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.

Three weeks of forced humility.

Well, I just finished reading Elder Lund's book about receiving revelation, and it was great. Highly recommend it. I needed a new book to read, but nothing has come out recently that I'm interested in, so I decided to commence my yearly reading of The Miracle of Forgiveness, by Spencer W. Kimball. I try to read this book at least once a year which, if you have ever read it, then you know, can cause severe side effects. I usually try to read the chapters on the "big" sins first, because I believe I'm at least in good standing when it comes to those. Then come the sins of omission. Good night!!! Shoot me please. Luckily, the book ends with some hope of a bright future, but you have to make it through the first 2/3s of the book to get there. Anyways, wish me luck, and go read it for yourself.
Next up, I spent a good portion of the time this afternoon with my niece convincing her that a bike would be so much cooler than a Barbie power wheels car. Of course, I was lying. Everyone knows that the kid with the power wheels car is the coolest kid on the block. After much persuasion, which I am very good at, especially when I use my magical powers, I think I have saved my brother a good $100. So, Kyle owes me. Gabi when you are old enough to read this, remember it was your daddy's fault. He made me do it. I wanted you to have the car.

An interesting lunch and a horrible addiction.

Alright, it's time for me to come clean. I have to in order to explain why my lunch yesterday was so interesting. It wasn't the fact that the five guys I was with were all at least, emphasis on at least, twice my age. It was the fact that they were all famous magicians. That's right, I perform magic. I am a magic geek. Feel free to switch websites at this time. Still here? Alright, these guys are known all over the world. I heard stories about performing on Johnny Carson, entertaining three different presidents, and presenting a show to the original seven U.S. astronauts. It was an incredible lunch. Of course, we had to eat at Luby's because that is where the, shall we say "wiser", people like to eat. Anyways, it was a blast.
Second on the agenda. My niece had to give up her binky today. She is having an incredibly hard time. For all the inside information you have to visit my sister-in-law's blog, www.petersenfamilytalks.blogspot.com. Anyways, in honor of Gabi giving up her binky, I thought about giving up my Dr. Pepper. I say I thought, because that is as far as I got before the hyperventilating started. The sweats came next, and pretty soon I was just plain dizzy. So, Gabi you're on your own. Sorry goober.

Thanks Gabi!!!

I have to post a short one tonight to give props to my little niece. She sent me a card in the mail which she "dictated" to her mother. She just wanted to let me know that I was funny and that she was watching Mickey Mouse. I'm glad she keeps me informed. Thanks Gabi!!!

No More Jack in the Crack for me!!!

I am about to shock those who know me, and if I am not careful with my next few words, the world as we know it might just cease to exist. I am tired of fast food!! I'm done with it. I work in Humble, which is in BFE. (For those who don't know where BFE is, call me, I'll be glad to show you on my map.) I have been eating fast food for lunch for almost 2 FREAKING MONTHS!! I haven't gained weight, which is good, but I feel like crap. I never thought I would say this, but I don't think you can live off of Taco Bell and Jack in the Box. (Maybe Popeye's and Burger King,but that's high end fast food for those rich, white folks in the west end). I've heard about this thing called the Word of Wisdom or something like that. Anyways, I think I might try it for awhile. From what I've heard, Jack in the Crack probably isn't conducive to this so called "law of God." In fact, the more I think about it, JITB (at least that is what we addicts call it, sort of a nickname like "meth"), may be Lucifer's restaurant chain. It's so delicious and yet so cheap. Makes you laugh as you order it, smile as you eat it, and scream as you realize it is slowly attacking every part of your body. Oh well, a wise man once told me the best advice I've ever received, "Eat Jack in the Box ultimate cheeseburgers, drink Sonic's Dr. Pepper, and be merry, for tomorrow we die." Well if you don't hear from me tomorrow, I probably OD'ed on JITB. Look for me on the news. Bye now. Oh yeah. A shot out to my ladies, Natalie and Holli. Ya'll rock for reading my blog.