So I decided to come here briefly tonight thanks to my friend Kristen. She commented on my fb telling me to blog. Here is my only problem: I don't have anything to write about. So guess what I'm going to talk about tonight? Haha, yep, the fact that I have nothing to write about. See, I don't walk around like I used to pondering at every leaf, looking at every rain drop, and staring at the clouds. Instead, I am walking through life smiling and content. I don't need to know if there are six pedals on that flower or seven. The flower is beautiful and I'd like to stare at it and marvel in the beauty. I'm not really curious at anything. Thanks to the circumstance of meeting Jess and events pertaining to her and not happening thereafter, I am starting to go with the flow. I am starting to BELIEVE that everything happens for a reason and if I am meant to know it, I will. You could read this and say that I don't care about education anymore, or that people without the will to explore never discover new territory. I am not telling you that my mindset is forever changed or that I will never think and unpack in this space I've taken to calling my "journal," again. On the contrary, I DO think and I would love to unpack thoughts here with you all and marvel at the things God has given us. But I don't need to unpack right now. My mind is at rest. I know what I want to do with my life. I understand things I need to do to get there and the people I have behind me all the way (thank you Mom and Dad). I have people in my life that are helping me grow and they themselves are growing too (thanks Matt). Call me what you want. But here is something I think you SHOULD call me: happy. Now THAT, is something to write about.
Good Night World,
Michael Leather
P.S. What the HECK the title for this means you ask? I have no clue. Sometimes I just give a title that feels right. The title is trivial, don't worry about it too much.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Lady '95
So tonight I'm in the mood for romantic-ish, more "in love" music. I was looking through my music and came across this. The style of music isn't really what I'm looking for, but I know the words ARE (basically). My Dad got me in to Styx when I was little so I knew this song was perfect off the top of my head. Sit down, read the words, enjoy:
Lady, when you're with me I'm smiling
Give me all your love
Your hands build me up when I'm sinking
Touch me and my troubles all fade
Lady, from the moment I saw you
Standing all alone
You gave all the love that I needed
So shy, like a child who has grown
'Cause you're my lady of the morning
Love shines in your eyes
Sparkling, clear, and lovely
You're my lady
Lady, turns me on when I'm lonely
Give me all your charm
Evenings when she lays down beside me
She takes me gently into her arms
Lady of the morning
Love shines in your eyes
Sparkling, clear, and lovely
You're my lady
Lady, when you're with me I'm smiling
Give me all your love
Your hands build me up when I'm sinking
Touch me and my troubles all fade
Lady, from the moment I saw you
Standing all alone
You gave all the love that I needed
So shy, like a child who has grown
'Cause you're my lady of the morning
Love shines in your eyes
Sparkling, clear, and lovely
You're my lady
Lady, turns me on when I'm lonely
Give me all your charm
Evenings when she lays down beside me
She takes me gently into her arms
Lady of the morning
Love shines in your eyes
Sparkling, clear, and lovely
You're my lady
"Major" Winds of Change
I don't know if you write a blog or not. But let me tell you something. As I go through my day and live out events, I literally talk about them to myself as if I were writing my blog. Today, has been no exception. My College Writing class this morning well...yeah. There would be a lot to write about. I had lunch with my Mom and found out how BOSS my Dad was when they were dating. Jess had a bad day at school so I talked with her...for TWO HOURS (It was great). I watched a movie with Matt and Paul and lastly, I talked with my twin. Today has been a packed day full of stuff to talk and write about. I kinda want to talk about my parents and what my Mom told me about today at lunch. I want to talk about how calm and relaxed Paul's room is an the difference simply location makes on perception. I want to talk about how Bethany is a great friend looking out for me. I also really want to talk about Jess and how much I've learned about her today. But something happened today that is more important (I believe) than all of this. Considering the fact that I am in college, and that is the main reason why my parents spend so much money every semester, I thought I'd share with you some good new about college.
As many of you know, I came to college with a career in mind. I was DEFINITELY going to be a secondary education history teacher. Um...btw, NOT. That changed rather quickly. So...what to do, what to do. Matt is double majoring, Bethany is trying to decide between like...four majors, Katie is double majoring, and most of my friends (if not all) have a major set. Well, I'd like to announce that I think I've officially joined the ranks my friends. I had a meeting today with my academic adviser. I told him my goal of what I want to do in life, and he showed me the tools to get there. We went through the course catalog, picked out classes, and I think I know what to do. Now, I DO reserve the right to change my mind. I am not declaring a major yet. Next semester I am only taking introductory courses to wade in, not dive in head first. What is this madness you ask? I'll tell you.
I. Love. Shoes. Ask anyone and you will know this simple fact about me. Ever since I was little, I have loved to run. I raced my friends down the block, chased Sam G. around the playground, and had aspirations to be the "fastest man in the world." I am not joking. When deciding on what you want to do for the rest of your life, you should pick something that you would do for free. I forget who said this, but I think they were right. So, here is my ultimate goal my friends. Call me crazy, most people have, but this is my dream: I want to open up my own shoe store. I want to sell running shoes, basketball shoes, soccer shoes, just...ATHLETIC SHOES. I mean yeah, sell the compression shorts, the shirts, the pants and tights, the whole shebang. I was talking with a professor at an Entrepreneur Coffee House offered by the university the other night. He also happens to be a marathon runner. He also happens to be an expert at observing the economy and trends in the market. There is a running boom coming, can't you feel it? He told me he can. If I set up shop just right, in a upper-middle class neighborhood, one in which people love to run (or I create a demand) get involved in the town, and do a lot of things right, I could be successful. Now, I worked for a lawyer for 2.5 years who opened up his own practice. I KNOW how hard it is to have your own business. Wake up early in the mornings, work weekends, and maybe retire older than 65. But right now, that doesn't phase me.
"So Michael, what are you going to major in then? You ARE in college so you must have a plan." Well...plan? I mean, long-term, just look at the last paragraph. But the plan for right now is to see if I fit. What is the major you ask? It's Entrepreneurial Studies. My adviser and I think this is the best course of action. I am going to open up my own small business and the classes in this major (as we looked through many of them) will help me to be an effective business leader. Now, the major is only 51 credits. That is like 18 classes. Next semester I plan on taking 2 of these classes. So, that's 16 classes for 5 semesters. I average 3 classes per semester. If you do the math, that means I'd be a part time student. "But wait a second Michael! What about the whole shoe thing? Don't you need to know some stuff about that to sell the shoes?" GREAT QUESTION! I am also going to be looking and taking courses in Exercise Science and Athletic Training that will give me the knowledge to know what the right shoe is for the job. And hey, what about this? I could even (this is a HUGE stretch, but something nonetheless) have a gym in my store. Have a double thing going on. I don't know, that just came to me today. But at least I'm thinking! So yeah, I'm really excited about this. I hope you can be too.
Good Night World,
Michael Leather
As many of you know, I came to college with a career in mind. I was DEFINITELY going to be a secondary education history teacher. Um...btw, NOT. That changed rather quickly. So...what to do, what to do. Matt is double majoring, Bethany is trying to decide between like...four majors, Katie is double majoring, and most of my friends (if not all) have a major set. Well, I'd like to announce that I think I've officially joined the ranks my friends. I had a meeting today with my academic adviser. I told him my goal of what I want to do in life, and he showed me the tools to get there. We went through the course catalog, picked out classes, and I think I know what to do. Now, I DO reserve the right to change my mind. I am not declaring a major yet. Next semester I am only taking introductory courses to wade in, not dive in head first. What is this madness you ask? I'll tell you.
I. Love. Shoes. Ask anyone and you will know this simple fact about me. Ever since I was little, I have loved to run. I raced my friends down the block, chased Sam G. around the playground, and had aspirations to be the "fastest man in the world." I am not joking. When deciding on what you want to do for the rest of your life, you should pick something that you would do for free. I forget who said this, but I think they were right. So, here is my ultimate goal my friends. Call me crazy, most people have, but this is my dream: I want to open up my own shoe store. I want to sell running shoes, basketball shoes, soccer shoes, just...ATHLETIC SHOES. I mean yeah, sell the compression shorts, the shirts, the pants and tights, the whole shebang. I was talking with a professor at an Entrepreneur Coffee House offered by the university the other night. He also happens to be a marathon runner. He also happens to be an expert at observing the economy and trends in the market. There is a running boom coming, can't you feel it? He told me he can. If I set up shop just right, in a upper-middle class neighborhood, one in which people love to run (or I create a demand) get involved in the town, and do a lot of things right, I could be successful. Now, I worked for a lawyer for 2.5 years who opened up his own practice. I KNOW how hard it is to have your own business. Wake up early in the mornings, work weekends, and maybe retire older than 65. But right now, that doesn't phase me.
"So Michael, what are you going to major in then? You ARE in college so you must have a plan." Well...plan? I mean, long-term, just look at the last paragraph. But the plan for right now is to see if I fit. What is the major you ask? It's Entrepreneurial Studies. My adviser and I think this is the best course of action. I am going to open up my own small business and the classes in this major (as we looked through many of them) will help me to be an effective business leader. Now, the major is only 51 credits. That is like 18 classes. Next semester I plan on taking 2 of these classes. So, that's 16 classes for 5 semesters. I average 3 classes per semester. If you do the math, that means I'd be a part time student. "But wait a second Michael! What about the whole shoe thing? Don't you need to know some stuff about that to sell the shoes?" GREAT QUESTION! I am also going to be looking and taking courses in Exercise Science and Athletic Training that will give me the knowledge to know what the right shoe is for the job. And hey, what about this? I could even (this is a HUGE stretch, but something nonetheless) have a gym in my store. Have a double thing going on. I don't know, that just came to me today. But at least I'm thinking! So yeah, I'm really excited about this. I hope you can be too.
Good Night World,
Michael Leather
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
God's Gift of People
I was reading blogs and saw my friend Katie write about 10 people on her blog. She used no names, all she did was describe her ten people, and write about them. I was not going to copy her, but I have been thinking about my ten potential people for the last few days. So...I guess I'm going to do it. lol. It's not a bad thing to use another person's idea. I'm happy. I want these people to know what they mean to me. Oh, and yes, they ARE mostly girls. And let me use a disclaimer here. Just because you are not on here does not mean that I do not care deeply about you. I know a few people on here which I'd want to write more about. But...ten is a LOT and you do have to stop somewhere. Anyway, here we go:
-You are the first student I ever had contact with from Eastern University. You said "hey, we're going to be room mates!" on Facebook. Every day I watch you, and see what you are not able to do, but still overcome and I can not help but be in awe. You inspire me to run, help others, and just be a better person. Every day I just wish we could sit and talk about our days and think about life, like we did tonight. I respect you so much for what you have taught me and what I plan on learning from you. You've given me what...7(?) great months. Let's just say 2 awesome semesters. I can't wait for 6 more.
-The first thing I remember of you is yelling "HEY GUYS!" at the Fall Trip for LGP. You are so caring about everyone and everything around you. We are romantics together, planning on what our perfect mate could/should be like. We day dream of past events and those we hope to come. I vent to you, you vent to me. You finally beat me in the morning texts, but that just shows your personality even more. You are awesome. Period.
-For you m'am. I have so much to say. You are a "crick" in my neck. haha. Ok, that just gave it away. I look at you and all I can think of is "passionate follower of Christ." That and "awesome" is in red neon letters across your forehead. You have such a passion for others and foreign countries that I will never be able to fully comprehend. You have many layers. I have only seen the top few and I hope to dig deeper to get to know more about you. You brighten my day with your simple texts and asking "how are you"s. You are so ambitious and...I could go on. But just know that you have impacted my life so much, I wonder if you will ever know.
-If the last one is a layered cake, you are like...the icing. Not in terms of depth, but in terms of joy. Visiting one of you is a "2 fer 1" because there is not one I would choose over the other. I see you and wonder how someone can be that on top of things. You work, you play, you just can do everything. You get A's on just about everything, and all I can do is laugh because I know you have me beat. Talking to you is like talking to an old friend from my past. It is never off, and we can just keep going. Yes, you love the outdoors, especially when you're on a "high horse" and I don't think I've come to appreciate that yet. Know that you inspire me and make me want to be better. You rock.
-You are my first best friend on campus and essentially my only. I am a friend that shows on your feed every time someone is on your Facebook. We don't talk a whole lot for being best friends, but we just have that connection. That connection where we just know "yeah, you ARE cool, I want to hang with you." I may be better than you at James Bond, but in Halo well...you know the result. When asked about my guy friends on campus I describe as my "buddies" I listed my room mate as an obvious one, but other than that, it was all you man. You show me how to be a good guy to a girl. You show me how to be social to the world and in a relationship. For crying out loud "dude," you show me how to be better than I am right now. Our friendship may not span from morning til night, but it'll span from college til death.
-So...apparently we were separated at birth. I don't know how that happened, but it did. You MAY have blonde hair and be...rather short, but you are my twin. We talk about the hardest things imaginable, and yet we still manage to have SO much fun. My favorite times of us are just us sitting in my room, you falling asleep in my loft and us just talking. You threw me my first ever surprise party, and made it memorable. You care about me so much, and I can only HOPE to show the same "totally wickedness" back to you.
-You may have given me the broken chair in New Testament, but I forgive you. You are such a rational thinker and can solve problems so easily. You are straight forward and it's awesome. I do NOT "hate you" as some people may think they do. haha. You are awesome. You and your Oakley's can travel with on a vision quest ANY day. You're cool, and together, we form a trio. You know, with that one before?
-You are probably the most chill person...ever! You make friends so easily, everyone likes you, and just you are a great guy to be around. The room really does feel empty without you in here. Every time I'm around you, I wish I could be as well liked and just simply...amazing as you are. Your knowledge of movies, Pokemon and music is incredible. I could go on complimenting you ALL day probably, but that would take some mystery away. (Why I need mystery, I don't know.) I hope one day we can form a friendship where we can chill 1-on-1 and not just being cordial. You are a great guy.
-In life, I have one true best friend; one above all others. There is only one guy who I keep a picture of in my dorm room so I can remember the times we've had together. You are the brother I wish I had, and the brother to me that is more real than anything the "Brotherhood of Scouting" can ever teach us. People mix us up all the time, everywhere we go. Mr. Roberts thought I was completely you at the pep rally. But you know what? If people mistake me for you, that's a compliment to me. That means I'm a lot like my best friend in the history of my life. We have so many good times together, I just...I really can't say more about this bud. It's hard not having you here. I think about you every day and wish you were with me. When I go home, you are the first person I call and you are the last person I try to talk to before I leave again. I haven't forgotten about you in college, and you BETTER not forget about me next year. I mean it. You are the greatest friend to ever happen to me, and I'd hate to loose that.
-I met you all of about three weeks ago. Since that day at camp, you have changed my perception on girls for the better. You are different, oh so different, and it makes me so happy. We talk all the time, but yet, we know our limits. I have a life here, and you have a life there. When we are apart, we think about the other. When talking, all we can do is smile. There is nothing I can not share with you either about thinking in life, or in terms of making our bond stronger (or preventing it from becoming weaker). Of the seven posts on your blog, I think I'm mentioned in five. Two of which are dedicated solely to me or our time together. I can not wait to work at camp with you this summer and grow in Christ and be awesome staff members for the campers. When you visited me, that made for probably the best "chill" day at school I've ever had. And that is saying a lot considering the two days before that were probably 2 of my most favorite days here at school. You make me smile. You make me smile a lot. Every day when we start talking again, it's like I get to open up a new present and every day I am delighted. You are passionate about programs, and getting involved. That is obvious just by getting to know you and the fact that you are captain of like...everything. We've said it to each other several times, and I'll freely state it again: "God put you in my life at the right time." I don't know where you and I will go, or what we will do in life, or what we can accomplish togehter. All I know is this: If we are together, I doubt it matters. You fall asleep without texting me good night almost every night. Well here I realize I am fading fast. So I WILL say good night. :-)
Ok world, that was a lot of writing. I hope you all enjoy it. And if there are a lot of typing errors, I am sorry. I guess that just comes with writing at 2 in the morning.
Good night world,
Michael Leather
-You are the first student I ever had contact with from Eastern University. You said "hey, we're going to be room mates!" on Facebook. Every day I watch you, and see what you are not able to do, but still overcome and I can not help but be in awe. You inspire me to run, help others, and just be a better person. Every day I just wish we could sit and talk about our days and think about life, like we did tonight. I respect you so much for what you have taught me and what I plan on learning from you. You've given me what...7(?) great months. Let's just say 2 awesome semesters. I can't wait for 6 more.
-The first thing I remember of you is yelling "HEY GUYS!" at the Fall Trip for LGP. You are so caring about everyone and everything around you. We are romantics together, planning on what our perfect mate could/should be like. We day dream of past events and those we hope to come. I vent to you, you vent to me. You finally beat me in the morning texts, but that just shows your personality even more. You are awesome. Period.
-For you m'am. I have so much to say. You are a "crick" in my neck. haha. Ok, that just gave it away. I look at you and all I can think of is "passionate follower of Christ." That and "awesome" is in red neon letters across your forehead. You have such a passion for others and foreign countries that I will never be able to fully comprehend. You have many layers. I have only seen the top few and I hope to dig deeper to get to know more about you. You brighten my day with your simple texts and asking "how are you"s. You are so ambitious and...I could go on. But just know that you have impacted my life so much, I wonder if you will ever know.
-If the last one is a layered cake, you are like...the icing. Not in terms of depth, but in terms of joy. Visiting one of you is a "2 fer 1" because there is not one I would choose over the other. I see you and wonder how someone can be that on top of things. You work, you play, you just can do everything. You get A's on just about everything, and all I can do is laugh because I know you have me beat. Talking to you is like talking to an old friend from my past. It is never off, and we can just keep going. Yes, you love the outdoors, especially when you're on a "high horse" and I don't think I've come to appreciate that yet. Know that you inspire me and make me want to be better. You rock.
-You are my first best friend on campus and essentially my only. I am a friend that shows on your feed every time someone is on your Facebook. We don't talk a whole lot for being best friends, but we just have that connection. That connection where we just know "yeah, you ARE cool, I want to hang with you." I may be better than you at James Bond, but in Halo well...you know the result. When asked about my guy friends on campus I describe as my "buddies" I listed my room mate as an obvious one, but other than that, it was all you man. You show me how to be a good guy to a girl. You show me how to be social to the world and in a relationship. For crying out loud "dude," you show me how to be better than I am right now. Our friendship may not span from morning til night, but it'll span from college til death.
-So...apparently we were separated at birth. I don't know how that happened, but it did. You MAY have blonde hair and be...rather short, but you are my twin. We talk about the hardest things imaginable, and yet we still manage to have SO much fun. My favorite times of us are just us sitting in my room, you falling asleep in my loft and us just talking. You threw me my first ever surprise party, and made it memorable. You care about me so much, and I can only HOPE to show the same "totally wickedness" back to you.
-You may have given me the broken chair in New Testament, but I forgive you. You are such a rational thinker and can solve problems so easily. You are straight forward and it's awesome. I do NOT "hate you" as some people may think they do. haha. You are awesome. You and your Oakley's can travel with on a vision quest ANY day. You're cool, and together, we form a trio. You know, with that one before?
-You are probably the most chill person...ever! You make friends so easily, everyone likes you, and just you are a great guy to be around. The room really does feel empty without you in here. Every time I'm around you, I wish I could be as well liked and just simply...amazing as you are. Your knowledge of movies, Pokemon and music is incredible. I could go on complimenting you ALL day probably, but that would take some mystery away. (Why I need mystery, I don't know.) I hope one day we can form a friendship where we can chill 1-on-1 and not just being cordial. You are a great guy.
-In life, I have one true best friend; one above all others. There is only one guy who I keep a picture of in my dorm room so I can remember the times we've had together. You are the brother I wish I had, and the brother to me that is more real than anything the "Brotherhood of Scouting" can ever teach us. People mix us up all the time, everywhere we go. Mr. Roberts thought I was completely you at the pep rally. But you know what? If people mistake me for you, that's a compliment to me. That means I'm a lot like my best friend in the history of my life. We have so many good times together, I just...I really can't say more about this bud. It's hard not having you here. I think about you every day and wish you were with me. When I go home, you are the first person I call and you are the last person I try to talk to before I leave again. I haven't forgotten about you in college, and you BETTER not forget about me next year. I mean it. You are the greatest friend to ever happen to me, and I'd hate to loose that.
-I met you all of about three weeks ago. Since that day at camp, you have changed my perception on girls for the better. You are different, oh so different, and it makes me so happy. We talk all the time, but yet, we know our limits. I have a life here, and you have a life there. When we are apart, we think about the other. When talking, all we can do is smile. There is nothing I can not share with you either about thinking in life, or in terms of making our bond stronger (or preventing it from becoming weaker). Of the seven posts on your blog, I think I'm mentioned in five. Two of which are dedicated solely to me or our time together. I can not wait to work at camp with you this summer and grow in Christ and be awesome staff members for the campers. When you visited me, that made for probably the best "chill" day at school I've ever had. And that is saying a lot considering the two days before that were probably 2 of my most favorite days here at school. You make me smile. You make me smile a lot. Every day when we start talking again, it's like I get to open up a new present and every day I am delighted. You are passionate about programs, and getting involved. That is obvious just by getting to know you and the fact that you are captain of like...everything. We've said it to each other several times, and I'll freely state it again: "God put you in my life at the right time." I don't know where you and I will go, or what we will do in life, or what we can accomplish togehter. All I know is this: If we are together, I doubt it matters. You fall asleep without texting me good night almost every night. Well here I realize I am fading fast. So I WILL say good night. :-)
Ok world, that was a lot of writing. I hope you all enjoy it. And if there are a lot of typing errors, I am sorry. I guess that just comes with writing at 2 in the morning.
Good night world,
Michael Leather
Monday, March 22, 2010
God <---> Good
These two words are not LITERALLY interchangeable, but when I think of "good" I know God is in that, and God IS good. Just something interesting to think about. There is a one letter different between "God" and "Good." I wonder if there is a reason behind that in the anatomy(I think this is the wrong word) of the word or not.
I went to The Vine tonight at Church of the Saviour. The Pastor is a good guy. During his sermon I wrote down a lot of stuff. I also wrote down a fair amount of lyrics. Stuff tonight really made me think. However, it is 1:45 and I want to sleep for 8 hours tonight. So I won't expound on them. I'll just throw them out and let you chew on them:
-Death is crushed to death, life is mine to live
-You made us friends when we were your enemies (Pastor said in his opening prayer)
-Faith is to believe what we do not see
-People today want proof. We won't believe that Big Foot is real unless we see a legitimate picture of him. But we are to believe in God. Do we have/need proof?
-Dust Jackets on books testify great words for the pages inside. Are we, as Christians, good dust jackets for God?
- "I don't do the choosing, God does. And he is good." (Woman talking about going back to do Missionary Work all over again at the same place after she was a prisoner of war and her husband was murdered there.)
Ok, this part is the only "quote" part I will have that I need to write down in a paragraph. The worship leader was praying. One thing in particular he was praying about was for a family who's son committed suicide. The leader said "LORD, we just hope that the boy came to you first before committing his act." Wait...huh? I forget exactly religion it is, but there is one where they believe that if you commit suicide, that you go to Hell automatically. I kinda thought that was true. The worship leader saying this just threw me off. (I am NOT contemplating killing myself or anything like that. I am simply asking a question for theological understanding) If I commit suicide, and I ask Jesus in to my heart before I die, I can still go to Heaven? I mean, I guess suicide is just like every sin. But I'm just confused. I didn't know what to think and I may need to talk to Matt or Chelsea or just someone more knowledgeable about this.
Ok. Done for the night.
Good Night world,
Michael Leather
I went to The Vine tonight at Church of the Saviour. The Pastor is a good guy. During his sermon I wrote down a lot of stuff. I also wrote down a fair amount of lyrics. Stuff tonight really made me think. However, it is 1:45 and I want to sleep for 8 hours tonight. So I won't expound on them. I'll just throw them out and let you chew on them:
-Death is crushed to death, life is mine to live
-You made us friends when we were your enemies (Pastor said in his opening prayer)
-Faith is to believe what we do not see
-People today want proof. We won't believe that Big Foot is real unless we see a legitimate picture of him. But we are to believe in God. Do we have/need proof?
-Dust Jackets on books testify great words for the pages inside. Are we, as Christians, good dust jackets for God?
- "I don't do the choosing, God does. And he is good." (Woman talking about going back to do Missionary Work all over again at the same place after she was a prisoner of war and her husband was murdered there.)
Ok, this part is the only "quote" part I will have that I need to write down in a paragraph. The worship leader was praying. One thing in particular he was praying about was for a family who's son committed suicide. The leader said "LORD, we just hope that the boy came to you first before committing his act." Wait...huh? I forget exactly religion it is, but there is one where they believe that if you commit suicide, that you go to Hell automatically. I kinda thought that was true. The worship leader saying this just threw me off. (I am NOT contemplating killing myself or anything like that. I am simply asking a question for theological understanding) If I commit suicide, and I ask Jesus in to my heart before I die, I can still go to Heaven? I mean, I guess suicide is just like every sin. But I'm just confused. I didn't know what to think and I may need to talk to Matt or Chelsea or just someone more knowledgeable about this.
Ok. Done for the night.
Good Night world,
Michael Leather
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Could I borrow your camera?
Ever have one of those days that you wish you could video tape? One of those days that was just so great that you wish you had something to mark it and remember it for years to come? Today was one of those days. Yes, yes it was a girl. For those of you who are flipping out because you have not heard about her, I'll explain. At Innabah two weekends ago, there was a staff interview like I talked about. There was a girl named Jess there. We started to talk almost right away that weekend and have been in constant contact, and if you ask my friends about how much I have been texting you'll understand how CONSTANT I mean. So we were talking and wanted to hang out, out of the camp setting so she drove (surprisingly) 30 minutes to come to Eastern. We spent basically the whole day together. Today was basically my 3rd AWESOME day in a row. Athletics day with Jon, "Crickin" with Paul, Erin and Bethany, then today.
So, Jess got to campus around 12:15 and went directly to Cosi. It was delicious. Oh my gosh it was. We were walking and I saw that I was being nervous. I was talking SO much it was almost dumb. I tried a few times to act cool by sitting back in my chair, sitting on a railing, and balancing on the sidewalk (oh...that all didn't actually happen IN Cosi. I can see my Dad asking that question), but it didn't work. I was SO nervous and happy. We ate, I found out she didn't like sea food, I got unhappy, she found out I don't like tacos and SHE got unhappy, so it was all good.
We walked back to school and stopped over in Fenimore Woods. We went in to the creek and I taught Jess how to skip stones. She got pretty good and I failed. I actually almost hit her feet with one. Smoooooth move. Then I got adventurous and tried to make a land bridge to the other side. So...I gave up and just threw down a stick and jumped off of it. haha. Nonetheless, that was cool. After just sitting down for a while, we decided to go back on to campus (a 1 minuteish walk). I then proceeded to give the grand tour of the campus. I did NOT show her the library because Chelsea was giving me a hard time on that. But everything else I pretty much showed Jess.
We then met up with Chelsea and Katherine down at another creek that actually drains FROM Fenimore and just waded through. It was fun. I then talked to a kid named Eric and learned a little bit about the "Make Your Own Major" option here at school. I STILL am trying to figure out what to do. ANYWAY, Jess and I proceeded to walk back to the room. We WERE going to get a blanket and just sit out in the sun until dinner which was only 30 minutes later, but we just sat in my room which was (temperature) cool.
Dinner was not bad tonight. haha. Jess got a 30 CENT discount I believe. I'll have to check the prices for Sunday Dinner tho. After dinner we had one of the best parts of the night. We sat by the pond outside of Walton. She sat facing towards the water and I did too originally. But...then I saw a frisbee and tried to get it from the water but that failed. So instead I just sat facing away from the water and we talked while looking at each other. That was great. It's interesting how much information you can cover in such a short amount of time.
After that was watching Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. It is a GREAT movie. Jess liked it. We just sat on the couch and just had fun talking, laughing, yeah it was great.
Something I thought was interesting was that she remembered EVERYONE'S name that she met! Jess = extrovert. It was cool to see that in her. And the name thing is not the only extroverted quality I've seen in her. Just another observation. So yeah, it was a GREAT day. I wish it could happen again and hopefully we can hang out more. We'll see how that goes. Worst comes to worst is that I'll see her at Innabah for like...9 weeks this summer.
I then spent a while with Matt, Bethany and Erin watching The Truman Show. Wow...is THAT an interesting movie. I have a lot to think about on that. But it's 4:15. Maybe I'll unwrap that later. Then I talked with Paul and Matt just chilling. THEN I had a good like...2 hour conversation with Bethany.
Well...that's it. Well, not IT it. But that's all. Today has been a great day and I'm rather sad to see it end. I guess that's why I'm still up at quarter after four. I just...don't want to let it stop. But everyone has gone to sleep and so too must I. With that, I will bid you all adieu.
Good night world,
Michael Leather
So, Jess got to campus around 12:15 and went directly to Cosi. It was delicious. Oh my gosh it was. We were walking and I saw that I was being nervous. I was talking SO much it was almost dumb. I tried a few times to act cool by sitting back in my chair, sitting on a railing, and balancing on the sidewalk (oh...that all didn't actually happen IN Cosi. I can see my Dad asking that question), but it didn't work. I was SO nervous and happy. We ate, I found out she didn't like sea food, I got unhappy, she found out I don't like tacos and SHE got unhappy, so it was all good.
We walked back to school and stopped over in Fenimore Woods. We went in to the creek and I taught Jess how to skip stones. She got pretty good and I failed. I actually almost hit her feet with one. Smoooooth move. Then I got adventurous and tried to make a land bridge to the other side. So...I gave up and just threw down a stick and jumped off of it. haha. Nonetheless, that was cool. After just sitting down for a while, we decided to go back on to campus (a 1 minuteish walk). I then proceeded to give the grand tour of the campus. I did NOT show her the library because Chelsea was giving me a hard time on that. But everything else I pretty much showed Jess.
We then met up with Chelsea and Katherine down at another creek that actually drains FROM Fenimore and just waded through. It was fun. I then talked to a kid named Eric and learned a little bit about the "Make Your Own Major" option here at school. I STILL am trying to figure out what to do. ANYWAY, Jess and I proceeded to walk back to the room. We WERE going to get a blanket and just sit out in the sun until dinner which was only 30 minutes later, but we just sat in my room which was (temperature) cool.
Dinner was not bad tonight. haha. Jess got a 30 CENT discount I believe. I'll have to check the prices for Sunday Dinner tho. After dinner we had one of the best parts of the night. We sat by the pond outside of Walton. She sat facing towards the water and I did too originally. But...then I saw a frisbee and tried to get it from the water but that failed. So instead I just sat facing away from the water and we talked while looking at each other. That was great. It's interesting how much information you can cover in such a short amount of time.
After that was watching Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. It is a GREAT movie. Jess liked it. We just sat on the couch and just had fun talking, laughing, yeah it was great.
Something I thought was interesting was that she remembered EVERYONE'S name that she met! Jess = extrovert. It was cool to see that in her. And the name thing is not the only extroverted quality I've seen in her. Just another observation. So yeah, it was a GREAT day. I wish it could happen again and hopefully we can hang out more. We'll see how that goes. Worst comes to worst is that I'll see her at Innabah for like...9 weeks this summer.
I then spent a while with Matt, Bethany and Erin watching The Truman Show. Wow...is THAT an interesting movie. I have a lot to think about on that. But it's 4:15. Maybe I'll unwrap that later. Then I talked with Paul and Matt just chilling. THEN I had a good like...2 hour conversation with Bethany.
Well...that's it. Well, not IT it. But that's all. Today has been a great day and I'm rather sad to see it end. I guess that's why I'm still up at quarter after four. I just...don't want to let it stop. But everyone has gone to sleep and so too must I. With that, I will bid you all adieu.
Good night world,
Michael Leather
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Vision Quest
Yesterday was my athletics day. I was literally doing some sort of activity outside form about 1:15 until 5:30. Then after dinner was done, I went and worked out. But that was then, and this is now (good book by the way.)
Today I kind of cracked out of my shell. Today I was not Michael. Today I was a new man. After classes were done, I went with Bethany to lunch. We ate outside. I was with my friends Heather, Erin, Bethany, and Julie. We were outside of Walton and just talking. That's it. But normally I'm the one who is quiet and listens while everyone else is joking. Today I was the main person talking. It was interesting, but I LOVED it. I then suggested that we go play frisbee or something. They agreed. But then once we all got together, things changed.
The group dynamics changed. Julie had a meeting, my friend Paul was free, and we met up with our friend Kara on the hill near Kea-Guffin. We just all laid down on the hill basking in the warmth of the sun. Then something happened. I do not remember who, but someone had the idea for us to go play in the creek. (Or as my friend Chelsea INSISTS on calling it: "crick.") We went to Fenimore Woods and started playing in the creek. Heather and Kara went back shortly, so it was just Erin, Bethany, Paul and I.
We just decided to keep trekking down the creek. We were just talking and laughing and having an AWESOME time. Oh, and for those of you who know me, YES, yes I WAS barefoot and YES it did feel odd. We actually walked down to under a bridge and stood. It was awesome. The water was SO cold, but...it was a great time.
After this, my friend Justin and I played frisbee for a while before all of us went to dinner. Dinner was realllly good tonight. Not bad food. After dinner I just hung out with my friends in the room with both of my room mates gone for the night. I watched two movies and now I am here. Let me tell you, this is an AWESOME day!!! I wish every day could be like this.
Now, I am still trying to figure out how I changed today. What made me so different? I think it started at lunch. All of us were just talking and...I felt comfortable. Then it changed again when we all met up with Paul. Paul just has that...aura to him and that always changes me. But everything was completely different once we started talking. Paul...addressed me by a different name, one I talked about in a previous post. He called me "Michael Leather." No, it's not much of a change, but I think that flipped a huge switch in me. When we were "crickin," he said "Michael Leather, wanna do this?" Michael would say no, but Michael Leather was like "LET'S DO IT!" I just felt so happy. All we did was walk in a cold, slippery, sharp creek but I had the best time ever. After coming out from under the bridge, Paul, Erin and I (Bethany got a cut and had to leave) were thinking. Paul and Erin and part Cherokee Indian and they were joking that we all had just come back from a "vision quest." That's one of the Indian traditions where a boy goes off into the wilderness and becomes a man. Basically they were joking and saying we were changed. Well...I think they were right. At least for me, that's true. Today has been a new day for me. People have seen me different from than I normally am. It wasn't all good, but it was more good than bad I believe. Today has been MY vision quest day. I think I am officially "Michael Leather" and I LOVE it.
Yeah, I think that's it really. Like...today has honestly just been a euphoric day. I can't describe this feeling I have. But it's like I'm back at camp again and I'm making friends with all of these people I already knew. I just...yeah. It's awesome. Now it is time to rest and get ready for another AWESOME day.
Good night world,
Michael Leather
Today I kind of cracked out of my shell. Today I was not Michael. Today I was a new man. After classes were done, I went with Bethany to lunch. We ate outside. I was with my friends Heather, Erin, Bethany, and Julie. We were outside of Walton and just talking. That's it. But normally I'm the one who is quiet and listens while everyone else is joking. Today I was the main person talking. It was interesting, but I LOVED it. I then suggested that we go play frisbee or something. They agreed. But then once we all got together, things changed.
The group dynamics changed. Julie had a meeting, my friend Paul was free, and we met up with our friend Kara on the hill near Kea-Guffin. We just all laid down on the hill basking in the warmth of the sun. Then something happened. I do not remember who, but someone had the idea for us to go play in the creek. (Or as my friend Chelsea INSISTS on calling it: "crick.") We went to Fenimore Woods and started playing in the creek. Heather and Kara went back shortly, so it was just Erin, Bethany, Paul and I.
We just decided to keep trekking down the creek. We were just talking and laughing and having an AWESOME time. Oh, and for those of you who know me, YES, yes I WAS barefoot and YES it did feel odd. We actually walked down to under a bridge and stood. It was awesome. The water was SO cold, but...it was a great time.
After this, my friend Justin and I played frisbee for a while before all of us went to dinner. Dinner was realllly good tonight. Not bad food. After dinner I just hung out with my friends in the room with both of my room mates gone for the night. I watched two movies and now I am here. Let me tell you, this is an AWESOME day!!! I wish every day could be like this.
Now, I am still trying to figure out how I changed today. What made me so different? I think it started at lunch. All of us were just talking and...I felt comfortable. Then it changed again when we all met up with Paul. Paul just has that...aura to him and that always changes me. But everything was completely different once we started talking. Paul...addressed me by a different name, one I talked about in a previous post. He called me "Michael Leather." No, it's not much of a change, but I think that flipped a huge switch in me. When we were "crickin," he said "Michael Leather, wanna do this?" Michael would say no, but Michael Leather was like "LET'S DO IT!" I just felt so happy. All we did was walk in a cold, slippery, sharp creek but I had the best time ever. After coming out from under the bridge, Paul, Erin and I (Bethany got a cut and had to leave) were thinking. Paul and Erin and part Cherokee Indian and they were joking that we all had just come back from a "vision quest." That's one of the Indian traditions where a boy goes off into the wilderness and becomes a man. Basically they were joking and saying we were changed. Well...I think they were right. At least for me, that's true. Today has been a new day for me. People have seen me different from than I normally am. It wasn't all good, but it was more good than bad I believe. Today has been MY vision quest day. I think I am officially "Michael Leather" and I LOVE it.
Yeah, I think that's it really. Like...today has honestly just been a euphoric day. I can't describe this feeling I have. But it's like I'm back at camp again and I'm making friends with all of these people I already knew. I just...yeah. It's awesome. Now it is time to rest and get ready for another AWESOME day.
Good night world,
Michael Leather
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Wishful Thinking
Smile at me with those pearly whites
They tell me everything will be all right
I wake to you every day
Hoping it always to be that way
Your hugs are like medicine to my bones
They lift my spirits when I am alone
You're my Mona Lisa, my greatest prize
I thank God every time your image is in my eyes
Where we've been to where we go,
With you I'll be, for this I know
You are my love, my Earthly pride
Promise me you'll always be by my side
God has given me my best friend
Our friendship will never cease, will never end
We'll grow old, walking hand in hand
We'll look at the young, knowing our love great than all the land
Please stay mine, my only one
'Til my last breath on Earth be done
Good night world,
Michael Leather
(What this sad attempt at poetry is supposed to portray, hopefully we both find out one day)
They tell me everything will be all right
I wake to you every day
Hoping it always to be that way
Your hugs are like medicine to my bones
They lift my spirits when I am alone
You're my Mona Lisa, my greatest prize
I thank God every time your image is in my eyes
Where we've been to where we go,
With you I'll be, for this I know
You are my love, my Earthly pride
Promise me you'll always be by my side
God has given me my best friend
Our friendship will never cease, will never end
We'll grow old, walking hand in hand
We'll look at the young, knowing our love great than all the land
Please stay mine, my only one
'Til my last breath on Earth be done
Good night world,
Michael Leather
(What this sad attempt at poetry is supposed to portray, hopefully we both find out one day)
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Are You Ok?
I'm recalling this day in my head and I believe that I have been asked this question maybe ten times by at least five different people. At one point my room mate didn't ask if I was ok, he flat out said "What is wrong?" I was asked so much in fact, that I started to think that I HAD to have a problem. I mean, I was walking past a kid today, I smiled and said hi, kept texting, and he stopped, turned around and said "are you ok?" I was like...."Yeah. Why do you ask?" I sincerely don't believe I've had a problem all day. I mean yeah, I woke up at 4am and went running, I had my two least favorite classes today, and nothing exciting has happened. But I don't think I ever SHOWED a problem nor really HAD one. So I was brushing my teeth saying to my self "What IS wrong with you? Is there?" I only got one answer.
This past weekend at camp, I had an awesome time. I absolutely love Innabah to a depth that most people may not be able to fathom. When I am there, as I was talking to Chelsea about today, I am a completely new/different person. I love being that extroverted happy person at Innabah. I even feel more at home at Innabah than I do at my OWN house some times. I want to go back so badly, and that may be my "problem." I KNOW that I should not go back this summer. If I did, it would be a completely selfish act. I messed up and didn't get RA so now I need to live with the fact that I need to get a lot of money that I didn't earn for being RA. I also know that camp does not pay NEARLY enough to what I need. Let me start a new paragraph and break this down.
Michael + Innabah = Short term, selfish fulfillment.
Michael + Summer Job(s) = Less stress on parents and long term gain.
I have to make the "adult" decision when it comes to Innabah this summer and I know EXACTLY what that means: don't go. But here is the problem, the making the adult DECISION part. If you know anything about me, you know that man created the wheel in less time than it takes me to make a decision and in this instance, I must be decisive. So all of it is just stressful I guess. I want to make my parents happy, help pay for my SUPER expensive schooling, and my self be happy. Not to mention I have the most ridiculous allergies right now. The point to focus on is this: be happy NOW or be happy LATER?
You know the old trick of flipping a coin? Heads for one decision and tails for another? When you flip and you see the answer "fate" has provided you, you think about the decision. If you are happy with it, it was the right decision. If you are unhappy, then you know the other answer was right in the first place. Well, if I were to flip a coin, I'd only be happy if it landed on the side that says "Innabah." To help me get a job, buy a house, have a LIFE, I of course know that the side of my coin says "job." Again, happy now...or later?
I'm exhausted and this is probably very poor writing tonight. My friend Stefan is coming tomorrow and I want to sleep so I can be happy with/for him tomorrow. So...I'm off to bed.
Good night world,
Michael Leather
This past weekend at camp, I had an awesome time. I absolutely love Innabah to a depth that most people may not be able to fathom. When I am there, as I was talking to Chelsea about today, I am a completely new/different person. I love being that extroverted happy person at Innabah. I even feel more at home at Innabah than I do at my OWN house some times. I want to go back so badly, and that may be my "problem." I KNOW that I should not go back this summer. If I did, it would be a completely selfish act. I messed up and didn't get RA so now I need to live with the fact that I need to get a lot of money that I didn't earn for being RA. I also know that camp does not pay NEARLY enough to what I need. Let me start a new paragraph and break this down.
Michael + Innabah = Short term, selfish fulfillment.
Michael + Summer Job(s) = Less stress on parents and long term gain.
I have to make the "adult" decision when it comes to Innabah this summer and I know EXACTLY what that means: don't go. But here is the problem, the making the adult DECISION part. If you know anything about me, you know that man created the wheel in less time than it takes me to make a decision and in this instance, I must be decisive. So all of it is just stressful I guess. I want to make my parents happy, help pay for my SUPER expensive schooling, and my self be happy. Not to mention I have the most ridiculous allergies right now. The point to focus on is this: be happy NOW or be happy LATER?
You know the old trick of flipping a coin? Heads for one decision and tails for another? When you flip and you see the answer "fate" has provided you, you think about the decision. If you are happy with it, it was the right decision. If you are unhappy, then you know the other answer was right in the first place. Well, if I were to flip a coin, I'd only be happy if it landed on the side that says "Innabah." To help me get a job, buy a house, have a LIFE, I of course know that the side of my coin says "job." Again, happy now...or later?
I'm exhausted and this is probably very poor writing tonight. My friend Stefan is coming tomorrow and I want to sleep so I can be happy with/for him tomorrow. So...I'm off to bed.
Good night world,
Michael Leather
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Two Wrongs Make a Squiggle
Today I met with Travis Yoder, the RD over in Eagle. He interviewed me for RA in January and I just met with him to ask about our interview and what to do better. Let me just say right off the bat, just as he said to me, this is in no way meant to be insulting (if something questionable comes up) nor am I mad. I just met with him and I don't want to forget what he said but also I want to unpack it. I also just want to know what my friends think, if what he said is true.
First things first, Travis asked me to have coffee with him. I do not drink coffee. I told him we could meet, but I wouldn't drink coffee and he said it would be on him. Um...I only know 1 think on the menu and don't like really trying new food so I got a Chai Chiller. It was $3.50!!! He got a coffee and it was $1.40. I felt SOOOO bad. But I didn't want to act like I was an unsure person or whatever so I just went with it. Just thought I would share that.
So apparently NONE of the mannerisms that I thought BLEW it for me in the interview actually meant ANYTHING. Travis said that I was ":hesitation: Too intense" in the interview. He said that this showed I was excited and eager for the job and this is great for an RA at the beginning of the year. However, he thought that I would burn out around Christmas time and after the beginning, I may not know what to do. Also, older students (Junior and Seniors) would not take kindly to an intense Sophomore RA very well. I can't disagree. The way I was intense apparently was the fact that I went "here, then over here, then over there, and gave the package of [my] answer." Thinking back, he is TOTALLY right.
Another thing he saw in me is that I may have trouble with authority. When he said this I thought 2 things. 1) How on EARTH did he figure that out because I really don't and 2) Dad is gonna be TICKED when he hears that. Anyway, in the interview the RDs asked about the hardest thing in my life and I talked about my trail to Eagle. From a few situations he said, it seemed as if I had problem with people above me and an RD does not want an RA who they will have problems with. Ok, I give him that. I honestly do not have problems with authority but I can see how he thought that. Like we both agreed on, the RA process is not perfect and the RDs don't really get to know the applicants perfectly well.
Travis saw that I understood "X,Y, and Z" about being an RA and how they fit in the pie. He said to me though that X,Y, and Z are only a small portion of that big pie and he thought I didn't truly understand the real job of what an RA is or does. We talked about what the other parts of the pie are and I thought to my self "Yeah...I knew all of that." Again though, through the questions and the faulty process, sometimes you can't get that across.
Travis also said that he thought I needed another year of maturation. With watching my RA and getting involved next year, I can grow more and become a better RA my junior year. He said that with what he did and his thought, he's willing to give me up for one year to hopefully get me for two. He had thoughts that maybe if I was an RA next year I would burn out. But with maturation, I can also find out the other pieces of the pie I just talked about that I am missing.
One last thing Travis said in which I honestly think he was wrong about me. He told me to answer honestly next year. He said that when I answer honestly next time that they can see ME. He said that the interview isn't necessarily about how I answer the questions but is more about finding out who I am. I agree with that for the interview process. But...Travis told me to be honest. That hurt. Because he told me to be honest "next time" to me that means he thought I wasn't honest this time. And...honesty is probably one of the biggest things about me. I want honesty 24/7 even if it hurts someone right then. That's why I asked Travis to tell me the bad things because I wanted to hear the truth.
In all, Travis told me that he liked how I came to him and asked to hear all of that. He said it shows maturity and he hopes to see me in the application process again next year. That made me feel REALLY good. Well Travis, you better believe that I'll see you next year. Now, it's time for me to go on a run.
Talk to you later world,
Michael Leather
First things first, Travis asked me to have coffee with him. I do not drink coffee. I told him we could meet, but I wouldn't drink coffee and he said it would be on him. Um...I only know 1 think on the menu and don't like really trying new food so I got a Chai Chiller. It was $3.50!!! He got a coffee and it was $1.40. I felt SOOOO bad. But I didn't want to act like I was an unsure person or whatever so I just went with it. Just thought I would share that.
So apparently NONE of the mannerisms that I thought BLEW it for me in the interview actually meant ANYTHING. Travis said that I was ":hesitation: Too intense" in the interview. He said that this showed I was excited and eager for the job and this is great for an RA at the beginning of the year. However, he thought that I would burn out around Christmas time and after the beginning, I may not know what to do. Also, older students (Junior and Seniors) would not take kindly to an intense Sophomore RA very well. I can't disagree. The way I was intense apparently was the fact that I went "here, then over here, then over there, and gave the package of [my] answer." Thinking back, he is TOTALLY right.
Another thing he saw in me is that I may have trouble with authority. When he said this I thought 2 things. 1) How on EARTH did he figure that out because I really don't and 2) Dad is gonna be TICKED when he hears that. Anyway, in the interview the RDs asked about the hardest thing in my life and I talked about my trail to Eagle. From a few situations he said, it seemed as if I had problem with people above me and an RD does not want an RA who they will have problems with. Ok, I give him that. I honestly do not have problems with authority but I can see how he thought that. Like we both agreed on, the RA process is not perfect and the RDs don't really get to know the applicants perfectly well.
Travis saw that I understood "X,Y, and Z" about being an RA and how they fit in the pie. He said to me though that X,Y, and Z are only a small portion of that big pie and he thought I didn't truly understand the real job of what an RA is or does. We talked about what the other parts of the pie are and I thought to my self "Yeah...I knew all of that." Again though, through the questions and the faulty process, sometimes you can't get that across.
Travis also said that he thought I needed another year of maturation. With watching my RA and getting involved next year, I can grow more and become a better RA my junior year. He said that with what he did and his thought, he's willing to give me up for one year to hopefully get me for two. He had thoughts that maybe if I was an RA next year I would burn out. But with maturation, I can also find out the other pieces of the pie I just talked about that I am missing.
One last thing Travis said in which I honestly think he was wrong about me. He told me to answer honestly next year. He said that when I answer honestly next time that they can see ME. He said that the interview isn't necessarily about how I answer the questions but is more about finding out who I am. I agree with that for the interview process. But...Travis told me to be honest. That hurt. Because he told me to be honest "next time" to me that means he thought I wasn't honest this time. And...honesty is probably one of the biggest things about me. I want honesty 24/7 even if it hurts someone right then. That's why I asked Travis to tell me the bad things because I wanted to hear the truth.
In all, Travis told me that he liked how I came to him and asked to hear all of that. He said it shows maturity and he hopes to see me in the application process again next year. That made me feel REALLY good. Well Travis, you better believe that I'll see you next year. Now, it's time for me to go on a run.
Talk to you later world,
Michael Leather
Just The Way You Are
I was sitting with my friend Kirsten last night. She asked me what my favorite love song was. I didn't know what to answer. I had a bunch of song from Styx's "Babe" to Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah. Well I think this is one of my favorites, if not my most favorite: Billy Joel's Just The Way You Are:
Don't go changing, to try and please me
You never let me down before
Don't imagine you're too familiar
And I don't see you anymore
I wouldn't leave you in times of trouble
We never could have come this far
I took the good times, I'll take the bad times
I'll take you just the way you are
Don't go trying some new fashion
Don't change the color of your hair
You always have my unspoken passion
Although I might not seem to care
I don't want clever conversation
I never want to work that hard
I just want someone that I can talk to
I want you just the way you are.
I need to know that you will always be
The same old someone that I knew
What will it take 'till you believe in me
The way that I believe in you.
I said I love you, and that's forever
And this I promise from the heart
I could not love you any better
I love you just the way you are.
Don't go changing, to try and please me
You never let me down before
Don't imagine you're too familiar
And I don't see you anymore
I wouldn't leave you in times of trouble
We never could have come this far
I took the good times, I'll take the bad times
I'll take you just the way you are
Don't go trying some new fashion
Don't change the color of your hair
You always have my unspoken passion
Although I might not seem to care
I don't want clever conversation
I never want to work that hard
I just want someone that I can talk to
I want you just the way you are.
I need to know that you will always be
The same old someone that I knew
What will it take 'till you believe in me
The way that I believe in you.
I said I love you, and that's forever
And this I promise from the heart
I could not love you any better
I love you just the way you are.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Dr. Leather & Mr. Mike
Isn't it interesting how something as purely simple as a name can affect and change a person's character?
At my school, my name is Michael. Michael is a fair student, caring, compassionate, quiet, and introverted. He is not super involved in the school itself. I think Michael is that friend in the background who people know they can go to and always count on and when they need someone, they know they can go right there. I love being Michael. He's a nice guy and that I think is the worst thing I can personally say about him. Michael needs to grow in maturity as well as spiritually. This is nothing new and something he has worked on his whole life.
At Innabah, my name is Michael Leather. One person calls me solely by my first name at camp and everyone else calls me by both. When someone calls me Michael Leather, my personality shifts completely. Michael Leather is loud, an extrovert, a Boy Scout, a "goody goody," liked by just about everyone, and is known by EVERYONE. Michael Leather is just...different. He is confident in everything he does. Michael Leather has the ABILITY to do something wrong, but he doesn't think he will and is willing to make a mistake to learn. He walks around with his head up high and just feels 9 feet tall. Michael Leather is a really cool guy.
So who am I? Michael Leather or Michael? These two guys are TOTALLY different. I enjoy being both but I wonder...should I choose to be one? Is there room to be both guys? Can I meld them somehow even tho they are so different? No, I don't know these questions and I just thought about it today. But it's interesting. I know I have more fun and purely enjoy being Michael Leather. Michael is rather blan but a really good guy (not saying Michael Leather isn't). I wonder. Ok, time for homework.
Good night world,
Michael Leather
At my school, my name is Michael. Michael is a fair student, caring, compassionate, quiet, and introverted. He is not super involved in the school itself. I think Michael is that friend in the background who people know they can go to and always count on and when they need someone, they know they can go right there. I love being Michael. He's a nice guy and that I think is the worst thing I can personally say about him. Michael needs to grow in maturity as well as spiritually. This is nothing new and something he has worked on his whole life.
At Innabah, my name is Michael Leather. One person calls me solely by my first name at camp and everyone else calls me by both. When someone calls me Michael Leather, my personality shifts completely. Michael Leather is loud, an extrovert, a Boy Scout, a "goody goody," liked by just about everyone, and is known by EVERYONE. Michael Leather is just...different. He is confident in everything he does. Michael Leather has the ABILITY to do something wrong, but he doesn't think he will and is willing to make a mistake to learn. He walks around with his head up high and just feels 9 feet tall. Michael Leather is a really cool guy.
So who am I? Michael Leather or Michael? These two guys are TOTALLY different. I enjoy being both but I wonder...should I choose to be one? Is there room to be both guys? Can I meld them somehow even tho they are so different? No, I don't know these questions and I just thought about it today. But it's interesting. I know I have more fun and purely enjoy being Michael Leather. Michael is rather blan but a really good guy (not saying Michael Leather isn't). I wonder. Ok, time for homework.
Good night world,
Michael Leather
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Stairway Secrets
I'm just sitting here. It is 1:20 in the morning and I'm writing a blog. I must be nuts. Everyone in the Farmhouse (that is the guys quarters here at Innabah) have gone to sleep. I am sitting at the top of the staircase and my bed is just around the corner. I just got on my computer to check my email and my Facebook and somehow I ended up here on my blog. I don't even know what to say tonight. But now that I'm thinking about it, this stairway I'm sitting on means a lot to me.
Years ago when I was a camper here at Innabah, I would see the male staff members run up these very stairs and I would wonder what mystical world was at the top. Tonight I am sitting at the top, looking at the landing and then I can see the spiral down to where I used to look not too long ago. It's interesting seeing the difference. I no longer have magical thoughts of the world above, nor do I help to create one. haha. I simply know that the guys live up here. Now, there is "magic" in that sense because we can tell jokes, laugh, talk about whatever and have fun. The upstairs to the Farmhouse may be "magic" but certainly not what I used to think it was. Two years ago I looked up here, and now I'm looking down. Isn't symbolism interesting?
Yeah. That's just about it actually. I have to be up at 7 to shower and down to breakfast at 8. So I think I'm just going to go to sleep. I just want to say that sometimes I think about camp and say it isn't as great as I hype it up to be. Then I come back, I see Eric, Elli, Glen, Jeff, Phil, Boss, just...everyone and I remember just why this place is so special to me. There is not one negative memory (referring to my room mate's blog) of this place and I hope there never will be. I don't want to leave Innabah EVER when I am here and yet...I know my time is limited. The biggest question is this: how limited?
Good night world.
Michael Leather
Years ago when I was a camper here at Innabah, I would see the male staff members run up these very stairs and I would wonder what mystical world was at the top. Tonight I am sitting at the top, looking at the landing and then I can see the spiral down to where I used to look not too long ago. It's interesting seeing the difference. I no longer have magical thoughts of the world above, nor do I help to create one. haha. I simply know that the guys live up here. Now, there is "magic" in that sense because we can tell jokes, laugh, talk about whatever and have fun. The upstairs to the Farmhouse may be "magic" but certainly not what I used to think it was. Two years ago I looked up here, and now I'm looking down. Isn't symbolism interesting?
Yeah. That's just about it actually. I have to be up at 7 to shower and down to breakfast at 8. So I think I'm just going to go to sleep. I just want to say that sometimes I think about camp and say it isn't as great as I hype it up to be. Then I come back, I see Eric, Elli, Glen, Jeff, Phil, Boss, just...everyone and I remember just why this place is so special to me. There is not one negative memory (referring to my room mate's blog) of this place and I hope there never will be. I don't want to leave Innabah EVER when I am here and yet...I know my time is limited. The biggest question is this: how limited?
Good night world.
Michael Leather
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
4 Wheels, Sanity, and Ambitions
You know, I was so busy in high school. I had almost literally no time. Now that I'm in college and am honestly doing less, I have a lot of time to spare. But in college, I feel more stressed than I did in high school. It's not like "Oh crap, stuff is piling up and I can't handle it" stress it's more "I feel funny and this is freaking me out" stress. Well...why? What is so different? Well, today I drove out to Delaware Valley College to visit my friend Lauren today. Let me tell you, that hour drive was SO nice. Then I got to thinking: what is the difference is the drive? In my senior year of high school, I drove everywhere. I looooooove my car. haha. This also INCLUDES driving to Bucks County Community College twice a week for about 30 minutes each way. This gave me the alone time I needed and the relaxation I needed. I'm not saying that I drove with my eyes closed or my feet up on the dashboard. But think about it: I drove just after rush hour, by myself, on the SAME route, at night, with my windows and sun roof down, and just the sound of my car. This is just making me relax thinking about it. Interesting huh? I completely think that I am right in this instance. I mean, I could go running and it basically be the same thing, but I am straining myself when I run and I am CERTAINLY not when I'm driving. So I wonder if next year when I have a car on campus (hopefully) if I'll be more relaxed because I can just go for a drive whenever. Hm...I wonder.
Ok. After hanging out with Lauren at Del Val and going out to dinner, we can back and talked in the car for about 30 minutes. We talked about the future and what we wants to do, our major, and whatnot. I got to thinking about my future (as if I don't enough already right?) I actually thought about it a fair amount tonight. You know, I remember a movie called "The Bucket List." I also have heard a few times that people should make a list of things that they want to accomplish in their life. I have a couple of things in mind, as drastic or as different as they may be, this may help so let's see.
I want to own my own shoe store. Yeah I know what you all are thinking. I do love shoes TOO much sometimes. But...doesn't that make it more perfect? I would love to have a shoe store helping clients pick the PERFECT shoe and have them walking out BEAMING with their new pair. Another thing I would want to do is become Mayor of the town I live in. Yeah, it's a random thing but I'm serious. I would love to get involved in my town when I get older and I think that I could make a good Mayor. What else...I think I would want to become a professor at a college. Even if it's like at a community college for one class, I don't care. I know this requires a doctorate (at least I think so) and it's a stretch. But again, I think I would like it and be good at it. I also want to have kids. I want to be a father with an awesome wife. You already heard about her a little bit in my last post so I'll skip that. I also want to own a Mustang. Not the horse, the car. I think even playing on a community basketball team would be right up my alley. haha. Help lead a youth group is another thing I would love to do. Run at least one marathon, and break 30 minutes for an 8k are two things I WILL do without a doubt.
But then here comes my problem. What IF I do get all that I just listed? My life won't be "complete." I won't be the "happiest man alive." I'm just saying that these are things I want to do. My life won't be "perfect" if and when I accomplish this. These are just things I would like to "notch on my belt." You know? Does that make sense? Yeah, well...at least it does to me.
Ok. So I've been working on this post for two hours. I'm not sure if it even makes sense. But I'm done. So...good night world. :-)
Michael Leather
Ok. After hanging out with Lauren at Del Val and going out to dinner, we can back and talked in the car for about 30 minutes. We talked about the future and what we wants to do, our major, and whatnot. I got to thinking about my future (as if I don't enough already right?) I actually thought about it a fair amount tonight. You know, I remember a movie called "The Bucket List." I also have heard a few times that people should make a list of things that they want to accomplish in their life. I have a couple of things in mind, as drastic or as different as they may be, this may help so let's see.
I want to own my own shoe store. Yeah I know what you all are thinking. I do love shoes TOO much sometimes. But...doesn't that make it more perfect? I would love to have a shoe store helping clients pick the PERFECT shoe and have them walking out BEAMING with their new pair. Another thing I would want to do is become Mayor of the town I live in. Yeah, it's a random thing but I'm serious. I would love to get involved in my town when I get older and I think that I could make a good Mayor. What else...I think I would want to become a professor at a college. Even if it's like at a community college for one class, I don't care. I know this requires a doctorate (at least I think so) and it's a stretch. But again, I think I would like it and be good at it. I also want to have kids. I want to be a father with an awesome wife. You already heard about her a little bit in my last post so I'll skip that. I also want to own a Mustang. Not the horse, the car. I think even playing on a community basketball team would be right up my alley. haha. Help lead a youth group is another thing I would love to do. Run at least one marathon, and break 30 minutes for an 8k are two things I WILL do without a doubt.
But then here comes my problem. What IF I do get all that I just listed? My life won't be "complete." I won't be the "happiest man alive." I'm just saying that these are things I want to do. My life won't be "perfect" if and when I accomplish this. These are just things I would like to "notch on my belt." You know? Does that make sense? Yeah, well...at least it does to me.
Ok. So I've been working on this post for two hours. I'm not sure if it even makes sense. But I'm done. So...good night world. :-)
Michael Leather
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