Goodbye October, Hello November

Wow, how time flies. One of my favorite months came and went before I could really get settled and enjoy it. Luckily my favorite things about October continue into November. The leaves changing colors, the weather becoming more and more perfect for football and pumpkins all around. With November comes a few reminders as well. A reminder that Winter is just around the corner (I dusted off my snowboard the other day). That a new year is soon to follow, with a fresh start for a new beginning and a much needed end to a volatile 2008. And the reminder that I can make it on my own, with help from my friends of course. A year ago around this time, I was broken and confused. I was unsure what my future had in store for me. Now, I feel like I have found out who I really am. I still don't have it all figured out, but I have learned a lot about myself over the last twelve months and can honestly say that I am a stronger person because of everything I've been through. Now, this is not a shot at anyone in particular, it is a self realization that I have grown in multiple ways. I wouldn't trade the last 4 years for anything in the world, but I really feel like this is my time now. It's my time to make the most out the situations that are presented to me and not sweat the small stuff. I have a great group of friends surrounding me, a great co-op, I am going to a great school, I have a great church family behind me and have an amazing family supporting me. And soon enough, I know I'll find "the one".

So, now that all of that is out of the way, onto some fall pictures that I took today to show off my favorite time of the year. I used a Rebel XT to take these and edited them in Photoshop.















and a little bit of PS fun

Anberlin Concert

So last night I went to the Anberlin concert with Jos, Ginger and John and it was freaking amazing! I've been to a few concerts in my day but this one took the cake I think. I have never seen a band with so much engaging stage presence before, and Stephen Christian(lead singer) didn't just put on a show, he really made the crowd a part of the show. Now I've seen shows before where the lead singer lets the crowd take the lead during a chorus and things like that, but with Stephen it was like he was letting the crowd lead him. I don't know how to describe it, but it was breathtaking. I found myself getting lost in the aura of the show which doesn't normally happen. I'm usually too focused on either the drummer(because I swear I should have been one in HS) or the overall production of the show, but this time I wasn't. It really seemed like they weren't trying to put on a show but that they were just playing in front of people they really knew. Stephen really seemed excited to be back in Cincy and the crowd was definitely awesome. I don't think there was a song that the crowd didn't sing along with. Man, I could go on forever... so instead I'll post a picture until I have the time to put some more on at home.

A Few Realizations

Ok, so I've realized a few things. One: I love driving. Ever since I started my new co-op, I've had to drive 20 miles one way to work, which I thought would suck but it's been quite the opposite. I get to drive through the farm land of Lebanon and Centerville everyday which has been awesome, especially in the morning when the sun is rising. Two: That I definitely need to move out on my own permanantely after my Spring co-op. I love my family to death, but it's seriously time for me to be on my own. Which bings me to number three: Puppies. I need one. This is one my friend found and is taking care of until he finds a good home for it.... I really wish I could snatch her up, she is adorable(total chick magnet too I assume).

So, those are just a few of my realizations I've had recently. There are many more I will post about later and once I get the internet all hookedup, there will be a lot more posting.

My New Commute

This is my new commute to work everyday. I thought I'd share it with everyone. It's definitely a lot different than my commute down to school. I enjoy this one a lot more:

My First Post

Well hello! I've been reading a few other blogs for some time now, and felt like it was time for me to get into the game. And what better time than now! I have a lot of new things going on and feel like this would be a great way for me to share them and also not forget them.... So, on with some background info:

First off, I am a third year student at the University of Cincinnati. I am majoring in Urban Planning (it's kinda like Sim City for those who don't know, but much more complicated). I was skeptical at first but have grown to love it. My original plan was to become an architect but I feel like I could help a lot more people through planning than architecture. I am currently co-oping for the city of Kettering in Ohio and I will most likely make a new post just for this here soon. I also recently moved to Lebanon Ohio and am staying with my grandfather (free rent FTW!). The commute is a lot easier from there than it is from Cincy. I'm also right around the corner from my good friends Jos and Ginger, as well as within a 5 minute drive to Paul, Brandon and Travis' house. This means I can finally spend some time with these amazing people that I only get to see once a week for the most part.

These people mentioned above are a part of my church (Rivers Crossing Community Church), that was just started a year ago. We recently had our one year celebration and couldn't have been more blessed! We broke the 300 mark in attendance and have been able to help out a lot of people in the South Lebanon/King's Mills area. Over the summer I worked as an intern for the church and had an awesome time. I helped out with our free store, Joshua's Place, that helps families in the area that need help with groceries, clothes, etc. It's a great way to serve and really see how God works first hand. I've seen a number of people that have used the free store in church and that alone is worth it. We recently had our one year anniversary, and it feels like we've been around for a lot longer than that.

To kinda wrap things up, I'm a huge sports fan. (Bearcats, Reds, Bengals, Cyclones, Red Sox and Chargers). I will play just about any sport. I'm a huge grease monkey so I love cars. I help plan different events for the UC Tuning group as well as help get cruise ins and meets together for an online Cincinnati car forum. I'm also a huge gamer and play Halo or COD4 daily. I know this was a pretty lame first post, but I assure you there are more to come. Thanks for reading!