Well, right now as I am typing this in Ohio with the temperature in the 50's it doesn't feel like it's a White Chirstmas outside, but it helps that since Christmas is getting closer to look at some of the Best Christmas Cartoons, Movies, and Specials to watch over the Holiday Season. Now in the last blog I listed the worst chirstmas movies, specials, and cartoons to watch. Well, here now is the best starting with cartoons.
CARTOONS
5.) A Garfield Christmas (1987)
-Garfield, Odie, and their owner Jon go to Jon's family for a down on the farm Christmas. Funny Garfield humor mixed in the message of spending time and importance of family at Christmas.
4. ) Bugs Bunny's Looney Christmas Tales (1979)
- Funny Looney Tunes Christmas related cartoons. You can watch them on YouTube.
3.) A Claymation Christmas Celebration (1987)
-Awesome christmas special that has 6 musical numbers with stop motion animation. It features The California Raisins, but everyone of those musical shorts are great especially this one. Giving you a sneak peak. Watch the rest on YouTube.
2. ) Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
- I bet everyone has read the book or has seen this TV special about the Grinch who is sick of the Whos celebrating Christmas and decides to dress as Santa and steal it from them. But, he learns that Christmas is more than gifts and decorations when he hears the Whos sing as they awake on Christmas!
and the best Christmas Cartoon of ALL TIME is of Course. Drum Roll............................
1.) A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
-An All-Time Classic. Charlie Brown isn't happy during Christmas with all the commercialism. Lucy gets him involved in directing the Christmas Play but everyone goofs off. They decide to get a Christmas tree. But, Charlie Brown gets the smallest and weakest tree in the Tree lot and everyone makes fun of him. He gives up hope until Linus reassures him by telling what Christmas is truly about.
Right there are those cartoons you must see at Christmas time if you watch any I highly recommend it.
As for Movies I could go on but I don't want to waste too much of the blog or free time so I just give you all a list of movies to watch around Christmas time.
- White Christmas (I showed the movie poster above in the blog) - A Christmas Story (Ralphie wants a gun) - Home Alone - Elf ( SANTA, I KNOW HIM) - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
- Die Hard (Ok not a christmas movie persay but the guy saves peoples lives during a christmas party in a L.A. building during Christmas season)
- and anything Muppets related, that would include A Muppets Christmas Carol, Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas, and John Denver & The Muppets Special: A Christmas Together
Well I hope you have time to watch these all while spending time with your family, friends this holiday season. Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and of course Happy Festivus to all of you!!! More importantly Happy Holiday and New Year to all!!
Yep, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians is #1. Some other bad movies in there I agree with. Like Silent Night Deadly Night. A horror film about a kid who gets messed up when he witnesses a Santa imposter kill his family and he grows up messed up and kills people. Fandango should have listed its sequel on there as well which it's famous for this chessy clip
I disagree with Jingle All The Way being there, its not the best Christmas Movie but it showed a time when ARNOLD was ARNOLD and not the Governator!! Take a quick look.
PUT THAT COOKIE DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!
I defintely would not have included Ernest Saves Christmas. I thought that was funny. Everything else on that list most likely especially Hulk Hogan's movie at # 5, Santa with Muscles.
If we are including Holiday Specials on the list then The Star Wars Holiday Special is definitely a must!!
I'm not even putting a video up here because it is so awful. I watched in one day online when I had nothing to do and it is terrible. I'm a Star Wars Fanatic and it is just as bad as JAR JAR BINKS!!
I would also include any Disney Christmas cartoon besides the Goofy Skiing one. I don't like Disney Cartoons as much as Looney Tunes.
Now in the next blog I'll show you a list of Christmas Movies, Cartoons, and specials to watch during the holidays to either get you in the mood or watch with your family and friends!!!
I'm talking about Tim Tebow, MAN!!!!!!!!! But first here a funny video on youtube about him!
Pretty cool. Yeah, I know he played for Florida and was part of the 2006-07 National Championship Florida Gator team that took my beloved Ohio State Buckeyes to the woodsheld 41-14. But, I think I'm over that now that Urban Meyer is the new OSU head coach and Tebow is in the pros. Believe or not it's hard to hate Tebow in general.
Since taking over as the Denver Broncos starting QB when they were 1-4, they have gone 7-1 with him as the starter and they are 8-5 in first of the AFC West Division and are looking at the playoffs possibly. Now quite a bit of it has to do with the great defense the Broncos got. For instance in overtime this weekend against the Chicago Bears the D forced a fumble, they got the ball back and Tebow drove them down the field for the kicker to kick the field goal to win 13-10.
Of course he's got a good defense right behind him, but many would say and so would Tebow that Football is a team sport and everyone on that team is doing there part. It's all about right now. Even though there are those rumors that the Broncos may not include Tebow in their long term plans
From a football perspective I don't really know how long term or how long his career is going to last, but what I've seen and heard from him in the press conferences is that he tends to look at one game at a time. That's what as human beings we should do as well taking one work day at a time and not let anything bother us to much. Tebow says that he tries to be the best person God intended to be.
That brings me to another point. Many tend to go overboard with how big of a Christian he is, his faith and all. But we could all pretty much blame the media for that. I guess the way they see how he acts and practices his faith they would try to find some flaw and use it against him and try to bring it down. Even they try to link him to certain famous celebrities he has become friends with such as olympic skater Lindsey Vonn. Even a former QB from Denver Jake Plummer even thinks Tim Tebow shouldn't voice his faith too much. Read the article below. I love Tim Tebow's response to it.
Plummer would go on to apologize. Like I said I think the media is often to blame for trying to over expose Tebow and his relationship with Jesus. My advice to the media, LEAVE HIM ALONE!!! But, of course they won't he is a hot story right now with his winning. It's his business on who he dates and trying to save himself for marriage. I like the way he conducts himself in interviews but on the field he goes out there and bust his ASS to help his team win or do the best they can. From what I heard he is not the most out spoken Christian playing in the NFL. Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Back Troy Polamalu has been know to cross himself before every play. He has been practing Greek Orthodox Christian for awhile. Good for the guy that also is known for his hair.
Back to Tebow, he would be the first to admit he is not perfect. Even as Christians we aren't. I'll be the one to admit that I get selfish and act silly. But we as Christians have to keep trying to do the best we can, act humble by not putting ourselves first and doing what is the right way to live and that's what Tim Tebow is doing dispite the media attention around him.
As a great of a competitor he is it shows on the field for his great leadership. I mean unlike many other NFL players we don't see him involved in a dog fighting scheme (Michael Vick). He hasn't gone to clubs with a gun and accidently shot himself in the leg (Plaxico Burress). Also, on the field he hasn't step on an opposing player when they are trying to get up (Ndamukong Suh).
The Broncos should keep Tebow as long as they can be winning or doing great. No matter what Tim Tebow will land on his feet whenever he has a great career or not. Because all he is doing is working hard but dispite it he is still keeping the faith, and that is something as believers or not we can do for everyone.
Well, its Thanksgiving time. Time to stuff yourself with Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffiing and pie all while watching football with family and relatives. Also, its a time to reflect and be thankful for what's around you.
I am thankful for my family and friends who support me no matter what. I'm thankful for the god given ability to run. Also, I am thankful for my Columbus Running Company peeps, others at Motion running group, my small group Pelaton, and anyone else in my social life. You all help me stay sane when work gets crazy.
And, as an Ohio State Fan I am thankful that this Saturday will be the last Saturday that we as fans will see Jim Bollman (and he walrus face and mustache) run Ohio State's awful and predictable offense. So that we can be thankful that hopefully Urban Meyer can come be the new Head Coach and bring us National Championships. I am also thankful for the Ohio State Men's Basketball Team who right now as I am typing is kicking the crap out of VMI. Hopefully with a great team like this it will be a National Championship/Final Four season for them to help us cope with the Football team stinking it up this year.
I am thankful to be a Columbus Crew fan too. (That's for you DeLeon).
All in all we all have to be thankful for some things in our life.
To Leave you I'm going to post you a funny video thanksgiving related. It was from a hit show in late 70's/early 80's right around I was born but I watched reruns before and it is still funny today. WKRP in Cincinnati. Very underrated show. This clip below is from the Thanksgiving episode you have to see. Check it out and HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last 2 weeks you may have not know about what has been going on at Penn State. Head Coach Joe Paterno and many other university officials were fired while the Athletic Director and Director of Finance at Penn State resigned over the fact that they covered up child molestation accusations of one the ex assistant coaches Jerry Sandusky that he had sexually abused young boys in the facilities of Penn State.
Apparently, this all broke out from 2002 when then-graduate assistant Mike McQueary witnessed Jerry Sandusky forcing himself on a young boy in the Penn State locker room. He didn't go to the police but went to Joe Paterno, Paterno went to his higher ups in the athletic department. This raises the question of why didn't they go to the authorities or the police and why didn't they follow up on it. Sandusky's behavior was in big question before as to why did he retire early in 1999, and was still allowed to use the Penn State facilities even after the 2002 incident.
It's a sad story all around and for a moment the people at Penn State forgot who were the true victims of this the abused children whom now stories have came out about Jerry Sandusky. All in all this has destroyed the reputation of a famous football coach in Paterno, university officals being charged with purgery, and put the program and the school in Jeopardy all because nobody followed up and didn't go to the authorities, the police in the first place.
Here's a story of the past incidents that impicated Jerry Sandusky
More twists to the whole story is the lawyer that is defending Sandusky had a sexual encounter 15 years ago when he was 49 with a 17 year old girl that became his wife, however the legal age of consent in Pennsylvania is 16 but I still think it's really weird.
Everybody's easy to cast their stones at Jerry Sandusky, and rightfully so even though he hasn't been brought to trial and hasn't been found guilty by a court of law. Yet, the evidence, stories, and other victims that are now coming out pretty much say it all for him. The phone in interview he did with Bob Costas this past Monday with Sandusky's lawyer present in the studio with Bob Costas doesn't make him less guilty either. We should remember God is the one true judge and he will judge Jerry Sandusky for what he had done, but I hope Sandusky spends the rest of his miserable life in jail.
The pastor at my church blogged about the incident and how it's tragic and how it also damages the social capital in our society
I mean I agree that this could be one thing that is leading to the fact the public puts less and less trust into social organizations or the government. Trust me I work for the Department of Defense I know all about the politics that go on where I work. However, this whole Penn State thing had shown me 2 things. One of course is something as serious as child abuse should be reported to child and protection services and the law authorities. There simply no question about that. How do we teach our children as young adults, full grown adults or our elders about what the right and morally thing to do if we ourselves don't do it? Taking responsiblity is human. I bet right now Joe Pa, Mike McQueary the assistant who witnessed Jerry Sandusky and the boy in the showers in 2002, Penn State's now ex-school president, the former athletic director and those others who had to resign or let go or learning that they had to be acountable for their actions and what they did not do.
Another thing we should learn from the Penn State situation is a way to improve social capital among our leaders and authorities. I know that there are those few in our government, community, and churches that try to hide things from the public. We should all be humble, trusting, but still aware of what is going on because it can only be the best way we can teach our children so society can grow overtime. Hopefully everyone tries to get what I'm saying.
I'm D-Money, that's my two cents and I'll leave you with a letter that an OSU fan wrote to Penn State fans as a sign of good faith
Yes, the title of this blog comes from a Guns N' Roses songs. They are one my favorite bands of all time. I'm talking about the originally lineup with Axl, Slash, Duff, Izzy, and Stephen Alder(the drummer). Sorry, but Stephen needed a cool name or he just didn't want to stand out like his other bandmates. Of course sadly due to Axl's behavior led to the downfall of the orginally lineup and now he tours and records with different guys under the Guns N' Roses name. So it's basically not the same.
The song and the video November Rain is defintely popular, especially if in the month of November if you hear it on the radio. You see what goes on in your life around you as you try to get through the month. Kind of like the worst part of a storm happening before it dies down. The dieing down part of the year being the month of December with the excitement of the holidays and the worst part of the storm or year being the month of November. Hence the name of the song November Rain. Though if you listen to the lyrics of song it's about unrequited love.
I just like the song cause it fits to what is going on this month of November. I have a couple friends running marathons this weekend in either Indianapolis or New York. This in a sense is their November Rain. Our running club trying to get individuals together to get ready to possible go to Seattle next month to run USATF Club Cross Country Nationals. There are people getting ready for the holidays especially this early. Some Light Rock radio stations even play Christmas Music after Halloween. I'm not in the Christmas mood until maybe 2 weeks before after or if I decide to run at USATF Club Nats. I also in the mood to get through work because I have a lot of time off next month to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
College Football teams are going through the month of November hoping to win out and get a great bowl game in the post season. I didn't think Ohio State would be in the spot to possible get to the Big Ten Championship game until last Saturday Night's win over Wisconsin now they still have a shot to win the Big Ten but they can't slip up on the way and all they have to do is get through the games in the month of November which includes Indiana, at Purdue, home against Penn State, and the finally against the evil empire up north Michigan!! They get through that and they'll have a chance to go to the Big Ten game to have a chance to win the Big Ten and go to the Rose Bowl.
I dunno what is the point of this blog. I just wanted to tie in the song November Rain into it since if you think about it rain in November in itself is cold unlike the wet rain we get in the late spring and summer but the weather is much warmer where in November it still has some 50's and 60's but if it gets cold and if it rains it's much colder. Makes it miserable to run through. Try running in the snow the next months of winter. But, all have our November Rain to get through sometimes. Getting through the worst part of a storm and seeing light and the end which is the holidays and a start of the new year for a new beginning.
I'm D-Money, that's my 2 cents and for your enjoyment since it's a great song here in the video to Guns N' Roses November Rain
Well, my parents didn't want me to write this but I feel as if I had to. But, don't worry. I'm not going to do what everybody thinks I'm going to do in go off in a profanity raid, or have a pity party of what is going on in my life right now. That is just what I'm telling you. I'm dealing with some real personal struggles right now. A little bit of it has been effectiving my running, and don't want it to effect my work, spiritual, or social life. On, Sunday after doing some thinking, drinking, eating Five Guys Burgers and Fries and things I feel ashamed of I realize I don't like the person that my mind or devil is forcing me to become.
Don't get me wrong on Sunday I enjoyed seeing the faces of people down at the 26 mile mark cheering on those about to finish their marathon and the encouragement everyone gave or even those finishing the half marathon as well. It makes me happy and blessed to be in this sport. However, I felt sad that I could have been a part of it. If I wasn't running it may be a different story because I would still go down and watch and cheer everybody. So for everybody that I didn't congragulate or seemed a little fake in the tone of my voice when I did congragulate, I sincerly apologize. A lot of you are trying to give me some encouragement, hugs, and prayers and for that I thank you. Talking to those I've been close to and realizing what I do have and focusing realizing what I DON'T have has made me realize I'm a very selfish human being. I mean we all are at times. I guess for my male testosterones that get in the way and I try to be aggressive or set myself high in everything I try to do. Because I don't want to fail or let anybody down.
However, after talking to a friend in my church this week I should remember it's not what I want for myself or what everybody wants for me or even themselves, it's about what God wants for us. I believe he does want good things for me and wants me to achieve my goals in running but especially those goals I have for myself outside of it as well. I think that he is trying to tell me something that maybe I should still be patient and trust him. I mean it took me years and hard work to get where I'm at in running and also right here in Columbus. It just may be the same for everything else. I just need to be patient and he'll let me know when I find what I'm looking for. We are all guilty of forgetting what we got and become selfish to try to satisfy our needs one way or another.
Although, I may have been physically able to finish that race on Sunday I defintely wasn't able to finish it mentally with what has been on my heart, recovering from sore hips and still unsure of my physical fitness. I've lost a little bit of confidence after I ran pretty gutsy at Boston this past Spring and I'm just trying to find my way back. Maybe, this could be a blessing. We can't be on top of our game all the time. I still have goals for myself in running and need to use it as a reliever and try to not let everything else get in the way. It becomes a safety net sometimes and there are times where things may not go as planned.
To conclude, I'm tired of bitching and feeling sorry for myself. I appreciate all of your encouragement and I hope you all know I would do the same for you all too. I want to move forward and run with the same passion but be patient, mindful, and trust what God plans are for me in all areas and just let go. I mean I not the only one with problems and the best way to go is to look up. :)
Well, everyone this is the week. Columbus Marathon week. Whenever you are running the Full 26.2 Mile Marathon or running the 13.1 Half of it you all know that you have prepared weeks in advance to get yourself pumped up, running the miles, the stretching, and especially maintaining your focus up to this point. Mental Focus, that is 1/2 the battle of it like they say in those G.I. Joe public service things after the fighting is done in every episode. I know myself firsthand the instances where it has been hard maintaining that focus whenever you run the full or the half.
So I try to come up with a way as if a wrestler would do it with a wrestling promo before a big match. Many of you know I was a huge pro wrestling fan in the past and I kind of pay attention to it today. Thanks to the power of YouTube I usually in my leisure time like to be entertained by watching Pro Wrestling Clips from the 80's, 90's and the last decades. Now this promo blog isn't going to be like what type of promo say Macho Man Randy Savage would give. But you can watch for a good laugh.
Or Defintely not an Ultimate Warrior type of Promo
Though both of them are funny. I tend this blog to be more of a Terry Funk or Dusty Rhodes related. A little bit from the heart and not from a script.
Terry Funk Promo
Another favorite promo of mine is from Dusty Rhodes talking about hard times and coming back from his injury and how it relates to everyone trying to make it through rough times.
Many of you haven't watched pro wrestling like I have but Terry Funk and Dusty Rhodes are speaking of the tough times they had to go through in order to become World Champion. Dusty Rhodes related his promo to hard times that everyday people who are unemployed or underpaid go through. The job I may have may not be the best but I feel good in the work that I do and I know with the experience I could move up.
Dusty's promo makes me think that the injuries I have may not seem so major compared to others whom wished they could run or those who are disabled who can't get the chance sadly. I feel fortunate for that. My Aunt Debbie has had MS for quite sometime I can remember but she is defintely one the most sweetest people I know. I don't see her that often because she lives out in Colorado, but she's always encouraging me in my running. She also great at making jewerly and she gave me a multi-color necklace. I like to wear it in honor for those whom suffer from MS. Like I said I feel very blessed to be out there running and there are those who can't
Terry Funk's promo spoke about wanting to win the world title for his father who never got to see him win his first world title 2 years after his father died. Which he did win and helped ECW at the time get off the ground in the late 90's. I tend to want to run this race for everyone that has supported me still especially for my high school coach, Paul Gibson, who sadly passed away this past summer and mentioned in one of my blogs.
It is those people my family, friends, and teammates that help me maintain that balance whenever life gets crazy in a certain type of way.
I run with my CRC peeps on Mondays and Saturdays or whenever I can because at least almost everyone of them in the groups is training for a Marathon or Half whenever it be in Columbus this weekend or elsewhere sometime this fall. Even enjoying their company as the time passes. I guess we all just try to feed off each others' motivation and energy to get through our runs or races together.
Also, with the people from my church and small group I look forward to seeing them whenever it be in service or in small group. They have become a great support for me during this past summer and fall whenever I was slowly trying to whip myself back into racing shape thinking to myself that my body was giving up after having a terrible muscle strain in my hips. I've gotten to know almost all of them much better this past summer thanks to going to "Breathe" the summer retreat, hanging out with them and making me yearn not only to be a good Christian but a better person as well.
My family has been very helpful maintaining that focus. I think that no matter what I do or what place I finish as long as it has been with class and dignity they are proud of me no matter what. I hope that it puts a smile to their faces that they know I'm doing something that I love which is what any parent wants their children to do. They have been my biggest fans since I have competed in distance running in high school.
But, I believe no matter what this Sunday PR or not I want to go out there and bust one to the best of my ability that day in the half. The Columbus Marathon has been one of my most favorite races whenever I have competed in it or not the last 6 years. Just hearing the stories and seeing different types of people cheer you on or others that they know is what it's all about.
Runners who are running this sunday this kind of sums up what Terry Funk said in his promo, "This Sunday we are going to race hard and finish OUR WAY!! This Sunday it's going to be our day no matter what. Cause there is no better feeling when you're out there racing having the city cheer you on whenever it be to a PR, Qualify for Boston, or just saying that you did it. Getting that medal afterwards is worth the months of preparation. Who knows you might want to plan your next one.
But, I'll leave you with this be smart, excited, positive and especially patient. I quote 2 Timothy "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." So runners keep the faith, and go for your own personal victory.
With the C-bus marathon coming up I'll post my pre race blog sometime tomorrow. It'll be funny and good. But, now since it being marathon season here are some stories from around the world that involved running a marathon. Both good and bad.
First, the bad one. After a marathon in the country of the U.K a man was D.Q after getting 3rd in the Kielder Marathon when it was found out that he ran only 20 and got on a bus within the crowd, hid his jersey which was transporting people to see the finish and was able to finish the race somehow. What an idiot. Read on
Now, a badass type of story involving a woman finishing the Chicago Marathon, but hours later giving birth to her child. I defintely give my congrats to my CRC peeps for racing up in Chicago this past weekend of course. My hat is always off to you guys but maybe this women might have you all beat. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, fellow blog readers for the last almost month I have decided to stop shaving just for the heck of it and this is what I've grown it into now.
Yep something isn't it. However, it seems I almost can't even recognize my own face. You ask why have I decided not to shave and grow it out for a bit. Well, there are a couple of reasons.
One, I just turned 30 almost a month ago and I think since people think that I always look much younger than what my age really is I just wanted to see how I would look if I grew one. Hopefully, having this beard grown would make people take me a little bit more seriously and think I'm not just a boy but a man and by seeing me have one it would do so.
Another reason is the fact that by turning 30 being a milestone in my life I feel as if I haven't accomplished anything yet in when I came to this age. I'm not married, engaged, or even seeing anybody right now :( also I'm still renting instead of owning, and I feel as if I want to earn a little more in my work. Pretty much not a whole lot of motivation right now except for running the half marathon in C-bus as part of the Full in less than 2 weeks. Since I also am not dating anyone that would tell me to shave so why not grow the beard. I dunno since growing the beard I would like ladies to know I am confident in how I look for a bit and not a chicken to let them know how I feel. Specially when it comes to this clip from Arrested Development.
(Great show by the way and its coming back with 10 episodes that will lead to a movie if you haven't heard.)
But, back to the blog. One more reason for the beard may be the fact I'm trying to grow it in to get ready for my Halloween Costume. Many of you know I know a lot about Professional Wrestling as embrassing as it is. Don't watch it as much as I did when I was a kid and a teenager but pay attention a little bit now. Since I went as The Ultimate Warrior last year I now want to try to go as a different Professional Wrestler almost every year for Halloween. I figure it be the closest thing to being one. As since this year in honor of his tragic death I am going as "Macho Man" Randy Savage.
OOOOOOO YEAH!!!! That's what he say.
But, trying to be a little more taking risk and maybe showing some maturity is a good way that I am growing the beard. I'll probably shave it off before the half marathon in less than 2 weeks and grow it slightly back for my Halloween Costume. Who knows maybe I'll keep it for the winter. Kind of like what Rocky did in Rocky IV when he fought the Russian.
So growing the beard and training is my way of preparing for a race it seems. I'll let you know when I decide to shave it. I'm D-Money that's my two cents and I'll leave you all with some famous people with beards
Jim Jurevich (Co-Owner of Columbus Running Company)
Jesus (Our Lord and Savior)
Abraham Lincoln
Zach Galifiankis
Chuck Norris (of course)
Tom Hanks in Castaway
Conan O'Brian
Brad Pitt
Brian Wilson (closer for the SF Giants)
Billy Mays
Grizzly Adams
Gandolf from Lord of the Rings
Jim Morrison (Lead singer of the Doors)
Joaquin Phoenix
Santa Claus
Jack Black
MMA Figher Kimbo Slice
Willie Nelson
Chaz Bono
ZZ Top
And Last but defintely not least........................
This past week I celebrated turning 30 years old in this world. Yes, it's hard to believe to others that don't know me very well that I look like I'm thirty years old. Yes, 30. A tiny life milestone if you say. The last couple of weeks though I tended to look back in my life on the last 30 years of what I've done, how far I've come, what I've learned, and what I can do to make my next 30 years much more memorable.
Like anyone who sees that they are getting older you either embrass it or dread it depending on the age in which you are turning. The weeks leading up to turning 30 I was kind of dreading it. Not the fact that I was getting older but as if I felt I haven't accomplished what I wanted out of life. Now your thinking of me in running terms, well trust me as hard as I had work in distance running I feel pretty much satisfied with what I accomplish on the Cross Country Course, the Track, Tri's, and especially on the roads. I mentioned it has taken me places I never been to and allowed me to compete with some great people whom I call my friends. Over the years, it has made me whom I am but developed my character. If I decide to quit running competitively and just run with the groups and bike a lot I would be very much satisfied with it. But, I still have a couple more competitive years and I'm not done yet. So your asking what is it that makes you dread 30?
Well, a little bit of it is work. The job I'm in some days feels like I can do better that this. I mean I'm not getting cheap pay it's that I know I can do a grade level or two better than my job title but could still make a contribution to my country while working for the federal government in the Department of Defense. Yet, I feel at my age with the experience I'm getting and the education I've had that I can have a chance to move up. Trust me I don't want to be one of those people with a GS-14 or GS-15 those are the higher ups. You make a lot of money but you constantly have no life. Believe me I want to work hard, serve the government, but like many people I have a life outside DSCC (Defense Supply Center Columbus). I think there are those that take there job too seriously and those that don't somehow still work for the government. I can try to go into detail about how much money federal government spends on useless items but I won't. My point in my work life is I'm very happy I have a job when many people don't so far in this economy and I have an opportunity to rise up, learn on the job, and be satisfied so I have to be a little patient with that.
I think the one thing that has turning 30 seem to stress me out more than anything is the bad luck in relationship mostly with the opposite sex. I've seem to have really bad luck in this department. I really don't know what women want from me. I feel as if I'm too nice of a guy for women to date that or they think with work and running I won't have time for them. I dunno, maybe I'm going overboard and not being too patient or trying to hard. However, I have learned to loosen up over the years or maybe God thinks it not my time yet.
Hope you laughed at that one. But, still this has hit me now that I'm 30 not married nor dating anyone consistently right now and I feel for a guy my biological clock is ticking. A little bit of a reason why I got a little more to drink last Saturday besides watching the Buckeyes lose. Maybe I'm going a little overboard with it. I've dated a little bit more the last couple of years but haven't struck gold you way say. It's like I'm trying to find a needle in a haystack but its in a barn filled with more than one haystack.
Yet, last week I've been getting some real good advice from a special woman in my life, my mom of course, that is to keep trusting God and look at the positives and not to focus to much on the negatives.
I also got advice from Catherine my massage therapist, who was a big help in me writing in my Pre Boston Blog.
She thinks I shouldn't worry, but still be more confident in myself and that I'm more than just a runner to everyone.
That's what I've come to realize after celebrating my 30th birthday this past week. With everyone sending me wishes by text or facebook post, or attending my Buckeye Birthday Bash this past weekend, I've come to lean on those people whom I've lean towards the past couple of years. This also ties into the sermon and small group message I've heard as well. From Acts 2 verses 42-47.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
This verse occured after the apostles were converting new Christian believers and how these new believers lived out there lives for God. In a sense I feel I'm surrounded by a great community of different people. People I go to church with and also in my small group we have some interests but a few differences but we all connect together. This is also true for those in my running groups with CRC and the C Bus Pacers. I had gotten to know everyone of them throughout the years and I too rely on their friendship and advice.
So, with these great community of friends I've have developed in Columbus over the years plus the support of my family I know they will be able to have confidence to develop and learn more as a human being. I'll learn to have more fun, be smarter, and enjoy life much better now that I'm a little older. I still keep thinking of this Tim McGraw songs which sums me up!!
This weekend marks the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. It was a day that lived in infamy. When our country was attacked by terrorists. Two airline passenger planes were forced by terrorists and crashed into the 2 twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York. Over an hour or so later both of them collasped and fell to the ground killing thousands. Another plane hijacked by terrorists crashed into the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Another flight, United Airlines Flight 93 was hijack but the passengers attempted to regain control of the flight before the terrorists could crash into Washington D.C and it was crashed somewhere in Pennsylvania. Over 3000 people total died in the attacks the majority of them in New York when the 2 twin towers fell. As, we look back I bet we all could remember where we where when we first heard or saw the coverage on TV. I was coming back from a tuesday morning study session with a tutor from a class when I heard the guys on my floor tell me that 2 planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers. It was very shocking watching everything unfold on television. Classes were cancelled and so were a couple of weekend sporting events. It makes you wonder what else has happened since then in the War on Terror and how our country pulled itself back. I think the best way to honor those who have died in the attacks and those military men and women who have served overseas on the War on Terror and still do all over the world. Tell a military member thanks for their service to our country because Freedom is not free. We should feel so blessed to live in a nation to have the privilages many other nations don't. And we can feel free to worship Jesus and God in this nation because many Christian who live in missions in certain parts of the world worship in dangerous parts that can be non-christian. Freedom of Religion is great in this country because you can't be able to worship who you want in other nations. Also Freedom of speech is great because in other nations you could be put in jail for saying wrong things about the government. We often poke fun at our government but the best thing is that dispite the econominc and job troubles in the country right now we have the freedom to vote for new officials who could try to restore or help.
So, I say remember those who have died but celebrate by living the American Dream because that's what they would want us to do. I'm D-Money, that's my two cents and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Well, last time I gave you predictions for SEC and the Big Ten now here are the rest
Big 12ConfOverall
Oklahoma 9-0 12-0
Texas A&M 8-1 11-1
Missouri 6-3 8-4
Texas 6-3 8-4
Okla State 5-4 8-4
Texas Tech 4-5 7-5
Kansas St. 4-5 6-6
Baylor 2-7 4-8
Iowa St 1-8 2-10
Kansas 0-9 2-10
ACC Atlantic DivisionConfOverall
Florida State 8-0 12-1
Clemson 5-3 8-4
NC State 5-3 8-4
Boston College 3-5 6-6
Maryland 2-6 4-8
Wake Forest 2-6 4-8
Coastal DivisionConfOverall
Virginia Tech 6-2 10-3
Miami (Fla) 5-3 8-4
Georgia Tech 5-3 8-4
Virginia 4-4 8-4
North Carolina 3-5 7-5
Duke 0-8 3-9
ACC CHAMPS: Florida State
- Here is a bold prediction. The winner of the Oklahoma at Florida State game will be the one going to the National Championship Game. I guarantee it.
Big EastConfOverall
West Virginia 6-1 10-2
Pittsburgh 6-1 9-3
Cincinnati 5-2 9-3
South Florida 5-2 8-4
Connecticut 3-4 8-4
Rutgers 2-5 6-6
Louisville 1-6 4-8
Syracuse 0-7 4-8
- Note: W Virginia will beat Pitt head to head making them having the BCS bid for the Big East.
Pac-12 North DivisionConfOverall
Stanford 9-1 12-1
Oregon 7-2 9-3
Oregon St 5-4 7-5
Washington 5-4 7-5
California 4-5 7-5
Washington St 0-9 2-10
Mountain WestConfOverall
Boise State 7-0 11-1
Air Force 6-1 10-2
TCU 5-2 9-3
San Diego State 4-3 7-5
Colorado State 3-4 7-5
Wyoming 2-5 4-8
New Mexico 1-6 3-9
UNLV 0-7 1-11
And sense I don't care too much for the rest here is who's going win their conferences
Conference USA: Houston Western Athletic: Nevada Mid American: Ohio Sun Belt: Troy
IndependentsOverall
Notre Dame 11-1
BYU 10-3
Navy 8-4
Army 5-7
And here whose is going to the Bowls: Well I don't want to bore you so I'll give you to see whose is going to the BCS Bowl Games
Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs Stanford Sugar Bowl: LSU vs Texas A&M Fiesta Bowl: Notre Dame vs West Virginia Orange Bowl: Florida State vs Nebraska BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Oklahoma vs Alabama
Well those are my predictions and I'm sticking to them. The Rose Bowl and BCS National Championship games would be correct the rest of the At large teams I put in there could switch but still interesting matchups to say the least.
I can't wait for tomorrow night and this Saturday. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!
I'm D-Money and .......................... GO BUCKEYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll post my predictions for the ACC, Big 12, Pac-12, and Big East later on today but I just like to show you this article I read in the Columbus Dispatch this morning. It kind of relates to my State of College Football Blog Post So Enjoy
Well, I liked my last post on the State of College Football, I'm going to go down and give you all of my college football predictions just for fun. I always bought this magazine, Phil Steele's College Football Preview almost every year in June. I do it just to read up on who is going to be good or bad this year especially with The Ohio State Buckeyes. His magazine and predictions are extremely accurate and he is very close on his predictions more than anything other publication.
I always like to make my own predictions to see how they would measure up with the season. Now since I've had a blog, I am going to be sharing them with you all.
For this post I'm going to give you my predictions on the 2 biggest conferences in College Football I believe. The Southeastern Conference, which is in everybody's mind the best in NCAA College Football. And of Course, The Big Ten (technically now the Big 10 plus 2 since Nebraska has joined to make it 12 teams). The Big Ten of course is Ohio State's conference and since I'm from the Midwest I play more attention to them.
West DivisionConfOverall
Alabama 8-0 13-0
LSU 7-1 11-1
Arkansas 5-3 8-4
Auburn 4-4 7-5
Mississippi St 3-5 7-5
Ole Miss 1-7 4-8
SEC CHAMPION: ALABAMA
BIG TEN CONFERENCE Leaders DivisionConfOverall
Ohio State 7-1 12-1
Wisconsin 6-2 10-2
Penn State 5-3 8-4
Illinois 4-4 7-5
Purdue 2-6 4-8
Indiana 1-7 4-8
Ok, so maybe I showed a little favoritism in my picks, but I think Ohio State will start Braxton Miller as their QB soonner or later and they will march all the way to another Big Ten Title and go to the Rose Bowl.
That's it for today. Tomorrow I'll try to post my predictions for the ACC, Big 12. I might try to squeeze in the other 2 BCS Conferences as well (Pac-12 and Big East.) Later everybody
Well, with what has been happening to these college football programs the last year in seems as if there have been more headlines off the field instead of on the field. It all started last year after the NCAA decided to rule on USC after the whole Reggie Bush receiving benefits that included a house and whatever else from the Southern Cal. The scandals went into the Basketball team of some players receiving monetary benefits that forced the university to fire their coach. Meanwhile, in Football side Pete Carroll instead of stepping down and admitting that there was any wrongdoing, hightailed out of USC and went back into the NFL and took the Seattle Seahawks head coaching job. USC was put on a 2 year bowl ban and they would have 30 scholarships taken away (10 each for next 3 years).
Win a lot then leave the ship when its' sinking! :P
O, but after last year it doesn't stop there. At North Carolina, at least 12 football players were suspended for the first few games for breaking NCAA rules many of which pertained to them getting help from tutors illegally. 6 of those were most likely heading towards the NFL. It got so bad for the program that after this year and into the summer, coach Butch Davis was fired.
Also Failed as the Cleveland Browns Coach :P
And, not even my favorite team was subjectable to the NCAA. As I mentioned in my past blogs about the whole Ohio State Tattoo-gate Scandal.
Well as time passed, Tressel was forced to resign as the Buckeyes Head Coach and Luke Fickel has taken over the duties. They have even dealt with star QB Terrell Pryor, one of the Tattoo Five whose gotten a lot of attention directed to himself in a bad way since he was suspended, leaving Ohio State and heading to the NFL via the Supplemental Draft. How successful Pryor will be remains to be seen. What we do know is that NCAA will not hit Ohio State with a failure to monitor and it seems they cooperated with the NCAA and the hearing 2 weeks ago seemed to go well. It looks like maybe the NCAA will accept Ohio State's self imposed punishment of erasing the 2010 season and probation for 2 years or more, but that remains to be seen in the next few weeks.
There have other types of scandals and stories involving other teams as well. West Virginia just had a problem with their coaches. Bill Stewart, the recent coach, wanted to dig up some dirt on the new upcoming coach Dana Holgorsen and it caused him to resign and Holgorsen to take over. One of LSU's position coaches was caught up in a recruiting scandal and resigned and LSU put some inposed sanacations on their program but not where they wouldn't be hurt. Two west coast universites are also in the news with Oregon's Chip Kelly being looked into possible recruiting violations that involves a scout.
Boise State, everyone's media darling, their sport programs have been hit with trouble forcing them to fire their Athletic Director. It seems with all of this craziness that you would have heard enough, well wrong. Last week as we heard the University of Miami's troubles make everyone else's including Ohio State's seem like a slap on the wrist. Here's the link with the coverage.
Apparently, in these articles pertains to the investigation brought upon a former Miami booster who is now serving 20 years in for a $930 million dollar Pozzi Scheme, and his role in providing almost everything to star players. These included, VIP parties, cash, entertainment, strippers, prostituties, jewerly, cash bounties for taking out opposing players, fancy restaurants, and travel. It even included how he once payed for an abortion for a stripper who was inpreganted by one of the players!! This all occured during 2002-10 when he was a booster and he said that coaches from the Basketball and Football programs knew about it. Pretty shocking, huh?! It would be shocking if at least over half of this turned out to be true. Now everyone is thinking Miami is going to be given the Death Penalty by the NCAA. This is very rare and it was given to only five universities sport programs. The most famous one being SMU's Football Program which it has now taken them almost 25 years to recover from.
Now, with all of these scandals and teams moving from one conference to other another I think it's almost time for this season to begin. Many teams are trying to one up each other in order to keep up with the Jones' per say. Even if it means at a cost to bend the rules. Now, the NCAA is out of the woods in this blog. I think with what has been going on the NCAA needs to step up and enforce or intrepret their rules much better. Now, I don't think giving these players a stipend is not going to solve things. It could make things worse. These football players are already getting their education, room, board and what not taking care of. There are many student-athletes, and students going to school and having a part time job that work hard and pay for their education without a schlorship.
I went to a Division III school, I could have been good enough to run for a Div II school or even a Div I Mid American Conference school but either my grades weren't good enough or I didn't get noticed. Not that I totally regreted my decision, I still made life long friends, got a good education, ran great for a Div III runner, and I was very blessed to have parents that support my education. There are those who do not have that luxury. These schlorship football players don't see what they got. They want the rewards now instead of later.
Anyway, the NCAA I bet is working on something. The best way could be to have schools enforce their complaince offices and have workers that look into their athletics more often and prevent some of these things from happening. Hopefully, this season we can enjoy the games much more without having to hear about more schools getting into possible trouble with the NCAA.
