Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Home is where....the food is
Now that I'm finally living out in the cruel cruel world in my OWN house, I've come to a realization: food has a very intergral role in making a home for yourself. For those that know me, they know my love of food. I love the taste of it. I love eating it constantly throughout the day. I just generally enjoy everything about food. That said, I might be coming to the subject with a little bit of a bias BUT everyone, I think, can agree that the food makes the home. Why do college kids go home when they're wittle bitty freshmen? To eat. Yes, everyone loves to see the parentals and what not, but I can say with some confidence that the main reason is to eat, and eat well. Gathering around the table, bar, tv tray with a hot meal in front of you has become an icon of the American family. Eating good food, in good company makes a house, or an apartment, or a shack with a toilet, a home. The satisfaction one gets from a hearty meal can warm up the loneliest of souls and it does it with ease. So go ahead school...bring on the stress. The work. The papers. As for you utility bills, well you'll be dealt with soon enough. Just give me a nice steaming pot of chili or a sizzling pan seared steak and I'll take care of the rest later...
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
O.A.R.
***It's been a while...I know. But I feel like I need to speak up given the recent events. This is a post in lieu of my sister's post...namely the political bit. If you haven't read it yet...check it-->
http://sas-sara.blogspot.com/2009/11/lukewarm.html***
My generation enjoys to be different. Have your own style. Listen to the newest, most underground band and know EVERYTHING about em so you can brag to your friends. Religion?...no thanks. Spiritualism?...hell yes. Democrat? Republican? Independent? Wait...what's the leading majority right now? I'll side with the minority. Yes, it seems as though we're out to 'one-up' everyone out there. If you aren't strugglin, you aren't livin! If you aren't one in a million, you're nothin. One of the most apparent aspects of our generation is our political savvy. We love to argue. We love to question- qualities every kid needs to have if they're gonna have a chance in the world. Most importantly we love the knowledge we acquire that backs these claims and arguments up. Again, a great quality for someone to have. However, we don't just talk...we take action. This is where a line of common sense and insanity seems to have been blurred.
I'll just come right out and say it. I wish Obama would kindly see himself to the door of the Oval Office and high tail it back to Chi Town. I don't agree with the majority of what he's done (or hasn't done) nor do I like the company he keeps. This feeling is shared among a growing population. The hatred for Obama felt by some Conservatives and Independents is, I believe, far greater than that felt for Bush by Liberals and Democrats. It's funny, because when Bush was in Office, I didn't really follow the news. But now that Obama is in, I can't stop watching it. What will he do today? What socialist did he confide in? So I'll be the first to say that I'm just as guilty as the next moderately conservative person who feels that they have to equip themselves with polls, expert opinions, and numerous analyses, in order to compete with constant flow of mainstream media. Did I do this out of legitmate concern for this country? Or did I fall into the trap of being different, or 'loving to hate'. This is a question I think everyone should whole heartedly ask themselves before preaching words of impeachment, assissination, or worse...revolution. If you think, like me, that this nation is going downhill, what do you think will happen if a slug goes through Obama's head?? Such measures would rip this country apart. Bi-partisanship would become so intense that smaller factions would start popping up. Revolution would seemingly be inevitable. Revolution isn't a word you can just toss around either. It's the dismantling of the country. The economy would plummet, or just cease to exist. Hospitals, schools, farms, every aspect we take for granted would be ripped away by OUR own doing. It wouldn't be some video game where you're running around some post-apocolyptic landscape saving the world. It would be a disaster and it's something our country, if ever there was an appropriate time, could not withstand. Saying you're 'pumped' or 'ready' for a revolution is a lie. You can't begin to understand the magnitude such an event would have.
I'm sure I'm gonna get alot heat for this from R's and D's alike. Again, I'd like to clearly state my stance. I think Obama is pulling this country down faster than his approval rates. I think impeachment or resignation is not so far fetched. If we can impeach a president for not being able to keep it in his pants, I think we can get rid of someone like Obama. HOWEVER, I do not think something like drastic such as assissination, revolution, or some sort of back woods martial law is at all appropriate. I'm all for action...politcal, logistical action. It's time for us to step back and ask what we truly stand for...not what is the newest or most unique. Once that is answered, go out and do something about it. Not with guns blazin, but with your words and with those standing beside you. Change can happen. Revolution is not the answer...so cool your jets.
http://sas-sara.blogspot.com/2009/11/lukewarm.html***
My generation enjoys to be different. Have your own style. Listen to the newest, most underground band and know EVERYTHING about em so you can brag to your friends. Religion?...no thanks. Spiritualism?...hell yes. Democrat? Republican? Independent? Wait...what's the leading majority right now? I'll side with the minority. Yes, it seems as though we're out to 'one-up' everyone out there. If you aren't strugglin, you aren't livin! If you aren't one in a million, you're nothin. One of the most apparent aspects of our generation is our political savvy. We love to argue. We love to question- qualities every kid needs to have if they're gonna have a chance in the world. Most importantly we love the knowledge we acquire that backs these claims and arguments up. Again, a great quality for someone to have. However, we don't just talk...we take action. This is where a line of common sense and insanity seems to have been blurred.
I'll just come right out and say it. I wish Obama would kindly see himself to the door of the Oval Office and high tail it back to Chi Town. I don't agree with the majority of what he's done (or hasn't done) nor do I like the company he keeps. This feeling is shared among a growing population. The hatred for Obama felt by some Conservatives and Independents is, I believe, far greater than that felt for Bush by Liberals and Democrats. It's funny, because when Bush was in Office, I didn't really follow the news. But now that Obama is in, I can't stop watching it. What will he do today? What socialist did he confide in? So I'll be the first to say that I'm just as guilty as the next moderately conservative person who feels that they have to equip themselves with polls, expert opinions, and numerous analyses, in order to compete with constant flow of mainstream media. Did I do this out of legitmate concern for this country? Or did I fall into the trap of being different, or 'loving to hate'. This is a question I think everyone should whole heartedly ask themselves before preaching words of impeachment, assissination, or worse...revolution. If you think, like me, that this nation is going downhill, what do you think will happen if a slug goes through Obama's head?? Such measures would rip this country apart. Bi-partisanship would become so intense that smaller factions would start popping up. Revolution would seemingly be inevitable. Revolution isn't a word you can just toss around either. It's the dismantling of the country. The economy would plummet, or just cease to exist. Hospitals, schools, farms, every aspect we take for granted would be ripped away by OUR own doing. It wouldn't be some video game where you're running around some post-apocolyptic landscape saving the world. It would be a disaster and it's something our country, if ever there was an appropriate time, could not withstand. Saying you're 'pumped' or 'ready' for a revolution is a lie. You can't begin to understand the magnitude such an event would have.
I'm sure I'm gonna get alot heat for this from R's and D's alike. Again, I'd like to clearly state my stance. I think Obama is pulling this country down faster than his approval rates. I think impeachment or resignation is not so far fetched. If we can impeach a president for not being able to keep it in his pants, I think we can get rid of someone like Obama. HOWEVER, I do not think something like drastic such as assissination, revolution, or some sort of back woods martial law is at all appropriate. I'm all for action...politcal, logistical action. It's time for us to step back and ask what we truly stand for...not what is the newest or most unique. Once that is answered, go out and do something about it. Not with guns blazin, but with your words and with those standing beside you. Change can happen. Revolution is not the answer...so cool your jets.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Scrubs
I think the show Scrubs is the best show on TV. It has recently passed The Office due to things beyond my control. Don't worry though. I still think the Office is a 9 out of 10...Scrubs is just a 9 1/4 out of 10. That is all.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme...
I've always had a problem with 'praise services', aka contemporary services. I never understood how waving your arms around, singing campfire songs with lack-luster lyrics made one feel closer to God....o wait. It doesn't. That, a long with the fact that the majority of the congregation involved in the 'praise fest' are shallow and need that false closeness to God because they don't know anything about their faith or their God. This stereotype (yes, I'll admit it's a stereotype, but it's spot on as far as I'm concerned) was further solidified this weekend. I'm walking up the dorm stairs with one of my friends when he runs into this kid he knows. We had been to a few parties (it was a friday night) and decided to call it quits semi-early. This kid informs us of his jaw dropping experience he had that night. He said something to this effect:
Kid: Man! You all missed out. I just got back from _____(insert some lame acronym for some campus worship service). You shoulda been there!
Friend: That's cool man. We just got back from _____'s house. (insert some guy's house whose name I do not know)
Kid: Dang! Yes we were singing for like 2 hours straight! We sang so much my voice hurts. It was really something. It put me in SUCH a good mood. Heck, I'm still in a good mood.
This isn't word for word but the last thing is...basically. I had a couple problems with this....but I won't complain about 'em............that's a lie. Here they are.
One. "You shoulda been there" He acted like he was all that and a bag of chips for going to a worship service on a Friday night when we were out at a party. Sorry I didn't get my gold stars out there champ. I guess I'm a little slow on the draw.
Two. "We were singing for two hours straight....We sang so much, my voice hurts!" Once again, congrats man. I'm sure that strain on your voice made God realize how devoted you are to Him. Singing for that long must have showed God how much you love him right? Wrong. You could sing 'Our God is an Awesome God' for ever and it would still count for next to nothing. Remember, actions don't get you into heaven...but I'm sure he knows that....that brings me to my last problem.
Three. "It put me in such a good mood. I'm still in a good mood!" That's straight up B.S. STRAIGHT UP! That mood you're feeling is nothing short of a facade. It's fake and it's something YOU created to hide the simple truth that you just wasted two hours of your life singing elementary songs while waving around your hands because you 'feel the spirit'. Why's it a waste? Nothing of substanence was done at this service. No sacraments. No lessons. And probably no Scripture. You're in a good mood because you think you are closer to God now that you've sang how much you love Him. You couldn't be more wrong. You're in a good mood because that's the facade you've came up with to hide the fact that you're relationship with God is that of a fifth grade crush. You're an idiot.
Always smiling,
Brian Shellenberger
Kid: Man! You all missed out. I just got back from _____(insert some lame acronym for some campus worship service). You shoulda been there!
Friend: That's cool man. We just got back from _____'s house. (insert some guy's house whose name I do not know)
Kid: Dang! Yes we were singing for like 2 hours straight! We sang so much my voice hurts. It was really something. It put me in SUCH a good mood. Heck, I'm still in a good mood.
This isn't word for word but the last thing is...basically. I had a couple problems with this....but I won't complain about 'em............that's a lie. Here they are.
One. "You shoulda been there" He acted like he was all that and a bag of chips for going to a worship service on a Friday night when we were out at a party. Sorry I didn't get my gold stars out there champ. I guess I'm a little slow on the draw.
Two. "We were singing for two hours straight....We sang so much, my voice hurts!" Once again, congrats man. I'm sure that strain on your voice made God realize how devoted you are to Him. Singing for that long must have showed God how much you love him right? Wrong. You could sing 'Our God is an Awesome God' for ever and it would still count for next to nothing. Remember, actions don't get you into heaven...but I'm sure he knows that....that brings me to my last problem.
Three. "It put me in such a good mood. I'm still in a good mood!" That's straight up B.S. STRAIGHT UP! That mood you're feeling is nothing short of a facade. It's fake and it's something YOU created to hide the simple truth that you just wasted two hours of your life singing elementary songs while waving around your hands because you 'feel the spirit'. Why's it a waste? Nothing of substanence was done at this service. No sacraments. No lessons. And probably no Scripture. You're in a good mood because you think you are closer to God now that you've sang how much you love Him. You couldn't be more wrong. You're in a good mood because that's the facade you've came up with to hide the fact that you're relationship with God is that of a fifth grade crush. You're an idiot.
Always smiling,
Brian Shellenberger
Monday, February 9, 2009
So it's been a while...
Ok, so I know it's been about forever and a day since I've last written but no time like the present, right? A whole semester of my sophomore year has flown by so it's needless to say, some stuff has happened....more specifically, some crucial realizations. So here they are..
1) I've come to the conclusion that change isn't bad. It's actually quite the opposite. People seem to freak out when they don't have their life laid out in front of them which causes them to settle. They settle for mediocrity. They settle for family. They settle for their job. They settle and quickly become the statistic of the 'American Dream'. They stick to the plan; to their plan; to the plan someone else laid out before their eager little feet. They stick to the plan and become comfortable. They stick to the plan and become bored. They stick to the plan and start regretting everything. They think about veering from the plan and immediately start to sweat. 'What if' starts tapping them on the shoulder and they get anxious. They get excited. They start laying out a different plan. 'What if' brings a couple friends this time as back up. Introducing 'Let's be real' and his right hand man 'It's too late'. This tenacious trio packs a punch; a punch so hard they can't be ignored. This is too much to handle. They start to get back on track. They settle again. They settle and repress. They settle and wipe the dirt off their shoulder and get back to business. This is a trend, a situation, a life, I refuse to be a part of. Change is exciting. It's irresponsible. It's a shot in the dark. It's hit or miss...and more than likey a miss. It's everything the tenacious trio despises...and I'm obsessed. I would much rather spend my life looking for that one (or two, or twenty) 'true' happiness and never find it than give up and cut my losses. That's a cop out. That's giving up. That's suicide in all respects except physically. I have no idea what I'm going to do with my life, and I'm fine with that. I barely no what I'm doing tomorrow. Some may say that's irresponsible, immature, and a potential waste...and I couldn't agree more....
2) I really wanna pursue Advertising still but I also really like traveling and Germany and it's language. We'll see where that goes....
3) I have had second thoughts about college. It still seems like a crap shoot but I do agree in higher education....just not the way it's ran. And I do love college life.
4) I listen to a lot of hip hop and rap....along with everything else except for country. I have no qualms with turning up Lil' Wayne and rolling my windows down. Judge me if you like...but I'm enjoying myself.
5) I've become more sarcastic...not so sure why.
6) I've become far less tolerant to B.S. and I have no problems with letting you know how I feel about the subject. I'll leave it at that.
7) I'm done with the frat life. I've had my fun. It's not for me. Ah shucks.
8) I'm ready to get my own house and live with less than five guys, rather than seventy.
9) People care far too much about what others think. Maybe I've just started to care less...which can be good and bad...depends who you are.
10) Lastly, I'm ready to get my life rollin. I'm done screwin around. I may be a C student, according to my GPA (which is another realization within a realization...crazy, I know) but that doesnt mean I'm willing to work at an average pace. If I see something I want, guarantee I'm gonna try to get it. If I don't get it, however, I'm sure another opportunity will arise. I got time.
I'm sure there's more that should be said considering its been a while and a lot can happen in six months....but I thought this was a good start.
1) I've come to the conclusion that change isn't bad. It's actually quite the opposite. People seem to freak out when they don't have their life laid out in front of them which causes them to settle. They settle for mediocrity. They settle for family. They settle for their job. They settle and quickly become the statistic of the 'American Dream'. They stick to the plan; to their plan; to the plan someone else laid out before their eager little feet. They stick to the plan and become comfortable. They stick to the plan and become bored. They stick to the plan and start regretting everything. They think about veering from the plan and immediately start to sweat. 'What if' starts tapping them on the shoulder and they get anxious. They get excited. They start laying out a different plan. 'What if' brings a couple friends this time as back up. Introducing 'Let's be real' and his right hand man 'It's too late'. This tenacious trio packs a punch; a punch so hard they can't be ignored. This is too much to handle. They start to get back on track. They settle again. They settle and repress. They settle and wipe the dirt off their shoulder and get back to business. This is a trend, a situation, a life, I refuse to be a part of. Change is exciting. It's irresponsible. It's a shot in the dark. It's hit or miss...and more than likey a miss. It's everything the tenacious trio despises...and I'm obsessed. I would much rather spend my life looking for that one (or two, or twenty) 'true' happiness and never find it than give up and cut my losses. That's a cop out. That's giving up. That's suicide in all respects except physically. I have no idea what I'm going to do with my life, and I'm fine with that. I barely no what I'm doing tomorrow. Some may say that's irresponsible, immature, and a potential waste...and I couldn't agree more....
2) I really wanna pursue Advertising still but I also really like traveling and Germany and it's language. We'll see where that goes....
3) I have had second thoughts about college. It still seems like a crap shoot but I do agree in higher education....just not the way it's ran. And I do love college life.
4) I listen to a lot of hip hop and rap....along with everything else except for country. I have no qualms with turning up Lil' Wayne and rolling my windows down. Judge me if you like...but I'm enjoying myself.
5) I've become more sarcastic...not so sure why.
6) I've become far less tolerant to B.S. and I have no problems with letting you know how I feel about the subject. I'll leave it at that.
7) I'm done with the frat life. I've had my fun. It's not for me. Ah shucks.
8) I'm ready to get my own house and live with less than five guys, rather than seventy.
9) People care far too much about what others think. Maybe I've just started to care less...which can be good and bad...depends who you are.
10) Lastly, I'm ready to get my life rollin. I'm done screwin around. I may be a C student, according to my GPA (which is another realization within a realization...crazy, I know) but that doesnt mean I'm willing to work at an average pace. If I see something I want, guarantee I'm gonna try to get it. If I don't get it, however, I'm sure another opportunity will arise. I got time.
I'm sure there's more that should be said considering its been a while and a lot can happen in six months....but I thought this was a good start.
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