Sports

It occurred to me that I didn't ever talk about how much I enjoyed my weekend chock full o' sports!

The Brewers game was amazing! We lost, but only after holding off the Marlins, forcing extra innings. Our defense was pretty good earlier in the game, but the offense was lacking. I'm guessing it had something to do with a lack of a day off. Theron and I sat fairly close, which was really nice. We were just out of foul ball range, so we didn't have to worry about getting hit in the head too much... But we were close enough that we could see everything that was happening.

I got to eat up in the Press Box, and Theron's dad gave us a little tour. I got to see all sorts of famous people, most notably Bob Uecker. I'm in the middle of reading his book, Catcher in the Wry, so it was really cool to see him. I had to try really, really hard to not go talk to him. It was all pretty fancy, and I loved it. I felt a little out of place at first, just because it seemed like Theron was used to it, and David totally was, this being his job. Hopefully I didn't embarrass myself too much.

Like I said, we lost 0-3. We did give it our best college try though. Ryan Braun held off the end of the game as long as he could, being the final batter. With 2 strikes and 3 balls, he hit two foul balls before finally striking out, thus ending the game. I don't know why every thinks J.J. Hardy is such a cutie, because Braun is much better. Oh well.

The Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) Championship game was pretty fun. I've never really been to a soccer game, much less an indoor soccer game, so it was pretty interesting. At one point, the ball came over the guard and almost got Kelsey right in the face. Luckily it bounced off the chair next to her and only hit her leg.

The Baltimore Blast won the game, but I thought that La Raza gave a noble try, especially with it being their first year in the league. That alone was impressive, but to see their players in action was awesome. Both the teams have some great players on them, and I was really impressed by the low number of fouls compared to other sports. Then again, this is a game where you pretty much have to kick your opponent. To read more about the game, click here.

Sunday, I spent engaged in the sport of quick paper writing. I was able to finish my REL316 paper pretty easily, because I love that class, and it's easy to write about visiting a Serbian Orthodox Cathedral. But I did have a 2-part term paper for my MUS158 class due too. Both parts were album reviews, one of The Doors' self-titled debut album - which was super easy and fun to write about - and the other about Randy Newman's Good Old Boys. It's a good album, but was definitely difficult to write about. I finished that one right at two, then ran over to my class one building over.

Today was the last day of classes before finals. My finals shouldn't be too bad though. In MUS158, it's just another test. And I'm doing well in both my religion classes, and I've done well on the tests, so I should do pretty good.

I feel bad. I didn't go to my 10am class these last two days because each time I went to get in my car, it wouldn't start. The security system is crap and keeps locking up on me for no reason. The only way to disarm it is to sit in the car for 10-15 minutes (until the security light goes off) with the key in the "on" position, then turn it off, remove the key, and restart it. Please, please, please don't buy an Alero.

Well, I'm off to soak up some snuggle time. With Theron going back home at the end of the week and the season of working starting, I know I'm gonna need it.

Reflections on 20

It's always interesting to me to have a birthday. No, it's not for the presents, but more about thinking ahead. Theron sent me an email yesterday about counting your blessings, along with his list of blessings. This year, it seems like I've grown up enough to look ahead into the next 20 years and see the blessings and accomplishments in my future.

In the last 20 years, I've been through so much. I graduated with honors, with two diplomas, and with my International Baccalaureate from high school. I entered college as a Sophomore, despite the fact that I'm staying for all four years in order to get a double major in Religious Studies and History. I found my niche at work, my group of friends there. I don't have a lot of friends otherwise, but a few fairly close people. I've had a mystery disease diagnosed and watched the number of people who have it and are diagnosed correctly skyrocket. It's gone from unbearable to manageable and normal for me. I've lost people I loved, most notably my great grandma Kay. I wonder what she would think of all the things that I've done, how proud she would be. I've moved cross-country, learned a whole new vocabulary, and figured out my political stance. I have a family who loves me. I not only have my family back home, my immediate family here, and dad's family, but I've gotten back in touch with my real dad (if only for one conversation), and gained a whole new family. I've been used, abused, taken for granted, blown off. I've fallen in "love" a few times. Now that I really know what love is, I can truly say that I'm in love for the first time.

I've managed to find someone who understands my insanity, quirkiness, dorkiness and ditziness, and who embraces me because of all that. Theron is all that I ever dreamed my Prince Charming could be, and then some. He puts up with my ranting, my occasional depression, and my unbelievable Belle-like quietness. And because of it all Theron loves me more?!?!? I am the luckiest girl in the entire world.

Looking ahead, I don't know when/where everything will happen. I'll graduate from Carroll and pursue Graduate school somewhere. I'll get my Masters maybe, or my Ph,d..I'll find a school, whether high school or college, to teach at where I can help to enlighten young minds and have an influence on the future. Maybe I'll write a dissertation and/or get a book published.
I know I'll get married and have kids, and that comes with a whole mess of things. I'll get a house, attend PTA meetings, scoot my kids off to piano lessons, baseball practice, dance lessons - all that good stuff. I'll take them on trips to visit my uncles and aunts and their cute kids. Watch them grow up and fall in love - hopefully not get married quite yet though.
I'll lose people that I love, people that I'm close to now. The thing that I hate the most about growing up is the change, even though that's what makes life fun. Learning new things, making new memories, meeting new people - that's what life is about. I just hate the thought of losing people.

As for the near future...

I feel like this year is going to be a good one for me. In the fall, I'll move onto campus and learn what it's like to take care of myself more. I'll be taking fun and challenging classes, learning more and more about the world around me and how it got to be this way.

In the next few weeks, I'll have finals and start the season of working my butt off, in every way. Theron will graduate, and I'll be so proud to see him make that walk. I hope he knows how amazing he is, and how very proud I am to be a part of his life.

As for today, the only gift I can ask for is peace. Not world peace - that won't be achieved in one day, and probably not even in my lifetime. I just want a nice peaceful day, which is already on it's way to ruins by now since no one can put other's needs in front of their pride. I want to talk to my family back home - most of whom I already talked to today - and know that they're alright. Most of all though, I just want my house to feel like a home, one where fighting doesn't happen, even just for 24 hours.

*Wish real hard*

Birthday Plans

Well, that time of year is here again... my birthday.

Last year, I got one of the best presents ever in the form of an ever-lasting friendship that I'll treasure forever.

This year, I have someone extremely special to share it with. And for the first time, I have no clue what I really want to do.

Theron and I are going to the Brewers game tomorrow night. I'm really excited. But on top of that, I won tickets to the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) Championship game between the Baltimore Blasts and the Monterrey (Mexico) La Raza.I guess it was a random drawing, but how lucky that I won for the championship tickets on my birthday!

So, it's not like I don't have anything fun going on this weekend, but more like I don't know what else to do to occupy my time. All I hope is that it doesn't rain all weekend. It doesn't really matter, since the games are both in closed/coverable stadiums, but I like the sun more than the rain.

I'm not working for a while which is both nice and sucks. I need the time off, especially with the summer rush already starting. But it's gonna suck to not have the money. Oh well, I will make due.

Well, I'll see everyone on the flip side of 20. Peace out.

You Throw Like a Girl

This is more Theron's thing, but I decided maybe I might write about some fun baseball goings-ons.

Kawamoto technical high school was beat by Shunshukan high in Tokyo, Japan. Not that exciting, except if you note that Shunshukan scored SIXTY-SIX runs in just TWO innings - 26 in the first inning and the other 40 in the second. Kawamoto's coach begged for the game to be over, not only to save his players and fans from the loss of self-esteem, but to save his pitcher's arm. He could've thrown over 500 pitches before the game ended, with a huge possibility of injury. Officially, they were credited with a 9-0 win, to make Kawamoto feel more respected I suppose. I tried to find a video, but to no avail.

On Friday, April 25th, I'm going to the Brewers/Marlins game. I'm pretty excited. I've only been to a few freshman baseball games, which aren't really rule-following sadly. Hopefully, they'll win. Theron's dad does some sports coverage, so he'll be there too. Unfortunately, we won't be able to be in the press box for the game, but we'll get to be there beforehand. Plus, we're sitting out where the foul balls get hit, so there's a chance I'll get a real Major League ball! I hope I get to meet Ryan Braun :) Nah, I really hope that Theron and I have tons o' fun, which is almost guaranteed.

That said, Theron has been teaching me how to play baseball a little bit. Pretty much, we've just been playing catch. But it's helping to break in my glove, and giving me some confidence. I can kinda throw alright now, and I'm getting better at catching the ball. Hopefully, it'll improve with even more practice. At the very least, I feel good about being able to throw things better, so that's good.

I'm sure I'll post and let everyone know how it went. I have all of next weekend off work for my birthday. As much as I love everyone at Kmart, I need a comfy weekend without the stress. I'll probably post before then, but if not, definitely around there then. I hope everyone has a great week!

Guns on Campus?

Really?

Recently there's been a push to get guns allowed on college campuses in response to the recent school shootings. While I support the Second Amendment, I think this is a disastrous idea.

Living in the Milwaukee area, I see the damage that guns can do almost everyday on the news, driving around, whatever. I don't think the answer to crazy people with guns is to give other crazy people guns. I've gone out with a couple guys in the past who've had anger issues. The last thing I want to see is them on campus with a gun to "defend" themselves. What then? The next time someone pisses them off, they can pull out a gun on them?

Honestly, I know that I'd feel completely unsafe if people on campus had guns. I'm sure that certain crimes would go up, because not a whole lot of girls are going to want to carry guns (unless of course they live in Waukesha). So what, then we got girls getting raped and killed too?

Trust me, the last thing I want in the whole world is for something to happen at Carroll. I know that I'm someone who helps when I'm needed, and I'd probably get hurt pretty bad trying to help others get to safety. I'll admit, it's a scary thought. But, I trust Carroll. I know that if something was suspected, they would take care of us. They're talking about setting up an emergency text message system, like that at several of the schools that have been attacked lately.

Parents need to help monitor their children, help set good examples, and, if their kids need medication, help remind them to take it and make sure they're doing it. I'm sure it's hard to do when kids are moving cross-country for college, but I think it's an important thing. If the foundation for taking meds is set right during high school, then kids are less likely to stray from that.

What's scary to me is the thought of drunken, angry, sex-crazed college students walking around with guns on their belts. That's not the answer to the problem at all. It will just cause more issues than it solves.

I think the solution is for all the schools to set up emergency text message alerts, just like Carroll is looking into. Security needs to be tighter, and whenever there's anything suspected the school needs to close, just like Oakland did yesterday.

Free Tibet

I've decided that I'm not watching the Olympics this year. While I support the athletes, I full-heartedly am against China. First off, the things they do to their own people are unthinkable. Still today, little girls are being murdered to produce a son, or they're being sold into prostitution and slavery rings as babies. If that wasn't reason enough, China's treatment of Tibet is.

Being a religion major, I've explored several different religions and been able to identify which ones I personally like and don't agree with at all. Buddhism strikes a chord with me. I've been meditating and doing yoga since I was about twelve, and have always liked and agreed with the idea of karma. That's a big part of why I can't, as a conscious and compassionate person, watch the Olympics. Mao not only lied to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetans, but he and his successors have basically exterminated Buddhism in the region, despite them saying several times that people have the freedom between five major religions - Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, Buddhism, and Islam. The part they don't talk about is that religious practices can only occur at certain times in certain places; only X number of books can be published and possessed; different dress isn't allowed; and probably the most disturbing thing is that they've killed, tortured, and systematically destroyed most monks and nuns, even going so far as to destroy the Universities because they were also Buddhist worship sites.

China today told the protesters to "shut up." Here's the Dalai Lama's response. Basically, His Holiness talks about the fact that protesters have the right to speak out, especially in America, and that he calls for nonviolence. This man is amazing and so genuine. Think about it, despite his people being murdered and oppressed, he calls for nonviolence, because violence is just going to make it worse... it always does.

And how do we as a country respond? We support China through buying everything exported from the country, despite the millions of Americans hurt and disfigured for life because of faulty and harmful products. There have been so many people who have gotten terrible chemical burns from Chinese made flip flops sold at Wal-Mart, even after they had been recalled.These clearly are burns and not allergic reactions, you can even look up the difference online.

By continuing to shop at Wal-Mart, where every single thing in the store is from China (with the exception of some Japanese electronics), we support the genocide being carried out in Tibet, the oppression of millions of people who don't even have the freedom to read this post, and the systematic female infanticide that's been going on for hundreds of years. Yes, many other stores carry Chinese products, but there is a better variety. For example, at Kmart we carry things from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Japan, India, and all over the place - I should know, I unpack a great deal of these things to put them up on the floor.

Although this is just a personal choice, I urge all of you to think about the impact that it could have if people abstained from watching the Olympics. Yes, it's nonviolent and won't work very well unless many people do it, but it's something.

Free Tibet!

A Matter of the Heart?

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — A man who received a heart transplant 12 years ago and later married the donor's widow died the same way the donor did, authorities said: of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

No foul play was suspected in 69-year-old Sonny Graham's death at his Vidalia, Ga., home, investigators said. He was found Tuesday in a utility building in his backyard with a single shotgun wound to the throat, said Greg Harvey, a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Graham, who was director of the Heritage golf tournament at Sea Pines from 1979 to 1983, was on the verge of congestive heart failure in 1995 when he got a call that a heart was available in Charleston.

That heart was from Terry Cottle, 33, who had shot himself, Berkeley County Coroner Glenn Rhoad said.

Grateful for his new heart, Graham began writing letters to the donor's family to thank them. In January 1997, Graham met his donor's widow, Cheryl Cottle, then 28, in Charleston.

"I felt like I had known her for years," Graham told The (Hilton Head) Island Packet for a story in 2006. "I couldn't keep my eyes off her. I just stared."

In 2001, Graham bought a home for Cottle and her four children in Vidalia. Three years later, they were married after Graham retired from his job as a plant manager for Hargray Communications in Hilton Head.

From their previous marriages, the couple had six children and six grandchildren scattered across South Carolina and Georgia.

Cheryl Graham, now 39, has worked at several hospices in Vidalia. A telephone message left Sunday at a listing for Cheryl and Sonny Graham in Vidalia was not immediately returned.

Sonny Graham's friends said he would be remembered for his willingness to help people.

"Any time someone had a problem, the first reaction was, 'Call Sonny Graham,' " said Bill Carson, Graham's friend for more than 40 years. "It didn't matter whether you had a flat tire on the side of the road or your washing machine didn't work. He didn't even have to know you to help you."

Courtesy of Fox News

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How sad for that lady... This is the second time her husband's off'd himself.

I think it's interesting that the two of them got together. Was it out of pity? Genuine attraction? Or even creepier, the young man's heart longing for his wife? *spooky noises*
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I feel lame for not having posted in forever. I've had so much going on. I went to the Islamic Society of Milwaukee last weekend, which was super fun. Everyone there was so nice. The Imam (basically the priest-type man) gave me his card and told me that, if I ever needed anything, I could get in contact with him.It was pretty nice.

I did my nails yesterday. This is the first time I've ever had fake nails. It took a little bit to get used to, but now they feel relatively natural. Plus, they look pretty. They're pretty durable too, because Theron and I played catch yesterday and they didn't break. He's teaching me how to throw like a not girl. I'm getting better, which is nice.

I had two Sundays off in a row for some reason. I know I asked for the one off, to go to the mosque, but yesterday was for no reason. It was nice though, because I had a nine page paper I needed to finish among other things.

This morning when I was coming home from taking Kelsey to school, a turkey just ran across the road in front of me. He had his wings up and was gobbling the whole way, reminding me of people who run across the highway, both arms up, kind of screaming like it'll help them not get hit. What a turkey!