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.

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?

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.

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)