The final part to my graduation series as I graduated Saturday with a 3.45 in my major and a 2.991 overall. I ended with leadership and rainbow cords and an innumerable amount of friends, family, and colleague support as well as the support of numerous gyms and clubs along the way. I did almost everything I could do and this piece the wrap-up in my graduation prose pieces on here encapsulates it. Hope that you all enjoy!
The Walk-Off
By I. Jimmy Bott
I have done so much for campus that it's totally incredible and in the community
As well due to activism, coffee-shops, and lots of other items to place my friendly demeanor
With I graduated Saturday and I'm done with school
I may visit every other week on campus to visit friends, finish my Bible Certificate eventually,
Or might be a sometimes participant in Christian organizations but that's it
I have done pretty much everything one can do besides be more than a practice dummy in
College sports or join a fraternity I not only became the poster child for Boise State
By my Junior year and eventually the most well-known and controversial student out there
I also have created a sense of hope for the Boise community of people who have autism
If I can get through it with all the qualifications of a tough life at home and in the community
Anyone can and that makes me proud
I don't fully understand why people think they have to finish in four to get ahead in life
I went over a decade and almost a decade and a half and yet I am revered for all
My accomplishments and people wish I stay longer and I have been such a piece of
The institution that it is like a void will be there
I started when Bob Kustra became President of the university
When George W was President
When Lebron was drafted
And when Trump was making people upset on the apprentice
Now in a cruel twist of fate
Kustra is retiring next year,
Trump became President and is even a bigger toolbag than when he was on the apprentice,
Lebron is probably the best player still playing, and we have 6'10" point guards
Trying to replace Lebron in due time
I worked hard enough to get close to a B average and close to honors in my major
Yet there is a twinge of regret that I didn't work hard enough at the beginning
And that I could've done better in that and in life
Sometimes I like to think that I could've done something stronger,
Something better, studied harder, played at the REC longer before making my inglorious exit
But that's not the point I did everything the way I should the way I needed to they way I wanted to
And still led time in my career to think I could do it better but the reality
Is that especially at the end I gave it my all-IJB
Hope that was enjoyable. I will write my top 12 goals for the new year early January and type it mid-January off to finish my dinner and drink a beer. Because I can.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Create Heroics
This is part 5 on my 6 part graduation themed prose pieces. 2017 was a substantially great year- living by myself, liking winning, my neighbors being my best friends, almost winning an award, getting leadership opportunities, graduation, and most of all this..........
Create Heroics
By I. Jimmy Bott
No matter where I'm at I can make someone's day brighter and champion the biggest underdog
I can continue to help my people and can try to make the worst day in someone's life that much brighter with a hug or a high-five I can continue to be a recognition every day and create heroics
all the while searching for that finalization of a plan of my biggest plans
To be almost a college grad is big but to do it with integrity is bigger
I live in a no-compromise lifestyle and I genuinely create a much more passionate idea for what my life should be like and why I should do everything well enough to create an idea and following of getting past my own well-funded plans I feel like no matter how I want to make my own participation in my own creative life and my own following of how I live and make things completely better my own creative force can try to become a real wonderful piece of my own luxury of why I do things and how I do try in furthermore becoming an even stronger ally in my own path and creating a solid simple plan of what I want to do and how I want to do it to feel compelled to not only become a genuine hero but also help of resting isn't
when I feel happiest and why I can do to make things that much better and that much more well-informed and creating a solid idea of what to do and following through with a plan that not only creates a solid idea of what to do but also to be even more solid in my approach to how I need to be even better in life
Create Heroics
By I. Jimmy Bott
No matter where I'm at I can make someone's day brighter and champion the biggest underdog
I can continue to help my people and can try to make the worst day in someone's life that much brighter with a hug or a high-five I can continue to be a recognition every day and create heroics
all the while searching for that finalization of a plan of my biggest plans
To be almost a college grad is big but to do it with integrity is bigger
I live in a no-compromise lifestyle and I genuinely create a much more passionate idea for what my life should be like and why I should do everything well enough to create an idea and following of getting past my own well-funded plans I feel like no matter how I want to make my own participation in my own creative life and my own following of how I live and make things completely better my own creative force can try to become a real wonderful piece of my own luxury of why I do things and how I do try in furthermore becoming an even stronger ally in my own path and creating a solid simple plan of what I want to do and how I want to do it to feel compelled to not only become a genuine hero but also help of resting isn't
when I feel happiest and why I can do to make things that much better and that much more well-informed and creating a solid idea of what to do and following through with a plan that not only creates a solid idea of what to do but also to be even more solid in my approach to how I need to be even better in life
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Capstone (Graduation Series Part 4)
Because I like to do variety on my series of blogs, here is the 4th part of a 6-part series on prose about college for graduation. This one is called capstone. At the first Sunday of the next two months, I will wrote prose pieces as well as the 2nd Sunday and the 3rd Sunday I will pick the best one of those two for the final graduation pieces. Carpe Diem!
Capstone
By I. Jimmy Bott
All my life I feel like school is a complete life lesson continuing to fracture
All the performance and aptitude through it completely with the complete horror of
Trying to navigate for elementary schools not knowing where I would be next
Due to my behaviors to navigating middle school with a bunch of new students in a
New district trying to make it work and after navigating that going to high school
Where I got picked on and harassed on a near-daily basis but all the while having
Administration going to bat for me and hitting it out of the park also
High school I set out to navigate social experiences with dating and going to dances
With other high-profile women followed by plenty of people cheering me on at
Graduation while they finally fully appreciated my work the first time I knew I was
Smart was 7th grade the first time I knew I was competent was the 6th grade
And even though my Mom dreamed of college since I was in middle school
It didn't become a reality until my senior year socially and academically college
Was a transition however I made it through and navigated further and further as time went on
I was a part of many organizations but that has always been a revolving change I have had
Many friends but while the friends have become better throughout time but of them
Have continued to be faithful have changed my life I have changed my eating habits just
Enough to lose that excess weight and get back to weight my 1st year in college
And while I have changed locations seven times I am finally in a place I can call my own
All the while changing my exercise my appreciation for life creating many more work
Opportunities and working around the same place a long time ten and a half years
All the while encouraging challenges and triumphs along the way and finalizing things
On my own term as well you see life is a journey college may have had a lot of
Lessons but the journey is the capstone-IJB
Capstone
By I. Jimmy Bott
All my life I feel like school is a complete life lesson continuing to fracture
All the performance and aptitude through it completely with the complete horror of
Trying to navigate for elementary schools not knowing where I would be next
Due to my behaviors to navigating middle school with a bunch of new students in a
New district trying to make it work and after navigating that going to high school
Where I got picked on and harassed on a near-daily basis but all the while having
Administration going to bat for me and hitting it out of the park also
High school I set out to navigate social experiences with dating and going to dances
With other high-profile women followed by plenty of people cheering me on at
Graduation while they finally fully appreciated my work the first time I knew I was
Smart was 7th grade the first time I knew I was competent was the 6th grade
And even though my Mom dreamed of college since I was in middle school
It didn't become a reality until my senior year socially and academically college
Was a transition however I made it through and navigated further and further as time went on
I was a part of many organizations but that has always been a revolving change I have had
Many friends but while the friends have become better throughout time but of them
Have continued to be faithful have changed my life I have changed my eating habits just
Enough to lose that excess weight and get back to weight my 1st year in college
And while I have changed locations seven times I am finally in a place I can call my own
All the while changing my exercise my appreciation for life creating many more work
Opportunities and working around the same place a long time ten and a half years
All the while encouraging challenges and triumphs along the way and finalizing things
On my own term as well you see life is a journey college may have had a lot of
Lessons but the journey is the capstone-IJB
Sunday, September 24, 2017
The Real Lessons
Before I do my graduation thoughts blog in November and my graduation appreciation blog in December, I am doing a couple of prose pieces about my college experience. This one I wrote a week or so ago and the other one (Capstone) which I will blog in October I wrote this summer and it is still somewhat oddly relevant. Here is the real lessons prose piece part 3 of my grad blog series. Enjoy!
The Real Lessons
By I. Jimmy Bott
The real lessons are not worth whether you learn something big enough to get an A on your exam
But what you learn along the way as far as studying bits,
What you do to get there and how you prepare with your time
The real lessons aren't whether you get depressed, anxious, or are all put-together
But rather how you deal with unusual circumstances when you need to and how you continue to perservere
The real lessons aren't whether you get likes on Instagram or Facebook
But how you deal with integrity online are careful to present yourself with employers well and are Continuing what you need to do to be more mature both with how you deal with things online but Also in person
The real lessons aren't whether there is conflict in the midst but how you deal with the inevitability That it won't be great and hunky-dory all the time and that people can be kind of mean sometimes And not have your best interest and cause conflict even when they don't intend to
The real lessons aren't whether you don't necessarily acknowledge what you need to do to become Great but how you get there in an unparalleled triumphant continuation of your own experiences
Which will continue to shine after the storms that you've been through
The real lessons aren't what you try to do but how you try to do it and not where you land but what You're doing along the way people don't want to change because of your own experiences but rather They are each uniquely caring about what they have learned from you to change what they need to do They have a need to inspire, create, show worth, find ability in others, and see the world in a great Light what you learn in school isn't the end goal of all that education moreover it's that you are a Student of life as well as academics and you are constantly learning what you need to do to be not Good enough but great being a world-changer takes time and we need to change ourselves before we Can change other's perceptions- these are the real lessons-IJB
The Real Lessons
By I. Jimmy Bott
The real lessons are not worth whether you learn something big enough to get an A on your exam
But what you learn along the way as far as studying bits,
What you do to get there and how you prepare with your time
The real lessons aren't whether you get depressed, anxious, or are all put-together
But rather how you deal with unusual circumstances when you need to and how you continue to perservere
The real lessons aren't whether you get likes on Instagram or Facebook
But how you deal with integrity online are careful to present yourself with employers well and are Continuing what you need to do to be more mature both with how you deal with things online but Also in person
The real lessons aren't whether there is conflict in the midst but how you deal with the inevitability That it won't be great and hunky-dory all the time and that people can be kind of mean sometimes And not have your best interest and cause conflict even when they don't intend to
The real lessons aren't whether you don't necessarily acknowledge what you need to do to become Great but how you get there in an unparalleled triumphant continuation of your own experiences
Which will continue to shine after the storms that you've been through
The real lessons aren't what you try to do but how you try to do it and not where you land but what You're doing along the way people don't want to change because of your own experiences but rather They are each uniquely caring about what they have learned from you to change what they need to do They have a need to inspire, create, show worth, find ability in others, and see the world in a great Light what you learn in school isn't the end goal of all that education moreover it's that you are a Student of life as well as academics and you are constantly learning what you need to do to be not Good enough but great being a world-changer takes time and we need to change ourselves before we Can change other's perceptions- these are the real lessons-IJB
Saturday, August 12, 2017
To-Do-Before-I-Die List Highlights- In Memory of Sam Harmer
The to-do-before-I-die list is one of the hallmarks of my college career. Sam Harmer, one of my heroes and the one who taught me this list has passed on but his memory still stands R.I.P. Sam, you were a hero to many and will always be in my heart. Here are the top 5 highlights on the to-do-before-I-die-list that have been accomplished, 5 on the summer list, and 5 on the before I graduate list:
To-Do-Before-I-Die:
5. Be suicidal-thoughts free for 7 months (accomplished August 2017)
4. Be on a university television productions show (accomplished April 2016)
3. Get an A in Science (accomplished May 2015)
2. Shake Obama's hand (accomplished January 2015)
1. Be debt free for at least 2 years (accomplished June 2014)
To-Do-Before-The-Summer-Ends-2017:
5. Drive a boat on both coasts (accomplished July 2017)
4. Go to a professional woman's sporting event (accomplished June 2017)
3. Take pics of sunsets in 3 states (accomplished July 2017)
2. Swim in several bodies of water (accomplished August 2017)
1. Do sit-rafting (accomplished July 2017)
To-Do-Before-I-Graduate:
5. Live downtown/North End area (accomplished March 2017)
4. Be a heavily viable leader in the community and on campus (accomplished June 2013)
3. Get an A in every type of class that I've taken (accomplished August 2016)
2. Be an organization officer for 3 years (accomplished May 2017)
1. Make a friend on campus that I am so close to that it is simply the best ever for both of us (accomplished September 2013)
And finally the to-do-before-I-die exercise list (because exercise is pretty much everything):
5. Do a dance marathon (accomplished April 2013)
4. Do a brand-new sport real well in competition (accomplished February 2017)
3. Be a player/coach for a sport's State Games and still win 3 gold medals (accomplished June 2017)
2. Do an expert hike (accomplished July 2016)
1. Do a half-marathon (accomplished October 2015)
I think since he had such a zest for life and caring about what his students did this couldn't exactly put justice but the second list will be done several months down the road. I am super grateful for all the Sam's out there- the people who have a strong zest for life and a compassion that is never ending never ending to the point of being a hero to many when they need it most. R.I.P. Sam I will always remember you as the 2nd-best prof I ever had and an inspiration to all who walked with you. And I know that the angels are watching down on your students- they are all so grateful to have had you. 38. way too young. may you always be remembered.
To-Do-Before-I-Die:
5. Be suicidal-thoughts free for 7 months (accomplished August 2017)
4. Be on a university television productions show (accomplished April 2016)
3. Get an A in Science (accomplished May 2015)
2. Shake Obama's hand (accomplished January 2015)
1. Be debt free for at least 2 years (accomplished June 2014)
To-Do-Before-The-Summer-Ends-2017:
5. Drive a boat on both coasts (accomplished July 2017)
4. Go to a professional woman's sporting event (accomplished June 2017)
3. Take pics of sunsets in 3 states (accomplished July 2017)
2. Swim in several bodies of water (accomplished August 2017)
1. Do sit-rafting (accomplished July 2017)
To-Do-Before-I-Graduate:
5. Live downtown/North End area (accomplished March 2017)
4. Be a heavily viable leader in the community and on campus (accomplished June 2013)
3. Get an A in every type of class that I've taken (accomplished August 2016)
2. Be an organization officer for 3 years (accomplished May 2017)
1. Make a friend on campus that I am so close to that it is simply the best ever for both of us (accomplished September 2013)
And finally the to-do-before-I-die exercise list (because exercise is pretty much everything):
5. Do a dance marathon (accomplished April 2013)
4. Do a brand-new sport real well in competition (accomplished February 2017)
3. Be a player/coach for a sport's State Games and still win 3 gold medals (accomplished June 2017)
2. Do an expert hike (accomplished July 2016)
1. Do a half-marathon (accomplished October 2015)
I think since he had such a zest for life and caring about what his students did this couldn't exactly put justice but the second list will be done several months down the road. I am super grateful for all the Sam's out there- the people who have a strong zest for life and a compassion that is never ending never ending to the point of being a hero to many when they need it most. R.I.P. Sam I will always remember you as the 2nd-best prof I ever had and an inspiration to all who walked with you. And I know that the angels are watching down on your students- they are all so grateful to have had you. 38. way too young. may you always be remembered.
Sunday, August 6, 2017
My Education Part 2
Second in a series of blogs about my college education. Here are some of the better thoughts from it:
good experiences the roar of the crowd and of the deafening 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 3.56 since the fall of 2014 all with wonderful professors pushing me 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 that I otherwise wouldn't meet-
the excelling in school that was compounded by my social activities
breaking through every day the officer positions and all the leadership opportunities
I had the pick-up ball games that were the first real close social group I had besides
the initiation group on campus ever the chance to do things like the Tunnel of Oppression, Project Jamaica, Leadershape, Obama 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 imaginable impact of all hang-outs with friends that often transcends what we are doing and often brings hope to all the people who are innovated
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 some of my closest friends I could ever have
the joy of work in college at the internships and the work at Albertsons'
for reaching over what is true and what is thoroughly finalized my own personal idea of what works
showed life all the while overcoming obstacles and maturing mew friends along the way my close to 3.0 overall I'm proud of but I'm more proud of what I've learned outside of the textbook
good experiences the roar of the crowd and of the deafening 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 3.56 since the fall of 2014 all with wonderful professors pushing me 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 that I otherwise wouldn't meet-
the excelling in school that was compounded by my social activities
breaking through every day the officer positions and all the leadership opportunities
I had the pick-up ball games that were the first real close social group I had besides
the initiation group on campus ever the chance to do things like the Tunnel of Oppression, Project Jamaica, Leadershape, Obama 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 imaginable impact of all hang-outs with friends that often transcends what we are doing and often brings hope to all the people who are innovated
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 some of my closest friends I could ever have
the joy of work in college at the internships and the work at Albertsons'
for reaching over what is true and what is thoroughly finalized my own personal idea of what works
showed life all the while overcoming obstacles and maturing mew friends along the way my close to 3.0 overall I'm proud of but I'm more proud of what I've learned outside of the textbook
Sunday, July 2, 2017
My Education
The next few months as I am close to graduation there will be a 3-part prose series on reflection of my time spent at Boise State and then a couple of coming home best Bronco moments and then a letter of sorts to Boise State so a 6-part Boise State moments to celebrate my imminent graduation in the Fall (I should find out in the next couple of weeks if it is a go for sure). This is a prose piece on my education and how I have responded enjoy:
My Education
By I. Jimmy Bott
The obstacles to overcome to be a stellar student with autism are many
and there are many more to conquer things people who aren't autistic
don't even think about like getting through social situations, boundaries,
feeling able to be excited about some or any social opportunities
and trying to conquer test-taking and there is also the unique challenge
I have that so many don't have to face: competing in non-collegiate sports during
the semester I mean I might graduate with honors in my major and the reality of it
is that even though I am a part-time student my time hasn't been easy the roommates
that were so bad and traumatic that I have some Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
about going home and I did until I was living alone in some aspects
pain from my Dad even though he's better and the last incident that was huge I almost called the cops
there is so much pent-up relationship drama of being used that I have been reluctant to get into
another relationship even though some women and men are absolutely phenomenal
and some people deserve someone as kind as I am
there are some scars that are not invisible- the broken-finger incident, the head scar that has been
re-damaged, the scar on my ankle from when it got slightly torn all certain to stay for a while
the emotional scars from profs that almost made me quit altogether only saved by Bob Hamilton and my Grandma on my Mom's side- I have persevered and gotten A's and B's since my Grandma's death and am still volunteering a lot and honoring her memory that way
the real pain of christians being hurtful that makes any non-Presbyterian church fraught with anxiety when I'm there because I'm an androgynous-dude with anxiety and even though I don't show it as well there are some people that were so hurtful that I was somewhat suicidal the remaining saps of my open relationship with basketball and softball finally being run dry as it leaves forever friends turning my back on me for being bisexual and even more people I don't know thinking I'm gay just because I'm sensitive and androgynous and somewhat feminine in how I talk
I mean I could probably benefit from so much therapy from all this abuse that Lord willing be with me until my therapist retires or I move whichever comes first I don't understand how I can have so much compassion after so many people have disappointed me during this education experience I guess it is because I am still loving as all get out and I believe that human beings are good at heart I have to not let other insecure people drag me down and have to stay positive because a lot has gone right and that's in the next part to be typed next month for this college experience part 2 (to be continued)
My Education
By I. Jimmy Bott
The obstacles to overcome to be a stellar student with autism are many
and there are many more to conquer things people who aren't autistic
don't even think about like getting through social situations, boundaries,
feeling able to be excited about some or any social opportunities
and trying to conquer test-taking and there is also the unique challenge
I have that so many don't have to face: competing in non-collegiate sports during
the semester I mean I might graduate with honors in my major and the reality of it
is that even though I am a part-time student my time hasn't been easy the roommates
that were so bad and traumatic that I have some Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
about going home and I did until I was living alone in some aspects
pain from my Dad even though he's better and the last incident that was huge I almost called the cops
there is so much pent-up relationship drama of being used that I have been reluctant to get into
another relationship even though some women and men are absolutely phenomenal
and some people deserve someone as kind as I am
there are some scars that are not invisible- the broken-finger incident, the head scar that has been
re-damaged, the scar on my ankle from when it got slightly torn all certain to stay for a while
the emotional scars from profs that almost made me quit altogether only saved by Bob Hamilton and my Grandma on my Mom's side- I have persevered and gotten A's and B's since my Grandma's death and am still volunteering a lot and honoring her memory that way
the real pain of christians being hurtful that makes any non-Presbyterian church fraught with anxiety when I'm there because I'm an androgynous-dude with anxiety and even though I don't show it as well there are some people that were so hurtful that I was somewhat suicidal the remaining saps of my open relationship with basketball and softball finally being run dry as it leaves forever friends turning my back on me for being bisexual and even more people I don't know thinking I'm gay just because I'm sensitive and androgynous and somewhat feminine in how I talk
I mean I could probably benefit from so much therapy from all this abuse that Lord willing be with me until my therapist retires or I move whichever comes first I don't understand how I can have so much compassion after so many people have disappointed me during this education experience I guess it is because I am still loving as all get out and I believe that human beings are good at heart I have to not let other insecure people drag me down and have to stay positive because a lot has gone right and that's in the next part to be typed next month for this college experience part 2 (to be continued)
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Ian and his Mom Moments Part 2: Boise
Here are the top 10 Ian and his Mom moments in Boise and some of the ones that have stuck in my brain more:
10. Our extended bike ride last year me on the tricycle and my Mom on her bicycle. It was probably about 10 or so miles and it got me even more confident on my tricycle skills that I will practice this year.
9. Getting picked up from the Senior Party by my Mom at 5 AM. There have been only 3 times I've been up all night and that was one of them. Exhausted and delirious she saw me eating a plate of cold nachos her words: "nothing like nachos at 5 AM."
8. Seeing my Mom's face when I won Spirit of Boise State and Volunteer of the Year. Seeing how she saw all the people who have supported me and all the excitement on their faces was one of the first times she really knew that Boise State was one of the main instruments in my life.
7. Moving to my current apartment from my old one and starting to unpack which would be finished several days later. I honestly think my Mom's face when she saw how happy my apartment looks and how clean it has stayed and for her to say that my place feels like home over and over and have friends verify that makes me so happy. And having lunch with her that day made it even more meaningful.
6. Having my Mom have all the chats that she has had with me in town. One of the best chats was when I had a lot of hard things to deal with and she said that I'm a man men do these kinds of things to change their environment. That talk was the catalyst of an eventual change that got me where I am at today.
5. Seeing my Mom's face light up at the Youth Sunday service in 2003 and the youth choir 3 years before that. Just because church hasn't always been a positive experience for me and because that's when she knew that Southminster will always be there for me. Nearly two decades later I call it my church home.
4. The epic kings-in-the-corner battles that have dominated the competitive family card game blotter for a decade and a half. I am even starting to play with friends and I seriously love all the experiences and the challenges of learning the intricate ways that luck plays into a game with a smidgen of skill. We are very even and while we have had some other card games that we have done for a bit (Egyptian War and Rummy come to mind as the most prolific) Kings in the Corner is the longest lasting and most fun.
3. The conversation about questioning my sexual orientation. While this wasn't a total surprise and probably needed to have, I feel like it was candid and grew with time. When I came out to a small group of friends and my family the response was negligible in support. When I came out on Facebook, the response was surprise. Now as someone who screams progressive and is open about it the response while there are some hang-ups is mainly respect. Even in Idaho. and later that year I came out as bisexual and I was never happier
2. The time I went with my Mom to look at a place to live this year. After much searching for roommates and by myself we found the perfect place despite still getting used to safety items and no dishwasher or laundry facilities. I love where I live and the excitement on my Mom's face talking to Joe said it all.
1. My Mom putting me in the group home because she genuinely cared for me. That gave me my first real community and more than 20 years with those friends that I can call family. The care she needed she couldn't give me. While I didn't understand it then it did, in fact, change my life.
10. Our extended bike ride last year me on the tricycle and my Mom on her bicycle. It was probably about 10 or so miles and it got me even more confident on my tricycle skills that I will practice this year.
9. Getting picked up from the Senior Party by my Mom at 5 AM. There have been only 3 times I've been up all night and that was one of them. Exhausted and delirious she saw me eating a plate of cold nachos her words: "nothing like nachos at 5 AM."
8. Seeing my Mom's face when I won Spirit of Boise State and Volunteer of the Year. Seeing how she saw all the people who have supported me and all the excitement on their faces was one of the first times she really knew that Boise State was one of the main instruments in my life.
7. Moving to my current apartment from my old one and starting to unpack which would be finished several days later. I honestly think my Mom's face when she saw how happy my apartment looks and how clean it has stayed and for her to say that my place feels like home over and over and have friends verify that makes me so happy. And having lunch with her that day made it even more meaningful.
6. Having my Mom have all the chats that she has had with me in town. One of the best chats was when I had a lot of hard things to deal with and she said that I'm a man men do these kinds of things to change their environment. That talk was the catalyst of an eventual change that got me where I am at today.
5. Seeing my Mom's face light up at the Youth Sunday service in 2003 and the youth choir 3 years before that. Just because church hasn't always been a positive experience for me and because that's when she knew that Southminster will always be there for me. Nearly two decades later I call it my church home.
4. The epic kings-in-the-corner battles that have dominated the competitive family card game blotter for a decade and a half. I am even starting to play with friends and I seriously love all the experiences and the challenges of learning the intricate ways that luck plays into a game with a smidgen of skill. We are very even and while we have had some other card games that we have done for a bit (Egyptian War and Rummy come to mind as the most prolific) Kings in the Corner is the longest lasting and most fun.
3. The conversation about questioning my sexual orientation. While this wasn't a total surprise and probably needed to have, I feel like it was candid and grew with time. When I came out to a small group of friends and my family the response was negligible in support. When I came out on Facebook, the response was surprise. Now as someone who screams progressive and is open about it the response while there are some hang-ups is mainly respect. Even in Idaho. and later that year I came out as bisexual and I was never happier
2. The time I went with my Mom to look at a place to live this year. After much searching for roommates and by myself we found the perfect place despite still getting used to safety items and no dishwasher or laundry facilities. I love where I live and the excitement on my Mom's face talking to Joe said it all.
1. My Mom putting me in the group home because she genuinely cared for me. That gave me my first real community and more than 20 years with those friends that I can call family. The care she needed she couldn't give me. While I didn't understand it then it did, in fact, change my life.
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Ian and His Mom Moments Part 1: Vacations
I have decided to do two Ian and his Mom moments- 1 for vacations and 1 for times in Boise since we have probably 100+ moments that we have cherished over the nearly 34 years of being her flesh and blood son. I have ten of each to boil it down will take a lot of work so without further adieu, top 10 Ian and his Mom vacation moments (taken from our family and dual vacations):
10) When my Mom and I were in Pennsylvania, a kind of bittersweet moment happened- we were talking about how Grandma's health was going downhill while taking a walk. It was kind of touching and made me realize how finite her life on Earth was. I never saw Grandma again after our vacation which was in 2011 and Grandma passed in 2014. A constant reminder that we should take life as it comes and a total appreciation for family
9) When I was in Portland with my Mom when I was 15 and I took my first picture ever. I remember that moment very clearly because I knew that I would be able to do that for a long career. Nearly 18 years later and I'm still taking selfies like they are going out of style (which PS they will eventually)
8) When I was in Pennsylvania and I had my 2nd 4th hand in my life and my last. I ended up going to a personal family record of a 5th hand which still stands. I almost went out on that 5th hand and my team of the male residents of Luther Acres won that game.
7) When my Mom and I were at Bow Lake and we played an intense board game which my Mom and I ended up winning. It was great camaraderie and we continued to split evenly with the rest of the family and chat for hours with the rest of the family after.
6) When my Mom and I were in Brazil and my Mom and I were at the volleyball game. We were sitting on the back row with some of my family and we didn't understand what was going on and it was way too crowded for my Mom but the fact of being there with my Mom was truly something special
5) My Mom, my sister, and I went on a 9 mile hike and after with some Ibuprofen and some water involved we had some burgers which despite me only eating meat for less than 4 years at that point again was the best meal I have had in this country to date. Hunger is the best cook.
4) When my Mom told me the story of how hard the divorce was on her in Stanley when I was curious and could handle it. I was kind of upset at how my Mom was treated in the outcome and I didn't have much to say afterwards but it was true that just the fact I could handle it made me even happier that I was maturing.
3) The sunset in Brazil on the first day. Seriously that was one of the most magnificent moments I have ever witnessed.
2) When my Mom and I were on our way back from our national parks trip that I took with my sister and we talked about tough stuff by playing a game. I was only 22 at the time (almost 23) but it had a compound effect on me at how I was maturing and able to finish my time at the group home on a slightly more mature level going into my first moving out experience. I will remember those games of conversation forever.
1) When we were in Idaho I had just gotten my headgear and was despondent about my wired face. I had just heard about a comic talking about airplane peanuts or a story about that and I for some reason loved airplane peanuts until the allergen people took them away in favor of snacks that I am intolerant of. I asked my Mom what about airplane peanuts and that is a moment in the annals of family history that still is Ianfamous today. and it's kind of lighthearted at the end of a mostly serious list.
10) When my Mom and I were in Pennsylvania, a kind of bittersweet moment happened- we were talking about how Grandma's health was going downhill while taking a walk. It was kind of touching and made me realize how finite her life on Earth was. I never saw Grandma again after our vacation which was in 2011 and Grandma passed in 2014. A constant reminder that we should take life as it comes and a total appreciation for family
9) When I was in Portland with my Mom when I was 15 and I took my first picture ever. I remember that moment very clearly because I knew that I would be able to do that for a long career. Nearly 18 years later and I'm still taking selfies like they are going out of style (which PS they will eventually)
8) When I was in Pennsylvania and I had my 2nd 4th hand in my life and my last. I ended up going to a personal family record of a 5th hand which still stands. I almost went out on that 5th hand and my team of the male residents of Luther Acres won that game.
7) When my Mom and I were at Bow Lake and we played an intense board game which my Mom and I ended up winning. It was great camaraderie and we continued to split evenly with the rest of the family and chat for hours with the rest of the family after.
6) When my Mom and I were in Brazil and my Mom and I were at the volleyball game. We were sitting on the back row with some of my family and we didn't understand what was going on and it was way too crowded for my Mom but the fact of being there with my Mom was truly something special
5) My Mom, my sister, and I went on a 9 mile hike and after with some Ibuprofen and some water involved we had some burgers which despite me only eating meat for less than 4 years at that point again was the best meal I have had in this country to date. Hunger is the best cook.
4) When my Mom told me the story of how hard the divorce was on her in Stanley when I was curious and could handle it. I was kind of upset at how my Mom was treated in the outcome and I didn't have much to say afterwards but it was true that just the fact I could handle it made me even happier that I was maturing.
3) The sunset in Brazil on the first day. Seriously that was one of the most magnificent moments I have ever witnessed.
2) When my Mom and I were on our way back from our national parks trip that I took with my sister and we talked about tough stuff by playing a game. I was only 22 at the time (almost 23) but it had a compound effect on me at how I was maturing and able to finish my time at the group home on a slightly more mature level going into my first moving out experience. I will remember those games of conversation forever.
1) When we were in Idaho I had just gotten my headgear and was despondent about my wired face. I had just heard about a comic talking about airplane peanuts or a story about that and I for some reason loved airplane peanuts until the allergen people took them away in favor of snacks that I am intolerant of. I asked my Mom what about airplane peanuts and that is a moment in the annals of family history that still is Ianfamous today. and it's kind of lighthearted at the end of a mostly serious list.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Hot Bott 100 (The Last Greatest Hits Blog Of Moments)
Throughout my life, I have done some pretty Iancredible, Iantertaining, Ianteresting things. There is so much that I've done in the Idaho, the US, and abroad that I will probably write a large Harry Potter length book someday. But since I've written two or three greatest hits of moments blogs, this is probably the last one of those. Without further adieu, here is the Hot Bott 100 (moments go through now and are the top 10 of 10 different things):
Top 10 Volunteer Moments:
10. Volunteering for Young Athletes on the Blue Turf (May 2014)
9. Volunteering for the Idaho Green Fest (April 2016)
8. Volunteering for Boise Rec Fest (June 2011)
7. Volunteering for the Public Lands Rally (March 2017)
6. Volunteering for Tip-A-Cop at Dave and Busters (March 2014)
5. Volunteering for Tools For Life to present (March 2016)
4. Volunteering for Winter Games in Sun Valley (February 2014)
3. Volunteering for Spring Break Jamaica (March 2011)
2. Volunteering to lead a march on gay rights (November 2010)
1. Volunteering to get to see President Obama speak being handpicked to do so (January 2015)
Top 10 Southminster Moments
10. Singing He is Alive with the Youth Choir (April 2001)
9. Vacation Bible School as a shepherd with the 4th graders (June 2013)
8. Singing The Heavens are Telling in Choir (June 2008)
7. Being a deacon for Taking Flight (2005-2008)
6. Somehow getting scholarships for college (2003, 2011)
5. Youth Leader of one of the strangest Youth Groups ever (2006-2011)
4. Youth Sunday with Dan (March 2003)
3. High School Graduation celebration (May 2003)
2. Serving, greeting, and ushering at Mental Health Sabbath Service (July 2015)
1. All the people I've met over the 33+ years of my life there
Top 10 Activism Moments:
10. Starting my self-advocacy journey by speaking up for myself on an apartment situation (February 2007)
9. Joining cooking club (January 2011)
8. Working on my story to encourage others (August 2004)
7. Joining self-advocacy leadership network (May 2011)
6. Going to Emmett to spread the word about Self-Advocacy Leadership Network (2013, 2014, 2015)
5. Joining the DD Council (July 2014)
4. Strongly advocating for add the words (2011-present)
3. Coming out as androgynous-gender (August 2015)
2. Attending Autism Campus Inclusion (August 2012)
1. Coming out as bisexual (December 2012)
Top 10 Athletic Moments:
10. Having a quintuple-double in a game (June 2003)
9. First pick-up basketball game-winner (June 2006)
8. Game-winning softball hit (June 2001)
7. Game-winning basketball shot (November 1997)
6. 200 meter freestyle gold (June 2010)
5. Snowshoeing 1500-meter gold (February 2017)
4. 3-pointer vs. Meridian (February 1999)
3. Finishing a 1/2 marathon (October 2015)
2. Doing a triple in workout classes for the first time (February 2011)
1. 10-catch, 3-TD, 4 dive, 8-pass, practice-ending TD, ninja starting day in Ultimate as a practice dummy (November 2010)
Top 10 Scholastic Moments:
10. First time getting on the honor roll (October 1996)
9. First A in Math (January 1998)
8. First A in English (June 1999)
7. First A in Science (and only) (May 2015)
6. Unofficial Senior Year Dean's List (December 2011, December 2012, December 2014, May 2015, August 2015)
5. A+ in Conflict and Culture (December 2009)
4. B+ in Gender Studies (May 2012)
3. B+ in Senior Seminar classes (December 2011, December 2012)
2. A+ in Design Thinking (December 2012)
1. A- in Research Methods (December 2014)
Top 10 Moments at Work:
10. Getting the job (June 2007)
9. Wendy and I confiding for the first time (December 2007)
8. Getting my hours back on a regular basis temporarily (2013)
7. Getting my hours back on a semi-permanent basis (2017)
6. Working a 7-hour shift (January 2014)
5. Our store being #2 in the region (2015-2016 year)
4. Ilinda making a hat for me (January 2015)
3. Legendary Service Awards (2016, 2017)
2. The first time being told that they believe I can do it (June 2007)
1. Leading and mentoring the new courtesy clerks (starting in 2009, still on-going)
Top 10 Vacation Moments:
10. Seeing the sunset in Brazil (June 2004)
9. Eating curried goat in Jamaica (March 2011)
8. Seeing the Grand Canyon (June 2001)
7. Going through Oregon Caves (June 2006)
6. Having burgers after a 9-mile hike (June 2006)
5. Yurt Camping with my sister (August 2009)
4. Sleeping outside with Dan (August 2006)
3. The healing at Chapter Camp (May 2009)
2. The hike to Cross Mountain (August 2005)
1. Volleyball game in Brazil (June 2004)
Top 10 Friend Moments:
10. Alex and I going on our first photoshoot (October 2014)
9. Alexis, Jessie, Alex, and I doing the Staircase River (June 2016)
8. Lindsey and crew doing the Staircase river (July 2015)
7. Zack and I camping at Atlanta (March 2007)
6. Jancey, Jarod, Jon, Kyla, and some other IVers camping at Lucky Peak (May 2012)
5. Payette River meeting Taylor, Ashley, and Jesse (September 2013)
4. Carly and I meeting on the Table Rock Hike (November 2009)
3. Meeting Zack at the New Years Party (December 2008)
2. The long talks with Melissa when my hair was all sorts of crazy at the REC (Summer 2013)
1. Jason and I's first solo camping trip (June 2015)
Top 10 Inspirations For How I Should Live My Life:
10. Alexis Traxinger
9. Jason Von Huene
8. My pastor
7. Melissa Wintrow
6. Paul
5. Cindy Snider
4. My snowshoeing coach
3. Mother Teresa
2. My Mom
1. Jesus Christ/God
And Finally................. (Top 10 Things I Still Want To Do on my To-Do-Before-I-Die-List):
10. Go bungee jumping
9. Go sky-diving
8. Get a sun with a cross tattoo
7. Become a basketball coach
6. Lead an official home group bible study that is more than two people
5. Live completely on my own without government funding
4. Graduate from college (but that'll change this Fall)
3. Try scuba diving
2. Swim with dolphins
1. Go to a professional women's sporting event with someone I care about (changing this Summer?)
so now there's a little more Iansight Ianto what I'm about. This is AutBott signing off. Stay tuned for my next blog entry Top 10 Ian and his Mom moments
Top 10 Volunteer Moments:
10. Volunteering for Young Athletes on the Blue Turf (May 2014)
9. Volunteering for the Idaho Green Fest (April 2016)
8. Volunteering for Boise Rec Fest (June 2011)
7. Volunteering for the Public Lands Rally (March 2017)
6. Volunteering for Tip-A-Cop at Dave and Busters (March 2014)
5. Volunteering for Tools For Life to present (March 2016)
4. Volunteering for Winter Games in Sun Valley (February 2014)
3. Volunteering for Spring Break Jamaica (March 2011)
2. Volunteering to lead a march on gay rights (November 2010)
1. Volunteering to get to see President Obama speak being handpicked to do so (January 2015)
Top 10 Southminster Moments
10. Singing He is Alive with the Youth Choir (April 2001)
9. Vacation Bible School as a shepherd with the 4th graders (June 2013)
8. Singing The Heavens are Telling in Choir (June 2008)
7. Being a deacon for Taking Flight (2005-2008)
6. Somehow getting scholarships for college (2003, 2011)
5. Youth Leader of one of the strangest Youth Groups ever (2006-2011)
4. Youth Sunday with Dan (March 2003)
3. High School Graduation celebration (May 2003)
2. Serving, greeting, and ushering at Mental Health Sabbath Service (July 2015)
1. All the people I've met over the 33+ years of my life there
Top 10 Activism Moments:
10. Starting my self-advocacy journey by speaking up for myself on an apartment situation (February 2007)
9. Joining cooking club (January 2011)
8. Working on my story to encourage others (August 2004)
7. Joining self-advocacy leadership network (May 2011)
6. Going to Emmett to spread the word about Self-Advocacy Leadership Network (2013, 2014, 2015)
5. Joining the DD Council (July 2014)
4. Strongly advocating for add the words (2011-present)
3. Coming out as androgynous-gender (August 2015)
2. Attending Autism Campus Inclusion (August 2012)
1. Coming out as bisexual (December 2012)
Top 10 Athletic Moments:
10. Having a quintuple-double in a game (June 2003)
9. First pick-up basketball game-winner (June 2006)
8. Game-winning softball hit (June 2001)
7. Game-winning basketball shot (November 1997)
6. 200 meter freestyle gold (June 2010)
5. Snowshoeing 1500-meter gold (February 2017)
4. 3-pointer vs. Meridian (February 1999)
3. Finishing a 1/2 marathon (October 2015)
2. Doing a triple in workout classes for the first time (February 2011)
1. 10-catch, 3-TD, 4 dive, 8-pass, practice-ending TD, ninja starting day in Ultimate as a practice dummy (November 2010)
Top 10 Scholastic Moments:
10. First time getting on the honor roll (October 1996)
9. First A in Math (January 1998)
8. First A in English (June 1999)
7. First A in Science (and only) (May 2015)
6. Unofficial Senior Year Dean's List (December 2011, December 2012, December 2014, May 2015, August 2015)
5. A+ in Conflict and Culture (December 2009)
4. B+ in Gender Studies (May 2012)
3. B+ in Senior Seminar classes (December 2011, December 2012)
2. A+ in Design Thinking (December 2012)
1. A- in Research Methods (December 2014)
Top 10 Moments at Work:
10. Getting the job (June 2007)
9. Wendy and I confiding for the first time (December 2007)
8. Getting my hours back on a regular basis temporarily (2013)
7. Getting my hours back on a semi-permanent basis (2017)
6. Working a 7-hour shift (January 2014)
5. Our store being #2 in the region (2015-2016 year)
4. Ilinda making a hat for me (January 2015)
3. Legendary Service Awards (2016, 2017)
2. The first time being told that they believe I can do it (June 2007)
1. Leading and mentoring the new courtesy clerks (starting in 2009, still on-going)
Top 10 Vacation Moments:
10. Seeing the sunset in Brazil (June 2004)
9. Eating curried goat in Jamaica (March 2011)
8. Seeing the Grand Canyon (June 2001)
7. Going through Oregon Caves (June 2006)
6. Having burgers after a 9-mile hike (June 2006)
5. Yurt Camping with my sister (August 2009)
4. Sleeping outside with Dan (August 2006)
3. The healing at Chapter Camp (May 2009)
2. The hike to Cross Mountain (August 2005)
1. Volleyball game in Brazil (June 2004)
Top 10 Friend Moments:
10. Alex and I going on our first photoshoot (October 2014)
9. Alexis, Jessie, Alex, and I doing the Staircase River (June 2016)
8. Lindsey and crew doing the Staircase river (July 2015)
7. Zack and I camping at Atlanta (March 2007)
6. Jancey, Jarod, Jon, Kyla, and some other IVers camping at Lucky Peak (May 2012)
5. Payette River meeting Taylor, Ashley, and Jesse (September 2013)
4. Carly and I meeting on the Table Rock Hike (November 2009)
3. Meeting Zack at the New Years Party (December 2008)
2. The long talks with Melissa when my hair was all sorts of crazy at the REC (Summer 2013)
1. Jason and I's first solo camping trip (June 2015)
Top 10 Inspirations For How I Should Live My Life:
10. Alexis Traxinger
9. Jason Von Huene
8. My pastor
7. Melissa Wintrow
6. Paul
5. Cindy Snider
4. My snowshoeing coach
3. Mother Teresa
2. My Mom
1. Jesus Christ/God
And Finally................. (Top 10 Things I Still Want To Do on my To-Do-Before-I-Die-List):
10. Go bungee jumping
9. Go sky-diving
8. Get a sun with a cross tattoo
7. Become a basketball coach
6. Lead an official home group bible study that is more than two people
5. Live completely on my own without government funding
4. Graduate from college (but that'll change this Fall)
3. Try scuba diving
2. Swim with dolphins
1. Go to a professional women's sporting event with someone I care about (changing this Summer?)
so now there's a little more Iansight Ianto what I'm about. This is AutBott signing off. Stay tuned for my next blog entry Top 10 Ian and his Mom moments
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Top 5 Vacations I've Had In My Life (Not Counting Conferences and Volunteer Trip and Competition Vacations)
There are some vacations that I will never forget and mention in passing years and years later. Some of these top 5 are in the West, 1 central, and 1 international. Continuing to see through this type of lens here are the top 5 vacations I've had:
5. Camp Sawtooth 2001- this was the best time I had at camp- the total camaraderie and friendship making and all the continual meaning making with the program and the people who took a hold of the program were great. I will never forget campfire there, the trips to Baldy and Easley's and the groups friendships that I made, the conversations I had, the dinners, all of it was simply breathtaking and I still think about it sometimes years later.
4. Triennium 2001- the other 2001 trip on this list, Triennium was a totally wonderful selection-only Presbyterian youth "camp" at Purdue and it was life-changing in many ways- the first time at a college campus for more than just games, the first time in a college cafeteria (novel and pretty fun), the amazing games of ultimate, football, and basketball, the friendships I made there and the Quarry group was pretty wonderful in that I had connections with others who saw me for who I am- I still think about it some as well.
3, National Parks Trip 2006- Simply because of many reasons- the first time staying in a hostel, the amazing 9-mile hike, the best meal I've ever had in my life, and the bonding time with my Mom and my oldest sister over cars, games, creating new memories, and being on the beach and seeing many natural wonders. In my next blog after the Hot Bott 100 I will do a top 10 Ian and his Mom moments and three contenders came from this vacation. Also it's the only time other than the DD Council conference that I saw California and I saw some world-renowned places that time and took amazing pictures- simply wonderful.
2, East Coast Trip 2011- Wonderful for several reasons: I got to see New York (didn't like it too much but I had always wanted to see it until then), got to take many different types of transportation (which was a kind of to do list goal), got to see different kinds of faiths, got to chat with my Aunt, my cousin-in-law, and many other great family members and for a bittersweet reason: it was the last time I saw my late Grandma. I feel fortunate that I got to go on this trip for all those reasons and more and I am lucky that I was able to try to do all the things I was able to do there with Jamaica, this trip, Seattle, and another great trip 2011 was a travel year for the books.
1: Brazil 2004- With Jamaica DQ'ed from this list as a service trip, I have got to say that Brazil was totally the best way to spend my 21st birthday- seeing museums, getting souvenirs (some of which I still have), making a great scrapbook of memories, seeing my Aunt's family, seeing a volleyball game at the Olympic exhibition level, and continuing to see all the various things that make a new culture tick and getting cultural primers on this- all of these things made it a wonderful experience and I am glad that I went- also I enjoyed all the card-playing that my family did- the Skip-Bo tourney was a true rags-to-riches event and I loved being a part of it including the 4th hand I did to win a game which I still bring up in passing- the divide between rich and poor is wonderfully vast and I got to see real poverty for the first time overseas there- a true life-changing trip.
There are many contenders as well- a few of the Seattle and Portland trips- the trip to Baker City with my Mom and sister, the vacation to North Idaho, and many others- I am a well-traveled man and I look forward to many more adventures. Stay tuned for the Hot Bott 100 over Spring Break and the top 10 Ian and his Mom moments in April. AutBott signing off.
5. Camp Sawtooth 2001- this was the best time I had at camp- the total camaraderie and friendship making and all the continual meaning making with the program and the people who took a hold of the program were great. I will never forget campfire there, the trips to Baldy and Easley's and the groups friendships that I made, the conversations I had, the dinners, all of it was simply breathtaking and I still think about it sometimes years later.
4. Triennium 2001- the other 2001 trip on this list, Triennium was a totally wonderful selection-only Presbyterian youth "camp" at Purdue and it was life-changing in many ways- the first time at a college campus for more than just games, the first time in a college cafeteria (novel and pretty fun), the amazing games of ultimate, football, and basketball, the friendships I made there and the Quarry group was pretty wonderful in that I had connections with others who saw me for who I am- I still think about it some as well.
3, National Parks Trip 2006- Simply because of many reasons- the first time staying in a hostel, the amazing 9-mile hike, the best meal I've ever had in my life, and the bonding time with my Mom and my oldest sister over cars, games, creating new memories, and being on the beach and seeing many natural wonders. In my next blog after the Hot Bott 100 I will do a top 10 Ian and his Mom moments and three contenders came from this vacation. Also it's the only time other than the DD Council conference that I saw California and I saw some world-renowned places that time and took amazing pictures- simply wonderful.
2, East Coast Trip 2011- Wonderful for several reasons: I got to see New York (didn't like it too much but I had always wanted to see it until then), got to take many different types of transportation (which was a kind of to do list goal), got to see different kinds of faiths, got to chat with my Aunt, my cousin-in-law, and many other great family members and for a bittersweet reason: it was the last time I saw my late Grandma. I feel fortunate that I got to go on this trip for all those reasons and more and I am lucky that I was able to try to do all the things I was able to do there with Jamaica, this trip, Seattle, and another great trip 2011 was a travel year for the books.
1: Brazil 2004- With Jamaica DQ'ed from this list as a service trip, I have got to say that Brazil was totally the best way to spend my 21st birthday- seeing museums, getting souvenirs (some of which I still have), making a great scrapbook of memories, seeing my Aunt's family, seeing a volleyball game at the Olympic exhibition level, and continuing to see all the various things that make a new culture tick and getting cultural primers on this- all of these things made it a wonderful experience and I am glad that I went- also I enjoyed all the card-playing that my family did- the Skip-Bo tourney was a true rags-to-riches event and I loved being a part of it including the 4th hand I did to win a game which I still bring up in passing- the divide between rich and poor is wonderfully vast and I got to see real poverty for the first time overseas there- a true life-changing trip.
There are many contenders as well- a few of the Seattle and Portland trips- the trip to Baker City with my Mom and sister, the vacation to North Idaho, and many others- I am a well-traveled man and I look forward to many more adventures. Stay tuned for the Hot Bott 100 over Spring Break and the top 10 Ian and his Mom moments in April. AutBott signing off.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Top 5 Ways That I've Affected Boise By Staying
When I think of ways that I could've left Boise if I had decided to go somewhere else for college or whatever, there are many- the political climate isn't good in the rest of Idaho (though Boise is getting better) and there while there is a lot to do in Boise and in an hour radius, the rest of Idaho is pretty barren. Also while my connections are largely here, I have thought numerous times about leaving to greener pastures. But what could've been damaged by me ending up leaving? There are many ways but here are the top 5:
5. Special Olympics would be way different in Idaho: as an athlete, a volunteer, a former intern, part of S.O. College, and a friend to many athletes and coaches, Special Olympics would be a way different entity in Idaho if I left. It would be a lot more trepidation from the athletes, the unified partners and other people in Project Unify wouldn't be able to meet me, I wouldn't have gotten genuine intern experience, and I wouldn't have made many new memories. This is one of the most impact-filled in terms of sheer quantity as I will be doing 3 seasons of sports this year and there are thousands of athletes in there.
4. Southminster wouldn't be the same and there wouldn't be as much positive attitude in Kingdom Collective: I am a favorite of both churches, Southminster because of the familial strength of it and the many people who see me like their own kid or like a member of the family as a younger brother or nephew in some instances. In terms of Kingdom Collective, my amount of identity is one that brings much joy and love to many and change the culture of it and is persistent in prayer. This is definitely a family and that is one reason why this is one of the biggest ways that Boise would be different if I wasn't there.
3. Albertsons' wouldn't be as much of a vaunted store without me or the managers there: I know that this doesn't seem like a huge thing and in terms of grand numbers it's not totally. But for the thousands that come in the store every year to have the best experience more possible with the change in management and for the managers and clerks to make sure that everyone is on their A game and is able to create much more meaning for their own ability of attitude of gratitude, this is big. The store appreciation has gone up 30% in a short time and with the culture of the store and the culture of the management and other people changing, this is big.
2. Disability Advocacy would be largely different: In terms of reaching people this is probably one of the biggest ones because the disability numbers are ticking way upward. People with challenges have become much higher in number and they have continued to need much better changes. Given all the opportunities that the DD Council and the Self-Advocacy Leadership Network has given me and how far-reaching it is, this is probably one of the bigger ways that if I left it would eventually not be as big of a thing especially since the number of people who do the majority of the activities is small which is not indicative of the population.
1. Boise State and the population would be different because of my effect on the campus: I have had numerous amounts of people say to me that if I wasn't there for all of their time at Boise State they would eventually leave. I have also had numerous people tell me that their experience is much better and they are much happier because of their times at Boise State being so good. While I'm a somewhat polarizing figure in the annals of Boise State because I do have an opinion about everything and because I do have an idea for how things should be and because I do things that are unconventional and I am friendly, I have most definitely done more good for Boise State than bad and my leadership acumen is higher than almost any part-time student in the history of the college. I have continued to share my wisdom with many people and that is why it is so high on the list.
So Boise would be a much different place overall. Stay tuned for the final blog before the Hot Bott 100 (coming in April)- top 5 unique true vacation experiences in my life.
5. Special Olympics would be way different in Idaho: as an athlete, a volunteer, a former intern, part of S.O. College, and a friend to many athletes and coaches, Special Olympics would be a way different entity in Idaho if I left. It would be a lot more trepidation from the athletes, the unified partners and other people in Project Unify wouldn't be able to meet me, I wouldn't have gotten genuine intern experience, and I wouldn't have made many new memories. This is one of the most impact-filled in terms of sheer quantity as I will be doing 3 seasons of sports this year and there are thousands of athletes in there.
4. Southminster wouldn't be the same and there wouldn't be as much positive attitude in Kingdom Collective: I am a favorite of both churches, Southminster because of the familial strength of it and the many people who see me like their own kid or like a member of the family as a younger brother or nephew in some instances. In terms of Kingdom Collective, my amount of identity is one that brings much joy and love to many and change the culture of it and is persistent in prayer. This is definitely a family and that is one reason why this is one of the biggest ways that Boise would be different if I wasn't there.
3. Albertsons' wouldn't be as much of a vaunted store without me or the managers there: I know that this doesn't seem like a huge thing and in terms of grand numbers it's not totally. But for the thousands that come in the store every year to have the best experience more possible with the change in management and for the managers and clerks to make sure that everyone is on their A game and is able to create much more meaning for their own ability of attitude of gratitude, this is big. The store appreciation has gone up 30% in a short time and with the culture of the store and the culture of the management and other people changing, this is big.
2. Disability Advocacy would be largely different: In terms of reaching people this is probably one of the biggest ones because the disability numbers are ticking way upward. People with challenges have become much higher in number and they have continued to need much better changes. Given all the opportunities that the DD Council and the Self-Advocacy Leadership Network has given me and how far-reaching it is, this is probably one of the bigger ways that if I left it would eventually not be as big of a thing especially since the number of people who do the majority of the activities is small which is not indicative of the population.
1. Boise State and the population would be different because of my effect on the campus: I have had numerous amounts of people say to me that if I wasn't there for all of their time at Boise State they would eventually leave. I have also had numerous people tell me that their experience is much better and they are much happier because of their times at Boise State being so good. While I'm a somewhat polarizing figure in the annals of Boise State because I do have an opinion about everything and because I do have an idea for how things should be and because I do things that are unconventional and I am friendly, I have most definitely done more good for Boise State than bad and my leadership acumen is higher than almost any part-time student in the history of the college. I have continued to share my wisdom with many people and that is why it is so high on the list.
So Boise would be a much different place overall. Stay tuned for the final blog before the Hot Bott 100 (coming in April)- top 5 unique true vacation experiences in my life.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Top 5 Unique Friend Situations
Sometimes you meet a friend who is just someone you click with from the get-go, who you haven't seen in a while but still can act like nothing happened to get us apart, or who you just know will be your friend for the rest of your life instantly after meeting them and so far it has held true. In this blog, I will be visiting the 5 friendships that started off in interesting ways and are continuing to thrive and who have been met in unexpected ways:
5) Alexis Traxinger, Mattie Danner, Claire Wemgartner, Cortni Welch, Alex Krabiel, Jessie Candeub (a.k.a. The Squad): These 6 wonderful women and I all met in the 2013-2014 school year during the Fall term within a matter of two months. They have genuinely cared and created new memories over the past 3 1/2 years and will continue to create better memories in the eternal life in the next many years and in the interim created new memories that are truly life-changing. These people I will remember forever and are my best friends I could ever ask for. With everything that has happened to the squad with all the numerous issues and traveling and other ups-and-downs we have only gotten stronger and will only continue to get stronger. Squad goals (2013-present)
4. Jason Von Huene/ Randy Perkins: two of my friends from high school (well Jason was an acquaintance then and Randy a friend) who I saw again in adult life and reached out to who are people that I will always remember and have many more good times with. They are also the rare couple of friends from my high school days who are able to stay great friends while being bachelors and creating new memories. I am lucky that I saw them again after many years and the unique situation of instant friendship after many years makes it great (2002-2003, 2014-present for Jason, Randy 1996-2002, 2012-present)
3. Jeff Wilson: Another instant friend after a long time of not seeing him, Jeff was my friend for 16 years after seeing him again in Special Olympics and I knew him in McKinley in the way way way back. Both of us have done numerous things together with Young Life and Special Olympics and I have continued to encourage him being in Physical Education class and creating many speech memories and many other memories that will be life-long. He is a great person and friend. (1988-89. 2001-present)
2. Carly Gintz: My ultimate distance friend, usually the two of us have continued to create many memories despite her living in Seattle and me living in Boise. We have designed plans to dance, I have gone to her graduation and when my big day comes she will go to mine, we have gone to numerous lunch, coffee, and walk hang-outs and she trained me for my internship and had a great time meeting her during my passionate semester of volunteering. She is an amazing friend and an even better person (2009-present)
1. Maddie Jewell: One of my biggest allies and greatest friends, she is unique not because of that but because we met during a tough time for both of us, have persevered through tough times, did it together, and unlike the squad we met at InterVarsity. we have gotten coffee, done photowalks, numerous times at church things, exercise classes, lunch hang-outs, and despite all my sass when we hang out and despite us not really being the kindest towards each other and her being scared by me at first and for a while (she's 5'1" maybe and I'm 6'5" so she wasn't clear about our friendship at first), she has become an ally, a hero, and a friend. (2013-present)
so these are some unique situations of the many of them. hope that this was entertaining. stay tuned for top 5 unique organization situations followed by top 10 Ian and his Mom moments and the Hot Bott 100 and the top 5 things that Boise would have missed without I-Bott for blog 101. AutBott out!
5) Alexis Traxinger, Mattie Danner, Claire Wemgartner, Cortni Welch, Alex Krabiel, Jessie Candeub (a.k.a. The Squad): These 6 wonderful women and I all met in the 2013-2014 school year during the Fall term within a matter of two months. They have genuinely cared and created new memories over the past 3 1/2 years and will continue to create better memories in the eternal life in the next many years and in the interim created new memories that are truly life-changing. These people I will remember forever and are my best friends I could ever ask for. With everything that has happened to the squad with all the numerous issues and traveling and other ups-and-downs we have only gotten stronger and will only continue to get stronger. Squad goals (2013-present)
4. Jason Von Huene/ Randy Perkins: two of my friends from high school (well Jason was an acquaintance then and Randy a friend) who I saw again in adult life and reached out to who are people that I will always remember and have many more good times with. They are also the rare couple of friends from my high school days who are able to stay great friends while being bachelors and creating new memories. I am lucky that I saw them again after many years and the unique situation of instant friendship after many years makes it great (2002-2003, 2014-present for Jason, Randy 1996-2002, 2012-present)
3. Jeff Wilson: Another instant friend after a long time of not seeing him, Jeff was my friend for 16 years after seeing him again in Special Olympics and I knew him in McKinley in the way way way back. Both of us have done numerous things together with Young Life and Special Olympics and I have continued to encourage him being in Physical Education class and creating many speech memories and many other memories that will be life-long. He is a great person and friend. (1988-89. 2001-present)
2. Carly Gintz: My ultimate distance friend, usually the two of us have continued to create many memories despite her living in Seattle and me living in Boise. We have designed plans to dance, I have gone to her graduation and when my big day comes she will go to mine, we have gone to numerous lunch, coffee, and walk hang-outs and she trained me for my internship and had a great time meeting her during my passionate semester of volunteering. She is an amazing friend and an even better person (2009-present)
1. Maddie Jewell: One of my biggest allies and greatest friends, she is unique not because of that but because we met during a tough time for both of us, have persevered through tough times, did it together, and unlike the squad we met at InterVarsity. we have gotten coffee, done photowalks, numerous times at church things, exercise classes, lunch hang-outs, and despite all my sass when we hang out and despite us not really being the kindest towards each other and her being scared by me at first and for a while (she's 5'1" maybe and I'm 6'5" so she wasn't clear about our friendship at first), she has become an ally, a hero, and a friend. (2013-present)
so these are some unique situations of the many of them. hope that this was entertaining. stay tuned for top 5 unique organization situations followed by top 10 Ian and his Mom moments and the Hot Bott 100 and the top 5 things that Boise would have missed without I-Bott for blog 101. AutBott out!
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Top 5 Unique Sports Team Situations (Blog 3 with Unique Club Situations and Unique Volunteer Situations To Follow)
There are many situations with sports that, let's face it, have been bad. The basketball in particular was full of egos and trying to make everyone happy. That wasn't fun and neither was the last softball experience. Moving on from that, here are the top 5 unique sports team situations that I think were solid and that had some unique characters and unique ways of doing things:
5. Meridian S.O. Basketball 2012- 9 guys all scoring baskets during the season, great defense, close games, great coaching, won all the State Games (gold medal) after clunking in Area- this was a great team. The various cues helped as did all the enigmatic pieces playing together well and winning Meridian's last gold medal in Basketball. Great teams don't get much more unique than that.
4. Boise Community Unified 2004 Softball- a team that changed personnel for the gold medal game due to multiple injuries and still won 10-0 because of amazing defense and great pitching. A team that had some idiosyncratic ideals and still lost just once in those games. And a team that had great pitching, timely defense, great batting, and pretty good position players despite all of the idiosyncratic and challenging personalities on the team. And that was the last year playing softball where I didn't have a broken finger........
3. Lowell Scott Middle School C Team Mr. Wilson 1997- The team where I made my first field goal in my basketball history, shot my first 3-pointer (a miss sadly, my first make from 3 would be the next year), got my first double-digit rebound season, and somehow the team, while there were some hotheads, were able to gel together long enough to make it to the top 2 in the InterValley League at 11-2. We even nearly won at Nampa South losing by 1 away from wrecking their undefeated season. I might've been only 14 and my 18-year basketball career was in its infancy, but I have never seen all the different players from different ways of life and different ideas of what to do end up doing so well on one team for the overall stamina of a season.
2. Mossman Law Unified Basketball Team 2005- A collection of tall players and outside shooters and with me they got a 2-in-1 with a tall guy who mostly shot (well) outside. The individuality of the team was varied as there were great players on both the unified partners and also once in a while unified talents. While the team was great against everyone but the Prep Program and the James Company, they won all 6 of the other games good enough for 2nd in the league and had some wonderful memories. I think it was fitting that was my only Unified Basketball season as I don't think any could top it.
And the number 1 most unique sports situation.........
1. Boise Community Special Olympics 2016 Swim Team: Like the Golden State Warriors of the last two years, this was a dominant team in terms of winning (everyone won a medal, most won gold, a few won multiple golds, and a few more won 3 golds) and in terms of practices, it was super unique. We had fun and while we practiced skills we had fun doing so. I can't say that doing a horse noodle race or a kickboard race or a beach ball race were necessarily on my bucket list, but they were fun. And we did pretty well in area and state and the start of practices where we gave the coach a high-five and really enjoyed the warmups made the team. A ragtag group of people who enjoyed life and there were almost no problems on the team that year- simply a dream team of people and I hope all are back next year.
So there you have it: stay tuned for the top 5 unique club situations and the top 5 unique volunteer situations. Coming up after that is the Ian and his Mom top 10 moments and the Hot Bott 100. Can't wait to continue to share unique experiences and wonderful ideas the next year and beyond! I'm Bottatious!
5. Meridian S.O. Basketball 2012- 9 guys all scoring baskets during the season, great defense, close games, great coaching, won all the State Games (gold medal) after clunking in Area- this was a great team. The various cues helped as did all the enigmatic pieces playing together well and winning Meridian's last gold medal in Basketball. Great teams don't get much more unique than that.
4. Boise Community Unified 2004 Softball- a team that changed personnel for the gold medal game due to multiple injuries and still won 10-0 because of amazing defense and great pitching. A team that had some idiosyncratic ideals and still lost just once in those games. And a team that had great pitching, timely defense, great batting, and pretty good position players despite all of the idiosyncratic and challenging personalities on the team. And that was the last year playing softball where I didn't have a broken finger........
3. Lowell Scott Middle School C Team Mr. Wilson 1997- The team where I made my first field goal in my basketball history, shot my first 3-pointer (a miss sadly, my first make from 3 would be the next year), got my first double-digit rebound season, and somehow the team, while there were some hotheads, were able to gel together long enough to make it to the top 2 in the InterValley League at 11-2. We even nearly won at Nampa South losing by 1 away from wrecking their undefeated season. I might've been only 14 and my 18-year basketball career was in its infancy, but I have never seen all the different players from different ways of life and different ideas of what to do end up doing so well on one team for the overall stamina of a season.
2. Mossman Law Unified Basketball Team 2005- A collection of tall players and outside shooters and with me they got a 2-in-1 with a tall guy who mostly shot (well) outside. The individuality of the team was varied as there were great players on both the unified partners and also once in a while unified talents. While the team was great against everyone but the Prep Program and the James Company, they won all 6 of the other games good enough for 2nd in the league and had some wonderful memories. I think it was fitting that was my only Unified Basketball season as I don't think any could top it.
And the number 1 most unique sports situation.........
1. Boise Community Special Olympics 2016 Swim Team: Like the Golden State Warriors of the last two years, this was a dominant team in terms of winning (everyone won a medal, most won gold, a few won multiple golds, and a few more won 3 golds) and in terms of practices, it was super unique. We had fun and while we practiced skills we had fun doing so. I can't say that doing a horse noodle race or a kickboard race or a beach ball race were necessarily on my bucket list, but they were fun. And we did pretty well in area and state and the start of practices where we gave the coach a high-five and really enjoyed the warmups made the team. A ragtag group of people who enjoyed life and there were almost no problems on the team that year- simply a dream team of people and I hope all are back next year.
So there you have it: stay tuned for the top 5 unique club situations and the top 5 unique volunteer situations. Coming up after that is the Ian and his Mom top 10 moments and the Hot Bott 100. Can't wait to continue to share unique experiences and wonderful ideas the next year and beyond! I'm Bottatious!
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