New Year's and a New Year

Hey,

Sorry it's been a while, but I have plenty to write about now. I wanted to write it down mainly so I don't forget it and so I can look back on it, but also I would rather write about it than keep re-telling stories. Ahem. Kyle. jk. It's long, so you don't have to read it.

Well the weekend started off really well. I flew to Omaha on Thurs and was really looking forward to it, although somewhat apprehensive. We had been on and off for 10 months and altogether had been together for a year and a half (20 months). That's definitely a big benchmark for me.

I got into Omaha and dropped off my things. Then we went out to dinner to the French Cafe - excellent food downtown. Then we went back, and exchanged Christmas gifts. I got a watch and some coldgear under armour, and an ornament. I in turn gave some gloves and socks as a gag gift, and a gift certificate to charming CHARLIE. That's actually how the name appears. I didn't accidentally have caps lock on. I did however get to know Ashley and their mom better though. Neither of them were there the last time I visited.
Then it was bed time because we had an early morning.

We woke up the next morning and waited around for some breakfast quiche. We then drove to Kansas City - my first visit there. It takes about 3 and a half hours. Not too bad. Little did I know that it would add up over the next couple days.

We stayed in Kansas City, Missouri and went downtown to Kansas City, Kansas to see the Christmas tree at the Hallmark Crown Center. It was cool.

That night we played Speedbump and drank preparing for the night ahead of us, all while eating some pizza. The night was off to a great start - although it was freezing! Super windy. After everyone got ready, we waited an hour plus, for a cab. I got along best with Brian who was pretty easy going.
Anyway. People kept stealing cabs and we didn't really plan ahead. Finally after nearly two hours, we decided to drive to the Power and Lights District. It's a cool place, but it was packed! After paying 20 bucks cover to go to a country bar, PBR, which was lame at first, everyone decided to go to McFadden's. It was here that the night became hectic.

After the guys got drinks, they went one way while the girls went to the bathroom in the other direction. While waiting for the girls at the bathroom, the place got so packed that the Manager (as big as a bouncer) had to stop letting people in. Did I mention we snuck in for free? I was standing by the door getting pushed while waiting for the girls.
(You gotta know that I hate packed places because people stop being people and start acting like animals, so I was a little perturbed.) The girls finally came back, but we were the only ones there. The guys had gone back to PBR and now the girls were getting upset. We head back to the other bar, the girls struggling to walk in 3 inch heels and in the cold no less.

Once we get back in, the guys are way past gone already and of no use, except for Brian, who was the driver back to the Missouri side. Hectic hectic. Ashley disappears and Adrian was already starting to flip out on me.

How could I get us back to the Missouri side when I had never been to this city?
How could I focus on having fun when I was trying to protect the girls and make sure they got home safely?

Adrian starts to yell at Andy and Matt and tells them to find her sister. They find her in all of 3 minutes but by then I'm receiving the brunt of everything. (On a humorous note, some random 40 yr old dude, tried to buy Adrian and me some drinks lol.) Finally it's the countdown and I literally say to myself, that I've had it and want to throw in the towel and get out of there. Kisses can't calm me down at this point.

Ashley apologizes but stays and we leave - But it's freezing and finding a cab looked difficult. Fortunately we grabbed one right away and beat the crowd after midnight.
We get back and she falls asleep after telling me that I didn't even try to have a good time. She's right, but I wanted to focus on the girls getting back safely, like I promised her dad before we left.

I stay up to wait for Ashley. By the time she gets back with the guys, I can't sleep anyway because of all the sodas' caffeine from my mixed drinks. Some bimbos from down the hall keep coming back to the room until 5am. Needless to say that I didn't sleep.

The next day we get some Kansas City BBQ and drive back. 3 more hours. The flights ahead of me. Ugh. I sleep for about an hr in the car when I see Ashley woke up from her nap. Upon arriving back in Omaha, we watch football with her dad and bro. We flip between a few bowl games but then it's time to go.

After a bitter goodbye and leaving on a bad note, I leave a voicemail with a sincere apology.
My flight is delayed out of Eppley and I am going to miss my connecting flight in MSP - the only one out of there for the night back.
My mom calls and gives me an amazing idea. I am still in awe of how mysteriously God works.
She tells me to take the flight to Atlanta that is leaving in an hour. I ask the lady at the gate if there is an open seat. There was! Only one! and I got it and a free upgrade bc it was a first class seat. So I hop on the plane and get to Atlanta.

I barely grab a sandwich before grabbing the connecting flight. Btw, the heater was broken and blowing too much hot air in the airport. It felt like 88 degrees. I finally get back to BWI safe and sound and just goof off until the next day when I move.

Thanks for reading this far. Basically, the movers came 2 hours late on Sunday, but it was worth it. My new place is amazing.

Back to work and crew. I'm just going to focus all of my attention on my endeavors.
Song of the moment is So I Thought by Flyleaf.

This post was a vent session for me and so I can look back and remember the events accurately.

Prayers are appreciated! Til next time.

Harry Potter and other things

First,

I have to talk about Harry Potter. I talked about it with a couple people, but I seriously need to mention things that I liked and did not.

Dislikes:
Madeye Moody's eye was not buried.
No mention of Percy Weasley.
Bill Weasley did not look how he should have.
Awkward nude scene which scandalized kids.
The Malfoys look so victimized.
Needs more Godric's Hollow. No mention of Dumbledore's past. Ugh!

Likes:
The reading of The Deathly Hallows. The animation was so creative.
Ginny sure does look grown up.
The scene with Hermione being tortured was very tasteful.

Overall, I enjoyed it and can't wait for next summer.

Other things

Mom's foot is healing well and she is going back to work today. She better take it easy...

Next, crew starts today! I can't wait to whip these kids into shape over these next couple months of winter conditioning. Get ready.

I am also seeing a potential new place today after crew. I am not enjoying my current living situation and am looking forward to another new step of my life.

Thanksgiving is just a few days away and I think Kyle and I are going to Annapolis this weekend/he has never been.

That's all for now. Btw, even though we talked last week Jonathan, I waited til Monday(today) to listen to your voicemail. Started off my work week on the right foot.

Updating you with current thoughts

It's been a while since I have posted anything substantial and I apologize.

Continuing off of the last post, I really love the quote.

Something I have to get off my brain...
Important current thoughts:
Today's homily really lead me to ponder the difference between "living like we're dying" and "living and taking life for granted." The priest today was talking about the Mayan calendar, and how some people are too concerned about the end of time or the end of the world. He stated that we cannot live our lives out of fear of death. True. We all die. 10 out of 10 people die as Shaffer would say. I understand that we cannot live thinking about our death - although we should remember that heaven is a goal. If we lived our lives constantly fearing death, we would never take chances and perhaps we would never live a truly examined life.

"An unexamined life is not worth living," my English teacher used to say.

On the other hand, to have no fear at all about death causes us to be reckless and foolish. Maybe we would do things that could be dangerous to ourselves or others.

As Kris Allen would say, "Gotta live like we're dying." I think there's something to be said for this song. Don't take things for granted. That's the message. It is not saying that we should live with death constantly on our mind. If it was saying that specifically, then don't worry. He didn't write all of those lyrics himself.

All in all, I guess that I believe that we shouldn't live constantly fearing death, but we should appreciate the special things - our family, friends, and special moments, etc.

Other things with less depth:

We had lunch today for all of the crew coaches to get together and get to know each other better. We went to Sweetwater for lunch, but their fajitas didn't impress. Note to self - Go with a burger next time. It was good for all of us to be together and to get on the same page.

Crew starts a week from tomorrow.
Wow.
It's that time already. I'm pumped though. As the head coach of the women's team, I have a lot of ideas and the girls asked to be pushed harder. Ask and you shall receive. Let's go.

Another thought, everyone use mint.com. Should've used this earlier like you said, Rob.
It is absolutely the most important website that I use. Even more important than facebook. WHOA?!? Really? Yep. Facebook is good too, though.

My mom had foot surgery last week and that was a complete success. Now if only she stayed off it. That's where my stubbornness comes from. Sorry I'm ending with a preposition, Col.

Didn't watch too much football today. Redskins game tomorrow though. Not only must they win, but my fantasy football team depends upon it. (Opponent has Philly defense and I have Torain as my RB.)

This post is both informative and random.

The next one will be better organized.
Until then though, peace!

Quote of the Day

‎"Women wish to be loved without a why or a wherefore; not because they are pretty, or good, or well-bred, or graceful or intelligent, but because they are themselves." Henri Frederic Amiel

This is so I can remember it. Hope you guys like it too.

Almost October

Thank God for fall. The weather is finally getting cool and it's much appreciated.
Car is working perfectly. Pay day is this Friday.

Speaking of fall, lots of things are coming up.
This weekend is Homecoming. I'm catching up with some good friends. Can't wait.

October is also a month of birthdays.

Not too much to post right now except that the song of the moment is:

"Like a G6." Download it. Not just because the guys are Asian. It's dope.