So I am easing back into this whole school thing, and I think I am assimilating myself quite well. And no, I do not consider myself an Emperor... I am simply a Lord.
I got a 96 on my first Econ test in 2 and a half years, and my History Professor conceded a debate to me before I even opened my mouth (but I won with my argument anyway, stating the US did not win the Cold War). I have gotten used to take home tests, something that I don't think I had ever had before. I am getting in a good amount of reading, bouncing between the Book of Mormon and The Miracle of Forgiveness (which has turned out to be an all around awesome book, and I have quoted from both in my Comparative Religions class). I have a new work out partner for at least 2 nights a week, a breakfast buddy, and am starting 6am work outs with some friends Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I am branching out socially, and meeting new people... real ones, even! I have been streaming Suits through USA Network and Sleepy Hollow from Fox. My football team is 6-2 after a 40-17 victory this weekend (the offense finally put up more than 21 points, tacking on 33 with a defensive fumble recovery for a touchdown). I am eating healthier than I was this summer (turns out that cottage cheese is a pretty good substitute for salad dressing. I eat about 15 such salads a week). I've lost 10 pounds this year. The terrible blisters in my feet are almost wholly healed. I attended church in Beloit, then Stake Conference in Green Bay (new Stake President), and then was back in Sheboygan in consecutive weeks. I have had fun conversations with friends about haircuts, babies, cars, fantasy football, real football, running, and relationships. My car battery died, and after getting a jump the car works a little better (Bam-Bam now dings at me to let me know that my door is open. Fancy that). I watched Atlantis and some of the characters reminded me of a couple friends (hope no one is offended). I was compared to Clark Kent, and then Jerry Seinfeld at a dance. I have found a new person to quote random movie lines with :) I just now found out that the school library does not have any Nicholas Sparks books in their inventory :( I met two freshman who don't watch movies or read >:( I dreamed I got locked out of my room >:()
To make a long story short (too late), I think life is going pretty darn well as of late.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Sunday, September 15, 2013
The Football Fantasy
I'm afraid I may be that guy. I am trying to view every game through the minute statistics that govern the games that millions of Americans play every week. Fantasy football has driven our culture to think it is a failure for a QB to throw for fewer than 300 yards and 3 TDs because we wont get the 30 points we're hoping for. If a running back cruises for 98 yards, we throw a fit because we need the bonus points for those next 2 yards putting them over 100. I am currently sitting in front of a computer hoping that Vernon Davis gets at least 15.93 points more than Russell Wilson (who I am also trying to trade for) while bemoaning Trent Richardson getting less than 8 points the same weekend my opponent had three pass catchers combine for a smidge over 83 points. Do I need to get angry? Do I have any control over this? Nope. Do I need to get angry that the Packers middle of the field is horrible porous? Can't do anything about it, so why get angry? Can I learn to catch a football better? YES! Can I stretch my hamstrings so they stop giving me fits, develop the quad muscles needed for quick start-stop explosive power? Indeed I can. Can I I work on developing quicker feet, leading to faster physical reaction to a hole in the defensive line? Absolutely. And yet, I continue to sit, changing tabs every minute or so hoping that by keeping myself locked into the game, I will somehow help bring my team victory. I have no impact on their lives, though. I do have a book to read, though. Five actually (I am adding Atlas Shrugged to the list because I want to read it after the conclusion of my research paper). And a couple text books and articles on the Cold War. That impacts my life. Let's give that a try. So here is the deal. I am posting this blog, then closing out of my fantasy tab, walking away from the computer, and spending the night reading.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Research and Running
I have found that it is very difficult to read a book while running. I did it on my first cross country course my freshman year of high school, but I can't think of a specific time since then. For that matter, it is rather difficult to read most anything while exhausting oneself by way of a sweat pouring workout. This is not good news for the masses of former high school standout athletes who are no longer a part of well structured and organized teams. They are now in charge of their own personal scheduling, and for the large portion of this group that goes to college, school work is more pressing than getting in the 20 minutes in the gym. And, let's face it, school work isn't very high on the list either. For me, I was very slack in getting in my work outs my first two weeks being back at college. This was particularly bad news given that I had signed up for a Tough Mudder to take place at the end of the second week of classes. I am pleased to announce that it was a rousing success, as far as I am concerned, and very much so look forward to doing more in the future. However, I noticed significant degradation in a number of measurable categories of fitness. So what can be done about the lack of time most people seem to feel they have?
I for one was left to choose between reading the text books for my class discussions, compiling a research bibliography, reviewing economics journals, deciphering the theological rants of staunch Jews and Christians, and reviewing the course syllabus for a new instructor and giving my advice on the challenges and strong points of the layout of the class versus trying to find a convenient time and place to soak the floor in sweat. By doing the former, I get to spend more time on the ever distracting internet. I get to stream Gaelic Storm via youtube. I get to check my fantasy teams and update my monotonous life on facebook and blogspot. I can hop over to the little 'bistro' they have in the library and get my snack on. The options seem much more varied by going to 'study' as opposed to going to work out.
The best solution I have found is a workout based around breakfast. For me, I do not have motivation to get up until 7 am because the cafeteria doesn't open up until 715. However, when I have someone to workout with, my determination to rise early increases substantially. And then it simply depends on your desires; strength gain? 3x3-5 on the bench (or variations thereof) and the same on the deadlift. Total workout is 25 minutes. For more toning and weight loss, a 3 set circuit working predominantly with kettlebells and dumbbells. Focusing solely on cardio? Bike sprints (30secs sprint, 90 seconds relaxed pace. 8 reps), or treadmill tabata (9-11mph, 10-15 degree incline. Run 20 seconds, then hop onto the side rails for 10 seconds. 10-20 reps). Total time is usually not more than 20 minutes. Full body training for most any activity? Pick 3 heavy weight exercises, 3 body weight, and three high rep variations of workouts, and then cycle through each one 2 or 3 times with a sprint between each exercise. 20 minutes.
So, for me, this begs the question; anyone busy mornings?
I for one was left to choose between reading the text books for my class discussions, compiling a research bibliography, reviewing economics journals, deciphering the theological rants of staunch Jews and Christians, and reviewing the course syllabus for a new instructor and giving my advice on the challenges and strong points of the layout of the class versus trying to find a convenient time and place to soak the floor in sweat. By doing the former, I get to spend more time on the ever distracting internet. I get to stream Gaelic Storm via youtube. I get to check my fantasy teams and update my monotonous life on facebook and blogspot. I can hop over to the little 'bistro' they have in the library and get my snack on. The options seem much more varied by going to 'study' as opposed to going to work out.
The best solution I have found is a workout based around breakfast. For me, I do not have motivation to get up until 7 am because the cafeteria doesn't open up until 715. However, when I have someone to workout with, my determination to rise early increases substantially. And then it simply depends on your desires; strength gain? 3x3-5 on the bench (or variations thereof) and the same on the deadlift. Total workout is 25 minutes. For more toning and weight loss, a 3 set circuit working predominantly with kettlebells and dumbbells. Focusing solely on cardio? Bike sprints (30secs sprint, 90 seconds relaxed pace. 8 reps), or treadmill tabata (9-11mph, 10-15 degree incline. Run 20 seconds, then hop onto the side rails for 10 seconds. 10-20 reps). Total time is usually not more than 20 minutes. Full body training for most any activity? Pick 3 heavy weight exercises, 3 body weight, and three high rep variations of workouts, and then cycle through each one 2 or 3 times with a sprint between each exercise. 20 minutes.
So, for me, this begs the question; anyone busy mornings?
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Return of the Super Super Senior!
Return of the King sounds much better, but my familial claims to regency died out centuries ago, so I will settle for my actual titles, which also consist of 'weirdo' and 'Best Co-non-worker', titles that I feel are fairly accurate.
The news since my last post; I am old, back at school, loved by huskies, and forgetful and forgettable. These stories will play out in no particular order, so just try and enjoy them.
I will start with the tale of the Husky. I had a lunch appointment during my unemployed week of August 19th-August 23rd, and I decided that a walk would be a lovely thing for me. I left my house about an hour before lunch was to begin. It was a beautiful day, with the sun beating down and hardly a cloud in the sky. I am not one that is generally partial to such days, but after spending almost the entirety of summer indoors, I was welcoming of the change. I was just over a mile from home when a dog comes running down a driveway in my direction. As is my standard reaction when this occurs, I immediately dropped into a crouch, my weight balanced on the balls of my feet, hands up ready to defend myself from the immanent attack of the... oh, wait, that is my reaction when a squirrel pounces. Dog; stop moving, gentle voice, hands at my sides. So this gorgeous girl comes toward me, tongue lolling gently out, and moves right past me to the terrace where she proceeds to perform her draining duties with utmost efficiency. Deciding she was a good dog, I began to walk away, but after only a few steps I glanced back to see the dog had finished, and she seemed to think it was a good idea to cross the street... cause why not? Well, the car that was barreling down the street disagreed, but there was naught I could do as I saw this magnificent creature about to be splattered by an SUV. Luckily, the car had good brakes, and began to slow immediately, and the dog broke into a trot, and no one as amiss. I thought it lucky, and continued to walk with a new idea that maybe it wasn't such a good dog after all. So I proceed down the street, when the husky saunters back in front of me, crossing the street yet again in front of traffic. Then she does it again, and again, and again. She ended up crossing the street (for those who are counting) 5 times in less than a block. I was getting dirty looks from drivers for a dog that I was in no way connected to. Well, I decide I need to lose the dog, so I cut through a park, and the dog happily runs to the playground where chillins and parents are playing. I can't even see the dog anymore when I start to leave the park, but as I begin to cross the street, I look over, and there is the pretty little thing running full throttle towards me. She follows me for nearly a mile, so, in desperation, I call every local number I can think of asking for the digits of the Sheboygan Humane Society. I finally get a hold of them, and as this poor, confused puppy wandered down the middle of Superior Avenue, I begged the call lady to send someone to get this dog. With the help of a polite woman named Anne, who pulled over after nearly hitting the dog, the dog was eventually returned to its owner, and I was able to arrive only slightly late to my luncheon.
Moving on to point two; memory. I know that I am forgettable. I left my wallet in my parents car and didn't realize it until I made it all the way back to school and couldn't swipe in to my dorm. I almost left for Sacrament meeting without putting my pants on while on my mission. I neglected to bring my book with me on an 8 hour round trip via coach bus... and then discovered I had forgotten that I moved it to another pocket. I cannot remember ANYONE'S names. Okay, if I was dang good friends with you, I got this, but I at least remember that I should remember their names. I am now back at school (to be embellished later) and have run some people that do not remember me. On the whole, many are friendly and welcoming that I am back, but there is a particular instance where one person seemingly refuses to think back to when we used to talk. I wonder if I offended her... then again, all we had in common was an affinity for Disney movies.
So I am a twenty four year old, and my first day back at school, a junior, who is a Mentor, comes up to me in the cafeteria, asking 'So how is your first day?'... ummmmm, wasn't exactly sure how to respond, but Alex is a nice kid, so I let him down slowly. I was wondering if I would be able to pass myself off as a freshman, and even 6 years older than most of them, I guess I can!
Well, I have put off my homework far too long. Anyone want to research Spanish Imperialism for me? Anyone? No?... okay...
The news since my last post; I am old, back at school, loved by huskies, and forgetful and forgettable. These stories will play out in no particular order, so just try and enjoy them.
I will start with the tale of the Husky. I had a lunch appointment during my unemployed week of August 19th-August 23rd, and I decided that a walk would be a lovely thing for me. I left my house about an hour before lunch was to begin. It was a beautiful day, with the sun beating down and hardly a cloud in the sky. I am not one that is generally partial to such days, but after spending almost the entirety of summer indoors, I was welcoming of the change. I was just over a mile from home when a dog comes running down a driveway in my direction. As is my standard reaction when this occurs, I immediately dropped into a crouch, my weight balanced on the balls of my feet, hands up ready to defend myself from the immanent attack of the... oh, wait, that is my reaction when a squirrel pounces. Dog; stop moving, gentle voice, hands at my sides. So this gorgeous girl comes toward me, tongue lolling gently out, and moves right past me to the terrace where she proceeds to perform her draining duties with utmost efficiency. Deciding she was a good dog, I began to walk away, but after only a few steps I glanced back to see the dog had finished, and she seemed to think it was a good idea to cross the street... cause why not? Well, the car that was barreling down the street disagreed, but there was naught I could do as I saw this magnificent creature about to be splattered by an SUV. Luckily, the car had good brakes, and began to slow immediately, and the dog broke into a trot, and no one as amiss. I thought it lucky, and continued to walk with a new idea that maybe it wasn't such a good dog after all. So I proceed down the street, when the husky saunters back in front of me, crossing the street yet again in front of traffic. Then she does it again, and again, and again. She ended up crossing the street (for those who are counting) 5 times in less than a block. I was getting dirty looks from drivers for a dog that I was in no way connected to. Well, I decide I need to lose the dog, so I cut through a park, and the dog happily runs to the playground where chillins and parents are playing. I can't even see the dog anymore when I start to leave the park, but as I begin to cross the street, I look over, and there is the pretty little thing running full throttle towards me. She follows me for nearly a mile, so, in desperation, I call every local number I can think of asking for the digits of the Sheboygan Humane Society. I finally get a hold of them, and as this poor, confused puppy wandered down the middle of Superior Avenue, I begged the call lady to send someone to get this dog. With the help of a polite woman named Anne, who pulled over after nearly hitting the dog, the dog was eventually returned to its owner, and I was able to arrive only slightly late to my luncheon.
Moving on to point two; memory. I know that I am forgettable. I left my wallet in my parents car and didn't realize it until I made it all the way back to school and couldn't swipe in to my dorm. I almost left for Sacrament meeting without putting my pants on while on my mission. I neglected to bring my book with me on an 8 hour round trip via coach bus... and then discovered I had forgotten that I moved it to another pocket. I cannot remember ANYONE'S names. Okay, if I was dang good friends with you, I got this, but I at least remember that I should remember their names. I am now back at school (to be embellished later) and have run some people that do not remember me. On the whole, many are friendly and welcoming that I am back, but there is a particular instance where one person seemingly refuses to think back to when we used to talk. I wonder if I offended her... then again, all we had in common was an affinity for Disney movies.
So I am a twenty four year old, and my first day back at school, a junior, who is a Mentor, comes up to me in the cafeteria, asking 'So how is your first day?'... ummmmm, wasn't exactly sure how to respond, but Alex is a nice kid, so I let him down slowly. I was wondering if I would be able to pass myself off as a freshman, and even 6 years older than most of them, I guess I can!
Well, I have put off my homework far too long. Anyone want to research Spanish Imperialism for me? Anyone? No?... okay...
Monday, August 19, 2013
Summer vacation is OVER!
Now that I am no longer covering shifts for the sick or vacationing, and will no longer be working over time, it is time to catch up on the last 3 months.
First, it was a good summer. Not great; I didn't get out much, spent a ton of time indoors, didn't hang out with friends a lot, and missed a couple family vacations. But there were definite positives.
My brother Tom came in for a visit. It was very touching. He came out to us, which was not at all unexpected. He made it a point to be open and verbal, and we all simply loved him a little bit more for it. The rest of his visit I spent working, though, which put a damper on things.
Also, my sister's youngest, Silas, has been growing like a weed. He is a little squealer now, and creaks and croaks at the phone and his brother all the time. He is adorable.
My younger sister is getting set to go to college, and I am really glad that she is taking this step, because a year ago I was unsure if she would.
My brother Brandon in stressing his way through Med School and has been begging me to do any semblance of fantasy football with him. It is his biggest release, and he had a countdown to our draft all the way back in June. I love that dude.
For me personally, though, I am getting set to go back to school. I have gotten all signed up for classes and gotten my housing all sorted. I was hoping to be able to room with a freshman, but I guess SNC changed the policy this year that first years had to room with first years. I have a great Monday and Friday schedule with only one class and it starts at noon. I have a night class Tuesday and Thursday, meaning I really have about 8 hours of classes during the day Tuesday through Thursday. I love it!
Also, Church yesterday was incredible. The three talks given during our Sacrament meeting all dealt with questions or concern that had been going through my head. Each one was different, but the common threads were there and obvious to me. The Bishop, Bro. Slawny and Bro. Torres all said things that spoke to my heart and helped direct me. It was incredible.
Last; Irish Fest is AMAZING! Gaelic Storm rocks my socks, and also heard a new group named Goitse. There were Irish wolfhounds, terriers and spaniels, men in kilts, green everywhere (though in large part they were simply Packer jerseys), and lots and lots of beer. I think I may go next year!
First, it was a good summer. Not great; I didn't get out much, spent a ton of time indoors, didn't hang out with friends a lot, and missed a couple family vacations. But there were definite positives.
My brother Tom came in for a visit. It was very touching. He came out to us, which was not at all unexpected. He made it a point to be open and verbal, and we all simply loved him a little bit more for it. The rest of his visit I spent working, though, which put a damper on things.
Also, my sister's youngest, Silas, has been growing like a weed. He is a little squealer now, and creaks and croaks at the phone and his brother all the time. He is adorable.
My younger sister is getting set to go to college, and I am really glad that she is taking this step, because a year ago I was unsure if she would.
My brother Brandon in stressing his way through Med School and has been begging me to do any semblance of fantasy football with him. It is his biggest release, and he had a countdown to our draft all the way back in June. I love that dude.
For me personally, though, I am getting set to go back to school. I have gotten all signed up for classes and gotten my housing all sorted. I was hoping to be able to room with a freshman, but I guess SNC changed the policy this year that first years had to room with first years. I have a great Monday and Friday schedule with only one class and it starts at noon. I have a night class Tuesday and Thursday, meaning I really have about 8 hours of classes during the day Tuesday through Thursday. I love it!
Also, Church yesterday was incredible. The three talks given during our Sacrament meeting all dealt with questions or concern that had been going through my head. Each one was different, but the common threads were there and obvious to me. The Bishop, Bro. Slawny and Bro. Torres all said things that spoke to my heart and helped direct me. It was incredible.
Last; Irish Fest is AMAZING! Gaelic Storm rocks my socks, and also heard a new group named Goitse. There were Irish wolfhounds, terriers and spaniels, men in kilts, green everywhere (though in large part they were simply Packer jerseys), and lots and lots of beer. I think I may go next year!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Curse you Nicholas Sparks!
It took me 3 hours to clean my room, and within three days it was already a maze again. I know exactly what my problem is, too; clothes. I don’t take the time to hang up my work shirts, or fold my jeans and put them away. Instead, everything ends up draped over chair backs and from my bunk bed. When I come back with a basket of freshly laundered clothes, they end up sitting in the basket and I just dig through it to find my attire for the day. My shoes pile up because I don’t want to take the time to go into the closet to put them away, sorted nicely into running and dress shoes, strictly casual and multi purpose. Everything I wear ends up piling up, and then I don’t want to deal with it once it gets there, but I think it isn’t a problem before it piles up. In other words, and in a much shorter version, I am not overly organized.
A less stressful mess would be the papers and books that lay strewn around my room. I have old workouts, letters, brainstormed ideas for books or short stories, doodles, random notes I took about animal populations in 11th century Scandinavia, a motley assortment of novels and series of books that I have yet to finish ranging from Jane Austin to Bernard Cornwell to Rahl Dahl, and then the ever present emails that I found to funny to get rid of. I just need to sort all this crap; the clothes and the papers. I need a system that works for me. As long as it works, I should be okay with it. It needs to be simple, straight forward, effective, and lazy. Or maybe I should just use my hangers and trash can more.
I am also doing a very dangerous thing for a 23 year old single male; I am reading Nicholas Sparks. Now before you point and laugh too hard, know that I am already dying of embarrassment as it is a little bit. But what makes it bad (instead of simply red face flushing humility) is that the characters seem to be so perfect for each other… and then I want that… and it just isn’t realistic! For a guy to expect a woman who is strong, yet caring and vulnerable, or a woman to hope beyond hope to find that sensitive yet manly individual is most likely setting them up for disappointment. I know it does happen, but most of the time it doesn’t. Now, since I is a Sparks novel someone is obviously going to die, and I haven’t gotten to that part quite yet, but I am sure I will bawl my eyes out when it does happen, and that I am not looking forward to. And regarding expectations, it not only sets unreasonably high requirements that I may hold for my future partner, but dang do I feel bad about myself. So far in this book, the guy has a perfectly trained dog (I can hardly get mine to sit), he walked across the country (I have only ever gone about 25 miles in one day), he served in the Marine Corps (pretty dang manly, if I do say so myself), fixed the brakes on a car (I know how to fill up the gas tank), plays EVERY FRIGGIN INSTRUMENT OUT THERE (can’t even read bloody music), and is caring, sweet, attentive, sensitive, loving, passionate, knowledgeable, and all around friggin awesome. It’s like being constantly up against Mr. Darcy, but without the character flaws or pride, or prejudice (haha, see what I did there?) that causes him to be a grumpy cat in the sight of others. I think I would rather be standing next to Homecoming and Prom King, the captain of the soccer team (we didn’t have a successful football team, so I left them out of this), and those two foreign exchange students that everyone thinks are, like, oh so dreamy. At least they are all fallible people and not these perfectly emotionally stable creatures that have bodies described as ‘a waist of nothing but muscle and skin,’ too… balls. And look at that, my self-esteem just called. It’s at the airport and wants to know if I want a post card from Sicily.
On a bright note, I was able to get a couple days of sun, mostly due to football practice, and my skin is maintaining that slightly reddish brown tint that I like so much. I keep thinking I am ahead of schedule with getting a good base for summer, but then two things come to mind. First, I work indoors all the time, and will only rarely get out, so having a tan is nowhere near important for me, in all reality. Second, it is June this weekend. I am not ahead of schedule, but it has been rainy and dreary so much I continue to think it is only April. Well, so much for ending on a good note.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Ender Excitement
The biggest portion of my life right now is class selection. That is right. I am going through the near arduous task of picking what subjects to suffer through after not being a student for more than two years. I have also added a Major to my course load, but really it is simply upping my History minor to a major. If everything goes as planned, I will be able to finish up everything in a normal two semesters.
Now come the questions though; I need to know which natural science course to take (yeah, I still haven’t taken my GS4) as well as an Upper level Biennium 1. None of the upper religion classes seem exceptionally appealing to me, and only a few are even moderately appealing. Can people just start throwing me some suggestions on which courses are easy, profs to avoid, simple labs, inexpensive text books, etc. I don’t want to head back to school with an overly strict ‘be exactly obedient you simple students’ teacher. I know it is college, but I can still go through it relaxed and a bit laid back. It got me this far.
Some other news includes the graduation of my cousin Andrew. He finished up his senior year at Notre Dame academy in GB and looks forward to spending some time in Sheboygan this summer. I will be excited to have him around. I have some fun workouts that I want him to be a part of. We will be testing him out this next weekend when he joins our Saturday morning group. Last week for the Satruday workout, as I mentioned in my fitness blog, Mark and I started the workout alone, so we figured we would throw ourselves into the 300 workout. Mark made it to the end of the ab routine, took a minute break, then heaved up whatever he had put down so far that morning behind the barn. By the time he tossed, my legs were already shaking fairly uncontrollably. Most everything was tough to do, but I found that a static hold of the weight was particularly troublesome; it is something I never train at, so I am going to tray and lock out my arms for a couple team exercises this weekend, and see how tough and challenging that is. Also, the plain old deadlift. I have not done a great deal of dead lift recently for a few reasons, but between the floor wipers and deadlift, my back and abs, my whole friggin core, is still rather sore. But I completed the workout in 18:29 on my first try.
I am also reading Ender’s Game again. I found someone who would read it this summer, and I am hoping they like it so that they will go see the movie with me come November, but I decided I wanted to read it before I lend my book out, so I am trying to sneak reading time in wherever I can, and I’m doing a pretty good job of it, as long as I stay awake. I love this book so much.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)