Last One

Well, this is it. I really should have graduated a week ago, but alas, I am returning to MSU in the fall for two more semesters. And honestly, I couldn't be happier about it. There's still so much to see and do, and I feel as if the 7 semesters prior to this spring were just a giant learning experience.

Finals came and went (well), no 4.0's but that's alright. I've got my co-op with Toyota this summer, and that's all that matters. Although, the timing couldn't be any worse. I've been fortunate enough to meet some great people, and the very fact that I'll be gone for three months hurts. Granted, I'd be an idiot to pass up the opportunity, and it's only twelve weeks, but I can't help but feel that I'm going to miss out on a lot, and not just Cedar Point trips. I'll definitely be making, at the very least, a monthly trip back up to Michigan.

For the next few months, starting May 17th, I'll be living in Erlanger, KY, about 5 minutes away from Toyota's North American Headquarters. I have no idea what I'll be doing this time around- at first, I was disappointed that I wouldn't be working at the plant anymore, but hopefully they've got some fun stuff lined up for me. As long as it doesn't involve traveling to Princeton, I'm good with whatever they throw at me. Distractions are always welcome though, so if you find yourself bored and in need of a road trip, look no further than a 4-5 hour jaunt down to Erlanger. We could catch a Reds game, go to the Cincy Zoo or Aquarium, or just hang out at any of the parks in the area.

Anyway, have a great summer, and stay tuned for 5ifthyear. Feel free to shoot me an email message, facebook mailbox message, or any other means of communication you may know of.

Help!

Late notice, I know. But I need help figuring out what I'm going to wear to my cousin's wedding tomorrow night, and that's where you come in. Here's a picture of three possible shirt/tie combos, just tell me which one you think I should wear!

And if you don't agree with any of my choices, by all means tell me.

Wow, I Do Have a Life!

Well I must, because it's been like three weeks since I've updated this thing. And in those three weeks, a lot has happened. And I won't even bother talking about school, just know that I'm finally done with classes and I've got 5 tests next week.

Last week was Habitat for Humanity's Act!Speak!Build! Week, a program geared towards campus chapters and other youth groups with the intent of advocating change and raising awareness about poverty in America. Honestly, I was a little disappointed with how things went, purely from an attendance standpoint. Granted, we didn't do the greatest job of spreading the word, but it's tough when your entire e-board isn't willing/available to help. Hopefully next year will be better, and we can build on the events we did this year, like the BD's fundraiser, letter writing campaign, and guest speaker/movie night/sleep out at the Rock.

And last night, I went to the Habitat for Humanity of Michigan Awards Ceremony at the Kellogg Center. The evening was great, but the best part was the keynote speaker: Ernie Harwell. If you're a Tigers fan, then you definitely know the name. The man was the voice of the Tigers for 42 years, and I got to meet him. He was approaching the room where other Habitat members were waiting, and I was waiting outside the room for the other Habitat Lansing folks. He made direct eye contact with me, came right up, and extended his hand, saying "Good evening young man, good to see you." All I could do was shake his hand and say "Great to meet you Mr. Harwell."

Seriously, Ernie Harwell made last night, and hell, this entire school year, worth it. When you meet someone of that magnitude, it's something you don't ever forget. The life he's lived and the stories we heard last night are something a very rare few have ever experienced, and I'm glad he shared them.

One, Two, or Five Things

1. I'm rarely ever a negative person. I always look at the bright side of things, so for me to dwell on stuff like this and just be pissed off about it means that it really bothers me. But I don't like talking about it. Which is why I'll put it here.
2. I don't like being used. I don't like the feeling of being used. I don't like giving and giving and giving and feeling like I'm getting nothing in return. It bothers me and makes me wonder why I'm so outgoing at times. But I know I'll never be able to stop.
3. The month of April is hereby named Hell-tober. I have so much work to do in the next three weeks that I doubt I'll have much time for anything fun, much less anyone. And honestly? That's the way I want it.
4. Toyota had called me, asking if I would be interested in going to California or Arizona for the summer. That hasn't panned out, so Kentucky it is. Which is perfectly fine with me, because there's still so much I want to do down there.
5. This is the summer that I get into shape. I'm talking running every day, and working out (weights or cardio) as much as possible. I'm done partying and I'm done drinking, however little I may have done. It's overrated and does nothing for me.
   

15 Minutes...

...is all I'm budgeting for this entry. I've been meaning to update this thing for so long, and I've just been so busy. So now, between 12:45 and 1am Monday morning, 7 hours before my Composites test, I am updating.

I don't even know where to begin. It's not like a lot has changed or happened, but the things that have happened are significant. Spring Break was flat out one of the best experiences of my life. After Hurricane Katrina hit, I told myself that if I ever had the chance to make it down to New Orleans, I would. It may have taken more than 2 years, but I finally made it, and I have no regrets. Not only did I have a hand in building a few homes in Musicians' Village, but I met some amazing people (both from the area and elsewhere) that I plan on staying in touch with for a while. We're already looking forward to going down there in the summer, and I can't wait.

School's going alright, could always be better, but given the amount of work and time that I've had in which to do it in, I'd say I'm faring pretty well. It's shocking how one week can be laid back, and the next week, I've got barely enough time to sleep for a couple hours a night. And there's still another two semesters of this. Wonderful.

The weather is starting to get better, which is both good and bad. Good, because I'll be in a good mood all of the time as opposed to 90% of the time. Bad, because nothing will get done. Take today for example. I didn't really do anything until 1 in the afternoon, and that was just typing up notes from a plant visit that happened on the 16th. A little late, needless to say. Then I went for a relaxing run, and played ultimate frisbee for a couple hours, followed by dinner at Applebee's. And before I knew it, it was 10:30 and I was heading to the Engineering Building to study for my 7:45 exam.

Speaking of which, I should get some sleep. Typing on the bed is only encouraging my eyes to close further.

New Orleans = Time of My Life

MSU Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans!

Check out all my photos from Habitat's Spring Break Trip down to New Orleans. More stories to come in the next few days. Enjoy!

Motivation #1

I felt a little creative (and inspired) this morning.

For your desktop: 1024x768 or 1600x1200. If you'd like a different resolution, just comment or get ahold of me.