most talented linquist in the United States - no matter how cool you might come off, it is hard to befriend new people. Why would they want to get to know you? They are already a twenty-something with hundreds if not thousands of established friends from college and high school! The friends you do make? Well, they seem superficial at first because you really don’t know them as well as your other buddies - its hard to explain! That feeling eventually goes away!
- Your job could suck
Thankfully, my job is very exciting and unpredictable. Yes, it seems unstable and insane every so often, but I feel fortunate that I at least love waking up each morning and going into the office. I think that I am in a minority with this - so I am wanting to put the warning out there - there is a good chance that your dream job will not be as stary-eyed as you once imagined…
- Lifestyle changes
Living in a “city” versus “the country” definately has its own strange effects. It’s hard to get away from everything in the city. I must also mention Crime, Traffic, and lots of concrete. Its not as glorious as it may sound! heh.
My main reason to sharing all of this is to help you guys appreciate what you have right now! I know that sounds retarded - but really, you have hundreds of friends coming over, random people sleeping on your couch after a party, and a thirty minute drive for a good home cooked meal.
Adaptation
I feel like I am a survivor of moving. When I moved to St. Louis directly after graduating, I didn’t do anything right. I found myself laying around my apartment, depressed and unhappy. Everything seemed like it was crashing in. After going home and now, taking the chance once again, I can honestly say that I am a successful member of the Kansas City Metro. These are my tips to finding your niche and dealing with the rough first few months….
- Join an organization: Church, Charity Group, etc.
- Be proactive - Call the few people you have met! Get to know their friends! Network!
- Force yourself into the community - get a state license, start watching sports, etc…
- Try not to focus on what your friends and family at home are up to - you will miss being with them if you do!
- Bust your hump at your job - It’ll keep you occupied _and_ earn brownie points!
- Get some new hobbies - I’m reading books now - yes, books! (egads!)
I hope that this helps someone out! I feel like I have done very well considering all of the circumstances I have gone through - and I have a bunch of people who I can call on here! I hope that everyone evaluates everything I’ve said and makes sure that they actually want to leave home _and_ not so much that they are making a decision in haste! I know several people who are miserable - trust me - you don’t want to do that!
October 30th, 2005
Ugh - I’m not even sure what to think of this …
Oh well . . . I guess you have to look back and regret something!
Things have been wild lately - for real. I’ll keep you informed.
October 26th, 2005
Select Albums that I think are rocking …
- Thrice - Artist in the Ambulance
- Thrice - Vheissu
- Thursday - War all the Time
- Underoath - They’re only chasing safety
- Demon Hunter - The Triptych
- Death Cab for Cutie - Plans, Photo Album, Transatlantic
I actually went and saw Thrice at the Beaumont Club the other night. I can not explain how cool of a concert they put on. The lighting was amzing and they had complete control over the crowd - even though they had a lot of technical difficulties.
I’m flying to Memphis tomorrow to discuss outsourcing some web design. I’ll be actually arriving in Murray earlier than expected on Friday, since they are sending me directly from Memphis to Nashvegas! I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone. Dut, Chris, and all my ASP fraternity brothers! What about Bradley Simmons and Tyler Leet, are you going to be at Tent City? I know you read this site! Starkie? Youre going to be there - right?
I’m pretty pumped - I havent seen my mom, stepdad, or brother in like 4 or 5 weeks!
October 20th, 2005
I just found a metric ton of old Instant Message Logs on my computer. I can’t believe it. I’m talking like, 1999 to 2002! Hahah. It’s so funny. A lot of them are of me trying to pick up girls - hah - I was so terrible at that back in the day! Evidently I played a ton of nintendo because half o my discussions involved me playing FZero. heh.
Just wanted to post something personal. It’s Saturday! Next week at this time, Uncle Kenny will be getting married. We will also be having the homecoming thing as well. I’m excited to come home and see a few of my buddies (particularly Chris, I think he’s struggling…)
October 15th, 2005
I have officially enrolled myself into boxing lessons. Today, my friend Amber and I went to Authentic Boxing in Kansas City and looked into signing me up for boxing lessons.
This is not YMCA boxing either - this is the real deal. We watched half of the training session and it is going to be absolutely the hardest thing I have ever done. It will make Middle School Football practice at Crittenden County seem like a cakewalk in the park.
The price? Absolutely free. Why? This place is a professional den for boxers. It has two rings. If I get into shape and I contend or go professional, they get a cut. Evidently they have bred several big name fighters and those fighters have sustained this joint through winnings. Talking with “Coach” - he seemed to think I had potential - Being 25 is an optimal age because you are focused and you know what is ahead of you to become successful. Even though I’m not muscled out, I am a decent shape to get prepared — he seemed really confident I could do this.
Am I in shape to handle this (mental, physically)? Well - There were several guys who were obviously NOT in shape working on it (One guy had been there seven weeks and he was way over weight and unable to complete most of the training routines). I’m not going to be getting in any rings for a few months he said - he is very concerned about the safety of those involved. Only a fighter who is ready to battle will be allowed in.
Yes - I’m stupid. But trust me, I will be in peak shape in NO TIME if I do this. I have never seen men scream in pain and sweat as much as these guys did when I walked into that gym. It was just like the training part of Rocky, for real.
We shall see - I am still not sold on the idea - but part of me has a huge void and I am going to do something stupid to feel that void.
I’ve got several other really big annoucments, but I dont want to drop them all on the site. If your my friend, you’ll find out sometime in the near future.
October 10th, 2005
ResortQuest Ski News Keeps Vacationers Informed
Our good buddy, Scott Randolph, has contributed to a pretty exciting Press Release! Congrats Scott!
October 4th, 2005
Here is the roundup as of 8pm…
- Well, I halfway cleaned up the Apartment.
- I didnt go to the party at Crystals but did hang out with a bunch of people.
- I nearly finished the first season of the O.C. but didnt quite watch every episode.
- I did NO excessive development work on our new project - yet.
- I watched the chiefs blow an 18 point lead - way to go. Doh.
- I washed the vette but didn’t clean out my passat (ugh)
- I bought a friggin’ couch!
Aside from the goals, I found out that the corvette has a “competitive driving” mode that allows greater wheel spin - I barked the wheels through first, second, and third today when I was whipping up on a celica. I bought a new pair of blue jeans at the Buckle as well - I own like 30 pairs of hole-ridden pants now!
I’ve got a haircut tomorrow afternoon (thinning out some hair only) …
The new Thrice album rocks.
My grandmother begins chemotherapy tomorrow - I know I haven’t really said anything about this, but its been making me a wreck for the last few weeks and I havent really felt like talking about it - especially online. Anyways, Keep her in your prayers.
Well, i’m going to grab something to eat - and then maybe start working on “the project”.
October 2nd, 2005
