Sunday, December 30, 2007

Much too young to feel this damn old...

I have been feeling so old lately. It isn't really the permanent patch of white hair that makes me feel old (I'm over that). And it really isn't the fact that my body can't handle as much as it used to. No, it's not really the fact that I am closer to 25 than I am to 20! Well maybe that has something to do with it.

I think it has more to do with the fact that the year 2000 was 8 years ago, and the prime of my childhood was 10-15 years ago. What got me thinking about all of this was VH1's Top 100 Songs of the 90's. Are the 90's already so far gone that we can come up with lists like these? Weren't the 90's just a few years ago?

Nope. The 90's are so far gone that some of my wrestlers (born in 1992 don't know a thing about Saved by the Bell, TGIF, or Snick! They would rather watch Even Stevens than Boy Meets World. This is unbelievable to me! How do they not know whom Zack Morris or Al Lambert are? Its crazy. I'm not that old am I?

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Wandering

I am a wander. Or, at least I want to be. When I returned from my Pacific trip I was ballooned with such a passion and determination to continue traveling and learning about myself, people and places.

That balloon has become deflated. My debt, and thus, a necessity to work has pin-holed it. I have also seemed to fall back in the routine of my life pre-Micronesia - the routine I hoped to escape when I returned.

Thank goodness for Adam traveling and working in India. He is blogging about his experience there and each email seems to inflate said passions about traveling.

The biggest problem is my complacency. I work and coach all day. After coaching, Harvey from Celebrity Fit Club (aka Josh) pushes me to go the gym. When I get home I just eat and play video games instead of doing things that need to be done in order for me to travel.

I don't think I am completely set on the Peace Corps. It's not that I am any less passionate about it, I just want to explore all of my opportunities to be abroad. Apparently there are tons of opportunities for college graduates to work abroad, I just need to discover them.

I am a little torn. The Peace Corps offers me the chance to really immerse myself within a different culture while affording me the opportunity to contribute socially. It is much more of a true and giving experience than, say, getting a job in Anywhere, Europe. At the same time, there are places in the world I really want to see and events I really want to experience, and the Peace Corps may not necessarily offer this opportunity (for example, an EPL game, Carnival, or Christ the Redeemer).

I think my best bet will be to just apply for anything, be open minded, and start to pinpoint what I want to do.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Update

Well I haven't had much time to update. I have been busy substitute teaching and coaching wrestling. This weekend I traveled down to Whitehall to coach. Coaching is very fun, but it can be frustrating. I hope I am not living vicariously through some of my wrestlers.

I have to mention something that I would be all over if it came from the other side of the tracks. Two volunteers for Hillary Clinton's campaign have been fired/let go for idiotic comments about Barack Obama. They sent out emails saying ignorant things about him being a Muslim and trying to take down America from the inside. Man, it just goes to show that idiocracy isn't only a right-winged thing. I am still not sure who I support, but this certantly doesn't help. Hillary has had some shady things happen.

On a non-political note, Michigan can't find a head coach. Somehow a Arkansas has no problem finding a coach, but we can't. Just goes to show how inept our Athletic Department is. I am still holding out for Les Miles and will continue to do so until we hire a different coach. It is me just being optomistic.

I can't believe I haven't even mentioned a thing about the Holiday Season! It is one of my favorite times of the year. I am a huge fan of the mood, music, and spirit this time of year. Like Thanksgiving, I enjoy Christmas time because of being with family!

I'd have to say my favorite Christmas movies are: The Santa Clause, Elf, and Home Alone 1 & 2. I have way too many favorite songs to list.

Anyways, I'm not sure that anyone reads this, but I'll try to update anyways :). Take it easy. Justin

Oh yeah, vote on my poll!

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Detroit Tigers


Welcome to Detroit Dontrell and Miguel. What a trade! In case you a. live under a rock; or b. don't care about sports, the Detroit Tigers traded a bunch of minor league players who haven't proved much for two World Series Champion young players. If Willis can throw like he did three years ago, we will have the best rotation in MLB. Miguel Cabrerra has taken some crap for gaining wait, but apparently he has lost 15 pounds during the off season.

Some people can't watch baseball, but I don't really have a problem with it. Sometimes I get bored, but I can watch for-the-most-part (hey I like soccer too - most of you would consider that boring I'm sure).

Now if only Michigan Athletics could take the same mentality as Dave Dombrowski (the GM of both the Tigers and Red Wings). Dombrowski wants championships and is willing to spend money to do so. Sure he cares about making money, but his mentality seems to be "if we win, they will come". Bill Martin seems so much more worried about the bottom line than providing the best coaching, facilities, and equipment for his student athletes. I feel like he is really going to drop the ball with hiring a new football coach.

Okay beyond sports: I have just been coaching and substitute teaching. Substitute teaching is fun, but I prefer High School over Junior High because the HS kids actually know how to listen.

Hey if you are interested in our wrestling program, check out the website I started:
www.tccwrestling.com.

Take is easy.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope everyone has a great time with family and friends, but don't eat too much turkey!

My family is celebrating at my grandma's house with dinner and board games. I love when family is able to get together. Our family is so close, but I think we all lead busy lives. When I think of Thanksgiving I think of family (and The Wizard of Oz - but mostly because it is always on this time of year). Ever since I can remember, at least 20 or so members of our family have gotten together to enjoy dinner together.

I also think of football on Thanksgiving. Unfortunately the Lions stunk it up today. Their offensive line is terrible. John Kitna is terrible. At least KJ had a good day (I started him on my fantasy team today).

Anyways, enjoy yourselves today. Take it easy.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Lloyd Carr



So Michigan lost once again to Ohio State. I was so pumped for this game. I thought Hart, Henne, and Long were going to play the games of their lives. Unfortunately Hart and Henne were still dinged up.

Ohio States should have enjoyed the weekend, but they must have felt terrible Monday when Lloyd announced his retirement. Lloyd became to the Buckeyes what Cooper was for us Wolverine fans. Now they have reason again to fear UM - especially after we bring in Les Miles.

But how will Lloyd's legacy be defined? Will he be remembered for his National Championship, 5 Big Ten titles, and 13 straight bowl appearances? Or will he be remembered for ending his career with at least 4 straight bowl losses (4 out of 5 if he wins his last) and 1-6 record in his final 7 years against OSU?

I hope you is remembered for running a clean program and being more than just a coach to his players. He was a mentor. He was a father-figure to his athletes. Ultimately he is a person who taught his kids values and attitudes that transcend football and life in general. It is something truly unique in FBS (1A) football.

Despite the loss I had a great time in Ann Arbor. We were up early to tailgate and had a great time giving the OSU fans a hard time. Time seemed to stand still Saturday. After the game Josh, Nick, Fink and I went to eat sushi - it felt like 10pm but it was only 430. Saturday night we partied at the house. We put on a bunch of karaoke favorites (American Pie, Margarittaville, etc.) and sang and danced for a while.


Later that night Dennis, Fink, and I went party hopping. We pretended to be exchange students from Brazil and we spoke giberish to each other, but everyone believed it to be Portuguese. I pretended to translate to the guys about what a kid at the party was talking about. It was one of the funniest moments of my life. Everyone bought it and we were treated as the guests of honor.

Wrestling is going well. Our first meet is in a week. I started a website/blog for the team. Check it out when you have time. Not much on their now.

Should be substitute teaching by the end of next week. Until next time, take care.

Friday, November 16, 2007

March for Justice

So as you may have heard, thousands showed up in D.C. today to march around the Department of Justice. They marched to demand equality in the justice system - a result of recent hate crimes including Jena 6 and a rash of nooses nationwide.

It is sickening that in the year 2007 that people are still idiotic enough to hang nooses around to send a message. The noose is to slavery what the swastika is to the Nazi party. You can't tell me there isn't a racial message behind it.

Also sickening is Fox's coverage of this march. While at the gym I was watching the coverage on CNN. They broke to coverage from DC about 5 or 6 times. Meanwhile on the neighboring TV was Fox News Channel. How many times did they cover this march? 0. Not one single mention the whole half hour I was doing cardio. Ironically the show was called American Pulse - apparently America is dead. Any mention of this story on foxnews.com? Absolutely not. I don't get it? How is this not important?

What stories were so much more important that they couldn't cover this demonstration? Well archaeologists discovered dinosaur fossils the shape of Darth Vader and apparently keeping your kids germ free will actually increase the likelihood of sickness...I think I'm going to puke.

Fox is known for its Republican bias, but this is ridiculous. I don't think the Republican party could give a shit about civil or human rights. Now I know Fox isn't 'The Official News Channel of the Republican Party', but their stances and stories tend to match those of the Republican party (just as CNN is more of a liberal news station).

I'm dumbfounded. I just don't understand.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

SiCKO



Zac suggested that I rent the movie SiCKO - a Michael Moore film. I know there are many out there who won't watch simply because it is Michael Moore, but this was a great documentary. I strongly recommend it regardless of political belief.

The movie actually got me quite fired up. I just can't believe there are people who are denied health care because they don't have insurance. It is inhumane. Even those with health care have a hard time benefiting from it. We receive education and protection (in firefighters and police) for free, what makes health care so different?

A line in the movie states: "If we can pay to kill people, we can pay to help people." Bush recently asked for $90 Billion to continue our efforts in Iraq. Even more recently, Bush vetoed a bill that would give health care to CHILDREN. How can this be? Don't tell me the money is necessary to keep our troops safe because if we really wanted our troops safe we would bring them home (an issue I'll save for another time). Don't we care to keep our children - the future of this country - healthy?

And how can we deny health care to people who are ill? It seems immoral. The truth is that the goals of HMOs aren't to help people; their goals are to make money - and don't tell me its not. Pretty much every other nation has a nation-wide health care plan. Surgeries, medications, general visits, etc. are free (or virtually free). Why is it that we don't? It isn't because we are stubborn and have our own way of doing things. It is the MONEY. There is way too much money to lose for our privatization-happy administration. I have never been so turned off by the republican party in my life. I was actually fairly moderate at one time. Believe it or not I was "a conservative economically and a liberal socially". But my eyes have been opened by our money-happy, fear-thriving, self-centered administration. At some point it is necessary to forget about the bottom-line and start thinking about people.

It is so bad that even 9/11 volunteers - volunteers who carried dead bodies and cleaned ground zero - can't even get help from sickenss acquired while volunteering. They pay hundreds of dollars for inhalers and get help from their insurance. Meanwhile, criminals locked up in a federal penitentiary or even Guantanamo Bay are fully covered. I don't want to ruin the movie, but if you rent it you will understand...or you can just ask. It just isn't right.

People are so turned off by "Universal or Social" health care because they think of communism. This has nothing to do with communism. It has everything to do with making sure the citizens of this nation will help when they become sick. And don't be so quick to judge these 'communists'...Cuba (a communist nation) gives free medical attention to its citizens (and even non-citizens - they gave those same 9/11 volunteers the medical attention they were denied in the states). I hope people can really open their eyes and realize that Universal Health care is a good thing. Don't be so selfish. Don't be so greedy.

Please, regardless of ideological or political belief, rent this movie and decide for yourself. It is eye-opening.

Switching gears...This weekend was Zac's birthday (Happy Birthday!). We went out Saturday night to have a few drinks. I got a late start because of work, but had a great time anyways. We ended up at J&S Hamburg for some late night eats. I've had some bad experiences there and when we walked in the door the waitress said, 'ut-oh'. Haha we will leave it at that.

I started coaching wrestling on Monday and it has gone well so far. I am excited for our first meet. I am curious how it will go with me being the coach this time instead of wrestling. Coaching is something I am passionate about. I love teaching and working with the kids.

My interview with the Peace Corps went extremely well and I have another interview for substitute teaching next Tuesday.

Let me know what you all think. Take it easy.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Go Blue!


Today is the day of the Michigan vs. Michigan State game. Its a huge rivalry for State fans. Just another game for us. Visit this link for more.

Go Blue!

Monday, October 29, 2007

Halloween


Halloween has famously occupied October 31st on for centuries. But little does anyone know that on that date a year ago a man was born; A man born with the perfect blend of faux integrity and humor that the date and celebrations must be shared. October 31st marks the birth of a legend: Uncle Dusty. So please just keep in mind that while there are millions of kids across America trick or treating this Halloween there also is a man kicking his feet up in his hot tub he bought at employee discount, drinking an ice cold bottle of PBR, and hoping for an imitation gold bracelet for his birthday.

On Saturday I went to Kyle's Halloween Party. My costume this year was Prince Ali from Aladdin. The costume was a hit, but there were a few idiots who said some idiotic, ignorant, racist things and thought it was completely normal. It is idiots like this that really piss me off and make me hate this part of the state - although I'm sure it isn't limited to just Western Michigan. But Ann Arbor was much more of a liberal, open-minded, accepting environment.

Anyways, I didn't let it ruin my night and had a great time. Some coworkers from La Senorita came to the party too which I enjoyed. I feel like I am a totally different person outside of work (although I am becoming more and more comfortable as I get to know everyone a little better).

Not much planned this week. I have to work and I am going to sign up to substitute teach. I'll have more to update after my interview with the Peace Corps in Chicago on Monday. Take it easy.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Weekend Update

So the Trojans lost a close game last Friday. Dylan was pretty devastated because was his last football game. I think he is excited to start focusing on wrestling and all of its challenges. I am excited about it too because I will be coaching. I have been in lifting with some of the kids and we goofed around a bit in the wrestling room today. I talked to another coach and he said that he is going to see if he can get some money from the boosters for me. That would help a lot.

I finally got a call from a Peace Corps recruiter. I have an interview with them on November 5th. It will be good to get down to Chicago - I love that city. I am happy that things are starting to get rolling with the Peace Corps. I am extremely curious about the different types of programs and places I could be going.

I have an interview tomorrow morning with Target that I have also been preparing for. The position I'm interviewing for is 'Executive Team Leader'. I am not exactly sure everything that entails, but more or less I think I will be working as an in-store manager. It's not something I'm passionate about, but I have to keep an open-mind right?

Tonight I went out to eat with a few friends then to see 'We Own the Night'. It was a great movie. There were a few parts where I felt so tense. I think that is the true test to how good a movie is: you feel what the characters a feeling, you feel as if you are in the positions they are put in yourself. It was worth $8.00.

Not much else to report on. Looking forward to a Halloween party on Saturday evening. Any costume ideas?

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Trojans

In honor of the TCC game v. TCW this Friday I have temporarily changed the color of Justin Live. Now I know I graduated over 4 years ago, but I am an alumna so I can still support my school. Furthermore, Josh coaches the JV's tonight and Dylan plays Friday, so not only am I supporting my Alma Mater but I am supporting my family as well. Go Trojans.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

The First Post

What's up everyone? This blog is going to serve two purposes: 1. To allow me to reflect on an event, thought, dream, or idea I have. In this sense, this blog is like a personal journal; and 2. To update you on what is going on in my life. This part is meant for you, but may also help me in reflection. I don't expect 'Justin Live' to be as consistently deep or reflective as my other blog although it may be from time to time.


Speaking of 'Justin Live' does anyone have suggestions on a better name for this blog? It is all I could come up with, but it seems a little corny. I don't know.

So here is a quick update on my life:

Right now I am working at Don's Drive In and La Senorita. I would never have imagined working here 5 months after receiving my degree, but I'm not sure what I want to do right now.

I have applied for the Peace Corps. I had the greatest experience of my life this summer while traveling and it only made me want to travel more. But (yes it is okay to start a sentence with 'but') I don't mean traveling like a tourist - I want to travel with a purpose, so I think the Peace Corps is a great fit. I am not dead-set on joining, but its something I've given loads of consideration to.

The hardest part for me will be going away for two years. Adjusting to a new culture and a new home will be difficult, but it is something I experienced this summer. I have never been away from my family and friends for two years. Who knows what could happen in two years? But it is only two years. If I don't do it, I may regret it forever.

I have also been applying to jobs to give myself other options. I have applied to various Major League Soccer teams and am in the process of applying for a three-year internship with the NFL.

My biggest problem is not knowing what I want to do. I know I love working in sports but I also want to help people. But when do I do what? From kindergarten all the way through my senior year at Michigan everything was set out and scripted for me. I had to make a few decisions along the way, but everything was very structured and there was always an end in sight (graduation). Now everything is so wide open. I can do whatever I want, and that is something that is both gratifying and scary at the same time. I am sure I will figure it all out though.


On another note, I am really looking forward to Dylan's football game Friday. It is TC Central v. TC West. Central already clinched a share of the conference title, but if they win they are in the playoffs. Michigan plays on the road at Illinois. I hope we can match their speed (something we are notorious for having trouble with). Of course it is on when I have to work, so I will be sneaking down to the bar to check the score.

That is all for now. I don't know how often I expect to update this, but hopefully a few times a week. Don't take my word for it though ha ha. Take care.

(Picture: Trojans at Bay City Central last week)