home sweet home

Well I am finally back in Btown to stay.  I had a truly wonderful summer in Iowa.  The work was really enjoyable and I made so many great friends!  Going down to Iowa City reminded me a lot of Btown so that was awesome.  I was able to make a couple treks to Alpine Valley to see a night of Phish and 2 nights of DMB.  I also saw DMB twice at Deer Creek bring my total shows to 21.  I may be slightly obsessed.

I just spent a week at Cape Cod hanging with my relatives and had a blast.  There was way too much drinking and delicious food, but it was well worth it.  The highlight may have been the drunken Canadian ladies my uncle, brother, and I entertained one night.  Lets just say they like to party haha.

Well, it had been a while, but thats what I have for now.  A few weeks to relax before classes start is just what I need.....

Iowa's not too shabby

Well its been 3 weeks and I have to say that I am really enjoying myself.  I am doing a ton of manual labor, which I love.  The people I get to work with are awesome and I have definitely made a lot of friends.  We hang out a lot outside of work which is really cool.  

The weather here reminds me so much of Indiana.  Hot, humid, and T-storms are common as can be.  I do miss Btown and all my friends a lot, but this is definitely good for me.

I went to see Phish last weekend in Wisconsin which was awesome!  I had seen them twice before and they truly know how to perform.  Looking forward to some Dave shows later in the summer.

Well, I'm at the laundromat and its time to put things in the dryer.  Peace.

new beginnings

Well, I just arrived in Cedar Rapids a few hours ago.  Things have already been a bit interesting.  I was stuck outside my apartment for nearly 2 hours trying to get a hold my landlord to let me in.  He finally showed up and was a bit confused as to who I was.  I explained to him that he had cashed my $300 security deposit check a few days earlier and that he should know exactly who I am.  Upon entry to the apartment, I was shocked to find out that it was unfurnished.  I guess that explains the $200/month rent.  So needless to say I have made a few Walmart runs and will undoubtedly be back for more.  I picked myself up a blow-up mattress and its pretty comfy so no complaints.  I will definitely be living modestly these next 8 weeks, but it should be good.

Almost forgot, I was under the impression that I was living in a 4 bedroom place, but with 2 of the rooms being empty.  Well, I have 2 other roommates I wasn't anticipating having but I think its gonna be great.  One of the guys is doing a similar program to me and also loves to cook so I may actually live somewhat healthy this summer.  With there not being a lot to do around here I think I'm gonna try to get in decent shape, but we'll see about that....

I can't forget to mention that I just had a great time in Chicago prior to making it to Iowa.  Went to a Sox game and got to hang with my good buddy Foster.  Came home yesterday to play one final 11v11 soccer match which was fun.  Then, of course, I made it to the Bluebird one final time (well, until august).  The bartenders there will miss me the next 8 weeks.

Ok, I'm tired.... 

time for a break...

Well, the semester ended a lot better than I was anticipating.  Still pulled a 3.5 which I was relieved about.  I was really stressed out the last few weeks of class so it was nice to end strongly.

In addition to everything school related, I was also having to deal with planning the summer Y'ALL trip.  We took a small group (by our standards) of 26 people down to Long Beach, MS for 4 full days of work and fun.  We stayed at a place called Camp Coast Care, and things ran pretty smoothly.  We often have to deal with the issue of religion on these trips because generally speaking the organizations that house volunteers tend to be churches.  Y'ALL is a secular organization and most places we stay are totally understanding.  However, they still will often do prayers and the lot, but its really not a huge deal.  I just sit there respectfully because its not something that really offends me even if I don't believe in what is being preached.  Regardless, the trip was a success and I met a lot of great people and I think the future of Y'ALL is promising.

So I officially accepted the AmeriCorps position in Iowa.  I start in less than 3 weeks and am starting to get pretty excited about it.  Also, the Red Cross position in DC that I had interviewed for over a month ago finally told me they hired someone else.  I'm not bitter about not getting the position, but the time it took them to get back to me kinda pisses me off.

Anyways, the next few week I'm gonna have some fun.  My only real responsibility is coaching my soccer team.  I'm gonna make a trip to Indy and probably Chicago as well.  Hopefully I'll find time for a show or two as well....

busy busy busy

It has been an intense couple of weeks.  The next 7 days aren't any easier, but I'm glad the finish line is in sight.  It will be nice to have a break for a few weeks before I start summer work.

More than likely I will be in Iowa, however, there is still a chance I could be in DC.  Either way I'll be happy to get out of Btown for a little bit.

Well, I just wanted to write a little bit because its been a while.  I need to have a productive weekend of studying so I'm gonna get to that......

almost there...

I am so ready for this semester to be over.  I just feel drained and want a break.  Just a couple more weeks though.

I'm sitting in the Union collecting trip fees and forms for the Summer Y'ALL trip.  So far numbers aren't looking good, but I think we'll get there.  We just might need to do a little more promotion I suppose.

I am still trying to finalize my summer plans.  I am still waiting to hear back from both the Red Cross in D.C. and the AmeriCorps position in Iowa.  Hopefully one of those will pan out.  

So I had an awesome birthday last week.  I think.  Well thats what people are telling me who were there.  I got to see my buddy's bluegrass band so that was really fun.  Speaking of music, I am going to see Wilco tonight at the Auditorium.  It should be a good show so I am looking forward to it.

Well, I'm gonna go.  I'm so sleepy and I don't know when I'll have time to catch up on sleep.  Actually, I am probably going to take one of my world famous naps this afternoon before coaching.  Ok, I'm out.......

quarter-life crisis...

As I've mentioned previously, I haven't been very good about the whole internship search. However, the past week has been pretty good to me.  I had a preliminary interview last Friday with the American Red Cross in DC.  Today I had my second interview and was told that I was one of 5 people being considered (There were initially like 20-25 people).  I thought the interview went well so I should know by the end of the week.  Additionally, I was contacted about a summer AmeriCorps position in Iowa.  I still need to set up an official interview time.  I feel a lot more confident about being selected for that position, and it certainly wouldn't be a bad backup by any means.  I'm still holding out on FEMA to post their summer positions, but is it really a surprise that they're a little slow....

So I seriously can't believe that I turn 25 this week.  I don't feel that old.  I don't even really want to talk about it.  I'll just hang out with older people to remind myself that it could be worse....

Ok, time for bed.  I need to meet with my advisors tomorrow (today now) about my schedule for next semester....

  

it was a good day...

I would have to say that I took it pretty easy today.  There were some things that happened which I am pretty happy about, though.  First, I applied for a summer AmeriCorps position in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  They still need a lot of help from the devastating flooding last summer.  I was searching for internships and came across it and it seemed like it was right down my alley.  The money is pretty bad, but thats not really important to me at this point.  I have volunteered so much on the Gulf Coast, so I think it would be pretty cool to go somewhere else.  All in all I've been pretty lazy with the internship searching so I was happy with myself for finding this possibility.  Plus, if I end up there I will definitely go visit the "Field of Dreams."  That thing is still there, right?

I played in an 11 v 11 soccer scrimmage game tonight.  I am playing on a Men's Bloomington Cutters team.  Its been a while since I played full field, but I actually felt pretty good out there.  That could be because I was playing very little defense and only really moved when the ball was near me.  I did score our team's lone goal, so I was pleased with that.  I also hit the post.  I think its safe to say that I am the most dangerous player we have.  We start league games this Sunday, so it should be interesting.  I hope I can find some shin guards, but I really don't know if I even have any anymore.  Oh well.

The best part of the day had to be free breadsticks from Pizza (E)X(press).  I will never call that place anything other than its true name.  Kind of like I still order the Big Ten Special.  They can never take that from me.  But yea, free food and me get along very well together.

Well, time to study for a bit.....  

can't believe its been two years....

I am still in disbelief til this day.  Isaiah, I miss you so much.  You were such a wonderful person and will always be in my thoughts.  I don't have a lot to say other than your influence on my life has been immense, and you will forever be a part of who I am... Love you Riggs..........

lame friday...

So I completely lived up to my "indoor stud" title that I gave myself earlier this week.  During my game last night at the Plex I scored eight goals.  Most of the goals were pretty sweet, too.  I can't say the same about the team we played.  That may have played a larger role in my masterful performance than I am willing to admit.  Nonetheless, I hadn't played in two weeks so I was happy.  

Today was definitely not the Friday I had envisioned.  I was at SPEA by 7:45 this morning to work on homework for two classes.  It was 3 by the time I was done.  Normally this wouldn't be so bad, but somehow I managed to stay up until 3 the night before.  Oh well, the two-hour nap I took upon arriving home was glorious.  The dream I remember was not so glorious, though.  I won't go into all the details, but I was on a Y'ALL trip and there were major issues.  I'm really glad it was only a dream.  

Well, I'm going to get back to watching the NCAA tournament games.  I'm really hoping just one game will end up being exciting.  Its bad enough when IU isn't in the tournament, but when all the games are blowouts I really just can't take it...

you just gotta keep livin' man...

So tonight I had my first practice of the spring with my U11 boys traveling soccer team.  This is my second season with this group and they really are a good bunch of kids with a lot of potential. The first practice is usually a little stressful just because its been like 5 months since I've run a training session.  I would say its just like riding a bike, but I haven't ridden one in years so ya know...The practice actually went pretty well in terms of the kids giving effort and the activities having a natural flow to them.  However, I am so disappointed in how the fields are now at Karst. When I was a young kid playing for the Cutters, Karst had perhaps the best fields in the state.  I felt lucky to play on them.  Today they are hard as rock and there are so many areas where it is all dirt. It really is a shame and I hope they can be restored somewhat.

After not having a very productive day studying prior to practice, I ended solidly.  While my stats lab was only scheduled to run from 8:30-10:00, my partner and I were working hard until midnight.  We are getting close to finishing a brutal assignment so I think it was worth it to stay late.

I ended my night in typical fashion.  I obviously ate some food that I really didn't need to (microwaved some nachos) and watched back to back episodes of That 70's Show.  During a commercial I noticed that Dazed and Confused was on HBO, so I clearly watched the end of that after the second episode had finished.  I never get tired of hearing Matthew McConaughey's character saying, "You just gotta keep livin' man,  L-I-V-I-N."  Sometimes I really wonder why I didn't grow up in the 70's, but what are you gonna do?

Ok, time for a few hours of sleep..........

     

My first blog...

Well, I probably should be studying....but I've been wanting to create a blog for a while now.  I'm pretty quiet in general, so I'm hoping this provides me with a way to express how I'm feeling about things.  Anyways, here goes nothing...

Those of you who know me well are sure to have heard about one of my trips to the Gulf Coast.  I recently returned from my 10th overall trip since Katrina struck over 3 1/2 years ago.  It was my 7th with Youth Advocating Leadership and Learning (Y'ALL), the IU student organization that has become such a big part of my life.  At this point, it is hard for me to imagine my life with Y'ALL in it.  I cringe when thinking about finishing grad school next spring and realizing that I won't be able to participate with Y'ALL in the way that I can now.  The most recent trip proved to be very trying for everyone involved.  Planners, group leaders, and of course the amazing volunteers were all tested in various ways, yet we were able to pull through and come away with a truly memorable trip.  I am so indebted to everyone who played a part in it and will never forget it.  I am already psyched for the next trip, yet can't believe that it is only 6 weeks away.......

So I mentioned I should be studying....I'll get to that.  My classes this semester are definitely beginning to stress me out, although I'm sure no more than the next person.  Sometimes I like to whine though I guess.  Gut-check time is about to start and I am planning to be ready...  

I begin coaching with the Cutters Soccer Club again this week.  It has now been over 5 years since I started....I get to work with the U11 age group.  That is the perfect age group for a couple reasons.  First, they still truly love the game and are eager to learn.  Second, they think I'm a God when I'm clearly just an indoor stud at this point.  I think the fact that I will have less free time will actually benefit me in terms of being more focused on school.  There won't be time to procrastinate.  Also, hopefully the schedule at the Bluebird won't be calling my name as much as usual for late night jam band dancing....sometimes that is too much of a priority for me I suppose.  

Well, I guess that's enough for my first post.  Until next time...