Well everyone, I’ve successfully made it through my first quarter of college! It’s amazing how fast time has gone by recently. I can remember moving into my room here at Kalamazoo on August 15th like it was yesterday, and yet here I am, two days away from Thanksgiving break and a month long visit at home. That’s correct, I said a month long. One of the unique, but not-so-great features of Kalamazoo College is that it follows a trimester system. So, instead of having two semesters, we have three “quarters”, as we call them. Therefore our classes are only 10 weeks long as opposed to many larger universities’ 16 weeks. Anyways, I’m starting to stray from the point I’m trying to make, which is that because we are on trimesters, my winter break starts on December 4th and goes allllllll the way until January 4th! Even luckier for me, my classes have no final exams that require me to come back to campus the week following Thanksgiving, so I get an extra week and a half off!
All my friends at different schools tell me about how lucky I am and how jealous they are about me having such a long winter break, however like most good things in life, it comes at a price. That price is staying in school until June while most universities are done as early as the end of April, but usually sometime in May. So as my friends all begin their summers and start to find jobs, I’ll still be hittin’ the books. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the idea of this break I’m about to start, but I definitely won’t have the last laugh in the long run.
It’s kind of funny to see what has changed in myself and my views when I look back over the last couple months. I remember in the weeks and months leading up to my departure from home, I felt so ready, so ambitious to leave and start a new section of my life. I had this overwhelming sense of independence, like I was finally sticking it to the man and living my life. The thought of making all my own decisions and doing everything on my own schedule brought about feelings of great excitement. I was so ready to move out of my house, meet new people, and live on my own. Yet, as I look back, it’s a little disappointing to see how ignorant I truly was. For a while I did feel a sense of independence and excitement of living on my own. But I’ve realized that it wasn’t as “cool” or “exhilarating” as I thought it would be. And that doesn’t mean I stopped having a good time or stopped being excited about school and the whole “college experience,” but I’ve started to realize how much I miss some things. Things that I once told myself would be easy to forget and move on from. Such ignorance. I miss my family, I miss my friends, I miss my house, my car, my cat (sometimes), my aunts, cousins, uncles, grandparents, my town. I could easily go on and list more things, but I’d rather talk about the little things I miss; the things I’ve taken for granted for 18 years of my life. For example, eating dinner with my family; just the four of us. Not only do I miss home cooked meals (because the Lord himself knows you can only take so much cafeteria food) but I just miss sitting at the table and hearing about how everyone’s day went and how things are going. Sure it’s subtle and not a huge or exciting occurrence, but again, it’s the little things I seem to miss most. Another is getting my monthly haircuts from my dad, just sitting on a stool in the basement shooting the breeze with each other while he buzzed my head. Playing ping pong with Cameron. Washing my car on a sunny day. Watching a U of M football game in the living room. Hell, I even miss mowing the lawn.
So, to everyone reading this, (you don’t even have to be getting ready for college) I can’t stress enough how important it is to not take anything for granted. I feel a bit ashamed of myself for all of this, because like I mentioned in my last posting, I try to live my life with no regrets. I understand that my days on this Earth are numbered, and when my time finally does come, I don’t want to look back on my life wishing that I could’ve done something a little bit better or appreciated something just a little bit more. So please, freeze time for just a second, and realize all that you have in your life and what it really means to you. Go beneath the surface, because you’ll be amazed as to how important the little and subtle things in life are.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Still Want a Flu Shot?
This year’s flu season is in full swing right now and it’s been greatly amplified by the H1N1 pandemonium. Millions of people everywhere are rushing to the nearest available location to receive a flu shot, and many more are doing the same for the H1N1 shot as well. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with this, in fact it’s a smart way to protect ourselves from becoming sick throughout the season. But, how would you feel if your flu shot caused you to develop an extremely rare neurological disease? Well that’s what happened a 26 year old woman named Desiree Jennings in Ashburn, Virginia. Ten days after receiving a seasonal flu shot, Desiree developed a very rare disease called Dystonia. Now, I had never in my life heard of this disease or what its effects are, so I did a little outside research. After looking up the disease and seeing the effects it has on its victims, I feel so terrible for this young and beautiful woman. Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder in which muscle contractions cause repetitive movements, such as twisting and just all around abnormal postures. It sounds bad enough just from reading the description, but when I saw the news story online about Desiree and her tragic story, it really gives you a perspective on how hard life would be. However, there are also some strange elements to the disease, although I am unsure if they are perhaps just specific to Desiree’s case. In the video it is quite clear that she fits the profile of the disease with her sporadic movements and broken speech, yet for some strange reason, she can walk backwards perfectly and also run with no problem. She can also talk perfectly while running! It is only when she faces forwards, and is not running that she experiences the violent muscle jerks. You guys can see the video here.
I just can’t imagine what I would do if I was this woman. She is only 26 years old for God’s sake! She has her whole life in front of her, but unfortunately she now has to live with this terribly disabling disease. She was just married two years ago, and to top it all off, she was in the process of becoming a professional cheerleader for the Washington Redskins. I find it amazing that this all came about because of a simple flu shot; something we have all gotten at some point in our lives. Yes, the odds were practically one in a million, but I think it’s just so unfortunate that Desiree had to be that measly .000001% chance. I do have the utmost respect for her though. After watching her interview and listening to her, it is easy to see that she is a fighter. It’s obvious that she is saddened and upset, but at the same time you can also see that she is the type of person that will take this head on and do everything she can to live her life to the fullest. It would be so easy for someone in her situation to roll over and call it quits, to just give up, but she won’t do that and I greatly applaud her. It’s funny how things work out in this crazy world. How sometimes the most tragic situations can fall upon some of the least deserving people. Whether you believe in God or not, I don’t really know, but there is a common saying that the “Lord works in mysterious ways.”
We will never truly know why certain things happen to some people and not others, but perhaps that’s what makes life so exciting and mysterious. After having gone through a few tragedies myself I have learned a great lesson, and that is to live your life like everyday may be your last. Tell your friends and family you love them every chance you get, because you never know when it may be your last. Tomorrow is promised to no one, and unfortunately I don’t think enough people in the world realize this, but instead take it for granted. So for Desiree, I do feel sorrowful. Like I said before, it is so tragic to see such a young, ambitious, beautiful woman plagued with such a terrible disease. So, I’ll leave you with this, it’s something I try to live my own life by: Live for today, hope for tomorrow, and leave no regrets.
I just can’t imagine what I would do if I was this woman. She is only 26 years old for God’s sake! She has her whole life in front of her, but unfortunately she now has to live with this terribly disabling disease. She was just married two years ago, and to top it all off, she was in the process of becoming a professional cheerleader for the Washington Redskins. I find it amazing that this all came about because of a simple flu shot; something we have all gotten at some point in our lives. Yes, the odds were practically one in a million, but I think it’s just so unfortunate that Desiree had to be that measly .000001% chance. I do have the utmost respect for her though. After watching her interview and listening to her, it is easy to see that she is a fighter. It’s obvious that she is saddened and upset, but at the same time you can also see that she is the type of person that will take this head on and do everything she can to live her life to the fullest. It would be so easy for someone in her situation to roll over and call it quits, to just give up, but she won’t do that and I greatly applaud her. It’s funny how things work out in this crazy world. How sometimes the most tragic situations can fall upon some of the least deserving people. Whether you believe in God or not, I don’t really know, but there is a common saying that the “Lord works in mysterious ways.”
We will never truly know why certain things happen to some people and not others, but perhaps that’s what makes life so exciting and mysterious. After having gone through a few tragedies myself I have learned a great lesson, and that is to live your life like everyday may be your last. Tell your friends and family you love them every chance you get, because you never know when it may be your last. Tomorrow is promised to no one, and unfortunately I don’t think enough people in the world realize this, but instead take it for granted. So for Desiree, I do feel sorrowful. Like I said before, it is so tragic to see such a young, ambitious, beautiful woman plagued with such a terrible disease. So, I’ll leave you with this, it’s something I try to live my own life by: Live for today, hope for tomorrow, and leave no regrets.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
United We Fall..
On the day of the Fort Hood tragedy, I had been flipping through the channels of my TV in a zombie-like state, when I saw the headline of a news channel (the specific channel has been forgotten). I remember seeing the words “Fort Hood” being portrayed in a large red graphic at bottom of the screen. My first thought was, where is Fort Hood and what happened there? I didn’t put too much thought into it though and my concentration was soon elsewhere.
The next morning however, I was picking up my daily issue of the New York Times for my writing class here at Kalamazoo College, and on the front page, above the fold, were two stories related to the Fort Hood incident. I was dumbfounded after I read them. I couldn’t believe that one of our own U.S. Army officers had turned on his fellow soldiers. It’s tragic enough to hear about American Soldiers being killed overseas, but to hear about them being killed at an American base, by a U.S. Major in the army is just downright depressing. There is absolutely no excuse that could possibly justify his actions. I don’t care how badly he was trying to avoid going overseas or how bad his personal life was going, what he did was unforgivable. It’s also sort of ironic in a way because the man was a psychiatrist. He had dealt with a number of psychologically ill soldiers; it’s too bad he couldn’t help out himself. I just can’t stop thinking of how terrible it must be for the families and loved ones of those who were killed. Each killed soldier was a brave son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister, or friend to someone. They were so willing to protect this country and its citizens, so willing to fight for freedom; for the U.S. of A. The men and women murdered by Nidal Malik Hasan were getting medical treatment before being shipped off to the Middle East. Lord knows they were already nervous and scared about what they would be experiencing over there, which is why it is so unbelievably tragic that they couldn’t even find peace on American soil before being deployed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the thirteen people who lost their lives at the hand of this rogue soldier. Though my sympathy will not bring back their loved ones, I hope they can find strength and guidance in this time of tragedy.
The next morning however, I was picking up my daily issue of the New York Times for my writing class here at Kalamazoo College, and on the front page, above the fold, were two stories related to the Fort Hood incident. I was dumbfounded after I read them. I couldn’t believe that one of our own U.S. Army officers had turned on his fellow soldiers. It’s tragic enough to hear about American Soldiers being killed overseas, but to hear about them being killed at an American base, by a U.S. Major in the army is just downright depressing. There is absolutely no excuse that could possibly justify his actions. I don’t care how badly he was trying to avoid going overseas or how bad his personal life was going, what he did was unforgivable. It’s also sort of ironic in a way because the man was a psychiatrist. He had dealt with a number of psychologically ill soldiers; it’s too bad he couldn’t help out himself. I just can’t stop thinking of how terrible it must be for the families and loved ones of those who were killed. Each killed soldier was a brave son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister, or friend to someone. They were so willing to protect this country and its citizens, so willing to fight for freedom; for the U.S. of A. The men and women murdered by Nidal Malik Hasan were getting medical treatment before being shipped off to the Middle East. Lord knows they were already nervous and scared about what they would be experiencing over there, which is why it is so unbelievably tragic that they couldn’t even find peace on American soil before being deployed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the thirteen people who lost their lives at the hand of this rogue soldier. Though my sympathy will not bring back their loved ones, I hope they can find strength and guidance in this time of tragedy.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
New York Nonsense
Well, the 2009 Major League Baseball season has finally come to an end after 8 months of play, and the New York Yankees are world champions. What do I have to say to that? Big whoopdy doo. Honestly, the Yankees SHOULD have won the World Series. In fact, I think it would've been more of big deal if they hadn't. With their roster stacked from top to bottom with superstars, this win should come as no surprise to anyone. This year alone, the Yankees had a $201,449,289 total salary. With that kind of money it makes me wonder why they don't win the series every year. To put $200 million dollars in perspective, the next closest team was the New York Mets with a $135 million dollar team salary. And to go even further, 21 of the 30 teams in the league don't even make it to $100 million! The Florida Marlins are last on the list with a $36 million dollar cap. That is a mere 18% of what the New York Yankees spent. But what may be even more baffling is that these two teams are both in the same league. A league that is supposed to arguably represent the highest level of baseball in the world.
On the other hand, I suppose we can't really blame the Yankees for creating an expensive super power. After all, they have earned the money and have built up a franchise that has become one of (if not the) most recognizable teams in the game of baseball. However, perhaps some sort of league intervention would help. As of right now, there is no salary cap in the MLB. Bud Selig, the commissioner of the league, has already proven to be quite indecisive with the whole instant replay debate, however he has actually been an supporter of a salary cap. With no salary cap, the league practically loses its competitive nature, and instead turns into a contest of who can spend the most money and buy the most super stars. So where does leave the newer, smaller franchises? Teams like the Florida Marlins and Washington Nationals who are still in the MLB, but have no where near the amount of spending money that teams like the Yankees do. So is it fair? Can we just let the rich franchises buy their way to the top and dominate the league? Personally I think not. What ever happened to the love of the game? I find it so disappointing to see these athletes with God given talent complain and pick teams because they didn't get an extra couple million dollars in their contract. That kind of thing makes me sick.
So, in review, the MLB needs to cap its salaries. Without it, the league will be on a one way track to a monopoly. And the New York Yankees will be the Andrew Carnegie of it. So congratulations Yankees. I sarcastically applaud your 27th World Series Championship, won by your innumerable amounts of money and superstar athletes. Looking to next season all I have to say is, eat em' up Tigers!
On the other hand, I suppose we can't really blame the Yankees for creating an expensive super power. After all, they have earned the money and have built up a franchise that has become one of (if not the) most recognizable teams in the game of baseball. However, perhaps some sort of league intervention would help. As of right now, there is no salary cap in the MLB. Bud Selig, the commissioner of the league, has already proven to be quite indecisive with the whole instant replay debate, however he has actually been an supporter of a salary cap. With no salary cap, the league practically loses its competitive nature, and instead turns into a contest of who can spend the most money and buy the most super stars. So where does leave the newer, smaller franchises? Teams like the Florida Marlins and Washington Nationals who are still in the MLB, but have no where near the amount of spending money that teams like the Yankees do. So is it fair? Can we just let the rich franchises buy their way to the top and dominate the league? Personally I think not. What ever happened to the love of the game? I find it so disappointing to see these athletes with God given talent complain and pick teams because they didn't get an extra couple million dollars in their contract. That kind of thing makes me sick.
So, in review, the MLB needs to cap its salaries. Without it, the league will be on a one way track to a monopoly. And the New York Yankees will be the Andrew Carnegie of it. So congratulations Yankees. I sarcastically applaud your 27th World Series Championship, won by your innumerable amounts of money and superstar athletes. Looking to next season all I have to say is, eat em' up Tigers!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Pilot
Well everyone, it's my turn now! I know the spotlight has been on my Mom's blog for a while, but I'm here to steal some of the attention (I hope she doesn't mind). Please don't get me wrong, my mom has a great set up and I love reading reading her postings and seeing how they correspond with her pictures. I encourage anyone who isn't already following hers to check it out at www.thisishowiseeitbyrebeccaminch.blogspot.com. In fact, it was her blog that inspired me to start my own! I hope to use these postings as a way of updating friends and family with my current happenings, and also just to talk about stuff going on in the world. So, if you're reading this and could pass along the link to someone else that may know me, I would greatly appreciate it! I'm excited to get this started and I hope you all enjoy it!
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