Finally Finished!

Finally the semester is over and finals are on their way. Although im happy school is over i did think it went by super fast. I had a great time in this US seminar class it was fun an cool. All my other classes were great also this semester turned out to be a good one. I have no complaints except for maybe not going to the river enough. Well i hope everyone does well on their finals and i hope yall have a great summer!

ROYAL WEDDING

Lately with all of the sadness and dispair on the television it sure was great getting to see a happy ending. Future King of England, Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot in historic Westminster Abbey in a beautiful ceremony. I stayed up to watch the monumental nuptials. All the talk on the media was what the bride, Kate Middleton, would wear and what designer she would choose. She wore a Sara Burton gown with laced chest and arms and a sweetheart neckline followed by a beautiful train. All of England's finest showed up for the affair and all of the women attending were told via invitation to wear hats. Hats of all shapes and sizes were seen as the excited guests entered the building. All of the music and messages given during the ceremony were quite beautiful and meaningful. I hope that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge live a long a healthy life together so that there still may be hope that fairy tales still do exist.

Ready for summer

Ready for summer, ready to get these classes over with and ready for finals.

Done

Im happy that this is the last friday class i have to wake up for. Its been very hard making it to class after many long thursday nights. I would like to say though that we were fortunate to have a cool professor. I wish everyone well in whatever yall choose to do in yalls future.

My last blog?

Omg! is this really going to be my last blog for this class? Lol. Yes i am saying that in a sarcastic way. But i am not saying it as in "blogging" was just a workload, because trust me it wasn't. It was actually trying to remember to blog that became the workload. lol. I enjoyed this class this semester, and I really didn't see it as beneficial, but whatever, i don't make the rules right? ha. I guess it was a clas to help you, well idk, not have a full schedule of course classes maybe. I did like my classmates tho. I felt like ebing in this class with them, made like a connection with everyone. yes i loved the connection however, I am very happy for this class to be done. everyone have a great summer! See you all 2marro morning for our last class day. :)

Summer!!

I suprised this week is going by so fast. I have been completely busy turning in last minute assignments and wrapping up classes. I can wait for the next few weeks. My finals are pretty spread out so i will have plenty of time to study and move out. This summer is going to mainly consist of me working and getting my thing together to move into my new apartment next year. I am taking a few vacations, one to panama and one to visit my greandparents in Atlanta, GA.

DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!

this shit bout to over!!! im real excited, but sad cause this ohhhh so wonderful class is gonna be over -.- i love you kelly

Wrapping it all up!

I think this will be the last blog! I am happy school is almost over. ACC still goes all the way till May the 15th but US is one less that I have to worry about. I did enjoy the time in class with all of you and I wish each and everyone of you a great year at school and a great experiece all the 4 years. You are all wonderful kiddos! See you for the last time on Friday and Lets PARTY!!!

My Last Blog

What do I say in the last blog?  It's hard to believe that my first semester is almost at an end.  The challenges of my classes have kept things interesting.  I have really enjoyed breaking out of the shell I had been in for so many years.  I'm still working on it, but I'm going full steam now, so it won't be long.  I officially registered for Fall last Friday, so I'm excited about getting a better choice of classes.  I had to come to school this semester five days a week.  That is a lot of fuel.  I have all my Fall classes on Tuesday and Thursday. (except one)  I'm the most excited about registering for "Beginning Scuba".  The Scuba lecture is on Tuesday evening, but I signed up for the "lab" on Friday morning, so I could have four days of Scuba freedom.  I'll be busting my butt this summer at my old job, so I can afford all the gear I need.  I've also been exercising seven days a week for the last three weeks in order to slim down and live healthier.  I went to HEB three weeks ago and used their health machine.  It said my blood pressure was Stage II and that I should contact my health care physician immediately, I ran the test twice with the same result.  (FYI, the levels are: Normal / Pre-Hypertensive / Stage I / Stage II)  I weighed in at 257 lbs. (I should be around 206).  After seeing that I bought fruits, vegetables, homemade salad stuff, several purified water (gallons).  I stopped my coffee intake and started drinking water all day, I also started eating fruits only for breakfast, vegetables or peanuts for snacks and a salad for dinner.  What I put on the salad is healthy also.  I make sure to exercise for at least two hours everyday.  I went back to HEB nine days later and my blood pressure was at Pre-Hypertensive and I was at 250 lbs.  Needless to say, I felt really good about that progress.  I'm going back on Thursday to try it again.  I'm hoping for normal blood pressure and the loss of a few more pounds, so my fingers are crossed.  I stopped smoking on December 1st of 2010, so that coupled with this diet has made me feel pretty good all around.  Well, I guess it's that time.  It has been really nice getting to know all of you.  I'll be in class Friday, but just to let you all know on here also, I wish you all the best of luck in the future.  This is Jason signing off!   (how dramatic lol)

Easter weekend/finals/overall semester/summer

My easter weekend was fantastic! I loved being home with my family and relaxing. I would have to say that this was the best easter i have had yet. Finals. Hmm i am not excited about finals in the slightest. but if it means im that much closer to summer, then i will put a smile on my face and get through it. I better start studying now :/ ugh. This semester has just flown by and i think everyone can agree with me. It seems like yesterday i was trying to find the US seminar classroom. I was not looking forward to this class at all, but now that its all over with, its safe to say i enjoyed it very much and had a lot of fun with you guys. (:

Have a Great Summer Everyone!

Last week was my last University Seminar class. I will be flying out of the state for some training for work and will not be there this Friday. This last semester just seemed to fly right by and I'm glad it's almost finally over. I only have a few more days of school left and hopefully I don't have to take any of my finals next week.

I don't know if we were going to discuss any semester highs or lows this Friday. But if we were going to discuss them I would have to say that my semester high was accomplishing my academic goals. My low, hmmmm, I can't really say that I had a semester low, I usually just had an occasionally nervous break down with my work load but it always managed to work itself out in the end.

I hope you all have a great summer and I will see you all around.

HAPPY EASTER!!!

When Easter Eggs Hatch!

Easterrrrr

going home for the weekend, last type of rest before crunch time!

the finals are coming! the finals are coming!

guess what guys?...the finals are coming! out of all of my exams i am the most worried about math. i have a borderline C at the moment and I really need it to stay like that. math has never been one of my best subjects and in college nothing changed. my brain does not think in numbers. i am sure that i will do really well on my others. i think my favorite class this year was geography. alot more than geography was taught and i think that is important. if you ever have the chance to take geo 1310 do it!

Easter weekend

I am ready for easter weekend but I am also overwhelmed with work and I just want to be done with work and school. I also have two job interviews this weekend.

Autobiography

I was really not wanting to do this whole autobiography crap. It seemed really pointless to me, until i started on it. It really brought up some emotional in me as i was going through my journey of how i got to where i am now. im presenting tomorrow so im sorta nervous. but i dont have a problem speaking in front of people. Especially our class since we have grown closer this semester. After that activity the other day, i feel very comfortable in front of my classmates. Well only a couple more blogs left... cant wait for the summer (:

closing time

so the end is near and i thought it wasonly gonna get easier. instead this last few weeks ive found myself slacking majorly. as of now im pretty sure my grades look pretty good, but after the last couple weeks i cant be too sure. hopefully it all works out and im not an upset student going into wat i hope to an excellent summer. all i know is that next semester will be a few notches better than this initial term.

School and Stress

I've overheard more than one person, speak on how the stress of the school year for them is nearly over...well I am the other side of the wall on that topic. School has completely stressed me out on different issue's. I have even had thoughts of transferring to anthoer university or even taking a break from school, and coming back when I feel more prepared for the whole college expierence. there are different factors that have me in this mindframe, some I have control over, but other larger ones, that I have no control over, and can not do anything but accept things how they come. I do however try to keep a positive mindframe, I try to not let the negative thoughts take over, and cause me to make regretful actions.

This week has been

crazy! Getting ready for finals and starting to pack up my dorm, this week has flown by! I really liked working on our project, surprisingly. It gave me time to be creative, which was nice. Not really much else to say except this semester has flown by! Crazy, crazy!

New Home Next Year

After class i met my friend that came up from Houston and we signed the lease for our apartment next year. i am so excited to move in. This Upcoming weekend i am pick my classes, this next semster should be pretty light. i am catholic so easter is fairly big for my family, we go to church sunday morning and spend the day hanging out, and going out to eat.
This semester is starting to wind down for me. the only "papers" i have to write are for this class. i am looking forward to summer and taking a break, and hanging out with olf friends before coming back next fall.

Autobio

I think the guys last weekend were really good in describing their life stories. I am very proud to be in a class with class mates such as you all. The diversity in the class is what makes it fun. I might be older than some of you but I have learned so much from all. I will really miss all when the class is over. I won't have a teacher that allows me to mess up with her no more. Oh well her lost. lol!! I am looking forward to our next class and to hear all about the life stories of the rest of the class, until Friday! later alligatores.

I love great news

I've been a little worried about my finances lately.  The monthly BAH from the G.I. Bill is a decent amount, but with where I live and bills, it can get small quick.  I was very interested in the scuba diving course offered here and while I had heard it was expensive, didn't think too much of it because I have the G.I Bill that pays the tuition.  I called Aquarena Springs and talked to them about it.  They informed me that tuition needed to be paid to the school for the "credit", but another $300.00 went to them for the certification.  Then I was told that many students like to have their own snorkel, fins and so on and sometimes we're asked to "pitch in" on overnights to different lakes.  While all of that might turn most people off of doing it, I don't care.  I want to do it, so I am.  Enter financial concern.  I was worried for a bit, but than something really awesome happened.  Last Friday night I get a call from a friend of mine (Haul Truck Supervisor at my last job Asphalt Paving) asking me if I still wanted to work this summer.  I had been told three weeks ago that my old job was already filled; so I was very curious.  I told him I was and he told me that my old boss said that he would use me for as long as I was available, doing the same job for the same pay of $13.50 hr.  He liked the idea of someone who already knew what to do and WANTED to be laid off when school starts back up.  I filled in the new application and turned it in to my old boss and it looks like I start on May 2nd.  The hours are long, but the overtime will be well worth it.  No more financial concern for me thankfully.  I would love for this to be the same every summer, but I'm not getting my hopes up about it.  I'm already pricing full scuba suits and other accessories.  No, I won't buy anything until I've spoken with my instructors to see whats actually needed, but pricing doesn't hurt.  Anyway, I'll stop this novel here.  It's hard to believe that there's only two classes left and only one blog left for me to write.  Sad really, I have greatly enjoyed my experience at Texas State so far.

A little less stress

Now that I have mostly everything done for the semester I feel a little less stressed out about my day to day routine of class and work. Unless I'm missing something that I don't remember I'm done with experimental activities and my autobiographical presentation for University Seminar. I just have to keep up with my homework and quizzes for my math classes. Hopefully I'm on my way to acing my last management test so I don't have to take any of my class finals.

This semester is still far from over but then again classes will be wrapping up in a couple of weeks and I can't believe it's already the middle of April of 2011.

Okay blog I'm done with you...

X: A Fabulous Child's Story

The "X" story was very intresting to me. I enhoyed reading it. I did have to re-read the end, because I felt like I missed the whole point of the story, but after re-readind it, I realized the end of the story wasn't the point. The WHOLE story was the point. I got more of an identity problem out of the story, which I am sure everyone has faced some point in their lives. I don't think the age range of the story was good for the story tho, because most kid's that age don't have to face identity problems. They are usually just being kids around that age, and doing whatever feels right at the moment. Also you would think, with the story basically talking about "identity" within a youth, then other youth would be the one's taunting the "x child" right? In this case it was the parent's. The story was a good story, and I did enjoy it, and thought it was cute.

the truth

last week's class involved was uncomfortable at times, surprising at times, emotional and probably my favorite word to describe the class, transparent. It is amazing how much a simple exercise can open eyes. Making the decision to walk over the line even if the identity isn't necessarily the most flattering is very tough. It takes courage and some overall badassness in my opinion. I hope that my autobiography will bring out my inner bad ass so I can reveal to the class (and even myself for that matter) some identities I am not fully comfortable with.

Crossinfg the Line

The class experiment was an "eye opener". It shows how people of all different backgrounds can come together and ultimatly be inthe same place. It felt also good to see that people feel the same way I do and have been faced with some of the same challenges. Not everything was bad either, sometimes I was proud to cross the line and show what kind of backgorund I came from. After experiencing an exercise that was so bluntly honest, I needed most of the rest of the morning to digest and process before it really sank in.

The X Child

What a powerful story! It had such a deep meaning behind it. What I got from it was despite the fact that children may have a hard time identifying themselves in society, labels should not be the cause of their happiness. The article is relatable to issues in our society today.

Kids not being able to identify themselves.

What I really liked about the article was all the other children were okay with X. They did not judge X for not knowing its gender. The kids actually thought X was cool and wanted to be like it. Free of worries and just wanting to live a life that made them happy.

Ultimately, I thought the story was really informative without being forceful.

crossing the "invisible line"

I would like to say that I try to be funny when I give a hard time to the teacher but I actually like her little practices that she does. The thing that I like about the diversity practice we did last time was that everyone got to see how difficult it could be for those that are "differennt" but one of the things that I notice also was that any time anyone of us stand along across the invisible line, they all seem to have a certain sense of understanding for what the person across the line was feeling. I liked it. I think is important that other establishments where there is a group of people should try this kind of exercises.

xy and z

I love the story about little x. I think everyone at some point or another has been treated like little x for being different. I found the story so truth due to the fact that people tend to ignore any kind of good qualities in another person and concentrate on the differences more than there virtues. I applaude those in life that are little x's. :)

X and Projects

I read “X: A Fabulous Child’s story” by Louis Gould. It was interesting. I wouldn’t raise my child that way; I think it could be really damaging and confusing to the child. I realize that it’s just an article and not a literary masterpiece to be taken to heart, but just stating my opinion. The first project we did in class I felt had a deep impact on everyone. At first, it was funny, but by the fourth or fifth rotation, most people were walking the same no matter what “kind” of person was being called out. I also thought it was interesting that we went into a uniformed circle without being told too. The second project we did in class, I had also done during Allies Training; I thought it to be a cool project both times. I like that sometimes it was nice to “cross” the line, while at other times it was sad or embarrassing. If you were willing to fully participate, it forced you to be honest with yourself and your peers. I have new respect for all those brave enough to honestly participate.

Read the handout that Kelly gave us last week at the end of class and I liked the story. The reading I thought made a lot of sense because it hints towards a lot of stereotypical norms that our society has placed on both men and women.

I've been on the receiving end of negative comments because I did or said something that wasn't what a "guy" or a "man" is suppose to do or say. Then again I've also been guilty of doing the same thing to friends and family. It's like a type of programming we all go through and conform to and it does limit us in ways that baby "X" wasn't held back by. X was capable doing and performing tasks better than any one gender and was happier too.

Almost as unrealistic as the story may seem I went to high school with a couple of girls that played football. The same for the last three and a half years has had one of the first boys on their dance team and they are ranked as one of the best performing schools in the state. So sometimes it take someone brave and confident to just step forward and do what makes them happy and not care what others have to say. I think I summed up the story to say to me that I should live my life for me and not for others. That I limit myself only if I allow it to happen.

See everyone Friday for the presentation.

X!

not gonna lie that story was pretty cute. no homo. but real talk, it was pretty interesting . was this a true story? like a real experiment.. i think who ever thought of this is genius, now my only question about it is, whats gonna happen when he grows up? i mean that cant really adapt to his 'x' situation for the rest of his life, right? i wonder if he's forced to pick and identity, which would it be

Activity on friday and the X baby thing

I absolutely loved the activities we did on friday in class. It really made me think about how I judge people, or have ideas about people that arent even true. The rest of the day, that activity was on my mind (which i think that was the point) (: and i read the baby X story and it was pretty cool to read and relate to the activities we did in class. anyways, today is monday and im already wanting the weekend. going to fite nite on thursday to watch frat brothers beat the sh*t out of eachother. cant wait. (:

I thought the experience we had in class today was really eye opening. This shows that there are so many people with many different backgrounds. It also goes to show that you cant judge people by the way they look or by the way they do things.

Walking the line

Today's activity I liked. I actually think the first part was fun. Although some may have seen it as being demeaning or offensive, I don't think it was meant for you to over think, but just react. When something was called out and I found myself participating I just worried about me. When I found myself at a loss I looked around to see what others were doing instead and just observe the class.

The second activity actually put into perspective how there are deep underlying things you don't know about people because you aren't able to physically see them on the outside. Those experiences are what make us who we are or teach us on how not to be. I found myself walking across the room to identify myself with either events or people in my life and both the good and the bad have helped me grow.

All in all there are things that separate us from each other but then again there are also things that we all share in common. Very good class today. See you all next week.

Realizations

As the year wraps itself up, I've come to the realization that a lot if going on and that I need to get my self situated for the future. Mainly finding a job that works around summerschool is what will be the hardest as well as looking into LSAT prep tests.

glass bottom experience

so last week the entire class excluding the teacher went to a glass bottom boat tour. personallyi initially thought it was going to to be super boring and irrelevent. BUT! it was freakin sweet. i enjoyed the tour and the tour guide. it was very informative and extremely interesting. if this was our first out of class activity im pretty excited to see what else Miss Stone has in store for us.

its been another good week, and last weeks boat ride was legit, i love nature and all that good stuff so it was pretty cool, wasn't as boring as i thought they would've made it, but yeah anyway, bobcat build this weekend as well as texas relays!!!!! and i guess the actual relays will be fun to watch as well(; see y'all mañana :D

This Weekend: Texas Relays

I don't know if it is just me or what, but does anyone notice how TEXAS RELAYS has come to something that has nothing to do with the actual relays? I mean the event is actually about the best of the best relay teams coming out to compete and show their running skills. The event still takes place, but you don't really hear about the event at least where I'm from you don't. All I hear about is how many clubs will have this person performing, or how many cars will be crunk and how many after hour spots will be open. I hear about who will have the best clothes on and who's car will be slabbed out the best. Of course I'm not complaining, I like clubbing. lol. But I don't think it's fair to the actual relay teams that they are the actual reason to why so many people are coming to the town, but they don't even get that support from those people. I have been to relays twice, and plan on going this year(which is this weekend), and I've considered the thought of actually attending the relay events to show the runners my support that I think they deserve.

HOME SWEET HOME??

In my 18 years of life I have moved 19 times. As a child of divorced parents the court gave joint custody, but the majority of my life has been spent with my mom. My mom is the mover, my dad is more grounded. I received word today that my dad sold his house. This is really upsetting me. I have lived there during visitation for the past 7 years. With all the moving I have been involved with concerning my mom, my dad's house was the only real "home" I've thought I ever had. By the time I get home my dad will have already moved out and on to the new house. Home is an extremely important aspect of childrens and even adults lives. I hope that one day I will be able top provide a home for my children where they can live for their childhood and even visit throughout their adulthood.

Field Trip

I actually was really glad we did this field trip. The guide to the trip was really nice and he provided good information, he made it fun too! We missed the professor. (minus a grade point for her at the end of the semester) lol but overall it was really a nice experience. Lots of turtles!! and ugly fish too. oh well that is nature right? I am sure if fish had the ability to think they would have thought of us as being ugly too. lol well, I will see you all tomorrow in class.

Midweek Blues

Its wednesday and I am exhausted! Having an exam today, and having to give a speech, its safe to say my workout was sort of lacking today. And on top of that, ive got to read a ton tonight. This is a very tiring week so far and im looking forward to the weekend as is everyone else im sure. This weekend im going to the Kilgore Rangerettes Spring show Revels. I have about 6 of my friends performing so i can not wait to watch them. See everyone friday (:

Looking to the Future

I had actually been looking forward to the glass-bottom boat tour we did last Friday. I love getting out in nature. It’s much better than sitting in a classroom. My expectations for the field trip were pretty high and I must say that I wasn’t at all disappointed. I learned a lot of pretty cool information from our two guides. I’m actually looking into the Scuba Diving classes that are offered here because of this trip. The guides told us that TSU offers it, but it can be a rather expensive grade. Since the G.I. Bill pays my tuition, I just have to worry about the “extra” fees. Hopefully it’s not too insane. While searching around for that, I came across “Underwater Photography” which is a major interest of mine, so I’ll be looking deeper into both of those courses. This trip was not only fun and a learning experience for me, but it could also have an effect on my future. It took going to the USS Lexington moored in Corpus Christi to peak my interest in serving on a Carrier in the Navy. I served onboard the USS Carl Vinson (Nuclear Aircraft Carrier) from 00-04 because at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) I requested a carrier SOLEY because of my experience with the USS Lexington. It’s amazing how something that seems so small can actually be a pretty big deal in the scheme of things.

Aquarena Springs

At least, I think that's what it was called. The bottom-glass boat tour we went on was so cool! I really wasn't going into it expecting much but I LOVED it. Each different spring we learned about was so fascinating to me. All the fishes that live in them get to swim peacefully because apparently its illegal to fish (something every vegetarian/vegan should be proud of, just like I am). I thought the tour guide was pretty cool. Its really refreshing when you get a tour guide who really love their jobs. He was passionate about the way he presented everything and he just really cared for all of the creatures living in the springs. He reiterated how much he cared every time he saw a turtle. Overall it was a very enjoyable experience for me. I'm glad I ended up getting out of bed (I had a guest come in last Thursday night whom I hadn't seen in 3 months, so it was lovely).

On another note, I think my mother was trying to subtly hint that I need to start watching what I eat. Insert sigh here and another round of dieting begins. Yes.

Aquarena Springs

It has been a long time since I've taken one of those tours. The last time that I did they still had Ralph the swimming pig and mermaids. At that time the place was more of a theme park and had several rides and shows people could go to. I appreciated all the information that I didn't know about the springs and how much research is done there by Texas State. Our tour guide knew quite a bit about the history of the place and was very knowledgeable. I think it surprised me how much I actually did enjoy the little field trip. Gave me a little more appreciation for what is done in my community and aware of how historically important our little town of San Marcos is. I was scared that I was going to miss the trip because I would over sleep or arrive at the dock late. Well I'll see everyone this coming Friday in class.

Boat Tour week Ahead

I thought the boat tour was pretty cool. I really learned alot about river and it was cool to here the history of the aquifers. Learning to scuba dive and cleaning the river would be an awesome job. I am glad i had this opportunity because I would have never known about it on my own. This upcoming week is going to be a busy one. This week I have two tests and a paper due. Last weekend was mostly spent studying or sleeping. However, after this week I only have one more test until finals. I can't wait for summer to be here.

Boat tour!

After trekking across campus to get to the boat tour, it actually turned out better than i thought it would. I was a little surprised to not see our instructor there, but i do understand that things happen. I do expect some sort of notification of that instead of hearing it through the grapevine. The boat tour was a great way to start my friday and it was my first time in a glass bottom boat. it was cool seeing the springs.. i had no idea those existed down there. haha. but anyways, its sunday night, and im already wanting it to be friday again so i can float the river. this week the weather is supposed to be perfect (: see yall friday morning!

Boat Tour

So today we went on the boat tour, and I found it to be very intresting. Although our instructor wasn't there, which seemed to bother several of my classmates, I felt the tour went great. It didn't too much bother me that she wasn't there because, I mean we are college students. That was my first time riding on a glassboat, and I really enjoyed it. I immediately thought about bringing my little brothers to the place for a tour. We saw several fish, and a lot of turtles. I would have loved to see many of the other species that the tour guide mentioned lived there, but we went in the day time, and most of the other creatures come out at night. Overall the trip was postive and I learned many facts over the place. The only negative thing coming from the tour was the fact I had to walk back to campus because I had a 10 o clock class. The walk wasn't too bad tho. The tour was a great way to start my weekend. =)

mid terms

after stressing for about an entire week it has finally come to a hault. all but one mid term is finished. and honestly i feel pretty confident about the tests i have aready taken. another thing that has crossed my attention is the pay off of all the hard work put in this semester. in the end i know im going to be pleased becaus as of now im pretty suremy grades are meeting my own expectations. which is very good considering how hard on my self i have become. i can only hope for continuous success for the next few years while i continue to purse my goals.