Mmmm... Cheese Blog (Thanksgiving version)
I know lots of people do a cheesy "What I'm Thankful For" blog this time of year. Well, for once I'm going to join That party. Prepare for crazy list form.
The love and salvation of Jesus Christ. There is so much I could tag on here that I wouldn't know where to start. It's just amazing to me how much of a sinner I am and the fact that he hung on the cross and paid the price of my evilness.
The love of my parents. I'll attempt to be brief but I'll surely fail - but I must give them some love here. They have continued to support me even through 18 months of ever-frustrating unemployment. Sure there have been the periodic fights about whether I should just take some bland job so I have a job and some others about persistence and honesty when it comes to the job search. However, they haven't kicked me out of the house. They haven't started charging me rent (which I will happily pay once I have a job until I feel in financial shape to move out). I know mom likes having someone else around, but I also know so many people who have parents who aren't nearly as understanding and supportive.
Regular communication with Nicholas. Maybe I'm giving this far too much credit, but I am thankful for it. I hate that he is in Tennessee, I really do. Thankfully, the internet is such a wonderful tool it allows me to communicate with him regularly, almost daily in interactive chat (the power of Instant Messages). We used IMs while he was still at home too (which is really funny when we're on opposite sides of a room). It's nice to have some legitimate conversation with my brother, as well as the usual BS (video games, football, etc).
Nicholas being in Tennessee. Isn't it funny that I'm thankful for the very thing I just said I hate? The reason why? It's been good for him. I do care about my brother (contrary to some... historical examples that could be dredged up). I am extremely happy for him that he found Anna, which was facilitated by his moving to Tennessee. Do I hope for them to move up here when he finishes his degree? Yes, yes I do.
Veterans. These people have fought for our freedoms. 'nuff said. I may not agree with some of the "wars" we have fought or continue to fight, but the people fighting the wars will always have my support. They are serving our country, they just don't have a whole lot of control on what the country asks them to do.
Many things that we take for granted in the overly-privileged US lifestyle. I love running water. I love being able to wake up in the morning and take a nice hot shower. I love being able to do the same thing after working in the yard or participating in some sporting event. I love having the freedom to practice the religion of my choosing.
Music. Some would say I'd probably have a job by now if I hadn't studied music... I don't care. Music is my best venue for expressiveness. I love classical and jazz music. The beautiful sounds of a symphony and the sounds that just make you want to dance from a big band. I enjoy listening to just about every genre of music there is, though admittedly some is much harder to listen to and not everything appeals to me. I can honestly say I have no idea where I'd be if it weren't for music. It has always been something I've participated in, something I have enjoyed doing. I am also thankful that my elementary school band teacher convinced me not to quit, even though she used what I feel to be a canned speech (they work well on formative minds who don't know better).
Sports. I love playing sports. I love watching sports. I love having something I can invest myself into, whether it be as a fan or a participant. I love competition. I love the thrill of victory and the pain of defeat.
God's Plan. I don't know what it holds for me, but I'm thankful it's there. I know I have a purpose in life even if I can't see it. He will provide for me. He has given me shelter while I continue the search for a job. There will be a job for me at some point, and while as any atheist might point out, I'd get the job I get regardless, I do believe there is a guiding hand. I also know there is a woman out there for me, but that is one of the lower concerns in my life right now, even if I so desperately desire to have a wife.
Friends. I don't have a lot of them. Even fewer will read this. But I want you all to know I love you guys and always look forward to chatting and hanging out when the time allows for it.
Thanks for putting up with the post. There's far more I'm certainly thankful for, but I think that's a pretty good summary.
And for the record, I had an interview Tuesday at the University, but I won't find out if I get the job until December sometime.
The love and salvation of Jesus Christ. There is so much I could tag on here that I wouldn't know where to start. It's just amazing to me how much of a sinner I am and the fact that he hung on the cross and paid the price of my evilness.
The love of my parents. I'll attempt to be brief but I'll surely fail - but I must give them some love here. They have continued to support me even through 18 months of ever-frustrating unemployment. Sure there have been the periodic fights about whether I should just take some bland job so I have a job and some others about persistence and honesty when it comes to the job search. However, they haven't kicked me out of the house. They haven't started charging me rent (which I will happily pay once I have a job until I feel in financial shape to move out). I know mom likes having someone else around, but I also know so many people who have parents who aren't nearly as understanding and supportive.
Regular communication with Nicholas. Maybe I'm giving this far too much credit, but I am thankful for it. I hate that he is in Tennessee, I really do. Thankfully, the internet is such a wonderful tool it allows me to communicate with him regularly, almost daily in interactive chat (the power of Instant Messages). We used IMs while he was still at home too (which is really funny when we're on opposite sides of a room). It's nice to have some legitimate conversation with my brother, as well as the usual BS (video games, football, etc).
Nicholas being in Tennessee. Isn't it funny that I'm thankful for the very thing I just said I hate? The reason why? It's been good for him. I do care about my brother (contrary to some... historical examples that could be dredged up). I am extremely happy for him that he found Anna, which was facilitated by his moving to Tennessee. Do I hope for them to move up here when he finishes his degree? Yes, yes I do.
Veterans. These people have fought for our freedoms. 'nuff said. I may not agree with some of the "wars" we have fought or continue to fight, but the people fighting the wars will always have my support. They are serving our country, they just don't have a whole lot of control on what the country asks them to do.
Many things that we take for granted in the overly-privileged US lifestyle. I love running water. I love being able to wake up in the morning and take a nice hot shower. I love being able to do the same thing after working in the yard or participating in some sporting event. I love having the freedom to practice the religion of my choosing.
Music. Some would say I'd probably have a job by now if I hadn't studied music... I don't care. Music is my best venue for expressiveness. I love classical and jazz music. The beautiful sounds of a symphony and the sounds that just make you want to dance from a big band. I enjoy listening to just about every genre of music there is, though admittedly some is much harder to listen to and not everything appeals to me. I can honestly say I have no idea where I'd be if it weren't for music. It has always been something I've participated in, something I have enjoyed doing. I am also thankful that my elementary school band teacher convinced me not to quit, even though she used what I feel to be a canned speech (they work well on formative minds who don't know better).
Sports. I love playing sports. I love watching sports. I love having something I can invest myself into, whether it be as a fan or a participant. I love competition. I love the thrill of victory and the pain of defeat.
God's Plan. I don't know what it holds for me, but I'm thankful it's there. I know I have a purpose in life even if I can't see it. He will provide for me. He has given me shelter while I continue the search for a job. There will be a job for me at some point, and while as any atheist might point out, I'd get the job I get regardless, I do believe there is a guiding hand. I also know there is a woman out there for me, but that is one of the lower concerns in my life right now, even if I so desperately desire to have a wife.
Friends. I don't have a lot of them. Even fewer will read this. But I want you all to know I love you guys and always look forward to chatting and hanging out when the time allows for it.
Thanks for putting up with the post. There's far more I'm certainly thankful for, but I think that's a pretty good summary.
And for the record, I had an interview Tuesday at the University, but I won't find out if I get the job until December sometime.