Every once in a while, there comes a leadership situation that is "how did I get here?" a leadership situation that is an honor and needs no further intrusion that it is a great idea. A leadership thing that screams "I need to do this" and is unique. While there have been dozens like this, here are my top 5 situations that stand out because they are unique:
5. Autism Campus Inclusion (August 2012): This is unique because I was chosen out of thousands of students with autism and was the only one from Idaho chosen. Also I was one of a handful from the West (there were 2 from California, 2 from Washington and 1 from Texas besides me in the West). I learned a lot and think that the tools I learned while I never started an Autistic Self-Advocacy Network chapter in Idaho, were tools that I can use to further my advocacy strengths. And I'm grateful for that.
4. Partnership Jamaica (March 2011): While this loses points for uniqueness now as over a hundred from Boise State have gone, I was the first group to go and to help make Jamaica a better place. Furthermore, I was chosen from over 200 applicants as 1 of 15 people and got to do an abroad journey over there and had a great time- the work ethic was great and while it was demanding, I learned many valuable lessons about leadership and teamwork while there. It was absolutely wonderful!
3. It Gets Better March (November 2010): Not many people in Idaho can say that they have put on a march in the cold in Boise in November and even fewer can say that they stayed afterwards for the vigil- it was truly a unique experience working just with LGBT individuals on furthering their rights and trying to make the world a brighter, more enlightened place. Bonus points for trying to get media contacts and succeeding and even more bonus points for being on TV and doing an internship while making this happen.
2. Pride Festival (June 2011-2014, June 2016): One of the few churches to march in the parade and hold up a booth all of those years plus 2015 was Southminster Presbyterian Church. I feel extra privileged to speak out against the injustices and to create a much better place and help apologize to numerous people who don't go to church there. And my outfits every year get more and more flamboyant: from a pink t, a gay rights scarf, and a BSU hat for a few years to this year being in balloon tentacles that a drag queen gave to me. It was a unique time because it's the one time a year that I can be that flamboyant while supporting a church in that advocacy realm and not get a filthy look.
1. Obama Speech (January 2015): None leadership honor I've ever gotten is bigger than this. This is what happened over the course of several hours that day: waiting for the remarks and doing plenty of pics with friends and chatting, hearing the president speak, shaking the president's hand, being on TV with said speech, and getting numerous calls and texts over the next few days and some verbal congratulations from church and Boise State people and professional people over a few weeks with shaking the President's hand. I won't want to shake Trump's hand in any manner but I consider Obama one of the best presidents we've ever had and feel amazed that I was able to. So that's all for this blog: stay tuned for the next blog: top 5 unique sports team situations I've ever had followed by top 5 unique friendships and top 5 unique exercise class situations that I've ever had. Happy New Year everyone AutBott signing off!
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Top 5 Unique Class Situations In College
I have had more than my fair share of classes as I have taken close to 170 credits in my time at Boise State and while I have won way more accolades and have gotten way more attention for my leadership things (in a couple of blogs my leadership situations that are unique will be blogged about- for the next two I will do classes and sports situations followed afterwards by unique trip situations and to have as the 2nd-to-last blog before my Hot Bott 100 the unique situations with friendships as I have had many of those too), I have also gotten close to a B average in college and have thoroughly done well since Fall of 2014 with slightly more than a B+ average (in Research Methods, Intro To Environmental Studies, Intro To Non-Profit Management, Global Environmental Science, Relational Leadership, Communication Theory and Philosophy, Seinfeld Philosophy and Politics, Intro To Media, and Comm Tech and Social Change, the only cake classes were P/F in that time- P.E. and Yoga so of course I'm proud of this fact), and I have learned even more and continued to find interesting class tidbits of constraints and opportunities along the way. Without boring too much more in the explanation, here is a short description of the top 5 unique class situations in college:
5. Comm Tech and Social Change (Summer of 2016): the octagonal class setting was unique as was the course content- there has never been such a theoretical component and also funny podcasts, videos (including my introduction to John Oliver and a clip of Big Bang Theory), and other ideas of what technology looks like. The prof was good in some respects and he made class fun when he wasn't nit-picking my behavior. All this plus the fact that there were 10 people in the class that were amazing friends or became amazing friends due to the lack of class size makes it even more unique.
4. Design Thinking (Fall of 2012): This class was super unique in the make-up of the class: a lot of part-time students, a few non-traditional students, an international student, a number of students who were in different disciplines, a number of students that loved Boise State and a number of students that were a bit apprehensive about it. The professor always had us doing fun things (some of which is on my wall to this day), and I learned almost as much about leadership and innovation as I did about art in this class. Also having it at night was good because it created community for the people in the class further.
3. Leadership Capstone (Fall of 2011): Another class make-up that was unique particularly for an upper-division class of a unique discipline: there were 3 Latino students in the class, 1 Native American, 1 person who had epilepsy, 2 people with dual diagnosis, and 1 person who was a white Republican male with none of those issues at hand. In a different situation, the 6'4" white male who was a former football player and a huge fan of Reagan would be able to be feel slightly more included in class because of the lack of spiral of silence, but in this class, he was the minority. I think that was the only class that was that small were I felt that. Kind of crazy. Bonus points for having a girlfriend at the time that was in the class. That threw the dynamic off real quick.
2. Gender Studies (Spring of 2012): I thought that having a class where there was open discussion and other various implementations (Service Learning, book club, tests, quizzes, writing, extra credit, activities, and so on) would've been a bit much for most situations that I'm in. However at that point with my living situation at the time being the way it was, I needed to feel like I was taking 14 credits even though I was taking 7, so it was perfect. That being said, the class population of males only one or two haven't outed themselves by now and the population of women in the class while only twice as much more than the men was super diverse in ethnicity, in privilege, in situations of upbringing, and other demographics of knowledge of the subject. Extra points for having a professor who was probably the best (and hardest) professor I've ever had- she is still a close colleague to this day and I am super appreciative of all that she does for Boise State and the community.
1. Peer Theater Troupe (Spring of 2009): A unique class in that we acted afterwards for the public while keeping everything confidential prior to performing. Also unique in that the crash course of gender studies and feminism and then going to performing and a crash course in that as well. The dynamic of people where there were 3 people who were outed as bisexual at the time and one who would be outed later and 2 people who while heterosexual were women and were from progressive families which is unique being from Idaho. I appreciated the fact that the women in the class were mentors at the time and I still see progressions of their leadership now. And the prof of the class is one of my heroes too. I am so lucky to have been in all of these unique situations and I'm looking forward to potentially a few more after this semester Go Broncos!
Monday, November 21, 2016
My Testimony
Taking a break from the themed blogs and will continue to those next month. Today I want to talk about something very important to me: my faith.
I grew up in a Christian home and was jumping through hoops and going through the motions often. I would go to church almost weekly and then believe that I was keeping myself well just by being a good person. Even though I made my faith my own when I was 16 and started believing in prayer and fellowship stronger at that point, I often thought that if I just read my Bible enough, pray enough, not getting into trouble at all, not swear hardly ever, and stay in a good spot with mostly Christian friends, I would be able to stay within my realm of salvation. This continued through my teenage years and even in some cases into my mid-20's.
When I was in college, I changed dramatically- my worldview changed, my friends changed, my health (mental, emotional, physical) changed and I was brought into my faith at a testable time- always trying my best not to falter and keep myself level and continue to strengthen my own faith to be the best me I could be. Even after all the re-dedications, re-baptisms, and renewing, I was not satisfied. This kind of thinking continued for a while, a mix of this, anger, sin, and mentally lost ideas. In the next few years, I almost started abandoning church altogether, at a certain point only doing the Presbyterian church and eschewing anything else Christian- I was under the impression that I wasn't the "right" kind of Christian and that my open-minded views weren't necessarily viable in the Christian community and trying to use relationships as a tomb to mask it and try to use what I thought was right by my own power. This kind of Ianism thinking continued to plague my mind and was damaging.
The past year and a half has been my best my faith has been ever. I have started to branch out with churches, have stopped drinking after a short time starting again, have been happier, have been better physically, and have been way better spiritually. While I have many Christian friends that sharpen me frequently, I also recognize the need for secular friends to do other things with and the need to do things with friends who are open to the possibility of religion but aren't quite there yet. I have also continued to advocate for the marginalized groups and continued to see that while I am saved, repentance is a life-long process as is continuing to recognize that we are flawed and can't do things on my own but need help from friends and a higher power. I may still sin daily but I continue to get strengthened daily and my frequent fellowship and prayer is helping my faith and I see myself as good soil. I know what it's like to do certain things wrong but we all learn. And my God is a God of love and not hate and second chances so I willingly hope that other people newer in faith accept and choose to do the same. Praise God!
I grew up in a Christian home and was jumping through hoops and going through the motions often. I would go to church almost weekly and then believe that I was keeping myself well just by being a good person. Even though I made my faith my own when I was 16 and started believing in prayer and fellowship stronger at that point, I often thought that if I just read my Bible enough, pray enough, not getting into trouble at all, not swear hardly ever, and stay in a good spot with mostly Christian friends, I would be able to stay within my realm of salvation. This continued through my teenage years and even in some cases into my mid-20's.
When I was in college, I changed dramatically- my worldview changed, my friends changed, my health (mental, emotional, physical) changed and I was brought into my faith at a testable time- always trying my best not to falter and keep myself level and continue to strengthen my own faith to be the best me I could be. Even after all the re-dedications, re-baptisms, and renewing, I was not satisfied. This kind of thinking continued for a while, a mix of this, anger, sin, and mentally lost ideas. In the next few years, I almost started abandoning church altogether, at a certain point only doing the Presbyterian church and eschewing anything else Christian- I was under the impression that I wasn't the "right" kind of Christian and that my open-minded views weren't necessarily viable in the Christian community and trying to use relationships as a tomb to mask it and try to use what I thought was right by my own power. This kind of Ianism thinking continued to plague my mind and was damaging.
The past year and a half has been my best my faith has been ever. I have started to branch out with churches, have stopped drinking after a short time starting again, have been happier, have been better physically, and have been way better spiritually. While I have many Christian friends that sharpen me frequently, I also recognize the need for secular friends to do other things with and the need to do things with friends who are open to the possibility of religion but aren't quite there yet. I have also continued to advocate for the marginalized groups and continued to see that while I am saved, repentance is a life-long process as is continuing to recognize that we are flawed and can't do things on my own but need help from friends and a higher power. I may still sin daily but I continue to get strengthened daily and my frequent fellowship and prayer is helping my faith and I see myself as good soil. I know what it's like to do certain things wrong but we all learn. And my God is a God of love and not hate and second chances so I willingly hope that other people newer in faith accept and choose to do the same. Praise God!
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Top Ten Non-Mainstream Secular Artists In My Opinion
There are a lot of artists that you wouldn't normally hear on the radio who are genuine great. A lot of stuff on the radio is not that great, some of it is but there are a lot of great bands that are not usually even on the alternative radio stations that I listen to often (as I wake up to J-105 in the AM) there are several bands that I really enjoy and several solo artists that make the cut on this list enjoy:
10. Matthew Sweet: His music is genuine, fun, upbeat, and genuinely caring. Girlfriend is a gem and I have listened to a few of his other songs and think that it's great. One of the most genuine artists around.
9. Violent Femmes: Yeah they are on the radio sometimes and are semi-well known but in terms of alternative they are kind of not as well-known as some others. Their kind of genuine attitude and catchy lyrics make them a great band to listen to. And I'm proud to say that they are wonderful!
8. Dead Or Alive: Kind of a one-hit wonder (You Spin Me Round And Round) but they are an amazing band with kind of catchy lyrics and while their song is making a comeback they are not super well-known. They are pretty good though.
7. Lady Lauryn: Kind of popular only with her song Getting Nasty and that is only popular with the Zumba crowd but it is totally amazing song (and Ian-appropriate) nonetheless. It is a fun song and some of the rest of her music that I've listened to (the other song or two) is incredible.
6. Indigo Girls: not a well-known band and one of the last super-popular folk bands and it was only popular in the '90s. nonetheless they are an incredible band with some pretty interesting lyrics and great messages. Bonus points for them being an out band before being outed was socially acceptable.
5. Gayle Chapman: The only Idaho artist on the list besides number 4, she is an incredibly talented singer and one of the most genuine folk artists on the planet because of what she sings about. She is a supremely talented artist and I am lucky that my Mom has an interest in her because otherwise I wouldn't have heard of her.
4. Built To Spill: Simply an incredible band and a wonderful kind of spirit. Extra points for being a fave band of a family member and a simply colossally good run as a band. They are the best Idaho-bred band in history in my opinion and I'm grateful that they have made many good songs that are genuine and catchy.
3. Ryan Higa (a.k.a. Niga Higa): OK, so his name is racist and I don't know how he's not shot yet but his music is catchy and humorous because of his past and it is simply some of the best most genuine lyrics out there. He talks about real life and has a genuine interest in making things better and continuing to shine light on a lot of problems. His music is wonderful too.
2. Nerdcore: The only rap group on the list (although Ryan Higa does some rapping too), Nerdcore raps about all sorts of scientific and pop-culture and smart things. They are rappers that rap about challenges (Yachtbirds a.k.a. You've Got Aspergers), financial abundance (A Million Dollars), trends in jokes (Your Momma), scientific items (Entropy), Star Wars (Bobba The Fett), Little John (Get Crunk) and other items that are culturally relevant. Extra points for being creative rappers.
1. They Might Be Giants: Everyone knows how me and my 35-year old sister feels about them. They are genuinely long-lasting, smart nerdy sense of humor, pop-culture abundant (including Tiny Toons and Malcolm In The Middle songs and a song from Austin Powers), can play almost any kind of genre of music, and have a varying style from dark/creepy tone to a more happy tone of disco and rapping and some stuff that is almost like country. They are an incredibly versatile group and I'm lucky to call them my all-time fave band. Extra points for creativity in their music and pattern songs.
10. Matthew Sweet: His music is genuine, fun, upbeat, and genuinely caring. Girlfriend is a gem and I have listened to a few of his other songs and think that it's great. One of the most genuine artists around.
9. Violent Femmes: Yeah they are on the radio sometimes and are semi-well known but in terms of alternative they are kind of not as well-known as some others. Their kind of genuine attitude and catchy lyrics make them a great band to listen to. And I'm proud to say that they are wonderful!
8. Dead Or Alive: Kind of a one-hit wonder (You Spin Me Round And Round) but they are an amazing band with kind of catchy lyrics and while their song is making a comeback they are not super well-known. They are pretty good though.
7. Lady Lauryn: Kind of popular only with her song Getting Nasty and that is only popular with the Zumba crowd but it is totally amazing song (and Ian-appropriate) nonetheless. It is a fun song and some of the rest of her music that I've listened to (the other song or two) is incredible.
6. Indigo Girls: not a well-known band and one of the last super-popular folk bands and it was only popular in the '90s. nonetheless they are an incredible band with some pretty interesting lyrics and great messages. Bonus points for them being an out band before being outed was socially acceptable.
5. Gayle Chapman: The only Idaho artist on the list besides number 4, she is an incredibly talented singer and one of the most genuine folk artists on the planet because of what she sings about. She is a supremely talented artist and I am lucky that my Mom has an interest in her because otherwise I wouldn't have heard of her.
4. Built To Spill: Simply an incredible band and a wonderful kind of spirit. Extra points for being a fave band of a family member and a simply colossally good run as a band. They are the best Idaho-bred band in history in my opinion and I'm grateful that they have made many good songs that are genuine and catchy.
3. Ryan Higa (a.k.a. Niga Higa): OK, so his name is racist and I don't know how he's not shot yet but his music is catchy and humorous because of his past and it is simply some of the best most genuine lyrics out there. He talks about real life and has a genuine interest in making things better and continuing to shine light on a lot of problems. His music is wonderful too.
2. Nerdcore: The only rap group on the list (although Ryan Higa does some rapping too), Nerdcore raps about all sorts of scientific and pop-culture and smart things. They are rappers that rap about challenges (Yachtbirds a.k.a. You've Got Aspergers), financial abundance (A Million Dollars), trends in jokes (Your Momma), scientific items (Entropy), Star Wars (Bobba The Fett), Little John (Get Crunk) and other items that are culturally relevant. Extra points for being creative rappers.
1. They Might Be Giants: Everyone knows how me and my 35-year old sister feels about them. They are genuinely long-lasting, smart nerdy sense of humor, pop-culture abundant (including Tiny Toons and Malcolm In The Middle songs and a song from Austin Powers), can play almost any kind of genre of music, and have a varying style from dark/creepy tone to a more happy tone of disco and rapping and some stuff that is almost like country. They are an incredibly versatile group and I'm lucky to call them my all-time fave band. Extra points for creativity in their music and pattern songs.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Some Of The Worst PR Celebrity Mishaps Of All Time Of All Time Of All Time
One of the last of the entertainment blogs (there is one more after this) this is the worst PR mishaps of the 21st century by celebrities (title of blog making fun of one of them):
Kanye West at the awards show in 2006: while not career-killing, Kanye West has never had a good hit in my estimation since then and is seen as a total t-bag since then for better or worse. Let's recap what happened: when Taylor Swift won her first award at the VMA's, Kanye said "I'm real happy for you and I'm going to let you finish but Beyonce had the best video of all time of all time of all time of all time" it has made him a laughingstock, people can't take him seriously, and he has made a lot of memes and other incidents of t-bagism since then. It was a big-time mishap
Charlie Sheen and winning in 2010: when he said "I like winning" it was a big-time mishap. He hasn't won anything and he has been made fun of since to the point of the next little bit losing endorsements, TV deals, and other types of credibility. He is no longer thought of as credible and no longer is thought of as a strong presence.
Tom Cruise and the couch on Oprah in 2007: he hasn't made too many hits since then, his popularity has gone off, his personal life is in shambles, and can you name something he's done that has been good other than giving Scientology a face? yeah I can't either. Face of anger and the beginning of a fall for a once-proud actor.
Mel Gibson and the anti-Semitic remark after the Passion of the Christ was made in 2005: he suffered amazingly, having only made a handful of movies since then and suffering the most expensive divorce of all time. His ex-wife gets a huge amount of royalties from the movies he makes which makes it even more embarrassing. Also he is thought of as someone who is prejudice when he hasn't always been that way. Sure to kill a career almost as much as the last one on the list (coming up next):
Donald Trump and his campaign in 2016 (thank Jeebus it's almost over): name one good PR stunt from his campaign. You can't. I know that I have bashed Trump tons on social media lately and I know maybe he is being paid as a puppet for a lot of his views. And lots of people have bashed him too but the point is he is someone who has killed any credibility for what he says whether or not he wins the election. I can't believe a word he says ever again. He won't be doing any endorsements with a race coalition in the next 20 years I can guarantee you that. What a tool.
That is a small list. Some of the biggest career killers are on here. There are millions more but these are the ones I can think of. Now off to check my Facebook for several minutes before journaling and hippie coloring and having the best hot-tub soak of all time.
Kanye West at the awards show in 2006: while not career-killing, Kanye West has never had a good hit in my estimation since then and is seen as a total t-bag since then for better or worse. Let's recap what happened: when Taylor Swift won her first award at the VMA's, Kanye said "I'm real happy for you and I'm going to let you finish but Beyonce had the best video of all time of all time of all time of all time" it has made him a laughingstock, people can't take him seriously, and he has made a lot of memes and other incidents of t-bagism since then. It was a big-time mishap
Charlie Sheen and winning in 2010: when he said "I like winning" it was a big-time mishap. He hasn't won anything and he has been made fun of since to the point of the next little bit losing endorsements, TV deals, and other types of credibility. He is no longer thought of as credible and no longer is thought of as a strong presence.
Tom Cruise and the couch on Oprah in 2007: he hasn't made too many hits since then, his popularity has gone off, his personal life is in shambles, and can you name something he's done that has been good other than giving Scientology a face? yeah I can't either. Face of anger and the beginning of a fall for a once-proud actor.
Mel Gibson and the anti-Semitic remark after the Passion of the Christ was made in 2005: he suffered amazingly, having only made a handful of movies since then and suffering the most expensive divorce of all time. His ex-wife gets a huge amount of royalties from the movies he makes which makes it even more embarrassing. Also he is thought of as someone who is prejudice when he hasn't always been that way. Sure to kill a career almost as much as the last one on the list (coming up next):
Donald Trump and his campaign in 2016 (thank Jeebus it's almost over): name one good PR stunt from his campaign. You can't. I know that I have bashed Trump tons on social media lately and I know maybe he is being paid as a puppet for a lot of his views. And lots of people have bashed him too but the point is he is someone who has killed any credibility for what he says whether or not he wins the election. I can't believe a word he says ever again. He won't be doing any endorsements with a race coalition in the next 20 years I can guarantee you that. What a tool.
That is a small list. Some of the biggest career killers are on here. There are millions more but these are the ones I can think of. Now off to check my Facebook for several minutes before journaling and hippie coloring and having the best hot-tub soak of all time.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Top 5 Celebrities I Wish Would Go Away
Here are some celebrities that are super famous and for some of them have no reason to be and others are just plain tools and some are famous for nothing. These are celebrities that have gained high acclaim and yet haven't accomplished too much of great news. These are celebrities who should just stop appearing on news because they are overall bad for press and otherwise. Without further adieu, the top 5 celebrities that should go away:
5) Justin Bieber- while he has some redeeming songs, it is not enough to redeem the thousands of immature things he's done and the many outrageous bad-boy things he's done. His music is pretty close to meaningless (and often repeating) and his overarching sideshow of his personal life and his bad-boy reputation makes him one that I wish would just leave. Take him back Canada!
4) the Kardashian/Jenner clan (minus Caitlyn Jenner and Kanye West for different reasons): We will talk about Kanye later (he is higher on the list for many reasons). Caitlyn is a trendsetter and an incredible human being with much bravery before and after her careers and I have much respect for her before and after being Caitlyn. The rest of them? Party animals who are famous for nothing. Dating whoever they want and many of them athletes who are almost equally as disgusting. Rolling in the dough from being unreality TV stars. They are on the cover almost weekly on newsmagazines- I mean I used to have a few partying phases but you don't see me on the cover. So why do they get those privileges? Right? I don't care about what the Kardashians do. I just don't.
3. Kanye West: The most arrogant rapper of all time. Thinking he's a God. Claiming that he could be the next Nelson Mandela. Wanting to run for President in 2020. Creating a stir when he discounted Taylor Swift. Creating almost no good music in 10 years and still being mega-popular. Being an overall t-bag. And he's still famous? But he's not as bad as the next 2. Brace yourself.
2. Johnny Manziel: OK, so he's mostly gotten out of the public eye since he got the much-deserved suspension and couldn't latch onto a team because he has another pending suspension if he gets signed (so basically you are signing a one-year and only get a chance to play in 6 games- not good business and he's terrible.) But it was dominated with news of Johnny-no-good for close to 4 years after he won the Heisman on talent at Texas A&M. Since he became pro there was a huge tabloid saga that included domestic violence, drugs, rehab, partying, bipolar episodes, and overall bad quick-decision making and immature moments. Forget a 10-game suspension, this dude needs supervised rehab or jail time to stay away from fodder for tabloids. Immediately.
And the number 1 person who should go away.......
1. Donald Trump: He is absolutely vile. Anyone who is like this who is even considered for President embarrasses the country. Everything that comes out of his mouth is either lies or hateful. The trading in of wives and the infidelity and the cheating on taxes and everything else? Just more fuel for the fire. The creation of a fake university to rip people off? Just fuel for the fire. He needs to go back to Scotland where his family came from. And even that might not be far enough. He reminds me of my ex in a bikini. That is how much hate I have towards him. Ick.
I know this might seem like a judgmental blog. I don't like these people for many reasons. This is intended to be somewhat a humorous attempt at satire and also explaining that these people are not good for business yet continue to create hits on media. They should just go away.
5) Justin Bieber- while he has some redeeming songs, it is not enough to redeem the thousands of immature things he's done and the many outrageous bad-boy things he's done. His music is pretty close to meaningless (and often repeating) and his overarching sideshow of his personal life and his bad-boy reputation makes him one that I wish would just leave. Take him back Canada!
4) the Kardashian/Jenner clan (minus Caitlyn Jenner and Kanye West for different reasons): We will talk about Kanye later (he is higher on the list for many reasons). Caitlyn is a trendsetter and an incredible human being with much bravery before and after her careers and I have much respect for her before and after being Caitlyn. The rest of them? Party animals who are famous for nothing. Dating whoever they want and many of them athletes who are almost equally as disgusting. Rolling in the dough from being unreality TV stars. They are on the cover almost weekly on newsmagazines- I mean I used to have a few partying phases but you don't see me on the cover. So why do they get those privileges? Right? I don't care about what the Kardashians do. I just don't.
3. Kanye West: The most arrogant rapper of all time. Thinking he's a God. Claiming that he could be the next Nelson Mandela. Wanting to run for President in 2020. Creating a stir when he discounted Taylor Swift. Creating almost no good music in 10 years and still being mega-popular. Being an overall t-bag. And he's still famous? But he's not as bad as the next 2. Brace yourself.
2. Johnny Manziel: OK, so he's mostly gotten out of the public eye since he got the much-deserved suspension and couldn't latch onto a team because he has another pending suspension if he gets signed (so basically you are signing a one-year and only get a chance to play in 6 games- not good business and he's terrible.) But it was dominated with news of Johnny-no-good for close to 4 years after he won the Heisman on talent at Texas A&M. Since he became pro there was a huge tabloid saga that included domestic violence, drugs, rehab, partying, bipolar episodes, and overall bad quick-decision making and immature moments. Forget a 10-game suspension, this dude needs supervised rehab or jail time to stay away from fodder for tabloids. Immediately.
And the number 1 person who should go away.......
1. Donald Trump: He is absolutely vile. Anyone who is like this who is even considered for President embarrasses the country. Everything that comes out of his mouth is either lies or hateful. The trading in of wives and the infidelity and the cheating on taxes and everything else? Just more fuel for the fire. The creation of a fake university to rip people off? Just fuel for the fire. He needs to go back to Scotland where his family came from. And even that might not be far enough. He reminds me of my ex in a bikini. That is how much hate I have towards him. Ick.
I know this might seem like a judgmental blog. I don't like these people for many reasons. This is intended to be somewhat a humorous attempt at satire and also explaining that these people are not good for business yet continue to create hits on media. They should just go away.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Entertainment Blog Number 2: Top 10 Billion Plus View Videos
As someone who has seen all but a few of the billion plus view videos I am someone who generally tries to view them after they are at that point unless I have already viewed them as I don't necessarily like to jump on trends right away. While there have been a few clunkers, there have also been many great videos which I will look forward to seeing again and again thus upping the view count in the trend. Without further adieu here are the top 10 billion plus views in my opinion:
10. Let Her Go (Passenger)- one of the most organic of these videos it is simply nice to see a budget billion view video done on a concert set- I love the message and I love the melody- it is a vital video to watch because of the ideas.
9. Blank Space (Taylor Swift)- it is a video with misrepresented lyrics, a few bits of violence, a bit of artistic valor, and good singing and art in short it has everything. Lost a bit in how it brought a few of the views quickly and how it kind of brought a few ideas of relationship oppression but it is pretty artistic and Taylor has a good voice.
8. Uptown Funk (Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars)- one of the greatest videos I've ever seen, nevertheless several of my other favorites are on this list- the videos are seen a lot are popular and have some good tunes so that makes sense- Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars have good dancing and good allure of the strength of the music which is good because of the ideas of the people.
7. Party Rock Anthem (LAMFO)- one of the most interesting videos of this list, it gains major points in my opinion for taking several years to hit this mark and also by creating much to be talked about and much license in exercise classes. It is a great anthem and LAMFO is a decent group not amazing lyrically but it does have some great beats.
6. Shake It Off (Taylor Swift)- one of the songs that while it is awfully lyrically you can't help but dance to it. It brings so much hope to people and it also helps that things can create a sense of stylistic thinking and incredible moves that look like pro ballet people and crumping maniacs are doing this.
5. Waka Waka (It's Time For Africa) (Shakira)- one of the longest taking videos to get to this much, it is generally a great video and has some great soccer scenes and great vision. Would be higher except for a few of the other videos are even better in my opinion and the overall commercial value downs it a bit. But it's still an amazing video.
4. Love Me Like You Do (Ellie Goulding)- another commercial video this one has nonetheless great art, great set, amazing ideas, and one of the most attractive people singing as well as an amazing amount of art in it. It really creates a general sense of hope in the overall schema of movie songs and is one of my all-time faves.
3. See You Again (Wiz Khalifa/Charlie Puth)- this is one of my favorite videos of all time and always makes me choked up. It is generally an amazing amount of sentimental value and creates many memories. Loses a bit for the commercialism (otherwise it would be number 2) but it seriously creates many ideas for how to do future videos and has a great message.
2. Hello (Adele)- this is one of the best songs I have ever heard. Her pipes are wonderful and the lyrics are beautiful. It is one of the biggest ranges of voice by one person that I have heard in a while and her message is good. In terms of overall quality of artistic points- it is done beautifully in black-and-white. An overall masterpiece.
And the number 1 of these videos:
1) Roar by Katy Perry- probably one of my top 3 favorite songs of the past 5 years along with Whatever Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger by Kelly Clarkson and Brave by Sara Barreiles, this is my go-to for inspiration when I need it: run a race the next day? listen to this one. swim in a big meet the day of or go to State games? listen to this one. Have a big paper due the next day? you get the idea. This song is not only a song of inspiration, it also defines my life as a theme and as an overall strength of artistic value and a sense of keeping me going and a life theme song, this takes the cake. Freaky video but absolutely will be continued to be watched over and over again.
But beauty is subjective as are music videos- many people will probably disagree with this list and some people might hate every song on here seeing that these are all still popular right now. Regardless this is the last I brought up for Entertainment number 2. Stay tuned for my 3rd entertainment blog next time: 5 celebrities we wish would go away.
10. Let Her Go (Passenger)- one of the most organic of these videos it is simply nice to see a budget billion view video done on a concert set- I love the message and I love the melody- it is a vital video to watch because of the ideas.
9. Blank Space (Taylor Swift)- it is a video with misrepresented lyrics, a few bits of violence, a bit of artistic valor, and good singing and art in short it has everything. Lost a bit in how it brought a few of the views quickly and how it kind of brought a few ideas of relationship oppression but it is pretty artistic and Taylor has a good voice.
8. Uptown Funk (Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars)- one of the greatest videos I've ever seen, nevertheless several of my other favorites are on this list- the videos are seen a lot are popular and have some good tunes so that makes sense- Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars have good dancing and good allure of the strength of the music which is good because of the ideas of the people.
7. Party Rock Anthem (LAMFO)- one of the most interesting videos of this list, it gains major points in my opinion for taking several years to hit this mark and also by creating much to be talked about and much license in exercise classes. It is a great anthem and LAMFO is a decent group not amazing lyrically but it does have some great beats.
6. Shake It Off (Taylor Swift)- one of the songs that while it is awfully lyrically you can't help but dance to it. It brings so much hope to people and it also helps that things can create a sense of stylistic thinking and incredible moves that look like pro ballet people and crumping maniacs are doing this.
5. Waka Waka (It's Time For Africa) (Shakira)- one of the longest taking videos to get to this much, it is generally a great video and has some great soccer scenes and great vision. Would be higher except for a few of the other videos are even better in my opinion and the overall commercial value downs it a bit. But it's still an amazing video.
4. Love Me Like You Do (Ellie Goulding)- another commercial video this one has nonetheless great art, great set, amazing ideas, and one of the most attractive people singing as well as an amazing amount of art in it. It really creates a general sense of hope in the overall schema of movie songs and is one of my all-time faves.
3. See You Again (Wiz Khalifa/Charlie Puth)- this is one of my favorite videos of all time and always makes me choked up. It is generally an amazing amount of sentimental value and creates many memories. Loses a bit for the commercialism (otherwise it would be number 2) but it seriously creates many ideas for how to do future videos and has a great message.
2. Hello (Adele)- this is one of the best songs I have ever heard. Her pipes are wonderful and the lyrics are beautiful. It is one of the biggest ranges of voice by one person that I have heard in a while and her message is good. In terms of overall quality of artistic points- it is done beautifully in black-and-white. An overall masterpiece.
And the number 1 of these videos:
1) Roar by Katy Perry- probably one of my top 3 favorite songs of the past 5 years along with Whatever Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger by Kelly Clarkson and Brave by Sara Barreiles, this is my go-to for inspiration when I need it: run a race the next day? listen to this one. swim in a big meet the day of or go to State games? listen to this one. Have a big paper due the next day? you get the idea. This song is not only a song of inspiration, it also defines my life as a theme and as an overall strength of artistic value and a sense of keeping me going and a life theme song, this takes the cake. Freaky video but absolutely will be continued to be watched over and over again.
But beauty is subjective as are music videos- many people will probably disagree with this list and some people might hate every song on here seeing that these are all still popular right now. Regardless this is the last I brought up for Entertainment number 2. Stay tuned for my 3rd entertainment blog next time: 5 celebrities we wish would go away.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Top 5 Movies I Could Watch Over And Over And Never Get Tired Of
Let's be honest- I've seen way too many movies over and over again in my younger life where looking back at it, they were very marginal and I'm surprised I have a brain cell left from that, multiple head injuries, and a little bit of alcohol this past year plus among other things. But enough about head wounds, this is a short list of some of my favorite movies that I have seen over and over and still want to see again and again:
5. Legally Blonde: one of the funniest and most quotable movies ever- Reese Witherspoon and her companion toward the end of the movie work great and there is a lot of fun elements to it. One of the best movies I've seen this century and the ending was wonderful!
4. Elf: one of the best movies ever, this Christmas classic I've watched 6 times and could probably watch every Christmas from here on out till I'm 60 and never get tired of it. The Will Ferrell character in this is a lot like me which makes for a similar movie to how I behave but overall the innocence of the character and pratfalls make it memorable.
3. It's A Wonderful Life: one of the classics. I love the sentiment, the wonderful message of being kind, the great message, and the overall quality of the idea of looking at life through a unique lens compared to what it is now. As someone who has contemplated suicide a few times, seeing the movie puts everything into perspective and gives a good lesson or two.
2. Night At The Roxbury: OK. you've got me- I've seen this movie 3 or 4 times and could probably see it again 8 or 9 times and then be able to quote it silly (I already have quoted it a few times in public repeatedly). But this is one of a handful of quality Will Ferrell movies and is so much like my roommate and I if we were brothers and always going clubbing that it is almost like life imitating art. And the no? yes! line can be used for anything.
1. Patch Adams: a wonderful story of human sentiment full of great parts, sad parts, and some of the most beautiful imagery of any movie I've ever seen. Got some pretty strange lines in it but it is so beautiful, quotable, and a great case in human study. It is simply such a stellar movie that even though I've watched it 8 times I can't get enough. And it was probably the late Robin Williams best role ever and a simply wonderfully and vividly made movie. And some of it was true or should've been true which makes it even more amazing!
5. Legally Blonde: one of the funniest and most quotable movies ever- Reese Witherspoon and her companion toward the end of the movie work great and there is a lot of fun elements to it. One of the best movies I've seen this century and the ending was wonderful!
4. Elf: one of the best movies ever, this Christmas classic I've watched 6 times and could probably watch every Christmas from here on out till I'm 60 and never get tired of it. The Will Ferrell character in this is a lot like me which makes for a similar movie to how I behave but overall the innocence of the character and pratfalls make it memorable.
3. It's A Wonderful Life: one of the classics. I love the sentiment, the wonderful message of being kind, the great message, and the overall quality of the idea of looking at life through a unique lens compared to what it is now. As someone who has contemplated suicide a few times, seeing the movie puts everything into perspective and gives a good lesson or two.
2. Night At The Roxbury: OK. you've got me- I've seen this movie 3 or 4 times and could probably see it again 8 or 9 times and then be able to quote it silly (I already have quoted it a few times in public repeatedly). But this is one of a handful of quality Will Ferrell movies and is so much like my roommate and I if we were brothers and always going clubbing that it is almost like life imitating art. And the no? yes! line can be used for anything.
1. Patch Adams: a wonderful story of human sentiment full of great parts, sad parts, and some of the most beautiful imagery of any movie I've ever seen. Got some pretty strange lines in it but it is so beautiful, quotable, and a great case in human study. It is simply such a stellar movie that even though I've watched it 8 times I can't get enough. And it was probably the late Robin Williams best role ever and a simply wonderfully and vividly made movie. And some of it was true or should've been true which makes it even more amazing!
Sunday, July 31, 2016
The Coming Home Prose Post (Positive College Post)
good experiences in college education
the roar of the crowd and of the beautifying structure of the people who
are cheering me on for the races I'm a part of and the chatter and celebration
the kindness of others that create a sense of belonging and the friendships I've made
the 3.48 since fall of 2014 all with wonderful professors pushing to go the extra mile
and be incredibly patient to care for all my needs
the roar of the crowd when I won Spirit of Boise State and Volunteer of the Year
and the kindness of others on the trips I've been a part of in college and the compassion of so many people I otherwise wouldn't meet- the excelling in school that was compounded by my social activities breaking through every day
the officer positions and the leadership opportunities I had the pick-up ball games that were my first real close social group sports gestures the initiation group on campus ever the chances to do things like Tunnel of Oppression, Project Jamaica, Leadershape, Obama's speech behind him, B Limitless, Site Leader for Service Saturday, and so much more- all with the impact of changing campus- both Christian and not the real imaginative structure of my hang-outs with friends that often transcends what we are doing and often brings hope to all the people who are involved the hot springs and all the other stuff that my friends at tender thoughts have done to create bonding between people- all the while making it one of my closest friends I could ever have the joy of work in college at the internships and work at Alby's far reaching over what is true and what is thoroughly finalized w/my own personal idea of what work should be all the while overcoming obstacles and making new friends along the way close to a 3.0 average I'm proud of that but I'm more proud of what I've learned outside of my textbooks
the roar of the crowd and of the beautifying structure of the people who
are cheering me on for the races I'm a part of and the chatter and celebration
the kindness of others that create a sense of belonging and the friendships I've made
the 3.48 since fall of 2014 all with wonderful professors pushing to go the extra mile
and be incredibly patient to care for all my needs
the roar of the crowd when I won Spirit of Boise State and Volunteer of the Year
and the kindness of others on the trips I've been a part of in college and the compassion of so many people I otherwise wouldn't meet- the excelling in school that was compounded by my social activities breaking through every day
the officer positions and the leadership opportunities I had the pick-up ball games that were my first real close social group sports gestures the initiation group on campus ever the chances to do things like Tunnel of Oppression, Project Jamaica, Leadershape, Obama's speech behind him, B Limitless, Site Leader for Service Saturday, and so much more- all with the impact of changing campus- both Christian and not the real imaginative structure of my hang-outs with friends that often transcends what we are doing and often brings hope to all the people who are involved the hot springs and all the other stuff that my friends at tender thoughts have done to create bonding between people- all the while making it one of my closest friends I could ever have the joy of work in college at the internships and work at Alby's far reaching over what is true and what is thoroughly finalized w/my own personal idea of what work should be all the while overcoming obstacles and making new friends along the way close to a 3.0 average I'm proud of that but I'm more proud of what I've learned outside of my textbooks
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Nothing Defines
The 2nd-to-last ones in a prose series. The last one is next month then I will do a 4-part top 10 entertainment series. It is my day of birth on Saturday (I'm turning 33) so I thought it would be fun to share a song about what defines me- absolutely zero!
Nothing Defines
By I. Jimmy Bott
the shadow of expectations
going through a stream of consciousness
piercing together through all-time will
when nothing defines
the strength of who I am
the depression, the autism, the anxiety, the hyperactivity?
you can put me in a box and label me all you want
but you are missing out on who I truly am
an activist, an athlete, a strong warrior, a struggled student
who finally starts doing amazing things to his scholastic arena
only to find out that it's too late to get it above a B average
still that drive continues to be embedded in him
the drive to be great-
the long hours at the gym and at work
fixing pieces that were broken
to mold into someone who is running on all cylinders
as kind and considerate as he can be while trying to be humble
and failing miserably
the concoction of wildness and concessions to the greatness that he is seeking
a much maligned and standoffish person finally creating some space and time
to know that despite setbacks life is going to be OK
the many struggles finally working towards a life-long endurance race
while the promises I make tomorrow while they carry no guarantees
continue to love and follow and piece together a loving perspective which is followed
by an amazing piecing together of my own cornucopia of talents amidst one storm
Nothing Defines
By I. Jimmy Bott
the shadow of expectations
going through a stream of consciousness
piercing together through all-time will
when nothing defines
the strength of who I am
the depression, the autism, the anxiety, the hyperactivity?
you can put me in a box and label me all you want
but you are missing out on who I truly am
an activist, an athlete, a strong warrior, a struggled student
who finally starts doing amazing things to his scholastic arena
only to find out that it's too late to get it above a B average
still that drive continues to be embedded in him
the drive to be great-
the long hours at the gym and at work
fixing pieces that were broken
to mold into someone who is running on all cylinders
as kind and considerate as he can be while trying to be humble
and failing miserably
the concoction of wildness and concessions to the greatness that he is seeking
a much maligned and standoffish person finally creating some space and time
to know that despite setbacks life is going to be OK
the many struggles finally working towards a life-long endurance race
while the promises I make tomorrow while they carry no guarantees
continue to love and follow and piece together a loving perspective which is followed
by an amazing piecing together of my own cornucopia of talents amidst one storm
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Mighty (Yet Another of a series of prose works)
There are another three prose works that I want to share- two more have been written and the one in July is yet to be written in my once-a-month blog. I am trying to get to blog 100 around the time I graduate college as it is a top 100 accomplishment blog and I have 16 more blogs to go to reach that point. It is more quality than quantity that separates this from other autism blogs- here is a blog about self-worth and might and with the setbacks I've had recently I think it's a good reminder.
Mighty
By I. Jimmy Bott
I am mighty
Not because of physicality
But because of inward strength
The might of someone who feels led to continue
And be someone who can change
What is necessary to become someone who can show appreciation
Be as seen the hidden principalities and complacency of life that is
Startling even more than what is
Being driven into the realm of continuing inspiration
And showing continued struggles and triumphs
And not always showing them when things can seem trying
And when things can continue to seem like they can seem so
Fleeting and finalized even when things can seem as if it can be a
Continued strength and when it seems like a limitation
In how things become even more of a piecing together of how learning happens
And how despite everything things can continue
To become a strength in my life and try to continue to be eve more trying
When it seems to strive for empowerment and trust in the new continuation of
Life strength and even more change in how I live with inward strength
I am strong
I am kind
Both inward and out
I am valued
I am genuine
I am loving
I am interesting
I am a fine dude
I am established well
I am valued even when I'm not
I am a good person
I will forever be who I'll be
I am who I want to be
I love people
I feel mighty
I am mighty
Mighty
By I. Jimmy Bott
I am mighty
Not because of physicality
But because of inward strength
The might of someone who feels led to continue
And be someone who can change
What is necessary to become someone who can show appreciation
Be as seen the hidden principalities and complacency of life that is
Startling even more than what is
Being driven into the realm of continuing inspiration
And showing continued struggles and triumphs
And not always showing them when things can seem trying
And when things can continue to seem like they can seem so
Fleeting and finalized even when things can seem as if it can be a
Continued strength and when it seems like a limitation
In how things become even more of a piecing together of how learning happens
And how despite everything things can continue
To become a strength in my life and try to continue to be eve more trying
When it seems to strive for empowerment and trust in the new continuation of
Life strength and even more change in how I live with inward strength
I am strong
I am kind
Both inward and out
I am valued
I am genuine
I am loving
I am interesting
I am a fine dude
I am established well
I am valued even when I'm not
I am a good person
I will forever be who I'll be
I am who I want to be
I love people
I feel mighty
I am mighty
Sunday, April 17, 2016
My Most Noteable Achievement
3rd in a series of 5 poetry/short story blogs:
My Most Noteable Achievement
By I. Jimmy Bott
An achievement
What does it mean?
For all the things I've been able to do and there is many
I am still trying to think of what I've done that's been extraordinary
I guess here it is:
I'm a nice person and courageous under pressure
Because without that my schooling doesn't get better
My sense of what it means when I care
When I am passionate
When I am driven
And when I am serious about the things I do
When can I be sure to finalize the ways and what I've done
With my life- all the champion moments, all the toil,
All the certainties that I'm continuing to be finalized with strife
I don't want to live my life as though I am in constant pain
Or live life as if I'm finally going through my life as I faithfully entertain
I live my life as I care so much
My biggest fault is caring too much about others
My nicities working through till I am finalized and till I'm done
And all the medals, all the awards, all the good grades, all the amazing things I've done
That pales in comparison to the nice things I do for others
The feeling I get when I help people even when I don't have my druthers
I am courageous, I stand tall and faithfully go through when I have not much
To do with the situation at all
I firmly stand wherever I'll be continuing through life that others hardly see
I am faithful, I am strong, and I have a great heart
And the courage to be in tough situations that's what sets me apart
Someday hopefully I will be continuing to be self-respectful and deceptive-free.-IJB
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Been A Long Road
A prose piece by I. Jimmy Bott:
been a long road
a road long and paved in years
some bumps some tears
accomplishments hope and dreams
and even though I'm getting better at putting away childish things
constant adventures and existing
been a long road
with change a real thing much volunteering and a lot of constant dreaming
activism, athlete, vision, academia, attention, advocacy, autism
these all knowing my name
and when I think I can continue on my own it's such an entire shame
I don't want to change who I am
or try to live my life as if I am
not become someone who is tried to be a complete ham
of hope and dreams being what they are
self-respecting and constantly conscience free
been a long road to be what I need to see
no matter what I do I know I am completely treading water that is contained
and while I try to continue through we all know that I am not afraid
as my life has continued to become into what I am
being molded into someone
who is loving, affectionate, and a real thoughtful person who can prioritize and
share what I've become I said continue to love what I continue
to have approached and leave completely and abandon what I see discreetly
I feel distress only occasionally and despair only comes like depression only occasionally
I feel compelled to self-actualize and be who I continue to be
integral, loving, kind, and grateful and hopeful as can be
been a long road
a road long and paved in years
some bumps some tears
accomplishments hope and dreams
and even though I'm getting better at putting away childish things
constant adventures and existing
been a long road
with change a real thing much volunteering and a lot of constant dreaming
activism, athlete, vision, academia, attention, advocacy, autism
these all knowing my name
and when I think I can continue on my own it's such an entire shame
I don't want to change who I am
or try to live my life as if I am
not become someone who is tried to be a complete ham
of hope and dreams being what they are
self-respecting and constantly conscience free
been a long road to be what I need to see
no matter what I do I know I am completely treading water that is contained
and while I try to continue through we all know that I am not afraid
as my life has continued to become into what I am
being molded into someone
who is loving, affectionate, and a real thoughtful person who can prioritize and
share what I've become I said continue to love what I continue
to have approached and leave completely and abandon what I see discreetly
I feel distress only occasionally and despair only comes like depression only occasionally
I feel compelled to self-actualize and be who I continue to be
integral, loving, kind, and grateful and hopeful as can be
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Extreme Rafting
the vivacity of the flow
and the safeness of the strength
flowing through the almighty rad head gushed open a day before
losing blood and feeling like I'm drowning in pain
but once the stitches are in the next day
I'm rafting through a deluge of sorrows
about the day gone before
jumping into the river off of a rock and pulling back an old man on a rapid
descending further than just the rapid of the river but continued
into the rapid of life
a several mile rapid flowing through the premium rush of a summer that feels
so rigid and so inspirational as I get off the river
vivid memories continue to bridge up the trip to Nevada where I flooded in sin
and rode a bull an eternal trail not knowing that the stream was in the end
and soaking in the hot springs later the time when I swam
and waited to get my medal at the awards dance rushing to get it before I could
dance with my date that night
and the rush of a 3-week class where I flowed so much rapid fluctuation of brainpower
strong one minute and sapped the next
the time when I felt a flush through my water bottle at yoga a 32-oz gone by my break
no sweat but a glisten of hope amidst tiredness from a long weekend
for it was my birthday a few days ago and the rush of a play, work during training, and church
as well as a way to gain hope from afterwards creates pause
and the fact that after my trip of sin came my solace of hope a rushing stream of help that I flowed
in church continuing to show aversion before continuing to drink coffee and wealth to the library the next day
as sweat mushed in coffee and at the pool the flow of the mighty stream engulfed in flames of passion
and wordy shape an aqueduct of flow in the extreme rafting of life
remembering that life is a journey to continue to swim further and further and flow harder through
and the safeness of the strength
flowing through the almighty rad head gushed open a day before
losing blood and feeling like I'm drowning in pain
but once the stitches are in the next day
I'm rafting through a deluge of sorrows
about the day gone before
jumping into the river off of a rock and pulling back an old man on a rapid
descending further than just the rapid of the river but continued
into the rapid of life
a several mile rapid flowing through the premium rush of a summer that feels
so rigid and so inspirational as I get off the river
vivid memories continue to bridge up the trip to Nevada where I flooded in sin
and rode a bull an eternal trail not knowing that the stream was in the end
and soaking in the hot springs later the time when I swam
and waited to get my medal at the awards dance rushing to get it before I could
dance with my date that night
and the rush of a 3-week class where I flowed so much rapid fluctuation of brainpower
strong one minute and sapped the next
the time when I felt a flush through my water bottle at yoga a 32-oz gone by my break
no sweat but a glisten of hope amidst tiredness from a long weekend
for it was my birthday a few days ago and the rush of a play, work during training, and church
as well as a way to gain hope from afterwards creates pause
and the fact that after my trip of sin came my solace of hope a rushing stream of help that I flowed
in church continuing to show aversion before continuing to drink coffee and wealth to the library the next day
as sweat mushed in coffee and at the pool the flow of the mighty stream engulfed in flames of passion
and wordy shape an aqueduct of flow in the extreme rafting of life
remembering that life is a journey to continue to swim further and further and flow harder through
Sunday, January 31, 2016
My Roommate My Hero
I've heard before that family are the friends you choose sometimes. And while I'm close to my sisters and my Mom, I'm not particularly close to the rest of my family. At all. In the interim of somewhere around the time I started high school I met my roommate in college I knew we would become great friends. I didn't know we would easily be roommates for the next however many years until I find my princess or move to Portland or whatever that we would continue sharing things that are secrets, having man meals, having our gym time, our movies for guys who like movies night (except these are mostly comedies), going to church, bowling a couple times, going to coffeeshops, running errands, meeting the family, etc.- yeah we are pretty much family. More than that, I feel a sense of mutual respect with us- little disagreement (but not for months) and a little keep in check moments when I'm overindulgent on caffeine. We love each other like bros and always will. For someone I've had as a friend for so long, only until we were rooming together could we see the ups and downs: the many hours and blood, sweat, and tears of our intense brotherly love for each other. There are times when he comes home and I've already got dinner for him- kind of like a family member would. He has so much love and has came so far and has seen me come far- we are always looking out for each other and I'm the proudest of him I ever have been. He wanted to be my roommate five years prior and his Mom was a fan right away. And I am so proud of all that he continues to do and loves to do- love him so much.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
The 2nd Toughest Job In The World
I will never deny that being a parent is the toughest job in the world- while I'm not a parent and probably never will be, I have seen enough from my family and heard stories from plenty of other people that ensured me that the hours are tiring, the joy is constantly sapped by many days of constantly interrupted sleep, and the energy into a kid is so intense that it sometimes is not only done in the best manner. And we get no instructions. So that is in many people's views- the toughest job in the world. However, there is a job that I've done on a volunteer basis or interning the past several years that is in my opinion almost equally as tough and sometimes tiring- activism. It's worth every minute and it is something that the world needs more of, however the standing up and taking a stand in people's lives and the emotions that you see year to year- that is something that takes a very personal and intuitive piece to it- I have been in the forefront of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Inquiring, and Ally (LGBTQIA) activism since 2010 and Developmental Disability (DD) activism for even longer and something in both of those senses is that it is exhausting, is sometimes so busy that it's almost like another part-time volunteer job with little benefits, and it is something that sticking up for those without a voice year in and year out is something that takes love, kindness, hurt, and sometimes even hope away from your position. However LGBTQIA and DD activism is something both as a Christian who is supposed to love thy neighbor as thyself and not judge anybody from the privilege or lack of privilege they have and as a human rights supporter who believes that everyone should be respected and as a Communication/ Leadership and Human Relations/ Public Relations student who is also so passionate about equality that I almost became a Gender Studies minor for longer than 2 weeks, I feel like people who are marginalized need support, need hope, need people who are able to stand thick and thin, need friends, and need people who care so deeply that they are willing to stick out a hand and help them. I think that LGBTQIA and DD rights are issues that aren't easy to come by, especially in more Red states and I think that it is not easy or well-applauded and even me, the most like-able guy in Boise who has more support than almost anyone here- even I have a few enemies in town. I don't do it for what people think and that is something I don't care about- my reputation in Boise is rock-solid no matter what I do- I do it so that people can have a gleam of hope and a glimmer of delight in choices that they had no choice in and that they can see that it is something that is inevitably brought into light and is none of the individuals business but their own and it is their choice to be public about it. I feel like people who are LGBTQIA and DD have almost as much if not more to teach people in their adversity they have to overcome- and it is working through this adversity that allies can continue to stand and champion causes for people who can constantly champion their friends, family, and support- especially since those without a voice need champions. To end this blog I will close with a quote: "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other"- JFK- and I have learned a great deal through this leadership and the triumphs and setbacks I've had.
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