The Runner

... So I'll run and I'll run
Through a see of dark faces
To unfamiliar places
Until I finally find where I belong.

I'm and old boy
I'm a young man
I've got a head full
Of some big plans

I feel like a high schooler with senioritis as I am nearing the end of my 2 year stint at lane community college. I finally scammed my way into the University of Oregon! I know it is no Harvard or MIT, but this is the only school I've ever wanted to attend. My Dad graduated from the U of O in the 70's and I am so excited to follow in his footsteps (although they may be covered now by the feet of 3 1/2 decades worth of chad bros).

I can sincerely say that I am proud of myself. I welcome the challenges and work that lies ahead.

Like A Doomed Fish...

I am totally hooked ... on Snowboarding. I didn't think I would ever catch myself saying such a thing after numerous comical attempts at the sport that left me even more frustrated (and much more bruised) than any poor round of golf. And that's saying something!

Just two month ago after being cordially invited by Joe to hit the slops for a day, I told him that I had vowed never to snowboard again. Seeing as how one of his favorite stories to bring up in group settings is a specifically traumatic experience I had at Mt. Bachelor a few years ago which resulted in me waiting in the lodge for about 4 hours by myself until there were finished having without their burden of a friend slowing them down.

Anyway, this Christmas my Mom bought me a 3 day pays, which included 3 lessons, to mt. Hood Meadows. Since it was free I decided to give it a shot. The lessons helped tremendously and now I can't stop thinking about it.

This weekend I'm going up Sunday and Monday for what should be some gnarly shreddage. Until then, I must suffer my first Math Exam of the term. Balls.

Off the Cuff

I've always tried to be a better man than me
but with each step forward I'm closer to uncertainty
not knowing where to go or what is going to happen
but always moving on because that's what I believe in.

R & R In the 503

Here's what's happened since the last time I wrote;
- Got through finals and ended up doing a lot better than I thought I did.
- Ended up getting snowed in Down in Eugene by myself for a couple days until I decided take a chance and try getting off our hill which was pretty much a sheet of ice.
- I made it back to Tualatin safe and sound with Pippin riding copilot.
- Endured the biggest winter storm since 1968
- Had a lovely christmas
- Went snowboarding with my Brother and his girlfriend on Saturday and fell in love with it all over again.

The next few days should be quite fun as well. Today is Gary's 21st birthday. We're going to hit up good old Mashita's for dinner and then head downtown to his condo before we hit up some bars. I'm still not sure what the plan is for new years, but I'm sure we'll find a decent way to welcome the new year.

I lucked out with the snow storm and didn't have to go back to work for a couple days last week. It's been extremely relaxing just being able to hang out around the house, shovel some snow, and just clear my thoughts before I head back for a much busier term than the last.

So far it's been a very lovely holiday season. The only thing that is missing is Barbie. I miss hear dearly and wish I could have spent the past week with her by my side.

We Come To It At Last... Finals.

At times, things seem to be moving quite slowly, but it seems like every time a term ends I feel like it blew by in a flash.

This week is finals week. I really need to nail the 3 exams I have in order to maintain my 3.5 gpa (which I will need to hold if I want to get into the UofO business school next year). I kind of screwed myself over by totally forgetting about our second Econ midterm was a couple weeks ago. Luckily, my amazingly sympathetic teacher let me take it the day after since I missed the previous lecture due to some car troubles. I still wasn't nearly as prepared as I normally would have been but was able to scrape a C+ out of the thing which dropped me down to a B.

My first Exam is at Noon today. It is for my Spanish 101 class. I'm not sure what I am doing on the computer instead of getting some last minute studying in... so off I go.

Love Hurts...

... But sometimes it's a good hurt.

Saying goodbye to Barbie was easily the hardest thing I've ever done. I have never known a love like the love I shared with her. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into when we decided to start dating but I guess I never thought about how hard it would actually be.

Her departure followed an absolutely perfect weekend up in Portland where she came with me to spend Thanksgiving with me and my family. I was so happy that they finally got to meet so my parents could see what an amazing person she is. They agreed with me 100%.

I miss her so much already. Every little thing reminds me of her and I am still trying to choke back tears. I'm not sure what the future holds for us... but if it is meant to be then it is meant to be (and I like to think it is).