"There are 2 things that I hate in this world: People who won't tolerate other people's cultures, and the Dutch."

(Quick Note: Uber respect and cool points to the person who names where I got that quote from).

I just want to start by saying that I'm not going to acknowledge the fact that I haven't posted in over a month, and by not acknowledge, I simply mean that I'm not going to give some lame, half baked excuse. I haven't blogged in a while. You still exist. See, everyone is happy.

But there are a few things which I feel compelled to discuss with you. Not because you care. But because its my blog. And I care. A lot. So with out further ado, here are some random things that are bugging me right now.

1.) For the first time in I don't know how long, I could care less about the baseball playoffs. I don't even have one once of care. Honest. I have no one to cheer for. I HATE all the teams in the AL, and the Quad A league (also known by some as the National League) has one legitimate player (AlbertPuljos) that's even worth watching. Usually, when my team(s) (this constitutes of the White Sox, Cubs, or Phyllis) don't make it in, I piggyback some other team and enjoy the show. But, I hate New York (this rules out the Mets and Yanks), I am required to hate the Twins and Tiggers (though, secretly, I think I may be cheering for the Tigers and refusing to admit it), can not stand the arrogance of A's GM Billy Beane, who if you asked him, invented baseball (so that eliminates the A's....and I also can't stand the fact that they are supposed to be the GREAT team each year, and choke every year.....they are like the Buffalo Bills (early 90's) of baseball, only they don't even get to the ALCS every year. This makes me mad.), and in Quad A, no one is any good at all. The Cards (whom I hate anyway because they are a Midwest "but everyone loves the (insert Midwest team name in here)" team) have ONE great player, who may be the best player ever when its all said and done. And oh yeah, they almost had the greatest season collapse of all time. Until the Astros (with steroid user Roger Clemens, sometimes referred to by me as "scum of the earth") chocked more and chocked first, but the Cards still backed into the playoffs (not good). Then there are the NL West teams....Which don't even peak my interest. At all. Someone should let these two GMs know that these old guys (see Kenny Lofton, Mike Piazza, Nomar, Greg Maddux, Hideo Nomo....) left their prime like 4 years ago. I'm just saying. So I don't care who wins. And that bothers me. I'm a sports fan. I should care. And I don't (so try and convince me that I should care and I just might pretend).

2.) Al Davis needs to die. Or get a terminal illness. Now. Ok, that is harsh. And by no means do I actually wish death or illness about, especially when it comes to something as trivial as sports. But, the man who once brought the Raiders into prominence is now the man who is driving them into insignificance. Singlehandedly. For those of you who don't know, Al Davis is the owner of my favorite NFL team, the Oakland Raiders. Al has done many good things ever since he has owned the team for the last 40 plus years, things that have made football into what we see today (and this is a fact; Al Davis, love him or hate him, is one of the 5 most influential people in NFL history). But, he wants to run the organization at the age of 5.2 million years old (ok, 70 something). Thing is, the game has passed him by. People no longer associated with the Raiders (because Al got mad at them) tired to warn him about signing this guy, or letting this guy go, or not hiring this guy and etc,etc,etc. But Al won't listen. And now, The Raiders have officially replaced the Clippers (who are actually good by the way) has the team in professional sports that could be good, but their owner is killing them. Why do you think Art Shell has a job right now? Because no one else wanted to work for crazy Al Davis. Seriously. 8 coordinators or college coach's could have made more money then they currently are, but turned down the job because Al Davis was involved. So Al hires a guy that hasn't coached in 12 years, and the last time he did coach, got fired by Al because he was a bad coach. See the logic in that one (neither do I!!!). I'm not saying I know more than Al Davis does, but the Raiders aren't this bad when I sim on Madden.

3.) I could care less about the NFL or MLB anymore. Know why? BECAUSE NBA TRAINING CAMPS HAVE OPENED! I realize I may be one of the 19 people in the world who care about this, but I do. And you know why? Because my Houston Rockets are legit contenders again. Honest. Check this out:

Caption: From Left to right: Shane Battier (Forward), Yao (Center) T-Mac (Point Forward) and Bonzi (Power Guard)

That ladies and gentlemen are Houston Rockets and they will play in a style that will not only be entertaining, but that will win ball games. We traded Rudy Gay and Stromile Swift and all their potential (which, remember, Derrick Colman had potential too) to the Griz for my favorite Dukie of all time, Shane Battier (so you can get me and #31 Rockets jersey for Christmas Mom). The signed Bonzi Wells to a 2 year $5 Mil contract, which is a steal considering his talent. We traded a 2nd round pick for Kirk Synder. We got a guy whose name I can't spell who was the key go in the Greece offense that beat Team USA in the World Basketball Championships this summer. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, we have the best 1-2 combo in the league (T-Mac and Yao) back strong and healthy. We can run with the Suns by moving Battier to the 4 (ala Shawn Marion). We can pound the ball like the Spurs. We can run and gun with the Mavs. We can beat the Knicks by 40 (ok, insignificant I know). I'm actually cutting short my preview because I know that in all reality, you aren't even reading what I have written (if you want more in depth analysis on ANYTHING NBA, please let me know and I will be happy to discuss them with you). Thing is, my team is back, and I'm ready to roll (when Yao and T-Mac both go down, I finally realize all of Shane's talents he doesn't have, Bonzi won't pass the ball, Kirk Snyder tries to punch out Coach Van Gundy, and Mt. Mutumbo is the best player on my team, just share in my hurt please).

Climbing like a 65 year old woman.....

Well, there has been some time passed since the last time that I've shared publicly about my discovery, but much has happened. Since then, I went home for few days, hung out with my brothers, worked at the greatest camp in the entire world (Faith Baptist Church Camp), picked up my girlfriend from the airport to hang out with my family (MANY stories from that one, but I'll spare you unless you're interested...Let me tease you though, the funniest thing happened that proved my grandma is crazy....She tried to convince us that nomes are real. I'm not even kidding). But what I really want to focus on at this time is how much my life has changed over this summer.

I don't think I can do adequate justice by a simple (or in my case, lengthy) post, but I will try. Basically, the LORD had to break me (which he did) in order to restore me (which he did). He had to show me my areas of weakness (which, I found out, was 2 core things I struggle in) and have him remind me that I'm not useless, but am plenty talented in other areas and can still minister successfully insipid of prior actions (which, he really, really showed me).

But still, that's not what I'm here to discuss. One of the messages that Dr. Casey (this year's camp speaker) focused on was our spiritual climb. Some will look up and say its to difficult when they have just begun. Others will get to a certain point and decide that they can no longer continue. And still others will never be satisfied and will continue to climb.

And that's where the story begins. A point that seemed to cary in camp was not a challenge to climb (though we should), but a challenge to help others climb. Just before he came to camp, Dr. Casey was on a Missions Trip to South Africa. On that trip, he went mountain climbing, something he loves to do. He showed pictures of the view from the top of the mountain that he was able to see because he made the climb. But as he was climbing, Dr. Casey started to get tired. He started thinking to himself that he had gone far enough, that he could see a good enough view from were he was. Just as he was thinking that to himself, a 65 year old woman passed him coming down the other side of the trail. She looked at him and said "Keep going, I've never seen anything like that. Its worth it."

And that's the push. In our spiritual lives, how often do we share with each other whets going on in our lives? How much do we push each other for our spiritual climbs? I know, that in all honesty, I have not been. I don't know that I really check up on others spiritually and how they are doing all that often. Yet, I know others have done this for me (even when I don't want to discuss it).

So here is my promise: I want people to be able to call me the "figurative, spiritual 65 year old woman" in people's lives. I want people to say, when my time on earth is done, that I pushed them spiritual so that they came to better knowledge of Christ. But this is where you come in reader: keep pushing me. I'm not yet that strong to climb all by myself, and I'm not up the mountain all that far.

Alivn, Simon......Slimadore?

Have you ever come across the idea that some tv show character or personality is just like you? Or even that the character themselves is based off of you? Well, a LONG time ago,

Melissa MacNeal (http://melloland.blogspot.com/2006_02_12_melloland_archive.html) addressed this issue. And a few days ago, I discovered that I too had the same problem.

I am Theodore Chipmunk. Or maybe, he is me. I'm not sure.

A few days ago, while working another 13 hour shift, I began jamming out to a "Alvin and the Chipmunks" album of somekind that was on my Ipod. How it got there is up for debate, I'm not actually sure. In the middle of one of the songs, Dave (the leader/Father figure of the Chipmunks) is going throgh and speaking to each of them on how they did on the first verse.

Dave: That was very good Simon.

Simon: Naturally.

Dave: Very nice work Theodore.

Theodore: (annoying giggle sound that sounded very familiar)

Dave: Alvin you were a little flat, so watch there on the second verse there Alvin........um Alvin......ALVIN!

Alvin: OK!

To you, this may have just been the Chipmunks being themselves. But I'm telling you, I am Theodore Chipmunk.......and my brothers are possibly the Chipmunks (Josh as Simon, and Jay as Alvin) as well. The comparisons there are amazing: Jay was always the trouble maker who dragged us in with him. Josh was the brilliant one who just knew stuff that no one else heard off.

Anyway, here is the profile on Simon (http://www.chipmunks.com/bios.php) if you want to read it. Instead of reading Theordore's name in there, put my name in. I'm telling you we are the same guy. And we both have the same laugh.

Distractions….

Hello to all my faithful readers. I am sorry that our time together has not been as fulfilling on my part. Things have been slightly busy over the past few weeks. I also did have a post written and tried to post it. However, when I went to do the Blogger spell-check, it came up as a pop-up (which are blocked by MBBC’s filters or something). I tried to temporarily allow pop-ups so as to correct my numerous grammatical mistakes. However, once I did that, for whatever reason, my entire post (which I had spent 45 minutes working on) was deleted. I was not happy. I wanted to punch a hole in a screen. But I refrained. I stayed cooler than the other side of the pillow (thank you, Stuart Scott). I began working on a new post. But before we jump into that, I just wanted to say that I have been working an odd schedule and internet time has been limited. But there has been another distraction in my life.

The past 2 weekends, I had the opportunity to spend time with my girlfriend.

Now I know what most of you are thinking (if you even kept reading to this point). That this is going to be one of those sappy posts and you are probably going to feel the need to vomit before the conclusion of reading this. With fair warning, there is potential for that. I’m not going to promise that this won’t be, but I’m not going to say it will be. This is what it is.

Last weekend, the McCarnan’s were kind enough to allow me to drive with them (actually, I drove on the way there while they napped) up to Northland for the “Freedom Celebration.” I’ve never been up to Northland, and, I did have a little bit extra motivation to visit this time. I had a great time. I got to meet all the people that Chelsie has referred to over the phone during conversations, got to hang out with my home boy Luke, got to hang out with other friends that I haven’t seen but missed over summer from school (this means you Clint, Em, Nic, Nik, Bobbi, and Micah), and also got to meet some people whom earned legendary status, though, we had never actually met (read: Ryan Berg).

I had a blast. But I didn’t do much. I must have made a billion “drinking the kool-aid” jokes to Emily (though I never did have a glass when I was up there……disappointing), went to the (Red) team and staff meetings, and just got to hang out.

This past weekend, Chelsie got to come down and visit for a short amount of time while coming with other who were visiting from Northland for Bobby & Val’s Wedding reception. She got here at like 5: oo PM on Sat, so that didn’t give us a lot of time. But sometime is better than no time. We went over to the Werner’s house to go to Ben’s party type thing and hung out there for awhile. Then we came back to go ‘ol Watertown and dropped her off at Naomi’s house. Sunday was filled of church, Moe’s, church, wedding reception and a little bit of hanging out in the basement watching DVD’s in the afternoon. Then she left again. And that’s cool. I had fun for a few hours.

Here’s the big news: She’s coming home with me for a few days. It’s kind of scary. I mean, meeting my family. I’ve been trying to hid them, but to no avail. Actually, it’s not that big of a deal. There really is nothing to worry about. My entire family will like her simply because she is a girl (I’m not kidding about that really). I’m really just delaying the inevitable. I’m scared to death to go visit Minny. I have like 0 desire…..my fear is completely overtaking any joy that may come out of a visit to the Twin Cities. I mean, I realize that I have to go eventually. I’m just in no real hurry. I kind of like it the way it is now: hanging out at Northland, in Watertown, and at my house.

O Brother(s) Where Art Thou?

I miss my brothers. That's all I really have to say. For whatever reason, I miss them at this time of year than any other time of year. Yeah, Christmas and Thanksgiving and other times are spent with your family, though they usually are more concentrated on other areas (like the reason we celebrate that holiday). But for whatever reason, the summer months is when I really miss my brothers. For the first time since I've been alive, I won't be watching the NBA Draft with my older brother's. We have just always had some sort of unspoken tradition. I brought the pizza, he provided drinks and a big screen TV and surround sound (which came in handy when my Rockets selected Yao Ming with the #1 overall pick a few years ago). We would sit there and just soak up the basketball, the conversation, and the ability to make fun of our younger brother Josh. The past two years Sarge (that's his new nickname we gave him) has been off at boot camp and various such things. We just make fun of him because he doesn't like sports and would rather watch anomie. But the conversation could quickly turn into why I'm the black sheep of the family:

Josh: Your a pansy.

Me: I am not.

Jay: I think he's got a point.

Me: Why because you 2 and dad have motorcycles and I refuse to even get on one?

Josh: You are scared of bikes. So yeah, your a pansy.

Me: I am not scared of them.....Well maybe Dad's because you know how he is about his Harley. But I'm not scared of motorcycles.

Jay: You want to go for a ride?

Me: No. You know better. Stop asking.

Jay: Fry (that's my nickname at home), the bike weighs at least 3-4 times more than you do. You won't fall off.

I miss that. I miss the being made fun of in a way that only brothers can get away with. Josh and Jay were both ridiculously smart. Josh was actually my "tutor" in chemistry, Physics, and Algebra.......Even though he was 2 years younger and hadn't taken the classes yet. This is the same kid, whom when he took his Army apptitdue test, missed one question. Not bad. But he went into the recruiter's office, told the recruiter which question he missed, told the recruiter the right answer and that he had pressed the wrong button. Josh is an evil genius. He has so much talent and itelligence, yet, all he wants to do is be a grunt in the army. Don't take that the wrong way. Its not you are an idiot if you are a grunt. But traditionally, they but the less intelligent guys out on the front line. Josh just wants to "blow stuff up "(he has said that about a million times). The army has decided that Josh will become an engineer.

Jay could have done whatever he wanted. He was just naturally smart. He never really gave much effort, but he always did well enough. He could have went to college, but had no desire to do more schooling (nor does Josh). Yet Jayson remains one of the most influential, intellectual people I talk too. I'm almost certain that my love for political books and sports books (you know, that "non-fiction" genre thing) comes from him. I don't think I've ever seen him read or have a fiction book in his library (and if you saw his book collection, you'd know it rivals the local library). Jay really is one of, if not the brightest person I know.

I miss the cookouts with our extended family on which all our cousins would join in on the "Josh Bash." I miss Jay calling me up and saying, "want to go see a movie?" and then paying for it (I miss that a lot). I miss Josh coming home from work and saying "I want Chinese food. You want to go? I'll buy." I miss going over to Jay's house with Josh to play Halo, only to realize how terrible at video games I am. "Fry, you might be the worst Halo dude ever. You just lost to my 5 year old. Did you stop trying or what?" And so, I was forced to order and go get (but not buy) pizza from our favorite restaurant: A&M. But, that's just one of those dumb things we would kind of randomly do.

Sorry for the babble. I'm not sure what else (or what I'm actually trying) to say. I just miss my brothers.

What I've been up to lately....

Well by popular demand (from Steph Davis, (by the way, yeah, you can add me to your links, I'm not going to be offended; I'll wear it as a badge of honor) and by virtue of the fact that I have time and the internet (yes, its true folks, even when School isn't in session, I'm hanging out there to use the internet)) I will know inform you all of things that have been going on.

First, I read on Ryan's blog a few days/weeks ago about how he was disappointed that "West Wing" was going off the air, how it was good TV, if your are a Liberel's Liberal (ala Martin Sheen, good cast job folks) or a Sean Hannity conservative, this was good show. I can't comment, because I've never really seen it. But those whom I trust their opinions on these things (I'm counting Ryan as one of these people by the way) all say the same thing: its a great show because its about the lives of those around the White House.

That brings me to the point of what I'm about to say. A few years ago, you all missed out on one of the best shows (my favorite of all time infact) that was ever on TV. "SportsNight" was the original "Dramedy." Half comedy, half drama, always making me want next week's episode. I know what you are thinking, the only reason I liked the show was because it had to do with sports and what it would be like if I were a Sportscenter anchor, my dream job infact. Well, I say your a moron and here's why: I got the McCarnan's hooked on it. I have the DVD box set (there are only 2 seasons) because a friend who also loved the show bought the set for me. During summer school, Luke broke out the DVD's just to watch something and to kill some time, ended up loving the show. I began watching again with him, remembering why I liked the show so much. Matt didn't get into right away, but for whatever reason, got hooked on it too. Matt and I finished both seasons a few days ago, and are suffering from withdrawal. Its drama. Its comedy. It was awarded "T.V. Guide's Best Show You Not Watching" Award both years. Its a shame no one watched, I could really use some more episodes. Dan Rydell (one of the anchors) is the best character in all of fiction. I'm not even kidding. I've argued about this with my English Major girlfriend. She suggested some dude from "Pride and Prejudice," which made me reminder her that we don't live in the 1800's anymore, and that Dan is cool. If anyone wants to borrow "SportsNight" from me so you too can experience the man known as Dan Rydell, let me know, I'm willing to share.

On a sports note (skip this paragraph if you don't care), I think I've got a fever, and the only prescription is a World Cup Championship for Team USA. It won't happen, because no one will come close to Brazil, but its a dream. Actually team USA won't even make it out of their grouping because of losing to the Cz Rep yesterday, 3-0. They now must beat Italy and Ghana. And oh yeah, Italy is like, good or something. So my soccer obscene will be over shortly, then we can get back to more important things in life, like just about anything else but soccer. But I have 2 quetsions regarding team USA: 1.) I've typed and talked about Team USA so much, that I want to know why we didn't just send over the Mighty Ducks. I think Emilio Esteves could have coached these guys. Maybe I'm crazy. (2.) How is Freddy Adu not on this team?? Isn't he supposed to be like the best player in America, despite being like 16 years old? How did he not make our national team? How is this possible? Ok. I'm done with soccer for now.
Onto basketball, where I completely missed the best NBA playoffs since......well, possibly ever. The Mavs are just killing the Heat right now. But don't worry, that will change. Dwane Wade will take over in game 3, Miami will win 2 out of 3 at home, and Dallas wraps up the series in 6 games at home. Book it.

I also saw the Camp Team head off. I don't know why. I felt odd, and I think I made them feel awkward. I don't really have more to add about that.


FINALLY, its official. I am now a Humanities Major (Letters Emphasis), History minor and coaching concentration. I have 50 credits to take, and I'm done. 2 years. Here's the thing that may stir up some controversy: 3 years ago, I decided to come to MBBC rather than go to Clearwater. Clearwater had a major that I really liked and wanted to do: Sports Management. Basically I'd learn how to be a general manager, athletic director, scout, coach and other stuff involving sports. DREAM MAJOR for me right? Seemed so. So why did I choose MBBC instead? Honestly? I thought it was selfish of me to want to do that. I figured that if I wasn't in some form of full time Christian service (like teaching, because I really am not led to preach), that I wasn't really doing the will of God. So I forced myself to do something that I thought would be fun, I'd be marginally successful at, and I could be in some form of Christian service. Now, I somewhat regret not going to Clearwater. I know the Lord's purpose was at hand through all of it. I came to MBBC and met some great friends (I'd be avoiding the truth too if my girlfriend went unmentioned here), faculty and staff, and a great church home. From that perspective, that's what made the decision right for me. That I got to meet so many Godly folk and influences on my life. But did I really avoid God's will for my life? Its such a complicated topic, I don't know what I really think. That's why I'm looking for help/answers/opinions. Right now, my plan is to graduate from MBBC in 2 years with my humanities degree and get master's in Sports Management from somewhere (right now, it looks like an online Masters, which is just scary). I don't really know what else to say right now. Leave me some comments or something friends.

Random Happenings:

Back by popular demand, here are a few random things that I've been up to instead of posting:

--I'm working. A lot. Leave me alone.

--Percussion tourn ends Sunday night(meaning Chelsie gets back). I'm very happy.

--I still don't know whats up for my job situation this summer. I may go home (if something open up in the next like 2 days) or I may stay here (by default/by potential of getting a raise for vatrious cirumstances, but not holding my breath on that one).

--I have a lot of school work I should be doing right now. Instead, I'm blogging. I sacrifice for you people, you know that right?

--The greatest NBA playoffs in recent memory are taking place right now. And I haven't seen more than 10 minutes of it (I fell alseep watching Game 4 of Miami/NJ a few Sundays ago). The Sports Guy has written several very good articles about this. I almost wrote an entire post about it, until he got paid to write what I was thinking. That worked well.

--I'm actually starting to get giddly excited about the World Cup. This is disturbing to me considering that I don't like socer. At all. Why am I excited? I don't know.

--I'm thinking about switching to Humanities (Letters Emphasis). Any suggestions/Advice? Why you ask? Well, I started thinking one day (awhile ago) that I don't actually want to teach for all my life. I don't really have a plan or any idea what God really has for my life, but I don't honestly believe that teaching is there for the majority of it. Maybe I'm wrong. I really don't have a clue.

Thats all for now, I have to go read a book and write a 5 page paper on Brazil.

The Ripple Effect...

Tuesday, May 2nd, 2006 was simply the worst day of my entire life. Think about that for a second. I have. And I've had some pretty crappy days too. Like when I watched my little brother get hit by a car (kind of my fault, but still not as bad). Or the day when I watched my older brother get into a car accident. The list could go on.

unequivocally, nothing I had ever done had ever effected so many people. I screwed up big time, there is no getting around that. And it was definitely something I had caused.

Let me start at the beginning. This semester has just been simply insane. I was taking 15 credits (not that many I know), class president, actively involved with my extension church an hour and a half away, working nearly 40 hours every week, and I had begun to start dating a very lovely young lady. My time was gone. It was nuts.

The problem came in when my school work started slipping a bit. I wasn't as focused on it as I needed to be. I was being driven by other (not wrong) activities. Trying to pay off the school bill, serving in church, doing the best class meetings we could, and keeping my new found relationship in order. The school work, I decided, could just kind of be there, and I'd get to it when and if I could.

Well, before I knew it, project due date came, or, at the time, was quickly approaching. There wasn't much due, except in one class, which I hadn't been keeping up with very well. American Constitutional History with Dr. Perdue. We were taking indepth look at the Constitution and supreme court case decisions that affected how we interpret the constitution today.

Assignments over the course of the semester included analyzing specific court cases indepth. 6 or 8 were assinged over the semester. Well, I didn't really keep up with them and decided I could just turn them in with the project.

The project itself consisted of outline a chapter in the second book, analyzing a court case at the end of that chapter, and writing a 5 page summary about what I had just researched. By 5 A.M. on project due date, I had all the court cases done and caught up, I had the outline and the special court case done. All I needed to do was a 5 page summary on something that I had just spent the last 36 hours researching like nothing I had ever done before. Piece of cake right?

Should have been. But it was 5 in the morning. I only had about 4 hours of sleep in the last 36, and my mind wasn't quite working the way it normally would. Needless to say that my judgment was impaired (but, again, this was my fault).

So I did something that I don't remember doing, but I clearly did. I turned in something that wasn't my work at all. I blatantly took something off the internet and turned it in with my name on it. I don't know what I was thinking, or how I rationalized it in my mind. I cheated and that's all there is to it.

Last Tuesday is when I got caught. I shudder to think about what would have happened had Dr. Perdue not have caught it and turned me in (as he should have; I hold no contempt for him, he did what was right, rather than me choosing to do wrong). After I took my last final, and Dr. Perdue hated out the assingments we had turned in just a week earlier, he told me I needed to see him later. I thought it was no big deal, that I probably wasn't doing well in the class and he wanted to know how he could have helped me. Then I looked through the package of stuff I turned in, and there with my plagiarism work was printed off a copy of the website I taken it from. I think at that point, my heart stopped beating. I honestly couldn't remember doing that. But I also couldn't remember writing the paper either. The reason was clear: I didn't write it.

I was really shaky the rest of the morning. I didn't know what to say or think. People could tell something was wrong, but no one knew what (because I wasn't saying anything....at all). Then Mr. Richards informed me off my academic DC meeting at noon. That's when I knew that not only was I in a good bit of trouble, but I also was affecting a lot of people.

that's what happened too. My decision affected WAY more people than just me. Though I did the act out of stupidity and selfishness, the consequences affected more people than I could have ever realized.

---I couldn't be student body president anymore
---I couldn't be an RA (or a PC for that matter) in the dorms
---I probably won't be able to go back to Faith in Plymouth because of being on disciplinary probation
---I couldn't travel for and represent the school (meaning no camp team)

I let a lot of people down, that's what hurts most. I let down every faculty member and student here at school. I've let people down at my extension and home church. I let my extension group down (I have the car for next semester). My parents haven't condemned me, but, I know they are disappointed (wouldn't you be?). The ofcourse there are you guys, my friends. I've let you go on thinking that I'm a good guy or some bunk like that.

What I'm most disappointed about is letting down Dr. Harrison and my fellow Camp Team members. I've been looking forward to this summer since October. Now, I'm stuck in Watertown cleaning office buildings. We've worked on stuff all this semester, songs and games and whatnot. While it won't be that hard to replace me (I wasn't carry any of the songs and the skits aren't really that hard), the fact is, they shouldn't have to look for anyone. Now they have a month to try and find someone to fill in, if at all. (I guess a positive outlook though guys, finding clothes for Person X will be a lot easier than it was for me).

I'm sorry. That's all I can say. There is nothing else I can do. No matter how many times I say that though, its still there, and it doesn't change anything. I made a terrible choice. Now others have to suffer through the consequences of my actions.

I threw the stone into the lake, and now the water is rippling....

Weekend Wrap-up.....

Some notes from this weekend, and a promise of a future post.....

--first, my extension church is awsome. No doubt about it. They gave us all (there is 7 of us) like love offering this weekend for all the stuff we did. Not that we did it to get paid. But they did it anyway. Did I also mention that they also feed us and give us homes to stay in every afternoon? Yeah, I feel like a jerk at church sometimes because I defly have done nothing to deserve any gifts from these kind folks. And don't let me forget to mention the teens bought at the coffe shop tonite. I love me some Frozen Hot chocolate. Yes I do.

--Don't eat Taco Bell 3 nights in a row. Don't eat it 2 nights in a row. I would recomend only eating it in extreme circumstances. Just trust me. (I did not do this, but I know someone who has).

--The annual Leland Campout was held this weekend. I hate camping. But I went due to guy purposes. Loved it a ton. GREAT TIME!! Maybe I'll share more later.

--I hate white gloving. Oh yeah, I haven't started yet.

--Kobe Bryant is the best basketball player right now on the planet. No doubt. If you think differently, you are wrong (its ok that your wrong, you just need to know that you are wrong). This guy is amazing. I haven't seen one player take over a playoff game like this since some guy in Chicago wearing #23. By the way, I think I also sold my soul this weekend.

---durring the game, I also provided 2 quotes of the extended time period, which I may elaborate later on. it was good stuff. Jeremy and Clint couldn't stop laughing. I was being serious when I said it, they said that's what made it funny.

--Post coming tomarrow after the Camp Team/other ensambles who don't matter (kidding) dinner/meeting thing. It'll be a long one, and a tad emotional about someone who is leaving me (and no, it's not about Chelsie, so shut up and read it.)

.....until tomarrow

Some quick random musings about stuff you don't care about....

You are being warned now, only read this if you actually care about my opinions of the NBA. If not, don't read. Don't complain to me later either, that what this warning is for.


Well, the NBA season wrapped up last night. Playoffs are set. I'll predict a little later. My award picks:

Rookie of the Year: Chris Paul, PG, NO/OKC -If you think anyone else deserves it, you haven't watched basketball all year. And you are a moron.

Most Improved Player: Boris Diaw, UTIL, PHX- Well, I guess technically, this should just go to Steve Nash. No way is this guy that good without him. Went from being a random dude on the Hawks to random dude who got a triple double. Weird. By the way, I refuse to give this award to good players (ala Tony Parker, Lebron James, or someone who is already really really good). The simple fact is that good players are supposed to be good and get better. Giving them an award for doing that doesn't make sense. Giving the award to a guy who goes from being a random guy on the team to a solid contributor is what this award is all about. Congrats Boris!

Coach of the Year: Flip Saunders, Det- I hate saying this because I hate Detroit. But Flip is the man. He got them to score, without losing that D of theirs. Did you think they were going to win 64 games? No you didn't, you liar. The fact that they were on pace for 70 at the All-Star Break is incredible. This is hotly contended, but, I think Flip deserves it (especially considering that he never got any credit in Minny).

Sixth Man of the Year: Alonzo Morning, Mia-The idea behind the award is someone who comes off the bench and changes the game for his team. No one, I mean no one did that more than 'Zo did this year. There was many a time when the Heat played better (because of their D) with Zo in the game than they did with Shaq in the game. Mike Miller probably ends up getting the real award however.

Defensive Player of the Year: Andrei Kirilenko Utah- Have you seen his numbers? Amazing. By the way, this is also a guy who got a triple-double with 10 blocks (UNHEARD OF!). The only player in NBA history to have a 5X5 (think triple double, but with 5 categories and only need 5 of each stat.....again, UNREAL!). Ben Wallace probably gets it on his accolades, but AK47 deserves it.

Most Valuable Player: Kobe Bryant, LAL- I know what you are thinking. I hate Kobe too. But it doesn't matter. He simply was the best player who carried his team more than any other player. Nash can't get it because he couldn't guard me, and an MVP will make a stop in crunch time. Nash won't make that stop. Lebron has improved GREATLY, though there was that time in the beginning of the season when he was very unclutch. I just don't feel like Lebron dominated at all times. Dwayne Wade is who I wanted to pick. But he hasn't played well the past few weeks, and his team can go on without him, just not as well. With out LBJ or Kobe, the Cavs/Lake show isn’t winning 20 games, and would lose to the NY Knicks. So Kobe gets the nod over LBJ in my book. I don't have time to explain all my reasons why, but the Sportsguy convinced me last week. Click on his link on the side there and read his article about it. He's right in every aspect.

PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS:

EAST

Detroit over Milwaukee, 4 games
Washington over Cleveland, 7 games
Indiana over New Jersey, 6 games
Miami over Chicago, 5 games

Detroit over Washington, 4 games
Miami over Indiana, 5 games


Miami over Detroit, 7 games

WEST

San Antonio over Sacramento, 5 games
Dallas over Memphis, 5 games
LA Clippers over Denver, 6 games
Lakers over Suns, 6 games

Dallas over San Antonio, 7 games
Clippers over Lakers, 6 games

Clippers over Dallas, 6 games

NBA Finals

Miami over L.A. Clippers, 6 games
MVP: Dwayne Wade (the way it should be)