I was thinking today how everyone creates a relationship with their pet. The way you are reading this you are thinking "yea, they need to have good relations with them." That is not what I am talking about though. We label everything now-a-days. Look at Facebook, you can "like" everything on there, I am sure we would misuse the word love on Facebook if we could. This labeling has gone overboard. When I say we are creating relationships with our pets we are making them a child. How many times have you called a pets owner "mom" or "dad" when talking to that pet? I mean listen sometimes how much we talk to a pet like it is a human. Now don't get me wrong, I love pets. I work with two dogs, and have one in the family, and I do it too. In fact it was me doing this that got me to thinking about this.
The Boston Globe recently release the most common animal names of 2011. Leading the pack (forgive the pun) in the dogs was a base off of pop culture. For dogs the leading name was Bella from the Twilight Saga. Check out the link to see the top names for 2011.
That is about all I have to say for this one, I know it is short but I think my Stars one makes up for it. Have a good week everyone!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Stars
Stars, specks of exploding gasses thousand of miles away from earth that make the darkness of night bearable. Winter is my favorite season. Let me explain my self. During the summer months the humidity in the atmosphere along with the long-range radiation that the earth gives off makes a haze that makes it difficult to go star gazing or planet watching. Winter is my favorite season because no matter how mild the season is or how frigged a night is you can, on a clear night, see the sharpness of the night sky in all its beauty.
I live in a small town. I do not envy those who live in the city, they are missing out on something wondrous. You might be thinking "This guy is weird, why is he talking about stars." What I want to know is have you ever been to a quite place with little light except that coming from the night sky on a moonless night? It is a different type of peaceful. Imagine yourself laying in the short grass of a field watching the night sky go by. Seeing the shooting stars next to a friend or a lover while the breeze blows through the country side. I get to live this vision whenever I get the chance.
There are places all throughout Missouri that are State owned and therefore available to the public during certain seasons. One such of these places is Prairie State Park in Liberal, Missouri. Do you remember the song Home on the Range? Well there is a part in it that says "where the buffalo roam..." In this state park, you may actually see buffalo roaming. There is also a camping area and walking trails, but the best feature of this spot is in the middle of a clear night laying looking into the heavens a specks of light that brings out the childish imagination of everyone of us.
How cool it would have been to have lived in the age of the Greeks or the Romans. Looking into the night sky and seeing it so clearly with no noise or lights to take away from the peaceful research. To have your mind connect the dots and see images and stories play out in the night sky. To have your myths live on as long as man could see the expanse of the universe. In some ways, night is more magical than day.
So yes I like winter, night and the sky. If you are stressed, take a break. Drive a few minutes to your local state park and lie down and watch the world rotate for a while. You will be glad you did.
Let me know what you think.
I live in a small town. I do not envy those who live in the city, they are missing out on something wondrous. You might be thinking "This guy is weird, why is he talking about stars." What I want to know is have you ever been to a quite place with little light except that coming from the night sky on a moonless night? It is a different type of peaceful. Imagine yourself laying in the short grass of a field watching the night sky go by. Seeing the shooting stars next to a friend or a lover while the breeze blows through the country side. I get to live this vision whenever I get the chance.
There are places all throughout Missouri that are State owned and therefore available to the public during certain seasons. One such of these places is Prairie State Park in Liberal, Missouri. Do you remember the song Home on the Range? Well there is a part in it that says "where the buffalo roam..." In this state park, you may actually see buffalo roaming. There is also a camping area and walking trails, but the best feature of this spot is in the middle of a clear night laying looking into the heavens a specks of light that brings out the childish imagination of everyone of us.
How cool it would have been to have lived in the age of the Greeks or the Romans. Looking into the night sky and seeing it so clearly with no noise or lights to take away from the peaceful research. To have your mind connect the dots and see images and stories play out in the night sky. To have your myths live on as long as man could see the expanse of the universe. In some ways, night is more magical than day.
So yes I like winter, night and the sky. If you are stressed, take a break. Drive a few minutes to your local state park and lie down and watch the world rotate for a while. You will be glad you did.
Let me know what you think.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Week 5
This has been a fairly good week. It has gone by quickly as all weeks do when you have both work and school. Next week will be even better as I have three test on Monday, no school on Wednesday or Friday. Not having to drive those two days is going to save me some gas. Mid-term and Spring Break are just around the corner and I can't wait. To not have to drive for five days and plus I took off some time from work so I will be able to spend some time with my friends and family.
I was notified today of the requirements that are needed to pass the physical portion of the testing process for the MSHP. WOW, they are quite tough. I am hoping that I will be able to do it. The next two weeks I am afraid are going to be the toughest two weeks stress wise for a while.
That is really all I can think about saying today. It is time to up the ante and work out a little harder. I should not have taken those two days off of working out. Have a good weekend all!
I was notified today of the requirements that are needed to pass the physical portion of the testing process for the MSHP. WOW, they are quite tough. I am hoping that I will be able to do it. The next two weeks I am afraid are going to be the toughest two weeks stress wise for a while.
That is really all I can think about saying today. It is time to up the ante and work out a little harder. I should not have taken those two days off of working out. Have a good weekend all!
Gas Prices (linked)
Have you ever noticed that one week you see gas at a certain price and you think "Wow, that is way to high," and then a few weeks later you are saying that you wished that the price of gas would go back to that price? Well I had that thought today.
I think this is what a lot of people are going to be saying soon. ABC says that some people could see up to $5/gallon gas during the summer time. If this happens, we will be seeing a lot of people walking and riding bikes. What I want to know is why we let the price keep going up. The last time it was this high was in 1981. By the late 1990's gas was under $1.50 for a nation wide average. Why is it that we are letting them hike the price of gas up. People keep saying that they are looking for alternative flues. LOOK HARDER. The electric hybrids that are out on the market today still require gas unless you plan to only drive for like two blocks a day. That is not a reliable alternate. I drive about 60 miles daily to get back and forth to school. I put about two tank fulls of gas in my car per week. Right now that is costing me about $80 dollars. I will not be able to afford college if gas goes up any further. Not only will I not be able to attend the classes that I am paying for, people are not going to be able to eat because the gas prices will be hiking up the prices for food.
A good result of this is we may see more farmers selling their meat locally while local butchers and farmers sell the fresh produce at local stores. I can see a trend developing where communities in America become closer knit. Where business booms in the local market because people are not going to be wanting to spend the extra gas and money to go out of town to shop. I say welcome back 1960's style shopping, before wal-mart and industrialized shopping. Welcome back to the flourishing of small town communities.
If gas continues to go up, I hope that the local markets grow. I also hope that industry takes a hint and tries harder to locate another way to travel that will not rely on something so trivial as oil. There are ways out there, I just know it. But for the time being I am going to invest in a bike and ride that around my local town.
I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter.
I think this is what a lot of people are going to be saying soon. ABC says that some people could see up to $5/gallon gas during the summer time. If this happens, we will be seeing a lot of people walking and riding bikes. What I want to know is why we let the price keep going up. The last time it was this high was in 1981. By the late 1990's gas was under $1.50 for a nation wide average. Why is it that we are letting them hike the price of gas up. People keep saying that they are looking for alternative flues. LOOK HARDER. The electric hybrids that are out on the market today still require gas unless you plan to only drive for like two blocks a day. That is not a reliable alternate. I drive about 60 miles daily to get back and forth to school. I put about two tank fulls of gas in my car per week. Right now that is costing me about $80 dollars. I will not be able to afford college if gas goes up any further. Not only will I not be able to attend the classes that I am paying for, people are not going to be able to eat because the gas prices will be hiking up the prices for food.
A good result of this is we may see more farmers selling their meat locally while local butchers and farmers sell the fresh produce at local stores. I can see a trend developing where communities in America become closer knit. Where business booms in the local market because people are not going to be wanting to spend the extra gas and money to go out of town to shop. I say welcome back 1960's style shopping, before wal-mart and industrialized shopping. Welcome back to the flourishing of small town communities.
If gas continues to go up, I hope that the local markets grow. I also hope that industry takes a hint and tries harder to locate another way to travel that will not rely on something so trivial as oil. There are ways out there, I just know it. But for the time being I am going to invest in a bike and ride that around my local town.
I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter.
Friday, February 10, 2012
My Favorite Movie Series
For those of you who don't know me (which is really all of you) my favorite series in both written and visual form is Star Wars (TM). This series just makes me relaxed.You can sit down with a book a read if for hours and see the words come to life. The main thing that I like about the Star Wars series is that it is fiction. I mean this to say, it is written to entertain not because it actually happened.
In 1999 George Lucas release the first move in the pre-queal of the saga. Episode one which introduces the story of Anikin Skywalker and Obi-wan (Ben) Kenobi. This week, Lucas Arts re-released that movie in a 3D version of it.
I like this movie so I think I am going to go see it in 3D and compare it to the blu ray release that I bought in October.
Now you know a little bit more about me. Yes, I am a "star wars" nerd. I have a huge collection of the books and all the movies on Blu Ray (I bought the moves before I bought the Blu Ray). I can't wait to see what the next series is going to be after they finish the book series that I am reading now (last book comes out in March.)
Let me know if you Like Star Wars. If you do maybe we will talk!
In 1999 George Lucas release the first move in the pre-queal of the saga. Episode one which introduces the story of Anikin Skywalker and Obi-wan (Ben) Kenobi. This week, Lucas Arts re-released that movie in a 3D version of it.
I like this movie so I think I am going to go see it in 3D and compare it to the blu ray release that I bought in October.
Now you know a little bit more about me. Yes, I am a "star wars" nerd. I have a huge collection of the books and all the movies on Blu Ray (I bought the moves before I bought the Blu Ray). I can't wait to see what the next series is going to be after they finish the book series that I am reading now (last book comes out in March.)
Let me know if you Like Star Wars. If you do maybe we will talk!
Vacation or no vacation, that is the question! (linked piece)
It has been another horribly long week for me. Between school work and working out I am super exhausted. I honestly cannot wait for the next long break. I am already beginning to count down until the semesters end! I have been trying to decide on where to go for vacation this year. Some of the choices are with my close friends, others are just places I would like to take a camera and go take pictures for the entire trip. Of course if I do that, I am going to invest in a SLR camera.
My decision on where to go is a hard one. It also depends on who is wanting to go with me and how much money I have saved up at the time. If my friends are going with me, I was thinking about either going to one of the Caribbean Islands or Florida and would probably just invest in an underwater housing unit for my current camera so that I could go snorkeling out in the bays. I love photography if you can't tell. If my friends do not go with me than the whole beach thing is out of the question. I would go to either Montana, Northern California in the Redwood Forrest, or to Yellowstone National Park. These would be ideal because I love to take pictures of nature. Nature is there for you, unless you are dealing with animals nature stays still for the most part so that you can compose the image the way you want. For me this is perfect because I feel as if I can paint a picture for you when I do not have the best artistic abilities in painting. Designing photos relaxes me. But to go to these places and take these pictures it takes money and a good camera.
SLR or Single Reflex Cameras are a really good camera that you can do a lot with. I got interested in SLR when I was a senior in High School and was taking a lot of pictures for the yearbook. I am currently taking a course in Crime Scene Photography this semester and we are learning a lot about the manual and other functions of an SLR. I like the fact that you can not only create the setting in manual, but you can also focus on what you want to. You can have the image focused on a small item in a huge frame or you can have the entire frame in focus.
SLR cameras are expensive. So I will need to search for something that I like. Both times that I have used an SLR for long periods of time they have been "Canon Rebels." I like the way that you change the settings and how the camera works. The average camera is about $500. That is just for the camera, not the lenses or memory cards and such. They do often have package deals that you can get.I am going to be looking for these package deals that way I can get more bang for my buck but still know it is reliable.
This post is lengthy because I am trying to talk myself into taking a break and going on a vacation. I am writing down my thoughts because reading it makes me fell as if who wrote it down knows what they are talking about. Yes, that means that I am trying to boost my self confidence while talking myself into taking a break
My decision on where to go is a hard one. It also depends on who is wanting to go with me and how much money I have saved up at the time. If my friends are going with me, I was thinking about either going to one of the Caribbean Islands or Florida and would probably just invest in an underwater housing unit for my current camera so that I could go snorkeling out in the bays. I love photography if you can't tell. If my friends do not go with me than the whole beach thing is out of the question. I would go to either Montana, Northern California in the Redwood Forrest, or to Yellowstone National Park. These would be ideal because I love to take pictures of nature. Nature is there for you, unless you are dealing with animals nature stays still for the most part so that you can compose the image the way you want. For me this is perfect because I feel as if I can paint a picture for you when I do not have the best artistic abilities in painting. Designing photos relaxes me. But to go to these places and take these pictures it takes money and a good camera.
SLR or Single Reflex Cameras are a really good camera that you can do a lot with. I got interested in SLR when I was a senior in High School and was taking a lot of pictures for the yearbook. I am currently taking a course in Crime Scene Photography this semester and we are learning a lot about the manual and other functions of an SLR. I like the fact that you can not only create the setting in manual, but you can also focus on what you want to. You can have the image focused on a small item in a huge frame or you can have the entire frame in focus.
SLR cameras are expensive. So I will need to search for something that I like. Both times that I have used an SLR for long periods of time they have been "Canon Rebels." I like the way that you change the settings and how the camera works. The average camera is about $500. That is just for the camera, not the lenses or memory cards and such. They do often have package deals that you can get.I am going to be looking for these package deals that way I can get more bang for my buck but still know it is reliable.
This post is lengthy because I am trying to talk myself into taking a break and going on a vacation. I am writing down my thoughts because reading it makes me fell as if who wrote it down knows what they are talking about. Yes, that means that I am trying to boost my self confidence while talking myself into taking a break
Friday, February 3, 2012
The cold hard facts about working out.
As you may read in the other post from today, I have put my application in to be accepted to the next class of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. In order to do this I will need to get into better shape in the next month before the application process and the test starts in two weeks. This post is more than just an assignment to me. I am going to return here to read the cold hard facts about what I have to change in my life. This means that I will be having to work out on a regular basis and lose a lot of weight. Good news it that this gives me a goal and a push to stop procrastinating and do something about it in the next month. If this information helps you please let me know, because you comment may just be the one that helps me not quit.
I am a number, a statistic. I am obese, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website over 33% of all Americans are obese. In Missouri that number is 30% as of 2010. I am part of that number. In order to change that I have to change my life style meaning that I have to cut out a whole bunch of foods and drinks. I made a major step by cutting out the pop in my life on January 1st, however that is not the extent to what I have to do. Now I love my pasta and carbs as much as anyone around me does, but those are one of the things that has to go. I have asked my friend to help me, and as much as his help pains me, he has cut my diet down to the basic goodies. This is officially my first day on this new diet and I will tell you the truth, it's harder than I thought it would be and I cheated a little.
While I will continue to do this tough eat healthy no things that I love diet and exercise until my legs want to succeed from the rest of my body lifestyle change, I can honestly say that if and when I stick with it, I will feel great for accomplishing it and being able to (hopefully) pass the first part of the application process. I will also be able to count myself no longer as part of the Missouri and American obese population.
This will make it easier for me to stick to the diet, according to the McDonald's website, just one McDouble has 390 calories of which 170 were from fat, 19 grams of fat, 33 grams of carbohydrates, and 920 milligrams of sodium. That is just ONE McDouble. When the recommended daily intake is around 2000 calories and just the burger for your meal is 390 of those, that doesn't leave a whole lot of room for stuff like steak and salad or something along those lines. Especially if you are like me and like to eat more than one of those small burgers.
I know that this post is going to help me, but I hope it also helps you. Feel free to leave comments on this post!
Center for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html
Accessed on: February 3, 2012
Accessed on: February 3, 2012
McDonald's Website: http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/getnutrition/nutritionfacts.pdf
Accessed on: February 3, 2012
This weeks rant.
This week has been one for the record books. What with the major life style changes and life altering career choices that I have had to make this week I am ready for a break, and that not even including the college work!
I do not believe the high schools prepare you for college now a days. Yes, they teach you how to do math or science,but they do not prepare you for the "real world" aspect of it. The decisions you make in college will forever affect your life, weather they be positive or negative. This week I took a major step in my career life by applying for the Highway Patrol. In doing so I have a deadline to get into shape and test (in one month!) This led me to making the decision to alter my life choices in how I eat and exercise as well as decide not to drop this semester classes. While I am happy that I sent the application I also created a whole lot of positive stress in that I now have so many days to cut the fat out of my life and apply my self to getting in the Patrol. If I survive this next month I know I will be able to survive the rest of the application process. While the decision to alter my life choices was not an easy one I am glad to say that I have a lot of people backing me up, and that will allow me to continue on this path.
I know that is not really a rant but it is what I accomplished this week. You will notice that the linked part of this week is going to be for me. This will allow me to look at it and keep to my goal for the month. If you have any suggestions please let me know for that would be awesome!
I do not believe the high schools prepare you for college now a days. Yes, they teach you how to do math or science,but they do not prepare you for the "real world" aspect of it. The decisions you make in college will forever affect your life, weather they be positive or negative. This week I took a major step in my career life by applying for the Highway Patrol. In doing so I have a deadline to get into shape and test (in one month!) This led me to making the decision to alter my life choices in how I eat and exercise as well as decide not to drop this semester classes. While I am happy that I sent the application I also created a whole lot of positive stress in that I now have so many days to cut the fat out of my life and apply my self to getting in the Patrol. If I survive this next month I know I will be able to survive the rest of the application process. While the decision to alter my life choices was not an easy one I am glad to say that I have a lot of people backing me up, and that will allow me to continue on this path.
I know that is not really a rant but it is what I accomplished this week. You will notice that the linked part of this week is going to be for me. This will allow me to look at it and keep to my goal for the month. If you have any suggestions please let me know for that would be awesome!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)