What in the world?

I have been sucked into the black hole that is Helena Laboratories. That's right. After Ike wiped out what ever small amount of income I did have, I have decided to return to Helena. Today was the first day and I am excited to work in a new department.
There has been so much in the news about the smear campaigns that both sides are running. Allegations of racist remarks are flying through the political air like mash potatoes in a highschool cafeteria. I know, not the best analogy, but that is what the politicians these days remind me of, KIDS. Back to the racist comments. I have to admit to ignorance at some of these terms that are supposedly offensive. I did not know that 'uppity' was a racial term. In fact more of the people, asked on the street thought, it meant the same thing I did. Someone who was a snob. Apparently, it was extremely offensive to hate mongers in the media. McCain refered to Obama as "that one" in a debate. I didn't take it as he was infering something about his race. Apparently, neither did Obama nor his wife; at least that is what she said when Larry King asked her about it. Well, I don't think Obama is playing the race card, and I have been impressed. However, the media wants this to be an issue so bad. That is all they report on right now. Anyways, this is a long lead up to my main story.
I didn't think this media madness was affecting me until today. I was talking to an African American lady at work. She asked how it felt to be back. I told her I was upset that I was sucked into the blackhole of Helena. Now, I don't think she took it offensively at all. She laughed and joked back with me for a while. I was worried the whole day that I had offended her. I would never have been worried about that until all this crap (sorry, the other word I was thinking of is even worse) in the media. It was a harmless remark that she thought nothing of, and I'm sure no one else would have. I guess I'm just glad there wasn't a reporter around. I might have made the national news. Good grief America!!

Life After Ike

I am sitting at my little brother's house stealing his internet access so I can write this entry. Hurricane Ike hit over a week ago, and I am still without power at mi casa. Not much is going on at the moment. I have decided that SE Texas' weather revolves around my school schedule. Let me explain. After a long hiatus from school, I returned only to have my semester ruined by Hurricane Rita. Needless to say I dropped out that semester. I have recently returned to school with one year left on my degree. I was so excited. Then from out of the Gulf, comes the monster infamously known as Ike. Right in the middle of my dang semester. Well, this hurricane is not going to knock me back another semester. I'm sticking it out this time. I did have a great time at Kyle's in laws. Oh well. A few more days and hopefully things will get back to normal.

Who has no life?

I get a message from my older sister today saying "You need to update your blog. You have no life!" I would like to take a moment to analyze this message. First off, she obviously has enough time to update her blog everyday. Second, she has time leftover from blogging to coerce others to spend time blogging, which will cause her to spend more of her time reading the newly written blogs. Who has no life? Love you Kim!!!! :)
I will update my blog with a short memorial for my dog who was recently put up for adoption. It was a difficult thing to admit that Parley would be better off with someone else. I am never home, due to working a job 2 hours away from home. The man who took him seemed very nice and has two other dogs at the house. He has called to let me know that Parley has become the leader of the pack. The two dogs are females, ages 7 and 2. Parley is the largest of the dogs, and the ladies LOVE him. He has basically become a pimp. So rock on Parley. On a side note, those who have kids who they feel they can not take care of should consider this adoption route. It's hard at first, but gets easier as the time goes by. Think of all the fun you could have without those rugrats!!! Alright, it's late and the bitterness is beginning to rear its ugly head. Time for me to sleep alone in my twin bed. And no, Kyle, there are no Superman sheets.

When life hands you lemons.....take a sleeping pill.

Everything possible went wrong last week. OK, not anything important to most in the world, but nevertheless important to me. My XBOX went out on me. (That last sentence could also be read, "Marshall's world fell apart." Later that day, a lightning storm took out my modem. No internet, no XBOX, and severe insomnia. I can't believe this was such a huge dilemma. Needless to say I was able to do tons of laundry and reading, so all is well.
Next up, a trip to the DPS office. I will not say why at this time, pleading the 5th. (Amendment that is. Look it up and while you are at it, take a glance at the rest of that document.) I am by no means the most educated person in the world, but I felt at that moment like a freaking Einstein. I understand now why America is in a state of decline. I actually sent a text message to my little brother to find out if there were two DPS offices in our town. I thought I had walked into the one for those whose shoe size matched their IQ level. Bless the people at the counter. (Side Note: Please be patient with anyone in a customer service position. Take a look around at who they deal with ALL DAY LONG. Please don't add to their hardship.) Well, I waited in line for about 45 minutes. It began to storm right as I arrived at the front of the line. Apparently if there is a storm, the DPS computers are unable to complete some tasks. I was told that unless I had my Social Security card I was SOL. And so I was. Forty-five minutes wasted on a day off. To top it off, the windows fogged up on the way home, which is a horrible problem when you have no air to clear them. I had my window rolled down, my head out the window like a dog, and the rain was just a pouring on down. And to think there are times I wonder why I'm not married. Well long post. Time for the sleeping pill...Later.

I hate Lamar University

I have a hate/hate relationship with Lamar University. I am not currently taking classes as previously planned due to irreconcilable differences. Apparently, I was not cute enough for the guy in the distance learning center who could have, if he really wanted to, make room for me in an online class I was trying to get into. That's right, I believe he was gay. I tried my best use my charm on him, but I'm afraid I have about as much luck with gay men as I do with women. I think half of that last statement is a good thing. So, I will now be starting school again in the Fall which makes an extremely long journey that much longer. I have decided that my kids will have their career picked out for them. They will know what they want to be when they grow up because I will tell them. They will finish college in four years, never changing majors. While I am at it, I might as well arrange a marriage for them. And now I must read my Vedas. (Look it up).

Where does the time go?

I received and email today from my high school class president, informing me that in September, I am invited to my ten year reunion. Now, those who know me, know I am not dramatic. I will not play the, "man, I am so old," tune. I have to admit, it is weird to read the email. I started receiving Facebook invites from all of my old classmates. As exciting as it was to see where they are all, it was a time of introspection for me. I tried to remember my senior year and where I thought I would be ten years from then . I'm nowhere near where I thought I would be. In fact, I might as well be living a completely different life than I thought. So, for a little cathartic experience, I thought I would do a short comparison of where I thought I would be, and where I am. Here goes:

1. Then: Thought I would go to a couple years of school and then leave for a mission.
Reality: Left for a mission when I was 23. Went to SLC and was out for 3 months before having to come home due to medical problems.

2. Then: I would come home at 21yrs of age and find a wonderful girl to take to the temple.
Reality: Was engaged for two years in a dysfunctional relationship, which lead to absolutely nothing positive in my life. Broke off said engagement and have been single ever since.

3. Then: I would finish school quickly and become a therapist for those who need help with their lives.
Reality: Have been in school for 8yrs, trying to figure out what the heck I am supposed to do with the rest of my life. Have finally decided on accounting, and have a year and a half left.

4. Then: I would have a couple of kids who love me and think I'm the greatest dad in the world.
Reality: I am the favorite uncle whose brothers and sisters feel the need to explain to their kids that Uncle Marshall is not gay and that Sean is just a friend.

That is my comparison. Sounds kind of depressing. Truth is, I wouldn't change it for the world. These experiences have made me who I am. I am grateful I left late for my mission. It taught me patience, and I was there for the right reasons. I'm glad I came home early. It made me look at people differently and to never judge them because I never know what they actually are experiencing in their life. I'm glad I haven't gotten married yet. I've been able to learn so much from watching brothers and sisters. I know what I am looking for and will cherish that person when she finally comes along. I'm glad I have been in school so long. The best experience of my life was finally coming to a realization of what I was supposed to be doing with my talents and interests. I have acquired a lot of knowledge, especially in history, which is my first academic love. The only thing I do regret, is that I have not had the opportunity to be a dad. I love my nieces and nephews. I look forward and hope for that day when I am called a father.
Anyways, never look back with regret, but with gratitude, for the experiences that have made you who you are now.

Always the DJ, Never the Groom

I just got back from doing the music for a wedding for someone in the singles branch. I have been the official DJ of the branch for 10 years now. Way too long. It went OK, and it is always great to see a happy couple before the ravishing effects of marriage take hold. But I'm not bitter. My favorite part of the wedding is the bride/groom dance. You can tell a lot from the song they pick. Every one tells a story. My favorite so far is "Just to See You Smile," by Tim McGraw. Sounds innocent enough. Someone didn't listen to the words before they chose that one. Or maybe they did and are just planning ahead. Oh well.