(Flem, I'm sad I missed your homecoming by a couple days! Darn)
I look like a boy...it must be the "bro" sunglasses...
Check out dad's jean on jean. Stylish, eh?
Monday, April 25, 2011
They see me rollin'...
Easter Break provided some much needed R&R. After a couple days of stormy weather, out came the sun and a comfortable spring temperature. My dad and I took a nice motorcycle cruise across town to Emo's, an ice cream shack. Two thumbs up for ice cream and smooth riding! All smiles for a much needed break.
(Flem, I'm sad I missed your homecoming by a couple days! Darn)
I look like a boy...it must be the "bro" sunglasses...
(Flem, I'm sad I missed your homecoming by a couple days! Darn)
I look like a boy...it must be the "bro" sunglasses...
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Grind Together, Shine Together
On this dreary and chilly night, a handful of true Marquette fans stood outside of the Al McGuire Center awaiting the departure of the basketball team. The team is headed to Newark for the sweet 16!
I tend to be an incredibly fast walker, but I found myself walking unusually faster as I made my way home following this going away hoorah. My adrenaline is already flowing, and regardless of the outcome on Friday, I love Marquette. It feels good to be a WARRIOR!
Come on boys. GTST.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
In My Humble Opinion
Over Christmas break, I had the opportunity to discuss the beauty of a [Catholic] Jesuit education with my uncle, a philosopher at St. Mary’s University Minnesota.
So what is the beauty of a Jesuit education? Jesuit institutions focus on service, but how is it fair that a university is “forcing” students to take 6 credits of philosophy and 6 credits of theology in order to graduate? A year or so ago, I might have lacked a sincere answer to these questions. My educational quest at Marquette has me striving for cura personalis, or “care for the whole person.” All of my philosophy and half of my theology credits are taken care of, and I can honestly say that I 100% feel that these classes truly define an education that seeks to care for the whole person. Also,I would argue that these disciplines are useful in everyday life.
My philosophy class last year allowed me to practice the importance of articulating my beliefs in a respectful fashion, while weighing both sides of an argument. I grew in tolerance for differing opinions. Last spring semester, my philosophy professor had a fantastic approach to each theory we studied. “Try this on for size,” he would say as we moved from one thinker to another. He was not preachy or biased when it came to class discussions. We approached every philosopher in a neutral light, which for me extended beyond the walls of the classroom. This class allowed me to better approach my peers in a neutral sense. I noticed myself taking more interest in other’s differences (whether it be politics, religion, hobbies), and rather than feeling that I am unable to relate with them, I became more interested in their differences. I realized that their thought process was most likely something I could learn from, regardless of whether I agreed with them or not. These ideas might seem pretty basic, and we all would like to say that we are naturally supportive and interested in others differences, but clearly this is not always the case (especially for those of us who grew up in a sheltered environment, whether we admit to it or not).
As for Theology, it seems pretty self explanatory as to why a Jesuit, Catholic institution would like its students to have some knowledge of the faith that the school they attend was founded upon.Not only will you learn about Catholicism, but you can choose to study other religions to gain understanding and appreciation for differing beliefs.
While taking these classes, you might find yourself partaking in more and more healthy debates/insightful conversations. More power to you.
So, for those of you who bitch and complain about Marquette (or another private institution) “forcing” you to take these theology and philosophy classes, this is what I have to say to you… (Kindly, of course)
a)You CHOSE to attend this school clearly knowing that these classes are
a requirement. A trickster didn’t appear to you on enrollment day
saying, “Oh surprise, you have to take these classes in order to
graduate. I’m sorry that we forgot to throw that detail out there a
little sooner.” Not the case.
b) If you were “forced” to go here, are not a legal adult?! You are ≥ 18
right?! That excuse doesn’t seem applicable. You're technically a big
boy or girl.
c) Are you that unhappy?! ...go elsewhere. (heck, that somewhere else might even be cheaper)
I wasn’t a huge fan of taking multiple credits that didn’t directly feed my major, but if you simply approach these classes with an open mind, chances are you will enjoy yourself, or at least get these credits out of the way without excessive anger and frustration. Your thoughts about life will quantify resulting in an endless cycle of questions that will further help you in attempting to define the meaning of life. Don't stress out over it! These classes will allow you to learn more about yourself and your worldview through your fellow classmates. If you "care for the whole person" might your life's agenda be carried out in a more stable fashion? ...I would argue YES :)
So what is the beauty of a Jesuit education? Jesuit institutions focus on service, but how is it fair that a university is “forcing” students to take 6 credits of philosophy and 6 credits of theology in order to graduate? A year or so ago, I might have lacked a sincere answer to these questions. My educational quest at Marquette has me striving for cura personalis, or “care for the whole person.” All of my philosophy and half of my theology credits are taken care of, and I can honestly say that I 100% feel that these classes truly define an education that seeks to care for the whole person. Also,I would argue that these disciplines are useful in everyday life.
My philosophy class last year allowed me to practice the importance of articulating my beliefs in a respectful fashion, while weighing both sides of an argument. I grew in tolerance for differing opinions. Last spring semester, my philosophy professor had a fantastic approach to each theory we studied. “Try this on for size,” he would say as we moved from one thinker to another. He was not preachy or biased when it came to class discussions. We approached every philosopher in a neutral light, which for me extended beyond the walls of the classroom. This class allowed me to better approach my peers in a neutral sense. I noticed myself taking more interest in other’s differences (whether it be politics, religion, hobbies), and rather than feeling that I am unable to relate with them, I became more interested in their differences. I realized that their thought process was most likely something I could learn from, regardless of whether I agreed with them or not. These ideas might seem pretty basic, and we all would like to say that we are naturally supportive and interested in others differences, but clearly this is not always the case (especially for those of us who grew up in a sheltered environment, whether we admit to it or not).
As for Theology, it seems pretty self explanatory as to why a Jesuit, Catholic institution would like its students to have some knowledge of the faith that the school they attend was founded upon.Not only will you learn about Catholicism, but you can choose to study other religions to gain understanding and appreciation for differing beliefs.
While taking these classes, you might find yourself partaking in more and more healthy debates/insightful conversations. More power to you.
So, for those of you who bitch and complain about Marquette (or another private institution) “forcing” you to take these theology and philosophy classes, this is what I have to say to you… (Kindly, of course)
a)You CHOSE to attend this school clearly knowing that these classes are
a requirement. A trickster didn’t appear to you on enrollment day
saying, “Oh surprise, you have to take these classes in order to
graduate. I’m sorry that we forgot to throw that detail out there a
little sooner.” Not the case.
b) If you were “forced” to go here, are not a legal adult?! You are ≥ 18
right?! That excuse doesn’t seem applicable. You're technically a big
boy or girl.
c) Are you that unhappy?! ...go elsewhere. (heck, that somewhere else might even be cheaper)
I wasn’t a huge fan of taking multiple credits that didn’t directly feed my major, but if you simply approach these classes with an open mind, chances are you will enjoy yourself, or at least get these credits out of the way without excessive anger and frustration. Your thoughts about life will quantify resulting in an endless cycle of questions that will further help you in attempting to define the meaning of life. Don't stress out over it! These classes will allow you to learn more about yourself and your worldview through your fellow classmates. If you "care for the whole person" might your life's agenda be carried out in a more stable fashion? ...I would argue YES :)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
sunglasses...I own too many
After I survive this boring week, I may very seldom blog. Regardless, I will look back and be reminded of this summer, or simply be humored by my elementary level composition. This summer has been long, short, boring, and successful all at the same time.
States covered: Illinois (duh), Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Mississippi, Louisiana…
-->June 2 through June 17, I had the opportunity to go on a PDT, Professional Development Training, through the AFROTC program. Fellow cadets from my Detachment were traveling to places such as Germany, England, Japan, and South Korea. I wouldn’t get to leave the country for my adventure. Needless to say, my hopes were very low when I departed for Biloxi, Mississippi. The humidity immediately choked me as I stepped outside. Keesler Air Force Base would be my home for the next 15 days. ROTC cadets tend to cover every end of the personality spectrum. I was certain the cadets sharing this experience with me were going to be strange, to say the least. To my surprise, the majority weren’t nerdy or socially awkward. I enjoyed the company of genuine, hard working, and laid back cadets. They came from near and far including the University of Central Florida, Michigan Tech, Purdue, Embry Riddle, Westchester University, Angelo State, Virginia Military Institute, and Texas A&M.
Daily, I had the opportunity to shadow nurses and doctors at Keesler’s Medical Center. In labor/delivery I got to assist in delivering a baby. One day was spent watching surgeries in the OR. I thoroughly enjoyed my front row seat to a day in the life of a surgeon. The most interesting case I witnessed involved a right mastectomy, attachment of the mammary artery elsewhere, and finally, a replacement of the missing right breast with the patient’s own stomach fat. This surgery, although I was not present for its entirety, was approximately 10 hours long. While shadowing on the post surgery floor a couple days later, I got to see the same patients I had seen in the OR. I am so thankful for this opportunity to take a sneak peak into the medical profession. Many people will never get to enjoy such a unique experience.
Weekends and down time were spent playing sand volleyball, checking out the Marina, going to the beach, and even road tripping to New Orleans, better known as “N’awlins.” Most nights included dinner at the chow hall followed by a movie and cards in someone’s room. I treasure the time I got to spend in the humidity capital of the world, a.k.a. Biloxi, Mississippi. Not only did I learn what it felt like to be drenched in sweat from just stepping outside, I also learned to play Euchre like a champ. Midwest heat has nothing on the dirty south. I hope to run into my new friends somewhere down the road.
-->My 4th of July weekend was spent in good old Wisconsin. I had gone a month and a half without seeing the Brew Crew. Ha, somehow I survived?! This “family reunion” included a stop at Summerfest, DMB concert at Alpine Valley, Lake Geneva swimming and boating, rapist tubing, extreme spoons, and relaxation to the max. The first place trophy belongs to this weekend.
-->About 50% of my summer days were spent in P-town. Eileen, Amie, Carlos and I would see movies, go out to dinner, and/or drive around. We were living the life of a P-town gangsta, to say the least. One night following a great dinner at Jalapenos, we sat in Eileen’s car and chatted for hours. The outside temperature was close to 100 degrees. No one died of heat exhaustion because every 20 seconds Eileen had to drive to a new parking spot to maintain some air circulation. Umpteen degree weather plus a car full of chatty Cathys didn’t mesh well. If I wasn’t “driving around,” you could usually find me on Eileen’s back porch, enjoying the summer breeze and a Polar Pop. Without my softball glove in hand, I had more free time than I knew what to do with.
-->Oh the joys of family vacation. Due to my brothers’ hell week schedules, we were left with less vacation time than usual. The family, minus James, made a trip to Lake Erie on the Ohio/Michigan border. We hit up Cedar Point. I was impressed with my bravery, as I actually went on all of the “badass” rides. My only regret, which is always the case, was not keeping my eyes open. Parasailing, Cedar Point, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, and Comerica Park all made for a great getaway. I was reminded of how much I appreciated sleeping in my own room. The nightly serenation by snoring family members was not appreciated.
-->How could I have such an enjoyable weekend in Wisconsin without making a reappearance? An August weekend was spent familiarizing with small town Wisco life. The Brew Crew and I attended the Slinger Slamfest. The world’s fastest quarter mile track put on an excellent show. Events included the gauntlet, stunt shows, school bus races, figure 8's, team cruisers, trailer race, roller derby, chain race, and others. My next investment will be an old school bus. School bus figure eights…here I come!
-->After making two hauls up North, the crew decided to check out Peoria. A majority of their visit was spent in STL where we attended a Brewer vs. Cardinals game. I was outnumbered in the Cardinal’s stadium. There is nothing right about that. Post game we went to the University City Loop. Located just outside Washington University’s campus, this was major Hippieville. We explored rad shops, stared at goofy people, and even learned what urine cleanser would be most effective for our druggy lifestyles ;) Next time you’re in STL, be sure to eat at Blueberry Hill in the University City Loop! You won’t be disappointed.
Farewell Summer 2010. Relaxation switch will be turned off. Study switch…on.
States covered: Illinois (duh), Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Mississippi, Louisiana…
-->June 2 through June 17, I had the opportunity to go on a PDT, Professional Development Training, through the AFROTC program. Fellow cadets from my Detachment were traveling to places such as Germany, England, Japan, and South Korea. I wouldn’t get to leave the country for my adventure. Needless to say, my hopes were very low when I departed for Biloxi, Mississippi. The humidity immediately choked me as I stepped outside. Keesler Air Force Base would be my home for the next 15 days. ROTC cadets tend to cover every end of the personality spectrum. I was certain the cadets sharing this experience with me were going to be strange, to say the least. To my surprise, the majority weren’t nerdy or socially awkward. I enjoyed the company of genuine, hard working, and laid back cadets. They came from near and far including the University of Central Florida, Michigan Tech, Purdue, Embry Riddle, Westchester University, Angelo State, Virginia Military Institute, and Texas A&M.
Daily, I had the opportunity to shadow nurses and doctors at Keesler’s Medical Center. In labor/delivery I got to assist in delivering a baby. One day was spent watching surgeries in the OR. I thoroughly enjoyed my front row seat to a day in the life of a surgeon. The most interesting case I witnessed involved a right mastectomy, attachment of the mammary artery elsewhere, and finally, a replacement of the missing right breast with the patient’s own stomach fat. This surgery, although I was not present for its entirety, was approximately 10 hours long. While shadowing on the post surgery floor a couple days later, I got to see the same patients I had seen in the OR. I am so thankful for this opportunity to take a sneak peak into the medical profession. Many people will never get to enjoy such a unique experience.
Weekends and down time were spent playing sand volleyball, checking out the Marina, going to the beach, and even road tripping to New Orleans, better known as “N’awlins.” Most nights included dinner at the chow hall followed by a movie and cards in someone’s room. I treasure the time I got to spend in the humidity capital of the world, a.k.a. Biloxi, Mississippi. Not only did I learn what it felt like to be drenched in sweat from just stepping outside, I also learned to play Euchre like a champ. Midwest heat has nothing on the dirty south. I hope to run into my new friends somewhere down the road.
-->My 4th of July weekend was spent in good old Wisconsin. I had gone a month and a half without seeing the Brew Crew. Ha, somehow I survived?! This “family reunion” included a stop at Summerfest, DMB concert at Alpine Valley, Lake Geneva swimming and boating, rapist tubing, extreme spoons, and relaxation to the max. The first place trophy belongs to this weekend.
-->About 50% of my summer days were spent in P-town. Eileen, Amie, Carlos and I would see movies, go out to dinner, and/or drive around. We were living the life of a P-town gangsta, to say the least. One night following a great dinner at Jalapenos, we sat in Eileen’s car and chatted for hours. The outside temperature was close to 100 degrees. No one died of heat exhaustion because every 20 seconds Eileen had to drive to a new parking spot to maintain some air circulation. Umpteen degree weather plus a car full of chatty Cathys didn’t mesh well. If I wasn’t “driving around,” you could usually find me on Eileen’s back porch, enjoying the summer breeze and a Polar Pop. Without my softball glove in hand, I had more free time than I knew what to do with.
-->Oh the joys of family vacation. Due to my brothers’ hell week schedules, we were left with less vacation time than usual. The family, minus James, made a trip to Lake Erie on the Ohio/Michigan border. We hit up Cedar Point. I was impressed with my bravery, as I actually went on all of the “badass” rides. My only regret, which is always the case, was not keeping my eyes open. Parasailing, Cedar Point, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, and Comerica Park all made for a great getaway. I was reminded of how much I appreciated sleeping in my own room. The nightly serenation by snoring family members was not appreciated.
-->How could I have such an enjoyable weekend in Wisconsin without making a reappearance? An August weekend was spent familiarizing with small town Wisco life. The Brew Crew and I attended the Slinger Slamfest. The world’s fastest quarter mile track put on an excellent show. Events included the gauntlet, stunt shows, school bus races, figure 8's, team cruisers, trailer race, roller derby, chain race, and others. My next investment will be an old school bus. School bus figure eights…here I come!
-->After making two hauls up North, the crew decided to check out Peoria. A majority of their visit was spent in STL where we attended a Brewer vs. Cardinals game. I was outnumbered in the Cardinal’s stadium. There is nothing right about that. Post game we went to the University City Loop. Located just outside Washington University’s campus, this was major Hippieville. We explored rad shops, stared at goofy people, and even learned what urine cleanser would be most effective for our druggy lifestyles ;) Next time you’re in STL, be sure to eat at Blueberry Hill in the University City Loop! You won’t be disappointed.
Farewell Summer 2010. Relaxation switch will be turned off. Study switch…on.
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