Boy, Do I Feel Like a Horse's Patoot!

Anyone know why my comments aren't working?

2008-10-09T22:11:00.004-05:00

Apparently my comments aren't showing up on the previous post.
Anyone know why?

update: they show up on this post....

That's a mystery!

Take off your shoes...for you're on holy ground.

2008-10-09T12:38:00.004-05:00

Following in the same flow from Kyle's last post...

Somehow I'm not sure this is what God had in mind that day when he told this to Moses.

It's a little long, but well worth it to see where this worship guy goes with it.

HAHA!!

mmmm.....

2008-09-24T11:07:00.002-05:00

We had delicious fajitas last night.

I shook the Mayor's hand yesterday....

2008-08-27T10:08:00.003-05:00

Yes, it's true. I met the Mayor of Dallas yesterday. He's really nice and has been a champion for progress with the "less than" in Dallas since being elected last year. CDM was having an open house/media get-together to start off the construction phase of a new project in downtown Dallas. It is called "CityWalk at Akard". It is a new housing project being built in a converted high-rise in the middle of downtown. Again the paper wrote an article if you would like to read it. If you're interested, read the comments from people about the project. This one has certainly stirred the pot!!

My new job.

2008-08-22T13:02:00.004-05:00

I still work for Central Dallas Ministries but I've recently taken a new position as Case Manager for Destination Home, CDM's newest program. We provide permanent supportive housing for individuals with a history of homelessness and also a disability. Most of our clients are chronically homeless meaning that they have been homeless for at least a consecutive year (most longer) and/or have had 4 episodes of homelessness in the past 3 years. Disabilities range from physical disabilities, to chronic illnesses, to substance and chemical dependence, to mental health issues.

The Dallas Morning News recently did an article on us, you can read it here if you would like. I really enjoy this job. I love the relationships built with my clients and getting to hear their inspiring stories of life on the streets. It was definitely a God thing because this job was offered to me shortly after reading a great book entitled "Same Kind of Different As Me" by Ron Hall. It really instilled a desire to work with this population again (a return to kind of work I wanted to do in Portland!). If you have time, READ IT!

I Hate myself...

2008-08-21T16:31:00.002-05:00

So I decided to celebrate my return to blogging by accidentally erasing all of my links old and new (I had added 15-20 today). I'm so frustrated that I'm not going to rebuild until tomorrow.

I suck.

I'm BACK!!

2008-08-20T16:32:00.005-05:00

Ok, I've decided to give this another try (for like the 5th or 6th time). I'm feeling cut off from my friends in the blog world lately, so I'm back to get caught up and catch all y'all up (if anyone still reads this blog). I would've given up on me too, it's okay.

Short update: I'm married now (to the beautiful love of my life, Rachel), I'm finally graduating in December, we live in Irving now, I don't work for TRAC anymore, I still work for Central Dallas Ministries but with a program called Destination Home (more on that later), we go to Highland Oaks CoC (for now), and I'm still fat.

I've changed the layout of my blog in the hopes that if anyone happens to stumble by again, they will notice it has changed and actually start reading again. I promise to do better. I have a lot more updating to do with links and info and such, so be patient and the blog shall return to its former glory! YAY for blogs!

P.S. My wife has a blog now too, you should read it. (I'll put the link up later.)

Jerrod Shelton

2007-10-14T20:50:00.000-05:00

Please read and PRAY!!

First of all, if you haven't heard, a great family and a very courageous young man, Jerrod Shelton, are here in Dallas in the hospital. He had a brain tumor removed and much is still up in the air. I spoke with Jerrod, Jerry, and Carla today and they asked for me to pass along their prayer requests. Jerrod is doing so great after his surgery and progressing very quickly - beyond what has been expected. He continues to suffer from ringing in his ears that he describes as two grindstones being rubbed together. He also has some vision difficulties and some speech difficulties (related to his hearing as well). The family asks that you continue:

1. Pray for Jerrod's hearing, sight, and speech.
2. Praise God for the successful surgery and continual recovery
3. Visit www.jerrodshelton.com for updated news, notes, and information.

This is a great family and have been role models for me for a long time. The graciousness that they have displayed during this hard time has been an inspiration to all who know them, and even some who don't know them! If you can, please pray and also visit the site and let them know that you are supporting them.

Wow...it's been forever.

2007-07-08T14:46:00.000-05:00

Yay!! I'm posting again! I've had several people pressuring me to, so I gave in.

To catch up...I finished another semester of school, I have another year or so. I was going to go home to Lubbock for the summer (you know, actually SEE my girlfriend, family, and friends), but I didn't. I now live in Dallas because I got a great job offer that will allow me to work and still go to school and do two practicums in this next year. I was afraid I was going to have to not work to get school and practicums done. I wasn't sure HOW that was going to happen, but I was committed. But within the last couple weeks of the semester, a job fell into my lap and a week later, I was moving into my apartment. It all happened very quickly.

I now work as a Resident Advisor/Coach for an organization called TRAC (Transition Resource Action Center). TRAC is one of the programs run by Central Dallas Ministries. TRAC provides all kinds of services for foster youth ages 14-24, either about to or having "aged out" of the foster system. I work with the housing program where we provide transitional housing for aged out, basically homeless, foster youth. I live in a three-bedroom apartment with up to four other males and while they are in the program, my job is to teach living skills such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, budgeting, job searching, relationship skills, and anything else that I see is lacking. As part of the larger Transitional Living Program, we basically prepare youth to actually be out there on there own. It is a great place to work and I really enjoy it so far. It can get a little crazy every now and then, but I love it. It is a salary position with full benefits plus free housing and grocery allowance for the apartment. It really is the PERFECT job for me at this position in my life.

So I get to make my own schedule as long as I work 40 hours a week. Most of my hours are from 6 or 7pm to midnight or 1am because that's when my guys are around. This summer, that means I have a TON of free time that I don't really know what to do with. Once school starts, though, I will have time to go to my practicum and school during the daytime. I will be SUPER busy, but it can't be worse than living and working 50 hours a week in lubbock for four days a week and commutting to Arlington for three days.

I think my practicum for the fall will be with one of the Community-Oriented Primary Care clinics run by Parkland Hospital system here in Dallas. These are community embedded clinics that offer all sorts of services for the lower income communities in Dallas. The one in Garland is where I will be and they have primary care physicians, a women's clinic, a pharmacy, a gerontological clinic, a dental clinic, among other things. Everyone who comes through the door has the opportunity to see the social worker to be assessed for any other services they might need such as financial assistance, signing up for medicaid or medicare, securing documentation (i.e. green cards, work-visas, birth certifcates, social security cards, etc.), or anything else. This is what I would do for them: work through the assessment with the clients and refer them to who they need to talk to get services. So I will be VERY busy with my own caseload there, but I am looking forward to it very much.

Let's see, what else is going on? Well, I've joined a gym and am working out everyday, so that's good. I had to find something to do with myself with all my free time. I want to lose like 100 pounds or something. Well, maybe 50-60. I have alot of hard work ahead of me. I've been trying to find a place to go to church, I've been to about 15 or so churches trying to find something I like, no luck yet. I have touched base with lots of my friends that live in the area at their churches though. Rachel is preparing to move to Dallas in august so that will be good. I'm preparing her for how busy I will be however. I think I can spare about 10 or 15 hours a week to see her though :) .

To end this update, here are some pictures of my new place (the TRAC apt.). These were taken before I actually moved in, so it is much more liveable now with more furniture, things put away and in order, etc. Also, my mom has a blog now and her link has been added to the list on the right.

That's the update...talk to everyone later!

Ok....Sorry y'all!!!

2007-02-04T22:58:00.000-06:00

I have decided to post once again. I apologize for my long absence. I got SUPER busy and then once I was not as busy, I was out of the habit. So...time for an update.

Where to begin....well, last semester was AWFUL!! Here was my weekly schedule: Sunday I would go to church at Monterey with Rachel (one of the few times I would actually spend with my girlfriend), I would then get in my car and drive to Weatherford where I stayed with my uncle and his family. Monday I would go to school in Arlington from 9am to 9pm, then drive back to Weatherford for the night. Tuesday I would get in my car and drive back to Lubbock hopefully in time to spend a little time with Rachel and/or friends. Wednesday through Saturday I would work my 45-50 hours at the children's' home (which although was VERY tiring, I LOVED it). In the off hours, I would read or work on school work. Overall, I was very overextended and tired, lacking sleep and interaction with anyone.

This process revealed to me that I would sooner die than actually acquire my degree in this fashion. So, I decided to move to the metroplex for this semester. I looked for a cheap apartment close to campus, but was happily offered to stay with my family again, but for the entire semester. So this is what I decided to do. I now live in Weatherford and go to school in Arlington all day on and Tuesdays. School is going very well so far and I am so glad that I am here with time to actually do homework.

However, nothing is simple in the life of Adam. In an effort to complicate things once again, I work in Abilene with my dad on Wednesday through Friday every week. I cannot seem to escape my car. Dad and his crew are working on a big housing project in Abilene so I decided I should help him out and earn a few dollars until he is done with the project.

Overall, I still don't see much of my girlfriend or other friends, but I am easier to get along with now that I actually receive some sleep. I do get weekends off to travel to Lubbock to see everyone more often now. I will be there next weekend for Follies and such. If you read this, I'll see you there!!

Well, that is the update in a nutshell. I will (under sustained pressure from Rachel) be updating again on a more frequent basis. I look forward to reconnecting with all of you by way of the blog.

Talk to you soon!!

Update!

2006-08-16T17:38:00.000-05:00

Ok, first of all, thanks for all the job suggestions! I truly appreciate everyone for the ideas. It was weird, as soon as I started seriously seeking, things just fell into place so quickly, I haven't really had time to catch up!

I've taken a job at the Children's Home of Lubbock and I LOVE it!! I work in the assessment center doing child care and case aid work. The last couple weeks have been a blur of training and working all sorts of hours trying to get as much in as we can before school starts on the 28th and I fall into a regular schedule. So far, I absolutely love it. I'm so glad that God just let everything fall into place so quickly.

Because I no longer am sitting behind a computer all day, I don't have opportunity to message like I usually do on MySpace, Blog, ETC. Be patient with me, I'll be getting internet at home hopefully within the next couple weeks. Also, once school starts and I have a semi-regular (although BUSY!!!) schedule, I'll be able to catch up on phone calls from some of you as well. I promise I'm not ignoring you!! I'm so excited about school starting and now a GREAT job that I love. God is good!!

Talk to you soon!!

LOTS of changes...

2006-07-31T16:32:00.000-05:00

Alright, a lot is going on and is about to change for me. Which is not hard in the amount of time betweeen posts (sorry). I suck at this frequent posting thing.

Ok, the biggest news first. I've quit my job to go back to school. Again. Friday is officially my last day to be employed by Lubbock Christian University, the beloved Alma Mater. I can't say that I am sad. I love LCU, but working in an extremely unhealthy office environment, is difficult no matter where it is. A weight has been lifted.

I'm pursuing a Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. I'm very excited. It is a great program and I can't wait to get started. I can hear you all asking, "When do you move, where are you gonna live?" Well...I'm not moving. I'm commuting. HAHA. All my classes are on Mondays so I'll drive up Sunday night, go to class from 9am to 9pm on Monday, and drive home. Crazy? Probably, but I've left Rachel once before and it did not turn out so well!! So I'll be spending a lot of gas money, but it's worth it.

That being said, I'm looking for a new job. I would like to find something that 1. would be flexible enough to work around my school, 2. would be something in the social service field, and 3. would pay decent. I don't want to have to live off loans if I don't have to. So if any of you out there know of anything like that in the Lubbock area, let me know! I'm thinking Children's Home or Communities in Schools, or something. I'm very flexible!!

Let's see...what else...OH!! SOCCER!! I've put together an indoor soccer team again. It is a random group of guys, but we're actually pretty decent. Especially when you consider that some of these guys have NEVER played soccer and the rest of us haven't played in a few years. We are in the last (worst) group, but we're kicking butt. We'll have to move up next season, but that will be ok. Here is a little taste of what the experience is like.

I've been told it is quite a spectacle and a joy to watch!!

Well, maybe I should end now, I have to go look for a job. More to come later!

Ehhhhh.

2006-06-28T15:21:00.000-05:00

Ok....first off, I'm sick and I hate it.

World Cup is going well enough. No complete shockers. The U.S. team COMPLETELY disappointed. Oh well, it just sent us back another 5 years in the quest to be a world contender. Just add it to the ten years it was already going to take. I'm pissed. At least I have the remaining two weeks of World Cup to console me. (and Rachel).

We got new sweet Treo smartphones for work. You can do everything with them. It's like having a phone, laptop, and PDA all in one, it's pretty sweet. Additional number for ADAM: 806-928-3317. Although now that I'm so well connected, it feels like I'm at work 24/7 sometimes. I can't get away from e-mail!! Oh well.

EMERGENCY: ATTN: all my youth minister friends!!! I have a summer youth series in Houston on July 17th for work. Today the speaker I had lined up pulled out on me. So if any of you can and want to, I'll fly you to Houston, pay for all your expenses, and pay you a handsome speaker's fee. I'm SERIOUS!! Let me know!

Talk to eveyone later!

WORLD CUP!!!!!

2006-06-09T10:30:00.000-05:00

World Cup starts in 30 Mins.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy World Cup everyone!

Predictions?

Tailgate of the year!

2006-05-15T17:05:00.000-05:00

So this last weekend, Lubbock Christian University's baseball team defeated and eliminated the defending national champs thus earning the right to host the Super-Regional contest this weekend. Needless to say, the campus is scrambling to host this event. Guess who is in charge of the tailgate party? ME. I've been given a large budget (WAY more than I need) to make sure that we can attract as many people as we can for Thursday's game. We've rented a tent, invited everyone we know, pulled out all the stops. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed, it all happened so fast. Today! How many people will be there? I DON"T KNOW! 100? 2000? There is no way to know until they show up. I'm just expected to be ready. yay. I'll be sure to let you all know how disastrous this thing will be. It's a good thing I'm the Sausage King!

OK....I'm sorry.

2006-05-14T21:43:00.000-05:00

What? More than a month between posts isn't THAT bad....right? Ok, sorry about that. April was killer and then I needed a few more weeks to catch my breath. My bad.

So...what's been going on? Well, I was traveling a lot during April, in fact I didn't spend one weekend in Lubbock. School finished up, Thank You, Jesus! In true Adam form, I waited til the last week (even into Finals week) to do all my papers and projects. But I got an A and a B in my classes. You know...the classes that don't mean jack squat because I start my new program in the fall? So yeah, that was a joy.

Other than that, nothing too exciting going on here. I'll just spend the next few months harassing high schoolers to come to LCU. You would think that summer is a break around here, but no. It is the busy time in a recruiter's life.

I will get to see more of Rachel though with her out of school, but at the first chance to get away from me, she did. She's in Austin right now. Taking baths (read Marta's Blog). HAHA! Just kidding, it will be nice to actually spend a little more time with her.

Speaking of Marta's blog....she posted about seeing a quasi-celebrity. I did too, kinda.

Yes, that is indeed the Girls Gone Wild bus. It was in Lubbock so I took a pic with my cell phone (thus the poor pic quality). Relax, ladies......no girls, just the bus. I'm not that perverted.

I just realized that most of my friends, and the other blogs I read, write about how God is good and working in their lives. I, on the other hand, post about sophomoric debauchery. Good, good. Sorry, Lord!

Well, that's about it for now, I'll be better about posting. I PROMISE!

YAY for long lost friends!

2006-04-05T09:08:00.000-05:00

I've been busy again! I don't know if it will ever slow down!

This past weekend was BUSY! I had the last weekend of my weekend class which means class on Thurs. from 6-10, Friday and Saturday from 8-5. It was a good class though. We had a ton of guest speakers from the local helping professions (CPS, WPS, MHMR, LPD, etc.) come in and talk about what they do in the community. It was really good. The best part of class though was we got to observe a training operation for the Lubbock PD Negotiation Team. They actually role-played a hostage situation and we got to see it all unfold from the hostage side and the mobile command station with the negotiators. It was way cool!

Also Jeremy got into town for his state tour of interviews. He and Coffee and I went out Friday night and played some Golden Tee and fun times were had by all. He had a couple interviews here in town and then hit the road. He called yesterday to say that the one down in Medina went well. So that is good. I hope that He and Rita can find jobs in a place that they will love and fit right in without much transitional crap. Plus, TX is much closer than OR. YAY!

The best part of this last weekend had to be the road trip, though. After class was over on Saturday, dad, Jeremy and I went down to Midland for the Vocal Union concert. We got to see Cody and Nick and the concert was very good. Afterward, Cody went with us to eat at Bennigan's. MMMMM, Monte Cristo. Anyways, it was so good to see Cody, I haven't seen him in a while. Jeremy and Cody haven't seen each other in 4 years! It was a good day.

You may be saying to yourself, "where is Rachel? Does Adam not hang out with her too?" Well, she was at Kappa retreat. So, all is still good there too. Laters!

Tagged...I was not able to avoid the epidemic.

2006-03-24T12:16:00.000-06:00

So Josh tagged me and if you don't respond it's like 70 years bad luck or something. I want to avoid that. So here we go:

Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Sprinkler System Laborer
2. Camp Counselor
3. Restaurant Manager
4. Admissions Counselor

Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Tommy Boy
2. LOTR Trilogy(Extended Edition)
3. Star Wars Trilogy
4. Happy Gilmore

Four places you have lived:
1. Lubbock, TX
2. Portland, OR
3. Beaumont, Tx
4. Sacramento, NM

Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. Family Guy
2. Simpsons
3. The Office
4. Anything on the Food Network (esp. Rachael Ray)

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Lake Kemp
2. Germany
3. Portland, OR
4. Colorado

Four websites you visit often:
1. Friends Blogs (blogspot, Myspace, Facebook)
2. Hotmail
3. News Sites (lubbockonline, MSNBC, Yahoo News)
4. Soccer Sites (FIFA, USSOCCER, Etc.)

Four of your favorite foods:
1. Steak
2. GOOD BBQ
3. Thai
4. Mexican

Four places you would rather be right now:
1. Portland, OR
2. Pine Springs Summer Camp
3. Mountain Biking Trails
4. Heaven

Two people who are tagged to do this:
1. Lynsey Wells
2. Marta Dugan

Well, that was fun. Sorry, ladies. Everyone must pay their dues at some point. Bye!

If you all don't hate me already...

2006-03-20T17:58:00.000-06:00

So I have definitely received quite a few rebuking emails/comments for not posting lately. SORRY!! I've been busy and out of town some. I apologize. So if there is anyone out there who still wants to know what is going on in my life lately, here we go:

A couple weekends ago, I drove Best Friends to Stamford, TX for a weekend youth retreat. Faith In Action was also there and it was fun. Everyone performed wonderfully. Here is a pic of the entire group.

Also, Spring Break Campaign was this past week. I drove that group to Las Vegas and got to participate in that campaign as well. It was actually pretty great (not as great as Portland Spring Break Campaign, (I'm still biased)). We did several different Inner City things. Most of our time was spent working with kids involved with a ministry called Club Christ. They do after-school tutoring and mentoring with Bible study as well. It was very good and fun too. We also helped out with a women's shelter and also the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. Here are some pics from the Vegas trip:

Overall, it was a great trip and we did a lot of good while we were there. I was even able to sneak away from time to time and gamble a little. I got out of there only $40 dollars down, so I consider it a victory. It is definitely a place I will have to go back to, there is just too much to see and do. On the way back, we stopped in Albuquerque for the night and saw Switchfoot in concert. I really enjoyed that too. I was happy to get home though by the time we got to Lubbock.

Monday night, my mom and two sisters had their Sweet Adelines concert. (Cody you know what I'm talking about) Anyway, I took this funny picture that I have to share with everyone:

I also want to take this opportunity to publically apologize to my good friend Cody. I inadvertaently deleted his link from my blog. This has caused much turmoil in our relationship. I have since apologized to him and we continue to be friends. I just to let everyone know that Cody is a true and dear friend (or brother of the fat, as he would say)!

Last night, the Lady Chaps Basketball team competed in the NAIA National Championship Game!! It is quite an accomplishment. History was made! Unfortunately, we lost in that final game, but 2nd best in the nation is not that bad!

I also want to apologize to The Davis and the rest of my Portland friends, I will not be coming up there this weekend. I just cannot afford it. I am completely crushed because I miss y'all and need to see you! I hope that the wedding goes well and is memorable. Lynsey, Marta, anyone else with a camera: Take LOTS of pictures!! I want to see our boy get married off!!

Again, I apologize for the absence as of late, I will do better in the future. Never again will I go nearly a month without posting. I hope that you all can still be my friends. Later!

Pray!!

2006-02-28T08:17:00.000-06:00

Just so everyone knows and can pray for this family, Courtney Day, age 16, daughter of Tim and Lisa Day, passed away last night due to complications from her heart condition and subsequent surgeries. Please keep this family in your prayers.
----------------------------------------------------
Update: Services for Courtney Day will be Thursday, March 2nd, at 2:00 p.m. in the Moody Auditorium at LCU.

Too much to do....

2006-02-27T16:06:00.000-06:00

All of a sudden it feels like I'm SUPER busy! I don't know how all this stuff piled up on me. Well, maybe I have some idea...read: PROCRASTINATION!! I am the master. If it is not needed immediately or ASAP, I'm not doing it. Oh well, maybe someday I'll learn my lesson.

So, worship service at Monterey....it's gets cheesier and cheesier every week. Yesterday, Rachel and I arrive at church to find a huge "stone" platform has been erected on stage. Kinda weird. Anyway, our preacher was preaching on the wise man who built his house upon the rock. Good parable, cheesy (and a little weak) lesson especially for the time spent on building the "rock." Afterwards, we were all invited to go up after the service to pray on the rock on our own if we wanted. Weird. I like that we are thinking outside of the box, but do we have to dumb ourselves down and be corny? Hopefully, we were just having an off week.

I am now officially commercial driver licensed. I spent all morning taking computerized knowledge tests and an actual road test to get my CDL. I'm driving one of the school's people-movers for Best Friends this weekend. In true Procrastinator Adam form, I waited until today to get my license to drive the thing legally. I'll be in Stamford all weekend for a retreat that Best Friends and Faith In Action are performing at and also leading groups and stuff. It will be fun, I think I just stay out of the way really.

Well, I thought I would NEVER do this again, but I'm playing intramural basketball. Matt signed me up (unbeknownst to me) for the faculty/staff team. We are gonna have our butts handed to us, but oh well! First game: tonight @ 7. I'll let you all know how far my skills have deteriorated. They weren't that great to start out with!

PREDICTION:

See Ya!

Yay!! I'm Posting!!

2006-02-21T17:06:00.000-06:00

So it has been too long since I've posted. I apologize. Over a week, unacceptable.

So Follies ended well, my predictions were accurate with AX also winning people's choice and technical awards. It gives me some hope for the future of my recently downtrodden club. So that was good.

This last weekend I had a weekend grad class in Crisis Intervention. It was quite emotional and I cried a lot. It was one of those where we all share the trauma that has happened in our lives. It was rough. Good class though.

I leave you all with this:

Later!!

I saw everyone I know today! (almost)

2006-02-11T18:26:00.000-06:00

Wow...what a weekend, and it's not even over! Last night I watched Master Follies with my dad. It was quite entertaining! The Hosts and Hostesses were actually very good! A welcome change indeed. They did a great job and I was seriously impressed! The club shows were good too, for the most part. I liked 4 out of the seven shows, so that's pretty good. Prediction: Kappa 1st place, Alpha Chi 1st place (although Koinonia is quite close), people's choice is going to be close between Kappa, AX, and Sub-T. It's too close to call. You never can predict these things with any certainty, however. So don't take my word for this just yet. We'll have to see how it all turns out tonight!

This morning was Alumni Breakfast and it was great! There were a LOT of people there that I wanted to talk to, so that was fun. I was the last person to leave, there were so many people that I had to catch up with. Surprise, anyone? Yeah, I know. Oh, and there were kids EVERYWHERE!!! I've never seen so many kids at Breakfast before. I am surrounded by friends having children, it's weird. It really was so good to see everyone! They were all going to tonight's show. I'm jealous because I won't be there to see how it all turns out.

I won't be there because as I type this, I'm sitting in a coffee shop in Arlington, TX. After breakfast, I got in my car and drove all day to get here. My friend Joby is getting married today. It's a miracle, I figured he would be the last one of my good high school friends to get married, but he beat me. Oh well. It will be fun to see who all comes from my high school friends. I'm reuniting with ALL my friends in one day! I'm going to be EXHAUSTED by tonight. It's hard work catching up with friends!

Well, I guess that's it for now. If I can find some internet access , I'll post the results of MF after I find out from Rachel tonight!

Sad.

2006-02-08T21:18:00.000-06:00

It's official, I no longer run my life...the blog has complete control.

Lynsey...Back Off!

2006-02-07T17:07:00.001-06:00

Okay...I'm just kidding, I love you Lynsey!! If this post sucks, you can blame Lynsey, she's been harrassing me to update. I do need to update more often though. I've been busy!

So...a lot has been happening. Let's see...where to begin? I am dating Rachel again. Surprise! Yeah, I was surprised too. We went from not speaking at all to dating again in six days! It has been great so far. We had a lot to get off of our chests and out in the open, and once we did, we realized that we still had some unresolved feelings that we needed to work out. Thus we are dating. Most of her friends don't understand and hate me, but that's alright. I'm willing to bear that. She's pretty amazing. I really like being around her again. Also because I will not leave this woman twice, I'm not going to Arlington for school anymore. I think that I'll figure something else out. Maybe commute up to Canyon on the weekends? We'll see.

Okay, you know how I talked about seeking therapy? Well, I did it. I'm seeing someone now and it is good so far. She is going to be helping me with all the issues that I created for myself and all my relationships while I was deep in depression during my time in Oregon and afterwards. I'm sorry, Y'all!! I found out that I'm NOT crazy! (at least not clinically) Yay!

Jeremy's b-day was yesterday! Happy Birthday, buddy!

I gotta go for now, but I'll update some more later!

Jack: "We are all naked in the eyes of the Lord."

2006-01-31T14:00:00.000-06:00

So I've decided that I need therapy. Seriously. In my reading for class we were discussing the advantages in therapists recieving therapy themselves. I thought, "I have some pretty deep seeded issues, why don't I seek some sort of therapy!" So I really am going to look into that. I really think that it will help me become more self-aware. Plus it will help in when I get to the point in social work that I myself will be offering counseling. It can only help, right?

I only hope that I don't find out that I am crazy. (It is a distinct possibility, folks!)

(that's for you, Kyle)

Til later!

OUCH!

2006-01-28T11:34:00.000-06:00

So Kent and I have decided to start working out a few times a week again. It's going pretty good so far. I just want to get back in shape, especially since I'm playing soccer again. YAY! But usually what I do when we workout is mostly running on the treadmill and then a little weights. I really am just trying to build up my running endurance and lose a little weight while I'm at it. Yesterday, I decided to listen to Kent and do his workout with him. His entails mostly weights and then a little running. I did okay, but today I can't even use my left shoulder. Good Call, Kent!

I won't be listening to Kent anymore.

This is kinda what it feels like.

I love that picture.

Oh well...

2006-01-25T16:50:00.000-06:00

So just to let everyone know...LynnAnne and I are no longer dating, though we continue to be friends.

I will say that I have continued to be so impressed with her honesty and graciousness in every situation in which I've seen her. Although the outcome of all of this was not the desired one, I think that we both realized that it was the right decision. I have a lot of peace about it. Well, that's about it for now. Talk to everyone soon!

This happened yesterday....funny.

2006-01-19T17:35:00.000-06:00

Poor Kent = Happy Brandon!

I am sooooo far behind, but here we go!

2006-01-16T16:39:00.000-06:00

I know these are old news now, but here are a few pics of what has been going on lately!

Goings on around Kent and Brynn's Wedding:

Sarah's first Sonic!!

The fellas at the bachelor party. I have more pics of this party, but Kent wouldn't let me post any of them. I have no idea why. Ha.

Kent trying to act like he's not angry at his keys being locked inside the wedding car. Hilarious!

Fun people who where there:

Chris and Sarah

Mark and Beth

Robby and Lynsey (and Cari)

Kent's new grill:

Grill. mmmmm....meat.

The feast prepared on said grill. Notice only three placesettings for all that food. Sad.

A cow:

You can see that my life is pretty exciting.

I've decided to apply for school to get a master's degree in Social Work. I'm applying to see what will happen. I haven't completely 100% decided that that is what I want to do yet, but it is something to get the ball rolling again. As Tommy Boy would say, "I don't know, but I've gotta do something, I just don't what it is yet. Man, do I sound like an idiot!" Kinda how I feel sometimes. Anyway, we'll see what happens.

Talk to you soon!!

2006!?!

2006-01-05T16:55:00.000-06:00

So it's already 2006 and I don't know where 2005 went! Time is going by so quickly!

Well, a lot has happened since I last posted. LynnAnne was in a car wreck that broke some bones and totaled her car. God is good to have kept her safe. It could've been a lot worse. So she'll be on crutches for the next couple months and in a cast for even longer. At least she's able to heal and walk again. Other than that Christmas was good, we all live around here, so no traveling. It is always good to spend time with family though.

We (LynnAnne, Robby, Lynsey, Chris, Sarah, and myself) did travel to Kent and Brynn's wedding though. It was so good to see all the people who came to the wedding and to catch up with so many good friends! I really enjoyed it. (Plus the Bachelor Party was fun!) Spending so much time with the Portland folks makes me miss them a bunch. They are still my best friends in the world!! I'll post some pics of this trip later!

Per the discussion from last posting: I have determined that I need to get out there and start doing "stuff." My heart is for urban ministry and I need to get off my rear and get involved. I've been reading up a lot in the last couple weeks on what is going on out there in the world of urban ministry and it has fuelled the fire even more. I am seeking opportunities to serve even here and now through whatever I can. The Lord is already opening doors for me, I merely need to walk through and be used by Him. I truly desire to immerse myself in ministry once again. If you know or hear of anything that you think I might be interested in, let me know!! Later.

Busy!

2005-12-19T18:39:00.000-06:00

So I've been busy! Almost a week since I posted, not very good. Oh well. This past weekend was good. It was busy and not very restful, but good. Friday I catered April's wedding rehearsal dinner. It went very well, everyone was pleased. I even got gratuity! Saturday, LynnAnne and I went to Amarillo for a Christmas pageant with some of her friends from school. It was fun. Great pageant. Sunday was church and also our Candlelight Service that night. The kids did good with their performance and our choir did well, I thought. Then another Christmas party after that. Busy! Oh, and my fantasy football team got eliminated from the playoffs. Maybe next year. I'm ready for the break and Christmas. I have done zero x-mas shopping. I should get on that.

I was reading another blog when I stumbled onto this: it's a news article from ESPN.com. I was surprised that they would post something religious like this. It is an awesome story! (I cried) Be sure to check it out!

So I've been thinking a lot lately about how I am living my faith out in everyday living. It seems like I keep waiting for something to happen so that I will be in a better position to help others. (There is some validity and truth to that) However, maybe I should be spending more time and energy seeking opportunities to serve NOW. There is great and necessary benefit in waiting on the Lord for direction in your life, but I'm tired of waiting knowing that I could be doing something now. But what?

Lord, open doors that you would have me walk through in service to you and others in your name. Lord, reveal yourself that I may know you and your will in my life.

Lots to Cover!

2005-12-13T17:19:00.000-06:00

So this is why I'm so obsessed with the blog. If you don't post you have way too much to talk about once you do post. I've been busy with the weekend and stuff so I have a lot to cover, but here we go!

So my last post was Friday, the rest of the night was good, I hung out with Kent and we went and saw the movie Syriana. It was good, but it is one of those movies that you have to really pay attention to or you get lost, plus you have to think a lot to know what is going on. Syriana is kinda anti-American in that it depicts the U.S. as a bunch of manipulators who are only out for themselves, caring nothing about who we hurt or how we affect the world. It wasn't that far off from the truth sadly. Overall, I enjoyed it.

Saturday, I really didn't do much during the day (I should've cleaned the house). I did run into my sisters at lunch and we planned out what we were doing for Christmas presents for our parents. We decided that they don't have current pics of us, so we are going to do some pictures. I'm quite proud of our decision, it is just what we needed to do, plus it won't cost a ton of money, which we are all short on these days.

That night, LynnAnne, her sister, her mom, and I all went to hear the Lubbock Chorale perform Handel's Messiah. It was really good. I go to church with a few of the members of the Chorale, so it was better knowing someone. LynnAnne's sis didn't enjoy it so much, in fact she left at intermission, I laughed really hard. It was so funny! It was a good time had by all (except one).

Sunday I went to church where I didn't have to sing for the first time in a month. It was a good break. Barry spoke on our responsibility of generous giving of that which has been given to us. It was really challenging to know that I, and all of us, have been blessed so richly and to see the response I should have in passing that along to others who have not been so richly blessed.

That afternoon, I got on a plane to Houston. The next morning I joined the area youth ministers for their monthly meeting. LCU provided lunch for everyone, about 35 people, and I got to present a little about LCU and answered questions and such. It was really good to see what that group had going on. They meet every month, which is not uncommon in large cities, but they've taken it a step further. They spend most of their time in prayer in both large and smaller groups. They plan retreats and times of renewal together. It truly is a community, not just a events meeting. I was impressed.

Last night I got home after the very short trip to find that LynnAnne was finally done with all her school work for the semester! Yeah! When I saw her, I could tell an immediate difference in her demeanor. The burden has been lifted, the clouds have cleared, and she is able to have somewhat of a life again! I'm very proud of her and her diligence, I don't think that I would have done so well considering everything that has been pressing on her to get done. Maybe now, we'll get to actually spend some time together that is not hurried or cut short by the next project or pressing responsibility.

Today was a good day at work, I got a lot accomplished while being able to play some too. I helped the ladies rearrange the front of our office today, apparently they were feeling like some changes were in order. I agree that it is better. My bosses gave everyone an extra day off between now and X-mas break! Amazing. It's good because I have one and possibly two caterings this weekend that I was starting to wonder when I was going to have time to get them prepared. Now I'll be able to take Thursday off and get a lot of it out of the way. I'm glad because I can use the money for X-mas gifts!

Okay, I've rambled long enough, I guess. I'll keep up better next time, hopefully. Til later.

Office Christmas Card

2005-12-09T12:51:00.000-06:00

So my office is getting a Christmas card ready to send out to our prospective students and here are a couple of the pics we took for the card. I think that it is pretty indicative of how our office works.
Anyways, that's weird. So it's finally the weekend, although it was not a particularly hard week or anything. I really don't have much to do this weekend. Maybe I'll do some cleaning of my house and car. I could also do a little laundry. As I am typing this, I can't help but stare at my hands. I noticed earlier today that they are getting wrinkly. I must be getting old, that or losing weight. My mom and sister said they thought I was losing weight, but I don't pay enough attention to know. I know that anyone reading this is probably turned off by my writing in tangents, but it's how I think and I write like I think. (so get over it) (jk)

So this new blog of mine is slowly taking my life over, I think. I know that I just started it and this the second post and all, but I just can't stop thinking about it. "What should I write about? What pictures should I post? Should a have a theme that I follow? Do any of my other friends have a blog? I hope that I can keep this up!" These and other thoughts consume me day and night. I am slowly becoming obsessed! Kinda pathetic. Well, enough for now. Later.

SO...Here We Go!

2005-12-07T16:13:00.000-06:00

So I guess I will enter into the world of the blog. I know that probably two people will read this(me being one of them), but I guess it can be therapeutic to write what you are thinking about. We will see how disciplined I can be in this, because normally, I am not when it comes to journaling/blogging. I need to get the word out that I am blogging now so that some of my like-minded friends will motivate me. Plus, as a bonus, I sit here at my computer all day, so when I am blogging, it will look like I am hard at work! (jk)

It is hard to know where to begin! I guess I will begin by writing about today. Today in Lubbock, I awoke to it being 9 degrees with a windchill of -7 degrees! It is COLD! Last winter in Portland it only got down to like 20 degrees or something, I forgot how cold negative temps are! It's so cold it hurts your face. It's kinda fun. Tonight I'm singing on the praise team at Monterey and then we have Christmas Choir practice. I'm enjoying it, I have just been singing SO much lately, I think that this will make 4 out of the last 5 weeks that I have sung at church. Sometimes, it is just nice to worship and not have to lead. It is easier to get lost in the worship. Other than that, I really don't have that much going on this week, especially with LynnAnne being SO busy lately. She has a lot on her plate right now, I just hope that it doesn't kill her. I want to help, but really there is nothing I can do except encourage. I haven't seen her in a few days, so that sucks, but at least we can talk on the phone even if it is briefly. I'll be glad when this week is over and she will be caught up and finished with most of her stuff. I don't know how she does it all.

Well, I guess that's enough for now. I will try to add more to this site and get some links to friends and photos and stuff later. Hopefully I can keep this thing going, I think that I will enjoy it in the long run.