joekerbfg3014's Xanga

Hidey Ho Xanga Rangers!

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:53:40 GMT

Eh, if other people are going to try to bring Xanga back - well then I am too!!

Hidey Ho Xanga Rangers!

Let's start off with the desert. I am always surprised at how hot it gets in the summer. I know, I shouldn't be because it IS the desert and all, but every summer it just seems to be hotter and hotter. Today, once again, it will be well over 100 degrees and it will not cool off for the rest of the summer. Everyone always says it - but it's dryyyy heat. I don't care; anything over 100 degrees is too hot for me. It isn't too bad if you are just stepping outside for a couple of minutes, but it is like an oven every day in my car, and if you have to walk anywhere, including the mailbox, well God help us all. Luckily I have my nice, cozy house with air conditioning and I don't really have to worry all that much about the 100+ weather outside.

Summer vacation is here - staying up until all hours of the night, sleeping in late. Except when people call you - this morning, I had four phone calls before 9 AM. I was up and about after that. I am taking some summer classes, but they are all online so I don't really have to leave my house, which is nice.

Leave on Thursday for Colorado. My sister is getting married. I am really excited, but I do know that my family needs to relax. They get really uptight in situations like these, primarily because they really do want to see it all turn out for the best, but they just need to chill. The most important thing is that my sister is going to be married by the end of it all, and that is a fact to be celebrated. My sister knows it - she is keeping it in the forefront of her mind. But the rest of my family has the strange need to look at all of the small details and not worry about the bigger picture. Oh well, I love them anyway.

Hope the world is treating you like it should.

Peace.

It's Been a Long Week

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 05:58:34 GMT

Do you ever wish that you could just start over? Have Sunday back again so that you could do it all over? Make changes so that Friday would look a bit different?

I am having one of those weeks, as are a lot of you my loyal Xanga Rangers.

I know fully well that all things happen for a reason, but sometimes I have to stop and wonder what God has in store. Why this time? Why these events?

Trying to stay strong, and see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Pray for Binil's family, as they lay him to rest this weekend.

I love you all.

Binil Samuel, 1985-2007

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 22:54:26 GMT

It is with heavy heart that I write today about the death of my friend, Binil Samuel. Binil was killed this morning at 1:00 AM driving through the northwestern part of Chicago. The car he was riding in was turning left, when a tow truck ran a red light and hit them. Binil was killed instantly, and the other two people in the car were rushed to area hospitals. The man driving the tow truck surveyed the scene, and then fled, abandoning the truck in Park Ridge. The police are still looking for this man.

I am at a loss for words. At a loss for emotion. I am just completely at a loss. I am not really sure how to process this event, what to think about the death of such a young man, or the travesty of someone committing vehicular manslaughter and not checking to see what happened. Binil graduated from DePaul in June of this past year, and had just accepted a lucrative position with a business in Chicago that would have had him on the fast track to being a very successful businessman. And in one fatal moment, it is over. His promise. His young life. Ended with the violation of a red light.

What was the man's hurry? Why did he have to run that particular light? I think back to the many times that I have rushed through a yellow light, or maybe even a red light, just to make up a couple of minutes. Rushing to dinner. Rushing to school. Just rushing to get home. Was it worth it then? Was it worth it to this man, to make his way, wherever he was going, just a little bit faster?

Binil was the cream of the crop. I don't know if I have ever met a wittier, more intelligent, sharper witted young man. He always had something to say, and he stood strong by his convictions and his opinions. He would challenge his friends to think outside of the box, and to make sure that they had analyzed their decisions from a variety of points-of-view before settling on a singular decision. He made people laugh, and he loved more than almost anyone I have ever met. He cared deeply, and could be relied upon to do just about anything you needed him to do. He had a promising future ahead of him, and I know that he would have made the world a much better place to live in.

It was his faith in God that I respected most about him, and I know that in Binil's short 22 years on this earth, he made the Earth much better to those of us who had the opportunity to interact with him. He trusted that God had plans for him, and that He would never let Binil run astray. He knew that God's hand had been over his entire life, and that God's hand would be over the lives of those around him. He know that God had us destined to a better life then the one we are living, and he looked forward to the day that God would call him home. Binil loved with God's heart, and he trusted God's word. And now, I know that God has called him to stand by His side.

Binil will be dearly missed, and always remembered for the things that he did for those of us left behind. And Binil's legacy is one that we should all remember. Slow down. Take your time. Never sacrifice safety for convenience, or leisure. Watch out for those around you. Love people you don't know. Love people you do know. Take the time to stop and let the people in your lives know how much you care about them. Do something nice for those around you.

Because the truth is, my friends, we really don't know. We don't know when the day that will be our last will be upon us. We don't know when God will decided to call us home to be with him. We don't know what God has in mind. We just don't know. So live each day like it is going to be your last. Because we don't know.

Thank you for being a part of my life Binil Samuel. It was my honor to know you. It was my honor to serve for a short period of time with you. It was my honor to love you as a brother.

Goodbye my friend.

"She's the Man"...in your pants!

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 23:09:23 GMT

Hidey Ho Xanga Rangers!

So before I entertain you with the details of life these days, let me first agree with Ms. Amy about this new revolution in weblogging, Brotherhood 2.0. John and Hank are hilarious! It is such an interesting idea, and the two of them are soooo funny. Basically, the premise is that these brothers, who live across the country from each other, decided that they relied too heavily on textual communication in order to keep their relationship going, so they have committed to doing video logs every day during the work week, and then they respond to each other about the goings on of the day and different challenges/etc. that they have to go through. I am slightly addicted. Hank wrote a song about Harry Potter 7, which was absolutely fantastic! Accio Deathly Hallows!

So, I am sitting here watching "She's the Man" with Amanda Bynes. I avoided it for a really long time, because I did not know how I felt about these tweenie adaptations of Shakespearean plays. I loved "Twelfth Night" and I didn't want this to ruin it for me. But it is actually very witty, and quite funny. I really like the way they have adapted the play to fit the teenage model, and I love that it shows the universal themes of Shakespeare's writing. It really proves that his themes transcend the times. I am finding a newfound respect for Amanda Bynes that I never thought I would have had before. It is great.

Not much else is going on right now. Been back to work for a couple of days this week, and am going to go back full time next time. I don't know if I am ready for this new job, but there is only one thing to do. Jump in and do it.

Does any one even read Xanga anymore? It's all good if not, I just never see anyone anymore ;).

Peace.

"It's the Right Things to Do"

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 04:16:48 GMT

Hidey Ho Xanga Rangers!

I watched "Hairspray" again last week (third time, thank you very much) and I had some thoughts that came up about the state of the world. First of all, I highly recommend that everyone go and see this film! You can't help but tap your feet, start to sing along with the music, and leave with one of the biggest smiles on your face that you might have ever had in your entire life. It is just straight up fun from start to finish.

The thing that really struck me during this last viewing of the film is, why does it take so long for people to realize that they need to stand up for things that should be changed, and why do more people not do the "right" thing? There is a point in the film where the African American characters decide to protest the television station that does not allow them to dance with the Caucasian kids, and Tracy Turnblad (the main character) asks her boyfriend if he will go with her. He says that he does not want to risk his career and she says "But it's the right thing to do."

And there you have it. So simple.

When it comes to equality and fairness within humanity, I believe that most issues have a very simple answer. Will it propel people forward or will it hold them back? Is it giving others an equal footing, or pulling the rug out from under their feet? If some action that you can do improves the lot of others, then it is the right thing to do. And it should be done. So why do we fight doing the right thing so often? Why are there not more people fighting for the rights of single mothers, more people fighting for equality in education, more people working to eradicate poverty? Why are there not more people doing the right thing? Why is it so hard for us to take a step out of our comfort zone and do what we know needs to be done?

Long Time, No Xanga

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:16:34 GMT

Hidey Ho Xanga Rangers!!

It has been one heck of a long time, and I must begin by apologizing to you for my long delay in posting. I had grand ideas of starting other websites, but alas, here I have returned to my first and my only, one true Xanga! What brought about this change in heart, you might ask? Well, I was checking my e-mail today, and I got my daily Xanga subscription, and there was only one update! Can you imagine? One update? I remember in the heyday of Xanga, when I would open my e-mail, and there would be at least ten updates waiting for me...sometimes more! Now only one? There are those faithful few (Amy in particular...kudos to you) who have continued on the Xanga train, as well as those others who have moved on to another website (Carolyn and Katie) but who still keep us greatly updated on the details of their lives, but others...

And then I thought to myself, "Joe, how can you pass judgment? You have left Xanga by the wayside as well!" Well, my loyal Rangers, it is time to turn over a new leaf! I have updated my page, got a subscription to Premium, and now it is time for me to return to my wonderful Xanga website! Hooooray! (And, if for some reason, I lapse, send me hate mail please.)

So, what's new in the desert? It is hot, but I guess that isn't so new. I moved into a new house, which is fantastic! This is the biggest room I have ever had in my entire life, including a bathtub! Hopefully I can stay here for a while. As I was moving, I thought about the fact that I have moved EVERY year since 2001. I think I am ready to stay in the same place for more than a year now. We will see what happens. I know the landlord of our house wants to sell it, so if she decides that next year is the year to sell it, then I will once again pack up my belongings and found a new place to inhabit, but I hope that doesn't happen! Many props to Katie for being my faithful moving friend. It wasn't the best time in the whole world, but we got it done!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. What can I say? I won't say much, because I signed an agreement with JK Rowling on her website that I would keep the secrets to myself, but WHOA. When the 21st rolled around, I hadn't originally intended to go and buy the book at midnight. My sister's birthday was on Saturday, and I had to get up early to drive to Palm Springs, so I thought "I will just get the book in the morning." Then, an old friend of mine (thanks Nemish) was like "You aren't going to get a copy" so I went to the midnight release party at Wal-Mart (not my favorite destination) and picked up my very own copy. It is excellent. Non-stop action from beginning to end. There were many times when I found myself saying "SHUT UP" out loud while reading, because I just couldn't be she had done what she did! It was an excellent ending to an excellent series, and I am so glad that I have spent almost the last ten years enthralled by this character and his world. Read it if you haven't yet. Harry ain't going anywhere soon...

Other favorite things of the summer? "Rock of Love" with Bret Michaels on VH1. "Don't threaten me with a good time." It is horrible, but I am slightly addicted...:).

Alright, that's it for today! I shall return for more musings!

Until next time...

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:02:08 GMT

Webpage!

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 19:54:38 GMT

I finally made a web page! I am kinda excited...come visit!

web.mac.com/joeymo7!!

Peace.

Long Time, No Xanga

Sat, 07 Apr 2007 17:50:47 GMT

Hidey Ho Xanga Rangers!

I know, I know...it's been a heck of a long time since I have updated my beautiful Xanga page, and I have missed it. I always think to myself, "I need to keep up with my Xanga Rangers" and then I realize how exhausted I am, or how much work I have to do, and then I think to myself "Next time..." and weeks go by, no word from Joe...but alas, here I am!! I have decided to stick it out with Xanga...Blogger just doesn't do it for me. My affinity will always be for Xanga!

So here's a brief update of life since my last Xanga entry:

1. Comps

A couple of weeks ago I took my comprehensive exams for my Master's degree. Basically, I went to UNLV from 8 AM until 1 PM and wrote essay questions that different professors had given us to prepare based on the material that we have learned. They provided us with 15 hours worth of study questions, for which we had to research, memorize citations, and the recall the information on the day of the test without any notes or assistance. My favorite thing about the whole situation is the fact that for two years, the program has told us that rote memorization is the worst way to measure whether or not a student has learned anything and then SURPRISE, memorize all of this information and tell it to us. It was ridiculous. But it is over. And it wasn't too bad.

2. Shiji's Wedding

This is actually next Saturday, but I have spent a lot of time mentally and physically preparing to go. I am excited, but again, not really ready for my best friend to get married. He is marrying a great girl, which excites me, but the fact that we are growing up...not so exciting.

3. Proficiency Exams

Students in Nevada spent the week before spring break taking their exit exams for high school. It was kind of crazy, as we had to make sure that all students were there taking the test, we had to prepare them to take the tests...it was all sort of a mess. But it is over as well.

4. Spring Break

I don't think I was up before 12 on any day. Enough said.

Hope all is well - and I promise, I will be better at keeping up with Xanga!!

Changes in the Air

Sun, 10 Dec 2006 00:14:56 GMT

Now is the time for a change, Xanga Rangers...I have joined the dark side...blogspot...

Please! Visit me!

http://joeymo7.blogspot.com/