Wolf's Perpective v.2

Grandpa

2010-06-11T13:29:00.002-05:00

I recently lost my grandpa. He was a major part of my life and I feel like a piece of me is missing. A part of my life that has always been there is gone now. I know he's in a better place and he's not gone from the hearts and minds of those he loves, but it doesn't stop it from hurting. To know I will never see his face, hear his voice, be in his presence... it breaks me into pieces. Tears are rolling down my cheeks as I right this. One of the strongest men in my life, one of my heroes, one of the reasons for who I am today is forever gone.

To say he was a perfect man would be lying. He, like everyone, had his share of downfalls. But to say that he was a good man, and a good grandfather is no stretch of the imagination. He did all he could to be there for me. He doted on me, saw me often, and always tried to make it to my sporting events. Even later in his life he never went without asking after me. He always wanted to know what was going on with me. It tears me apart knowing that I was so far from him the last few years of my life, and I wish I was around more. It hurt even worse not being able to see him in such a frail and helpless state. A man I saw live his life his way, and never bowed to anything, it killed me to see him have no power. I wish I could have been there with him in his last moments.

I am thankful for the 25 years I did have him. He gave so much love to me, and I can never thank him enough for that. He loved me unconditionally, and it's something I will miss for the rest of my life. I can say, however, that I had that. A lot of people can't claim as much. I am lucky and I count my blessings everyday. He gave me life through my father, and gave me so many things that are the world to me. He taught me life lessons, how to be my own man, and how to never let life get you down or direct you in any way but your own.

I will miss my grandpa terribly, but the smart part of me knows I will never truly be without him. He will always live in my heart. I will always have our good times and good memories. He will forever be an influence on my life and who I am. I will never live a day without trying to be the man he taught me to be. I have a lot to live up to as the last male in the family line, but I had good teachers and examples in my father and grandpa. Without the most important male figures in my life, I would not be here today.

I will miss you Grandpa. I will think about you always, and I know you will watch down over me. I will not say goodbye, because I will see you again. Rest peacefully... You're in my heart and mind.

George Luther Townsend

"When I look to the stars, I know just where you are, you're looking down upon me...", Fire by Dead By Sunrise

Hi.... It's been a while...

2010-06-11T13:12:00.002-05:00

I've been away. Since May of last year, I've been absent from here. What can I say? I've been super busy!

I'll get to writing more often here very soon, but let me give a little update as to whats gone on since I last wrote.

-I moved from Corpus Christi to Norfolk VA. Fuck that place. I can't wait to leave it.

-I went on deployment to Bahrain, which is a tiny island off the coast of Saudi Arabia. As of right now, I am one month away from coming back to America. 5 months in the books.

-Had 2 failed relationships (surprising).

-Made Second Class Petty Officer in just under two years in the Navy. Not too shabby.

-My grandfather passed away (I will post the thing I wrote for him soon).

Besides that, not much else happened. Pretty much just life in general. OH I forgot, my brother Bryan got married! So happy for him and Rachel. Anyways, I will leave you with anticipation for my next post which should come soon.

Goodnight all. You may return to your lives now.

~Ian

65 ?s

2009-05-19T00:18:00.003-05:00

65 Questions You've Probably Never Been Asked...you know the rules. tag people in this note (including the person who tagged you!) to learn more about people. Also, try to tag people who you've tagged in other notes, sometimes you learn things in new notes that you didn't know before about them.......

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
Hair.

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
red

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
um... prolly not.

4. Do you plan outfits?
nope... throw and go....

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
exhausted. happy.

6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red?
shorts

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
That's a lil personal... it's between me and her.

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
Nope

9. What are you craving right now?
her. Just her.

10. Do you floss?
um...... maybe? Not frequently....

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
halupki

12. Are you emotional?
more than I want to be, but less than I should be... hell I dunno...

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
2,646 actually... then I got interrupted.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
lick.... it hurts my teeth if I bite it.

15. Do you like your hair?
what hair I have? yeah sure.

16. Do you like yourself?
87.6 percent of the time.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
Yep. I personally like the guy... as a president, he wasn't our best, but he is still an interesting person.

18. What are you listening to right now
Jess

19. Are your parents strict?
not really.

20. Would you go sky diving?
fuck yeah.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
haven't eaten it in a WHILE.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
sure have. Her name is Christel.

23. Do you rent movies often?
nope. I buy.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
um... not really... I'm not so much into things that go sparkle.

25. How many countries have you visited?
3.

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
ha ha ha sure.

27. Ever been on a train?
yeah, a few of em.

28. Brown or white eggs?
no preference.

29. Do you have a cell-phone?
yeah... it is always with me.

30. Do you use chap stick?
sure... not often enough tho.

31. Do you own a gun?
I wish.

32. Can you use chop sticks?
sure thing.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
me, myself, and I... and a certain girl via webcam.

34. Are you too forgiving?
in general, no. I can be pretty harsh actually.

35. Ever been in love?
yep.

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?
work, work, and oh some more work. Sucks being all growed up.

37. Ever have cream puffs?
I think so.

38. Last time you cried?
cannot remember... maybe after I finished battlestations I teared up... I think.

39. What was the last question you asked?
I asked Jess about her job.

40. Favorite time of the year?
Fall.

42. Are you sarcastic?
Me? Nooooooooo I'm not sarcastic at alllllllllllllll

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
surely.

44. Ever walked into a wall?
HA HA HA have you MET me?

45. Favorite color?
red

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
sure... joking around tho... not the real thing... I'd rather knock someone out.

47. Is your hair curly?
nope.... when it gets long, it gets wavy

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Eminem-Relapse eariler off itunes

49. Do looks matter?
yeah... I need to be attracted to the person... Someone I think is beautiful and gorgeous... someone like Jess!

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
nope. end of story.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
nope

52. Do you like your life right now?
In general.

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
fuck no. Dark and quiet.... well mostly quiet

54. Can you handle the truth?
I believe the truth is the only way to go.

55. Do you have good vision?
yep... thank God for Lasik

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
yeah. I know you shouldn't hate, but they deserve it.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
depends on the person. Mostly I text tho.

58. The last person you held hands with?
It's been a while... I dunno.

59. What are you wearing?
My Navy AT shirt.

60.What is your favorite animal?
wolf

61. Where was your default picture taken at?
my room.... I needed to show off my Yoda shirt.

62. Can you hula hoop?
nope.

63. Do you have a job?
for shizzle.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
songs on itunes

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
yes I have. many times.

Quietly I ride...

2009-05-18T13:02:00.002-05:00

I've been pretty quiet for a while. I guess I really haven't had a whole lot to write about, or more accurately, had the will to write about.

It's been really busy lately. It seems like I am running on a perpetual cycle of the same thing. I switched back to working nights as a part of this whole new concept they have going in my squadron where they split us up into the group going to Norfolk in June, and those staying behind. Hectic isn't a good enough word to describe the chaos that it has been. Clusterfuck might work better. The main problem with the set up is the lack of qualified people on my shift... so there is almost no training going on, and a bunch of unquals trying to get things done without proper supervision or help when it's needed. I think that it is a partially good learning experience, be cause we have to learn to do things on our own, but not having people around to ask questions when we have them is killing us. So yeah... thats most of my daily routine.

On top of said headache, I am not sleeping very well. Everyone knows I have a history of sleep issues, but they seem to be getting worse as of late. I constantly wake up, don't get enough sleep, and feel exhausted all day long. The only thing keeping me going is the fact that I am used to running on low sleep... that and massive amounts of Red Bull. Luckily we had a full weekend off, but I still feel like I had a lack of sleep... even without a set agenda for the weekend, I could not pull off much sleep. Aggravating.

On a positive note, I am closer to moving. The count right now is at 24 days, I believe. 24 days until I move to Norfolk and begin a whole new adventure. Along the path to that new adventure, I get to spend time with some very special people... my friends and family. I will stop in Austin to see my sis, her bf, and hopefully my parents. then it will be off to Georgia to see Bryan, Rachel, and Jess. Hopefully I can see a few other people along the way too. I am very excited about the time span between the 11th and the 18th.

Oh and I don't want you guys thinking I'm totally miserable, because I'm not. I am actually pretty content, just exhausted. I've made 3 really good friends in the past month, and I look forward to us possibly getting a place in Norfolk. That would rock. Also, there is someone else who makes me very happy, and I really look forward to spending time with her. She is an amazing girl. So yeah, not miserable... just tired!

Anyways that's really all I have at the moment. I will be sure to keep everyone updated on the Move and hopefully I will get more inspired to write soon!

~Ian

Blog Theft (stolen from the sister)

2009-05-08T11:15:00.002-05:00

WRITE EXACTLY WHATS ON YOUR MIND.

1. Your ex and You = fun while it lasted, I suppose.

2. I am listening to = nothing. oddly.

3. Maybe I should = let things fall as they ma instead of trying to push things where I want them.

4. I love = my friends and family

5. My best friend(s) = are few and a very select group.

6. I don’t understand = women.

7. I have lost my respect for = some people.

8. I last ate = KFC

9. The meaning of my display name is = childhood nickname that has weathered the test of time.

10. God = there.... somewhere...

11. Someday = I'll be happy with where I'm at in life.

12. I will always be = me, no matter what you say or think.

13. Love seems = elusive

14. I never ever want to lose = my sense of perspective.

15. My LiveJournal is = non existent

17. I get annoyed = too much. I ought to work on that.

18. Parties = aren't the same as they used to be.

20. Simple kisses = are one of the best kind.

21. Today I = start working nights again. sigh.

22. I wish = a few things would go right.
————————–————————–——-
NOW

01. is your hair wet? negatory

02. is your cell phone right by you? always.

03. do you miss someone? for sure

04. are you wearing chapstick? nah

05. are you tired? perpetual state

06. are you wearing pajamas? nah

08. are you mad? not yet.

09. are you upset? miffed maybe, but not upset.

————————–————————–——–

HAVE YOU

01. recently done anything you regret? regrets aren't my thing.

02. ever lied? who hasn't?

03. ever put gum underneath a desk? not that I can recall....

04. ever kicked someone? yes

05. ever tripped over your own feet? sure have. I can be as graceful as a swan or as clumsy as a newborn horse.

TODAY HAVE YOU:

01. have you cursed? have you met me?

02. have you gotten mad at someone? day ain’t over yet. (ditto)

-RANDOM-

Q: is there a person who is on your mind right NOW? yes.

Q: do you have any siblings? a couple blood related, a couple step, and a few chosen.

Q: do you want children? I've always wanted to be a father.

Q: do you smile often? sure... when the mood strikes, or if I am talking to a certain person.

Q: do you untie your shoes every time you take them off? only my work boots.

Q: do you like your handwriting? it's functional so I guess it can stay.

Q: are your toenails painted? not my thing really, so no.

Q: are you a friendly person? if I'm in the mood

Q: whose bed other than yours do you sleep in? I don't.

Q: what color shirt are you wearing? white

Q: what were you doing at 7pm yesterday? um.... watching tv I think

Q: I can’t wait until: June 11.

LAST TIME YOU ______

last time you prank called someone? don't remember

last time you skipped school/class/work? college. I kinda get in a massive boatload of trouble if I skip work now.

last time you called your best friend? last weekend

last time you tried to tell someone how you feel? last night. I have no problem sharing feelings.

last time you had someone call? yesterday.

last time you twisted your ankle? cannot remember

last time you drove? yesterday

last time you cried? no clue.

last time you pushed someone? yesterday. It was prolly Ryan or Mantecon... dunno which tho.

last time you laughed? last night.

last time you rented a dvd? I don't rent. I own.

last time you worked? yesterday. last day on days before I go back to the fun and excitement of nights and the whole new det concept thing.

Empty

2009-05-03T20:06:00.002-05:00

I live everyday questioning things. It's my nature. It gets me in trouble sometimes because I ask questions at the wrong time, I ask the wrong questions, or my thirst for knowledge and understanding simply upsets someone.

That being said, I find myself asking questions and getting no answers. I try to figure things out and come up empty. I feel my purpose and drive in life slipping from my grasp because I feel like I cannot find the reason behind things.

I feel alone too. All around me, people are in relationships, getting married, and having kids... and I'm serially single. I can't hold down a relationship to save my life. I'm sure that it is as much my doing as anything else. I just can't get in a groove without either being tossed out of it or driving myself out of it.

I can't say I am miserable over it. I know that I'm young and i have time... but is it wrong for me to wish to be involved with someone? Is it wrong to want to give affection and get it back? Is it a fault to give everything for someone and want to get the same in return?

See... there I go again with questions...

It feels like I am going through the motions these days. I can't seem to fill the space with anything worthwhile. I just feel so empty and void of anything that makes me more than content.

I don't want anyone to think I hate my life or am being all depressed. I'm not. I know I have plenty going for me, and have a good life. I have more than many, and I am grateful for that, believe me. That being said, I just want more. I want to feel like my life has a purpose, that I am making a difference in the world and in someone's life. I want to feel like someone cares about me, and thinks about me. I want simple things... simple things that are so complicated.

*sigh*

I'm tired of being melancholy and melodramatic. I just want plain simple happiness that I see around me everyday. I see the world moving around me, and I feel stuck in place.

I am about to move my life across the country for, at the very least, the next 3 1/2 years, and I don't know how to feel about it. I want to be excited, but I can't. I want to be sad about leaving Texas again, but nothing. I want to feel anything besides the way I do now... like nothing is there.

I'd love to escape into the fantasy world inside my head, where all is well and wonderful, but I wake up everyday to the same existence. I feel like all I do is exist... and that is driving me insane.

Fuck. I want to feel important, needed, loved, hated, liked, despised, worthwhile, necessary, etc. I just want to feel.

Is that so much to ask?

Apparently so.

Draft Day 1 in the books

2009-04-25T20:56:00.002-05:00

Well it's over. Day 1 of the NFL Draft has come to an end... and I have to say, it was a weird day.

Lots of strange picks and trades, and some teams didn't even pick today. I can't wait to wake up and watch another 5 rounds tomorrow! Hopefully Denver stops screwing around and starts making some better picks. I doubt it though.... sigh.

Just so you guys know... I really am that big of a football fan. I haven't missed watching or listening to the draft in years. last year I almost did because I was in boot camp, but I got to watch some of it because I was on liberty. Anyways, I will do a final draft round up Monday!

~Ian

First Round Coverage! 32 picks, a bunch of trades, and 3 1/2 hours just for you...

2009-04-25T15:42:00.026-05:00

Ok here goes.

1. Detroit Lions
My pick: Matthew Stafford
Chosen: Matt Stafford
Easy choice. I had this one right last night when he signed the contract.

2. St. Louis Rams
My pick: Eugene Monroe
Chosen: Jason Smith
I figured this one might happen. Close choice but I ate this one.

3. Kansas City Chiefs
My pick: Aaron Curry
Chosen: Tyson Jackson
A lot of people saw this one coming, but I still remain unimpressed with Jackson. Bad pick in my opinion.

4. Seattle Seahawks
My pick: Mark Sanchez
Chosen: Aaron Curry
They took the best player available and filled an obvious need. No hard feelings on this choice, but the KC pick really set this one up.

5. New York Jets (traded from Cleveland)
My pick: Michael Crabtree
Chosen: Mark Sanchez
I knew the Jets would go after a QB, considering my choice for them to take Josh Freeman. Good choice, but Is he worth two picks and 3 players? Dunno.

6. Cincinnati Bengals
My pick: Jason Smith
Chosen: Andre Smith
Terrible pick. I think he has severe character issues, and will end up being one of those players with weight troubles and will be a bust. But who knows. i
I think Monroe would have been better here. And what was with him wearing black and everyone else in the room wearing white. WTF? I'm sucking ass with my picks...

7. Oakland Raiders
My pick: Jeremy Maclin
Chosen: Darius Heyward-Bey
What the FUCK. Proof that Al Davis is a fucking tool. Speed over the best receiver in the draft... MORONS. You guys just SCREWED yourselves. Good job.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars
My Pick: B.J. Raji
Chosen: Eugene Monroe
Another team passed on Crabtree, but a solid pick here. Not bad. Crabtree probably won't go till San Fran.

9. Green Bay Packers
My pick: Everette Brown
Chosen: B.J. Raji
Raji was a good choice here. Obviously the best pick for them, because they didn't need a receiver.

10. San Fransisco 49ers
My Pick: Andre Smith
Chosen: Michael Crabtree
Obvious at this point. San Fran LUCKED OUT here. No one saw Crabtree falling to them, but hey... good for SF.

11. Buffalo Bills
My Pick: Michael Oher
Chosen: Aaron Maybin
Surprise. I didn't really see them passing up on Oher here... but they have a chance to get him later in the first round if he is still there.

12. Denver Broncos
My pick: Brian Orakpo
Chosen: Knowshon Moreno
Why? They needed defense and they went running back, of which they already have 6+, 3 brought in during free agency. Passed on a hell of a defender for something they didn't need. Silly. I hope McDaniels picks his game up, otherwise this will not be a good start to his draft career.

13. Washington Redskins
My pick: Aaron Maybin
Chosen: Brian Orakpo
Well.... I guess they picked the best player... someone they thought wouldn't be there. Stupid Broncos...

14. New Orleans Saints
My pick: Malcolm Jenkins
Chosen: Malcolm Jenkins
I got another one right! Hooray! They needed help at DB, and this is a good pick.

15. Houston Texans
My pick: Vontae Davis
Chosen: Brian Cushing
They needed defense and they got it. They need offense too... but I guess take what you can get.

16. San Diego Chargers
My pick: Ray Maualuga
Chosen: Larry English
I don't get what these teams are doing. Oh well... I give up on choosing who will go where. He played for a low end team against low end opponents. I don't see him doing as well as some other linebackers, but hey, he could turn out to be a great player.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Cleveland, from New York Jets)
My pick: Josh Freeman
Chosen: Josh Freeman
I guess I managed to get this one right by fate. I knew when Cleveland traded to this spot, they weren't going after him, but Tampa needed a QB so here you go. Even I get lucky sometimes! Good pick here... but think they could have not traded up to get him. They didn't give up much to get him. I don't really think he is that great, but I guess he will get his shot to prove how good he is.

18. Denver Broncos
My pick: Brian Cushing
Chosen: Robert Ayers
Not impressed with this pick... but they fill a need. I think they could have made a different choice going with a linebacker, but I guess you take what you can get. I just heard their reason behind drafting Moreno (Can't pass up the talent, and can never have enough running backs) and can't say I am terribly impressed. I hope he turns out to be worth the talent they passed up to get him.

19. Philadelphia Eagles (from Cleveland, from Tampa Bay)
My pick: Tyson Jackson
Chosen: Jeremy Maclin
Not a bad pick here. They need help at receiver, and seeing as Moreno was gone, they took a big need. He should help them very well as a returner and eventually as a receiver. Sure the have DeSean Jackson... but you can never have enough speedy talented receivers. Cleveland doesn't seem to want to pick in the first round for some reason... they keep trading!

20. Detroit Lions
My pick: James Laurinaitis
Chosen: Brandon Pettigrew
Weird pick here. I would have gone defense or o-lineman, but they do pick up a good blocking and receiving tight end. He will help out Stafford on two fronts, but I think they still could have chosen something different.

21. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia)
My pick: Knowshon Moreno
Chosen: Alex Mack, C, California
A good pick. They did well trading back and getting him late in the round instead of wasting a high pick on someone they could have gotten later, or a player they didn't really feel they needed. One of the best picks of the round. Well done.

22. Minnesota Vikings
My pick: Percy Harvin
Chosen: Percy Harvin
YAY! Another right pick! They need a receiver, and they need a game breaker. He fills both, and he should be an immediate impact for them, and take some pressure off of Adrian Peterson. They could have gone with a lineman, but I think they made the best pick here, and great pick here.

23. Baltimore Ravens (from New England)
My pick: Clay Matthews
Chosen: Michael Oher
Baltimore's line is getting up there in years so this is a solid pick. He is a great player and has great character, and will definitely be a good or great player in the NFL. Good choice and good call trading up for it.

24. Atlanta Falcons
My pick: Brandon Pettigrew
Chosen: Peria Jerry
I don't know what I was thinking... I guess I forgot they traded for Tony Gonzales. Anywho... Good pick here for them. They needed middle presence on defense, and this guy will help them.

25. Miami Dolphins
My pick: Larry English
Chosen: Vontae Davis
A solid pick. They need presence in their defensive backfield, and this is a player who can make a difference. He will have his work cut out for him in that division...

26. Green Bay Packers (from New England, from Baltimore)
My pick: Darius Heyward-Bey
Chosen: Clay Matthews
You can never have enough good line backers, and they picked a very good one with a lot of upside. Surprised that Maualuga is still waiting to be called, and that the other two LBs he played with went before him, but I don't think he will make it out of the first round. Good choice for GB and they are doing well addressing defense so far.

27. Indianapolis Colts
My pick: Brian Robiskie
Chosen: Donald Brown, RB, Conneticut
I figured them to go for another receiver, partly to make up for Marvin Harrison being released, and partly to just give them another weapon, but they got a good RB here with great pass catching skills. Indy is following the trend of the two back system, so Brown will be a heck of a tandem with Addai. Good choice here, but a bit of a surprise.

28. Buffalo Bills
My pick: Chase Coffman
Chosen: Eric Wood, C, Loisville
Buffalo needs lineman, and here is a good one. 4 year starter, and should be immediate help for the Bills. I think they should have picked up a career tackle with their first pick, but at least they addressed the line here.

29. New York Giants
My pick: Hakeem Nicks
Chosen: Hakeem Nicks
Wow.... I knew this was a toss up between Nicks and Britt, but glad I chose right. This is a big physical receiver who can fill in a big need for NY. I think he will make people forget about Plax. Good job here Giants.

30. Tennessee Titans
My pick: Kenny Britt
Chosen: Kenny Britt
Another good pick for a need. As I said with Nicks, it was a toss up where those two would land between NY and Tennessee. Good route runner, good hands, and should help out a team with severe receiver issues. I think this was one thing that really hurt the Titans, and now they have a receiver that has to ability to get them to the next level.

31. Arizona Cardinals
My pick: Chris "Beanie" Wells
Chosen: Chris "Beanie" Wells
3 in a row! Shocking I know... Anyways, I knew this was coming. Edge is past his prime, and they need a real rushing threat, and Beanie is it. He should have immediate impact, and give Arizona another threat on offense. This is all based on whether or not he can stay healthy...

32. Pittsburgh Steelers
My pick: Darius Butler
Chosen: Ziggy Hood, DT, Missouri
Well.... I guess. I didn't really see this one coming, but I've seen odder (Oakland picking Heyward-Bey). I really didn't think Maualuga would fall out of the first round, but that's how it goes sometimes. The Steelers draft very well, so if they think this is their man for the first round, then he must have been worth the pick.

Roundup:
So I didn't do so hot with my picks. I got 7 out of 32 right... pretty shitty, but I think the shake-ups that happened, (Heyward-Bey at 7 for the Raiders, double trades by the Browns and Patriots), I doubt anyone did well. Odd that Maualuga and Laurinaitis are still on the board after the first round, and two picks into the second, but you really can't pick how some people will choose. Anyways, I think some teams chose very well and really helped themselves out (Green Bay, NY Jets, Lions), some had head scratchers (Denver, Kansas City, San Diego), and some were just plain stupid (Oakland). All in all a pretty standard first round. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed my coverage and commentary!

~Ian

My NFL Mock Draft!

2009-04-25T12:37:00.000-05:00

Here's my picks for the first round of the NFL Draft, which will be going down at 4 p.m. ET today! Knowing my track record of picking things, this may or may not be very accurate. But let us hope for the best!

And here we go...

1. Detroit Lions pick Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia Bulldogs

2. St. Louis Rams pick Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia Cavaliers

3. Kansas City Chiefs pick Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

4. Seattle Seahawks pick Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

5. Cleveland Browns pick Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

6. Cincinnati Bengals pick Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

7. Oakland Raiders pick Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

8. Jacksonville Jaguars pick B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

9. Green Bay Packers pick Everette Brown, DE/LB, Florida State

10. San Fransisco 49ers pick Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

11. Buffalo Bills pick Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

12. Denver Broncos pick Brian Orakpo, DE/LB, Texas

13. Washington Redskins pick Aaron Maybin, LB, Penn State

14. New Orleans Saints pick Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

15. Houston Texans pick Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

16. San Diego Chargers pick Ray Maualuga, LB, USC

17. New York Jets pick Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

18. Denver Broncos pick Brian Cushing, LB, USC

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers pick Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

20. Detroit Lions pick James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State

21. Philadelphia Eagles pick Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

22. Minnesota Vikings pick Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

23. New England Patriots pick Clay Matthews, LB, USC

24. Atlanta Falcons pick Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

25. Miami Dolphins pick Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois

26. Baltimore Ravens pick Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

27. Indianapolis Colts pick Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

28. Buffalo Bills choose Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri

29. New York Giants pick Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

30. Tennessee Titans pick Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

31. Arizona Cardinals pick Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State

32. Pittsburgh Steelers pick Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut

So there you have it... my first round mock draft. Some players who may sneak into the first round include:
LeSean McCoy, RB, Pitt
Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia

Watch the draft today or check in with my follow up blog to see how I did!

~Ian

My favorite movie quote

2009-04-25T12:29:00.001-05:00

Anyone who knows me, knows I have no faith in religion. I have faith in general, just not in religion. That being said, when I heard this quote in Kingdom of Heaven... I can't tell you much it struck a chord in me. So here you go.

"I put no stock in religion. By the word religion I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called the Will of God. I have seen too much religion in the eyes of too many murderers. Holiness is in right action, and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves, and goodness. What God desires is here [points to head] and here [points to heart] and what you decide to do every day, you will be a good man - or not."

Re-post of "Wolf" in a shoebox

2009-04-18T19:05:00.002-05:00

This is a re-post for those who are relatively new in my life or new to the blog and are wondering at the Wolf nickname and Wolf themes. Read it and learn! ~I.T.

Stories of the Wolf: Chapter One.

The Origins

Everyone always says "blank in a nutshell" but I cant fit what I want to talk about in that kinda space. I need something with more room... like a shoebox. We may have to move up to a packing crate soon... but for now lets go with the shoebox.

On my last blog I explained about the origins of the nickname "Wolf". To comparmentalize it I'll give you the Cliffnotes version. Due to my love of Wolves and my habit of wearing wolf t shirts, a friend began calling me Wolf. My other friends began to as well. We also made several connections between myself and a wolf. I stick to a small group. I'm very cunning. I stalk my "prey" and "execute" it with precision and stunning skill. I could go on and on but for the sake of time, lets leave it there. So Wolf was born.

When I was first dubbed Wolf, I kept it within my group of friends. We were always very close guarded with our nicknames and kept them amongst ourselves, but as we got older we were more free with them. Eventually many people knew our nicknames because we went by them while we were causing mass distruction and havoc in high school. We are still famous to this day for some of the stunts we pulled. (another story for another time) So with the expansion of use and for another reason (in memoriam of the friend who gave me the nickname) I chose to tattoo Wolf on my arm.

A recent addition has been made to my Wolf ink.

The tattoo reminds me of all that is important... and it reminds me to always be me. I designed it myself and I wanted it to be like me, unique. I will always be proud of the nickname Wolf and what it represents. I will never forget those who gave me the name and who stand beside me as my friends. To the best friends anyone could ever ask for. Derreck and Bryan, here's to you...

So that is Wolf in a shoebox... more than a little bit... and enough to keep you interested in whats to come. There will be plenty more to come in the Stories of the Wolf. This saga has just begun.

I'm GLOBAL.

2009-04-18T18:56:00.003-05:00

To the people of the 30 countries who have visited my blog...

THANK YOU!

Please keep reading and I will keep writing.

It's kind of amazing to know that my words are read around the world...
Kind of humbling too.

Thank you again, and be sure to tell your friends!

~Ian "Wolf" Townsend

Taking a page from a book...

2009-04-18T18:08:00.002-05:00

So it's been a bit since I've written. I guess I got on an inspired streak and immediately fell on an uninspired one. Go figure. I guess in my writing life it's either feast or famine.

Anyways, what have I been up to lately you wonder? Well besides the constant work I endure, not much really. I spent 9 days on leave which was very nice. I got to see family and friends and got a brand new tattoo. All in all, it was a pretty good leave period, as leave periods go, but I realized when I got back to my "apartment" that I was more tired than when I left for leave. Lets just say that I, as well as my car, were tired. I put around a thousand miles on my car, and after the trauma that occurred with it, I was rather impressed.

So after the break, I got back to the grind of work, and the funniest thing about the whole time between leave and this past week is the fact that I haven't watched much TV at all. Except for a few assorted viewings when I was on leave, my TV life has been pretty non-existent. Before I went on leave, I watched nothing but movies, and never even used the cable I pay so much for a month. Usually I am one to maximize my buck, but lately I've been pretty "eh" over TV.

I've spent far more time reading and I've been absolutely devouring a new series of books I discovered courtesy of an unread book sitting on my sister's shelf. The series is called "The Dresden Files" by Jim Butcher, and I'm currently on book 7 of the series. I started reading the books last week. These aren't little books either. They all are around the 400 page mark, but I've simply been devouring them. I guess you could say that sometimes I get enthralled in books. Perhaps that's why I have been so lackadaisical with writing lately. Sometimes you have to put down the pen and pick up a book. Anyhow, I think I finally found a few things to write about, and maybe I might just get inspired enough to kick my ass into gear.

That being said, I leave you now with a few random thoughts and observations for your enjoyment and information.

-I found a new band I like called Shinedown. I say new, because they are new to me, but they have been around a bit. Check them out.

-Apparently, at 6'2 and 215, I am overweight according to the Navy. Go figure. The also said I have 19 % body fat, which anyone who knows me will tell you is a fucking joke.

-I seem to be more interested in baseball this year. I have to say that neither of my teams (Rangers and Red Sox) are playing too well. Texas started off strong but faltered as of late. I hope they both wake up. I would like to see a young Ranger team prove people wrong, and a Sox team play up to expectations. Time will tell.

-I was so over the Broncos/McDaniels/Cutler situation. I'm glad it's over, and I think it ended the best way. Not necessarily the right way, but the best way.

-John Madden is gone from broadcasting. That's kind of weird. NFL football isn't the same without him, even with his sometimes overly simplified and silly comments and obsession with the screen pen. "When a receiver catches the ball in the end zone, that's a touchdown." We will miss you John.

-I barely cared about anything basketball related this year. Not really an oddity, just more of a lack of interest in something that doesn't overly interest me.

-Same could be said for hockey, but I do like watching that... just haven't found the time or severe interest in watching. It hasn't been the same since the strike.

-It's funny how Tiger's win at Bay Hill scared everyone in golf. You could see the fear in the other golfer's faces. You could almost feel that Tiger magic on Sunday at the Masters, but he couldn't do it, and the golf world breathed easy again. For this week at least.

-Twitter is addicting. I blame you for getting me involved in that madness. Hold on while I go check what Shaq and Kevin Smith are up to.

-Oh and by the way, shut the fuck up Ashton Kutcher. Your time of relevance has passed. Get over it. Why don't you try acting once in a while. You aren't a half bad actor, when you want to be.

-I think that anyone, and I mean ANYONE should be allowed the freedom to voice their opinions on what goes on in the country they live in. If you have a problem with something, speak up and be heard. More on this coming in another post.

-Rick Perry, you're half of an idiot for suggesting that Texas succeeding from the U.S. is a viable option. On one hand, sure it might work, and on another you look stupid for putting it on the table and like a fool for even broaching the subject. On a related note, if Texas did succeed, I would totally vote for Chuck Norris to be President of Texas. He would roundhouse kick our economy back into shape!

-YOU make me smile. You know who you are.

-I discovered something neat about my car the other day. I can put my key in, turn on the car and take out the key, and the car keeps running. Cool huh?

-I realize I have WAY too many books and movies. Now I'm not complaining, but it will make moving the massive amount of literature and visual entertainment all the more difficult come June.

-On a related note, there are so many books and movies I want. I wish all I had to do was read, watch movies, and play video games. that would be the life. Anyone know a job that consists of those three things, because if you do, hook me up.

-I miss you guys.

I think that's about all I have for now.. More blog posts to follow soon I hope. You can return to your lives now.

~Ian

It may not be Thanksgiving, but...

2009-04-03T20:31:00.002-05:00

I was talking to a friend today, and she made me realize something. Despite all that I've been dealing with lately, despite all the things I've had to complain about, I have so much to be thankful for. Hear, for your reading pleasure, is the things I am thankful for.

First and foremost, I am so thankful for my friends and family. Both have evolved over the years, but they have constantly been my rock when the waters of life are raging around me. No matter what's going on, I know that I can pick up the phone and they will be there for me. There are a lot of people who don't have the family and friends I do, and I know I'm the luckiest guy on earth to have those people in my life.

I have a JOB. In this economy, these things are getting hard to come by. On top of having said job, it is a very stable safe job as well. I know, that no matter what happens with the economy, I will have my job. How many people can say that? Let us not forget, I also get to do a job that I enjoy for the most part, and one I picked to do, and wasn't forced to choose. Along with my job, I have a roof over my head, food in my fridge, and a comfortable bed to sleep in. God, am I thankful for all of that!

Despite all the trouble it has been causing me lately, I have a car that works most of the time. I'm (most of the time) able to get to and from places without relying on others. Sure, for a couple of weeks, I was relying on the good nature of others, but for the most part, I'm independently mobile. Hooray for that!

I have money in my pocket and in a bank account. I didn't always have that. A lot of people still don't. I have plenty of things taking my money, and God knows I have plenty of things I owe on, but I have a steady income, and I know that I'll be able to support myself and not rely on others to help me out, even though if the time arose when I need help, my friends and family will be there for me. It's nice to be financially solvent, and I'm very thankful for that.

I'm thankful I am an American, and I'm very thankful I'm from the great state of Texas!

I'm thankful for all the past experiences I've had that made me who I am.

I'm thankful for all of the people in my life who have effected me in some way, and molded me into me.

I'm thankful to be alive.

I'm thankful for my life as a whole, no matter what has occurred, and what has transpired. It led me to here and I cannot complain about that.

So those are just a few things I am thankful for... a reminder that when times are hard, there is always something to be thankful for in the bleakest of times.

What are you thankful for?

It comes in 3s

2009-04-01T20:42:00.004-05:00

I had a good, light-hearted blog in mind (to counteract my last few melodramatic pissed off blogs), but fate intervened. I woke up this morning in a decent mood, ready to start the day and inch one day closer to being on leave. So I walk outside to wait on my ride (explanation on that coming in a moment), and I'm about a hundred feet from the parking lot when I spot my car, and something looks wrong. As I get closer I know something is wrong, and this is what I found.

Talk about a hell of a way to start your day. Anyways, I had to file an incident report, go through a bunch of phone calls, complain and bitch a bit, and then later I realized something. This was just the 3rd thing to go wrong with my car. There's a saying "All things come in 3s". First, my battery died, and it was a PAIN to change it. Next, My transmission shifter cable crapped out, and my car has been stuck in the barracks parking lot for the past two weeks, forcing me to walk or bum rides. Lastly, this incident happened. I dunno if someone was drunk and just pulled an idiot, or someone is a truly bad driver, but they mangled my car.

The worst part of the whole mangling was that they didn't even leave a note with their number and name so I could call them and find out what happened. The car can be fixed, and besides pissing me off to have my personal property damaged, it could have been much worse. The lack of respect to take responsibility for this, and be a fucking coward... that's what made me madder than anything. Someone said I was being stupid for being upset about someone hitting me, and should not care because it's going to be paid for one way or another by me... but how would you feel if someone hit your car and drove away without manning up and taking responsibility? You'd be fucking pissed. I think I was and am justified in being upset.

Alas, there isn't any reason for me to be upset any longer, so I'm gonna let it go. I spent my time upset, but it'll get fixed. It'll buff. My trans cable is getting fixed tomorrow, and soon I will get the bumper and light fixed. Eventually my car will be whole again, and the cycle of 3s can begin again... hopefully further on down the road. I really need a break from fixing my car!

Who knew a new car would be such a pain! Jeez.

~Ian

Why can't we all just get along?

2009-03-23T17:32:00.003-05:00

Let me start by saying I am probably going to piss people off with this blog. You may or may not be offended by what I am about to say, but I honestly, don't care. I have something to say, and I am going to say it. If you are sensitive or get offended easily, stop reading now.

I'm pissed off. Every day, everywhere you always hear about someone having issues with someone else. I'm not talking abut small trivial issues, because I get sick of other people's shit too. I'm talking about subjects that, in this day and age, we should not have. Things that should have died out years ago, but still live strong in a society that is so blended that we can't even say we are one thing or another. If you haven't figured out what I'm talking about, you're a fucking moron.

I'm going to be talking about some pretty touchy subjects. I'm going to get in deep to some subjects some people won't touch. I want to go there because I am willing to voice my opinions in hopes of helping people see that things aren't always what they seem. Read on if you dare.

I'm sooooooooooooo tired of racism. So sick of it. Yes, I'm white. By the claims of popular society, I should have no say or anger over the subject. I should feel remorse for what "my people" did. I should work towards improving the lives of those of color. I've got two words for all of that. Fuck off. What happened with slavery was wrong. Totally wrong. The way people in this country and around the world have been treated because of the color of their skin is disgusting. I definitely think that reparations should have been paid for what happened.

But I do not think that people should still be blaming anyone else or society for their situations now. I could claim that my life is forever altered for having Irish blood, and what the English did to my people. I could also be angry and upset about how the Irish were treated in this country. I'm not. I was never personally victimized or mistreated so why should I blame others for what never happened to me? I get that people still hold racist beliefs. I don't know why but they do. I've never seen the world in black and white. My four very best friends are black. I've had friends of every race, and never had a problem with them. I see the world as it should be... it doesn't matter what your skin color is. It matters what kind of person you are.

I'm sick of people talking about Obama. Yes he is half black. So what? It is well established that people of any race can be very successful. It was about time we had someone who wasn't white in the White House. Eventually, I know we will have a female president. We are the most culturally diverse country in the world, but we still have one of the worst race problems. We still act sometimes as if it is the 1950s. Some people still act as if they are superior just because of their skin pigmentation.

I also hate the judgement of a whole race or culture based on a select group. There are dumb, ignorant, fuck-ups in every group, and they seem to be the ones that everyone is judged by. Not every black person is a thug or gangsta or a n***a (I hate that word. I think it's not a term of endearment, and should not be used ever. Yes, I'm white, I don't give a fuck, it bothers me). Not every white person is a honky redneck hillbilly. Not every Native American is an alcoholic gambler living off the government. We have successful individuals from every culture and it's about fucking time we realized it.

Now racism is only part of my issue. I hate the way people perceive each other and treat each other. It bothers the hell out of me. But you wanna know what bothers me even more? People using their race or the past as an excuse. I HATE, abso-fucking-lutely hate it when people do that. I swear, the next time I hear someone say they didn't get something because of their skin color, I'm going to slug them. It's ignorant and stupid. If you can't get something because you aren't good enough, then accept it as that. Yes, there are still stupid ass racists who screw people out of things that they deserve, but that is getting to be less of a problem by the day. We can't use excuses anymore, we just have to suck it up and deal with things as they are. I also think that people getting free handouts or preferential treatment because of what you are is what's causing most of the problems. Again, i do agree with reparations, and giving back for what was taken, but I believe that in this day and age, that we can stop using that excuse. Helping people because they don't want to try and want to just use excuses to get by is shameful. Anybody who does that ought to be ashamed of themselves, and the people who give those handouts and BS are just as guilty and should be just as ashamed.

Now before you get too angry, I believe that some people do need help. I know people who have worked their asses off, but just could not get the same opportunities, and got a helping hand that launched them. I am ok with that. I am more than willing to give to and associate with a cause like that. What I am not willing to accept is helping those who won't help themselves, and simply live off others. People who believe they deserve something because of their color and think it is owed to them by society. If you can't earn it yourself, regardless of what you are, then you don't deserve it, period.

Something that goes along with racism is sexism. It's fucking silly. Women have earned the right to stand along side men in any venture they choose. I don't think that anything is strictly for men or for women. A lot of hard asses get all riled up over women doing their job. Get over it. Women are not subservient to men in any way, shape, or form, and to think so is really really immature. I remember how angry some people got over the movie G.I. Jane. Special Forces are still a male only thing, but I think one day, it could change. I don't know when or how but I wouldn't mind it. To assume anyone is not good enough for something because of gender is the same as doing it because of race. Everyone has the right to choose their own path, and not be told what they can and can't do because of who or what they are. We have come too far as a species to keep acting like this.

Ok now that I'm done pissing off one group of people it's time to move on to my next group.

Anyone who knows me, knows I am not a fan of organized religion. I think that it is the single worst thing in this world. I am a man of faith. Don't think me an atheist or anything like that. I love my God and I love my own personal beliefs. What I have a problem with is people telling what I SHOULD believe, and what is right to believe. I also think it's entirely hypocritical. The 5th Commandment says "thou shalt not Kill" yet Religion is the leading cause of death in human history. Billions of people have died for loving a "different God". Oddly enough, when you read the Bible... we all have the same God. Hmmmmmmm.

I've been to a few churches and study groups, and a few of them we good. They simply talked about worshiping, about loving God, and living a good life. They talked about being a generally good person, repenting for your sins, believing in a higher purpose, and spreading good will and love. I am OK with all of that, because their goal is to spread the Word of God (I'll get to this in a minute) and faith in a peaceful loving manner. Some churches and religions don't feel that way. They TELL people how to worship their God. They TELL people how to act, behave, and live their lives. They TELL them if they don't follow a strict rigid guideline, they will forever burn in Hell. No free passes, no forgiveness, if you fuck up, you burn. No pressure. They TELL people all of those things, then the people running that church commit awful crimes and act as if they are God themselves and are above human law. I think that is morally and just plain wrong. It's things like that, that make me hate Religion as a whole. I feel very bad for the good religious people out there because as with everything... the actions of few cause the pain for many. I have to say that I do fall in a hypocritical group in the sense that I judge all of religion by what a certain group does, but I feel in my heart and in my beliefs that the world would be so much better with out organized religion.

My next issue is with the Bible. I have read it, and do continue to read from it from time to time. I believe it is a great source for inspiration and for stories that teach good lessons. The Bible is nothing more than a book of inspirational stories. I don't get how people can believe it is the literal Word of God. Actually, I do know how people can be led into that idea, but that goes with that TELLING thing again. Besides the fact that some of the things in the Bible are scientifically impossible (I can hear the people getting very angry now) the Bible has been re-written, re-organized, and edited so many times, how can it be even close to the original thing? How can we know if any of it is even true? The Bible didn't just drop from the heavens. It was written by the hand of man, and is therefore, the Word of Man Supposedly Inspired by God. Again, I think it a great source of inspiration, but nothing to take literally.

All in all, my beliefs on organized religion and the fact that it is one of the worst things in human history (and also has brought on some of the best things, but it doesn't outweigh all the bad it has done) are held by others. I don't believe Jesus, or any of the spiritual leaders you read about in the Bible would condone the way people are acting in their name. I think that they would be ashamed of those people who call themselves Christians, Jews and Muslims. They preached peace, love, and understanding, and I don't feel or see any of that these days. All I see is anger, war, and ignorance. You can't preach love and good will with an assault rifle in your hand.

So I'm done complaining now about a few things that bother me. Maybe I will work on a few of my other annoyances another day but I hope you come away from reading this a little upset. Upset about how our world is and how people treat each other over silly things. Upset about how our belief structure is built. Upset that we can't grow up and get along with others. People always wonder how humanity will end. The answer is by our own hands. I hope you learned something here today. If you think less of me because of my beliefs and because of what I wrote, I'm ok with that. I can live with that because I am comfortable with myself and my thoughts. I will leave you to make your own assumptions. I will leave you to make or have your own opinions or beliefs. My goal here today wasn't to change your mind. It was to educate you a little bit on the way I see things. Goodnight everybody and God Bless.

~Ian

Love what you have... you may lose it...

2009-03-22T02:39:00.002-05:00

Everyone hears the old saying, "You don't know what you have until it's gone." Some of us have learned what that means.

Every person has regrets. They have something they look back on and wish didn't happen. Some people look back and see a mistake or an event that they wish they could go back and change. We lose something that we took for granted.

I can't come out and say I've got a major life changing event that has forever altered my existence. I know there are plenty of people who have lived through horrific things and come out on the other side without something that used to be vital to their existence. There are people who have lost someone who was their life.

What I can say is I do know the feeling to an extent. I have lived through some events that made me realize I squandered something amazing, or I lost out on something that I never realized was so important. It leads me to this conclusion... Live your life knowing that you are blessed.

Every day that you wake up, be thankful for everything you have in life. Be thankful for the people you have. I used to feel like I had no family. I used to feel very alone. One day I woke up and realized that I had an awesome one all along. I was so focused on myself and my life, that I failed to realize who I had around me. I saw a father who, despite his own problems and issues, never ever let me fail or failed to be there when I needed him. When I realized that he became my hero, and has been ever since. I finally found my sister. I realized I had the best friends anyone could ever ask for.

Some days I dread going to work. I dread the long hours, monotonous work, and the BS I have to put up with. Then I realize some people dread waking up because they don't have a job to go to. I have a secure job, a roof over my head, food in my fridge, and money in my pocket. Every once in a while I have a car that works. Millions of people in the world don't have any of that. They suffer day to day while I am lucky enough to be blessed with all the comforts I have.

I was lucky enough to play 15 years of football. I LOVE football. I miss every day that I don't step on a field to play. I ache to put pads on and hit someone... but injuries took that away from me. 15 years of getting hit and hitting people left me with a battered, broken, and surgically repaired body. I wouldn't trade it away for anything. I ache every day. My neck, my back, my knee. I get headaches, I don't remember some things, I feel older than I am... but I would never trade it for a life without football. I miss it so much that it hurts sometimes. I always wonder if I had done a few things differently... would I still be playing today? I wonder if my life would be better or worse? I'm not sure, but I would never change what I've done. I had a great run, and I have a lot of great memories. At least I have the battle scars to prove that i played hard. I got to play at a great high school, and got to play college ball. How many others can say that? How many people can say they got to do something they love for so long?

So, all in all, what I am trying to get across is that you should appreciate what you have, and never envy those who have more than you. You should appreciate what you have, because you never know when you may lose it. Love your life... no matter what bad things happen to you... know that you are very very lucky to have what you do, and that you could lose anything at everything at any time. Live for your enjoyment... not for your envy.

Carpe Diem... Seize the Day.

~Ian

FML? How about you STFU

2009-03-18T21:38:00.004-05:00

What is it with this whole Fuck My Life fad? Why is every one so damn whiny and upset about how their life is? Sure I make some complaints about my life.. I am not immune to feeling a bit down sometimes, but to build a whole subculture fad around the concept of FML is downright stupid.

Is this the society we live in today? Has the emo, slit my wrists, I'm so misunderstood, I hate the world mentality taken over? I hate it when suburban white kids with money, security and a shot at a good education cry and whine about how HARD life is and how much their life sucks. Shut the fuck up. Those kids growing up in a ghetto with one or no parents, struggling to make ends meet, getting a shitty education, but they still press on and won't let things get them down... they might have a reason to complain a bit. You crybaby middle class whiners need to get a clue.

I used to whine a little bit back in the day. Then my dad took me down to a GHETTO part of Dallas, and I understood... I had it EASY. I had everything I could ever ask for. I grew up and realized that life could be much much worse. I still have a few minor gripes with my world, but honestly, I have a good steady job, a steady income, a roof over my head, a car (when it wants to work), and a great family and great friends. I've got more than a lot of people, so I generally keep most of my complaining to a dull murmur.

So if you live a generally comfortable life, and most of your needs are being met... Shut up. Quit crying and go make something of yourself. Quit getting gay haircuts, putting on mascara, wearing stupidly tight jeans and bitching any time someone makes fun of you or picks on you. Act like a viable member of society and maybe people will stop treating you like the damn fool you are.

Stop with the FML shit. No one cares you wimp. STFU and get on with your life.

~Ian

I'm a Mutli-blogger

2009-03-18T13:10:00.004-05:00

So I am now a writer on another blog. I feel the need to share this with you guys because I won't be double posting my stuff. So to check on my new blog, The Game, a sports related feed where I dissect happenings in the wide world of athletics, go to Hustler of the Weak and check it out.

The site also contains blogs by several other people and if you enjoy my work, you'll enjoy theirs as well. For other stuff related to HOTW and its creator, check out BkJaxon and enjoy the content!

~Ian

Row, row, row your boat...

2009-03-09T12:52:00.002-05:00

SO i found out the date of my departure from Corpus Christi, TX to begin my journey to my new home port in Norfolk, VA. June 11. On that day, they will finally take the boy out of Texas... but will never pry Texas out of the boy.

Sure I've lived outside of Texas to go to school, but hell I could come home every once in a while. When I move to Norfolk, it will be more than a hop, skip and a jump. It will be more like a flying leap, or at least a very long drive.

Do not get me wrong, I am very excited to get to go somewhere different. I did join the Navy to go places, so being back in Texas, while nice and very accessible to family and friends, is not what I was planning. So moving to the largest Navy base in the world seems like a good adventure. I hear good and bad things about it, but I plan to make my own judgments.

So anyways, I will be shipping off for there in around 3 months, which means I better enjoy my last few months in this area. I hope to spend time with my sister in about a month (car willing) and maybe time with my friends who will be down here for Spring Break. I just have to get time off from work, which at this stage, seems mostly unlikely (except for a week in April for which I already have a leave chit).

Work has been.... WORK. Let's just say busy is an understatement. Long hours, and late nights are the everyday norm around my life, and days off are a rarity. We have a detachment leaving soon, so preparation for that has been hectic, and getting things to work, even more so. Hopefully, once they leave, things will slow down a little bit and we won't be running around like a group of headless chickens. Maybe.

So anyways that's my Navy life as of late... just work and more work, with an extra helping of work. Oh and a side of work to go with my work. Oh please hold the sleep and social life... I don't need any of that. Just sprinkle on a little extra work instead.

~Ian

Wishing

2009-03-08T01:19:00.001-06:00

I wish I had a day off.

I wish I enjoyed my job more.

I wish I was more tolerant of others.

I wish I could understand people better.

I wish I understood myself better.

I wish I could be myself without fear of people judging me.

I wish I could not care what other people think.

I wish I cared about other people more.

I wish I didn't fence myself off.

I wish I didn't pour everything into those around me, and leave myself so vulnerable.

I wish I wasn't afraid.

I wish I wasn't so alone.

I wish I knew what I wanted to do with my life.

I wish I was happy with where I'm at, and stop looking for greener pastures.

I wish I could smile and feel like it was real.

I wish my heart wasn't so mangled.

I wish my mind wasn't so twisted.

I wish I was happy.

I wish I was inspired.

I wish I was driven.

I wish I could feel like I was making a difference.

I wish I could see the good things in myself and not all the bad.

I wish I could stop feeling like I'm whining.

I wish I could have an original thought.

I wish I could see my family.

I wish I could see my friends.

I wish I could live one of those movie lives.

I wish I could be like all of those heroes I read about.

I wish I could be honest with you.

I wish you could be honest with me.

I wish...

For Fucks Sake... What were they thinking?

2009-02-23T19:54:00.004-06:00

Ok, so my day didn't start so well. My car failed to start before work. No biggie, change the battery, all is well. I got a ride to work, and had roving watch from 8 to 4. I work nights so the different schedule threw me a little out of whack, but I got over it.

It was a pretty pointless and boring watch, and I figured it was just a whatever kind of day. So I get off watch, and check to see what kind of battery I need. I pop the hood... I can't find the battery. I know I am not mechanically stupid, and I'm no genius at it either, but I usually have no issue finding the battery in a car. So i look and I look, then I remember an episode of Mythbusters where they are working on a Dodge Intrepid, and remember them saying something about removing the tire to get to the battery. So I look near the passenger side tire, and under the air filter and there it was. COMPLETELY FUCKING INACCESSIBLE from above. You have to take off the wheel and remove an access panel to get to the battery. WTF? Pain in the ass.

So me being the genius I am, I didn't really pay attention to the sizes of the bolts, because I figured I could just buy a tool kit and I would be good to go. So I get a ride to get a battery and the place we get the battery has shit for tool kits. The only one they have with anything resembling what I might need was $250 and the salesman said all I would need was a 7/16 and a 5/16 wrench. He said he had replaced one before and it was a piece of cake. So i get the stuff, go back to my car and start trying to work.

I get the car jacked up, the tire off and look at the bolts..... both of the new wrenches I have don't fit. FUCK. So I ask around and find a socket set... that fits the bolts on the mount and battery but not to the access panel. Not only that but the space to actually crank out the bolts is tiny so it takes FOREVER. So I find a pair of vice grips and manage to get the bolts out of the access panel, and wrench it out because it doesn't just pop out... no... you have to finagle and torque and twist... FFS! So I start taking off the top mount bracket, and one of the bolts is just so that when you twist the socket, you touch the battery terminal and gr0und it so you get sparks and shocked. So I shocked myself like 12 times and finally got the bolt out, old battery out, and new battery in, proceeding to shock myself about 12 more times putting the mount bracket back in.

I finally got everything back in and together, and the car starts and runs fine now. After an hour or so of fighting with the stupidest battery set up ever. I was so worn out from the frustration, effort, and ordeal. I really think that some people don't really think out how they design things and some shit isn't supposed to be so fucking difficult. I mean would you want to remove a circuit board to get at your tv remote batteries? Or do you think they should be right under a nice accessible door? People really should think stuff like this out when they design things. Oh well... I hope it will be a long while until i have to deal with that again... and at that point I will be ready!

So how was YOUR day?

~Ian

Drifter

2009-02-16T22:58:00.003-06:00

This is the prologue to my new story. Tell me what you think.

On July 9, 2012, 95 percent of the population died. In less than one month, nearly 7 billion people were wiped out. Whether it was pestilence, nuclear bombs and their fallout, or the war in general, life on Earth was totally and utterly altered.

Those of us who survived, were left to make an existence out of nothing. We had a world raped of its resources, demolished by its wars, and pillaged by its people. Maybe it was better to have died, then to have lived.

Communities began to come together, and for a while things looked up. Unfortunately, human nature soon took over and the lesser side of humanity showed itself again. The communities became as dangerous as the open unprotected lands.

Some people chose to brave these open lands, moving from place to place, either alone or in small groups. These people were known as drifters. One drifter wanted nothing but to be left alone, but the world needed more of him. The people are in need of a hero, and the most unlikely person has to rise to the challenge. This is his story.

I would love some constructive criticism on the premise, and I would love to hear ideas and suggestions.

~Ian

24 and counting....

2009-02-14T19:42:00.000-06:00

Another Valentine's Day alone.

*shrug*

24 in a big fat row. I'm implied and led to think I should feel bad about it. I should feel unloved, unhappy, and feel like something is missing.

Fuck that.

I think this is a pretty stupid holiday. Yes it is about celebrating the love you have in your life. I have plenty of that. I have a very loving family and group of friends. I know that I am loved and cared for, so why should I feel bad about not having a "valentine"?

So to all of my dearest friends and family, I love you.

I wish you all a very happy Valentine's Day.

Tale of Two People

2009-02-13T01:10:00.002-06:00

I had a unique childhood. Even though I had siblings, I grew up by myself. Now I don't want you to think that I was neglected by them, or that we were estranged... more that I didn't know my sister, and my brother was more like a cousin.

My brother is my mother's son. For that reason alone... he and I always had a gap between us. He was her golden boy. I love my brother, don't get me wrong. He and I have always had a pretty good relationship, but we were never that close. I really never went to him for advice, and besides the mutual interests we shared, he and I really didn't have a lot in common. We also had a big age gap, so that didn't really help much.

My sister lived with her mom in South Carolina. I never really knew her in any capacity until my teens, and at that point, we also had a pretty narrow relationship. We got along pretty well, but we never spent much time together, so we never got a big chance to let our relationship grow.

So as you can see... I pretty much grew up as an only child. That changed for me when our father separated from my mother. He and my sister began reconciling their relationship, and in that time, I became part of that process. I started to realize what I had... and what I had missed my whole life.

The day I consider the turning point for the Townsend family was April 23, 2005. My sister and father came to see my conference track meet in Austin. I wasn't able to run because of a lingering hamstring injury, and I felt bad, because it was the first and only sporting event my sister ever made it to. But the day was not lost. We had the best time just bonding. Our father told us about the amazing date he went on the night before, and my sister and I thought he was like a high school kid with a crush. (the crush is now his wife and our step mom! she rocks.) We laughed, we talked, we told stories. We wandered around downtown Austin, and ended up in a bar drinking Harps, and sharing tear-filled and touching moments.

Since then... I have found that one of the most amazing people on the planet is my sister. She and I have become incredibly close, and share so many things on so many levels that it is like we did grow up together. Sure we still find out new things about each other, and we are constantly making up for lost time, but for the most part it is like we aren't on our 4 year of being true siblings.

The difference my sister has made on my life is huge. She has guided me into who I am, and without her influence, I would be a different person. She always says "I spent the first 21 years of Zachary's life (Zachary is her brother from another father) and I would spend the next 21 of mine raising you".

Not many people fully realize the impact that a sibling can have on you. After growing up with no true sibling relationship, and finding the best one 4 years ago, I see it. I know what it's like on both sides, and I have to say I prefer what I have now. I love having someone who I can go to any time I need advice, someone to have fun with, and someone who gets me so completely that there is no doubt that we are related.

So to my sister... whom I can never thank you enough for what you have done for me, and for what you are to me. You make me a much better person, and I hope that I have had as much of a profound effect in your life as you do in mine.

Love you sis.

~Ian

A-R*d is a CHEAT!

2009-02-09T12:09:00.002-06:00

I warn you now... this will be a pretty heated rant. This is a pretty serious subject in my eyes and I have very strong feelings about it. You've been warned.

*Steps on soapbox*

Alex Rodriguez used steroids. Surprise surprise. I mean, I always suspected he used. He is a world class douche bag, so it was logical to assume he was also using steroids. Anyone else see a pattern here? Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Alex Rodriguez... all enormous douche tools and all of them were users.

I get being an asshole. I am one, but there's a line between being an asshole and a complete ass clown. I also get wanting to be the best at something, but you have to play within the rules. I know what it's like to pound yourself in the gym, run your legs off, practice 'til you pass out, but I have never and would never resort to using steroids. I have seen what it does to people who I have played with and against, and it's just not worth the risk.

Those who take steroids and performance enhancing substances (not pot or alcohol, let's be smart here folks) are cheaters and should be banned for life. I have no tolerance for it. If you can't be the best within the rules, then you don't deserve to play at all. I have no sympathy, no forgiveness, nothing to those who use steroids. I think that everything you did while using should be taken from you along with all the money you made. I think you should be treated like a common criminal for lying, cheating, and stealing.

Anyways back to A-R*d who will now always be looked down upon (even more than he already was) and will effectively end all the talk about how he might end up being the best player in baseball history. He is now in the class with Clemens, Bonds, and McGwire of players whose enormous stats are now tainted with an *. He is now a pariah of baseball.

You know what I say to that?

Couldn't have happened to a more deserving person.

So Alex, I hope it was worth it to you. I hope you go to sleep every night in your bed made of the stacks of money you have extorted from the baseball fans knowing you cheated them. You have to live with that you dickbag.

I hope you get suspended. I hope you get kicked out. I hope the Yankees suck so hard this year that they miss the playoffs again. And I hope you get blamed for it. I hope they treat you like dirt, because that is what you are... dirt on the face of baseball. The man who spoke out against the use of steroids, and who said he would never use... way to go jackass.

Fuck Barry, Fuck Roger, Fuck Mark, and now Fuck Alex. I hope you all burn in baseball hell.

Have a nice day.

*Steps off soapbox*

Pride

2009-02-07T22:34:00.004-06:00

When I used to watch military movies, hear about the fighting our troops were doing for our freedoms, listened to songs about those who battle for our country, I felt a little bit of pride.

After just 11 months in the Navy, those things mean so much more to me for one reason: PRIDE. I feel a swell in my chest when the National Anthem is played. I hurt when I hear about the troops we lose over in the Middle East. I burn with anger when I hear people talking about killing Americans.

I have always been a born and bred, red blooded American. I am proud of my Irish and English heritage, and proud to be from the great state of Texas, but to be an American... means a massive amount to me. My father served in the Air Force, and his Father and Uncles before him served in the Army Air Corps. Serving my country runs in my family's blood, and to continue that amazing trend is my absolute honor.

I can't say that I am fighting for our freedom. I am not standing on the front lines defending this country against all enemies. I am not on guard standing tall against evil. What I am, is a man who decided to serve his country in a way that fits his personality and his skills, and with those things, I will make myself and my Navy better. I don't think I am or pretend to be some American hero. I don't believe I am someone who deserves thanks for serving this great country, or to be bought things for what I do for the USA. I think I am just doing my part. I am simply proud to serve and honored to call myself a United States Sailor.

Thank you to my brothers and sisters in arms, thank you for everything you do, whether it is defend our lines or fix our ships, aircraft, and vehicles. Thank you to those who do those things necessary to keep our military running. Thank you to each and every man and woman who serves this great country of ours. Stand tall, be proud, and salute smartly... you serve the greatest military in the greatest country in the world.

For those who have fallen,
For those who still stand tall,
And for those who are yet to come,
BE PROUD!
To the past,
The present,
And the future Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, and Airmen,
Be proud of who you are,
What you've done,
And who you will become.

Believe in yourself,
Those who stand beside you,
And those you defend.

Be proud of what you stand for,
What you protect,
And what you are fighting for.

HONOR!
COURAGE!
COMMITMENT!

HOO YAH U.S.A.!!!

Public Service Announcement No. 3: Laugh, it's good for you

2009-02-04T12:48:00.002-06:00

I believe in the power of laughter. I come from a naturally funny family. If you are ever around us, you are guaranteed a lot of laughs. All of my friends are funny. The great things is they all have their own humor style.

It is a proven fact that laughing makes you feel better. It releases endorphins and there is nothing better when you are feeling down then a good laugh. I know when I am in the dumps, I automatically feel better after laughing... and sure it may not last long, but it is still nice to get that good feeling.

There is a reason why we love telling those funny stories and jokes to everyone. It makes us feel good to relive funny times, and to make other people laugh with them. Your life is so much better and much more enjoyable with laughter in it.

I go out of my way sometimes to make people laugh. Whether it is telling a bad or stupid joke, or doing something entirely dumb, I will do it to get a laugh. I really don't have to try to make someone laugh, but sometimes that extra effort is worth it.

So the point of this PSA is to bring up this point. Do a little (or a lot) of laughing. Try to find the humor in every day life. If you do that, you will find yourself enjoying your life that much more... and will make even the most dull, boring, or monotonous things seem a lot better.

So in the immortal words of George Carlin, LAUGH YOU BASTARDS IT'S GOOD FOR YOU!

~Ian

Are you serious?

2009-02-03T13:23:00.002-06:00

There is a picture of Michael Phelps smoking "what appears to be" pot.

Oh the uproar. Oh the humanity. How can one of our sport role models do such a thing. (Can you sense the sarcasm?)

He is a 23 year old. He is entitled to bonehead mistakes. I mean seriously.... how else do you think he eats a table full of food 5 times a day? Ever heard of the munchies?

This really doesn't bother me, and everyone who actually knows Phelps says it was out of character, and that he made a silly mistake. No one is really making that big of a deal over it, and even his sponsors and the IOC are just brushing it off. Now the idiot police in the county where the picture was taken, are thinking of pressing criminal charges. WHY? For what reason would it serve any good? What difference would it make to do that? All you are doing is bringing more unneeded light to a situation, that in my mind, is over and done with. Plus let us not forget he would have to test positive, or they would have to find proof of possession... neither of which they have. Case closed.

The picture was posted, the damage was done, the apology was issued... move on. I think his only real mistake was letting the picture get taken. So he smokes grass... so what? You know how many famous people smoke weed or do worse? How many of our upstanding public figures do illegal things? Lets charge them all and put them all in jail. While we are at it, lets look into the backgrounds of the police and the lawyers and judges. Put them in jail too. How about the media? Shall we just go ahead and put the whole of the human race in jail? Seriously... it was a picture, and he said sorry. It isn't like it was steroids... I mean pot really isn't a performance enhancing drug... except for enhancing your eating and sleeping abilities.

I still think Phelps is a viable role model and someone any athlete can look up to, and all this does is prove that he is human and can make a mistake. What happened to forgiveness? Aren't we all entitled to screw up now and again?

The worst part of this whole thing is the reaction of the public. Most people are just saying "whatever" but some people are blowing it out of proportion. A select few people... very select are claiming his race has something to do with him getting off easy. What? Where are your brains at? I have noticed an upturn in racism lately. I don't know why all of the sudden its all about race again. Bryan brought it up very well in a post he did on Facebook, where people are acting a fool because we have a half black president. I really don't want to go into this subject, because I think racism is stupid, and no one race is impervious to idiocy and lunacy. The color of your skin doesn't determine if you are a total mental case or dumb as a brick. It all has to do with what is on the inside... and guess what... we all look the same in there. So let us not be stupid and bring race into something so silly.

I support you Mike. You're still an American Sports Hero in my mind! Now put the bong down and go out there and swim some more laps!

Lazy post

2009-02-02T12:57:00.000-06:00

1. In two words, explain what ended your last relationship?
insecurity

2. When was the last time you shaved your legs?
um.... like sophomore year in college? Track thing....

3. What were you doing this morning at 8am?
sleeping.

4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?
sleeping.

5. Are you any good at math?
mostly, except for those dumb types of math that somehow 2+2 does not =4. that's just fucking retarded.

6. Your prom night?
forgettable.

7. Do you have any famous relatives?
depends on your definition of famous

8. Have you ever taken out a loan to pay for school?
yeah.... and boy do they want their money....

9. Do you know the words to your MySpace song?
sure

10. Last thing u received in the mail?
a gift from Bryan

11. How many different beverages have you drank today?
none, surprisingly... I need to fix that....

13. Who did you lose your concert virginity to?
Fleetwood Mac, Pat Benitar, and REO Speedwagon.

14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?
Who doesn't?

15. What's the most painful dental procedure you've had?
All the work I have had done since joining the Navy. I had appointments for like a week straight. Fuck that.

16. What is out your back door?
I don't have a back door.

18. Do you like the ocean?
It's overrated.

19. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different kinds of popcorn for Christmas?
actually yes.

20. Have you ever been to a planetarium?
sure... in my youth.

22. Something you are excited about?
a day in the future.

23. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO?
cherry.

24. Are any of your great-grandparents still alive?
no.

25. Describe your keychain?
a car key, a room key, and a UT thingy.

26. Where do you keep your change?
around.

27. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group?
Um.......... dunno?

28. What kind of winter coat do you have?
I have a Navy Peacoat, which is currently in the possession of the sister.

29. What do you think of the person you copied this from?
a friend of the sister I haven't met. (the friend that is)

30. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed?
well since the only door is the door to the outside world... closed. It would get a bit drafty and I wouldn't want everyone sticking their head in....

Congrats Steelers!

2009-02-01T22:05:00.003-06:00

Congrats to the Pittsburgh Steelers on winning a record setting sixth Super Bowl, and in such a fantastic fashion. This was one of the best SBs I have ever watched, and I was very impressed with both teams will and fight to not give up. Congrats to both teams for making it to the Big Game.

Now the wait begins for next season.... *sigh*

Super Bowl XLIII

2009-02-01T15:21:00.002-06:00

So here we are on the day of the biggest sports event on the American sports calendar. What a match up we have too. The defensively dominant Steelers vs. the entirely improbable Cardinals. I doubt ANY expert picked this SB match up, and if anyone claims to, they are liars.

The Steelers are usually a decent pick for a chance at the Big Game, but the Cardinals are almost never even in the conversation. True, they have made decent strides the past few years, but no one ever saw this coming. They blazed their way to an easy NFC East title, but after that they fluttered. They boasted a 0-5 record on the East Coast and staggered into the playoffs as a probable first round exit. They dominated the likewise surprising Falcons, then went for another expected East Coast beatdown to Carolina. WRONG. They pounded the Panthers and faced another unlikely opponent, the Eagles who upset last years Champs, the Giants. The Eagles thumped the Cards first time around, but this time, Arizona jumped out early and held off the Eagles to make it to the Ultimate Game.

The Steelers destroyed people with their defense, and the good enough offense. They handled the Chargers, then won a physical defensive battle with the Ravens to make it to their second Super Bowl in 4 years.

So who will win this David and Goliath battle? Will the underdog strike big like last year? Will defense dominate a powerful offense? I really don't know. I want to make a prediction, but I Don't really have a good prediction. My head says the Steelers will pull it out, but something still tells me that the Cardinals have a bigger chance than anyone really thinks. This is probably one of the hardest games to predict because it all depends on which Cardinals show up. Is it going to be the Playoff Cards or the Last Quarter of the Regular Season Cards? That is what will determine this game. However, I could be wrong. That powerful team from the past 3 games could show up and the Steelers could still hold them off. Who knows? We will see in a few short hours!

100 years of BEERS!

2009-01-25T17:45:00.005-06:00

Shiner Brewery from little Shiner, Texas just celebrated 100 years of brewing some damn fine beer.

Their finest achievement, Shiner Bock, is their staple brew, but they also make special ones like Shiner Cheer, Shiner Black (another fantastic brew), Shiner Blonde, etc. Over the past 5 years they have made special anniversary brews, of which I am ashamed to say I have only tried three: 97 (which, because of its popularity became Shiner Black), 99, and 100.

Anyways, I wanted to say Thank You to the brewers of Shiner Beers for their fine work and for giving me a damn fine beer to drink! And another thanks to my SISTER for handing me a bottle with a yellow label and a ram on it and telling me to drink it. I owe you so much!

That is my collection of Shiner bottles... all the types I have tried... There is only one that is currently brewed that I haven't tried, and that is Shiner Light... which I am questioning whether I ought to try, but I am thinking... why not, if only to add another bottle to my collection. And so you know... they are all empty. Do you really think I would waste good beer? Shame on you...

Public Service Announcement No. 2: What people should NOT wear in public

2009-01-23T13:18:00.004-06:00

This is a re-post from on of my very first posts on this site, but I figured this is a perfect subject for a PSA. So here is PSA #2!

What People Should NOT Wear In Public!

Ok Ive been laughing my ass off and shuddering at some of the things I see people wearing these days, so I complied a list of things people should not wear. I broke it down by categories.

FAT PEOPLE:
Not the slightly chubby, or kinda big people, although it could apply, I'm talking "waiting for a heart attack to happen" fat people.

-Spandex. No, never, not even a choice. It's rude and disgusting.

-Tight clothes of any kind. We do not need to see fat rolls accentuated in fabric. It just makes me wanna hurl.

-Anything see through.... *shudder*... that's just wrong.

-Any shorts that come above the knees. Its bad enough we have to see your cankles, but having to see those horrible fat thighs is enough to make me want to gouge my eyes out.

-Anything sleeveless. We do not need to see your fat ass arms. It's really just not attractive at all. You see these fat guys wearing muscle shirts... its kinda stupid... cause the whole point of the shirt is to have... muscles... and not have your fat hanging out of the arm holes.

-Any piece of clothing, that has words proclaiming "sexy, irresistible, or etc" should not be worn. And also the ones that say "Big and beautiful, or Large and in Charge." No. You are none of these so please don't give yourself the appearance of an idiot too.

OLD PEOPLE

Never..... never ever ever ever wear anything tight or with too little fabric. We do not, I repeat do not need to see your old withered body in spandex or in short shorts. Its a crime against humanity. If in doubt, more fabric and more room is always good. I mean c'mon, seriously, you cannot believe people want to see sagging and stuff in places its not supposed to be do you? And... *shudder*... please keep the hemline below the knees. Once again, its bad enough we have to see the veiny calves, but we do not need to see those thunder thighs. Its enough to make me want to pour salt in my eyes.

UGLY PEOPLE

Bag on the head. That's about the only thing that can help you out. Maybe a lot of plastic surgery. But a bag costs like 10 cents and you could make it a fashion statement. "Head Bags by Calvin Klein" or whatever.

MIS-SHAPEN PEOPLE

You know what I'm talking about... they just don't look right. I think the rules that applied to the old and fat people apply here as well. Anything tight or with too little fabric, needs to be sent to Goodwill immediately.

This list is just a friendly reminder to those who shouldn't wear certain things... NOT TO. Please respect the people around you, and don't make them look at your horribly disfigured body. Certain things are made for certain people, and anything that subjects the public to looking at you and seeing things we don't want to see is just plain wrong, and should be punishable by law. So thanks for reading... and have a nice day!

Public Service Announcement No. 1: Eating somewhere too often

2009-01-23T12:57:00.006-06:00

I am going to start a new thing called Public Service Announcements because these are a few things I think everyone should know. This won't be a regular thing or something done on a timeline, but just whenever I feel like I have something I need to share.

So here we go with Numero Uno!

Eating Somewhere Too Often!!

Here are a few ways to tell if you eat somewhere far too often, and might want to think about changing your habits.

1) You don't have to use a menu. This is rather minor... because if you have a favorite thing, then why change? But switching it up from time to time may be a good idea, but catastrophe may ensue thereafter but more on that later.

2) You don't even have to order. They bring you your drink, your appetizer and your meal with out even having to ask. Time to rethink your dining venue.

3) You decide to switch up your order and the waiter either notices this change and says something, or totally freaks because they are already making the food the THOUGHT you were going to eat. I have seen both happen, and the latter is not a pretty sight.

4) If you have a relatively set schedule of going to this place of eatery, and then one day you are late, and the people say something about it... Or you have a set day that you go, and you miss one day, and someone from the restaurant calls you asking if everything is ok.

5) Every one knows your name and your story. EVERYONE... even the new people... you are a part of their training...

6) You have your own special table JUST. FOR. YOU.

7) Often you don't even have to pay because you have dropped so much cash on the countless meals there, that they often give you meals for free, because you are "a part of the family".

Now I don't want you to get the wrong ideas here. None of the occurrences are a bad thing... it is just a sign that you MAY need to find somewhere else to eat just to switch things up. I have been witness or have been the person involved in every one of these situations so I am experienced in the area. It is just good to be random sometimes, and it also keeps those at the restaurant on their toes. Never want them too get too used to your schedule!

So that is my first PSA, and I hope it has been informative and helpful. More to come soon enough!

~Ian

New Day

2009-01-20T11:34:00.003-06:00

So we have a new president. Hooray.

Can you tell I am less than thoroughly excited? Yes it is a momentous day in history. We have our first non-Caucasian president. That is progressive. What isn't progressive is the way people are acting about it. Anyone who knows me, knows I am not racist. Not even in the slightest. But the way that SOME people are acting about the fact that our president is a man of color is shameful.

They say things like "I guess it's snowing in Hell, because all the white people said it would be a cold day in Hell if we ever had a black president" or "We got a N***A in the white house now... white people better watch out, its about to be the BLACK HOUSE".

Seriously? Why do we as a people act like this, or tolerate it? We have a NEW president. So what if he is of color? So what if he is BLACK? What does that matter anymore? Haven't we proven that people of any color have the opportunity to be equal and do anything they put their minds to? We have Black, Asian, Latino, Indian, Native American people at all levels of our society so why is it SUCH A BIG DEAL about race anymore?

I love the fact that we can finally elect a person of color our president, and allow a woman (even though she is in fact the anti-christ) to run for the chance to be president. I love that we can stand united together behind our differences. I love that we can be progressive, but FOR FUCKS SAKE stop ruining it with stupidity. White people voted for Obama so doesn't that rule out the "all white people" comment? Until people grow up and realize that we are all AMERICANS and we must stand together united and not keep spitting dumbass slurs and idiot comments.

We elected an AMERICAN for president. Who cares what color he is? Good luck Barack Obama... I hope you live up to the expectations. I hope you do a good job. I wish nothing but the best for you and this country in the coming years.

One problem I do have... and I think it is a big one... is that in his speech... he made A LOT of emphasis on helping out other countries, doing all he could for them... but shouldn't we be focusing on our own problems? I love this country, but we would rather ignore the rot inside our own borders to help other deal with theirs. What is the point of helping others when it cripples us? We need to focus on domestic issues, and put foreign ones on the back burner. I know Obama has a lot of plans to cure what ails the USA, and I hope he gets at least some of it done, but I still think that he may be focusing a little bit too much on what is going on outside of our country.

Ok, I am going to step off my soap box now. I just had to voice a few things on this day of days. Here is to hoping today truly is a new day... and not the beginning of all the same old shit.

~Ian

To my Stalkers

2009-01-19T21:38:00.001-06:00

To those of you who are repeat visitors...

Please comment once in a while. It is nice to know who is stopping by, and what you think of my writings.

I don't think I am asking too much.

~Ian

Movies

2009-01-17T01:34:00.004-06:00

Ok, as you may or may not know, I love movies. i have over 200 and I am slightly addicted to them. So here is a list of movies that some person somewhere in the internet made, and I have seen 160 of them. I would like to believe I have SEEN over 1000 movies in my life but only 160 on this list. So check it out... see if you can top me!

(x) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(x) Grease
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End
(x) Boondock Saints
(x) Fight Club
(x) Starsky and Hutch
(x) Neverending Story
(x) Blazing Saddles
(x) Airplane
(x) The Princess Bride
(x) AnchorMan
(x) Napoleon Dynamite
(x) Labyrinth
(x) Saw
(x) Saw II
( ) White Noise
(x) White Oleander
(x) Anger Management
(x) 50 First Dates
( ) The Princess Diaries
( ) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
(x) Scream
(x) Scream 2
(x) Scream 3
(x) Scary Movie
(x) Scary Movie 2
(x) Scary Movie 3
( ) Scary Movie 4
(x) American Pie
(x) American Pie 2
(x) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp
(x) Harry Potter 1
(x) Harry Potter 2
(x) Harry Potter 3
(x) Harry Potter 4
(x) Harry Potter 5
(x) Resident Evil 1
(x) Resident Evil 2
(x) The Wedding Singer
( ) Little Black Book
(x) The Village
( ) Lilo & Stitch
(x) Finding Nemo
( ) Finding Neverland
(x) Signs
(x) The Grinch
(x) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
(x) White Chicks
(x) Butterfly Effect
( ) 13 Going on 30
(x) I, Robot
(x) Robots
(x) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
(x) Universal Soldier
(x) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
( ) Along Came Polly
(x) Deep Impact
(x) KingPin
( ) Never Been Kissed
(x) Meet The Parents
( ) Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
(x) Joe Dirt
( ) KING KONG (The original, not the remake
( ) A Cinderella Story
( ) The Terminal
( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
(x) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
(x) Final Destination
(x) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
(x) Halloween
(x) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving X-MAS
( ) Flubber
(x) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
( ) Practical Magic
(x) Chicago
(x) Ghost Ship
(x) From Hell
(x) Hellboy
(x) Secret Window
(x) I Am Sam
(x) The Whole Nine Yards
(x) The Whole Ten Yards
(x)The Day After Tomorrow
(x) Child's Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
(x) Bride of Chucky
(x) Ten Things I Hate About You
( ) Just Married
(x) Gothika
(x) Nightmare on Elm Street
( ) Sixteen Candles
(x) The Breakfast Club
(x) Remember the Titans
(x) Coach Carter
(x) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
(x) The Mask
( ) Son Of The Mask
(x) Bad Boys
(x) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
(x) Lucky Number Slevin
(x) Ocean's Eleven
(x) Ocean's Twelve
(x) Ocean's Thirteen
(x) Bourne Identity
(x) Bourne Supremecy
(x) Bourne Ultimatum
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
(x) Predator I
( ) The Fog
(x) Ice Age
( ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George
(x) Independence Day
( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
(x) Darkness Falls
( ) Christine
(x) ET
(x) Children of the Corn
( ) My Boss's Daughter
( ) Maid in Manhattan
(x) War of the Worlds (the new one)
(x) Rush Hour
(x) Rush Hour 2
( ) Rush Hour 3
( ) Best Bet
(x) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
( ) She's All That
( ) Calendar Girls
( ) Sideways
(x) Mars Attacks
(x) Event Horizon
( ) Ever After
(x) Wizard of Oz
(x) Forrest Gump
(x) Big Trouble in Little China
(x) The Terminator
(x) The Terminator 2
(x) The Terminator 3
(x) X-Men
(x) X2
(x) X-3
(x) Spider-Man
(x) Spider-Man 2
( ) Sky High
(x) Jeepers Creepers
(x) Jeepers Creepers 2
(x) Catch Me If You Can
(x) The Little Mermaid
( ) Freaky Friday
(x) Reign of Fire
(x) The Skulls
(x) Cruel Intentions
(x) Cruel Intentions 2
( ) Cruel Intentions 3
(x) The Hot Chick
(x) Shrek
(x) Shrek 2
(x) Swimfan
(x) Miracle on 34th street
(x) Old School
(x) The Notebook (ladies... take notice.)
(x) K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf's Tribe
( ) A Walk to Remember
( ) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
(x) The 40-year-old-virgin
(x) Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring
(x)Lord of the Rings The Two Towers
(x)Lord of the Rings Return Of the King
(x) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(x) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(x) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
(x) Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
(x) Basketball Diaries
( ) Hostel
( ) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
( ) Elf
(x) Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
(x) American History X
( ) Thr3e
( ) Candy
( ) The Jacket
( ) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Shaolin Soccer
(x) Night Watch
(x) Monsters Inc.
(x) Titanic
(x) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
(x) Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard
( ) High Tension
(x) Club Dread
(x) Hulk
(x) Dawn Of the Dead
(x) Hook
(x) Chronicle Of Narnia The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
( ) 28 days later
(x) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
(x) Waterworld
(x) Kill Bill vol 1
(x) Kill Bill vol 2
(x) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
(x) Kingdom of Heaven
(x) The Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave aka the Day of the Woman
( ) The Last House on the Left
( ) Re-Animator
(x) Army of Darkness
(x) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(x) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
(x) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(x) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(x) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(x) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks Caravan Of Courage (i was a kid :P)
( ) Ewoks The Battle For Endor (i was a kid :P)
(x) The Matrix
(x) The Matrix Reloaded
(x) The Matrix Revolutions
( ) Animatrix
(x) Evil Dead
(x) Evil Dead 2
(x) Team America: World Police
(x) Red Dragon
(x) Silence of the Lambs
(x) Hannibal

Right or wrong?

2009-01-15T14:18:00.002-06:00

I can't tell if this video is right or wrong... very very wrong... you decide. I laughed my ass off though. You might too.

I am an advocate of safe sex... so don't be a fool and wrap your tool.

Nightwalker

2009-01-15T00:56:00.002-06:00

So I am working nights again. I am still not used to the change in working times, but I am getting there. As some of you will know, I used to work nights, and I have a thing for night time anyways. So me working the night shift seems only natural, I just have to get back to being used to it.

I have been back in my shop over a week now, and its good times. I am still learning, and sometimes I can't get people to help me out or train me, so I feel pretty damn useless at times. I am learning and am getting more useful, but at the moment I am marginally useful. It is however nice to see the work you've done function correctly, plus those things break so often, that we never have a shortage of things to fix.

My metabolism has been slowed it seems. I used to be able to eat, drink, and do whatever I wanted and I would stay around the 185-pound area. I am currently around 205 and it seems like I put on more weight each week. I am really not complaining mind you, and since I started working out again, it won't be fat. The only thing I for see being a bit of a problem is my clothes fitting. I may be busting out of my shit soon... I'll end up pulling a Hulk before long... you won't like when I am angry....

I got the first season of Dexter on Blu-ray the other day, and I have to say... now I know what I was missing, and what the sister was telling me I was missing. It is a great show, and I really really want to get the next two seasons.

That being said, I have a slight interest in serial killers. I watch a lot of shows that involve them, and I do a lot of reading about them too. They fascinate me. I had a minute interest in becoming a profiler (like on Criminal Minds, another of my new interests) but it never panned out, but I still have interest in it. I guess you can call it a hobby? Anyways, I just find them fascinating... but I am not sure if that is creepy, because there is a whole lot of shows/movies/books based on them... so I guess I am not alone! If anyone wants to buy and send me the Dexter books, I will love you forever (or until I finish the books and find a proper way to re-compensate you).

I have neglected up until this point to make my New Year's resolutions, so I guess I could hop on that. So here are few that I have come up with, with more to possibly follow later:
-Get back in fantastic shape and weigh in at about 220 lbs.
-Get as qualified for my job as possible and put myself in position for commendations and awards for my hard work (helps me advance faster).
-Give a hell of a Best Man's speech at Bryan's wedding.
-Work on my novels... I have been slacking.
-Get to taking more pictures, get collateral duty doing that for the command, and eventually start getting Town's End Media up and running. (details on that coming soon)
-Blog more regularly. I have a habit of slacking.
-Be a good friend, son, brother, sailor, and stay out of trouble for once.

That's all I have for the moment, but as I said, there is possibly more to come along.

Good luck to my sister on her diet and other current abstinences. You can do it!!!!

Oh one last note. I had a coach back when I was playing Pop Warner football, and he has two daughters. One I have known since she was around one, and the other I have known for her whole life. They have always been like little sisters to me, and recently I seemed to have really taken the big brother role for them. It is kind of weird being that for someone, and I have taken the eldest under my wing, and am mentoring her on the ways of life, (as much as you can for a 13 year old) and I definitely have to credit my sister for showing me how it is done. She has taught me so much! So yeah, I am a "big brother" of sorts now... how cool is that?

Ok guys and gals, that is all I have. You may now return to your regularly scheduled internet activities.

Oh and I will be moving from Corpus sooner than expected... Around the July-August time frame, so if you want to come vacation down this way and hang... do so quickly!

I'm out like a light.

~Ian

Gator Chomp and Oklahoma Choke

2009-01-08T23:03:00.003-06:00

Well, Chokelahoma did it again.

They lost yet another BCS game. They did exactly what I said they would, and LOSE. For the 4th consecutive time, OU lost a BCS game. I am not saying they didn't play well, because they did. But Florida was better. They wanted the win, and for most of the game it looked like OU didn't.

So the BCS choke artists struck again this year. OU and Ohio State did what they do best... choke out and under achieve. Even though they both played better this year than the past couple, they still managed to play themselves out of the game. OU... I almost feel sorry for you, but then I come to my senses and laugh at you!

Oh and to all you OU fans out there... this one is for you!

So now the argument fr the #1 team in the nation begins, but I already know who should and will end the season as the consensus #1. Florida, as the rightly should. I have no qualms saying they deserve it. Texas had a hell of a season too, but I think it should go to the Gators. I would like to see Texas hop to #1 and claim half of the National Title, but it won't happen, so I will be happy with them as a solid #2. Congrats to the Florida Gators and to the Texas Longhorns on fabulous seasons!

~Ian

Hey you...

2009-01-08T19:35:00.001-06:00

Yeah YOU...

I miss you.

~Ian

New Years Fun 2009!

2009-01-07T17:44:00.000-06:00

Good and bad to begin 09

2009-01-06T20:28:00.002-06:00

So 2009 is 6 days old and it has had it's ups and downs. New Years Eve and Day were pretty much awesome.

The 2nd and the 3rd managed to be better than last year, but still had a certain suck factor. I have decided the 2nd and 3rd of January are not good days for me.

I went back to work yesterday, and it was finally to my actual job! I have really enjoyed being back in my shop, and even though the days are long, I am doing bitch work, and I am pretty tired, I love it. It's so good to be doing what I was trained to do.

Texas beat Ohio State last night in the Fiesta Bowl. They should have been playing for the National Championship, and I think getting snubbed kind of hung over them, because they came out pretty sluggish and didn't kick it up until the 3rd quarter. i thought they were going to run away with the game, but then they fell back asleep in the 4th, and had to rally a last minute drive to win. It wasn't the prettiest win, but it was a signature Texas win.

Colt McCoy should have won several of the awards he was snubbed for, and the performance he put on last night proved it, but oh well, he will win them next year, en route to leading Texas to a National Championship.

Oh and for those people around the country who keep saying that Texas didn't deserve to be in the NC, because they lost to Texas Tech, whom OU beat, let us look at those wins that were so talked about.

Texas beat OU on a neutral field by 10 points. No real crowd or atmosphere advantage, just Texas proving themselves better.

Texas loses to Tech in Lubbock on a last second score. Major crowd and atmosphere advantage in Tech's favor. It was the biggest game in their history. They had Texas on the ropes all game, but a fantastic second half by Colt almost knocked them off, but Texas couldn't stop Michael Crabtree. Texas looked to be worn out from their tough stretch of games, but that is just an excuse. They played one good half and it hurt them badly.

OU beats Tech at home big time. Major crowd and atmosphere advantage. Tech looked like they spent all their energy on Texas and OSU. Couldn't get their head on straight and paid for it.

So yes, OU beat a team that beat Texas, and beat them convincingly... but remember last year when Tech beat OU in Lubbock and OU looked spooked the whole game because of the crowd. So anyone who argues that home field advantage is not a true factor, is simply stupid.

So Texas should not have been snubbed, but they were. OU ran up the score on everyone to prove how "dominant" they are, and it won people over and won Sam Bradford awards he didn't deserve. Anyone can rack up those stats behind that kind of line and those types of receivers. But Texas won with 2 upperclassmen receivers and a bunch of young guys, no real running game, and a decent line. Put Sam Bradford in that offense and he is toast. Call me biased, but look at the facts.

Anyways, now that i have gotten that out of my system, I am done with that complaint. OU will get smoked in their latest BCS loss on Thursday, and it will end the speculation on who is better.

So that is about all I have for now on updates into my life, and I am gonna go pass out.

~Ian

It hasn't been great, so see you later 2008

2009-01-03T00:53:00.002-06:00

I stole this survey, and will tide you guys over until I can blog with some substance.

~Ian

1) Where did you begin 2008?
Derreck's house. Fun times.

2) What was your status by Valentine's Day?
single, as always.

3) Were you in school anytime this year?
Does training school count? If so, yes.

4) How did you earn your money?
Stripping. No seriously, newspaper at first, then Navy. I stripped for sexual favors only.

5) Did you have to go to the hospital?
not that I can recall.

6) Did you have any encounters with the police?
try Jan 2.

7) Would you relive 2008 over and over again?
absolutely not. Had it's highs, but way too many lows.

8) What did you purchase that was over $1000?
a car

9) Did you know anybody who got married?
um, actually, not too many people got married in 08, but I know a few in 09 are coming.

10) did you know anybody who passed away this year?
Heath.

12) Did you move anywhere?
Home, Great Lakes, IL, Pensacola, FL, Corpus Christi

13) What concerts/shows did you go to?
none. I managed to miss every single one I wanted to go to. 10+ at least

14) Are you registered to vote?
yup

15) Do you still have the same job as you did in 2007?
not at all.

16)Has anyone betrayed you in 2008?
most likely.

17) Where do you live now?
Corpus

18) Describe your birthday?
lame.

19) What's one thing you thought you'd never do but did in 2008?
Join the Navy.

20) What has been your favorite moment?
Times with my sister.

21) What's something you learned about yourself?
I can do anything if I put my mind to it.

22) Any new additions to your family?
nope.

23) What was your best month?
Tie. March, when I began my new life, and December, because a lot of good things happened.

24) Were you in a relationship this year?
yes.

25) What music will you remember 2008 by?
too many songs

26) Who has been your best buddy/buddies?
all my boys and girls know who they are. But there is a new one who I am getting somewhat fond of.

27) New friend?
TONS... and that's awesome

28) Favorite Night out?
Any night in Austin with my sister.

29) Would you say you ....had a good year?
Up and down.

How does your stomach feel?
normal

When you woke up today did you have any missed text?
no

Does anyone call you baby or babe?
sometimes

Are you jealous right now?
nope.

How long does it take you to shower?
not very long... usually 7-10 minutes

Does the last person you laid in a bed with mean anything to you?
No.

Have you fallen asleep in someone's arms in the past week?
Nope.

How old will you be in a year from now?
1/4 a century

When did you last cry?
No idea.

Do you like the rain?
whatever.

What can you not wait for?
To get my shit paid off. Oh and a few trips to the Georgia area.

Are you wearing anything pink?
wouldn't you like to know... Honestly, no I don't do pink.

Who is the last person you were mad at?
myself.

Light or dark hair for the opposite sex?
I am currently all for brunettes.

Would you rather watch football or baseball?
fooseball. I love me some Bowl and Playoff time!

Has someone ever slapped your butt?
GOOD GAME.

Do you have piercings?
ears

Do you want a tattoo?
I want more

What are you listening to?
silence

When was the last time you spoke to a sibling?
today

What are you wearing?
jeans and a Horns shirt

Do you feel awkward when strangers say hi to you?
nope

Are you any different now than you were a year ago?
most definitely.

How's the weather?
whatev.

How's your heart?
beating.

Who was the last person you cried in front of?
no idea.

Will this weekend be a good one?
it will suffice.

Relationship status: Single, Taken, Complicated?
Single.

Have you ever kissed someone whose name started with a J?
Yep.

What's the biggest annoyance in your life right now?
Bills

Is it easy for others to make you feel awkward?
psh.

When was the last time you wanted to punch someone in their face?
HA HA HA um... where do I begin?

Who will your next kiss be?
I can tell you who I want it to be... no idea on the when.

Is there someone you want to keep in your life?
lots of people.

Are you happy?
sufficiently so.

Where did you get your last bruise from?
NYE

Have you ever thought you were gonna die?
sure.

Where did you go last night?
to sleep after a fun fun day in Austin

How many windows are open on your computer?
One.

Current mood?
Tired.

Any weekend plans?
Family.

Crying

2008-12-30T16:51:00.002-06:00

The Denver Broncos just fired Mike Shanahan.

*tears*

He was a great coach, and I understand the move by the organization, because they have underachieved for several years now. This year they suffer A LOT of injuries, so he can/can't be blamed for the late season break down, because they were playing pretty poorly, but the injury situ didn't help at all.

So it is an end to the greatest coach in Bronco's history's tenure and I wish they would have let him go out in a better fashion than firing him, but it all has to end sometime. Bye Mike... I will miss you!

Sleep is over rated

2008-12-30T01:56:00.002-06:00

My sleep schedule is screwed. I really have to shift it back to getting up early soon, because Monday is going to be an early one.

Yet, here I am at 2 a.m. in Austin not sleeping. So I figured while I was not sleeping, I would blog... because you know I love to blog when I am not sleeping!

It is wonderful to see my sister again. I am looking forward to NYE with her in downtown Austin. Oh the fun we will have. It will of course not include a New Years kiss, as usual, but it will include alcohol, fun, and somebody getting motorboated. Not by me or to me, but someone within our party to another party member. I already know it will happen. Mark it down folks, motorboat action in the Townsend party.

Anyways, after much hinting/requesting/guilt tripping, I will also be going to Dallas while I am on leave. It will be for only 2 days, but I hope I can see all the people who have been requesting my presence. Logging a lot of miles in my new car... but at least it rides nice.

Oh yeah, I dunno if I mentioned it but I did get a new vehicle. The mini van is no more. I finally got rid of the very emasculating vehicle i had and got something a tad bit better.

I like it. it is a 2003 Dodge Intrepid, and it runs pretty damn well. I have no complaints with it, except the money it is costing me at the moment. With the registration/title/license plate fee and first payment due soon, I am HURTING for money. But I guess that is the price you pay... I'll survive I am more than sure, but it will be a pain in the ass.

So that is about all I have for now, but I do want to send a shout out to a certain reader of mine... You are a pain in my ass... but I love every second of it!

That's all for now. Back to your lives now. Over and out.

~Ian

Is it wrong to laugh?

2008-12-28T20:56:00.002-06:00

So the Cowgirls choked it again. I'm laughing. Some people aren't.

T.O. crying when he realized his time in Dallas, and the prime of his career are OVER.

Seriously? Is he crying into a PINK towel? What is that the special crying towel Jessica gave him? What a wuss.

Let the crying and finger pointing begin again. I can't wait to see the off season drama that will unfold, and I have a feeling one, if not several, of Dallas's high priced players is leaving, if not the head coach too. Yeah, I know Jerry said Wade Phillips is safe, but lets face it, Jerry is a consummate liar and backstabber.

So who do I think will be gone? Wade is probably gone, and I think T.O. is out too. They have a headline receiver in Roy Williams (without the problems), and a young core of decent receivers, so T.O. has become (again) an unwanted quantity. The Cowboys would be wasting their time to keep him around, and subjecting themselves to more and more trouble. He really isn't worth the heartache or headache, and I honestly think Romo's development is being stunted by him. Romo is practically worthless in December anyways, and I doubt it would really make much difference, but without T.O., he might not be such a headcase about keeping a stupid ass premadonna happy.

So yet another playoffs will be watched by the Cowboys at home. Of course my Broncos look like they are heading for their couches too, as they choked out the last 2 games (and at the time of this post their third and final game is well on it's way there) but I believe the expectation differences with both teams says it all. The Broncos weren't supposed to make the playoffs anyways, and if not for the major injury problems they have had this season, they might not have broken down so late. When you lose 7 running backs, a couple receivers, half your defense... you kinda suffer. They were lucky to have the record they do. But the Cowboys? Failures. Plain and simple, they again failed to live up to the expectations people keep unwisely giving them.

You would think the pundits would finally figure out that betting on Dallas is kin to wasting your time.

So despite my team stinking it up.... I will keep laughing at the dysfunction that is the Cowboys. Keep the drama and comedy rolling in fellas, I always need a good reason for a chuckle.

Oh and losing your final game in Texas stadium by giving up two of the longest runs in Ravens history on consecutive plays... one to a FULLBACK... HA HA HA HA HA. that's all I have to say to that.

On an unrelated note, It's sad that the 11-5 Patriots will get left out of the playoffs while an 8-8 team will make it in, and get home field advantage in the first round. The playoff system, much like the BCS is a failure. Get it fixed fellas... so deserving teams don't get fucked.

That's all for now. Over and out.

~Ian

Let's go Bowling

2008-12-27T01:31:00.002-06:00

Every year, I try to catch at least a few minutes of every bowl game. So far I have missed 2 games, but after I make my way to Austin for 6 days, I will probably end up missing a few more.

I hope I can catch most of them though... I guess it's a silly goal, but it's a fun thing to try and obtain. So far there have been a few surprises, but nothing major to be honest. All the big shockers come around during the BCS games, and they usually involve OU or Ohio State, although I am not surprised by them losing... BCS curse victims right there.

Anyways, I hope everyone had a good Boxing Day, the little known holiday following Xmas, also one of the worst days to work retail. Black Friday wins that race by a nose.

Oh yeah, was anyone else aware that Red Bull has a new Cola out? It's made with all natural ingredients and isn't half bad, but not really worth the price. If you ever see it around, give it a try... like I said not bad.

All this talk of Red Bull got me really thirsty for a Jager bomb.

~Ian

Day

2008-12-25T21:49:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone.

I hope you enjoyed time with your families and loved ones, and enjoyed that quality time that is most important on this day.

I unfortunately spent this Christmas in my own company, and definitely missed being with my family and friends. Fortunately I did get a lot of phone calls and texts so I knew I was being missed and loved.

As Derreck said "Merry Retail Exploitation Day"... because unfortunately this holiday is more about what's under the tree than who is gathered around it. So I hope you enjoyed the company as well as the gifts and realize what this day is truly about... family.

So I hope your Christelmas day was wonderful, and I hope everyone was safe, happy, and stayed generally out of trouble!

Next up: New Years... which I will be spending in Austin with my sister.... muah ha ha ha ha ha the trouble we will cause! I can't wait to open the New Year with the best sister in the whole world!

Oh and what was with there being no football on today? What the hell? Not having football on Christmas is like.... fining someone for making a snow angel after scoring a touchdown.... I'm just saying (I'm not saying, I'm just saying)

At least they had a Mythbusters Marathon... Santa did get my letter! Now if he could have just brought a few other things/people I wanted... oh well.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

~Ian

Expensive Snow Angel

2008-12-24T16:34:00.003-06:00

So it cost Wes Welker 10 grand to make a snow angel after scoring a touchdown...

What is wrong with the NFL? Why are they fining a guy for having a little fun in the snow? When did the NFL become the No Fun League? Players are getting fined left and right for this shit, as well as hitting people too hard.

Last time I checked, football is a contact sport. People love big hits. Its exciting, funny, and more often than not, the worse the hit looks the less it hurts. I got hit a lot (you can tell) and the hits that hurt the most were the little ones for some odd reason. But whenever I would crush someone or someone would return the favor, I never felt it. So when someone gets decleated and the whole stadium goes "OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH". That shit is awesome.

Back to my original topic, I think it's silly to fine someone for playing in the snow. I can see fining someone for digging out a cell phone and making a call, or grabbing pom poms and dancing, or signing a ball with a Sharpie he pulled from his sock, but making a snow angel? Come on... If that is the case, then the players jumping in the stands should be fined. Any player kneeling to pray should be fined. The guy slam dunking the ball over the cross bar should be fined. Lets fine everyone. Score a touchdown and get fined 10k. Fuck it.

Stupid, that's what this is. I hope someone builds a snowman next... that would be worth the fine! Where is the holiday spirit? It's about giving not taking!

Merry Fucking Christmas!

Eve

2008-12-24T10:30:00.002-06:00

So here it is... the day before Christmas, and all through the house, Ian will be working, there is no doubt.

Yeah that made no sense, but still...

So I will be working while Santa is out and about giving out gifts to all the good little boys and girls... while parents spoil all their rotten little brats with shit they don't need!

This will be the first Christmas I have spent away from home, so maybe that's the reason I am not so "in the spirit" this year. Added to that fact is that I will be working tonight and sleeping away most of Christmas.

I'm not all Bah Humbug but I am pretty close. I mean I did sacrifice going home for Christmas to spend New Years with my sister, so it's as much my doing as anything else, but I wanted this year to continue to be one of firsts (Thanksgiving with my sis, paying for my own car, making a life on my own, etc.) so the the sacrifice of a family Christmas for the first New Years with my sister was a fair trade off in my books.

So I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas Eve and Day. Be safe if you are traveling and enjoy this very special time of year!

~Ian

Hitch up the Bandwagon, we're goin' for a ride!

2008-12-24T00:15:00.003-06:00

I hate bandwagon riders. They really drive me nuts. i don't understand the concept of shifting loyalties... I would rather ride out bad times with my team then constantly shifting to a new team.

This year, when Texas beat OU in the Red River Shootout (I refuse to call it the Red River Rivalry, because that's just post-9/11 stupidness) there were millions of new Texas fans. Then Texas lost to Texas Tech and all the new Tech fans came out of the woodwork. Then OU hopped back on top (unfairly I might add) and now the Boomer Sooner bullshit is back. It makes me sick.

I can deal with a person who has no loyalties, and just watches sports for the games. They at least are fans of the game, and that never wavers. What I can't stand is those people who jump on whomever is on top of the heap.

Part of being a true fan is enjoying the high times, riding out low times, and knowing everything there is to know about your favorite team. When you can have a heated arguement about who's team is better and dredge up decades worth of stats, records, and players without stopping... that is being a true fan.

Wearing the same outfit every time your team plays because you believe it to be the key to your teams successes is true fanhood. Never wearing it again because they lose is true fanhood.

There is however a limit. Putting your team's logo on everything you own is lunacy. So is crying your eyes out when they lose, or claim various forms of cheating (refs, dirty play, dirty tricks, etc.) leading to their downfall. That is also bad sportsmanship.

For example, I know many OU fans (most of them actually) who always scream they were cheated when they lose. It is always the refs fault for making a bad call, or whatnot. It's never that the other team was just better. Bad sportsmanship ruins the experience. Be a gracious loser and offer the other team (and fans) their due and move on. Your shot at redemption will come around sometime.

So in closing this little rant, I just want to reiterate my main point... Don't ride the bandwagon. Pick your team and stick with it, or don't pick one at all. And for goodness sake... be a good sport!

Enjoy the Bowl season and be sure to watch the Longhorns stomp Ohio State and OU get spanked by Florida!

~Ian

EDIT:
I ran across this article, and despite showing some signs of being a lunatic (crying when his teams lose, having a teams logo over everything, claiming losses are due to refs), Big Lo shows what it means to be a true fan. Here's to you Big Lo! Hope you keep getting better and healthier!

True Fanhood right here

Alive

2008-12-23T23:27:00.002-06:00

I am alive I promise. I'm sorry I haven't written much, but I will be doing more now hopefully. Due to the prodding of others (you know who you are) and being outblogged by a few people, I want to kick up my output.

So here's my end of 2008/start of 2009 resolution... To blog more. I have a lot rattling around in my head, so I'm going to finally let some of it out!

Oh and by the way, I write my opinions, so to any new readers who have just come across this site, don't be too offended by anything I write. Oh and if I haven't offended you yet, just wait, because your time is coming around!

I am also working on doing some video blogging so look out for that in the near future.

Check back soon for new content!

~Ian

Cleaning it up

2008-11-16T13:54:00.003-06:00

The other day, I realized that I swear a lot. Like A LOT a lot. So I have decided that I need to clean up my language.

I look at it this way... I am 24, educated, and want to go somewhere with my life and career. I know how to control my mouth, and can do it quite well, but it gets out of hand sometimes.

So the way I look at it is that if I start cutting back, not completely editing myself, I can be less offensive with my language. I know I have that whole Sailor thing, but in all truth, the old views of a Navy Sailor aren't exactly accepted anymore.

But that's my plan. I'm going to start watching my mouth. Wish me luck!

For Fucks Sake

2008-11-15T09:41:00.000-06:00

So I think I am back...

I really haven't been inspired to write for a while, and I have been BUSY... but I have words...

And I will share them.

More to come soon, I promise!

~Ian

Alot of updates

2008-07-01T22:03:00.002-05:00

Wow, its been a while yes? Well I've got alot to update on, and upon request from the sister I will hit all the points here and now!

1) I finally will be transferring to Pensacola, FL. I leave the 3rd and will be on HOLD until late July when I class up. So I am transferring from being on hold here to being on hold there. You figure it out, I can't.

2) I got orders for my first duty station. I will be working on Mine Hunter Helicopters for squadron HM-15 in Corpus Christi, TX. Yep, I will be HOME... or close anyways. Unfortunately its only until early 2010, when my squadron changes homeports to Norfolk, VA. I am supposed to report in mid-September.

3) I have a girlfriend. Her name is Jessica and she is from Chicago. She is an amazing woman, and she has made me really happy since knowing her. Unfortunately I will be far away from her when I move to Florida, but she is going to come visit me, and then come to Dallas when I go on leave after A School. She is also joining the Naval Reserves, and goes to boot camp in November. Her A School is in Texas so we will be close again for that time, and she is looking at schools close to where I will be. Basically she is fantastic and I'm glad to have her.

4) I got a new tattoo. It's my Navy tattoo, and if you want to see a picture, go to my myspace page and browse my pictures.

Besides all of that stuff, life has been pretty chill. Just a boring daily routine with a dash of variety every once in a while. Things will get interesting soon and I look forward t it. While I am excited to be moving on with my training, I'm sad to be leaving Jess behind in Chicago with our relationship being so young. I really hope she can make it down to visit me in FL. so we can spend time together... but we will still talk insane amounts like we do now!

That's about all guys and gals... Wish me luck on the next leg of my journey and here's to becoming the Navy Sailor I am meant to be!

~Ian

A few prayers

2008-06-13T09:52:00.000-05:00

A Soldiers' Prayer
"Almighty Father, with an upright heart I have left my dear ones at home, to defend my country against its enemies. My thoughts constantly goes back to them. They are thoughts of love and of anxiety. I ask You loving Father to keep a watchful eye over each and every one of them. Soothe their hearts and help them to bear my absence patiently. Protect them from the dreadful dangers of war.
O my Lord, I ask not much for myself - just only courage to perform my duties well. I offer You this day and every day my thoughts, words and actions of mine as prayers of faith in You, of hope in Your provident care, of love of You and Your justice. May my prayers parallel all my service and sacrifices for my fellow comrades, my family and my country, protect them all and bless them now and forever. For all those who have died welcome them into your loving embrace. Gracious Lord, lend an ear of compassion to the supplication of a soldier - your child - serving my country to the best of my ability out of love for You. Amen."

American Soldiers' Prayer
"Help me to remain true to my ideals during my service to my country. Help me be what is in America, the land of the free. May I realize that I represent what our country stands for. My uniform is a symbol of duty and valor both in peace and in war. I take up arms to defend what all Americans hold dear: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Grant me the strength to live according to these ideals, the courage of my convictions, and the resolve to endure whatever dangers threaten. With You at our side I fear no evil and resist every enemy, secure in the knowledge that you hold me in the palm of your hand. Amen."

Prayer to St. George
Heroic soldier and defender of your Faith, you dared to criticize a tyrannical Emperor and were subjected to horrible torture. You could have occupied a high military position but you preferred to die for your Lord. Obtain for us the great grace of heroic Christian courage that should mark soldiers of Christ.

Prayer to Saint Michael
"Glorious Prince of the heavenly hosts and victor over rebellious spirits, be mindful of me who am so weak and sinful and yet so prone to pride and ambition. Lend me, I pray, thy powerful aid in every temptation and difficulty, and above all do not forsake me in my last struggle with the powers of evil. Amen."

And the wait begins...

2008-06-08T10:32:00.002-05:00

SO I completed my Apprentice Technical Training (ATT) ten days ahead of schedule. It was all computer-based, and self-paced so I, being the intellectual that I am, of course finished early. It wasn't hard, just alot of pointless math and stuff I really won't use except on my advancement exams.

So anyways, I was thinking that by getting done faster I would get out of Great Lakes faster. Well that is not to be. Since I am Full Time Support (FTS), which means I am active duty in all ways except for when they count the number of active or reserve members I am counted as reserve, my orders for my next duty station have to be written differently.

So what does this mean? It means that I am on hold (stuck here) for more than a month. Now I am not complaining too much about sitting around here, doing practically nothing and getting paid for it, but I would trade that for getting into my actual training and moving along in my Navy career, and oh yeah BEING IN FLORIDA.

Oh, and the explanation I got for why I am different from the rest of the students transferring to Pensacola was so vague and worthless, I almost lost it on the woman. Is it too much to ask to get a proper explanation of why it is that I am getting screwed over? I would hope not, but as I always say... "Welcome to the Navy".

So anyways, maybe with all the down time I am about to start having, maybe I will blog more. I know I have been slacking, and I am sure my reader base has dwindled to almost nil, but let's see if I can draw in some new fans by updating my site somewhat regularly!

That's about all I have at the moment, so I will call it a post. Be back soon with some exciting or at least funny Navy stories!

~Ian

Freedom

2008-05-29T20:38:00.003-05:00

I feel so free now. I dunno what it is, but something has changed in the past few days. I was down, non-social, bottled up. Now I am outgoing, having a good time, and feeling really good.

I feel great, and I am excited to feel this way again. It's been a while since I felt this good. It's actually kind of weird, because it seemed like I would never get out of the funk I was in, but now the skies are clear and the road is open and wide.

On top of it all, I feel like I don't have to please anyone but myself. All I have to do is make sure I am happy and not worry about other people.

Some may call it selfish, but I think it's time I focus on me for a bit. Anyways, thanks to those who shot me encouraging words and made sure I was alright.

I am lucky to be where I am at and to do what I am doing. I am working for and defending the greatest country in the world, and I am proud to be a U.S. Navy Sailor! It's about time I acted like I was enjoying myself!

Here's the lyrics that I am feeling at the moment... Bryan Adam's Open Road

i'm sitting at the wheel
i got a green light
not afraid of nothin' cuz heart and soul
i'm built for life

so let the engine roar
push the pedal down
i want the white lines on the highway
to lead me out of town

chorus:
i'm rolling on and on and on
who knows where i'm goin'?
life is an open road - it's the best story never told
it's an endless sky it's the deepest sea
life is an open road to me
life is an open road to me

i got headlights
to guide me through the night
i got the window down and the radio playing
it makes me feel alive

chorus

Yeah life's an open road

life is an open road - it's the best story never told
it's an endless sky it's the deepest sea
life is an open road to me
life is an open road to me

Yeah life's and open road

Yeah and I'm built for life

Life is an open road to me

~Ian

Goodbye

2008-05-28T05:19:00.002-05:00

I lost a friend today.

It was my fault.

Was it worth it?

No.

I hope I can get them back, but I am not holding my breath.

Moving on now...

A quandary...

2008-05-25T18:36:00.002-05:00

Ever wanted to tell somebody something but you could never bring yourself to tell them?

Even when you thought about the moment when you would tell them, tried to figure out every reaction that they could have, when the time came, it simply never came out?

You get that empty feeling in your stomach, like a pit sucking you down, and you know the only way for it to go away is to let out that thing you are holding on to...

Yet you can't, and it kills you...

What do you do?

Head in the clouds

2008-05-17T19:14:00.004-05:00

I guess with being in boot camp for 2 months, the simplicity allowed me to sort things out a little bit and get my head on straight.

With all that's going on these days (school, duty, training, etc.) my heads coming unscrewed again. I guess you could say I am spacing out a little and feel all out of sorts.

My mind goes places when I should be focusing and I think about things I really shouldn't be worrying about. It's not that its distracting me or affecting my training, it's just starting to drive me a little nuts.

Anyone who knows me, knows I over-analyze EVERYTHING, especially given the time to think about it. Its a bad habit, kind of like smoking is for some people, one that gives me health problems and will probably shorten my life but I just can't stop.

I find that when I am thoroughly distracted, have something to focus on, or am so busy I can't think is when I can control it. Unfortunately for me, I tend to have a decent amount of down time, or I am engaged in a mindless activity that allows my mind to wander, leading me to unknown (or too well known) places.

I wish I could shut those thoughts out, or just resolve them, but I can't ever seem to, especially when it involves things I deal with on a daily basis. Most of the time I worry about the things I have no control over, which I know is ludicrous, but I can't help it... I'm a control freak, and when it feels like I don't have control over something, I hate it.

I dunno what to do about it really, except try to just realize that if I can change it, to do so, if not, don't worry about it.

"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Like I said before, it doesn't effect anything I am doing, but I certainly don't want it to get to that point. I guess I will just have to deal with having my head in the clouds from time to time, even if it is a severe thunderstorm up there.

In other news, I started Apprentice Technical Training (ATT) classes on Tuesday, and so far so good. It's all self paced computer training, so I should be done with it by the 13th of June, but I will still be stuck at Great Lakes due to being on Dental Hold, because they are taking forever to get all my dental work done.

It's a pain in the ass, but hey, at least I have a great friend to hang out with, stuff to do, and full liberty privileges... So I should be OK with being here a few extra days, even if I have sun, sand, and beautiful women waiting for me in Pensacola.

So anyways, I think that about wraps it up. I hope that everyone out there is doing well, and I hope I can see those I love and miss again soon.

"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand." -Irish Blessing

~Ian

Friends

2008-05-14T21:21:00.002-05:00

True friends are hard to come by these days. I've met a lot of people, been quite a few places, and through it all, I have met very few people I would consider my friends. In fact, I can count them on one hand.

Some people have lots of friends. Some people feel the need to surround themselves with lots of people and be socially superior and popular. I don't feel that need. In fact, the less people I involve myself with, the better.

I have trust issues. There are only a few people who have earned my trust and managed to keep it for longer than a month or so. Once you lose my trust, it's damn near impossible to get it back. I'm not saying that it's never happened, but it is rare, and I can't think of any specific occasion that it happened.

Now some may think I'm some kind of elitist when it comes to my friends, but a small circle of friends is just how my family has always been. We just don't feel the need to be social butterflies, but are happy with having a few friends. We're picky, and being picky works for us.

Now I went through all that to get to the point of this post. My friends (along with my family) are my rock. They keep me grounded, pick me up when I am down, help me when I need it, support me in whatever I do, and most of all, are there when I need them.

I have been through some rough times in the last few years, and without the friends I have, I would not have made it. They kept me going when I wanted to give up, or kept me on track when I started to wander. They kept me sane when everyone and everything was driving me nuts. Even though I don't see them more than a few times a year anymore... they are only a phone call away. I can't count the times when one of my friends called me up randomly to talk about stuff or I did the same to one of them. It's rare to have that kind of true relationship with someone, especially after several years. I've known two of my best friends for over 10 years, one for 5, and one for 4. And the coolest thing is that we always seem to know when something is up with the other, and just seem to be connected on a level that goes beyond friendship.

I recently found another friend (in a rather unexpected place and person) who it feels like I have known for years instead of months. What's great is that she and I can talk about anything and everything and I can trust her with anything (which if you know me, is something that is hard to come by). It usually takes forever for me to really trust someone and be able to let them inside my head, but she found a way in, and seems to be taking up residence. It will suck when I have to leave Great Lakes for Pensacola, because who knows the next time I will see her after that. (She is Navy as well, and its a big Fleet and the odds of seeing someone you went to Basic or A School with is rare.) Luckily we will still be able to keep in contact, and seeing as I never see my other friends either, it will be just like old times!

I'm lucky to have the friends I do, and to be able to say I have true friends that are like my family. Scratch that, ARE my family. I would not be who I am or where I am with out them. They keep me going, and I thank my lucky stars for them everyday. You make me smile and laugh, listen when I need it, talk when I need it, and are there whenever I need a friend to lean on.

Thank you guys (and gal) for everything. It means more to me than you know.

~Ian

AR Townsend coming to you live from Naval Training Station Great Lakes!

2008-05-10T12:24:00.002-05:00

Hey guys, how ya been? It's been a LONG time since I've written, and for the uninformed, the reason is that I have spent the last 2 months in Basic Training for the U.S. Navy. On March 3rd I left a civilian, and on May 2nd I officially became a U.S. Navy Sailor.

It was a long tough 2 months, but at the same time it was a life changing experience, and really wasn't what I was expecting. I enjoyed watching myself become a whole new person, but still remaining the person I already was. I am very happy with my decisions and am glad to be where I am at... unlike where I was around 3 months ago.

Anyways, I am currently at Naval Training Station Great Lakes in Great Lakes, IL. for around 2 months for school, then I transfer to Pensacola, FL for the rest of my training. From there... I have no idea where I will be heading, but it will be an Adventure where ever I go. (I won't be heading to the Middle East so don't you worry about that.)

I will be writing more often as soon as I get settled in and I figure out what stories I can and cannot share with the world. So thank you to those who kept me in your thoughts and have supported me from day one.

~Ian Townsend, AR, USN

No one cares, so I'm closing the doors early

2008-02-13T03:00:00.004-06:00

It seems that no one reads this blog besides my sister, so due to this fact, I am moving up my Hiatus Day. I was going to be not available after March 1 due to the fact that i am going off to the Navy, so i was going to close the site off then, but I think now is as good of a time as any.

I appreciate all of you who did stop by and read my stuff, and it will still be up and online for anyone's perusing, but there will be nothing new until after Basic Training if not later.

So unless I am struck with the urge to write between now and March 1, you will see nothing new for a good while. As a writer, I crave an audience, and to not have one is disheartening. BUT, I am sure one day people will flock to read my writings, but these are not those days, and I am OK with this. It is a part of life, and as with everything, it must be taken with a grain of salt.

So again, thank you to the people who took the time to read and enjoy my writings, and I hope to be back with a whole new load of stories in the not too distant future.

So I say farewell, and off into the great seas I sail...

~Ian

5 that I stole from ChristelPistol

2008-02-08T13:00:00.000-06:00

Five things about me that you may, or may not have known.
In no particular order and without further adieu…

A) Five jobs I have had in my life:
1. cart pusher
2. mover
3. sports writer/copy editor
4. tech salesman
5. enviro technician

B) Five movies I watch/have watched over and over
1. Kingdom of Heaven
2. Fight Club
3. 300
4. Out Cold
5. Grandma's Boy

C) Five places I have lived:
1. dallas, tx
2. richardson, tx
3. muskogee, ok
4. tulsa, ok
5. the colony, tx

D) Five TV Shows that I watch:
1. mythbusters
2. CSI
3. american justice
4. venture bros.
5. fight quest

E) Five places I have been
1. Disney World
2. on a cruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuise
3. Alcatraz
4. kayaking on the Patomac
5. hell and back

F) People who e-mail me (regularly):
1. SisterPistol
2. Pops
3. Derreck
4. Stepmom
5. my boss

G) Five of my favorite foods
1. pizza
2. anything my dad grills
3. ghengis grill
4. chocolate
5. hamburgersandfries

H) Five places I would rather be right now...
1. having sex (can't argue)
2. Dallas
3. Austin
4. with my verybest friends
5. Anywhere but here

I) Five friends I think will respond
1. no one
2. nobody
3. not a soul
4. a pattern?
5. I think so

J) Five Things I am looking forward to in 2008:
1. finally leaving Muskogee
2. 3 days with my sister. (symmetry)
3. Going to the Navy
4. changing my life
5. NAVY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Navy and my life as I know it...

2008-02-06T17:01:00.000-06:00

You don't realize how attached you get to the stuff you have until you're faced with not having it. When I leave for the Navy, I have to leave behind... well EVERYTHING.

No computer, no ipod, no phone. No tv, no movies, no music. None of the comforts I have grown to "depend" upon. No more junk food, beer, lazy days spent watching football. I will get to enjoy these things again, just not during Basic Training. It's just when you live your whole life with it, you tend to find it hard to change.

I know it's simply the price I have to pay. Every decision requires sacrifice, and my life as I know it will be my sacrifice. I can't say that I am totally disappointed by what I have to give up.

I have to move out of Oklahoma, stop living on the verge or poverty, give up my job that doesn't give me enough hours or pay, move out of an apartment that has a bug/noise/idiot neighbor problem.

What do I get in return for my sacrifices? I get a great job with great pay and benefits. I get to travel the world. I get a month of paid vacation. When I get out of the Navy, I have a great resume.

I am not complaining. I am willingly giving this stuff up (for the time being) so that I can raise my quality of life, and not be stuck in the same rut I have been in for a while. I just don't see any downsides to the adventure on which I am about to embark.

I am lucky to have the friends and family I have, who support me in my decisions, whether they totally agree with them or not. I am privileged to be able to go to them, and have them give me their opinions straight up with no bullshit.

My sister did not agree with my joining the Navy in the beginning, but over time, she is slowing coming to embrace the idea, and not because she totally agrees, but because she loves me, wants to see me happy and successful, and if this path is my chosen one, she will be behind me. My best friends support me as always in everything I do, and that's more than I could ever ask for. My Dad and my Stepmom also support me in the same way as my sister, not totally agreeing, but standing behind me regardless.

For those of you who don't know, on March 3, 2008 I am shipping off to Navy Basic Training in Great Lakes, Ill. There I will spend two months becoming a U.S. Navy Sailor.

After that I will be off to my Training School in Pensacola, Fla. for training in Avionics. I will be there 14-26 weeks to learn all there is to know about planes and helicopters, and possibly becoming part of the Aircrew.

From there I will go on assignment, and when it comes open, try to shift into Mass Communication when a spot opens up. I was not able to get a spot initially due to the program being fully staffed. So I will learn Avionics until then.

Also, after a few assignments, or at the end of my 5 year enlistment, I will be joining Officer Training to learn how to be either a Public Affairs Officer or a Naval Pilot.

Everything after my initial training school is just speculation, but at least I have a plan going in. I want to serve enlisted for a few years on assignment so I can see the world and enjoy my time in the Navy before becoming too "responsible", or as the enlisted say... "I want to work for a living, and earn my pay".

So anyways thats whats going on in my life. 9 days 'til I leave Muskogee, 19 days 'til I get to hang out with my sister, and 26 days until I ship off. I want to thank everyone who has supported me through all the thick and thin, and to all my readers for checking out a view into my world. You have 26 more days to enjoy my insights until I go on hiatus!

Seaman Recruit Townsend, Division 302 signing off.

Cockney

2008-02-05T10:47:00.000-06:00

Wanna see what my site would look like if it was written in Cockney?

Check it out!!

If you wanna do this to your blog or any site at all just go HERE

Cheers

~Ian

20 visits

2008-02-04T14:35:00.000-06:00

I got 20 hits on the blog yesterday... my highest to date... still 30 short of my goal.

I have less than a month till I ship off the Boot Camp and this site goes on hiatus, so let's get 50 before I go!

~Ian

A SHOCKER

2008-02-03T21:00:00.000-06:00

I just watched, what was arguably the best, and the most shocking Super Bowl in history. The then 18-0 Patriots could not rewrite the history books completely as the Giants defeated them in a huge game. I shall proceed to eat my words on my prediction.

I am impressed. Simply impressed by the way the Giants weathered the game and made plays when they needed to. They outlasted the best team in football history.

Congrats to the Giants for winning such a big game. Congrats to the Patriots for doing so much this year and it's a shame they couldn't cross that final hurdle.

As well as both teams played, especially New York, the Patriots gave them the game. They missed so many opportunities that would have put the game away. But on the other hand, the Giants made several awesome plays to take the game. It was simply one team wanting it more. Don't take this as me bashing on the Giants, they played a hell of a game, but they know they escaped with that win, but they also know they outplayed the best team in NFL history.

In all the history-making the Pats did this year, it was the Giants making the final marks in the history books. For the first time in history two brothers not only took their teams to the Super Bowl, but also won it, and picked up the MVP trophy as well. I don't think Eli is going to be the laughing stock of the Mannings anymore.

One thing is for sure... I think all star quarterbacks who have celebrity girlfriends, will tell them to STAY HOME from now on. Sorry Gisele.

Anyways, I want to again say congrats to the Giants for a remarkable game and season. Who would have thought that an NFC East team other than the Cowgirls would have a chance and actually win the Super Bowl? (besides me that is...)

So this is the end of the 2007 football season... *sigh*... I can't wait for next season already!

Super Bowl Sunday!

2008-02-03T13:01:00.000-06:00

It's time for everyone's favorite unofficial Holidays, Super Bowl Sunday! For the first time in a while, I am actually excited to watch this game.

The Pats vs. the Jints. The consummate favorite vs. the consummate underdog. Tom "Hollywood" Brady vs. Eli Manning a.k.a. The Other Manning.

After much consideration, I think the Pats will win 35-24. The Giants will do enough to cover the spread, but not enough to ever really challenge the Pats. New England will make history by being the first team to go 19-0, win their 4th SB in 7 years, and Tom Brady will win his 3rd (should be 4th but whatever) Super Bowl MVP award.

The commercials, I HOPE, will be better this year than the last few, and the halftime show should be exponentially better. Tom Petty!

Anyways, I'm off to watch the Mythbusters Marathon and drool over Kari until the Super Bowl comes on!

~Ian

The Navy recruit is finally here!

2008-02-01T10:00:00.001-06:00

On January 31, 2008 I became a Naval recruit.

After about a month of paperwork, and other bullshit, I have finally accomplished what I set out to do. I am in the Navy.

Keep your seaman jokes to yourself.

Unfortunately, I did not gt the Mass Communication job I was aiming for. Apparently the job will not be available until next year. So, I am going into Avionics.

Due to my 95 on the ASVAB test, (4 points shy of a perfect score), I was able to pretty much pick whatever job I wanted. Due to my leave time frame, and my record of traffic violations (yeah it bit me in the ass) That field was limited. But I was still able to to get the best job field in Aviation that the Navy offers, which is fucking awesome.

And I can apply for the Mass Comm job as soon as it comes open, so it's still in range, it's just over that hump.

Anyways, as an Avionics recruit, I get to work on planes and learn all about them, and I also get the chance to fly.

Let me repeat that... I CAN FLY!!!!!

Slightly excited about that. My A school will be in Pensacola Florida for 14-26 weeks, depending on what job I choose in Avionics. From there I go on assignment or I go to flight school.

I leave for Basic Training on March 3rd, and I am working on getting shifted to leave out of Dallas instead of OKC.

So that's all the news I have for now... I'm really excited, and thank you to everyone who has supported me through this whole process.

Here's to my future!

~Ian

The big day

2008-01-30T21:27:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow I go in for the BIG enlistment day.

I am currently in OKC for the night, and tomorrow it begins at a bright and early 4:30 a.m.

Wish me luck, and hopefully tomorrow I will be a Navy recruit, and will know my leave date.

~Ian

I have the best sister.

2008-01-29T17:22:00.000-06:00

She made a public blog, because I talked her into it.

Saucy Wench Words

As I told her, I think her words are to good to hide from the world.

Plus, I wanted her to have a public blog so that I could become famous by relation/association.

My logic is this: They see she has amazing words. They see she has a brother. They figure that I am just as amazing, and read my stuff, tell their friends, and I now have a large following.

Seriously, I didn't do it for me though. I did it because she can amaze you with the things she says, and make you laugh so hard your sides hurt. I didn't think it was fair that so few people got to see those words, and so many people are deprived of her wisdom, humor, and wit.

I missed out on many many years with her, and I know what it feels like to not have her in my life. IT AIN'T COOL. So now she is world-wide again, and it's all my fault.

You can send thank you emails to number32tx@gmail.com

Loves you sis.

~Ian

Hilarious. Simply hilarious.

2008-01-28T17:47:00.000-06:00

So I was walking in the mall, and I happened past a store that sold ladies underwear.

A quite attractive woman was standing outside, and as I passed by she said, "You should come in and check out our special sale for your wife or girlfriend, all of our bras are 50% off."

I couldn't help myself. A reply came to me, and I could NOT stop myself from saying it.

"Well," I replied smiling, "I prefer it when bras are 100% off"

A confused look crossed her face. "But sir, then they would be free."

Yes, yes "they" would be, I thought to myself.

"And we would not make any money," she continued.

"I have to argue with you there," I said. "I know plenty of places where bras are 100% off and they make a killing, but it's usually in $1 bills."

If you don't think thats funny, there's something wrong with you.

~Ian

50 visitors

2008-01-28T14:50:00.000-06:00

That is my goal for one day. I average anywhere between 6-12 a day now. I want just ONE day with 50. That would make me feel loved.

So here's what I want y'all to do for me. A favor if you will. Tell your friends about this blog. Tell them to tell their friends. Etc. I'm hoping through this exercise I will get more regular readers.

So will you help me meet my goal?

Please?

~Ian

My new favorite quote

2008-01-28T01:40:00.001-06:00

"Intelligence is key, and you're locked out."

Say NO to Hillary

2008-01-27T16:16:00.001-06:00

I know I may have quite a few pissed off women on my hands after they read this, but it will be less than you would think. ( I have heard plenty of women tell me they don't like Hillary.)

I dislike Hillary for several reasons. First off, if it weren't for Bill, no one would care about her. If she had not been the wife of the president who got caught cheating, or hell, had not been first lady at all, she would not be where she is now. Someone honestly tell me you cared about Hillary before Bill got caught cheating.

She has no emotions, period. She cries on stage, tries to passionately reach out to her audience... bullshit. She's playing you. A can of Coke has more emotions than her.

She has done nothing worthwhile. She holds no candle to what Obama, McCain, or Huckabee have done. As stated before, she would not have been a Senator, and I would not be complaining about her now.

I don't think she will get anything done if she managed to get the Presidency. I think so many people would be opposed her being in office, that the Senate and Congress (or rather the lobbyists controlling the Senate and the Congress) would oppose her at every step.

And lest we forget... her being in the White House would bring Slick Dick Willy back there too. Is that such a good idea?

She has testicles. Why do you think Bill had to get ass elsewhere? She's more of a man than him. So you aren't voting for a woman, but a post-op gay man.

What I think is the most unfortunate part of her running, is the fact that she is taking away votes from the strongest candidate in the race, Barack Obama. He is the ONLY Democrat I would ever dream of voting for. His ideas, his track record, his influence, his poise, etc.... He is the best choice because he is out to clean the country up, and level the playing field for everyone, no matter color, gender, or social class. The things he has done in his political career are far more than Hillary ever did, or would ever be able to accomplish.

Also, her running makes this race a popularity contest and not an election of a competent leader of our country. Everyone is ignoring politics and voting for whether they want a black man or a woman in office.

If you think I am being sexist, I'm not. I would support any woman who pulled her own weight, showed she could make a difference, and got where she is on her own merit, not what her husband did. Like it or not, the truth is she is riding the "sympathy vote" and some women are so blind that they would vote for a woman no matter if she would not do the country any good.

Bottom line, I don't like Hillary, and I will never support her. I think Obama or McCain would be far better presidents, and they have the experience and determination to make a real difference.

Thats my opinion. Let the hateful comments commence.

The funniest joke I have ever heard

2008-01-26T18:13:00.001-06:00

A priest and a nun are playing golf together. The priest tees up his ball on the first hole, takes a big swing, and completely misses the ball.

"Fuck, I missed!" the priest yells.

The nun looks aghast. "Father, you shouldn't use such language."

They play through the first hole, and go to the second. The priest tees up his ball, takes a big swing, and misses again.

"Fuck, I missed!" the priest yells again.

The nun looks mortified. "Father, if you say that again, God will strike you down!"

They play through the second hole, and go to the third. The priest tees up his ball, swings hard, and misses for a third time.

"Fuck, I missed!"

The sky clouds over, thunder rumbles, suddely a lighting bolt arcs from the clouds and strikes the nun, frying her.

A loud echoing voice speaks, "Fuck, I missed!"

A little humor for you

2008-01-25T17:36:00.000-06:00

A seaman meets a pirate in a bar, and the talk turns to their adventures. The seaman notes that the pirate has a peg leg, a hook, and an eye patch. "How did you end up with the peg leg?" he asks.

The pirate replies, "I was swept overboard into a school of sharks. As my men were pulling me out, a shark bit my leg off."

"Wow!" says the seaman. "What about your hook?"

"Well," answers the pirate, "we were boarding a ship when one of the enemy hacked off my hand."

"Incredible!" says the seaman. "How’d you get the eye patch?"

"A sea gull shit in my eye," the pirate replies.

"You lost your eye to a sea gull dropping?" the seaman asks.

"Well," says the pirate, "it was my first day with the hook."

=============================================================

A guy gets home from work one night and hears a voice in his head, which tells him, "Quit your job, sell your house, take your money, go to Vegas."

The man is disturbed at what he hears and ignores the voice.

But the next day, the same thing happens: The voice tells him, "Quit your job, sell your house, take your money, go to Vegas."

Again the man ignores the voice, but he’s becoming increasingly upset, and the third time he hears the voice, he succumbs to the pressure. He quits his job, sells his house, takes his money, and heads to Las Vegas.

The moment the man gets off the plane in Vegas, the voice tells him, "Go to Harrah’s."

He hops in a cab and rushes over to the casino, where the voice tells him, "Go to the roulette table."

The man does as he is told.

When he gets to the roulette table, the voice tells him, "Put all your money on 17."

Nervously, the man cashes in all his money for chips and then puts them on 17.

"Now watch," says the voice.

The dealer wishes the man good luck and spins the roulette wheel.

Around and around the ball caroms. The man anxiously watches the ball as it slowly loses speed until finally it settles into number . . . 21.

The voice says, "Fuck."

==========================================================

The ambitious coach of a girls’ track team starts giving his squad steroids. Their performance soars, and they go on to win the county and state championships. The day before the nationals, Penelope, a 16-year-old hurdler, comes into his office.

“Coach,” she says, “I have a problem. Hair is starting to grow on my chest.“

“Oh my God!” yells the coach. “Well, how far down does it go?”

“Down to my balls,” she replies, “and that’s another thing I wanted to talk to you about…"

==========================================================

A Texan, a New Yorker, and a Bostonian are sitting together in a bar in the Yukon. The Texan tosses back his shot of tequila, throws the half-full bottle up in the air, pulls out a gun, and blows it to pieces. The other two, shocked, just stare at the Texan. He explains, "Where I come from, we have plenty of tequila."

The New Yorker, not to be outdone, finishes his glass of wine, tosses the half-full bottle up in the air, pulls out a gun, and blows it apart. "Where I come from," he explains, "we have plenty of fine wine."

The Boston guy slowly drinks the last drop of his beer, tosses the empty bottle in the air, pulls out a gun, and shoots the New Yorker between the eyes. He then catches the bottle on the way down. "Where I come from," he says slowly, "we never waste booze—and we have plenty of New Yorkers."

==========================================================

A heavyset guy sees an ad that reads "Lose weight. Only $10 a pound. Call (202) 555-0238" and decides to make the call. The operator asks, "How much weight do you want to lose?"

"Ten pounds," he replies.

"We’ll have a representative over in the morning," says the operator.

About 9 a.m., there’s a knock on the door. There stands a fairly good-looking girl, completely naked except for a sign around her neck reading “If You Catch Me, You Can Have Me.”

The hefty fellow chases her upstairs, downstairs, and all around the house. Finally, panting and wheezing, he catches her. After they have sex, he runs to the bathroom and weighs himself. He’s lost 10 pounds!

That night he calls the number again and says, "I want to lose 20 pounds."

"We’ll send someone over."

The next morning, he’s greeted by a gorgeous girl dressed only in track shoes and wearing a sign around her neck that reads “If You Catch Me, You Can Have Me.” The chase takes a good while longer this time, but later he finds he’s lost 20 pounds!

That night he calls and says, "I want to lose 50 pounds!"

"Fifty pounds?" the operator asks. "That’s an awful lot."

The man replies, "Listen, just take care of it!"

About 7 a.m. the man hears a knock and opens the door. Outside stands an enormous gorilla with a sign around its neck that reads “If I catch you…”

==========================================================

One day, Bill comes home from the pickle factory where he works and confesses to his wife that he has a terrible urge to stick his penis into the pickle slicer. His wife suggests he see a sex therapist to talk about it, but Bill says he’d be too embarrassed, and he vows to overcome the compulsion on his own. One day a few weeks later, Bill comes home absolutely ashen.

"What’s wrong, Bill?" his wife asks.

"Do you remember that I told you how I had this tremendous urge to put my penis into the pickle slicer?"

"Oh, Bill, you didn’t."

"Yes, I did."

"My God, Bill, what happened?"

"She and I both got fired."

Good things

2008-01-25T12:09:00.000-06:00

Sometimes... in our darkest times, good things shine through and make us see the light at the end of the tunnel.

My year has not started off well. Things that I neglected, things that I should have paid more attention to caught up to me. But they are taken care of now, and in the past. Another bad memory in the rearview.

But through all of that, a new path in life has appeared before me, and with it a promising future. I have something to look forward to, something I cannot wait for.

In the past few months, I was a person without much direction. I was just kind of going along, not really paying attention. I had "plans" for my future, but I was very invested in them. In short, I was really unhappy with where I was and where I was going.

Sometimes it takes bad things to bring the good to you. It took me going through a really difficult situation to find my way.

I did not do this alone either. I had many people helping me out, and without them, I would be stuck in the same rut I was in before. I am proud to have the friends and family I do, and I thank God for them, and for my life experiences. I would not be who I am without everything in my life.

So here's to the path behind me, and to the one in front of me... and to those who have been with me along the way.

Cheers.

~Ian

I think I'm in love...

2008-01-23T21:52:00.000-06:00

I think I'm in love with Kari Byron from Mythbusters.

Beauty, brains, and a whole lot of fun all in one package.

Excuse me while I go drool some more.

~Ian

Heath Ledger update

2008-01-23T12:12:00.000-06:00

Heath Ledger's death has been ruled an accident.

Apparently some sleeping spills he took to help him get "much-needed" rest had an adverse reaction with the medication he was already on. He was fund face up in bed, no sign of foul play. Doctors say it was no an overdose, and only the recommended dose of the sleeping medicine was taken.

Alot of people have been running off with half-cracked theories, but I would rather believe he simply made a mistake with the medication and he died accidentally. I would like to believe he had enough going for him, that he would not take his life, but I don't know him personally, so how can I be for sure?

Anyways, apparently theres some weird religious jackasses in Topeka, Kansas at the Westboro Baptist Church plan on flying to Australia to picket and boycott Ledger's funeral. Click the link below to see the flyers they have been passing out.

Stupid Bigotry

Why? What's the point in this? If I was the Australian officials, I would deny them entry into the country. People need to grow aqnd get with the program. We aren't living in the 1st century.

So all that aside, I just want to say again, we will miss you Heath.

R.I.P.

Bye Bye Heath

2008-01-22T18:13:00.000-06:00

Heath Ledger is dead.

Apparently (because no one really knows yet) he died of a drug over dose (and we don't know if it was prescription or not, several reports say one or the other), in an apartment reportedly (and in other reports not) owned by Mary-Kate Olsen.

So basically all we know for sure is that he died, but not how, or in whose apartment. I have to say I'll miss the bugger. I liked most of his work, (Knight's Tale, 10 Things I Hate About You, The Patriot, Four Feathers, The Order) and was really excited to see him as the Joker. Apparently preparing for his role in Dark Knight drove him batshit crazy (pun surely intended).

From Wikipedia: "Heath Ledger plays the Joker, whom the actor described as a "psychopathic, mass murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy". Nolan had wanted to work with Ledger on a number of projects in the past, but had been unable to do so. When Ledger saw Batman Begins, he realized a way to make the character work in that film's tone, and Nolan agreed upon his anarchic interpretation. To prepare for the role he lived alone in a hotel room for a month, formulating the character's posture, voice and psychology. While he initially found it difficult, Ledger was eventually able to generate a voice which did not sound like Jack Nicholson's take on the character in Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film. He started a diary, in which he wrote the Joker's thoughts and feelings to guide himself during his performance. He was also given Batman: The Killing Joke and Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth to read, which he "really tried to read and put it down". Ledger also cited inspiration in A Clockwork Orange and Sid Vicious. Ultimately, "there’s nothing that [is] consistent", as his main objective was to frighten the audience. The challenge of the role put a strain on Ledger's sleep patterns, finding himself unable to rest for more than a few hours each night."

Anyways, I am sorry to see him go, and in such a sad way. He was a talented actor who had alot of future in front of him, but he, like most of Hollywood, let the drug culture of our country get to him, and it cost him his life (speculation at the moment).

So here's to you Heath... may you be remembered for the good things in life and not the bad.

~Ian

Super Bowl XLII: The New England Patriots vs.... The New York Giants?

2008-01-21T17:16:00.000-06:00

I know I am slightly late with this, but after I got done with my community service stuff last night, and just resting today... I wasn't up to writing until now.

Anyways, I suffered my first mis-pick of this season's playoffs. I figured the Green Bay Packers could beat the G-Men in Lambeau... WRONG. It seems like both teams were doing everything to lose... and kicker Lawrence Tynes was literally this " " close to getting shit-canned for missed two potential game-winning field goals, before finally making an almost impossible 47-yarder. Of course I have to defend the fact that the one at the end of regulation wasn't his fault... the bad snap screwed up his kick.

But thats why I love football... because sometimes, the team you really don't expect to win does so. And for the FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, two quarterbacking brothers have played in consecutive Super Bowls, Indianapolis' Peyton Manning, and NY's Eli. And amongst all the Patriots record setting, NY also won 10 road games in a row... the most in history.

So the showdown in the desert features the history making Pats, and the improbable opponent, the Giants. While some people think this game will be a blow out, including the oddsmakers who have the Giants as 13 1/2 point underdogs, it seems like everyone has forgotten the regular season finale when the Pats barely beat the Giants 38-35, and trailed much of the game. Personally I hope for another thrilling game between two of the hottest teams in the league. The "road warrior" Giants against the "history changer" Pats.

The Patriots looked very lack-luster yesterday... but did what they had to to win. Their defense was stellar in the red zone, and Lawrence Maroney is finally becoming the running back they need. All of that combined with Tom Brady being halfway consistent gave them the win. Brady didn't have a good day, but against the team with the most takeaways... it could have been much worse. Remember, the Pats aren't a team that relies solely on one person, but a "team" concept. When one player is down, others step up to fill the space. It was an ugly win, but a win nonetheless, and in 2 weeks they can complete the first ever 19-0 season.

So in two weeks, we get to witness a Super Bowl that more people will tune into watch just because they might witness the greatest history in football.

1) a 19-0 season.

2) the first time in history a team has won 4 super bowls in the same decade.

3) and for once a non-shitty halftime performance (TOM PETTY BABY!)

I'm excited, and you should be too.

Here's my prediction for the game: Patriots 35, Giants 24

So be one of the MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS that watch the game, and enjoy it. Also enjoy the commercials that companies pay millions to have shown. Hopefully the quality of the commercials will be better than the last couple of years...

Survey to pass the time... My Autobiography... although a very selective one...

2008-01-18T18:31:00.000-06:00

Body: Fill this out IN YOUR OWN WORDS and repost as, my autobiography.

-Prologue-

1. Who took your profile picture?
I did. Built in webcams rock

2. Exactly what are you wearing right now?
Longhorns t-shirt, and jeans

3. What is your current problem?
Waiting to enlist, and then get to Basic

4. What makes you most happy?
My future

5. What's the name of the song you're listening to?
Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo

Chapter 1: ABOUT YOU

1. NiCKNAME?
Wolf, Fast White Guy

2. Eye color?
Green

3. Hair color?
Blonde/red/brown... its a mixer

4. Height?
6'3
________________________________________________________

Chapter 2: FAMILY

1. Do you live with your parent(s)?
no

2. Do you get along with your parent(s)?
one of them

3. Are your parents chill?
my dad is most of the time

4. Do you have any Siblings?
between my parents, no, but I have a half sis and half bro, plus two steps
___________________________________________________________

Chapter 3: FAVORiTE

1. Ice Cream?'
chocolate chip cookie dough

2. Season?
any one besides winter

3. Book?
I have about 50 favorites

4. Brand?
Apple, and under armour

6. Drink(s) (non alcoholic)?
IBC Cream Soda

7. Pen color?
black

8. Store?
Wal-mart or target

9. Person?
me.
__________________________________________________________

Chapter 4: DO YOU

1.Write on your hands?
not since elementary school

2. Call people back?
most of the time

3. Believe in love?
For other people? sure. For me... the jury is still out

4. Sleep on a certain side of the bed
right side
____________________________________________________

Chapter 5: HAVE YOU

1. kissed someone in the last week?
nope

2. Ever done anything crazy for money?
Well there was this one time.... no I'm kidding, no I haven't done anything CRAZY for money... but that COULD change

3. Had PHYSICAL therapy?
Yeah for my knee, back, neck

4. Gotten surgery?
Knee and Lasik

5. Taken painkillers?
yeah

6. Overdosed on pain killers?
no way

7. Been stung by a bee?
nope

8. Threw up in a doctors office:
can't remember

9.Do you have a crush on anyone?
no

10. Do they know?
...
____________________________________________________
Chapter 6: WHO/WHAT WAS THE LAST

1. Person to text you?
KL

2. Thing you touched?
the "L" key

3. Thing you said?
something to Vince when he called me about some stupid BS that I forwarded to him, so he could get a laugh...

4. Person you hugged?
no idea

5. Person you talked to on the phone?
Vincent Edward Davis Jr.

6. Last book you read?
Star Wars- Darth Bane: Path to Destruction

7. Last time you cleaned your room.
earlier this week

8. Last time you talked to someone you LIKED?
A while
________________________________________________________

Chapter 7- The End

1. Who is your best friend?
Derreck, Bryan, Ronnie, Vince, and my very darling sister

2. Name a random person.
Why would a name a random person? Do they not already have a name? Ok well I will call him BOB.

3. Who did you copy this from?
the internet

SeaWolf

2008-01-15T14:21:00.000-06:00

Every once in a while, you have to make life changing decisions. One's that effect the outcome of the rest of your life. Some examples are: choosing which college you want to attend, choosing your major, choosing your career, marriage, etc. Well it has come time for me to make a life changing decision, and it is none of the above.

I am joining the U.S. Navy.

If you are confused, please read above sentence again.

Some may ask why I would do that. Here are my reasons:

1) I am stuck in a dead end job. The newspaper I am working at has not potential to get me anywhere in the business except small time papers, which isn't my thing.

2) I have an associates degree (coursework is complete, don't have the degree yet), and in the newspaper world, except for small time papers, that won't cut it.

3)I am STUCK in Muskogee, Oklahoma... and its miserable here.

4) I have become lazy and complacent, and it is driving me insane.

5) I am not happy with where I am at.

Ok so that answers the why. Now I will answer what the Navy will do for me.

1) I will be able to complete my Bachelors relatively quick, which gives me the chance to train as a Naval Officer.

2) I will be going to one of the best Mass Communication schools in the nation.

3) I will triple or quadruple what I am making now, instantly, plus full coverage benefits.

4) I can travel.

5) When I get out of the Navy, I will have Navy attached to my resume, and can go to work anywhere I want.

So that's what the Navy will do for me. The next question you will have is when will I leave, and what is the timetable I will be working under.

1) I will leave as soon as I get all my stuff in order. So I am shooting for late spring early summer.

2) Boot Camp or "Basic Training" will last 8 weeks in Great Lakes, Illinois. Then I will be off my A-school for Mass Communications in Athens, GA for 25 weeks. After that I will pick my assignment, whether it be at a base or at sea.

3) I will be enlisting for 8 years, and then I will probably go reserve after that.

This decision definitely came out of the blue. I was not looking in the direction of the military, but it definitely came to me, and came with a lot of pluses. I have done my research (still doing it) and have talked to all the major players in my life. They all agree that it is a good idea, and if I work hard and do as instructed, it will pay big dividends. If anyone has any further questions or inquiries or would just like to say anything regarding my decision, feel free to do so. I welcome all input.

This is the SeaWolf signing off until next time.

~Ian

51 about Christel Pistol

2008-01-13T20:22:00.000-06:00

Here are the rules: Pick one person and answer 51 questions about them. The post a comment in their blog letting them know about it. The catch? That person must pick someone else to answer the questions about. They cannot use the person who did the questionnaire before them. Keeps the cycle going!

Have fun and enjoy!

1) What’s their name?
Christel Pistol

2) Does he or she have a boyfriend/girlfriend??
not that I know of

3)Do you get along with this person all the time?
yes I do!

4)Has this person ever hurt your feelings?
nope. She says things that are truthful and blunt, but never meant to hurt feelings.

5) Has he/she ever cooked for you?
I think she has.... YES YES SHE HAS!!!

6) Is this person older than you?
yes... 8 years, 1 month, and 4 days.

7) Have you ever kissed this person?
on the cheek

8) Have you ever seen this person cry?
yes i have

9) Are you related to this person?
through our father

10) Are you really close to him/her?
close as I can get from 500 miles away.

11) Nickname?
Christel Pistol, Tistel, ChaCha

12) have they ever broken any bones?
I'm sure

13) How many times do you talk to this person in a week?
as often as possible... but usually 5-6 times

14) Do you think they will repost this?
I am sure she will

15)Could you live with this person?
yes, and it would be FUN

16) Why did you pick this person?
because she is my sister and I LOVE HER

17) Has this person ever seen you cry?
yes

18) How long have you known this person??
technically since birth, but KNOWN her since we both woke up and realized we had alot in common.

19) Have you ever been to the mall with this person?
yeah

20) Have you ever had a sleepover with this person?
sure

21) If you ever moved away would you miss this person?
I already don't live near her, so I miss her already

23) Have you ever done something really stupid or illegal with this person?
define "stupid" and "illegal"

24) Do you know everything about this person?
I know a lot, but not everything

25) Would you date this person’s siblings?
That's called incest...

26) Have you ever made something with this person?
jokes, laughs, stories, drinks, food, her apartment, etc.

27) Has this person ever killed an animal?
Well she has contemplated killing Rooney...

28) Has this person ever drank?
uhhhhhh.... YEAH

29) Have you gone skinny dipping with this person?
no

30)what is there fav. food?
bacon and chocolate!

31) Are they on drugs?
does alcohol count?

32) Have you ever cooked for this person?
I think so.

33) Have you ever worn this person’s clothes?
no.... I don't think so.

34) Have you and this person made up a hand shake?
No...

35) If it was “freaky friday” would you switch bodies with this person?
Probably not... I think we both like who we are...

36) Have you ever heard this person sing?
I guess.... oh yeah, her and Angela were singing in the car on the way to 6th Street.

37) do yall have an inside joke?
yes... lots

38) Do you and this person have a saying?
lots.

39) Do you know this persons blogger password?
no

40) do they fart in front of you?
no

41) Have you and this person ever gotten into a fight that lasted more than 2 months?
no

42) What is there fav. thing to do?
be happy

43)What is there fav. show?
Wonder Woman?

44.) Have you and this person gone clubbing?
Bar hopping

45) Do you know how to make this person feel happy?
yes

46) Do you and this person talk alot?
try to

47) Do you like this person?
LOVE her

48) Has this person yelled at you?
sternly spoken to me, in a sisterly manner

49) Have you and this person got into a fist fight?
no

50) Do you want to go out with this person?
no... once again... incest

51) Do you want to be friends with them forever?
She's my sister... so of course!

Your turn sista!

A special thank you to San Diego and the Giants

2008-01-13T19:00:00.000-06:00

I want to thank the San Diego Chargers and NY Giants for ridding the playoffs of Indianapolis and Dallas. Because of you, Brett Favre can play one more game in a Snowy Lambeau Field, and the Patriots pretty much wrap up a trip to the Super Bowl for a possible replay match-up of Super Bowl XXXI (Green Bay and New England).

Anyone who knows me, knows I hate the Cowboys, in fact there are only two other teams I hate more, OU and Texas A&M. So to see them stumble and fall in their first playoff game... again... against a team they beat twice in the regular season, was sweetness.

Indianapolis is just a team I don't like, and I dunno why. I just do not like the Colts. I used to hate Peyton because he had a habit of blaming everyone around him, but he finally grew out of that, so there's really no reason why I shouldn't like them, but oh well.

In all honesty, I should have been cheering for them, because San Diego plays in the same division as the Broncos, and I HATE Phillip Rivers (he's a big headed prick who thinks his shit doesn't stink) and Shawne Merriman (he's a cheater, asshole, and a thug), but I would rather the Pats play the Chargers, because they will maul them, and not just merely eke out a win like they would against the Colts.

Anyways, another week another round of losers going home. So far my hopes have come true to this point in the playoffs. In fact I boast a perfect score on my selections. Here are my picks for the final three games.

New England over San Diego (AFC Championship)

Green Bay over New York (NFC Championship)

New England over Green Bay (Super Bowl XLII)

Here are some pointless fun facts for your enjoyment.

Fun Fact #1- All of the teams remaining are ones with Two-word cities or locations, Green Bay, New England, New York, and San Diego.

Fun Fact #2- Eli Manning, and not Peyton is the one who led his team to the Conference Championship round. Maybe baby brother is all growed up.

Fun Fact #3- 3 out of the 4 remaining teams are from cold weather places. So there is a 75% chance of two cold-weather teams playing in sunny and warm Arizona.

Anyways, there was some fine football on this weekend, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing two of my most hated teams take a tumble. And next week, weather permitting, we might get to see two blizzard games. Won't that be fun?

TAGGERBLOG...

2008-01-11T18:09:00.000-06:00

Here’s how it works: Link to the person that tagged you: Christel Pistol

Post the rules for the meme on your blog. And here they are:

Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, tag 7 (or so) random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I would rather spend my time alone than with people. It's just the way I work. I'm a halfway social person, but more often than not, I would rather be by myself, unless it's with my friends and certain members of my family.

2. I own alot of movies. 144 to be exact, which is slightly over half of what I previously owned before a certain theiving event.

3. I cannot... repeat cannot go into a store that sells movies without perusing the selections. More often than not, I also can't leave without buying anything.

4. I have no full blood siblings. I have a half-sister from my dad, a half-brother from my mom, and a step bother and sister from my step mom. So when I say there is no one else like me, and I am one of a kind... I AIN'T LYIN'.

5. I have played every position in football besides offensive line and kicker.

6. My favorite beer is Shiner Bock, and it is all my sister's fault.

7. I am joining the NAVY.

Since I am the last in a long line... I have no one to tag.... sad isn't it?

I need new friends.

Just so you know...

2008-01-11T03:00:00.000-06:00

I am currently pondering some life altering changes to my life. And I am not talking little minor things.... I'm talking HUGE.

Some already know about it... some don't, but rest assured that when I actually up and make the decision, you will know what it is. I don't want to put it out there not before I have all of the information, did all my research, and looked at this from every angle.

So far it's looking like a good deal, but that can change like anything else in this world.

So I ask you to bear with me, and when the time comes, throw your opinions into the ring, because I would like to hear what everyone has to say.

It may or may not make any difference to me, but I like to hear other people's thoughts. But in the meantime, I love everybody who makes my life worth living, and I love all my readers. (I think its like 2 people.... but shhhh I like to think I'm really popular!)

Anyways, I just thought I would update you while I am NOT SLEEPING... because that's my life... one of insomnia and deep thoughts.

Its like chocolate and bacon.... they just go together.

Write that down.

~Ian

Edit: Who are the Irving and Addison TX viewers of my blog? I'm getting mega hits from that area... Just wanna know...

Predictable? I think not...

2008-01-08T15:21:00.000-06:00

The 2007 season of college football came to an end last night in historic fashion. LSU beat Ohio State 38-24 to make them the first team to win the BCS National Championship twice, and also the first 2-loss team to win a BCS National Championship.

That's only the ENDING to the madness of this season. Let's recap shall we?

There was not a single team that was ranked no. 1 or 2 that DIDN'T lose while being ranked in that position. 20 different teams held the no. 1 or 2 spot this season, the highest amount in history.

The only team that went undefeated during the regular season, Hawaii, only got to no. 10 because of their weak schedule then got embarrassed by Georgia in the Sugar Bowl 41-10.

Only 6 of the original top-10 teams were ranked in the final 10, and only Chokelahoma at no. 8 and Virginia Tech at no. 9 were ranked in the same position.

USC- Preseason rank: 1, Final rank: 3 (11-2)

LSU- Preseason rank: 2, Final rank: 1 (12-2)

West Virginia- Preseason rank: 3, Final rank: 6 (11-2)

Texas- Preseason rank: 4, Final rank: 10 (10-3)

Michigan- Preseason rank: 5, Final rank: 18 (9-4)

Florida- Preseason rank: 6, Final rank: 13 (9-4)

Wisconsin- Preseason rank: 7, Final rank: 24 (9-4)

Oklahoma- Preseason rank: 8, Final rank: 8 (11-3)

Virginia Tech- Preseason rank: 9, Final rank: 9 (11-3)

Louisville- Preseason rank: 10, Final rank: Not ranked (6-6)

The other 4 teams that made their way into the final top-10 rankings were Georgia, Missouri, Kansas, and Ohio State.

Georgia- Preseason rank: 13, Final rank: 2 (11-2)

Missouri- Preseason rank: NR, Final rank: 4 (12-2)

Ohio State- Preseason rank: 11, Final rank: 5 (11-2)

Kansas- Preseason rank: NR, Final rank: 7 (12-1)

How crazy is that? There was so much drama and shake up this season, that you never knew who would win from week to week. Missouri gets beaten in the first week by Appalachian State, a Div. 1AA school. USC gets beaten by Stanford, a 41-point underdog, at home. This pattern goes on and on and on.

To add to the mayhem, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, last year's Heisman runner-up is told he didn't win because he was a sophomore, then he proceeds to have a better year than last season, and has to watch Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a sophomore, win the Heisman. How fucked up is that? Personally, I wanted Tebow to win, because he is the best player in college football hands down, but I felt bad for McFadden who was a victim of circumstance.

As a Big 12 fan, I was so happy to see 4 teams from the conference ranked in the top-10: Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. For all those assholes who talk about how the Big 12 is a weak conference, and how the SEC and PAC-10 are better, here is retribution. The Big 12 and SEC are tied for most teams ranked in the top 25 with 5. Let's see what people say next year about the Big 12.

I'm really not going to go into the amazing player stories and fiascoes of this year right now, because that will require a much longer post, and perhaps more than one, whenever I get around to it. So heres my overall team/season wrap up for 2007.

This season proved that you always expect the unexpected. Never get used to the way things are because they will always change on you. National powers like Notre Dame fall, and new powers like Missouri rise. So in my opinion, the Emmy, Golden Globe, and Oscar for Best Drama should go to the NCAA. They kept us on the edge of our seats all season, and make us excited for next season's craziness.

This is why I love football.

~Ian

Coming to you LIVE from the Muskogee Phoenix newsroom

2008-01-07T22:14:00.000-06:00

I am effectively BORED at work. I love my job, mind you, but it has its downtime. And when I say downtime, I mean looking for things to do to keep from chewing my own arm off.

I usually work anywhere from 3-5 hours a night (sweet job right?) but for the first 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours.... BOREDOM. Unless I am taking call in scores, it's pretty dead. I build my page layout and throw in the early stuff... then it's a waiting game. I have to wait until the scores, standings, and roundups to cross the AP wire (Associated Press database for said work) and plug them in, which usually come in all at the same time right before deadline. So it's hectic for like 30-45 minutes at the end.

Right now is downtime. I'm watching the BCS Championship, which I could give less than a shit about who wins... actually I retract that statement... I hope LSU wins, because I think Ohio State is severely overrated for the second year in a row, and cheated their way to their last National Championship. (Edit: LSU won 38-24. Congrats to the Bayou Bengals. I'll do a blog tomorrow about the crazy NCAA football season.)

I also get to read all the AP stories before the rest of the public universe gets a shot at them (nah nah nah) so I feel superior in that respect.

Anyways... I guess I will get back to "work"... Just thought I would blog a little bit to break the monotony.

That's all for now. Thanks for tuning in. You can go back to your lives now.

~Ian

A holdover survey for you to enjoy

2008-01-07T15:55:00.000-06:00

Since I am currently low on blog ideas, I figured I would take the easy way out and do a survey that everyone can read, steal, and do themselves. Enjoy.

MY STORY.

Hi, my name is: Ian

but you can call me: Wolf

Never in my life have I: had a million bucks... but oh boy I wish....

The one person who can drive me nuts is: stupid people in general.

My high school was: ok... I had more fun when Derreck and Bryan were still there.

When I’m nervous: I clam up... it's best you leave me alone and let me deal with my shit.

The last song I listened to was: All My Friends Say by Luke Bryan

If I were to get married right now: I don't think i would mind, but I really don't think I am ready either.

My hair is: getting longer

When I was 4: I was cute as hell

Last Christmas: I got my new MacBook Pro and got to spend time with my best friends.

I should be: more worried than I am, but I found out that worrying leads to nothing but making things worse.

When I look down I see: that I'm gifted. (Take that how you want... I was talking about my new computer... weirdos.)

The happiest recent event was: Being with my best friends.

If I were a character on ‘Friends’: I would be Ross... he got Jennifer Aniston... hells yeah!

By this time next year: I want to be well into my career

My current gripe is: money

I have a hard time understanding: the way life goes sometimes

There’s these girls: that....

If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be: my dad

I want to buy: my way out of troubles.

i plan to visit: Austin

If you spent the night at my house: futon, unless your name is Renee
The world could do without: dumb chicks

Most recent thing I’ve bought myself: groceries

Most recent thing someone else bought me: my car out of impound

My middle name is: Kyle

In the morning I: wake up

Last night I was: at my apartment

There’s this guy I know who: is one of my best friends

If I was an animal I’d be a: a wolf, duh

A better name for me would be: I like my name thanks

Tomorrow I am: sseeing someone, I hope

Tonight I am: working

My birthday is: on October 30th

I am: wanting to have my life in order

Your turn.

~Ian

Like those before me....

2008-01-07T11:59:00.001-06:00

What Ian Means

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

A favor I ask of my readers...

2008-01-06T18:53:00.000-06:00

In an effort to keep up with who visits this site, and who are repeat viewers... I would like y'all to leave comments... whether it's once of frequently. I just want to see who is stopping by.

Also, if anyone has any ideas/thoughts on how I can get the blog out to more readers, please let me know.

~Ian

Sunday Get Fuzzy

2008-01-06T14:54:00.000-06:00

Silver lining to every dark cloud

2008-01-05T13:18:00.000-06:00

Life can be very difficult sometimes. It seems that some days, all of the bad things that have kept just out of sight all come to bear. Almost always, you are never prepared for it.

I just recently had one of these times, and I am still reeling from it, trying to recover. It is slow going, and it's hard, but luckily I have people willing to help me out in my time of need.

More than anything, in these times, people need support from their friends and family, because that is more valuable than money. It means that people do care about you, and are willing to go the extra mile for you when you need it, because they know you would do the same if the roles were reversed.

These times also serve to help you learn lessons, and help you take care of things you have neglected. It helps you to get your life back into perspective, and realize you have to handle your business and not blow things off.

So if your life brings you into a dark situation, you will find new things out about you and those around you, and perhaps come out a better person than before. But don't be like me, and let situations get so forgone that they come back to bite you in the ass later.

Desert Blues

2008-01-03T14:42:00.000-06:00

I bet OU doesn't want to play in the Fiesta Bowl ever again. After Boise State used three trick plays to beat the Sooners last year, West Virginia ran up and down on OU this season, to hand them their 4th straight BCS loss. Don't you love watching the Chokelahoma Sooners lose big games? I sure do.

Major props to the Mountaineers, playing under then-interim head coach Bill Stewart after Rich Rodriquez split for Michigan, and playing without Steve Slaton, and still being able to absolutely flatten OU.

So to all of those annoying, overbearing, idiotic Sooners fans, here's to you and a New Years constant... OU choking it in a big game.

To all of the West Virginians... here's to you for kicking that ass.

Who thinks it's time for an NCAA playoff?