A Day in the Life of a Teacher

The End of an Era

2006-07-20T08:39:00.000-05:00

49 classes, $25,000.00, and four years later has finally come to this moment. Today I finish college with one more test to go in my International Trade class. Just 35 multiple choice and 6 short answer questions stand in the way of my B.A. It is exciting to be moving on and it will be very strange to not have classes to go to anymore. Instead of taking tests, I'll be the one giving tests. Up till now I have been used to something in my life changing every few years such as junior high to high school and high school to college, but with this transition if I stick with teaching it will last another 43 years. It seems to be almost like marriage in the sense that you do not think about how long you will be in that situation, you just take it a year at a time.

My Little Soapbox

2006-07-14T11:28:00.000-05:00

I have realized lately that there are some things about the American culture that really annoy me. Being that I am American I feel that I am in a good position to comment about it. It disturbed me how arrogant and selfish Americans can be. Some people would like to build a fence along the southern border and make English the official and only language spoken. The last time I checked we are a nation of immigrants and of many languages. Sure illegal immigration needs to be fixed, but they all deserve a chance to get into this country to better their lives. I think its time for Americans to wake up and realize that no matter where someone comes from, they deserve a chance at a better life. I've been to Mexico, Venezuela, and Jamaica and seen poverty that I could never imagine. I've seen kids living just south of the border living in cardboard boxes and all that separates them from a better life is a little river. If I was in that situation I would risk my life as well to get across. Its not their fault that the Mexican government takes so long to approve visas. I have friends in Mexico that have to waite a few years just to get a tourist visa to visit America, much less a work visa. American arrogance is also evident in the little things like soccer. I love soccer and I watched almost every match of the World Cup. For the most part it seems to me that Americans do not like soccer only because the rest of the world loves it. Americans only like things that are purely "American" such as baseball which has to be the most boring sport on this planet. Overall I am just sick of Americans thinking they are better than everyone else in the world. We are just one nation among many.

Update

2006-07-13T13:31:00.000-05:00

I realize that hardly anyone visits my blog on purpose since I do not update it as often as I should, but yet here I am writing. This month has been somewhat of a challenge so far. I had hernia surgery on June 30 and that took a little over a week to recover from that. This past Tuesday Chelli went to Mexico to help at a summer camp for impoverished children and she will not return till next Thursday. Its a very strange feeling to be around someone everyday and then all of the sudden for nine days you do not see them. It is a very odd feeling to come home and the only thing waiting for me is my dog and her wagging tail. Now that I am married I really have no desire to ever be single again. I know the single life offers many freedoms, but none of those are equal to the excitement of being married to someone you truly love with all of your heart. The scary thing is I start working at Marcus High School a week and a half after Chelli gets back.

My New Friend: Renee Zellweger

2006-06-06T10:55:00.000-05:00

So we may not be friends, but I did meet her and her family Saturday night when Chelli and I were sitting down to have a nice meal at the Wildwood Inn. Chelli and I were very impressed at how nice and down-to-earth she was. She did not act at all as if she were famous and I really admire that. So every year on June 3rd I am going to have dinner at Wildwood Inn just to see if she shows up again.

Updated Picture of Luna

2006-05-15T08:48:00.001-05:00

Slowing Down

2006-05-15T08:48:00.000-05:00

It has been a wonderful break with school out now. It is so much easier to just work full time instead of doing student teaching, working, and going to school all at the same time. This is the only break I get since I have a class in June and July and I graduate 2 days before I start teaching. Last week I discovered Game Tap. Game Tap offers about 500 games that you can play from Windows games to Atari. It has been fun and relaxing re-living my childhood with arcade and Genesis games. There are no Nintendo games which is a downer, but that means I will just have to buy the new Nintendo when it comes out.

The Interview

2006-05-02T17:04:00.001-05:00

I had my interview today at Marcus High School. It seemed to go very well and I will find out if I got the job or not around the middle of next week. Please just pray that God's will will be done. I know that God has a place for me that He knows that I will do great at. I love being in a place in my life when all I can do is rely on God for His guidance in what is to come.

I'm Sorry

2006-05-02T17:04:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to say that I am sorry that I have not updated my blog in 2 months. Not much has changed since then. I did find out that I passed my teaching certification tests. I am just a few day away from finishing my student teaching. I found out today that I have an interview with Marcus High School. Please pray for that and that God's will will be done. I will be sure to update more often and include funny stories instead of just updating what it going on in my life.

Good News

2006-03-02T17:08:00.000-06:00

First off I am sorry its been so long since I have posted. I have been incredibly busy with student teaching and night class that when I sit down at a computer I don't feel like typing anything. Today the person that hires the social studies teachers for LISD observed me teach and she said that if she did not know I was a student teacher that she would have guessed I've been teaching for at least a few years. She said I had a great relationship with the kids and interacted with them very well. Hopefully this will assure me a job somewhere in LISD. Chelli also passed her certification test last week so she can start looking for a job as well!! Other than that Chelli and I have been doing great and God is taking care of us financially during this time and that is such a blessing. I still will take donations if anyone feels that they need to give to those less fortunate.

My Random Babbling

2006-02-08T17:27:00.000-06:00

I feel bad for taking so long to post again. My weeks are so busy that its hard for me to find time to sit down and type. I'm stressing out because my certification tests for teaching are a week from Saturday and to be eligible to apply in Lewisville I must pass these tests because they hire most of their teachers in April and I would not be able to retake a test until April. God is good so I know that even if I don't pass the first time a job will pop up somewhere for me.

This past weekend Chelli and I hung out with Alicia and Bill Underwood for the first time since they have been married. On Friday night they cooked us a meal that was delicious and we stayed up talking until 1:00 am. On Saturday we took them to Babes for the first time. They loved it and of course I stuffed myself with corn and chicken. Sunday night Chelli and I watched the Super Bowl at Kim's house. We had about 3 dipping sauces for chips and dessert. I didn't like the game very much because of the Refs. I hope those refs either get fired or never ref a Super Bowl again. Also another random note, Brisa, my Sister-in-Law, is kicking ass in gymnastics. In her last competition she placed 4th in all around.

A Good Review

2006-01-28T12:50:00.000-06:00

Thursday was my first day to teach and I was observed by my advisor as well. He gave me a really good review and said I did excelent. I really enjoy teaching and I am looking forward to it. The days go by so fast and half the time it does not feel like work. I have been really tired since I have started especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays because I have night class on Monday and Tuesday. I've been so busy there are not really and funny stories to share. I will write more later when I think of something interesting to share.

The Thrills of Student Teaching

2006-01-19T16:56:00.000-06:00

I started my student teaching on Tuesday and I have done so much. I have not actually taught anything yet, but on the first two day we planned 7 weeks of material and today I graded for most of the day. My mentor teacher had a desk, grading book, stapler, and tape all set up for me on my first day. Most student teachers are lucky to even get a comfortable chair, much less a desk. On the first day I barely saved myself from an embarrassing situation. I went to the bathroom just before 4th period began and when all the students were coming in I looked down and noticed that my pants were unzipped. Luckily I was sitting behind the desk so no one could see, but some of the students chairs are facing me so I couldn't just reach down there and try to zip up really fast. I quickly thought about what we were doing that day and realized I could Waite until the kids went to the computer lab to zip up. Hopefully that will not happen once I start teaching on next Thursday.

A New and Exciting Semester

2006-01-10T09:48:00.001-06:00

This semester has not even started and I'm already stressed out. Yesterday I had a morning long student teacher orientation at UNT. The orientation was not that great but I am looking forward to teaching this semester. I was not expecting to take any classes this semester, but when I saw what was going to be offered in the summer I had to quickly sign up for two classes. One of the classes was full and I had to talk to my advisor and e-mail about three people to get in. This is the first time I have ever contacted my professor before class starts. So now that I am signed up for those two classes I can safely say that I will be graduating in August so mark your calendars for sometime in the beginning of August!! I also have to take my teaching certification tests next month and then start applying for jobs in March. Its very weird and exciting to think that in a mere 8 months I will be a college grad teaching my first class. It will be strange not having the title as a student. I will just be a married teacher with a dog.

Luna's Breakout

2006-01-10T09:48:00.000-06:00

On Friday Chelli, Luna, and I had an adventure. For the past few months we have been giving Luna peanut butter whenever she is running all over the apartment and chewing on everything. This would give us 15 minutes of sanity before she would go back to chewing on everything. We put the peanut butter in a cone shaped toy that was hollow in the middle so it took her a while to get it out. On Friday Chelli came home for lunch and let Luna out and gave her peanut butter. Within five minutes Luna had hives all over her and the area around her eyes was turning purple and swelling. Chelli freaked out and called me while I was doing deliveries for work. I told her to call the vet or go get some allergy medicine at the store. Chelli called the vet and while she was on the phone Luna vomited four times in a row. Chelli rushed Luna up to the vet and after I finished my delivery I met her up there. By the time Chelli got to the vet Luna's eyes were almost swollen shut. I got there after they gave her some shots and she was still swollen, but not nearly as bad. She looked like Rocky in the 6th round when I saw her. All I could do was laugh and I wished I had a camera. She was fine after that and slept most of the day. The vet said that dogs are like humans and the more you are around something that you are allergic to, the worse your reactions. It may have bothered her before but it was not visual. Needless to say Luna is not getting anymore peanut butter.

The Game of The Century

2006-01-05T08:30:00.000-06:00

As most people did I spent last night watching the Rose Bowl. Everybody was saying this was going to be the game of the century, and it was. That was by far the most exciting game I have ever watched and my throat still hurts from yelling so much last night. The game sent me through a rollercoaster of emotions. At one moment I would be rejoicing and jumping around the room and the next moment I would be sitting in my chair losing hope in what could be. The last 7 minutes of the game I was going crazy. I was rocking back in forth and sometimes I was on my knees hoping for a miracle from above. That miracle came in the form of Vince Young prancing into the endzone with only seconds left as seen above. With all of the adrenaline rushing through my body just from watching the game I felt like I needed to run 3 miles just so I could go to sleep. At the end of the game U.S.C.'s quarterback, Matt, really made U.S.C. look like a bunch of pricks. First he stumbled and said they won and then he said they were still the better team and Texas just made a few plays. So somehow the better team is the one who lost a 12 point lead with 5 minutes to go to a worse team. All I have to say is take your pacifier out of your mouth and grow up and take it like a man. Matt Leinhart is a good quarterback, but he still acts like a baby. I hope Matt gets traded to the Houston Texans and learns how to lose.

A New Year

2006-01-04T08:43:00.000-06:00

2005 had its ups and downs, but overall it was a great year. It started out hard when Cody's dad died. The Miller's handled that situation with so much faith and it was an encouragement to all the people around them watching how they kept their faith in God at that time so strong. Now a year later God is blessing Cody's sister with a baby. I will always remember 2005 because I got married. It seemed like it took forever for the wedding day to come and then in an instant it was over. That whole week leading up to the wedding was wonderful. I got really spoiled in Jamaica with free drinks and food so when Chelli and I got back reality hit me hard. The first 6 months of marriage had its trials, but through those our marriage has grown deeper. In October I also got to go see U2 which was one of my life goals. Its a pretty good year when you accomplish two life goals in a year. I don't know what this new year holds for me, but whatever it is it will make me a better person. I do know that at some point this year I will graduate from college. Hopefully I will get a job as well.

Our First Christmas

2005-12-29T08:44:00.000-06:00

This was the first Christmas for Chelli and I as a married couple. It really didn't seem any different than the last two years except that we went back home with each other. We spent Christmas day with my in-laws as well as my mother and grandmother. I got a some great gifts such as Batman Begins and $200.00 from my mom. I don't even remember what we did Sunday night but I'm sure it was fun. Monday we went to my dad's for my other grandmother's birthday. My aunt and uncle got me a $100.00 gas card for Exxon and my other aunt and uncle gave me $50.00. I wish there was a really funny story to tell but everything went smoothly and it was very relaxing. It really did not seem like Christmas to me though and I think it was because of how warm it was. This Saturday for New Years Eve we are going to the Stark's house (Jessica Stark) and we are going to break out Cranium and I know my team will win because I still have a lot of the answers memorized. I will be drinking so that may throw me off some. I will try to remember to get batteries for my camera so I can put some pictures on here. Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

A New Apartment

2005-12-20T08:14:00.000-06:00

On Saturday Chelli and I started moving to our new apartment at La Colina, which is across the street from where we were. I did not realize how much stuff Chelli and I had until we started packing up stuff. Its amazing how many things we have considering how poor we are. Our new apartment is small, but we are putting so much stuff in storage that it almost feels like we have more room. I was afraid it was going to be like the Geico commercial where a couple is living in a midget sized house for a year. The only time it feels like that is when Chelli and I are both in the bathroom. Overall I like our new apartment better. One factor that makes this apartment great is the awesome cable service. Yesterday I signed for 237 channels including all of the movie channels for 6 months at $39.99 a month. The next cheapest was $52.99 and that was for about 130 channels. I would have a party, but I think it would be better if only 2 people came at a time.

Yesterday Chelli and I went shopping at Target to by a curtain because there is a huge light that shines into our bedroom. I forgot to measure so I tried to guess at how long the window was. We both thought that 54 inches x 84 inches would work fine. We got home and I was so excited to hang the curtains because I was waking up in the middle of the night cursing under my breath. I was able to hang them nice and straight with only one problem. The rod and curtains were about 6 inches too short. We left it up last night and it did block the light from our faces, but we will be going back to Target and this time I will measure twice and buy once.

Something Funny

2005-12-15T12:58:00.000-06:00

I thought this was funny.

FINAL EXAM

Instructions: Read each question carefully. Answer all
questions.

Time limit: 2 hours. Begin immediately.

History: Describe the history of the Papacy from its origins to
the present day, concentrating especially, but not exclusively,
on its social, political, economic, religious and philosophical
impact on Europe, Asia, America and Africa. Be brief, concise
and specific.

Medicine: You have been provided with a razor blade, a piece of
gauze, and a bottle of scotch. Remove your appendix. Do not
suture until you work has been inspected. You have fifteen
minutes.

Public Speaking: 2500 riot-crazed aborigines are storming the
classroom. Calm them. You may use any ancient language except
Latin or Greek.

Biology: Create life. Estimate the differences in subsequent
human culture if this form of life had developed 500 million
years earlier, with special attention to its probable effect on
the English Parliamentary System. Prove your thesis.

Music: Write a piano concerto. Orchestrate and perform it with
flute and drum. You will find a piano under your seat.

Physchology: Based on your knowledge of their works, evaluate the
emotional stability, degree of adjustment, and repressed
frustrations of each of the following: Alexander of Aphrodisis,
Rameses II, Hammuarabi. Support your evaluation with quotations
from each man's work, making appropriate references. It is not
necessary to translate.

Sociology: Estimate the sociological problems which might
accompany the end of the world. Construct an experiment to test
your theory.

Engineering: The disassembled parts of a high-powered rifle have
been placed on your desk. You will also find an instruction
manual, printed in Swahili. In 10 minutes, a hungry bengal tiger
will be admitted to the room. Take whatever action you feel
necessary. Be prepared to justify your decision.

Economics: Develop a realistic plan for refinancing the national
debt. Trace the possible effects of your plan in the following
areas: Cubism, the Donatist Controversy and the Wave Theory of
Light. Outline a method for preventing these effects. Criticize
this method from all possible points of view. Point out the
deficiencies in your point of view, as demonstrated in your
answer to the last question.

Political Science: There is a red telephone on the desk beside
you. Start World War III. Report at length on its
socio-political effects if any.

Epistemology: Take a position for or against truth. Prove the
validity of your stand.

Physics: Explain the nature of matter. Include in your answer an
evaluation of the impact of the development of mathematics on
science.

Philosophy: Sketch the development of human thought. Estimate
its significance. Compare with the development of any other kind
of thought.

General Knowledge: Describe in detail. Be objective and
specific.

U2 Song of The Day

2005-12-13T10:26:00.000-06:00

This is from their new album and they closed with this song at the concert I went to.

How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb

"Yahweh"

Take these shoes
Click clacking down some dead end street
Take these shoes and make them fit
Take this shirt
Polyester white trash made in nowhere
Take this shirt and make it clean, clean
Take this soul
Stranded in some skin and bones
Take this soul and make it sing, sing

Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, Yahweh
Still I’m waiting for the dawn

Take these hands
Teach them how to carry
Take these hands, don’t make a fist, no
Take this mouth
So quick to criticise
Take this mouth, give it a kiss

Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, Yahweh
Still I’m waiting for the dawn

Still waiting for the dawn
The sun is coming up
The sun is coming up on the ocean
This love is like a drop in the ocean
This love is like a drop in the ocean

Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, Yahweh
Why the dark before the dawn

Take this city
A city should be shining on the hill
Take this city if it be your will
What no man can own, no man can take
Take this heart
Take this heart
Take this heart
And make it break

The Chronicles of Narnia and a 6 Month Wedding anniversary

2005-12-12T10:56:00.000-06:00

Ted, Kim, Tim, Chelli and I saw the Chronicles of Narnia on Friday night. We arrived fourty minutes early only to sit four rows from the front. I thought the movie was really good as long as you don't go expecting Lord Of The Rings. I think if I was not a Christian I would probably not like the movie. There were some people, but not many, that were laughing at the movie mainly during the battle scene. I think it was a good adaptation of C.S. Lewis' book. It was a great kids movie that portrays the gospel in a way they can understand easily. They did change my favorite line though, but I think they made it better. In the book when the kids are asking the beavers about Aslan they ask if he is safe and the Beaver replies, "No, no he is not safe, but he is good". In the movie they put it at the end and changed it to: "He is not a tamed Lion, but he is good". At least it went something like that.

This weekend also marked 6 months for Chelli and I being married. Yesterday we went to Texas Roadhouse and had dinner. After that we returned home and she wanted to watch "Return to Oz" because when she was a kid she loved that movie. About 45 minutes into it she realized it was dumb so we fast-forwarded through the rest of the movie just to see how it ended. Even watching it in fast-forward was dreadful. Because she tortured me with that movie she has to watch another episode of Star Wars. The lesson is that marriage is about compromise and sacrifice. At least in marriage there are other driving forces that help you in compromising. After the movie we talked and went to bed. I'm going to have to figure out something cool to do for our one year anniversary. Maybe if I have some money a hotel room in Downtown Fort Worth would do. All you need when you are married is room service.

My Little Soapbox

2005-12-06T16:18:00.000-06:00

I can't stand lukewarm churches. As an individual Christian I struggle like most in that I get complacent and lukewarm, but the point is that I push on and I struggle for the sake of Christ. What annoys me to no end is churches that say they believe in Jesus, but don't take the bible literal. They take the bits and pieces they like and throw out the rest. The other part that I don't like is how those churches focus in so much on God's love that people have no fear of God anymore. Yes God loves us, but don't forget He hates sin and MUST punish it if one does not admit to God that they are a sinner in need of help from God. God is patient but each day that God waits the more His wrath builds up. I'm not saying that we should make people scared of God thinking He may strike them down. The church needs to be reminded that God is to be respected and part of that respect is to fear the Lord, which is also the beginning of knowledge. I also don't like churches that bend to the culture around them. The church of today has lost its backbone. We are to call sin what it is and not make excuses. Excuses are for the weak. Most churches today are merely social clubs that have lost sight of their intended purpose and that is to be a city upon a hill and light and salt to the earth bringing people to the knowledge of God.

What Do You Think?

2005-12-01T14:36:00.000-06:00

I have a teacher in the education department that many of my peers including myself feel that she is a very bad teacher. It is a reading class that is supposed to teach us how to help kids read. My first problem with this class is that we are secondary teachers and if our students can't read then they should be in special ed. She also accused two students in my class of cheating on a very simple assignment. Before she even talked to the two students about it she talked to the Dean of Education. She also talked about in our class and said they may get kicked out of the Education program because of it. It was not until after this she approached the students and found out it was a very simple misunderstanding on the teacher's part. She also does not like my class and in her other class she talks to them about how much she does not like us and how we are going to be bad teachers. She even cancelled her other class on the Monday before Thanksgiving, but the made us come and stay the whole 3 hours and take more notes than we ever have before. She even told her other class that she was going to make us stay because she didn't like us. The only reason she doesn't like us is because we challenge what she says as far as good teaching strategies. Anyways I was just wondering if anyone else thinks that that kind of behavior is unethical for a teacher. Especially a teacher that is to be a role model to students who are becoming teachers. It seemed that she took things very personally whenever we questioned her strategies or why we had to take that class.

Thanksgiving: Two Turkey Dinners, A Movie, Engagement, and a Fire

2005-11-28T09:41:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving weekend was full of good food and many miles of driving. Thursday morning Chelli and I went to Garland to pick up Perdla, our friend from Mexico. We drove back to Denton and went to my Grandmother's house. It was Perdla's first Thanksgiving ever. Perdla loved the food except for the sweet potatoes. She is not used to having something sweet unless it is dessert. After that we took Perdla to my mother-in-law's house and she spent the night with them. Chelli and I drove to Cleburne and spent the night at my mom's house. My mom made a huge lunch for us on Friday and I gorged myself yet again. Chelli and I returned Friday afternoon and on Friday night we took Perdla to a Chinese buffet. This was Perdla's first time to have Chinese and since it was a buffet it was not the best. I also found that it is really hard to eat a buffet after Thanksgiving. We also saw Flight Plan Friday night. Overall the movie was good, but it had a few overdramatic scenes. Saturday we slept in and took Perdla back to Garland and that night Chelli and I went on a date. Yesterday was a slow, non-eventful day until around 5:50 p.m. As I am parking at church Jonathan Dumas calls me and tells me his house is about to burn down from a grass fire. It all started because of the high winds blowing out a transformer that was over a big, dry field. The sparks turned into a huge fire in a matter of seconds. About a minute later the field, which is maybe 4 or 5 acres, was all up in flames. Jonathan's dad called 911 and after just a few minutes the fire already hit two of their neighbor's yards and was heading torwards their yard. The flames were about waste high at this point. Jonathan and his parents decided it was time to leave so they opened the garage door and his dad pulled out of the garage first. The smoke was so thick that Jonathan could barely see his dad's headlights from the garage. As Jonathan drove off all he could see was a huge orange glow surrounding his house. By this point Jonathan was sure that his house was gone. Luckily a fast response pickup truck made for brush fires showed up. The truck jumped the curb and parked the truck in between the house and the flames which at this point were only 10 feet away from taking down the house. The firefighters were able to put it out and save the house. Jonathan and his dad returned to the house and continued to put out small fires around the yard. Their house was filled with smoke so I'm sure everything smells like smoke. I think God had a hand in all of that. On a good note Cody and Amy got engaged this weekend. They will be getting hitched on June 10, 2006. Maybe Cody will update his website and post about the engagement.

U2 Song of the Day, "Gloria"

2005-11-22T13:44:00.000-06:00

Gloria
I try to sing this song loud I try to stand up But I can't find my feet I try, I try to speak up But only in you I'm complete Gloria, in te domine Gloria, exultate Gloria, Gloria Oh Lord, loosen my lips I try to sing this song loud I try to get in But I can't find the door The door is open You're standing there You let me in Gloria, in te domine Gloria, exultate Oh Lord, if I had anything Anything at all I'd give it to You I'd give it to you Gloria In te domine Gloria Gloria.

This song is from their October album which is all worship.

Deep Thoughts...At Least They Are For Me

2005-11-21T10:39:00.000-06:00

After being married almost 6 months now I thought it would be much harder than it has been. We have had our trials looking for jobs and managing our tight budget, but overall it has been really fun and a great growing experience. Yesterday Chelli was gone most of the day with her family. She went with them to her grandparent's church in Van Alstine. I could not go because of my soccer game but I felt strange not having her around. I had to go to church last night without her for the first time since we have been married and it felt as if part of me was not there. I've also noticed that Chelli and I have started adopting each other's mannerisms. I can't imagine what it will be like 40 years from now. Sometimes in marriage, at least at the beginning, its easy to forget you are married. This morning I woke up and saw Chelli getting ready for work and it hit me that she is my wife and that she loves me more than anybody else on this planet. Just like with our walk with God it is easy to get complacent and forget how much God loves us and how big the sacrifice He made was. The key to marriage is to do things that remind each other why you chose to get married. Thats enough deep thinking for today.

Life Keeps Goin

2005-11-17T14:39:00.000-06:00

I'm sorry its been awhile since I last posted. I've been extremely bussy doing projects for school and studying for tests. Finally Thanksgiving is only a week away and so is the much needed break. I hate how every big project is either due right before Thanksgiving or right after. Chelli and I did find a place to move to. On December 17th we are moving to the La Colina apartments across the street from where we are now. I wish I had some great news or an exciting story to tell, but my life has been fairly void of anything of the such in the last two weeks.

Chewbacca: The Untold Story

2005-11-04T09:16:00.000-06:00

Most everyone knows Chewbacca as a tall, hairy character off of Star Wars, but how many people know the man who played Chewbacca? He must get annoyed having to prove to people that he really did play Chewbacca and the following true story is an account of that. My friend, Brian, who goes to school with me works at a hardware store. This British man called up one day asking for a custom-made door and it had to be eight feet tall. Brian told the man it would take 4 to 6 weeks to complete and that there are no refunds. 3 weeks and 6 days later this very tall british man showed up in a fit of anger wondering where his door was. Brian told him that it had not been four weeks yet and that they would call him when it was finished. The British man was very mad and demanded a refund, but Brian stood his ground and said he can't do that. The British man said in a fit that that is not how you treat celebirties. Brian then said, "I don't even know who you are". The British man told him he played Chewbacca in Star Wars and Brian told him he never saw Star Wars. Chewbacca told Brian that he was lying, but Brian reassured Chebacca that he had not. A few weeks later the door was done and Chewbacca sent in someone else to pick up his door. I love Star Wars, but if I didn't watch the Star Wars documentary then I would have no idea who played Chewbacca or the midget in R2D2 or the guy that played C3PO.

U2 Concert

2005-10-31T10:39:00.000-06:00

As most of you know I went to the U2 concert on Saturday. It was the most amazing show I've ever seen. They played about 20 songs. They included the audiance by bringing people up onto the stage (one at a time) while they sing certain songs. During one song Bono had is arm around a young girl while he sang. She about fainted. One guy got to play the guitar along with U2 when they sang "Angel of Harlem". I know some bands do that and its already planned, but U2 really just picked someone out of the crowd and let them play. The concert was also awesome because you could in a sense feel the presence of God. I truly believe that God uses this band to reach many people that would otherwise not care to listen. The book I am reading now shows a good summary of the faith of U2. Its called "Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2". I highly recommend this book if you like U2's music and you wonder what he really means when Bono says that he still has not found what he is looking for.

The Day Everything Went Wrong

2005-10-27T13:03:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry that I have not posted in over a week. School and work have been extremely busy. Yesterday was a day that everything that I did went wrong, at least after 9:30 a.m. I started my day right by going to Tom Nelson's Bible study and then Tim Bedford and I grabbed a quick breakfast at Mi Casita. After that kind of start the day looked like it was going to be wonderful. Come around 10:00 a.m. I checked my EDSE 4840 class schedule to see when the next time I had to microteach (small lesson that I present to 4 of my peers while being videotaped). I thought my next turn was in November, but it was yesterday. Luckily it was not until 5:30 p.m. but in order to prepare for that and study for a test I had this morning I had to take off work. Luna had a Vet appointment at 11:30 a.m. to get some shots. We had a nice drive there and Luna was happy as usual. On the way back she wasn't feeling great and right before I pulled into the parking lot she vomited all over me and my car seat twice. At this point I was having to concentrate so that I would not vomit all over myself as well. So Luna and I walked up to the apartment as vomit was soaking through my clothes to my skin. I changed and put her up so that I could clean up my car with paper towels and dish soap. After I finished cleaning my car I let Luna out and about five minutes later she went diarrhea all over the floor in the extra bedroom. Chelli had to clean that one up because I couldn't handle the smell without vomiting myself. After that Luna slept most of the day while I studied and prepared my microteaching. I decided to do my mini lesson on stereotypes and I felt very prepared. The point of microteaching is for us to write out a series of questions that guide a conversation. My first question was if anyone could name a few stereotypes about other races. A girl named Erika responded with "Black people are loud". I started laughing but my problem was that I could not stop laughing because it made me think of the drug dealers that lived next to me and how they would yell really loud at each other and Chelli and I thought it was really funny. So when Erika said that, that was all I could think of and it probably took me about 30 second for me to calm down and ask the next question without laughing. The worst part was that it is videotaped and we watch them when we are done so I had to live through it and then watch it. At least we don't get graded for it. The good thing is that everything that went wrong is not that big of a deal. It was just frustrating at the time.

Justice Is Served

2005-10-15T12:11:00.000-05:00

I'm sure most of ya'll read my post about my neighbors. On Thursday night the mighty hand of justice came upon them. It looked like the police caught them using an undercover cop. A young white guy showed up to their apartment and left really quickly. Soon after that about seven cops showed up. Some of them were in normal cars and two others were in squad cars. I believe they found drugs in their car as well in the trunk. They were both arrested and the car was towed away. If anybody wants a yellow Neon I'm sure it will be showing up at a police auction sometime soon. I was overcome with joy when I saw this happen. Those of you who know me well know that I love it when justice is served. For some reason I love seeing people get caught and arrested. I probably need to work on my mercy some but its so much easier being wrathful.

Life Goes On

2005-10-12T15:35:00.000-05:00

I feel like there is nothing real interesting to post. Nothing funny has happened. I did have my first soccer game last Sunday, but not enough people showed up so we just scrimmaged. I had my first history test yesterday and I spent most of my weekend studying for that. One item of good news is that Chelli and I may have found a place to live. A family in Oak Point have an apartment in their backyard. It is a little smaller than our apartment we have now so we will put some of our stuff in storage. The family is thinking about charging us just $400.00 for rent, utilities, cable TV, and cable internet. This Friday I start observing at a middle school in Flower Mound. I'm sure I will have at least one good story from that.

Looking for a Place to Sleep

2005-10-07T11:15:00.000-05:00

Most of ya'll know that Chelli and I are looking for a place to move. Hopefully someone's garage apartment or something of the like. Chelli is in a program to get certified to teach and in June we have a hunk of change to pay up so we are trying to save money however we can. Especially since I will be student teaching and they don't pay me to do that. Our lease runs up November 30th and if we can't find anything we will just get a one bedroom apartment and put some of our stuff in storage so that we will be able to walk around. So if anybody is in town the weekend of Thanksgiving Chelli and I could use some help packing up and moving out.

Great Weekend

2005-10-03T10:51:00.000-05:00

I was able to get on a soccer team and I will finally start playing this coming Sunday!! JR actually called me and said he wanted to meet me to give me my money back, but I doubt he will follow through with it. On Friday night Tim Bedford came over and we watched "Crash". If you have not seen this movie rent it now. Do not even finish reading this post before you watch this movie. It was a movie that doesn't hold back any blows. Make sure there are no kids around when you watch it. The rest of the weekend was relaxing. Chelli is going to start cleaning my dad's office on Saturdays instead of working at Crack in the Barrel. She was getting too warn out working there and it put her in a bad mood for the rest of the day. I think she will like this a lot better.

I Got Punked

2005-09-27T15:32:00.000-05:00

Last month I told ya'll that I was going to sign up and play soccer for the Fort Worth Adult league. A guy named JR called me up and said I could play for his team and that I needed to pay $70.00. I payed him and so did nine other people. The first game of the season rolls around and he says that there was a mess up with the schedule and that we did not have a game. That sounded reasonable so I didn't think much of it. The second game comes along and he said it was cancelled because of no nets for the goals. That sounded fishy but I waited for the next week. I tried to call him last Thursday and his phone no longer works and again there was no game this past Sunday. By now I am mad so I called the League. I found out that he was fired by the league because he never put me and the other nine guys on a team and he ran off with the money. One of his friends is getting everybody's name and is talking to a DA to see about pressing charges. I talked to him and told him that I want to press charges and the good thing is that this guy (Jack) is really trying to help out as much as he can. He is going up to the League office and he is going to try to get all nine of us on teams and he will pay the $70.00 so that we can finish out the season. Come to find out that JR has a really bad gambling problem and he probably used that money to pay bills or gamble even more. I feel real bad for Jack because he is already out $2,000 because of JR's antics. If I don't get to play any this season I am going to be flaming mad because at this point in my life $70.00 means a lot.

My Neighbor The Drug Dealer

2005-09-24T10:03:00.000-05:00

I have not had real interesting neighbors until now. A young African American couple moved into the apartment building across from us and I met them for the first time when I was walking the dog. They wanted to get one so I gave them the guys number who had the puppies. They picked up one of Luna's brothers and sometimes we would take them outside and let them play. They seemed like a nice couple until Thursday night. Chelli was walking the dog and she heard yelling and what sounded like household items being thrown against the wall and breaking. Chelli came back inside and we opened the balcony door just a little so we could hear. The guy came out and site on the steps and started smoking weed while his girlfriend was yelling at him. Of course everyone in the vicinity could hear all of this. A few minutes past and they went back inside and Chelli and I forgot about it. About thirty minutes later Chelli and I were leaving to go to her mom's house and as I walked outside I noticed two cops up at the couple's apartment. One of the cops was walking back to his car and I let him know in case they didn't see it that he was a drug dealer (His girlfriend told Chelli that he dealt street medicine) and that there is another guy that lives a few rooms down that is one also. He said they were called about the yelling so I don't know what happened with them. I realized I liked living at Woodhill more before I knew my neighbors

When Does It Stop?

2005-09-24T09:57:00.000-05:00

Its been a whole ten days since my last post mainly because school and work are so busy right now. Still don't know if Chelli got the job, but I guessing she didn't get it. All it takes is one person to interview who is already certified and that would bump Chelli off. She is going to start looking for an administrative assistant type job where we would make enough money while I am student teaching. If anybody knows of any openings let me know. Right now its just a matter of strict budgeting.

Maybe Just Maybe

2005-09-14T12:59:00.000-05:00

Chelli received a random call the other day from an elementary school in Lewisville. We stopped looking for teaching jobs about a month ago, but this school somehow got her name and called her to see if she could be a bilingual kindergarten teacher. It sounds like they are desperate so hopefully that means she will get the job, but I'm not getting my hopes up yet. Chelli even told them that she was not fluent and that she could talk with the kids fine, but would have a hard time with the parents. Her interview is starting right now as I type. This maybe what God had waiting for us, but if not then I know He will provide for us. If she does get the job I will be planning a big party so keep your calendars open just in case.

2005-09-07T16:09:00.000-05:00

A little more kissing!

2005-09-07T16:07:00.000-05:00

Tom Nelson, Chelli and I

2005-09-07T16:06:00.000-05:00

Chelli and I.

2005-09-07T16:05:00.000-05:00

Chelli and her girls.

2005-09-07T16:03:00.000-05:00

I thought this one was funny.

2005-09-07T16:02:00.000-05:00

All The Guys

2005-09-07T16:01:00.000-05:00

Don't Mess With Us!

2005-09-07T15:47:00.000-05:00

You can guess what was going on here.

2005-09-07T15:45:00.000-05:00

Chelli coming down the aisle as I watch her.

2005-09-07T15:43:00.000-05:00

This is the chapel during the ceremony.

School has Started.

2005-09-06T14:25:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry I went a week without posting anything. School starting and my new work hours got me out of my normal routine. School is going to be real busy this semester but thankfully two of my classes are real easy. The only class that I have that will be difficult is my history class. I am taking my seventh history class and thanfully my last. I enjoy history but the classes only get harder the higher up you go. I would love school if there was never any homework and no tests. If I have a good teacher and its in a subject I enjoy I can listen to a lecture all day. I can't waite for the day when I am making the tests instead of taking them. (Change of subject). Chelli and I got our wedding pictures Sunday so check back soon for some pics. They are really good!!

2005-08-30T13:26:00.000-05:00

Luna trying to find Chelli.

2005-08-30T13:24:00.000-05:00

Luna and her hippo.

2005-08-30T13:23:00.000-05:00

Luna sleeping in her red couch.

2005-08-30T13:21:00.000-05:00

Ben Williams' and His wife. Their reception was at the hotel they stayed at so they are walking to their room here.

Crazy Weekend

2005-08-30T13:05:00.000-05:00

This weekend was really busy. Saturday Chelli and I went to Ben Williams' wedding. The order of the ceremony was a little strange, but I will not go into detail. After the wedding Chelli and I picked up our new puppy. Her name is Luna (Spanish for moon). Overall she is doing great but the worst part was trying to sleep. Saturday night we had a gate blocking off the kitchen and we put her in there. She moaned the whole night and needless to say it took me two or three hours to fall asleep. Sunday night was even worse. We put her in our room in a plastic box next to our bed. We were hoping that if she could see us she would be quiter. Overall she was a lot better, but she would moan some which in turn kept me awake till 4:00 a.m. Last night we finally figured it out. We put Luna in a kennal and I stuck her in the laundry room and shut the doors and she didn't moan as much, but even if she did I had earplugs and my load fan going and I slept great. I have found that a puppy is good training before you have a child. They cry through the night, you have to clean up after them all the time, you can't take your eye off of them when they are walking around, and you have to pottey train them. Despite all the work I am glad we got her. She is fun to play with and she follows me everywhere. Luna is also really obediant for a puppy. Most of the time she holds her pee for outside and she stops doing something wrong as soon as I say no, except when she is pinned up.

2005-08-26T13:57:00.000-05:00

Close up of the frame.

2005-08-26T13:56:00.001-05:00

The foot of the bed.

2005-08-26T13:56:00.000-05:00

Another pick of the head of the bed.

2005-08-26T13:55:00.000-05:00

Here are a few picks of the new bed.

Finally Some Good News

2005-08-25T08:12:00.000-05:00

Chelli had her meeting Monday with Mr. Stevens (Director of Human Resources for DISD). There were no openings for a teacher position, but she is going to substitute in the mornings and work at First Baptist Child Daycare in the afternoons. Chelli is also going to work at Cracker barrel on Saturday mornings. I am going to start working Saturday mornings during the semester as well to help pull in a little extra cash. The amazing thing is that we will only be making $300.00 less than if she were a full time teacher. Also whenever a teaching position opens she will get first dibs. This good news leads to even more good news. We are getting a puppy!! I saw it last night and she is adorable. She is a mix of Pittbull, beagle, and Doxin. Her mom is a Pittbull, but she may also be mixed with Lab. When I heard what she was mixed with I thought she would be really ugly, but every puppy looks like a normal dog. There are still plenty of puppies left so if anyone wants one let me know and I'll give you the hookup. We are going to pick her up Saturday evening so if you want to see her give me a call. Otherwise pictures will be posted on here on Monday.

Real Tales of the Crypt

2005-08-22T08:41:00.000-05:00

Most people who know me know that I have a lot of freaky stories that have happened either to me or people I know. I have stories of furniture bouncing up and down by itself, a mattress that felt like someone laid in it when there was no one else around, a chair rocking by itself, orbs of light dancing around each other in my Grandfather's house a month after he died, an Angel appearing, a mean puppet appearing (to me), a shadow walking by, and the freakiest one that my brother experienced was a teenager possesed by four demons. I know most of ya'll are thinking that I am wacko, but all of the stories above come from people I know and trust. Until last night the demon story was the scariest. For those who don't know it I will tell you a shorter version. My brother was on a mission trip to Austria in the summer of 1998. One of the kids that went was having a lot of really bad problems. A leader took the kid outside one night during praise and worship and started talking to him. The leader told Josh all of this. The kids eyes changed, I don't remember what to but that the leader said they looked very evil. The kid started screaming and it was really the demons doing that. They could hear it inside the church over the music. Each demon one by one talked through the kid to the leader cussing out Jesus and telling him what he had been doing to the kid. When each demon was done talking they would leave the kids body and his body would jolt. When the last one left the kid passed out for about three hours. Until last night that was my freakiest story. Tim bedford told me one that topped that in my book. His girlfriend lives in Mexico and when she was about 12 she was at home one night watching her little sister while her parents were out. She was watching TV when she heard some things moving around and being messed with in the other room. She thought it was the neighbor's cat so she was going to scare it off. She looks in the room and she sees a kid that was naked and pale as death. He had black eyes and black hair that looked like it was wet and slicked forward. The kid was pearing around something looking at her. Tim's girlfriend closed her eyes and backed out of the room and then ran outside screaming. Basically this thing looked like the girl from The Ring just without the long hair. As I tell these stories I don't want anyone thinking I believe in ghosts. I think every paranormal thing that happens are merely demons. Except for the Angel story I have. Ya'll probably think I am even more wacko now.

2005-08-22T08:26:00.000-05:00

This is our new couch. It is really big and really comfortable. I will post a pic of the bed tomorrow. Chelli was still asleep so I skipped that one.

And It Continues...

2005-08-18T10:44:00.000-05:00

Chelli was not able to get the job in Lewisville because her Spanish was not good enough. In some ways it was a relief to her because she did not feel real confident in her Spanish. The principal loved her at least. He said if he had a different position open that he would snatch her right up. We called the Executive Director of Human Resources for the Denton ISD last night (His daughter sang in our wedding). He told Chelli to take the elementary generalist test this weekend and he is going to meet with her this Monday. He said there should be openings this next week. Please pray that Chelli will pass this test and that there will be a job awaiting. We know God is going to provide, we just have no idea when or where. I am probably going to start looking for another job soon. Found out that the only guy left besides my dad and I is quitting. If anybody knows of any part-time jobs let me know. The great thing is that through all of this Chelli and I are becoming stronger and learning so much on how to let God lead and us follow.

2005-08-17T16:55:00.000-05:00

I thought this was a pretty cool pic of a storm. It would have really sucked to have been under that.

A Few Prayer Requests

2005-08-15T10:24:00.000-05:00

Chelli has another interview today with Lewisville ISD. I think she has a good chance of getting this job since school has started there and they still need a teacher. She is applying for a bilingual 1st grade teacher. Her interview is at 1:30 today so please pray that God's will will be done. If she doesn't get it then there is something better for her out there. Also Tim Bedford, Chelli and I are trying to plan a mission trip to Mexico to work at the summer camp. Hopefully Chelli and I would be able to go to Mexico for the whole month of July in 2006, but that depends a lot on whether or not Chelli gets this job today or not. There is nothing more fun than trusting God and seeing what happens.

2005-08-12T08:51:00.000-05:00

Jonathan and Melinda in the backseat.

2005-08-12T08:48:00.000-05:00

Chelli being gross.

2005-08-12T08:47:00.000-05:00

Chelli and I in front of the Guadalupe River.

2005-08-12T08:43:00.000-05:00

Jonathan fell into a well. He was ok but he doesn't like talking about it. He still has flashbacks.

2005-08-12T08:41:00.000-05:00

This is the top part of the Mission.

2005-08-12T08:39:00.000-05:00

This is the inside of Mission San Juan.

2005-08-12T08:37:00.000-05:00

This is a pic of all of us in front of my Aunt and Uncle's house.

Some Random Thoughts

2005-08-10T09:09:00.000-05:00

Tim Bedford returned from Mexico a few days ago and he came of to me and Chelli's apartment. Tim loves Mexico and doing missions down there. He also likes it because his girlfriend lives there. Anyways, there is a camp there that Chelli and I worked at last year and we were not able to return this year for obvious reasons. We really want to go next summer so if ya'll could pray that God would provide a way for that to happen. Chelli and I love working in Mexico and we hope God puts us there next summer. What will decide how long we will go depends on the job Chelli gets since she will be working full time. We find out today if she gets a teaching job in Sanger. If she does that would give us enough income to sustain us to where we could go to Mexico for a month. That way I could still do Summer one at UNT. I'm really excited about getting back into the ministry. Chelli and I are going to start going to Young Marrieds at church and see how that is. Today I went with Tim to the Men's Bible study and that was amazing. I realized that it is hard for my brain to comprehend theology early in the morning. At least they had some sugar there to jump start my brain.

Amazing Music Video

2005-08-09T10:57:00.000-05:00

Follow this link to listen to this song. Make sure you watch the video, don't just listen. http://www.nickcannonmusic.com/index_main.html. This was so good it brought tears to my eyes. (I'm not kidding). Its about abortion and its called "Can I Live".

2005-08-09T09:37:00.000-05:00

Chelli and I in Jamaica

I'm Back and Very Sunburned

2005-08-08T16:50:00.000-05:00

We had a great trip to San Antonio this past weekend. We arrived Friday night to find that my uncle had made brisket, potato salad, beans, fresh corn on the cob, and some bread. You can imagine how much I hate. I also tried a rather sweet wine that I enjoyed. Its not too often that I find a wine I like. After dinner we sat outside and made a little fire. It was very cool Friday night. Saturday we went to S.A. and went to the mercado and then the river walk. We also stopped by Mission San Juan. We topped Saturday night off by going to Gruene. There were thousands of people there. The restaurant we ate at sits 963 people at one time!! While we were waiting an older lady next to us almost passed out. Chelli ran and got her some water and some ice. She was ok after she cooled down some. Sunday morning we tubbed down the river. The river was going slow so it was real relaxing utill my skin started to bubble from the UV rays hitting the top of my legs. My legs hardly ever see the sun since I work in the office so it did not take long for my legs to fry. It also took 3 1/2 hours to tube down the river. We left at about 4:00 yesterday and made it in at 10:00. Overall we had a great time and hopefully we will do something like this every year.

Another Weekend Trip!!

2005-08-04T10:29:00.000-05:00

This weekend Jonathan, Melinda, Cody, Amy, Chelli, and I are heading to my aunt and uncle's house north of San Antonio. The Guadalupe River runs through their backyard. We are leaving tomorrow afternoon and we are going to cook out tomorrow night. We will obviously stop by the Little Czeck Bakery on the way as well. Saturday we are going to go to the River Walk and maybe a Mission. In the evening we are going to go to the wonderful German town of Gruene. Gruene has the oldest dance hall in Texas. Some famouse people have played their such as ZZ Top. Gruene is known for its many shops and quant atmosphere. They have a wonderful restaurant called the Grismill that is in an old cotton gin from the 1800s. The Grismill is set on a side of a cliff that overlooks the river as well. I will be sure to get some picks and post them. Sunday morning we are going to go tubbing down the river. It takes about 4 hours and it is so relaxing. We do it in the part of the river that is not busy at all and we end up in my aunt and uncle's backyard. The only weird thing about my aunt and uncle's house is that in the backyard there is a German family from the late 1800s and early 1900s buried there. The most recent burial was in 1917 and he fought in WWI. The tombstones are in German so I couldn't read everything they said. For those who didn't know the hill country of Texas was where most Germans settled when they came here, except for my family which settled in Ponder. Since I will be gone I most likely will not post until Monday but since most of the people that read this blog are going to be with me I guess thats not too bad.

Good News

2005-08-03T10:04:00.000-05:00

I called the Ft. Worth soccer league and I am going to play!!!! This will be my first season in almost six years. I will be sure to tell everyone when the games are but since they are in southern Ft. Worth I doubt that many people will want to come. I don't want anybody coming to my first game for sure. I hardly even want Chelli to come because I know I will not be doing so hot. At least I will be having fun.

Freaky Snake

2005-07-28T14:37:00.000-05:00

I found this pic from another blog. I don't know what kind since the sight was in Arabian.

Quick Note

2005-07-27T09:04:00.000-05:00

I changed the setting to where anybody can post. I did not realize I had it set where only members could post a comment.

Deep Thoughts

2005-07-27T08:49:00.000-05:00

I found out yesterday that I did not make the soccer team. A lot of people tried out and there were only a few spots. I realized I came in with a big disadvantage. I had not played in 5 years, I am 21, and I was not working out regularly leading up to trying out. The guys on the team averaged about 24 or 25 years old, some played division 1 soccer in college, and they all work out. Remember I have not played in 5 and a half years so the last time I stepped foot onto a field I was 15. The other players have an extra 9 or 10 years in experience than I. Not being in shape was also a factor. At practice I knew where I needed to be and what I needed to do, but my body could not get there in time to do it. I also realized that I am somewhat glad I did not make it. I don't think I would have had as much fun playing in such a competitive league. Luckily there is a Adult soccer league in Fort Worth that is an open league. They will match me with my skill level and I will be able to just play and have fun which is what I want to do. God worked it out well. The only thing that would keep me playing in the Ft. Worth league is if they have games during the week. I find that out next week and of course post that info when I find out.

Where am I?

2005-07-25T12:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Chelli and I returned from Plainview. Luckly we got back in time for me to go to my soccer scrimmage. About 15 minutes into the game someone kicked a ball really hard and it hit my right temple. At first it just gave me a really bad headache. When I made it over to the side line and sat down I blanked out for a little bit and when I came back to reality again I had no idea where I was and how I got there. I didn't know where my car was, my keys, or why I was on the side line. I had to ask somebody if I got hit in the head. All I knew is that my head was hurting and I didn't know what day it was. I couldn't even remember if I drove back from Plainview that day or not. At first it was really scary, but after 15 minutes it was really funny to me. I wonder if that is what it is like to pass out drunk and wake up and have no idea how you got to where you are. I am just glad it was not a really bad injury. The sad thing is that I do not even know yet if I am on the team. If I don't make it than this was all in vain.

Going West

2005-07-22T09:46:00.000-05:00

Today Chelli and I are heading off to Plainview to see my grandmother. We will only be there until Sunday morning but that is enough time. The only things we do there are eat, play chickenfoot, and go see a movie. At least it will be really relaxing. Sunday is my last chance to make it on the adult soccer team I am trying out for. If this league doesn't work out I may try a league in Fort Worth. I'll be thinking of ya'll as I eat apple pie made from fresh apples in my grandmother's neighbor's backyard.

Shark

2005-07-21T11:35:00.000-05:00

I was pretty proud of this shot. He tried to attack me but I kicked him in the nose.

Swimming Pool

2005-07-21T08:41:00.002-05:00

This is the main swimming pool. It had a swim-up bar.

Cliff Jumping

2005-07-21T08:35:00.000-05:00

This is the cliff that Chelli jumped off. I just sat back and had a drink while I watched her.

View Outside Our Room

2005-07-21T08:32:00.000-05:00

Flashback

2005-07-20T14:37:00.000-05:00

Here is a pic of Chelli and I from October of last year.

Kwick Car Sucks

2005-07-19T16:34:00.000-05:00

I found out today that Kwick Kar Lube and Tune is bad at more things than just spelling. I have found that they are completely incompetent when it comes to fixing cars. Chelli and I took her car in to get the air conditioning fix. It ended up taking longer than expected so we picked it up this afternoon. When we got there the lights were left on and the battery was dead (Asshole mistake #1). Chelli had her car jumped and while she was driving she realized the air conditioning still did not work (Asshole mistake #2). I do not see how they could say the car was ready when the very thing you asked to get fixed STILL doesn't work. You would think they would check and see if they fixed it but I guess their high school education didn't go that far. At least they are fixing the car for free now.

I'm Still Married

2005-07-14T14:20:00.000-05:00

The first month of marriage has past. Now only 50+ years to go. The weirdest thing was sleeping in a bid with someone else. Chelli also talkes in her sleep and sometimes yells like she did last night. She yelled out GIRLS really loud and it woke me up. She said she was having a dream that I was cheating on her and that she was really pissed. Sometimes she hits me while she is asleep too. I am also learning how to clean up after myself quicker than I usually do. To me its fine to let the dishes set for an hour or two before cleaning, but not when you are living with a female. If anything she is making me a better person. We have a lot of fun trying to cook also. Chelli is becoming a great cook. I mainly watch and clean the dishes for her. Overall I would say that marriage is better than being single. Even though Jonathan, Cody, and Eddie are going to Austin without me. (I'm not bitter).

Jamaica Me Crazy

2005-06-22T10:33:00.000-05:00

The wedding is over and so is the honeymoon. Now its back to the real world. The wedding went great and the honeymoon was only better. All inclusive resorts are the way to go for honeymoons. Chelli and I had a first floor beachfront room with a refrigerator that was stocked with beer, wine, juice, and water and it was all free!! Normal people had to buy water in the gift shop for $4.00. We took a tour of the resort and went shopping the first day. The days following we went snorkeling, took a ride on a glass bottom boat, took a cruise on a 22 foot long boat equipped with a bar and very loud speakers. Chelli went cliff jumping while on the cruise. I watched her as she jumped off the island of Jamaica into the ocean and that was all the thrill I needed to enjoy myself. The food was absolutely amazing. The buffet had a sea of fruit and some of it was cut into cool looking shapes. They had any meat you could desire and a myriad of desserts. I have pictures and when I learn how to get them on the site you will be able to see them. I cannot describe in words how beautiful the water and vegetation was. Their drinks were also amazing. I probably had between 3 and 6 drinks a day. We got 2 recipes from one of the head bar tenders so when I figure out how to make it I will invite everybody over for some Hummingbirds and Miami Vices.

I'm Getting Married THIS Saturday??

2005-06-07T11:56:00.000-05:00

June arrived very fast. I can remember when the wedding was nine months away like that was yesterday. Now its a mere 4 days away. Each day seems to go by so fast, but I have a feeling that those last 3 hours are going to feel like an eternity. I'm getting nervouse just typing this blog. I got to go eat so I'll blog again a little later.

The Rapture Index

2005-06-03T15:36:00.000-05:00

You know how we have an index for terrorism well now we have one for the rapture. This website has a scale of how much prophecy is being fulfilled. Scroll to the bottom of the following website to see how the index is split up. http://www.raptureready.com/rap2.html

Free Cable

2005-06-03T15:13:00.000-05:00

Ever since I moved out of my parent's house I have been blessed with free cable. I didn't do anything illegal. It was just there when I moved in. The first placed I moved to had just basic cable. My apartment that I am in now not only has cable, but I also get HBO, HBO2, HBO Signature, Showtime, and Showtime Too. I even reported this to the apartment when i first moved in and they did nothing. I can't complain since I did the right thing and they gave me even more free cable.

Wedding Planning 101

2005-05-31T09:44:00.000-05:00

I have found that all of the wedding planning takes your focus off what is really important. The wedding itself is the easiest part to plan. The hardest is the reception because I don't know how many people are coming and there are so many small decisions that go into it. Because of all of this couples worry more about the center pieces on the table rather than the fact that they are making a covenant before God to love and cherish their mate for the rest of their lives, but since that is only 20 minutes out of an all day event it gets little attention. I just hope at least 200 come to the reception. If 200 don't show up I may just have to pull some people off the street so I don't feel like I spent more than I needed. One suggestion is just go along with whatever the woman wants. Its mainly her day and the best thing to do is to encourage her in her ideas for the wedding because she has been dreaming of this day for so long. Now if what she wants is too expensive then thats where you need to lovingly step in and offer other suggestions. Chelli and I found it easier for me to mainly take care of the more expensive decisions (like the honeymoon) and Chelli took care of the smaller things (Which are the things she cared about the most). With only 11 days to go we only have to make the programs, pay for the reception, and get the flowers.

Been a Long Time

2005-05-24T11:11:00.000-05:00

I realize its been a few months since my last blog. I had a very busy semester and the only computer I use is at work. I promise to keep more up to date. My goal with this site is to give young singles (or old) a little insight into marriage. I am getting married in 2 weeks and 4 days. It still has not really hit me yet. I will not share anything that Chelli would not want me to. I will just share tips of what to do and more so what not to do. This may scare you from getting married or it may make you really excited. Anyways I will be posting more leading up to the wedding and then after the honeymoon!!

Goodbye Matt

2005-01-24T15:56:00.000-06:00

I went to Matt Hilliard's farewell party last night. There were a lot more people there than I expected. I just want to thank Matt for all he has done in the past 10 or so years. Matt and other leaders such as Eddie have shaped me into what I am today. They were my best male role models I had and still have and I thank Matt and Eddie for being so influential in my life. We will miss you Matt, but I know God has much for you in China. While I'm at it I want to thank Eddie as well for not only being a leader and role model, but a friend. Thank you for keeping up with Cody, Jonathan, and I even after we finished high school.

Things I Don't Understand

2005-01-18T13:27:00.000-06:00

I don't understand why women on campus wear high heels when they have to walk around all day. Its really funny when they wear tight skirts and high heels at the same time. Last semester there was a girl in one of my classes that would show up 10 minutes late everyday just because of her shoes and tight clothing.

The Next Semester

2005-01-16T16:41:00.000-06:00

This next semester is going to be long. I'm taking 19 hours, working 20 hours, and planning a wedding. It will be very busy, but I can't wait to see what God has to teach me these next few months before marriage. Its hard to believe my life is going to change so dramatically so soon, but I can't wait.