The Same Boy You've Always Known

(on our way to Marietta for the first Indoor meet of the year)

I've been adapting to my new surroundings, and settling into the busy and stressful college schedule, but I still feel this weight on my shoulders. Really when I think about it, everything in my life that gives me the most stress is money. I had a plan to quit my job at Starbucks and try to work some hours on campus. Well, it looks like now that I might not be able to do that.

I've applied and pursued a couple of jobs on campus now, and it seems like they're not interested. So, basically rather I like it or not, I'm stuck at Krogers until something else comes up. I've been praying that time comes soon. It don't mind working there, its just all of the fucking politics and shitty people at that store makes me sick. I can honestly say I've met the most disrespectful, rude people of my life there and it makes me hate every inch of that place. Like I was said, its seems like every problem that comes into my life is money related. So, I've been trying to look into ways to, not necessarily change the outside part of society, but instead change me. I probably have the worst financial education, and being brought up in a poor family, not being taught how to manage any of my problems, has caused these past couple years to be more stressful then I wanted.

I know all of this minimalist stuff can be really "gimmicky" and people tend to act like they're all about it, turn around, and pretend they're better then people. Well, I don't wanna be like that at all. I have been reading a lot about what your "needs", and your "wants" are, and I really wanna make a conscience effort to be more self sufficient and also take time to enjoy the smaller things.

Well that's enough of the debbie downer talk... In times where I can be stressed about something it seems like I can always fall back into my running, and as of lately that part of my life has been going great! We have such a good group of guys on the team. Having class all day can be a drag, but when 4 o'clock comes I know I can always fall back and have a good time with the team.

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself"

 -BJW 

Subb 15 & New Years Eve

Fifteen minutes to run 3.1069 miles, 5000 kilometers, 1609.344 meters. However you look at it, running under fifteen minutes for the 5k is one of my biggest running goals. It would take three 4:50 miles and a sub 30 second 200 meters.

This is my goal for the 2011 Track season.

So what will I do to achieve this?

I am willing to give up everything and anything to reach my goals in running. I have given up pretty much any social life I might have had, I am in the process of moving out to Reece Brown's house in Lucasville (20 miles from campus) later this week. I also am going to quit my job at Starbucks in late January to focus only on my running and school. I have had a part time job since I was sixteen years old. For once, I want to not worry about making it on time to work, or having money take over every decision I make. I am ecstatic to think that in a months time my life will be so simple, so relaxed, but yet so productive and enjoyable.

I did not move down here to just make ends meet, work 16-20 hours a week and try to balance my school, running and work. I came down here to get a college degree and good education. To run on a great cross country program. To enjoy every moment I can in the short time I will be here. The past two years have been extremely busy trying to juggle all of this thing, and have not been very enjoyable outside of of my running.

I feel that being in this environment and having the opportunity to do this, I will excel. I am very excited and cannot wait...

This past weekend was new years eve and I could not have enjoyed it any more. Jeremy, Kara, Reece and I drove up to Chicago to enjoy some musical performances, and have as much fun as we could in 2 nights. Friday night (new years eve) was spent hanging out in the hotel room, heading to Timothy O'Toole's Pub for dinner and then taking a cab to Logan Square Auditorium to enjoy one of the most energetic, fun filled 30 peice pep band I've ever seen.  It was filled with old and young faces who really enjoyed playing music. They were called Mucca Pazza and words cannot explain how much fun we had. Definitely a great way to bring in the new year.

If this wasn't enough, the following night was spent at the famous Aragon Ballroom to watch one of my all time favorite bands, The Black Keys! One of the best combination of Drums and Guitar work I've ever seen live before. Such talent and true rock I had a smile on my face for the whole show.

Until next time, I will leave you with a quote...
   "He looks the whole world in the face for he owes not any man"
                                       - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow