Thoughts of a 29-er

Hey all!

As I am in the twilight of my twenties, I am come to the conclusion that I should begin to reflect back on all that has happened to me over the last decade. It has been said that one shouldn't look back at where they've been, but begin to look forward at where they're going. Don't get me wrong - I whole-heartedly agree - but I also feel that it is important to see how experiences, both good and bad, have shaped who I am today.

When I entered my twenties nine years ago, I was a fresh-faced college sophomore. I was SOOOO naive. Considering where I am now, I know that I was sheltered and lived a very innocent existence, relatively speaking. I wasn't caring about my future career, marriage, or "aging". I was living the life - hanging out with friends and going to class. My biggest concern was what I would wear to class in order to impress those I thought important. Geez...what a weenie!

Looking back now, I realize that I have been through so much. I have graduated community college, went on for my bachelors, and finally have achieved my master's through much hard work. I dated, got married, and managed to screw up enough to go through a divorce. I have dealt with depression, financial trouble, and weight issues.

Sounds bad, right? Believe it or not, my twenties were not all bad. I have had some great successes, such as my educational achievements. I am also in my sixth year of teaching and I know that is where God has called me to be. I am dating this INCREDIBLE, AWESOME lady who has brought new life to me and has changed how I feel about relationships. My family continues to support me emotionally and gives me help where I need it. Life is treating me well.

In summary, I think that each one of us has to ride this roller coaster called "Life". I wish that we could have nothing but good experiences, but that is just not realistic. I have found that even though there are some rather tricky twists, turns, and loops in our respective roller coasters, you MUST learn to enjoy the ride and let God be your safety bar. See the value in your experiences and no one can upset the ride.

Another School Year

Hello all...

Alas, it has come - a new school year. A year filled with endless possibilities and endless fears. Students are fresh with new ideas and (hopefully) some new resolutions. I love seeing those innocent 6th grade students come in, all scared and apprehensive about what middle school will be like. 7th and 8th grade students show the wide gamut, from sweet former 6th grade kid to know-it-all who can't be told ANYTHING. It's sometimes like watching a three-ring circus unfold before me.

Please don't get me wrong - I truly LOVE what I do. I feel it is my mission field and the very fact I am employed in a a struggling economy is a blessing in and of itself. All I am asking is that you all pray for teachers. No, we don't lay around all summer and yes, we definitely have a hard task in front of us. Send a nice card or e-mail to a teacher you know...it will brighten their day. TRUST ME!

Until next time,

Josh :)

Facial Hair

Dear readers,

It has been a while since I last posted a blog, but as you know from my last entry this has been a CRAZY time for me with grad school wrapping up. I have been feeling bad I couldn't blog as much, as there are lots of things to blog about. :)

This particular idea came to me as I looked at my laptop's desktop picture. It is a picture of me with my nephew. After staring aimlessly at myself (sounds narcissistic right?) I began to think that I have had this particular facial hair look since my senior year of high school - 10 years ago! Then I wondered, "Is it time for a change of pace?" I mean, REALLY, is it getting old? I tend to be rather complacent and enjoy have some continuity to my life (with bits of spontaneity here and there), so change sometimes doesn't come easy for me.

So...here's the deal. I am posting a poll to see my loyal readers thoughts: is this look getting old or does it work for me? What should I do next - shave it off and be barefaced or grow the thing into a beard? I am putting faith that you all have my best facial interests at heart. so don't let me down!

Happy blogging!
Josh

Long Time, No Blog

Dear fine blog followers:

I apologize profusely for my long absence from blogging. Life has been so incedibly busy, so let me give you a run-down of my life the last month or so:

First off, I have been working hard for the last couple summers on my master's degree at Western Michigan University. I have worked on a couple week long workshops and am now bogged down in coursework to finish my degree this summer. In fact, I actually walked through graduation this past Saturday. It felt slightly anti-climactic to walk through commencement, knowing full well I had a course load of classes the Tuesday afterwards. Nevertheless, I am so overwhelmed with what has been accomplished and how I had thought for a long time I would not get this far. It was also a great privilege to have my girl, Jennifer, to attend and support me in this chapter of my life. She is so awesome.

Also, previous to all of this, I had road-tripped back from Las Vegas with my parents. It was SOOOO hard saying goodbye to my family back West. My nephew was the hardest to leave, as he kept saying, "I wanna go with Papa, Grandma, and Uncle Josh in the purple car!" Tears flowed freely from him, Papa, Grandma, and me for about an hour after leaving Vegas. Yes, I cried. No, I am not afraid to admit it! Any way, we travelled 3 days back, seeing some of the greatest country around - mountains (with snow), forests, plains, and big cities. I had a good time with the 'rents, but I have come to the conclusion that 3 days is the MAX any adult child can travel with his/her parents. Maybe I should research this phenomenon...hmm....I don't think so!

For you blogging afficionados, I hope to get back to regular blogging toward the end of July. Keep me in your prayers as I work through this LAST summer of study.

Until next blog,

Josh :)

Josh and Jennifer's Excellent LA Adventure

Well...I know its been awhile coming, but alas, another update!

As most of you reading this already know, we were in Vegas visiting my brother and his family. Well, as a side trip, we decided to make a jaunt to LA to see some of Jen's old hangouts and meet her LA family and friends. I, being the good sport that I am, felt that it would be an adventure (especially since I have NEVER driven in or to LA).

Our trip into LA was pretty uneventful...mostly desert and some traffic. We did make a stop in Barstow, CA for my virgin experience with In N Out, a burger joint only found in CA and NV (and maybe AZ?). To be sure I was not quite able to know what to expect. I was pleasantly suprised to find out that this franchise is owned and operated by Christians, so all their cups and burger wrappers have bible verse references printed on the outsides. NEATO! The food too was awesome and I really enjoyed my first In N Out experience.

Back to LA...once in LA, we stopped in Westwood to check out UCLA, as they have a pretty good music program that I am checking into for a potential PhD program. We walked around the campus aimlessly, showing how touristy we are -- Ha Ha! Once finished there, we worked our way through West Hollywood (or WeHo as Jennifer has told me it is known as to locals), proudly displaying their gay pride...I could've lived without that portion. Originally we intended to stop in Hollywood to explore, but with traffic being crazy and no parking available ANYWHERE, we just drove through and caught a few sights as we went by. Finally we arrived in Burbank, Jen's CA hometown. We dined at California Pizza Kitchen --highly recommend the Teriyaki Ginger Dumplings-- and checked out some local stores. What a great downtown!! For the night we stayed with Bob and Marilyn, Jennifer's LA parents. They have a gorgeous house and are currently finishing up renovating their home. It was fun to watch Jennifer freak out at all the changes, esp. the pool. Ha! Anyway, I was able to sleep looking out at the pool and absorbing the ambiance.

In the morning, I was introduced to Village Church in Burbank. After an awesome Sunday School lesson about parenting and raising children to pass on faith and a great church service, we met up with another friend for lunch. We went to a local Cuban restaurant, which made me nervous, as it is hard for me to try new things sometimes. I was pleasantly suprised at the awesome array of food. This place had some of the best food, as well as some kick-butt desserts. Their cakes are absolutely awesome. You name it - they make it. Wow!

Any way, we finally took off back to the LV. I was very happy to have taken this journey with Jennifer. It helped me to put faces with names and get points of reference for people in her life. It just makes me so glad to have her in my life and to see how people see her beauty as well.

Well...it is awfully late for me and I am tired of writing. Sorry...more will be happening tomorrow!

Josh

Vegas Vacation - Day 1

Whew! It's finally here! I am so pumped about all that this week has to hold. I am going to TRY to keep a day to day record of my adventures in Sin City. So, here goes...

Our flight to Vegas was an adventure on its own. First off, my lovely companion nearly tore off her toenail getting her suitcase out of her apartment. OUCH! She is quite the trooper, still making the flight in time. Kudos, Jennifer. Secondly, we had a very colorful passenger on our flight, Linda, who was obviously intoxicated before we even left South Bend! Loud and obnoxious, she was too busy being loud and overly friendly with other passengers to stay in her own seat and, trust me, she didn't get any better as the flight progressed. ARGH!

The "Hrentourage" picked us up at the airport. I was promptly greeted by my nephew, Vincent, wearing a ND hat and swim goggles. Yes -- swim goggles! The heat was intense, but a welcome thing for me (not so much for Jennifer). I'd much rather be hot than cold. We went to my brother's house in N. Las Vegas and greeted the rest of my family. It is always a pleasure to see them, as they are so far away from us. We are always treated like royalty when we come, even though we don't necessarily need it.

Dinner was from Capriotti's, a local sandwich shop down the road from my brother's place. They have the BEST sandwiches. I had the "Bobbie", a thanksgiving dinner on a baguette. It is made up of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce and it tastes AWESOME! After stuffing ourselves (no pun intended), we took the opportunity to patron the local Dunkin Donuts. If you know me, I LOVE Dunkin Donuts blueberry coffee and was so glad to know that there were TWO DD's nearby. We ended up getting our drinks for free, as they had closed out the register before closing (explain that to me) - thanks God for the coffee!!

The last event of the evening was a trip to Bellagio, touring the floral garden display and watching the fountains go off. It was a beautiful evening and a great end to the day. Very tired, we finally made it to our hotel around 11:00 (2:00 AM Indiana time), and basically fell into bed. Ahhh...a great day!

Stay tuned for day two updates and maybe pictures.

Signing off,
Josh :)

What is Up with Christian Radio??

Hey all....it's me again!  Ready for round 2?

I am becoming very worried about the state of Christian radio these days.  Why, you ask?  Well, as I was running some errands yesterday evening, listening to my tunes, I heard a DJ on a local Christian radio station talk about how they would be discussing how one's astrological sign might determine whether or not they are a good driver.  I did a double take - astrological signs?!  Could they be serious??  How in the world could they in good conscience air something having to do with astrology, a very popular occult practice, and not think twice about it??  Needless to say I was (and still am) very angry - that's all there is to it.  If this were some mainstream rock or pop station, I wouldn't be suprised.  But come on, Christian radio?! 

Well, needless to say, I have expressed my concerns to this radio station via e-mail.  Yes, I was very professional and straight-forward.  This alleviated a good deal of my anger, but now I feel sad more than anything else.  Christian radio has been an ally in some very bad times for me and to see (and hear) them broadcasting this kind of material makes me wonder how long it will be before it can only be called "inspirational".  So sad...all I can say is: Lord, come back soon!

I would like to hear your thoughts on this subject.  What do you think the deal is, and, should we who are Christians be angry?  Think on this.

Until next time!

Josh

My Very First Blog!

Wow!  My very first blog EVER!  Who-duh thunk it??

I have read blogs, talked about blogs, and hear about blogs just about everywhere; however, in my wildest dreams, I never thought I would ever have one.  Craziness!  I am not very good at this, so I am apologizing in advance for my being a novice blogger.  Just warning you...

Well, my long-awaited trip to Las Vegas is almost upon me.  I am SO excited, I can barely wait to be frisked by airport security and have my stuff x-rayed (whoo hoo!), get on the plane, and fly to Sin City!  In case you aren't aware, my older brother, Reg, and his family live out there and I miss them terribly.  My family and I just visited at Christmas, but I can never see them enough.  I am especially excited to see my nephew and nieces - they are growing up so fast, I am afraid they're gonna grow up and I won't know where time went to.  My brother and his wife, Tere, are so kind to us and treat us like royalty, even though they really don't have to.  It makes for a wonderful vacation away from the hum-drum of daily life in Michiana.  Vegas is a fun town (in small doses), especially when your loved ones are there.  Oh, and did I mention it'll be in the mid-90's and 100's while I'm there??  Yeah for sunburn!!

Another reason this trip is so momentous for me is that my beautiful girlfriend, Jennifer, is coming with me!  YEAH!!  She has met a great deal of my extended family, but this is her first experience meeting the Vegas clan.  She is excited as best as I can tell, which makes me more excited.  The more I get to know this woman, the more in love with her I become.  She and I share so much in common and I simply love spending time with her.    It makes me tingly inside to think that she might just be my perfect soulmate.  Only God can tell, but I think it could be.  Hmmm...

Any hoo, I will be taking off on Thursday via airplane and will be staying a week.  Then I will accompany my parents back (who drove out there - crazy old people!).  There will be some sight-seeing and I  help drive to relieve them.  4 days - just me and the 'rents - PRAY FOR ME! :)

Well, I hope you enjoyed this blog.  Let me know how I can improve my blogging skills.  I will work on installing a comment box (just kidding).

Josh