Sunday, December 5, 2010

Wow.
December already? Your kiddin' me.
Ah, "The most wonderful time of the year." Although, there was a time I hated this time of year, because of work. When you work at a grocery store, two things are understood.
The day before Thanksgiving you will be promising yourself that when your  older, you will have all your shopping done the week before.
And December is horrible.
Did you know that Ice cream is a huge December/Winter Item? Com'on people, it should be illegal to buy ice cream when it's colder than the product itself outside.

Other than the holidays, I've had a good month so far. I went to Abilene to Wesley's for Thanksgiving. I absolutely love my girlfriend's family. It's amazing how different, yet same they are to my own. And, even though we have personal differences, I'm kind of like the missing puzzle piece. It's kind of nice fitting in like that, and I cant thank her parents and brother enough for making that easy on me.

Also, My Red Raiders are going bowling. TicketCity Bowl in Dallas, played at the REAL Cotton Bowl. I'm quite pleased with our team's play this season, were there games we should have won? Of course, but were going to a mid-major Bowl game, for the 18th consecutive time, and that's basically all Mike Leach got us to.
I hate to talk about him, but I love the people who say "He gave us an Identity, we were nationally known!"

Yeah, for losing the game we shouldn't have and never going to a BCS bowl.
As far as Im concerned, Tuberville did the same thing Leach did. Got us to a bowl game.

Anyway, I'm staying up tonight to see the updates with Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox trade drama, if this happens, we can start shining the World Series trophy. It's over.

I'll even try to do a post pre-Christmas....Key word try.

Lucas Out.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

What type of person are you?
Are you a half-empty, half-full, or neither?
Are you a person who looks at the cards they are dealt, and folds at the first sign of trouble?
Or, do you take those cards, play off them, and out-smart the other people on the table?
It's a fairly simple question, but one that may take a long time to gain enough confidence in deciding your one or the other.
I can tell you, this is one thing I have learned. I have accepted my fate as one of those people who are never satisfied with what they have set in front of them. This is a bad thing, and a good thing, depending on which side of the road your looking at it.
For as long as I can remember, I really dont remember there being a time where something was handed to me, or something was in my grasp, or mine to lose.
Everything I have ever had, received, or been given to me, I have earned in one way or another. In anything, I always seemed to have to work harder than most people to do, or get what I wanted. This was especially evident in baseball. My height was a disadvantage to me, but that was just one card in a whole hand I was dealt. I have always been a person who understood and respected my strengths and weaknesses. I didnt focus on my weaknesses or my disadvantages, nor did I mistake them as limits. They were more of the lines I must use to mark my way through things. I knew I wasn't a good at bat in the line up, I just never had the talent to hit a baseball out of the park, but that doesn't me I couldnt be of value. I, instead, developed a talent most people would over look, but could be a key to any victory at any time.
I could bunt like the best of them.
Not much of a heroic act, but it can make or break some games. I knew, when and if there was a moment within the season, when I could turn a weakness of mine into a strength, it would be to bunt to move a runner into scoring position.
It's all about manipulating your weaknesses.
I also knew my superior talents, which were out in the field. I knew no one could beat me defensively (something I can totally pin on my father for drilling me with ground balls and fly balls every afternoon in the summer). My height being a disadvantage for me, it didnt stop me from making some remarkable plays that I still remember.
When I got into college, I knew I wanted to go to Tech, but my problem wasn't getting in, it was getting away. Getting away from what I had built with Brookshire's (a very nice, comfortable job), my place at home, and just down right being lazy, kept me from going.
I decided I'd transfer the following year, which didnt happen. (Surprise)
I then decided, I would in fact have to make myself move, to focus in on my goal. Which I did in 2008.
Although, by now following the trend, you can see, things didn't go as planned.
I didnt get in, my grades kept me from getting in.
So, I went to juinor college and tried again. Still, I didnt get in.
By the third time I had but given up. And there, I can thank God for Wesley Cristin Polk.
I can honestly say, I would not be at Tech right now, nor would I be in Lubbock, had it not been for her encouragement.
I would be back home, at my mother's house, wondering what might have been.
Instead, I am contemplating Law school, Filing my intent to Graduate and planning financially to pay for a Texas Tech ring, one thing that had only been a dream until recently. I cant tell you, how movie like these last 3 years of my life have been like. Scripted right out of some hollywood drama of a guy always conquering the things thrown out in front of him.

And if this is how the rest of my life is like, I cant tell you how excited I am for it.

I believe we are all given things, some people are given bad situations, some are always given good situation. But how you act or how driven you are to, not change, but play the cards that are dealt your way to get what you want, or to just even the playing field.

I have learned from experiences early in my life to know how to lay the cards dealt my way. I also am blessed (thanks to my mother and father) with the work ethic to do and learn even more of how to make things fall my way, even when the tree is being cut on the other side. (Thanks for the sayin' Grandma Genie).

For the love and encouragement and all the endless sacrifices made, I have to give a huge thanks to my mother and father. There is not a day that goes by, that I am not feeling the sacrifices you have made for me. I love ya'll and I am in debt to you beyond belief. I can only hope that when I have a kid, I am able to give him half of everything you gave me. And I am sorry it's taken this long for me to find out, how blessed I was. This journey has shown me nothing more than how proud I am of where I came from. And no matter where I may go, or what successes I may have, I will always have those values you have instilled in me.

For even more encouragement and being one solid-ass rock by my side, I am also in debt, forever, to Wesley Cristin Polk. Through all our ups and downs, which I can say I wouldn't change, you have always been there. And Im sorry it's taken this long for me to finally realize, but you and I make a damn good team. I love you, and I thank God every day I get up, he gave me you. You are a remarkable person, and I'm just happy you chose me.

Kylie, if your reading this, and thinking, 'where's my shout out?'. Dont you worry, child. You have your own post dedicated to the sister, I almost didnt have.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Wow. It's been awhile since I've posted. A lot (I mean that in the most literal sense because I am too lazy to think of any other more creative words to describe whats happened) has happened since last time.

Dallas. Just saying that towns name brings up so many memories and feelings. Wesley and I drove down to my parents house, woke up at 7 and went straight to the fair. From about 9-11 we drank, ate what we could and went into the game. It was ridiculously hot, and my parents could hardly stand it. Leaving me and Wesley at half time, they went and enjoyed the fair. I can honestly say, I think I enjoy the feeling of being AT the game cheering on my Red Raiders more than the sport of football itself. The Matadors came out on top with a win of Baylor (Thank you, Lord). After all that, we went and ate at my dad's favorite restaurant, Bone Daddy's. It was good, but maybe over-hyped just a tad.
The next day, Wesley and I went to the Cowboy's game. This was an exciting experience for me. I have never been to the new stadium, and let me be the first to say...

Holy Cow.
That place is God-sent. It's literally a football fan/Cowboys fan/Sports fan's dream come true. It's huge, it's beautiful, and the best part? The fact you KNOW your with 100,000 other people, yet you would never know with all the short lines at the concessions and restrooms.

Intramural. Let's just get this out of the way. I believe if the Tech baseball team's supply of shortstops and/or 2nd basemen came down with a hideous flu like disease that kept them out of the season, Dan Spencer could walk over to the softball fields, give me a uniform, and they'd be just fine. I have been doin' pretty good. I bat leadoff (which I hate/love because your the person to get EVERYTHING started, but the pressure feels good). I love the added pressure of everyone in the dugout saying "Alright, lets follow Tyler's lead."
Even though it's just slow pitch softball, I get some butterflies when I step in the loose dirt at home plate. Like back in the day, when I played high school baseball and such. I've come to learn those people who play on TV in the major leagues, they are the ones who could do away with those butterflies. They know how to calm their nerves, breathe slower, and slow their own heart rate.
Me on the other hand, have a hard time even in SLOW pitch softball. But, I think that is the competitor in me. It's kinda like what my Grandma Juannette used to say.
"If your not nervous, your nor afraid of failing, and doing so, you have already failed."

Well, It's about time to hit the books again. I got a big weekend coming up with Cousin Jake's wedding in San Antonio.

Lucas Out. 

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Sunday mornings in the fall are some of the best things in life. You only get about 8 of them, so make them count.

Too bad I have studying and homework to fill up this one. Ahhh, the life of a full time student. I sure will miss it.

Tech lost last night, to a damn good Iowa State game. I'm tired of making up excuses for this team, so I'll just cut straight to it. We sucked, suck and will continue to suck this year. And honestly, I am just fine with that. I had my run to see our glory in 2007-2008. I'm kinda glad were going through this stage, it'll make it THAT much rewarding when things turn around. Win, lose, or draw, I am a Red Raider. I am Texas Tech, and I freakin' love it.

Speaking of Texas Tech only ONE week until the Baylor game in Dallas! I can already smell the fried food and hear the fair rides. This is gonna be awesome, because Tech has never played during the fair, so the players will get a taste of how it feels to play on a big stage in Dallas with people watching who don't care who wins, just so it's a good game.
I think of the fair as one big tailgate party, that everyone pays to get into. Fried Beer? Really? I mean, what kind of red blooded American would I be if I didn't try some?
I am more excited for my family to come see a Tech game. Last time they came and saw one, we lost to A&M by 22 points. This time, we play a very good Baylor squad and my fear is the same result, but It will be fun for them to see My Red Raiders play live, instead of on tv. (Also hear all the "raider power" chants and the other things our student section does.)
Oh, and did I mention I get to see my mom? For those of you who dont know me, I am fully aware I am a momma's boy, and I do not care. I love my parents, for everything they do. I miss them more now, than when I first moved

Besides the game, this weekend has been pretty good. Just trying to warm up for next week, but also Wesley's parents and Aunt came into town. It was great seeing them, I'd be lying to myself If I didnt say I didnt miss them. When I think of all they've done for me, besides give me the coolest/awesomest/best friend and girl I know, they have really supported and been there for me like a 2nd family. They are some people I'm very blessed to know and love.

Well, this studying wont get done by itself.

Lucas out

Friday, October 1, 2010

Alrighty,
So, it's been a pretty hectic week, as you can tell from my posts. A lot to do with very little time. This past week I went to see Daniel Tosh for my friend Zach's birthday. Tosh is probably one my favorite comedians. He is ridiculously hilarious. Let's just say, the 40 bucks I spent on it was well worth it. I never stopped laughing.
October is here, which means fall is finally here. I LOVE fall weather. This month is pretty much jam-packed with events. Hopefully, Ill have enough time to catch the blog up on it, but I doubt it. Speaking of events, As soon as I figure out how to put pictures up, I will.
Wesley's parents are coming into town this weekend, which will be fun. I have missed seeing them. Her aunt is also flying in from Dallas to take Wesley's senior pictures. Maybe I'll make a cameo appearance in a few, if she's lucky.
But With October comes the realization that winter is soon to be here, and winter in Lubbock is no freakin' picnic. Wind, Snow, Freezing rain, you name it, we'll probably get it. The one thing that pisses me off in the winter in Lubbock is when it's JUST cold enough to freeze and be ridiculously cold, yet it doesn't. It's like God just went half ass on the weather and moved to the next state/area.
Well, I have got to get these homework assignments done, so I can relax a bit tonight.

Lucas out.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

What a weekend. Let's run things down...
Friday: Me and Wesley went and saw Wall Street. I have got to say, after "Inception", it is by far the best movie I have seen all year. Michael Douglas is really great in it.
Saturday:
it was bye week, so I could use that as an excuse to have a horrible day, but...this happened to be the best weekend so far. UCLA beat Texas, which was always good. I knew it was bound to happen, and you heard it here first...9-3 record at the end of the year for the Longhorns. It's gonna be a long year. After that, me and Wesley decided to go to Blue Light and see Sean mcConnell play. If you haven't heard of this guy, you NEED to check him out. Great lyrics with a pretty good message.
Sunday:
The Cowboys were playing at noon.Wesley and I met at Market street for some cooking ingredients for "Cowboy queso". I also decided to smoke some ribs, which I have to say were my best by far. I need to write the recipe down and make sure I never forget it.

Well, now it's time for homework and blizzards with Wes.

I love Sundays.

Lucas out.

Friday, September 24, 2010

(I just typed 8 different "hello","so,today", and "Well, today was". I have no earthly idea how to start one of these posts, but I guess it's like a dance, you'll learn while you do it)

Today was interesting. The Business Analysis II test and I went about 7 rounds, and lets just say, it won. Then I go to my AgriBusiness Finance class, which was/is a fairly easy place to sneak in a nap. Everything I am learning, I can either A.) do on a calculator or B.) know already. Yet, everything he is teaching me, is the fundamentals of what I'll do when I get out. Loan Amortization, Bond Valuation, Time Value of Money...all that I will be expected to know how to do when I...and if, I get out.

Well, it's bye week, so there is no Tech game tomorrow. I'm glad this comes after that horrible loss to Texas at home last weekend. We really need some work on offense. I know a lot of people blame Taylor Potts, but I believe we would be a better team with a stale bag of doritos playing offensive line. Blame Taylor all you want, the fact remains the same, If you cant run the ball/have time to check more than one receiver/Have time to let the play develop, it doesnt matter if you have Steve Young back there. Your going to lose.


I guess I have to end with a disappointing baseball season as well. Looks like my Red Sox are missing the playoffs. I think it'll be awhile before they get back to the2004-2007 world series form. Really, they'll be okay, I have tons of faith in Theo. October is upon us, which is the most amazing month in all of sports. The Baseball playoffs look promising. I got Twins-Reds World Series. This would be an awesome match up, if you ask me.

Well, Me and Wesley are discussing what were going to do. The play call is leaning towards eating out and going to see "Wall Street: Money never Sleeps". This will be the first time I've been to the movies in a realllly long time, and a good "date" after such a hectic week for us both!

Lucas Out

Thursday, September 23, 2010

So, I guess I can blame Wesley for this one. She created one, and it looked cool, so naturally, I had to create one (better than her's, of course!). Nevertheless, we will see how this goes and see how responsible I am with keeping up with it. This, alone, should be interesting.

Today started early, about 6:45 a.m. I had to finish some last minute studying for "Farm and Ranch Management" (no laughing!). The test was at 12:30, so this gave me close to 5 hours of quality study time before the test. This, of course, was the plan.

Wesley met me around 8:30 in the library. We were both at computers, and I could not resist the temptation of looking up Dallas Cowboy tickets. Since we will be in D-town for the Baylor-Tech game, and we will be spending most of our Fall Break already enjoying the Tech game and the State Fair, one could only complete this trip with my first time watching the (mediocre) Cowboys at Jerry-Land.

Speaking of that weekend, could it please hurry up? I haven't been to the State Fair of Texas since I was 14. I remember it quite well, because it was the same weekend My Grandmother Juannette  passed.  Wesley has never been, so sharing this experience with a "newbie" will be great. I have given her the advice of not eating for a week before hand, so's to have enough room for all the fried food you can eat! The weekend will also be great because my parents and their friends, Tammy and John Jelinek , will be able to catch the Tech game. Tech has some qualitative debt owed to my folks after last year's A&M disaster (This was their first Tech game. Needless to say, It wasn't a good impression). Even after all my "We never lose at home, let alone to A&M" talk, I was pretty sure my parents were sold on not coming back.

Anyway, test went well, let's hope. Do not be fooled by the name, F.R.M is marginally difficult. But, like my Grandma would say, "What's done is done, no use in worrying about it now. Just Learn from it."

With that being said, I have got to get to bed. Business Analysis II Test tomorrow!

Lucas Out.