WILLCHISMO

...But fools despise wisdom and discipline.

2011-03-09T11:08:00.004-06:00

This year for Lent I have chosen to read a Proverb each day. Due to my busy schedule, I am being flexible about the actual time I complete this goal daily.
I appropriately began by reading Proverbs 1 this morning.

Proverbs 1:1 says,

"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life..."

What a way to start things off! This verse begins with an explanation of what these proverbs are for, and finishes with giving us a challenge. I challenge you to add something (or as most people will take something away) during this season of Lent. I pray it will give you strength as you daily prepare for the Resurrection and the joy that comes with that story in the coming weeks.

Some Musings on Johnny Cash

2010-10-06T21:00:00.001-05:00

There's no way you could have known, but I have been on a Johnny Cash kick as of late. His music has been a favorite of mine for the past few years. Maybe it's because I grew up listening to Nashville's 95.5 FM and country music was just part of growing up in Nashville. Or maybe it's the fact that my dad would pick up his guitar and play every now and then around the house. I know that part of it does have to do with the fact that he and I sing in the same vocal register (notwithstanding his gravelly tone) which makes it incredibly easy for me to sing along to his tunes.

I recently finished a book by Dave Urbanski called The Man Comes Around: The Spiritual Journey of Johnny Cash. It is a collection of stories that unearth the highly spiritual nature of Cash's life and how he earnestly strived after God's will for his life. Cash only became more devoted as the years passed and the vices of his early life took their toll on his earthly body.

I honestly had no clue how devoted Cash was to God. The media machine projects him as a rebel, a murderer, and a loner. And I know that Cash perpetuated this image for some part of his musical career, but the fact is that he came to a point in his life where he laid all the drugs and alcohol down and committed himself to God's purpose. Did he fall back into his addiction later on in his life? Yes, as we sometimes fall back into our sin - but it was his commitment to Christ in all things (despite his folly) that struck me.

Do I have the drugs to lay down like Cash did? No. Do I have the alcohol to lay down? No. Well, then what do I have to lay down? Do I have to lay down my pride? Yes, daily actually. And my pride is directly connected to my decision to own up to my mistakes.

When I mess up, it is often hard for me to own up to my mistakes so I can ask for forgiveness - You can ask my wife. I can be stubborn as a mule at times when it comes to taking ownership of my errors in order to have them forgiven. It is only in this humble place that I am able to start fresh and learn how I can handle that situation in the future.

I point these things out to encourage. I hope that this will help to remind us that we all are not required to be perfect, but rather we are made perfect in God's love.

Late in his life, Cash had some of his best recordings found in the American Recordings sessions with Rick Rubin. I have to be honest. I did not get to hear these sessions until after his passing in 2003. I missed out on all the hype and critical acclaim that came with the recordings. I learned from reading Urbanski's book that Cash said he wouldn't sing a song unless he felt the song was right for him. He took so many songs and then (with Rubin's help) converted them into spiritual songs which may or may not have been his intent - songs like "Hurt" by Trent Reznor which can be a depressing listen until you hear Cash's version. He converts a song of depression and drugs into a song of honest hope. That's a God-given gift. It's as if Cash put a spiritual layer over this song to convert it to something more powerful than it could have ever been in the secular realm.

Give the song a listen here.

Cash was a faced with death several times throughout his life. He was in a near-fatal car crash while on tour in the 50's and plagued his body with "uppers" and "downers" as well. He was stricken with double pneumonia twice and diagnosed with autonomic neuropathy. He had plenty of reasons to give up, quit, or end his own life. He had plenty of excuses.

I challenge you to drop your excuse for whatever it is that is holding you back from reaching your God-given potential. If there's one thing I have learned from The Man In Black it's to never give up.

Curried Chickpeas and Kale

2010-01-29T07:32:00.005-06:00

What better way to vault myself back into the blogosphere than by posting one of my favorite recipes? Sadly, this is not my own creation. It can be found in this wonderful book: 100 Best Vegetarian Recipes by Carol Gelles

For those friends of mine that seek an excellent addition to your weekly dinner standards, say hello to your new meal rotation.

Curried Chickpeas and Kale

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon cumin
6 cups chopped kale
1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
3 cups cooked chickpeas (cooked from dry; or canned, drained)
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1. Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, and cumin; cook stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the kale; cook, stirring until softened, about 2 minutes more.

2. Stir in the curry powder and coriander. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, and salt; return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 25 minutes.

Thanks

2009-05-07T13:35:00.004-05:00

It somehow doesn't feel real. I have been working towards this for a very long time and finally it has come to fruition. I have finished my Student Teaching. Now the job hunt begins. My resume is updated and more exciting than ever because it has a degree, an actual degree on it instead of "in progress" next to it.

Here's to celebration and the completion of goals.
Thanks to those of you that have taught me along the way, your input in my life is invaluable.
Thanks also to my wife, for her love and support is limitless.

And thanks to my heavenly father for providing us with the resources to complete this journey.

Two Hands

2009-04-23T05:44:00.003-05:00

I can count how many days I have left in the classroom on two hands - 10!
Who's excited?

Friday is my bday #26. That night is the Run for Mercy pasta party where we will carb up before...
The Country Music Marathon on this Saturday and I'm getting a little nervous about it (which technically means I am really pumped about it). 13.1 miles.

I am running for young girls with life-challenging issues such as self-harm and eating disorders that these girls may be broken free from the chains that are holding them. What are running for?

Word Cloud - A Summation of My Blog So Far...

2009-01-17T09:30:00.000-06:00

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No Mo' Moe Man

2009-01-07T13:20:00.010-06:00

My time is running out. Tick tock tick tock tick...

Tonight is my last night at Moe's in Brentwood. I have worked there since February 2005 with only six months off which I spent at Asurion. When I lock that door tonight my life will change forever. And no I am not being dramatic. My life has been comfortable in the classroom in a desk, but now I will transition to the other side; the educator. I am thankful for the time that it has taken me to get to this point in my educational career.
I would not be the man I am, and likewise gained the knowledge I have acquired, if I had taken another route. There was a weak moment in my life where I thought I was destined to pursue another career. I suffered through many semesters in the Music program, but came into my present situation only because of those experiences. God truly does guide our paths. Mine has come full circle, as all things do, and has thus made me a grateful child of God.

I begin my Student Teaching on Monday.

Am I nervous? ...ish. Yeah, nervous-ish. I was more nervous when I found out where I my placement was going to be, but now I am more comfortable with the idea of this being my last semester. And who wouldn't be comfortable with that? I mean, it has taken me long enough to finish college. I should be excited (and I am).

I won't have to work any more weekends. Nights. Open to close shifts. Be anybody's manager. Fry chips. Roll those wonderful burritos. Call people in to cover for someone. Have a separate set of work clothes. Count the money and be held accountable for other adults' attitudes. But don't get me wrong. I have enjoyed my job these past few years...I am only more excited about moving into the classroom. And if I didn't feel that way, I would be in big trouble.

My responsibility will be the students in my classroom, and that is something I am confident I can handle with integrity.

T-Minus

2008-11-16T22:23:00.001-06:00

10 days til school's out..

[I am thankful. I cannot describe how it feels to be so close to a degree. May 9, 2009
Thanksgiving and Christmas will have an added value this year.]

...and counting.

My Schedule...are You Jealous?

2008-11-05T15:15:00.003-06:00

MONDAY
class @ MTSU : 8:00AM - 10:05AM
tutor at Dan Mills (Math): 11:20AM - 12:15PM
tutor at Dan Mills (Reading) : 12:40PM - 1:30PM
work : 4:00 - 10:00PM
homework : 10:30PM - 12:00AM

TUESDAY
class @ MTSU : 8:00AM - 2:40PM (including teach Small Group in Practicum)
no work - hallelujah!

WEDNESDAY
class @ MTSU : 8:00AM - 10:05AM
tutor at Dan Mills (Math): 11:20AM - 12:15PM
tutor at Dan Mills (Reading) : 12:40PM - 1:30PM
work : 4:00 - 10:00PM
homework : 10:30PM - 12:00AM

THURSDAY
class @ MTSU : 8:00AM - 2:40PM (including Lead Teach in Practicum)
no work - hallelujah!

FRIDAY
class @ MTSU : 8:00AM - 10:05AM
tutor at Dan Mills (Reading): 11:20AM - 12:15PM
Junior Achievement @ Mt.View Elem : 12:40PM - 1:30PM
work : 4:00 - 10:00PM
homework : 10:30PM - 12:00AM

SATURDAY
work 7:00AM - 3:00PM

SUNDAY
church 8:00AM-10:20AM
work 11:30AM - 5:00PM

The Hopeful Politik

2008-09-23T19:54:00.008-05:00

I have been experiencing a fellow co-worker's disdain for my choice of presidential candidate as of late. I find it very hard to have a discussion when I am being yelled at, and subsequently laughed at by this fellow because of the issues I take to heart. It gives me headaches frankly.
I feel it would be over-the-top if it come down to me not speaking to him. Now, there are some times when I do have to walk away. I then attempt to come back after serving a customer to restart this...I want to use the word "debate" but the way i am spoken to is anything but a debate...conversation to only arrive at the same destination once again - in disbelief.

I am not a One Issue Voter. I voted for Kerry in 2004, and I didn't vote for him solely because he served in the military. If we used only that criteria, how did our current Commander in Chief garner his place as the leader of our country? Hmph, I guess it wasn't as important of an issue eight years ago.

Issues I Care About:
Healthcare - Being someone whom has a 'pre-existing condition' I find it very appealing to have Guaranteed Eligibility.

Taxes - Giving the middle class a break, since the upper class has been getting a free ride for some time now.

Education - Reform No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Improper funding makes this program difficult to accomplish. And seeing as how this is my career choice, it directly affects me on a daily basis. Also, college should be more affordable to our children (high school diplomas are no longer the standard achievement in education, many jobs require at least a Bachelor's Degree).

Energy - "Drill Baby, Drill" is not only annoying, it does nothing to defer our attempt to eliminate our dependence on oil (it's a natural resource and is running dry quicker than expected). The environmental impact in the most remote areas of Alaska still need to be protected. Their loss of habitat is not something I can condone.

Women's Rights - Women earn around 77 cents per every dollar a man makes. Who else thinks this is right?

Public Service - Our nation is one of the strongest in the world, yet how many are watching TV when they could be helping our communities or local non-profit groups? More than you may think.

Fiscal Responsibility - Solely asking the nation to go shopping after 9/11 to "stop the terrorists" has obviously gotten us nowhere except deeper into debt and scrambling to bail out multi-billion dollar companies with a blank check.

I strive daily not to come off as "berating", "unintelligible", or "ignorant". This was supposed to be a short post. It looks like I had a few more feelings to get out. I hope you do not find this annoying, but instead revealing as to why I am making the decision that I am making. This is not meant to upset or ruffle anyone's feathers. I am not mad at anyone, just tired of the mess our country is in.

Godspeed and good night.

And The Circle Gets The Square

2008-08-30T16:14:00.005-05:00

I received notification via mail yesterday that I have completed all necessary testing requirements for Teacher Licensure. This means I passed all 4 parts of the PRAXIS II Exams. I've been waiting daily with bated breath til these results finally showed up in the mailbox. These included: 1) Elementary Education Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment, 2) Elementary Education - Content Knowledge, 3) reading Across the Curriculum: Elementary, and 4) Principles of Learning & Teaching; K-6. Impressive, no?

Now if I can just get through this semester and all the peer tutoring I get to do for my classes. I haven't had to work the past few days and it has given me an idea of what life with teaching in the morning and off in the evening will feel like. It's a very nice feeling indeed.

Days left in semester: 63

(It's just pitiful, eh?)

The Expiration of Summer

2008-08-21T16:30:00.005-05:00

Here I am. The summer has but a few days til it expires and I have been enjoying some casual reading, casual napping (as opposed to formal napping), and casual working. I drove to school last week and purchased the books which my professors had assigned for the fall semester. I can't wait til the semester starts. I am taking 16 hours and have reduced my time at work to 34 hours to accommodate my school schedule which still give me health benefits.
I bet that it will be hard for me to sleep on Sunday before classes on Monday. Am I the only one whom has trouble falling asleep. Of course I mean among adults? I had this trouble when I was in elementary school and such. But this should not still be happening to me. It will most likely continue since I am going into education as my career. I have the opportunity to sign an early contract in Davidson County this February. This makes me rather excited, as it should.

I like to play music when I am doing things around the house. There's nothing like throwing on some fresh tunes while completing daily tasks. I have had two weeks without school where I worked my normal, non-school-accommodation schedule. This was very helpful for me since I've been barreling through the summer taking classes and trying to stay afloat.

It has been a good summer. I have enjoyed the time I have been able to spend with my wife. Our time has been limited because of our conflicting schedules. Luckily this pursuit is almost over and I will spend every night at home with her - this is truly the reward I am seeking. If you can find someone like that, then you are very lucky. And being able to realize you are lucky is a blessing.

Coffee Can Only Do So Much

2008-06-21T09:19:00.003-05:00

It's Saturday. What am I doing up? Doing what I do best, one can assume.
It's funny how I now have time to sit down and record my thoughts and I feel no need to do so, while if one had asked me two weeks ago if I would like to share how my life was going, I would have enough for a very lengthy post. I guess I'll keep it short, since the wife will probably stay asleep for only another half-hour, then we have to go grocery-ing.

But I digress. I find it funny when probed about the idea of high gas prices, that I don't really react...except when I see what we were paying in 1999 (that was the last time Nashville had gas under a dollar). Folks, I'll let you in on something, we're not going to stop driving anytime soon. So let's just stop fussing about gas. You're gonna pay it...I mean, seriously. Let's get off this subject since it leads down political paths, and there's bound to be an Al Gore joke in there as well.

My good friend Bob will be coming home very soon, and I can't wait. He's had surgery. From what I understand, he is still healing, and therefore not out "in the trenches". He is a great guy and is going through some hard stuff right now. But I know that he will persevere, it's only his nature.

I have one more week in my Language and Literacy course. I'm rocking it so far. Don't jinx me.
I better head downstairs to start the morning brew. M'lady likes her coffee-she especially likes it when she can feel it moving through her veins.

Yeah.
She's funny.
While, people just think I'm funny.

The Great Concrete Yonder

2008-04-30T07:34:00.001-05:00

I've been enjoying the outdoors the past few days thanks to a new bike I received for my birthday. When I was growing up, I was one of the kids whose mother wouldn't let him ride in the street - we were only allowed to stay in our yard. I would cycle tirelessly around our house over and over hopping from the back patio concrete onto the grass with a lil jump every time, brushing past the pine trees, crossing in front of the house, and then doing it over again. I would race my brother on his bike in the same fashion whilst remaining in our virtual prison.
But don't get me wrong, I did want to break free. I got the chance whenever my grandmother would come into to town to watch us. She was from the country, there weren't any boundaries us while we were there. Thankfully for me this translated to her visits in the city.
I would burst onto the street and pedal to the church (a good 2 miles away) and explore the same streets I had only seen through car windows. It was a whole new experience. I never was an expert at balancing my self while not holding the handlebars-but I can tell you it felt like those guys look when they ride-effortless and exciting all at once. I would then coast down the hill and slide into the driveway to check and see if my mother had come home. If she had not, I felt like I had won a contest and then I heading off once again to have my cheeks exposed to that graceful summer wind (and to stick one to the man at the same time).

PS: My mother still doesn't know I did this, don't squeal if you don't mind.

Say What You Mean; And Vice Versa

2008-04-10T08:40:00.003-05:00

I am deep. Maybe I'm too deep. Often I speak in metaphors and confuse those around me - especially my wife. I don't know what it is about how I speak, or even write, but it even baffles me sometimes. Here's another example...
So, let's take for instance my ability (or sometimes inability) to write music. I like to write soft songs that make you think, cry, basically connect with you on an emotional level. The reason I want to have this connection is because I enjoy it when I hear music that connects with me other than on a visceral level. Songs that can be both complex and simple in style all while being something I would want to listen to on a lazy day. I can critique music and find things I enjoy. But for some reason, when it comes to my skills in this theater, I seem to fail.

I am inspired by many in the field of music and I have felt a tugging to reestablish my skill-set in song writing as of late. But I think I may have run out of things to say. I hope this isn't true. I am building my chops, trying to recover from the lapse since my last venture. Plans are to record some songs when Mr. Baxter returns from overseas. I am thinking of recording a few covers too to make the disc even out. Maybe some songs I like that could deal to have another rendition with my voice.

Have I ever told you how badly I want to be good at this? Most likely. But alas, I think there are very specific reasons I have lost my touch. I mean, let's look at it this way, if I was really good at song writing, then I probably wouldn't be as focused as I am on completing my degree. Maybe someday I'll be a rock star, or maybe ascribe less-than-moderate success within my friend circle...either way, as long as I like the songs I write, I will be happy.

The Way I Used To Be Is Not True Anymore

2008-04-08T07:56:00.003-05:00

A warm bass line. A steady string of chords. A sprinkle of melody.
Fortunately, life has not been getting the best of me - even though it feels that way some times - but that is not the case in my head. It will be getting busier from here on out. I register this morning for the classes I hope to take this summer as well as next fall. It's already getting hot in here with me thinking about it. With the class schedule added to the work schedule I currently have, it'll be a miracle if anyone I know will ever see me except at the call center or in the classroom. But I have to keep telling myself it's worth it. And it truly is.
The paperwork is almost complete for my acceptance into Upper Division at MTSU (I will turn in the last piece today and wait). When I am accepted "it will only be a matter of time", as they say.
I can honestly say I have never been this excited to go to class ever. I'm sure that I will feel differently on the first day. Let's just hope that everything goes smoothly today. God is in control thankfully. I don't have the power to get all these things done.

Good news. I have been writing again lately and it has been good for me. I got my guitar back and have written a song that has thus dubbed me "Willy Cash". I hope to record a few songs. Who knows, I may even put them on the internet. I mean "Internet", sorry Mr. Gore. It's times like these where I wish I had an upright piano to plunk around on. Are these socially acceptable nowadays, or are you uncool and old?
I'll settle for uncool.

Oh yeah, and people are having babies. Lots of babies - just watch your back. I'm not giving an announcement, I'm just giving advice.

Sleep Is Overrated (or Is It Over-rated?)

2008-03-05T09:39:00.001-06:00

Adapting to a new schedule usually isn't this difficult, at least for me I thought. In my younger years I could have slept 3 hours and continued without a loss of energy the next day. But since I have started working until midnight five days a week I found myself with headaches all day and dragging my body around town as I tried to act as if nothing was phasing me.
But I do know this for certain, I am not Superman. I may pretend to be, but I am weak and I falter often. It is interesting to me that some friends and family depend on me when at times, I cannot depend on myself. This where God's grace fills my emptiness and keeps me fresh.

I was determined to live my life the way I wanted after I began my new shift at work. I would still wake up at 6 with my wife, and go about our normal morning routine. When this was compounded with my inability to fall asleep immediately after getting home from work, I found my self in a bit of a rut. I was wearing thin, and my head was pounding as I was in need of ibuprofen throughout the day too keep those pains away.

It takes a lot to get though to me sometimes and I am glad I have a woman in my life that is not afraid to tell me so.

I say this because I woke up this morning later than I had expected and my wife already gone to work. At first I thought to myself, "why did she leave without saying goodbye?" My natural instinct was selfishness, as I felt I needed that comfort before she left for work. As the minutes passed and I began to wake, I realized that she had done the best thing for me, which was let me sleep.

She had my interests at heart all along-just as my heavenly father does. As He watches us, He knows our plan and never leaves us. And I am thankful i can feel His love from a person so close to me on a daily basis.
I hope you find someone who loves you as much as I have been loved, at least for a short time. It is truly necessary for all people.

Good Times, Great Oldies

2008-02-06T04:56:00.001-06:00

Several of my best friends came over on Monday night. There was little conversation about the past, but instead what we, and people we know, have in store for our collective futures. Relationships, careers, life issues.
I'll be honest, the process of getting plans together for the eight of us was quite and adventure. I hereby place these responsibilities in the hands of the wives whose real-life jobs are all about planning. That would not include me obviously. I am a horrible event planner, which is evident from the debacle I created - and the wives had to all straighten out.

I hear (and know) about how most friendships fade and fail after high school, yet I am not that unlucky. I have been able to keep close tabs on a few gentlemen who still influence my life (and I hope I reciprocate).

The reason I bring this up is because one of my best friends, Bob, will be heading back overseas tomorrow. Granted it will take him around 5 days to get back to where he came from, we won't get to see him face -to-face again til July. Thankful the first half of his tour has felt short (for me). And I'm sure his wife would differ.

Be thinking about those you know who are serving. I'm not big on war, but I am big on keeping those close to me safe. And this is where it gets hard. Bob is very far away physically, yet I want to protect him. Him, Bob, a man who can probably strangle me more times than there are letters in the alpha bet thanks to the US Army.

Yes I want him to be safe. Say a prayer for those you hold dear, in hopes you may see them soon.

The Moe Man

2008-01-28T12:14:00.001-06:00

A long day starts off slowly.
Today I begin my final days at the job where I have been employed for three years. Orientation begins for my new job next Monday. It is an odd feeling I have. Next Monday will be the first time in a long time that I will arrive to work and have no idea what I am supposed to do. This makes me weary, and at the same time excited. I wish I were downright upset or either or exceedingly giddy. but I am in-between those just trying to grapple with this new change. I know I will learn all the skills I need to perform my job as expected, but I am not used to this. Day after day I went to work, it was easy really. Serve customers, make those customers happy, teach new folks how to perform their job well. And now it is slowly winding down.

I have been told not to feel guilty, and I am just now getting over that feeling. I see how this new job will benefit me and my wife and know this is what is best for us. It just makes sense for our future. It's a no-brainer, if you will.

I have been reading lately. I hope this semester that I get to read much more than normal. I mean, reading textbooks is fun, but I'd rather read something else personally. (Isn't it odd how I still refer to time off school as semesters - I wonder if I will ever stop that?)

Just some thoughts I had. No bother. I know it will turn out well.
But I do know one thing for certain - The Beatles just sound better on a Saturday morning...they're not hitting the spot today.

Bronchitis, Broch-shmitis

2008-01-21T16:06:00.001-06:00

I have been sick for roughly three months now. It all started with bronchitis - prescriptions were taken, weeks passed and my cough progressively got worse. The I went back to the doctor and I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia. It was definitely not fun. It's fine to have people fawning over you if you are actually sick, but the deal with walking pneumonia is that you don't feel sick; no fever, no aches, no nada. I continued to go to work, never missing a day, finished out my classes and boosting my GPA.
Thankfully, I am well...I mean, I still get a tickle cough every now and then, but overall I am well.

The new semester has begun and the first time since 2001, I am not taking classes. It feels weird, but the break is necessary for me to apply to the upper division at school. I will hop back on the bandwagon refreshed and ready to finish up quickly. I am still working at Moe's in Brentwood delivering catering to doctor's offices and businesses almost daily since they have yet to find anyone competent enough to accomplish these tasks. It's hard being called the "Moe-Man". It kinda makes me sick to type it really.

The wife is doing well, working hard as always - and preparing delicious cuisine at the homefront. We survived the holidays even with my sickness.

In hopes to read more this semester, I finished a book very quickly last night. Cormac McCarthy's The Road was a pageturner. I mean, who doesn't like a book that Oprah recommends, I think it's pretty much against the rules really. It's a post-apocalyptic look at a man and his son on the road as they travel though an ashen world seeking supplies and just trying to survive. But, I'll warn you, McCarthy doesn't use quotation marks, so people like the wife find it hard to follow who is speaking. I on the other hand, don't mind the absence of them. I think it actually makes the story easier to read.
Diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks I s'ppose.
If Oprah recommends something, I guess I pretty much have to agree now.
But don't tell anyone I said that.

Meow, Baby.

2007-11-16T08:43:00.003-06:00

Our cats have been acting normal for about two weeks now. We had Jackie spayed and declawed and Reagan declawed at the beginning of November. They are back to their loving selfs. Jackie still has bad breath though. And I can't help but notice.
It's almost Thanksgiving-a holiday Amanda and I didn't have to endure this time last year because we were on our honeymoon. Welcome to 2007, and now we have to figure out how to handle all the family plans so nobody feels left out. Pretty normal for most married couples, yes?
I thought so.

It hasn't been bad so far actually. But Christmas is around the corner (don't get me started on why people are already wearing snowflake necklaces in mid-November) and we will have to partition out our time once more. We can be grateful though, we do have family that wants to see us - and that is a blessing.

Classes for this semester are drawing to a close and I couldn't be happier. I hope to do fairly well in all 4 of my classes this time around. I need it for sure.

I have had a cough for the past two weeks or so. I made a doctor's appointment for Monday. I just hope it's not something serious. I didn't until Amanda mentioned the word 'bronchitis'.
And now I'm worried.

I'm Not Sure If a Straight Man Singing "It's Raining Men" Will Ever Be Appropriate

2007-10-25T09:21:00.002-05:00

I think the soil here in Tennessee is saying, "Okay. I give up. Please stop raining." There was a cold snap yesterday night that caught me off guard. However, I do appreciate the chance to wear my jacket seeing as how it is the end of October.
I was starting to think I wouldn't get my moneys worth out of it this year.

I've been very sleepy lately. Usually I wake up before the alarm goes off up to an hour before it goes off, but with the rain and the time change approaching, my windows stay darker longer and I keep pressing the snooze button - not like me at all.

Thank you for the rain, by the way.

I'll Reach My Destination

2007-10-17T17:03:00.001-05:00

I've been at home for almost 48 hours straight. I think I've caught up on my sleep too. Today alone, I think I took 3 naps. Pretty awesome if you ask me. My love of loves is on her way home now and we plan to have a good evening of resume creation, church attendance, bible reading, and other things. I'm glad I have a wife who knows how to do things I don't. She is a pro at all things financial. She is the development queen. And at the same time a very humbling woman.

The big man did a great job of pairing us up - I'll tell you what else...he always knows what is best for us all.

My wife and I had a excellent conversation, it's been almost ongoing since Sunday on the way back from her mom's house. I am confident that she knows what is best for me and always puts us first above all others. I may be taking a new direction in the new year. I am excited and not at all scared. I will finish my goal as I have set it right now and then begin a new journey in the winter months.

I want to hear God's voice and follow his words to my destination. I cannot handle myself and my goals alone. It is in him that I will rest. He is my protector and defender, my ever constant friend. A listening ear.

He is showing me his love through my wife and her love for me. I have received a wonderful gift this week.

Yeah, I Eat Organic-lly

2007-10-11T12:41:00.001-05:00

I've talked this over with the wife and I feel I should share it.
Kroger really has pushed my buttons with their new Organic Foods billboard campaign.
I'll have to get a picture to post of it, for my retelling is insufficient.

Kroger is advertising Organic foods for their stores on these billboards. I guess they are trying to get people to stop shopping for Organic goodness at Publix. Anyway, the pictures of people on the billboard have giant heads and these strange expressions like, "I can't believe I found Organic food at Kroger!" or "I'm crazy looking because I buy Organic food!"

I know I'm exaggerating. I just find it amusing. Oh, and the billboard closest to our house has a hippie on it. Come on guys. I'm no hippie. Appeal to me by other means than making me look crazy for buying food that's actually worth buying.

If Randy Spivey Digs It, Why Can't I?

2007-10-09T22:21:00.002-05:00

I just have one question. And maybe nobody has the answer.
Am I really supposed to like Bruce Springsteen or am I Un-American because I don't like his music?

I mean, who still buys this guys records? Really...

The Internet As A Proper Pronoun

2007-10-09T13:37:00.001-05:00

The internet seems to be running slower than normal.
Why does this irritate when it should actually deter from from using the internet. And who actually capitalizes "internet". I mean just because Al Gore invented it doesn't mean it needs to be capitalized. Is it because the internet is bigger than one person?
I wonder if Wikipedia knows why...

It turns out, they do know why : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet#The_name_Internet
They also have a picture of the internet. Yeah.

I have listened to a new record that I have fallen in love with. At first, these tunes made me uneasy. I found them boring and not progressive. This partially is due to the fact that the copy I got was mixed poorly which, to any audiophile would make them shudder.
Regardless, I was ill impressed. It turns out, that this record is (and I hope I'm correct) a 90's record.
This makes sense - this record doesn't sound like their past offerings because they've only been around this decade and were not formed last decade.
It's MAE - Singularity

This record will not disappoint - it may take a few listens, but it will grab you as it did me.

Mr. Chismo Presents: The News

2007-10-02T14:23:00.002-05:00

In technology news, Mrs. Chismo got a new iPod (which means I got mine back thank goodness).
In exercise news, now that I have an iPod again expect Mr. Chismo to run more often.
In education news, Mr. Chismo took a test today and has two tests on Thursday.
In iPod battery news, mine is dead thanks to forgetfulness to recharge.
In unrelated news, Mr. Chismo pops his neck a lot.

Mr. Chismo Presents: The Typer & The Typee

2007-09-18T13:49:00.001-05:00

I've taken several tests over the past week. It feels good knowing the answers.
I type this to you, The Typee. I, being The Typer, do this, not in order to confuse The Typee, but to see how many, if any, commas I can properly include in one sentence that still includes grammatical validity.

I'm a horrible typer, ask my wife. She's really fast.
Maybe, I should just leave things uncorrected and see how they go.
But isn't this a horrible way to live? It is for me anyways.
But see, I'm bad about typing just in spurts and then correcting those short spurts instead of typing a whole paragraph and correcting it afterwards. I have to see the big picture and be able to analyze it before I can move on. The small pieces have to make sense before the big picture will make sense.

This was not supposed to be about typing - I very much went off on a rant.

I had the chance to sit down and read this weekend. Although it was not as much as I find useful. I didn't have a single book checked out from the library for at least three weeks and then I finally found it appropriate to begin checking out new material. School was my priority. I had to get back in the flow of the semester.

Typee, hmm. It sounds smart.

Mr. Chismo Presents: The Stream

2007-09-11T13:27:00.002-05:00

It rained today for a very long time. My shoes are wet as well as the lower half of my pants legs.
I feel like I'm running behind, but I'm right on track.
Homework to do.
There's chocolate on my pants that I didn't see til on my way to school - but it didn't bother me.
Some new things popped up on my radar. I hope I get to listen to some music soon. The family iPod is not Mr. Chismo's favorite.
Something smells funny and it may be my shirt.
How many right angles are present between 9:40 and 11:05 on a clock? Can it be determined? (that's part of my homework).
I wish I knew some kind of code...like if I typed "lts rn t th strt nd nt gt ht by crs" people would know what I typed.
Because I know what I typed.
Mahi x 2 tonight.
A warm drink and a fireplace sounds nice.
I need to write in my journal. Maybe I should write some music.
I want to borrow my dad's banjo and record something.
"Ambient" is the new cool word for music. People use it a lot now when really they mean "instrumental" or "wordless/lyricless" when actually it has a different meaning.
But I digress.

Back to work Mr. Chismo.

1:10 PM - 0 Comments - 0

2007-06-02T17:00:00.001-05:00

My summer's off to a good start. Well, I mean, it's June I know. I was expecting to be taking a class starting on Monday, but that didn't come through. The merry month of May was merry in the fact that I got to do lots of things with my family and Amanda.
Well, what have I been up to?
Julie, a friend of Amanda's from Mercy, and her fiance, Joe, came down from ole NYC to stay for a few days and we got to hang out and play our Wii together. We also went to see Pirates 3. Oddly enough, Amanda hadn't seen the first two films so I was updating her throughout the movie as to who were good and bad guys. She seemed to enjoy it despite her (in)experience with the previous chapters. Joe drove us back home and he let me borrow his iPod. I grabbed some stuff off there and was very pleased. At first I was listening to a few songs, then I changed my mind and started grabbing everything I could - I had to return it the following morning. I have a few tracks I really dig...especially this band called Anathallo. They are kinda mellow version of Broken Social Scene with horns and stuff like that. They have these parts where a gang of peeps start singing together. I'd call it a chorus, but it's more like a choir with shouts. They also have a righteous percussion section too.
And another band called Bernard. Bernard is neo-Coldplay/Keane except spiritually inclined. I couldn't sit and listen to Keane all day, but Bernard is another story. I guess you could say they are Keane, except they're good. Sheesh I sound mean.

Feel sorry for me won't you?
I have no AC in my truck. Yeah, it feels like the AC monster has taken away my chilly breezes which rise from my beautiful truck just like all my other vehicles. This will be summer #3 of no AC, if we don't get to fix it. But I think we're heading in the direction of replacing it.

Feel sorry for Amanda won't you?
She was in a car wreck on Thursday afternoon. She is okay thank goodness. A truck rear-ended her and aused her to hit the car in fronf ot her. Her Neon may be totalled. She has a rental for the time being. She has been sleeping long an often. She's feeling better.

I think I may take a nap now.

Busyness, or Business

2007-03-27T17:03:00.001-05:00

Business has gotten the best of me. Not my business, as in a store or a resteraunt - just me being busy, busyness (sp?).

Oh well. So it goes I guess. So now I'm married and happy. I have never been so content with another person. I have never felt so full of life. I have a new desire for the small things in life like taking walks, sitting under a tree, reading a book with a purpose, friends I never see, wanting to buy a bike to traverse the urban countryside that is Nashville.

School is going well. As it stands right now I will be graduating in May of 2008. I am currently doing very well in my classes. Summer classes, my new poison, are lining up (I'm taking 3 this summer again - much the same as last summer).

I am a substitute for Metro Nashville Public Schools and am loving it. Each new day brings new challenges (some of which have been shared).

Not much else is going on. Amanda and I are always filling up our days with our family and friends. My music preference is changing. I am an old man.

Welcome back.

Let's Go Outside

2006-10-24T14:37:00.001-05:00

I like rocks. I like trees too. Basically, I like manly things.
My fiancee has even found out lately I enjoy football, baseball, and other very sweaty sports. I guess it all busted out of my subconscious when I attended The 1st and Quite Possibly Annual Brothers Spivey Pigskin and Meatfest.

This was my first time to feel manly in a while. The entire premise of this day was to get all the men together and play flag football (another first for me) and then later on in the day eat meat and watch whatever football game happened to be on television.

This turned out to be a blast. How so? Well, despite only being thrown a pass (make that an incomplete pass) I awakened a part of myself that had for far too long laid dormant.

I am man. I like football too. I may have good tastes in household decor, an uncanny sense of pitch, and a killer music collection...But that doesn't mean I don't like to watch the World Series. Or for that matter, watch Peyton Manning do an excellent job every weekend.

My Car, It's A Not-So-Beautiful Thing

2006-10-24T13:58:00.001-05:00

If there is one thing that irritates me more than anything - it's my car. I love you DateMobile, really I do. But there's just something about you that drives me crazy...

Maybe it's the lack of Air Conditioning or Heat. Maybe it's the incessant grinding noise you make when I want you to go in reverse. Could it possibly be the lack of shocks and thereof for the past year and a half I've been driving you. What about the tires that are almost balled in the rear? Maybe it's the cracks in the front windshield. Or perhaps the mileage..

Oh the mileage. There's something very humbling about a car that lasts for sixteen years on the road and has put over 307,800 miles under its "belt" (that was a pun about the different belts under the hood just in case you missed it).

Despite all these things, I still love you and cherish you DateMobile. Man you are so hot. You know how to turn the ladies on, or at least one lady I know. She's told me flat out that she'd much rather take you, DateMobile, to a fancy resteraunt on any given basis.

Well, your days may be coming to an end. That's all I can say right now. I just need some time apart. I just need some time for me, ya know. It's not you, it's me...that kind of deal.

I mean what more could I ask for?
My first car was a 1989 Pontiac GrandAm. Sweet stuff. I bought it my junior year of High School for $1000 bucks.
I burned up the motor when antifreeze got mixed in with the engine oil. Don't ask me how.
Then it was another gift to receive a 1994 Saturn 2 door coupe from Amanda's mom for free by golly! I loved this car except for the constant oil-burning engine that had to be refurbished after every 300 miles or so with fresh oil. But man it had leather seats and tinted windows. It was the deal!

Now it's you Mr. Corolla. A 5 speed stick I learned to drive in an hour to get to work at Sam's Club in Murfreesboro. At first we had good times, then summer rolled around and...well, I guess I wore out the AC(blower motor) cus I was oh so hot in my DateMobile so you decided to slowly begin your descent into the heaping mass of metal and plastic pushpinned-ceiling you are today.

I see you there...lonely in the parking lot, begging for the clutch to be repaired.
But no. I won't succumb to that. I checked your Kelley Blue Book value and I found out the truth. You're not worth anything more than $400 bucks!! There's no way on earth I'm gonna replace the clutch, especially when I get it priced from an honest mechanic for $800. You gotta be kidding me!

I've gotten two free cars in the past 5 years - talk about a deal!
However, you let yourself slip Corolla. How could you do this to yourself?
I've held back on this intervention for far too long now.

This might be the end.
Just give me some space for now...

Six Feet Gone

2006-10-19T11:09:00.002-05:00

Nathan was always meant for Brenda.
Community is something we as humans require. However, it is a hard for me to want community. I feel this way because sometimes I find myself seeking solace in a cup of coffee or a quiet hole in the library. I would much rather not bother myself, or others for that matter, with mere talking. Sometimes I feel like I need no other humans to keep me sane. Better yet, I would prefer it if no one bothered me with petty drama (which thankfully does not exist much in my life), boring conversations which lead nowhere, or a person's constant need for fulfillment through mere presence.

Community is complicated. Community means people. And by association-people are complicated. This fact is obvious. This is what makes 'community' hard for me to grasp.

However, like I said before community is vital. I need the relationships I have in my life to keep me sane. As hard as I want to fight it, I can't get away from these people in my life. Maybe I'm done adding friends in my life. Maybe this is a reaction to the fact that I don't get to see all the friends I have very often.
This is my observation nonetheless.

I would like to think I do not need anyone else. Or think that I am self-sufficent. But this is not the case. God built us to require others. He built us to need Him. He instilled a need for community in us because He knew we would be lonely otherwise. He created Eve because Adam was lonely.
This is something I can live with. For the time being, I don't mind community at all.

Digging Deeper Into The K-onspiracy

2006-10-18T10:40:00.001-05:00

The power punk-pop-prowess (try saying that three times fast) of fabled band Relient K is coming to a head, so to speak.
I was very excited to hear about a new project by these fellows to be released in November by a teeny-tiny one-line ad on the back cover of the second latest issue of RELEVANT Magazine.
It simply stated:

NEW RELIENT K IN NOVEMBER

Now I admit Relient K has achieved a much higher status than I once would have believed they could. This fact alone however will not deter my joy of listening to them any time soon. Granted, Amanda knows every word to, I assume, every song. This is a talent I have yet to acquire. I can sing you all the separate parts (in their proper key, mind you) but lyrics never have really been my thing. Now I am moved by lyrical expression, but the memorization thereof is quite impossible for me. I begin to make up lyrics, hum, sing the guitar solo to make up for my inadequacy.

I was researching the Relient K website last night to see they are pushing back the release til February. This is sad. I will say that have yet to see any press for this release which scared me. Relient K are on Capitol Records, a big budget record company - no press made no sense.

But I digress.
It will be titled Five Score and Seven Years Ago.
I am excited about this record. I was hoping to take it for the plane flight/car ride on the honeymoon, but this will not come to pass.
Until then I will have to settle with the new Copeland releasing on Oct. 31 Eat, Sleep Repeat.
Have a pleasant afternoon.

http://relientk.com/blog.aspx
http://zilchonline.com/journal.htm

Play Me a Song Mr. Ben Folds Man

2006-10-18T10:24:00.001-05:00

In the process of completing my laundry I have stumbled across some information. From what I hear, Ben Folds is throwing an in-studio concert on the 24th of October. This, as exciting as it is, will be something I'll have to miss. I love Mr. Folds. Witty, prolific, and Nashvillian. The performance is for the release of his new LP which combines all his internet EPs and some b-sides. This sounds like it'll be good. They say some parts have been re-recorded and everything has been remastered. Sign me up.
Despite my future plans for today, which consist of mainly working, I have unearthed my Ben Folds collection and am listening to him right now.

Now don't get me wrong, I think Ben Folds Five was a great enesmble - a supergroup if you will. Everything seemed to melt together to create this pop masterpiece that has yet to be replicated. However, I think Ben Folds' solo work far supercedes his previous work. Maybe it's the Nashville air (as congested it may be) that has changed his production or maybe it's just him getting older.
I do know I enjoy Ben Folds.

There are a few guilty pleasures I enjoy in this life, Ben Folds is not one of them. He should be enjoyed by many more then presently do.

Introductions Are Always My Downfall

2006-10-17T19:39:00.001-05:00

Hello all.
In a vague attempt to chronicle all the goings on around these here parts I want to introduce you to this blog.
Say hello.

Now wasn't that nice?

I hope to analyze the world around me with a positive spin.
Included in posts to come:
- Possibly some social commentary
- Things I am excited about
- My meandering humor
- And the continuation of my blogs hence forth.

It seems that I grow tired of different journals/blogs.
At first I started off at DeadJournal (this was back in the dark ages (2002, 2003)- you totally had to have a friend give you a passcode to be considered part of this "elite"). Next was my movement to LiveJournal - it seemed happier. This made sense because I was happier (2003, 2004). After that, I heard about Xanga. Man, this seemed cool...not so much (2005). Then after a purposeful delay, I bridged the gap to that there MySpace.
Needless to say I 'use' my blogs.
To be honest, I despised "blogging" back at its advent.

Therefore, I welcome you to my blog.
WILLCHISMO's blog.

It's WILL-CHEESE-MO if you were wondering.