New Year, And Already Planning for the Future

About 28 min and 46 seconds ago, the new year rang in and I was already planning. Planning for the things I will accomplish, the things i will not forget to do, and planning for the places I will go. I have spent the better part of the last 3 hours trying to determine the best route, quickest trek, and ways to overcome the many hurdles of a trip to the Appalachians. If you are not familiar, it is a range of mountains that extend from Georgia, all the way to Maine. My destination, which is neither near Maine, nor Georgia is smack dab in the middle of the trail. There is a well know park reserve entitled Shenandoah National Park. It is a wondrous landscape marked with ancient boulders that seeming fell from the sky. It boast a view that warrants many photographs, the one below was taken by a man name Bruce(although I do not know him personally) more photos can be seen HERE




My goal for this trip is twofold. I want to enjoy the times doing something I love, and share that experience with some close, albeit younger, friends of mine. There is still much planning, and convincing that is needed to make this trip happen properly. Already one potential member of this expedition into the wilderness has declined in favor of other activities. I hope, with careful planning, and strong determination to make this happen for the rest of us.

One thing I have yet to mention is that I have undertaken this trek before. I was only 12 at the time and to me, it was ACTUALLY a life changing experience. I realized what this world can offer to those who open their eyes to it. I respect this spinning orb more then ever because of my former trip.

This is what I have so far:

Day 1.
Leave from Minnesota
Stop somewhere in Indiana near Indianapolis for the night

Day 2.
Leave from Indiana
Make it to Waynesboro, VA (about a 9hr drive)
Pitch tent at Rockfish Gap

Day 3-7.
Leave from out first camping spot at Rochfish Gap
Camp at locations on the way
Arrive at Front Royal, VA (about 130 miles in total)

Day 7.
Last overnight before we head home

Day 8.
Leave from Front Royal,VA
Arrive in Indiana again (probably the same location as before)

Day 9.
Leave Indiana
Arrive safe and sound in Minnesota once again.


Although this is just a rough itinerary, I do have plans for how to get the vehicle from point A to B as well, and many other aspects of this journey.

I just hope things work out well enough to take this trip!

WORD OF THE WEEK
Peregrinate
To walk over, especially by foot;travers, travel, journey

Pronounced--
pear-i-grin-ate

Holiday Justice

Many citizens of this country find themselves jostling about on their merry way for the holidays. Christmas is a time of giving, remember. Off to the families house on Christmas eve, trying to fit both sides of the family in. Its the celebration of this holiday (Christmas) that really has me thinking. Why is it that so many people celebrate Christmas, on Christmas Eve? Or even sooner? Christmas Eve, I strongly feel, does not get the recognition it deserves. It is mistreated for the sake of "that other day." From now on, I think I will support Christmas Eve as its own, independent holiday.

Merry Christmas Eve to all!

Word of the Week:

Cornucopia
Its a Thanksgiving holiday centerpiece(the horn shaped thing)

Not sure why this was the first word that came to my head, maybe I should get it checked?

Rock, Paper, Scissors

An unusual title I know, but bare with me. The rock has nothing to do with what i intended to write about however it was the quirkiest title I could muster. As for paper, there is some significance.

My writing, although not perfect, or even close for that matter, has been critiqued beyond belief in the past two weeks. And it has been slammed into a pole, beaten, pumped full of adrenaline, and beaten again. It was definitely a first for me to be criticized for writing at too HIGH of a level, especially for the president of my college. The emphasis here was on words like: utilize, instate, and animosity. Apparently, these are not words the you would see in everyday language. I may be verbally extricating myself here, however i strongly feel that one should not need to "DUMB DOWN" an assignment that should be written at a college level. My professor often speaks of the perversion of the English language, and the lack of variance in writing. Yet, this same man insists on using two syllables or fewer per word. On to my next, completely unrelated topic...

Scissors. This is more of an associative representation of the work i have been doing in my own "home." First and foremost, I would like to send my gratitude to craigslist for providing the means for me to get a free couch. Secondly, I would like to extend my thanks as well to walmart for having wicked cheap fabric for use to reupholster said couch. not to many people of the male variety know how to sew. Fortunately, I paid attention in 7th grade family and consumer science class and adopted that skill. Now, my free couch is sporting a nice new look in a stretchy shade of blue, with beige-ish cushions. It looks much better then the previously torn, brown fabric reminiscent of the 80's, and not the good portion. I was quite happy with the end result. I might even feel the desire to post a picture of it one of these days!

That is all i mave to say, and again.... I apologize for the appaling title.

Transition

Life has many transitions to be aware of. Some tucked away for only oneself to be witness, others with which one willingly flaunts, and even more that often continue unnoticed until it is to late. Although the importance of some are weighed more then the rest, this does not always correlate to one's level of willingness to share. I mention transitions only as a precursor to a more pressing matter. It is almost as if the transitions themselves are less important than one's personal regard toward them. This is what establishes the level of significance for any relevant transition. One's procession into adulthood can be delayed merely by one's own acceptance of it. Furthermore, it opens the possibility of influencing decisions based solely to the anterior in an almost spiteful manner to one's own inhibitions. Although a blatantly flawed system, it seems a common practice for those who could benefit most from doing just the opposite.

I consider myself one of those flawed individuals. One with a enormous potential if only I were to heed my own warnings. However, the level of significance I place on certain aspects of life are often well above the standard for the "average joe."

An instance of this in my recent history is associated with my desire to work with kids. I am split in my transition into the real world. On one hand, I feel as though I am not ready to move into the real world. Whereas I would love to move on and begin a life. I have had the opportunity to develop a relationship with many new people and it has changed my goals in life somewhat. I still intend to graduate with my mechanical engineering degree and continue on toward my masters and a potentially successful career, but I don't intend to rush through life like I have been trying to do until this point. This is my transition and I feel as though moments in my life have prepared me for this. Right now, I intend to live in the moment. To experience the pleasure of shaping the outlook of the world for kids.

WORD OF THE WEEK
TRANSITION
A state of change

the wiles and wonders of the iPod touchyness

Jumping on the metaphorical bandwagon is not something that I find myself doing often, however in this scenario, I'm willing to tie myself to the horse in order to catch this ride. I went out and purchased one of those fancy new do dads called iPod touches and have yet to put it down longer then required to avoid discovery by my professors. It has an almost inherently addictive interface that screams attention to detail. With minor exceptions in interface, I find that it's quite easy to write with once you get over your lack of commitment to your letter selections while typing. And for those of us with exceptionally pudgy fingers, the auto spelling corrector does a smack job of correcting otherwise incoherent text. It was even easy enough for me to post this very blog using my networked iPod touch. This definitely is one of the best this I have purchased in recent history.

Electronics to Diapers, How I Found Work

So, as of late, I have been in the search for a temporary job. Something to give me a little spending cash and pay all those bills i feared so much. Since then I have Acquired two very different jobs. First, I am one of two official new Computer Sales Associates at Best Buy. I worked there for nearly three years before and am now back at it. The second, and most likely the more entertaining of the two is Babysitting. I guess that is sort of a false statement in some cases because not all of the children I watch are babies. I currently watch a 4yr 11month old boy on Wednesdays, and as of yesterday, will be watching a 4.5 year old boy and his younger brother who is a meer 10 months from time to time. Yet another meeting is scheduled for later today(mind you it is 12:55AM right now) and if that goes all fine and dandy, i will be watching a 10 yr old, 8 yr old, and yet another 4 year old, all boys. I've been really excited and have been having a lot of fun so far. Its a great break from the monotony of school and will allow me to have fun in my spare time. This year is going to be wonderful.

Word of the Day:
spelunking - the act of walking through and exploring caves

Its the word of the day because its a fun word to say. Get over it.

Hit the Ground Running

A great cessation and sigh of relief was expressed today by myself, and many others I'm sure. Classes started, on a holiday that failed to be, requiring a sudden change of pace. I had been looking forward to this "new," albeit familiar, pace because it prevents one from dawdling on the unimportant ventures. Unfortunately, it has not yet quelled my continued incessant desire to return to camp. From my own introspective meanderings, I foresee myself as an new member to the adultescent community. I have taken up arms against "adulthood" in favor of the more rewarding youth aspects of life. Maybe, in hopes of further delaying the inevitable duty of paying bills and working..... for the remainder of my life....Success pending, I am trying to keep active and manifest a little of my own destiny.


Word of the Week:

Dactylonomy -
The art of counting on ones fingers.

I thought this was an interestingly overcomplex word for something reserved for children.
Along the lines of the word lisp.

Waiting

Waiting, a fundamental part of life.... and presumably, the most boring bit. For the past few days, although marked with random events, has been excruciatingly boring and I don't really have a remedy. I have been waiting for classes to start, for friends to arrive, and for the boredom to cease. The thing is, the more you focus on this time spent doing nothing, the more it seems wasted. I am waiting for something to happen in my life, for it to speed back up and kick me out of this rut. Much of this, I feel is due to my adventure filled summer. Why is this always so. The more exciting an event or situation is, the less exciting the time following it always seems to be. Another quandary of life suppose. Only a day or so until it passes, but this day of waiting, might just feel like a day of eternal boredom.

Quite at Camp

It has been a while since i have written and that is for a very good reason. For those of you who don't already know, i have been at camp for the past week learning how to be a proper "Camp Counselor" So far, it is/has been an exciting adventure involving a couple dips in freezing cold water, some humorous laughs during lifeguarding, and a serious amount of information download. Still, im having a great time this summer, and hope to continue this streak of excitment for the rest of my time here.

Word of the Week:
claque
a group of admiring fanatics. or something like that.

Note to self: pack EVERYTHING

Hi again,
I know I haven't written in a few weeks. Unfortunatly that is the common affect College has on its attendees. I have benn busy preparing projects, studying (ok not THAT much time), and trying to finish of the quarter on a good note. It was quite a bit of work, but I am almost finished. Two finals to go!

This thursday, my intent is to run for the hills, in a manner of speaking. I am headed home to Minnesota after my last final. I need to move all my stuff to either my roomate's house for next year(she will be staying on campus and was nice enough to offer storage space) or pack it in to my car for the solo journey home. For those of you that don't actually really know where MN is, its about 1,057 miles West of my home in Rochester.

Granted, I wil not be completely alone. I will have my snake and 14 fish to accompany me. (Big Mama had babies AGAIN!) Powerthirst(that is the males name) just wont leave her alone. HAHA ;)

My goal is to reach Home by the night of the 23, however, more realistically will be home sometime on the 24th. I am super excited to see everyone back at home. It has been quite a while. I am not excited to see all the gas prices on the way home though. They just scare me. Anyway, keeping this short so I will have stuff to write about tomorrow.

Thanks for reading and Good Night/Morning/both.

WORD OF THE WEEK:

Powerthirst

A youtube video advertising for a fictional energy drink. It mentions super-spawning babies. Hence, I decided to name my fish that. what are you gonna do?

Amazing Technology

Holy Crap!
That is pretty much the only reaction you can have when you truly realize how much new technology there is. Yet somehow, not of it seems to be in practical use (save for the iPod Touch and the iPhone) Heres one of the things i have seen in just the last week.

The Lumix Lightbulb
Puts out 140 Lumens per Watt as opposed to a standerd wich puts out 15 Lumens per Watt

Fadora and More

What better way to mock the "Dry Campus" concept then to host a 1920's Speakeasy party. That is exactly what a few friends of mine did. (They will remain nameless in true underground fashion) Liquor, beer, etc was served with the traditional front of a fun loving swinging party. the real party, however, was served to the masses through large doses of *ehem* inebriating concoctions. With Fadoras, suits, one-hour dresses, and an israeli farmer to boot, it was interesting being apart of an atempt to "stick it to the man". What better way to be who you are then by dressing up as someone else?

If you have the guts, the desire, and a somewhat quirky personality, i would reccomend hosting your own, true to form, speakeasy party.

Is your State in on the MOB?

Ok, Its 7:14 in the morining and one of the first things I read about after dragging myself out of bed is that There is a coalition of states that actually SUED the BUSH administration for not taking measures against global warming. To force the EPA to set higher standards and such. WOOT.

I wish they would have done this A LONG TIME AGO! I am, as you may have guessed by my desire to write a blog around 7AM, quite excited that someone (well actually some things if you refer to them as states) is finally taking steps against .....HIM......

Well rather then explaining the whole schpeil, you can check it out here at MSNBC.com.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23919234/

Now, off to the GYM.

Wow, Finally.

I feel slightly ashamed so say that this is my first Blog. Yes i know, "Anyone who's anyone has a Blog these days" Well, are you happy now, i jumped off the bridge, just like everyone else. I'm sorry, I promise not to banter all the time. For those of you how happen to grace my cryptic, and often subliminal messages, I thank you.

So to get started, The big question I'm sure your dying to get answered (and to be honest, so am I), Why am I doing this? Well, primarily because i randomly clicked on the Blogger website, and said oh what the heck., and second because I wanted to give those few out there a brief overview of who I am, what I do, and what I wish to do(or not do in some instances)

Also, given my frequently abstract and often distracted nature, (I have ADD, what can I say?) I'm sure I will be posting random crap on here too. We'll see, its my clay to mold.

By the way, I want to start a word of the week, Todays word. Entrepreneurship.
Why Entrepreneurship you ask? Let's see.... can you spell it without looking? Its a long word, with way to many Es in it. But its also my minor so I HAVE to know how to spell it. Now you try.

So RECAP in 10 sec or less.

10..... I'm new, don't hate me.
9....... I'm easily distracted.

oh btw, Today is april fools day, but i didn't do anything ;(

3....... I'm not sure what I am doing
2....... I can spell
1....... Stay tuned for next week, or tomorrow, which ever comes first.