So here I am, sitting at my brother's house in Columbus, Ohio after midnight in deep thought. It is kind of weird because I am in a physical and psychological transition period.
Physically, I am about halfway between my final destinations for the summer, Ocean City, New Jersey. Psychological, because I still have all the thoughts from home but I know in just a few hours I will be overwhelmed with a whole new world.
While I am extremely excited to be going on this summer project, I am sad to leave home, especially my family. I really love just hanging out with them and talking. We usually always have great conversations, although they can get pretty heated. I will miss them a lot this summer, but I know that God wants me to be in Ocean City. There is so much to learn and so many people to meet. I do not know exactly what to expect, but I know God will be moving.
Other than that, I had a great night at my brother's house in Ohio. It was a blast with lots of food, like usual, and good fun. James and Shiney (my oldest brother and his wife) are great people and unbelievable hosts. I love them both so much and cherish the times that we get to hang out.
Alright, now I am tired, I'm out folks....
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Good News
Well, for about the last month, I have been on an alternate pool for a Community Advisor (some call it Residence Advisor) position for next year. Basically what that meant was that I was qualified to be a CA but all the positions were filled. They developed this alternate pool to replace the people who drop out throughout the summer and fall semester.
While all this does not sound like that big of a deal, it really was. I am one of those people that really like to plan ahead and have things set up. However, since the start of my sophomore year of college, I have been working on ways to be more spontaneous and easy going. Well, I did not know God was going to put me in a situation where I would be forced to either choose to be in an alternate pool with no gurantees or sign a lease so I would have a place to live next semester. In the end, I choose to stay in the pool and not sign a lease.
Over the last month, I really could not do that much. Nothing I did or said could really get me the position, so I learned to rely on God for the whole thing. It was pretty funny because I was joking with my roommates that they were going to live so far away next year (which they really are), but Hupila would always say, "At least I have a place to live!" Anyways, as of yesterday morning, I have a place to live too!
I received e-mail from the director for Housing and Residential Life telling me there was an opening in Frontier Hall for next year and if I would be interested in taking the position. Honestly, I did not even know what to think, I was just so blown away. Earlier in the week, I had told my mom just to continue to keep the whole situation in her prayers especially this week. And just the night before I was talking to a friend from school and she had also said she would also be praying about it. Last night before I went to bed I remembered a thought from the book The Prayer of Jabez. One of the things said is to not just to pray but to pray specifically. So I proceeded to pray that a position would open up in either Frontier or T-hall over the summer.
I have always had a special place for Frontier since freshman year. For those of you who are lucky enough to know my hallway (2S holla!) understand how close we still are and how sad we were to leave at the end of the year. I cannot wait to go back. My room will actually be 183, right below where I was freshman year (294), so now I guess its 1S holla!
Before I forget, I wanted to thank all of you who supported me through the process. Especially to Rohde and Dietrich and also Spencer who all opened up their apartments to me as a backup plan. Also Sean who let me have UV as a back up too. And to add to some seniors that I will miss who have helped me through the process: my old CA Peter along with Cara and Spencer again that have guided me from the application to now. I appreciate all your advice and guidance.
Alright, now that I sound like I am giving an acceptance speech at the Grammy's, I have figured its getting late and I need to wake up early...take care
While all this does not sound like that big of a deal, it really was. I am one of those people that really like to plan ahead and have things set up. However, since the start of my sophomore year of college, I have been working on ways to be more spontaneous and easy going. Well, I did not know God was going to put me in a situation where I would be forced to either choose to be in an alternate pool with no gurantees or sign a lease so I would have a place to live next semester. In the end, I choose to stay in the pool and not sign a lease.
Over the last month, I really could not do that much. Nothing I did or said could really get me the position, so I learned to rely on God for the whole thing. It was pretty funny because I was joking with my roommates that they were going to live so far away next year (which they really are), but Hupila would always say, "At least I have a place to live!" Anyways, as of yesterday morning, I have a place to live too!
I received e-mail from the director for Housing and Residential Life telling me there was an opening in Frontier Hall for next year and if I would be interested in taking the position. Honestly, I did not even know what to think, I was just so blown away. Earlier in the week, I had told my mom just to continue to keep the whole situation in her prayers especially this week. And just the night before I was talking to a friend from school and she had also said she would also be praying about it. Last night before I went to bed I remembered a thought from the book The Prayer of Jabez. One of the things said is to not just to pray but to pray specifically. So I proceeded to pray that a position would open up in either Frontier or T-hall over the summer.
I have always had a special place for Frontier since freshman year. For those of you who are lucky enough to know my hallway (2S holla!) understand how close we still are and how sad we were to leave at the end of the year. I cannot wait to go back. My room will actually be 183, right below where I was freshman year (294), so now I guess its 1S holla!
Before I forget, I wanted to thank all of you who supported me through the process. Especially to Rohde and Dietrich and also Spencer who all opened up their apartments to me as a backup plan. Also Sean who let me have UV as a back up too. And to add to some seniors that I will miss who have helped me through the process: my old CA Peter along with Cara and Spencer again that have guided me from the application to now. I appreciate all your advice and guidance.
Alright, now that I sound like I am giving an acceptance speech at the Grammy's, I have figured its getting late and I need to wake up early...take care
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Perspective
Wow...it has kinda been a while since I have written...
For some reason, sometimes, I get some weird perspective that just makes me feel really serious and just wanting to share it with someone. I am not sure if that last sentence makes too much sense, but someone has to agree that at times you just realize something that just makes you sit back and think. I will try to explain the current situation.
So about a month ago or so my sister got in a car accident that totaled her car (don't worry, she is totally fine). Then, the day I was to move back from Minnesota, I found out the car I was supposed to take to Ocean City for the summer has been having some problems so the car wouldn't be very safe to drive long distances. The conclusion of all this: our family needs to get a car. But the car is ultimately going to be my sister's and mine for going to school next year, and by default, because I am older, it is more my car. Anyways, the point of all this jabbering is that my parents are going to be buying me a new car.
Alright, I know what you are thinking, wow, "you are so lucky!" And ya, I totally agree. I am blown away that my parents would just be like we need to get you a car, and lets make sure its kinda nice. They also gave me the freedom to research and find the best deal I thought possible for the car I want. While that sounds easy, it is really tough in a family of six who all have their different opinions and are not afraid to share it and impose it. If any of you know my family, you totally understand what I mean by that previous statement. At the same time, it is really cool to see that especially my oldest brother would take so much time out of his day to help me find a good car.
Anyways, I have been so blessed. But driving home today from my friends house, I realized the extent of this purchase. This may very well be the last car my parents will ever buy for me. And that statement alone leads my mind to wonder about so many other things. I know some of you may have been independent financially from your parents since you were 18. On the other hand, I am not independent. Now don't get me wrong, it is not like I just go out and spend my parent's money. But I started realizing that I do take that for granted and in just a few years I will have to start supporting myself. Wow, I cannot believe it. I feel like I am on this roller coaster ride that is going way to fast and I want it to slow down.
It kinda scares me to think that I will have to become fully independent in a very short period of time. I still am not even completely decided on a major, let alone figuring out where God wants me to be post-graduation! So now I think about something my dad and I were discussing over lunch today. How God is the same God that was there early in my life, and the same God that took me through high school and college. He never changes. To think about that right now is so reassuring and sweet. I know that God will be right there when I graduate and figure out what I need to do.
Well, I have been just rambling forever now about that one thing. I have had a great week. Last night I got the chance to meet up and talk to a girl from high school. It is so cool because I feel we have the coolest relationship because we can go on and not talk for a few months straight but sit down and have a two-hour conversation about serious issues. Anyways, I am totally blessed to have people like her in my life too!
Alright, that is all for now. Less than a week until OC!!!!
For some reason, sometimes, I get some weird perspective that just makes me feel really serious and just wanting to share it with someone. I am not sure if that last sentence makes too much sense, but someone has to agree that at times you just realize something that just makes you sit back and think. I will try to explain the current situation.
So about a month ago or so my sister got in a car accident that totaled her car (don't worry, she is totally fine). Then, the day I was to move back from Minnesota, I found out the car I was supposed to take to Ocean City for the summer has been having some problems so the car wouldn't be very safe to drive long distances. The conclusion of all this: our family needs to get a car. But the car is ultimately going to be my sister's and mine for going to school next year, and by default, because I am older, it is more my car. Anyways, the point of all this jabbering is that my parents are going to be buying me a new car.
Alright, I know what you are thinking, wow, "you are so lucky!" And ya, I totally agree. I am blown away that my parents would just be like we need to get you a car, and lets make sure its kinda nice. They also gave me the freedom to research and find the best deal I thought possible for the car I want. While that sounds easy, it is really tough in a family of six who all have their different opinions and are not afraid to share it and impose it. If any of you know my family, you totally understand what I mean by that previous statement. At the same time, it is really cool to see that especially my oldest brother would take so much time out of his day to help me find a good car.
Anyways, I have been so blessed. But driving home today from my friends house, I realized the extent of this purchase. This may very well be the last car my parents will ever buy for me. And that statement alone leads my mind to wonder about so many other things. I know some of you may have been independent financially from your parents since you were 18. On the other hand, I am not independent. Now don't get me wrong, it is not like I just go out and spend my parent's money. But I started realizing that I do take that for granted and in just a few years I will have to start supporting myself. Wow, I cannot believe it. I feel like I am on this roller coaster ride that is going way to fast and I want it to slow down.
It kinda scares me to think that I will have to become fully independent in a very short period of time. I still am not even completely decided on a major, let alone figuring out where God wants me to be post-graduation! So now I think about something my dad and I were discussing over lunch today. How God is the same God that was there early in my life, and the same God that took me through high school and college. He never changes. To think about that right now is so reassuring and sweet. I know that God will be right there when I graduate and figure out what I need to do.
Well, I have been just rambling forever now about that one thing. I have had a great week. Last night I got the chance to meet up and talk to a girl from high school. It is so cool because I feel we have the coolest relationship because we can go on and not talk for a few months straight but sit down and have a two-hour conversation about serious issues. Anyways, I am totally blessed to have people like her in my life too!
Alright, that is all for now. Less than a week until OC!!!!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Back Home...
So I am officially back home in Kenosha..
My parents came and picked me up last Thursday afternoon and we were back home by night. It felt really good to be back. The sinks are deeper, the bathrooms bigger, and the toilet paper softer. It is the total package. Unfortunately I found out that I would not have a car once home because my sister totaled one and the other one was in the shop.
On Friday morning we flew to New York for an Engagement Party. Alright, I have been asked this a million times, why are you going to an engagement? Here is the low down. In the Indian Community, when someone gets married, they throw a huge engagement ceremony, usually at the bride's hometown. Then the wedding usually ends up at the groom's hometown. In this case, the bride was from New York and the groom was from Chicago. So my whole family flew to New York on Friday and flew back on Saturday afternoon. That's right, a total of about 23 hours in NY!
I finally got to meet up with some friends from high school on Sunday night. It was nice to see a lot of the guys again. I also met up with one my closest family friends. He has been one of the most influential people in my life and also our entire family. It was nice to get some advice on things that I had questions about and have a bit more clarity for the future.
Monday was so great because I finally just got to be plain out lazy. I slept until about 11:30 and basically roamed around the house all day. I did go out and cut the grass, which was pretty intense. Other than that, I was lucky enough to catch my sister's last Powder Puff game that was good but pretty boring. No one scored until the last play of the game with 14 seconds left on the clock. It was unbelievable (that’s not a good unbelievable either).
Over the last few days I have had the opportunity to hang out with my Appachen and Ammachi a whole lot (Grandpa and Grandma in English). It is such a blast just hanging out with them because they know so much. I made breakfast with my Ammachi this morning, which was such a good time. Banana, Chocolate Chip pancakes, always a big hit. Also, my grandparents filled me in on the way they grew up and how they ever came to be in the U.S. It is such a great story, truly a work of God. Just over the last few days, I have learned to appreciate how lucky I am to be where I am.
And finally, here is the biggest news of the week, if you already do not know. I am in a hunt for a NEW DIGITAL CAMERA! Yes, that is right. If you already do not know, I LOVE taking pictures and usually have my camera with me. However, the last few weeks of school I have been slacking because my camera has been acting up. So, my brothers said they would pitch in and help me get a new one. Wow, am I pumped. However, now I am on a frantic search to find the PERFECT camera. I don't know which one I want. Alright, for those of you who are digital camera savvy, here is what I am looking at. The Panasonic DMZ-FZ5, Olympus C-770 UZ, and the Kodak Z740. If any of you have any insight on these cameras in specific or the companies themselves, which would be great.
Other than that, I am meeting up with a few friends tonight for dinner. I am thinking about bringing my book of questions. For those of you who know about the book, you know that it is an instant good time. I cannot believe that two weeks from now I will be heading out to Ocean City!
My parents came and picked me up last Thursday afternoon and we were back home by night. It felt really good to be back. The sinks are deeper, the bathrooms bigger, and the toilet paper softer. It is the total package. Unfortunately I found out that I would not have a car once home because my sister totaled one and the other one was in the shop.
On Friday morning we flew to New York for an Engagement Party. Alright, I have been asked this a million times, why are you going to an engagement? Here is the low down. In the Indian Community, when someone gets married, they throw a huge engagement ceremony, usually at the bride's hometown. Then the wedding usually ends up at the groom's hometown. In this case, the bride was from New York and the groom was from Chicago. So my whole family flew to New York on Friday and flew back on Saturday afternoon. That's right, a total of about 23 hours in NY!
I finally got to meet up with some friends from high school on Sunday night. It was nice to see a lot of the guys again. I also met up with one my closest family friends. He has been one of the most influential people in my life and also our entire family. It was nice to get some advice on things that I had questions about and have a bit more clarity for the future.
Monday was so great because I finally just got to be plain out lazy. I slept until about 11:30 and basically roamed around the house all day. I did go out and cut the grass, which was pretty intense. Other than that, I was lucky enough to catch my sister's last Powder Puff game that was good but pretty boring. No one scored until the last play of the game with 14 seconds left on the clock. It was unbelievable (that’s not a good unbelievable either).
Over the last few days I have had the opportunity to hang out with my Appachen and Ammachi a whole lot (Grandpa and Grandma in English). It is such a blast just hanging out with them because they know so much. I made breakfast with my Ammachi this morning, which was such a good time. Banana, Chocolate Chip pancakes, always a big hit. Also, my grandparents filled me in on the way they grew up and how they ever came to be in the U.S. It is such a great story, truly a work of God. Just over the last few days, I have learned to appreciate how lucky I am to be where I am.
And finally, here is the biggest news of the week, if you already do not know. I am in a hunt for a NEW DIGITAL CAMERA! Yes, that is right. If you already do not know, I LOVE taking pictures and usually have my camera with me. However, the last few weeks of school I have been slacking because my camera has been acting up. So, my brothers said they would pitch in and help me get a new one. Wow, am I pumped. However, now I am on a frantic search to find the PERFECT camera. I don't know which one I want. Alright, for those of you who are digital camera savvy, here is what I am looking at. The Panasonic DMZ-FZ5, Olympus C-770 UZ, and the Kodak Z740. If any of you have any insight on these cameras in specific or the companies themselves, which would be great.
Other than that, I am meeting up with a few friends tonight for dinner. I am thinking about bringing my book of questions. For those of you who know about the book, you know that it is an instant good time. I cannot believe that two weeks from now I will be heading out to Ocean City!
Thursday, May 12, 2005
The End...
Well, there it goes, my sophomore year of college is over...
I have realized I get really sentimental about almost everything, so I think this little post will be purely a reflection.
It started hitting me today that tomorrow I will be back home again. The roommates I have been with for the last year will no longer be there. The apartment I am used to will be gone. Do not get be wrong at all, I love home, but still, it is just different. I was reflecting on how our roommate situation even came together. Towards the end of my freshman year, one of my roommates, Matt Hupila, and I were trying to figure out where to live. For about a month period, we had about seven different roommates who eventually all backed out on us. However, in the end, the group that was formed was pretty great. There were two guys we barely knew, Matt Hegar and Mark Anderson, and a guy I just met towards the end of freshman year, Travis Kluthe. Hupila and I really did not know what to expect. We really only knew each other. But looking back on the year now, it really was a pretty dynamic combination. Each of us brought something different to the table but we got along extremely well. I was just so surprised how laid back everything was, but at the same time, things got done. I learned a lot about myself this past year by being surrounded by people who had such different views as me. It was such a great thing, and I will really miss that this summer.
Tonight was also Lindsay Greco's birthday! I love how my hallway from freshman year works. We have always been known as "2 S" and I am proud to be a part of it. Some how, some way, we find a way to get together. I think the greatest part of our hallway was how open people were. Every time I am with the hallway, I instantly feel comfortable and able to speak my mind. It is such a great environment. I think all of us from the hallway would agree that we totally miss that environment. Again, the reason it was so great is that everyone brought something different to the table that really opened up great conversations and some funny times. One of my favorite moments was "The Prank" Evan K., Kevin, the Big O, Hupila, Shwa, and many others planned for months. It was a genius idea to use the wireless technology of a keyboard to scare the heck out of one of our friends, the unfortunate Taylor. While it was unfortunate we brought her to tears, we knew she wouldn't be mad at us and it was just a great time. Props to Taylor and the other girls in the hallway for putting up with us.
Before I forget, I wanted to give the guys in the Sanford Study a big thank you for taking Go and I out for dinner. Guys, that was really great and unexpected (even though I got an e-mail telling me the plan!) I really appreciate the thoughtfulness and will say it one last time. This year has been huge for me, I think I learned more from you guys then what I taught you. Your love for the people around you and each other is unbelievable. You guys truly blew me away and I love each of you for what you brought to study. Wow, here is a reoccurring theme, it was just dynamic to see how different each of you were, but how well you all got along. I cannot wait to see what God does in your lives!!
Other than that, I have probably spent a good 4 hours in the past 10 hours cleaning up the apartment. It being close to four in the morning, I am going to call it a day. Take care all!
I have realized I get really sentimental about almost everything, so I think this little post will be purely a reflection.
It started hitting me today that tomorrow I will be back home again. The roommates I have been with for the last year will no longer be there. The apartment I am used to will be gone. Do not get be wrong at all, I love home, but still, it is just different. I was reflecting on how our roommate situation even came together. Towards the end of my freshman year, one of my roommates, Matt Hupila, and I were trying to figure out where to live. For about a month period, we had about seven different roommates who eventually all backed out on us. However, in the end, the group that was formed was pretty great. There were two guys we barely knew, Matt Hegar and Mark Anderson, and a guy I just met towards the end of freshman year, Travis Kluthe. Hupila and I really did not know what to expect. We really only knew each other. But looking back on the year now, it really was a pretty dynamic combination. Each of us brought something different to the table but we got along extremely well. I was just so surprised how laid back everything was, but at the same time, things got done. I learned a lot about myself this past year by being surrounded by people who had such different views as me. It was such a great thing, and I will really miss that this summer.
Tonight was also Lindsay Greco's birthday! I love how my hallway from freshman year works. We have always been known as "2 S" and I am proud to be a part of it. Some how, some way, we find a way to get together. I think the greatest part of our hallway was how open people were. Every time I am with the hallway, I instantly feel comfortable and able to speak my mind. It is such a great environment. I think all of us from the hallway would agree that we totally miss that environment. Again, the reason it was so great is that everyone brought something different to the table that really opened up great conversations and some funny times. One of my favorite moments was "The Prank" Evan K., Kevin, the Big O, Hupila, Shwa, and many others planned for months. It was a genius idea to use the wireless technology of a keyboard to scare the heck out of one of our friends, the unfortunate Taylor. While it was unfortunate we brought her to tears, we knew she wouldn't be mad at us and it was just a great time. Props to Taylor and the other girls in the hallway for putting up with us.
Before I forget, I wanted to give the guys in the Sanford Study a big thank you for taking Go and I out for dinner. Guys, that was really great and unexpected (even though I got an e-mail telling me the plan!) I really appreciate the thoughtfulness and will say it one last time. This year has been huge for me, I think I learned more from you guys then what I taught you. Your love for the people around you and each other is unbelievable. You guys truly blew me away and I love each of you for what you brought to study. Wow, here is a reoccurring theme, it was just dynamic to see how different each of you were, but how well you all got along. I cannot wait to see what God does in your lives!!
Other than that, I have probably spent a good 4 hours in the past 10 hours cleaning up the apartment. It being close to four in the morning, I am going to call it a day. Take care all!
Monday, May 9, 2005
Its about time
So here I am, the night before a final, thinking to myself, I really need to write something on my blog. Although I have not told to many people about it, I feel some sort of responsibility to myself to at least add to it every once in a while. Ya, its finals week, but for some reason, I'm not as stressed out as I should be (which is a bad thing, because I am writing a blog posting when I should be studying.)
Well the last week was pretty anti-climatic for what it should have been. A lot of people graduated who affected my life in one way or another. However, it is kinda weird that when you say good-bye to them, you really may never see them again in your life.
So here is my shout out to those people who have played a role in my life who are graduating (I'm going to apologize in advance because I know I will forget someone who should be here.) I got to give props to Ross for leading the Frontier study last year and all the sweet breakfasts he makes. One of the few die-hard Bear fans here in Minnesota, Nate Lishway (sorry if I spelled it wrong) is the man. Not only is he a Bear fan but also he also always offers rides and took me to Vespers this year. I just saw Brian Jacobson tonight who I just got to know this year but has been extremely helpful and offering advice for various things. Guys like Nate Smith and Charlie who I look up to in general. My Geology friend John Schrupp deserves credit for always making me talk in the middle of class. Even those guys like Jon Hart, Zach Thwaits, Dave Hammon who I do not know that well but still look up too.
The last one I do not want to forget is Diddy. Wow, I feel bad for those who have not got a chance to meet the dynamic man. He just had a way of relating to everyone. It will be weird to be down in the Cru house and not see him at all.
Alright folks, that is the list I could think of right now. I know for a fact I am forgetting a whole heap of people, so it is possible I may add people in the future.
And now, a notebook titled "Literature of the Public Life" is calling my name. Bye!
p.s. I know I spelled a ton of names wrong, sorry
Well the last week was pretty anti-climatic for what it should have been. A lot of people graduated who affected my life in one way or another. However, it is kinda weird that when you say good-bye to them, you really may never see them again in your life.
So here is my shout out to those people who have played a role in my life who are graduating (I'm going to apologize in advance because I know I will forget someone who should be here.) I got to give props to Ross for leading the Frontier study last year and all the sweet breakfasts he makes. One of the few die-hard Bear fans here in Minnesota, Nate Lishway (sorry if I spelled it wrong) is the man. Not only is he a Bear fan but also he also always offers rides and took me to Vespers this year. I just saw Brian Jacobson tonight who I just got to know this year but has been extremely helpful and offering advice for various things. Guys like Nate Smith and Charlie who I look up to in general. My Geology friend John Schrupp deserves credit for always making me talk in the middle of class. Even those guys like Jon Hart, Zach Thwaits, Dave Hammon who I do not know that well but still look up too.
The last one I do not want to forget is Diddy. Wow, I feel bad for those who have not got a chance to meet the dynamic man. He just had a way of relating to everyone. It will be weird to be down in the Cru house and not see him at all.
Alright folks, that is the list I could think of right now. I know for a fact I am forgetting a whole heap of people, so it is possible I may add people in the future.
And now, a notebook titled "Literature of the Public Life" is calling my name. Bye!
p.s. I know I spelled a ton of names wrong, sorry
Thursday, May 5, 2005
Rambling
Welcome to the offical blog of Josh Mathews. Yes, I have finally carried my thoughts into action and actually created a blog. This time I am going to share the website of my blog with other people. At first I had this idea that I could keep a secret blog as a sort of online journal. But then I thought that might be a bit selfish. So here it goes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
