Good Ol' Uncle Wayne

Wow! Thank you so much for those great comments at the end of the last posting. Keep them up and don't be afraid to suggest subjects for me to write about as well because I'm always in the need for new material to blog about.

Okay, now for today's post. Today seemed to go by extremely fast. I went to school pretty early in order to finish up some homework that I had neglected from the weekend before. I don't enjoy doing homework on the weekends or at night, I work much better in the morning when I am awake and alert. I love being a morning person!

After my classes were finished and my short reports were turned in, the guys and myself went to the travel agency to book our cruise for Spring Break. We will be starting at Miami and travel through the Caribbean with a stop at Cazumel (as long as it hasn't been destroyed by hurricanes).

I have never been on a cruise before however my uncle Wayne has always insisted on me taking one. He's a great guy. When my dad came out to DC to get me this summer, he came along and we had an excellent time traveling back to Indiana while spending a day in Gettysburg along the way.

Of the many things that interest my Uncle Wayne, family, traveling, and history are his favorite subjects. He has even been keeping records of our family tree for years and studying where our family has come from and where it is going.

Because of him, I have learned that my family comes Great Britain and certain parts of Germany and came to settle in the Midwest by the early 1800's. My Uncle and my father have also helped me discover that we are descendants of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Yes, you heard it here first. I am related to a Republican.

So in honor of a great man and a great uncle: Thank you Uncle Wayne! You are the greatest!

GREEN DAY song of the day: Holiday

A humorous quote from our 16th President and my distant relative Abraham Lincoln: "If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one?"

A Special Post

Reflection time is one of the most sacred aspects of my life. It is the time in which I think about what is and/or has happened in my life up to that point. Many times, I enter this state of mind right before bed but certain events also cause me to enter it as well.

I see things happening in the world around me and I tend to think: WTF? What is going on here? Other times, I think about all of the good things the good lord has bestowed upon me. Lastly, I think about different subjects. Tonight, was one of those nights just to reflect on how I view love and relationships. You have been warned.

Though I have never been in love, I do have certain opinions (as do most people) about what love is and should be. Here are my top 5 feelings about the subject. You have been warned.

1. Love is about trust, compromise, and forgiveness.

2. Love is not about ending every phone conversation with, "I love you." (Although it is a great perk that comes with it)

3. In a loving relationship, a person should only do things for or spend money on their partner because they want to and not out of obligation.

4. Love is loving someone for both their GOOD and BAD qualities.

5. Love should never involve trying to completely change the way your partner lives or acts.

Now please don't take this the wrong way, I don't claim to be an expert on the subject of love and relationships. There should also be little doubt in anyone's minds that I am as single as they come (Ladies, I want you to remember that fact). But this is what I see love as.

I will end this blog post hoping that those young lovers out there enjoy this feeling and enjoy the good times you have with your partner. I also ask that you follow your heart and make sacrifices for your partner but only ones that you are willing to live with. And for those single people out there, keep the faith! Your time will come!

Will we be better off?

Today was full of highs and lows. First off, the day started with a low because I had to travel to Indianapolis to take in a 30 minute tour of the smallest art museum in history for my Spanish class. I know that it's important to experience Spanish culture but I hate it when I spend the majority of my time driving to and from the cultural event.

After I arrived back in Kokomo, my mood improved because today was my brother's birthday. To me, it is amazing that the same kid who used to jump on my back and bite my butt is growing up. Ah memories! I must pause for a silent reflection time.

Ah that's better! Now that my moment of reflection is complete for the day, I shall continue. After dinner, my parents, brother, dog, and I went outside for a miniature bonfire. In the spirit of family togetherness, the men of the family lit cigars in celebration while my mother brought her camera to capture the moment. She's sweet.

When the cigars were all gone and the smoke had cleared, we returned to the comfort of our home for an evening of television but I was left with a thought. The conversation we all had tonight, which by the way involved such topics as the world, our lives, and our futures, made me ponder the my generation's future in the United States.

I have realized my generation's future could be worse off than those of generation's who came before us. Why I am starting to believe this? I don't know, however, I believe that our country is headed in the wrong direction.

I fear that those running our country have forgotten that we (my generation) are the ones who will have to pay for the mistakes of today. I may be blowing this way out of proportion but, to those of my generation, I want to know how you feel in response to this question: Do you believe that our days will be better than the days of our parents?

GREEN DAY song of the day: Good Riddance (Time of your Life)

Presidential Quote from the 39th President of the United States Jimmy Carter: "We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles."

High School Version of the Guys

Wow was it a long day. I tell ya, I hope I never have one that lasts as long as this one. This morning, I was awaken to the sound of my cell phone ringing. I pick up and on the other end is this woman yelling at me for missing a debate meeting. As it turned out, I make it to the meeting and (in my opinion) wipe the floor with my opponents but that is open to interpretation.

Anyway, after leave school for what seemed to be an eternity, I arrived home just as soon as the sun was beginning to set. I then proceeded to my basement to enjoy the great epic thriller: Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. By the end of the movie, I was very restless and needed an adventure.

I got in my car and asked myself where should go. "Self," I asked, "where shall I go?" Then I asked God to led me to a divine place of being. With a flash, I was driving and was led to my destination: Starbucks!

I got my "Heaven for 2.07," sat down in one of their comfy chairs, and took in my surroundings. And among all of the people I could have noticed, something familiar yet strange caught my eye. From across the room, I could see a group of high schoolers playing Texas Hold 'Em with really nice poker chips.

I could not believe my eyes. It was the high school version of the guys (Mike, John, Ben, Jake, and myself). It was definitely a unique and amazing feeling to see what my friends and I look like from afar when we come into Starbucks each week to play cards. Many thanks to those guys! Thanks for making an "old" man feel young again!

THE CLICK FIVE song of the day: Angel to You (Devil to Me)

For those of you who are curious about what I say to myself when I look in the mirror every morning, here is a Beautiful Quote from Anchorman Ron Burgundy: "Mmmmm... I look good. I mean really good. Hey everyone... come and see how good I look!"

The Fire is Back!

Today was not the ordinary kind of day. Granted, I went to school and did my normal routine but I was able to learn a great deal from others today. First of all, after working the entire morning on my paper, I come to class this afternoon to find out that it wasn't due today.

However, I felt really good about what I was presenting and plus it is something that I won't have to do in the future. This evening, I played poker with the guys. Normally, I wouldn't get too excited about because I normally don't do so well but I won both games tonight. Unbelievable!

After the games were over, my friends and I sat and just talked. I enjoy these sessions but this one was special. In talking with my friends, I came to the realization that a certain fire has been missing from my life since the end of the 2004 Election.

Since the election, I have been more complacent and more content with the world around me. But after tonight, the fire that used to exist in the pit of my stomach is back. I have not felt this sense of duty and spirit since I was elected President and I have to say that I am extremely happy to be feeling this way. The Fire is Back! Thank you Mike!

GREEN DAY song of the day: When I Come Around

An inspirational quote from my good friend Mike: "You can't be President without ruffling some feathers. You are the voice of the students!"

Procrastination is My Friend!

Well, today is Tuesday. What a week! It was such a great week that I don't even remember what I did. So many things are happening that it is hard to distinguish one day from the next but I do know that it is Tuesday.

I have a 7 page paper due tomorrow and I haven't even begun writing it yet plus I have bowling and poker tonight with the guys staring me down in the face. Right now, my best friend is Procrastination.

Personally, I'm pretty sick and tired of writing papers. To top it off, we have to do a 20 minute presentation over the paper. Really, what's the point? Does anyone in the class really care about what I have to say, not to mention the professor?

Oh well, at least I'll have fun with my friends before I have to go into this hell known as last minute paper writing. I used to be able to do it no problem but for some reason my B.S. meter has been running on empty latley. Wish me luck!

Green Day song of the day: She

Personal Quote from my brother Superman: "Don't FFB!"

Tribute to a Great Friend

This evening, I was surfing the internet when I stumbled upon my high school friend Amanda’s wedding photos. With enthusiasm, I clicked on the link and spent quite a bit of time going through the gigantic photo album. It was an amazing feeling to see an old friend doing such a grown up thing such as getting married. It took my breath away!

In my last post, I wrote about how I missed those simpler days of childhood but this evening I see the advantages of growing older as well.

On an even bigger note, she is also expecting and today, according to her AOL profile, is the first day that she gets to listen to her baby’s heart beat. I cannot begin to explain how ecstatic and happy I am for her.

In this special tribute to my friend Amanda, I want to send you my absolute congratulations and wish you, Anthony, and your soon-to-be son or daughter the very, very best! God bless you!

SPECIAL BLOG ANNOUNCMENT: In the spirit of friends, I would like to announce that there will not be a GREEN DAY song of the day today. However, I want to post a special song for my friend Mike who is a fan of Billy Joel. Mike, this one’s for you!

BILLY JOEL song of the day: Only the Good Die Young

A special quote from one of my favorite literary characters Winnie the Pooh: “A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.”

I Miss Recess

Today was a relatively normal day with the normal stresses that come with college life. However, I did get to take a wonderful trip back into childhood for a moment while on my drive to the YMCA.

I left my History class this afternoon really needing to work out. We had a Senate meeting very early this morning in which a couple things did not go as well as I had hoped and with the normal stress of college it has been giving me more grey hairs than I would like at this age.

While driving toward downtown Kokomo and trying to forget the craziness of today, I stopped at an intersection where a school playground was on my left. As I waited for the light to turn green, I watched as little kids played tag, jumped off of the Jungle Jim, and climbed on the monkey bars.

Most of the time, I don't miss those days of childhood which for me included getting picked on, being made fun of, and sometimes physical agony. But for some reason, today, I sat back and wished that I could do it all over again and go back to a time of innocence when all was right with the world.

GREEN DAY song of the day: Longview

Political Quote from Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia: "Is it any wonder, why the approval ratings of the Congress go up every time we go into recess?"

Tribute to all the "Good" Guys

For some reason, I feel that something is missing from my life today. I don't know why I feel this way but I do. It is just this feeling that my life would be complete if this one thing was in it. While hanging out with some friends tonight, I got to thinking: "Why is it that nice guys always seem to finish last?"

You know who I am talking about guys. It seems as if our kind can never seem to get a break in the crazy game of love and dating. We even discuss this question with each other for what seems to last for hours and most of the time it provides us with no real answers.

We even wonder to ourselves and our buddies: "Why are we having to pay for the bad things that other guys did?" Granted, we are only worrying about this one girl but sometimes it feels as if the entire world is crashing down on us whenever we are turned down or disappointed once again.

However, unlike some, we "Good" guys continue to move forward. Despite our shortcomings, we keep looking on the brighter side of things and look at each new experience (or girl in this case) with new life and hope. No matter what we have been through, we still keep the faith.

So tonight, I want to say all of you "Good" guys out there who feel like the dating world is kicking the living snot out of you to hang in there. I believe this because if at the end of this long and winding tunnel we find the woman of our dreams, then I'm willing to travel through it to get there.

GREEN DAY song of the day: Novacaine

A look at the Lighter Side of Love with a comment from Jerry Seinfeld: "Let's face it: a date is a job-interview, that lasts all night. The only difference between a date and a job interview is: not many job-interviews is there a chance you'll end up naked at the end of it."

Can't we all just get along?

After an evening of mediocre and some great conversation at Starbucks, I find myself back in class. I am not one to discourage learning through discussion but I do have a problem with uncontrollable class debate.

Call me harsh, but does basically shouting at each other in class really solve anything? Better yet, what do the other members of the class gain from this debate?

While all of this commotion is happening all around me, certain questions begin to enter and exit my mind. Do these debaters study these issues constantly? Or, are the debaters full of the very human excrement that continues to spew from their mouths at 100 mph?

To the debaters (and you know who you all are), I love that you are so enthusiastic about what is going on in the world around you. I also hope that you will continue to "keep up" on current events.

However, I am speaking on behalf of the silent majority in all of your classes when I say, "SHUT UP and give us a chance to learn something!" You just might learn something.

GREEN DAY song of the day: F.O.D.

Be careful of what you allow to take place with this quote from Political Commentator and Comedian Bill Maher: "Don't become so tolerant that you tolerate intolerance!"

Facebook's Newest Member

Well, I have really hit a new low. I have just now joined Facebook and I never thought that I would drag myself around to do it. Oh well, I'm pretty happy that I get to show of the picture of me and Congressman Reyes on my profile.

I apologize to all of my loyal readers for not posting for a few days. My computer has been out of wack at home and I haven't been able to get on the internet. I am truly sorry!

This week has been good so far. Last night, I got the chance to meet some very nice people from Peru. A quick shoutout to my new buddy: Guy! You rock dude! Keep on playing that guitar well!

Bowling is tonight! Wish me luck!

GREEN DAY song of the day: Nice Guys Finish Last

A Quick Word out to my homies with a quote from my brother, Superman: "FBB!"

Got Steak?

I am sitting in my History of Western Civilization class and with all the information floating around in my professors lecture there is one thing on my mind: Steak.

I remember talking with my Literature teacher in 7th grade about this very subject. She told me that one day I would be willing to give up usual cheeseburger and fries for a big steak and baked potato. I respected this woman so much that I told her that she was crazy.

Now, instead of turning to the burger page of the menu, I turn to the steak menu and life is beautiful. T-Bone, Sirloin, Porterhouse, Ribeye; You name 'em they sound good to me. However, never forget my A-1 sauce!

GREEN DAY song of the day: Waiting

Food & Diet advice from the great cook herself, Julia Child: "The only time to eat diet food is while you are waiting for the steak to cook."

Sitting in Computer Class

While sitting in my computer class, I have decided to blog once again and catch up on the news of the world. Okay, you got me! The only thing that really concerns me right now is the news about Jessica Simpson becoming single again. For a meaninful commentary on the hottness of Jessica Simpson, we must go to one of my generation's favorite comedies: Tommy Boy. I quote Chris Farley, "She's like a 10!"

While pretending that Jessica is now realizing that I am the only man she could ever be with, my mind begins to wonder and think about life in general. I have realized that college is not worth the gigantic amount of stress that many people try to tell us or would like us to believe.

Let me put it into the simplest terms possible. In 20 years, will any of us really care about that C+ we got on that research paper? In 20 years, will we ever think about the seemingly endless pages we have to read on a daily basis?

I believe that interning this past summer in Washington DC has changed me or maybe because I am a senior things are coming into perspective. Whatever the reason may be, it is true to say that I look at the world much differently than I did three short years ago.

The things I valued as a freshman (wealth, money, and power) are not even close to the things I value now. As a senior I am glad that the most important things in my life now are my friends, family, and spirituality (and sometimes Jessica Simpson).

GREEN DAY song of the day: Pulling Teeth

Great Quote from Saturday Night Live from Christopher Walken as Bruce Dickinson: "I got a FEVER! And the only prescription. . . is MORE COWBELL!"

Fear of the Unknown

As a college student, it seems as if I am constently forced to think about the future and my life. I am even sometimes told by my professors and advisors that the decisions I make at this point will affect my life forever.

From this point on, I will not be afraid of the unknown and my future. It may seem silly however I am not going to allow myself to be afraid of what God has in store for me.

I see life as something that cannot be taken for granted. I also believe that one should not steer clear of new things but embrace them with an open mind and new attitude. Though I often catch myself not practicing what I preach, from this point on I will not be afraid of where the road of life will take me.

GREEN DAY song of the day: Wake Me Up When September Ends

Quotation from President Andrew Jackson: "One man with courage makes a majority."

Tribute to Madden Football

Ah yes, the perfect Saturday. With my Hoosiers losing to Wisconsin today, one might wonder, "How is it the perfect Saturday?" Well, I'm glad you asked. No Saturday is ever terrible when you play Madden Football.

Despite my lack of athletic ability in anything other than being a couch potato, I was able to take the Indianapolis Colts to their first Super Bowl victory. Yes, I did that this afternoon. The same guy who won the Mental Attitude every year for tennis.

A Madden Football game is probably the greatest thing for a person like me. It is for someone who loves the sport of football but never was able to make it to the NFL or have your mother sign the permission slip for Pee Wee football. I'll let you decide which category I fall under.

All and all, it has been a great Saturday. The only thing missing that would make things extra special are the hot dogs and, if you are like my good friend Nick, the Colts Cheerleaders.

GREEN DAY song of the day: Longview

When you are at an Indianapolis Colts game and your special someone is sitting right next to you, NEVER yell this to the man standing in front of you: "Hey! Move! I'm trying to see the cheerleaders!"