Peanut Butta Jelly Time

Alright, folks.

So, since last time (I swear I'm going to write in this stinking thing more than just once every blue moon) I wrote, I told you all I might have found a job and blah, blah, blah. All good stuff. Well, lets go from that point and move forward....

Nevada game: Probably the 2nd best game I have ever attended. It was awesome. Come from behind victory and amazing 4th down play.

2nd Best play I've ever seen. First one...Involves Crabtree, and a certain burnt orange color.

After that, Wes and I bargained with my parents to let us go back to Lubbock for the A&M/Tech game...last one, ever.

Although we lost, it was awesome to be apart of the last Texas A&M and Texas Tech game. Sad to see them go, but know they'll be back sooner rather than later. SEC you later, A&M!


Wesley and her folks came down and we went to Canton, which is the world largest flea market in the nation. Literally, anything and everything you could possibly want is there, you just have to find it, which is half the fun/horror. BUT, the food is spectacular, and that's why I go.

AND as of last week, I am EMPLOYED! I start on Nov. 1st.

I interviewed for a Teller position with PlainsCapital Corp. in North Dallas, and got the job offered to me last week. I am going to be a teller for a minimum of 6 months, then I can move anywhere within PlainsCapital.

Since my primary goal since I was 7 was to be a loan officer, then after my 6 months I will go into the Credit Analyst program, and be there for a minimum of 1 year, and then shuffled out to be a Loan officer at a branch or somewhere. I can honestly be a Loan Officer within a year and a half, or if I chose another route, I could be a branch manager in 2. Either way I choose, it will be an amazing road. I'm so excited to be apart of this amazing company. They are so involved in employee growth, and with my degree and knowledge of the banking environment, I should not only prosper, but succeed exponentially every day I come to work, which is the point of working, correctly?

Also, last weekend, I witnessed the most amazing upset in history. My Texas Tech Red Raiders went into Norman, Oklahoma to play #3 OU on ABC...which looked like a very ugly scene for a murder that should have happened.

What happened was the exact opposite.

I, for one, never saw this coming at all. I actually had my Southern Comfort waiting for me, and it looked like the rain delay was going to give me enough time to be well slicked for what should have happened.

After a 1 hour rain delay, the Red Raiders came in on a mission and they executed it to the finest point. But, I really should have expected it. The Red Raiders are that one team that you can NEVER over-look.

Needless to say, I am so proud to be a Red Raider, they pulled off the upset of the century, and ended OU's 39 game, 6 year home winning streak. It was completely awesome to see all the Trailer Park U fans flood OUT of that horrendous stadium, in that "Has-done-nothing-for-the-creation-of-the-USA" state.

Now for some pictures, that are totally awesome.

What makes this victory so sweet is that during the rain delay, OU hogged the Indoor facility, while our team was made to hang out in a cramp visitor locker room and eat PB&J sandwiches to keep the energy flowing.

Sad, sad sportsmanship by OU, and I'm so glad we made them shove it right up their.....

So for now on, my battle cry will not be "Raider Power!", It will be belting out lyrics of
"PEANUT BUTTA JELLY TIME!!!"

Anyways, I'm so ready for next weekend (but really, I always am!) when we play Iowa State, who beat us last year easily. So, I'm hoping for a sell out to really show these guys that were behind them, and not just when they play A&M, UT or OU.

Oh, and did I mention all these events happening in my life dont mean a thing except that I have the absolute best girlfriend a guy could ask for? Wesley is absolutely the greatest thing that's ever happened to me, and she continues to stay (which baffles me).

I cant wait till the day I can have her and my dog, GG in my life everyday.

I'm one blessed son of a gun, huh?

Well, guys, I think that's it. I'm going to try and update this on Monday before my first day. Look forward to it!

G'night and Wreck'em!

Unemployment Day: 41

So, today was a much better day.

Jeremiah 29:11, Faith is rewarded.

Around 6:48 p.m I got a email from Chase Bank, they recieved my resume, and...get this..

Actually Interested.

It's for a Position with them which I have been trying to get for, literally, weeks now. It's a retail banking position with a lot of focus on sales. I believe I could excel at this position, now I only have to convince them that I can.

With this news, came more. I got a contact with Frost Bank, and he called back today asking if I had recieved any good information from Frost. I replied that I hadn't and it looks like he will work at it and see what he can do for me.

Great news day, which helps the spirits. Especially when all you see is "Jobless Claims" and other things that make you a bit discouraged. Just a little light at the end of the tunnel.

Other than that, I'm headed to good ol' Raiderland this weekend.

I. Love. This. Place.

Actually, I'll be there for two weekends in a row. I'm going to get Wesley prepared to move, as well as a few cool things.
This weekend I'm going to a Nolan Ryan PR thing, which is going to be pretty neat. Nolan is my favorite athlete, after this picture...

How's if feel, Junior?

...how could you not like him?

The next weekend I'm going to move Wesley closer to me in East Texas! Ahhhh, so glad I get to be closer to her. It's a feeling that, now, I can officially start the next (and best) chapter of my life.

Oh, and did I mention I get to attend my first Red Raider football game of the season?!

Really hope to see a lot of this next weekend.

My Red Raiders play University of Nevada at 6 p.m. Let's hope my boy Seth Doege and company can pull out a win.

I'm really excited for things that are comin'. This a complete 180 from my last post, but like my wise girlfriend always said,
"You just never know when thing can change in your favor."

Let's get ready, and Wreck'em!

Unemployment: Day 40

If I could sum up my job search...I'd say it's going as efficient as me keeping up with this blog..
Terrible.

As the title suggests, I am on day 40 of my job/career/post-graduation dream/somebody, please pay me to do something...search.

Honestly, at this point. I am beginning to doubt most of everything I've ever done. And more than that, doubting ever being envious of anyone who graduated early into "the real world". Also, regretting making fun of those people who said "It's rough, you don't even know."

Oh, how right they were, and how unbelievably stupid I was.

At this point, I have given up on my dream of ever working at a Bank. I just don't see the point in trying to spending so much time trying to go after  something that is just never going to work out in my favor. I have never truly given up on something, but I'm pretty sure if there was anything I should give up on, it's me ever working at a bank. It's just not gonna hap'n.

I guess I should give evidence as to why I am giving up, huh?

First, I have a "uncle" (long time family friend) works at a Ag and farm Credit company, who said he could help me, maybe even talk to his boss about how to get started and where to go. I called him several times when I was preparing to graduate, and if it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't have chosen the degree plan I did (Yeah, seriously, thanks for that). But as I moved back home, when I called and tried to get into contact with him, my efforts came up empty.

He had helped someone else, who I can say was deserving of the opportunity, but not me. At first I began to think it was nothing, then as my calls were never returned, and emails never answered, I figured it wasn't going to happen.

Contact number 1...dead

Now, Contact 2 has actually helped me tremendously. He has been more help than I think could possibly imagine. With contacts with people who I would never have met in millions of years, even a VP of a bank in Dallas.
Still, even with all his help, I have come up short. Either my attributes are not desirable, or I am on a very lengthy run of bad luck.

After Contact 2 got me in contact with Contact 3, I thought , "Okay, lucky number 3. This should be it."

Either Contact 3 is a prankster, or he is ignoring me. I'll go with the last one.

Now, after 3 contacts, I shouldn't give up, right? Well, you haven't been told about the countless of emails and online applications filled out, with the same answers to questions and same qualifications as the job requires, maybe even more, sent and not replied to.

Wait, they have been replied to..
"Dear TYLER LUCAS, (key to an impersonal and automated email that says you suck)
Thank you for your interest is SUCH AND SUCH POSITION AT SUCH AND SUCH PLACE. After reviewing your qualifications (for about 5 minutes) we regret to inform you that you have not been chosen to interview for this position.
Thank you for your interest in SUCH AND SUCH BANK (You'll never work here) and we wish you the best of luck in your job search (See ya, Sucker)"

The problem with these emails, is that I don't even read some of them, I just know what they look like in the title, and know what they say and instantly delete them. There is only so much rejection you can deal with.

Funny thing is, at first, It did what it was supposed to. Motivate me. I've always had a good motor on me and dealt with rejection and played well with the cards I have been given. Like, "oh yeah? I guess we'll see about. I'm a bank executive in the making, and I cant wait to be in the position to buy you guys out."----Something along these lines was said in my mind.

But now, It's more of the feeling of disappointment, regret, and every other de-motivated emotion you can think of.
It's a "It's all about who ya know" situation, and I get that. But what separates us from every other country in this world is that you are promised only a few things in this life, but you have been promised them.

This "It's all about who you know" business is killing that. It's already taken victim my dream since I was 10.
I would like to cite good stories where dreams were fulfilled in the face of difficulty, but I cant. Because before I even can believe these, I think "Well, I wonder who they knew that got them that job."

I probably wouldn't be this bitter, but I believe I know exactly where it stems from.

Last week, I gave up my pride. Let go of all fear and applied for a simple teller position. After being a teller for a good, solid 2 years, I know my way around deposit slips and withdrawal slips, I'll move up eventually with my education.
Let me stress, I have teller experience. Not only cash handling experience but I have DONE THIS EXACT JOB before.
I received a rejection letter. Citing why, for the first time in any of these emails, was the reason:

"Over-qualified"

Wait, so you're saying you don't want to hire me, because I EXCEED your demands for a certain job? So, I cant even get a part time job now? The feeling after reading that statement, I will never forget.
Over-qualified. yet, they don't tell an all star in baseball he is "Too good" for his sport.

if that doesn't make you shake your head, make you realize how lucky you are to have whatever job you may have, then I don't know what will.

I don't know what I will do, now. Though, I can say with absolute confidence I have the best girlfriend and family support group you could possibly imagine. They couldn't be prouder (even if I don't have a job) to be around the first Lucas to graduate college.

I will have to scrap a dream and something I went through so much hell for 4 years to get closer to.Something Texas Tech and all my professors stamped for approval of qualification for. Something I have wanted to do since I was 10 years old.

Gotta believe and love that good ol' American Dream, right?

The next chapter. And a new list (all my unemployed friends raise yo' hands!)

Anyway, Sorry it's been awhile...actually, a long time. No, I'm not dead. I'm just unemployed.
Let's get'cha caught up...

I didn't think it would happen, and after 2 months of studying, homework and more school than I could bare...

I Graduated!




My rock, my life, and my love. I'm so blessed to have this girl.



I did something no one in my family has ever done. I know my grandmother would be so proud of me. August 6th, 2011 I graduated with a degree from my dream school, and it feels good to be on top of the mountain for once.I think I can consider myself a living, breathing example that you can do anything, no matter how many times you're told "No.". Like a modern day Rudy.

It's been a weird experience, but I have managed. I moved back with my folks in Sulphur Springs. It's been nice to relax and get to catch up with them after being 7 hours away for 3 years.

My parents are so proud, and so supportive in this time of my life. Like I said, I'm currently unemployed. I'm currently looking for a early career job in the Banking Industry in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. (I've wanted to be a banker since I was 8) Needless to say, looking for work has consumed my day-to-day life. But it usually ends up being me, my laptop, in a recliner with the TV on.



My day-to-day.

 I know people say "Life's tough, get a helmet." And "Life isn't as easy as you think.." But no one, and I mean NO ONE, told me post-graduate life was going to be this tough. Everyone always told me, "Just get the degree, everything comes after that." or "Just make sure you get that college degree!"
When, in fact, I have been applying for jobs for at least upwards to 60 jobs.

Not one call back, not one email back, except those who say
"After careful review we have decided to go with a candidate with MORE EXPERIENCE."

What I get out of this is, even though I worked so hard, and spent thousands upon thousands of dollars for a piece of paper that says I'm qualified for this job, you want more experience? Because, ya know, a degree from an accredited university, is simply, not enough.

It. Is. Frustrating.

Since I am unemployed, I have culminated a list of things I like to call...

"Things a Unemployed, 23 year-old male College Graduate should know."

1. The laptop gets really hot underneath, and it gets uncomfortable for a certain body part.

-Also, with my time well wasted, I read an article on the Internet that said it could be "Very damaging" to those certain body parts. My advice: Look for work with caution.

2. Go outside.

-Yes, Do it. Just go outside. Do something. Especially if you're lucky enough to be unemployed in, quite possibly the best time of the year (fall), go enjoy it!

3. There is only so much stress you can have.

-Find a stress reliever. Working out, running, volunteering, whatever. Just stay away from the alcohol, you don't need to turn that into a every day stress reliever when you're trying to find work.

4. Designate a few hours a day to job searching, not 24.

-Don't look at the same job boards all day long.

"But what if they post one, I want to be there to see it."

No, no you don't. Relax. If you job search for 2 hours in the morning, and 2 hours in the afternoon, you will catch it, don't worry. Looking all day, every day will just get more frustrating.

5. Time management, it's not only for employed people.

-Yes, most of my points are about how to manage your time (and really, who wants to read about how I know exactly how long to cook a oven-pizza, know exactly how long the washer needs to run to remove a stain, and how many brush strokes it takes to sweep the living room floor clean?) but it's true. Just because you have nothing to do every day, doesn't mean you cant do something every day. Remember, every day is a blessing, and there is a blessing in every day.

6. Remember, tomorrow is a new day.

-Faith, is always rewarded. Jeremiah 29:11

That's it for now, guys. I cant say it was good, but it didn't cost ya nothin'.

Later.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11

Well, I survived! I am officially be 4 classes away from graduating. It feels absolutely amazing to say that.

I'm beginning the Job search. Too soon? No, I want to have the peace of mind when I do graduate, that i have some monetary funds coming in from somewhere other than my father's pocket. (Those of you who dont know, I dont have a job, but that doesnt mean daddy pays for everything, I have funded my education for 4 years now by myself with some support from my parents). this, in itself, is hard. Your led to believe that some company is just going to pick you out like an Apple on a tree and go "Yeah, this one looks good." But that is far from the truth. In a world where graduates are a dime a dozen, you have to set yourself apart, and I think that, my friends, is where I shall excel. Not to brag, but I'm a pretty good story.

Ya know that feeling where your sleeping and cant sleep because you absolutely convinced your exactly where your supposed to be and you have that feeling where for the first time in your life, you might just be proud of...Yourself?

Yeah, that was my last night. I couldn't sleep. 5 years ago if you told me I was going to be the first in my family to graduate from a school. Not only that, one I always wanted to go to, with a DEGREE? I would laugh in your face as I tried to stay awake on the night shift at Brookshire's.

For one,I didnt have the best grades. I'm smart, dont get me wrong, but I focused on working. I was good at what I did and my bosses loved me. I didnt enjoy it, but I was good at it. For someone who just graduated high school to be good at something was, needless to say, a damn good feeling. I cant explain to you the thrill of one of your bosses absolutely loving you. It's a great feeling.

For Two, I always thought I would go to college, but not graduate for some reason. Like, going to college was good enough. But in the end, I found it really wasnt hard at all. I believe I may be the "less country" one in my college (College of Agriculture), but I can tell you my knowledge of demand and supply, and ability to never quit levels the playing field.

I dont look good on paper for companies. I didnt make "Great" grades, but that doesnt mean I dont know anything, or less, than anyone else. But if they are comparing me to another person, then I can only pray they put me in a board room for an interview. Let my communication skills shine, and my ability to make anyone and everyone laugh show. But not be shallow, let my knowledge, and my work ethic be seen first hard. I'm determined, sort of niave, and very hard-headed. I dont like to fail, so without a shadow of a doubt, my work will be nothing less then spot-on perfect. My track record for "Never letting NO and Cant" stop me from achieving what I already have should speak for itself.

 Well, current events now. This weekend Wesley and I are going to help her parents pack and get ready to move to Funkytown (Ft. Worth). I'm looking forward to it, because they need help and its time spent well with people I love (Ya know, Since Saturday is the "Last Day of The World" and all)

The Sox have a winning record...finally. Faith has paid it's dues. Told y'all so.

And The fishing trip is only a few weeks away. But before that we have this weekend, and Rangers game the next weekend. Then it's back to summer school. Bummer.

Also, we have killed Osama Bin Laden. I think I speak for all Americans when I say God Bless our troops.

Well, guys, That'll be all for today. I have jobs to search for.

Lucas Out.

To be Continued (After finals, of course)

Damn, Already Finals time? Where'd the time go?

Well, First of all, I only have 3 finals this semester, which is awesome. Not only that, I had 2 of them on the same day. It was hard for only one day of the week, where I crammed as much words in my head, as well as drank as much caffeine into my body as I could to stay awake for 15 hour straight. But this give me about 4 days to relax before I have to do it all over again.

Wanna know why people say "college is a place where learning does not exist only experimentation"?

Because of Finals week. We spend so much of the semester just scraping by, that by the time finals come around all we do is crap knowledge into our heads, that are immediately extracted as soon as we pop open a cold beer afterwards, never to be remembered again. It's a senseless panic that comes over any and every student preparing.

"Did I study enough? I should've studied two nights ago!" things like this would never be said if our professors actually paced us to learn as we went along in the class, rather than just stuffing things to get an exam in.

Enough about that, it's summer time. Which I'm not really reeling in like I should. I have yet to enjoy sitting outside soaking up the sun with a cold Lone Star in my hand in a lawn chair. No, I may not have a job, but I have so much school, that at this point, being 23, it's not as easy for me to enjoy simple things anymore.

And that is painful for me to say.
I'm only 23, but feel 33. (That is what 4 years of finals will do to you)

But, I'm only 23. Shouldn't I be full of energy? Full of uncertainty of what lies next, by which I mean things like "What am I going to do tonight?" "What Bar has the better specials tonight?" "What is everyone else doing/going?" and "If God didnt want us to drink beer all day why would they make 24 packs of beer?" (my personal favorite)

No, instead I'm worrying all day, every day. Worrying about what I am about to accomplish, become, or go. Rather than what am I going to do when the sun goes down.
I have a great life, a great girlfriend, and amazing friends who make my life awesome (roommates, that's you).

So, I have to ask myself, "Why am I not enjoying them and appreciating them like I should?"

I would answer but I have a test tomorrow which is 55% of my grade....

Lucas Out.

Still

So, it was just Easter, and Wesley and I actually got up to go to church. As most of you know, I'm no church go-er. I have not gone since the day my grandmother Juannett passed away. It meant a great deal to me that I went with her since I was 5, that I not go until I had children. But, things change, and people have a way of making you feel safe when your most vulnerable. That's exactly what Wesley Polk did for me. She made me strong when there is no way I could have gone on my own, and then comforted me the entire service. That meant a lot because it meant she knew how hard it was for me, even if it has been 10 years.

About the church, well, it was a baptist church. Where as I'm used to Church of Christ and real formal, this church was very different. But, the pastor was great, and the people were so friendly, it made the whole over-whelming ordeal so much easier. Mark my words, I'm really looking forward to going back Next Sunday.

In Pastor brad's message, he talked about the story of Job, and how even when the Lord took away all he had blessed him with, Job still believed in Jesus and God's plan. The key word was STILL. That even through some tragic times, we should STILL praise the Lord because of his eternal love for us. No matter what we do in this body, we are totally forgiven, as long as we believe.

As long as we Believe. That's all.

I believe in a lot of things, and some of those things people wouldn't agree with me on (Come on, major league baseball, I cannot stand the DH rule!) But one thing is for certain, no one has had to threaten me, or make me, or even deceive me in to believing that Christ lived, and still lives. He rose from the dead, we know this is true. He was crucified, and abused just for us. And yes, he will come back one day. And I know he knows I have not been perfect, nor has anyone. He knows I have not been to church in a decade at least. He knows my strengths, my weaknesses, and above all, my sins. But he still loves me the same. STILL loves me the same.
That was a beautiful and powerful message. It hit hard and it brought a few tears with it. I began to swell up with emotion. Things I forgot came back. The way the smell of the pews mixed with my grandmother's perfume, the way she interacted with all the other wonderful ladies there, some of which looked after me while she was gone. The way she combed my hair, and even parted it the wrong way like I liked it. And last, but not least. The very last words she ever spoke to me, and maybe to anyone.

"No matter where you are, grandson, I will always be proud of who you are."

Words that sometimes leave the part of my brain that remembers to bring them up to comfort me when I have failed or believe I have done wrong. But they never totally leave. Not words that powerful. Words that powerful change people, make people cry when they think about them, and make the things one is worried about seem stupid.

I dont think there is a shadow of a doubt that my grandmother is proud of me. I have laid awake so many nights wondering if she is, or if she even has time to think about me as much as I think about her. Then, those words come back, "No matter where you are, son, I will always be proud of who you are."

And I relax, knowing she must have known I would be there, restless, thinking about it, and that's why she said it. 
 

Alright, so It's been a long time since I've written in this thing.
Since last time....
-Austin
-My birthday
-BASEBALL SEASON!!!
-And lot sof stuff in between.
So, without further a-do....

-Austin-
Well, lets start with Austin. It was awesome. We hung out with wesley's friend Danielle, and Stuart came down and met us. We had a blast everyday we were there. 6th street was definitely an experience. I could see myself living there, but I really dont think Wesley and I's lifestyle fits in to what Austin offers. Sure, North Austin is awesome, and pretty, and amazing. I love the hill country, but when it comes down to it. Austin seems like a place to go and live when your young. And it's only a place I can see Wesley and I visiting for a little time, for a fun get-a-way ya know?

-Birthday-
Wow, guys. I honestly cant explain how ridiculous Lucky I am. Sometimes, early in the morning while drinking coffee and looking up news, I deeply reflect on my life and the choices I have made. I have made some really poor decisions, and I only have myself to blame. But when my mind races forward to the choice I made to clearly follow my heart, and move to Lubbock and go to Texas Tech, I got that choice correct. With a hige gold star beside my name.
The day I met Wesley Cristin Polk, my life only changed for the better. The day she told me she loved me, I became the single luckiest man in the world. And after this birthday, my golden by the way, I could not be more correct then announce that in that moment I realized after everythign we have gone through for 3 years, I wouldnt dare go through it with anyone else.
In Year one, I was immature.
In Year two, I pushed her away, trying to break away and be "wild and crazy"
In Year three, I finally realized that God gave me three blessings in this world.
My Parents, All my siblings, and My beautiful girlfriend.
After all this I guess I should explain what she did, ay?
She totally surprised me with a party at triple J's of at least 20 of my friends. I, for one, was surprised I had 20 friends. All those guys gave up their friday night to come eat dinner with me, and enjoy my birthday. I could not ask for more...well, only a beer or two when I ran out.
There was also this AMAZING cake my girlfriend bought. It was a Red Sox logo. And also strawberry. my favorite. She knows how to make me happy, and Im grateful for it.

Baseball season.
What can I say, I love baseball. After God, my family, Wesley, and my amazing dog, Baseball comes right after. My favorite team is my Boston Red Sox, and although they are off to a really horrible 10 game start. It's April, and this team is too talented not to turn it around.
We went to the Red Sox/Rangers games on April 2nd and 3rd. Wesley's father got us awesome tickets on saturday game, which the Red sox lost, and then on the Sunday game, we had a suite! Which we invited my parents and friends of the family to come enjoy. It was great! Even though the Sox lost, I keep one saying in my head all the time.
"Win, Lose or Tie. Red Sox fan 'till I die!"

Those boys from Beantown always come around....always remember 0-3 in 2004. And Always have faith in the game.

Well, guys. This lucky guy is getting to bed. I have a test in to morning and I got to do well on it. G'night.
Lucas out.

Quitting

Alright, It's Thursday. Another week has flown by.
I guess, it's okay. Since It's my birthday month.
AND, it's only 30 days until baseball season! Saturday April 2nd, 2011 will be the best day ever.

Me and Wesley are planning going to Austin for my birthday around spring break. It's going to be loads of fun, and I cant wait. I think I may buy a Flip video camera to capture some of the craziness. I have been debating long enough about getting a video camera, that I need to do it or stop thinking about it.
I want one because I want to have videos and memories whenever I get married, I can run a video of me and Wesley's times together, and stuff to the tune of "Last Night" by Nelo, our favorite band.
The song always reminds me of the day I found her, and how when I finally did, I felt a wave of ease come over me, like I had found my best friend for life, and I would always have her.
That feeling, and song, never gets old.

Well, the title of this blog is intended to help relate the idea I had sworming my brain today while I studied for my Commodities and Futures exam.

I am a nail biter.
I've always heard the first step is to just admit the problem.

From this day on, I'm going to quit biting my nails. I figured the reason I have such a horrible immune system is because I bite my nails, all the time.

I will, instead, focus my habitual problem on something else. I will chew gum, or pop a piece of candy in my mouth whenever I have the craving. I will keep my focus on other stuff.

I will do this, I have full confidence I can. I'm embarassed it's taken this long for me to do it. In writing, I feel it'll help me keep my word.

Update tomorrow on how "Operation Habit" is going.
Lucas Out.

So, if you aren't caught up, I'm an economics student. Which means money, and everything about it fascinates me. And, on occasion, I like to rant about economic issues, mostly ones that involve our president.

I will say this, though, When it looked like Obama was going to indeed win the presidency, I wasn't shocked or scared like some of my fellow Texans.
Actually, I encouraged it. It is exactly what I wanted, and after seeing the voting stats, exactly what I thought. People who had no clue and STILL dont, voted. Which is awesome, the greatest power an American has is to vote. Yet, are you voting just because he is black, or because you believe in his 'change'.
I am not afraid to say...

Obama would not have won, if he was white.
Actually, his points on issues would have been long gone, and laughed at in the media, if he was white.
Because, if you dont know, Obama is a great leader, but to a certain extent.
I laugh at those who get angry at that statement, and offer this question in return.
"What is Obama's policy?"
You haven't a clue, no one does.

It's no surprise, that as a economics major, I love learning and knowing a lot about the most influential people in any country. The presidents of the United States.
And, it's no surprise, I'm a secret backer of my boy, George "Dub-ya" Bush.
But, even after all the horrible, nasty things that administration went through, I honestly believe Bush had a better understanding of what it meant to be the president of the UNITED STATES.
President Obama seems to think he is the president of the World states.

Hey, Mr. president, did you know, if they wanted to...China could buy you out. Easily. And because you have your finger in the air trying to figure out which way the wind is blowing in the middle east, they are busy teaming up with Brazil and Japan and the WTO to research how your screwing them over in commodities?
Also, Mr. President, please explain why you have to agree, through WTO, to pay ANNUAL PAYMENTS OF 147 MILLION DOLLARS to Brazil to their cotton farmers because of your, lack of better term, stupidity.

Does "budget DEFICIT" mean anything to you? Does "Your kids will be paying for everyday you dont do anything to help it" mean anything to you?
I've got a conclusion, but it would mean re-writing of the constitution. Before I lay it out there, I want it to be known, it is no means a jab at our founding fathers, I believe they were way ahead of their time, but it's run it's course. And all history must be re-written.

Instead of a income tax, where American people are taxed for government programs, and other things, before they even recieve their pay check. It's a great system, because usually income tax is a system set up for people to actually pay MORE than what they should. But with a progressive income tax system (that's where there are multiple tax percentages, and every americans pays whatever percentage that their annual income falls in) there are problems.
-Those people who dont make enough (or make too much)
-Those folks who pay too much, and the Government has to pay them back
-Those folks who are undocumented, living in this country for free, and those who are doing undocumented work (drugs and illegal activity)

Cut the income tax. Make a 20-30% consumption tax on everything. And i mean, everything.
Everyone spends. Also, if folks are bringing in their total pay amounts, it's easier for them to pay for these things, that will kind of cost a bit more. I mean, all those undocumented workers, spend money at our grocery stores, and other places. This will be an obvious way of making sure they help pay for the country they deprive. It also in some way, cuts out that "I hate illegal immigrants" arguement. Why? They're helping us.
By helping themselves.
It's as close to, ever there ever was, a "Perfect Economy". People take care of other people and their country, by taking care of themselves.
Also, company's will hire more. No more paying taxes on workers means more under the budget.
It's not exact science, it would need some tweaking, and some definite backing, and refining. But like Bernie Madoff says "The government runs it's own Ponzi Scheme on the American people everyday. Where's your money going into? Something you'll never see, ever."

So, Mr. President. The ball is in your court, literally. Because every decision you make, or every day you waste NOT making a decision, is one more your kids, my kids, and America's kids have to deal with.


Lucas out.

Alright, Monday Funday!
It was one heck of a weekend for me and Wesley. Jam-packed.

First off, Friday night we went to the Blue Light to see Emory Quinn play. There is something about the Depot District, Spring/Summer Time and live music that gets me all wired up inside. I absolutely love it. The Blue Light is my favorite bar by far here in Lubbock, and when you mix GOOD Texas Country Live music, you've got yourself a great time.

Then Saturday we woke up early and I came to pick up Wesley and we headed to her Folks' house in Abilene. We met Gracie, the new puppy. Geisha did VERY well with the new puppy. It gave me a lot of confidence to get another puppy one day, knowning Geisha could be mature and help raise it.
While down there, we met up with Wesly's friend, Megan Hale. Megan is a going to be a newly-wed soon to Sean Trotter, another friend of Wesley's. I can say, we had a lot of fun. Megan is an awesome friend, and someone I'm glad Wesley introduced me to. We all went out prior to this in Lubbock after the Missouri game, and it was a total blast. It always seems we have a great time when were around Megan and Sean.
Then that night we met up with Wesley's folks at Cypress Street, a restaraunt downtown. This place is awesome. We also met Brandon (Wesley's pop)'s Co-worker at his new job at Vanderra Resources. He was a baseball guy, lets just say, there wasn't a lot we DIDNT talk about.
There is something about Wesley's family that I love. I love the fact that they brought me in, and treat me well. Actually, more like amazing. Brandon gave me a Autographed Josh Hamilton baseball. It was a great surprise, and it got me thinking about all the stuff that I have experienced and have gotten to know while being around him and Wesley's mom.
You think getting a black dress shirt with your Initials monogramed on the pocket, isnt a big deal, right?
Well, I take it as, something I need this coming August, and it's one less thing I have to worry about on graduation day..."What am I going to wear?". This is thanks to Wesley's mom.
Also, the knowledge I have consumed by just being around the man, is remarkable. I know more history than I could ever learn watching the history channel, and the cool thing about it is, it's about Texas. Which is another thing I love.
When I think about me and Wesley getting married, I'm not gonna lie to ya'll (the 5 people who read this poorly put together blog) It scares me. I hope I'm half the man her dad is, half the man my dad is, and all this while hoping I can give/provide everything she could ever want.
But, then I think about all the years I'll be able to spend with Brandon and Wayna and even Brady. And it makes things feel better. They are such a blessing to me, and I hope I can some how pay them back for everything they have ever done for me. I will not let a blessing like this go unnoticed, or made default.

Well, that was my weekend. of course, Sunday we ate at the best place ever, Perini's. When, and if, I ever meet God at the gates of Heaven, and there's any chance that I'll get in. I'll bring me some of Perini's steak, or even the hamburger, to show my appreciation. It's that damn good.

Well, the Jobs report should come out soon, so I'll have a blog post about that. We'll see how much the State of the Union helped President Obama, in his hopes to wuitting running a deficit, and run a budget.

Yeah, like I said, we'll see.

Alrighty, that's it for me tonight guys.
Lucas out.

So, today is Thursday. Great day of the week, it means the weekend is just one day away.

Tomorrow is a super awesome day, My friend Laura McCool is coming back to visit. Haven't seen her since she moved back to Dallas. AND, it's the season opener of Red Raider Baseball. One of my favorite days of the year. The weather was perfect, and continues to be, for baseball. I even wore one of my fishing shirts yesterday and today, cause it's almost that time, too.

I plan on tailgating before the baseball game with some friends, who are just as equally excited as I am. I am going to get some Rudy's barbque and have a great time just relaxing before the first pitch. It's going to be a great time.

Baseball does a lot for me. It produces the ability for me to hope and to show my optimistic-ways. Every pitch is a new day, just as in life, there are plenty of chances and opportunity costs everyday. And growing up, I found that my size could actually be used as an advantage in the sport, something no other sport has. Where do you see a 5'6 second baseman playing along side, and actually probably getting paid more, than a 6'4 first baseman? Exactly.
It's also only a few days until spring training, and my favorite team, the Boston Red Sox are gearing up for a season full of amazing expectations. Which can be good, or it could be really bad.  But, of course, my optimistic side shows itself, and I'll tell you it can only be good.
With my birthday right around the corner, Wesley is steady making plans. I swear if it was not for her, I would celebrate my birthday cooking a steak for myself and a Miller High life while watching sportscenter. She has a niche for planning, and finding cool stuff to do in towns. It only leads me to say, out of love of course, that if a celebrity was to ever want a good personal assistant, look no further than my girlfriend.
Anyway, for my birthday were going to Austin. One, to see a good friend Danielle Gafken, who was Wesley's roommate in college. And two, because I haven't been to Austin in 7 years. It's going to be great seeing D and I'm terribly excited. When Wesley and I went to D's surprise birthday in Brownwood back in November, it made us realize how much we've missed her. She has been a really great friend to Wesley, and she really never had to be to me, but she has turned out to be someone I feel I'm blessed I know. She is someone I truly see as a friend of Wesley and I for a very long time.

Of course, what is a birthday without a surprise? Wesley has one in store, and is growing hype around it like a weed. It's to my understanding that it involves more than her, me, and my Boston Red Sox. Although, I'm not sure in which way, but in the coming weeks I guess we will find out. I do know one other thing.

When it comes to Wesley, NEVER rule out anything, and always expect something unexpected.

I was joking with a friend the other day about this very subject, and he said "...Tyler, what if you get to play catch with Dustin Pedroia? Or get to be in the clubhouse during the game?"
I thought about it for a minute.

"Well, to be honest, I'd probably marry her on the spot."
But then as I said it, I thought even more into it. And it produce some wild idea that I was thinking about marriage, in depth, for the first time. And to be honest, if the smile wasn't telling enough. I liked it.

"...but, It wouldn't take all that for me to marry her." I quickly added, as another smile came across my face.

I guess, I'm growing up after all. And it feels good.

Alright blog, you got my best today. I'll try to do better next time. Until then,
Lucas out.

Fair Weather

I'm a strange and odd person when I'm on campus, anyone who has run into me can tell you. I like to walk by myself, I rarely ever leave a building without my headphones, and I dont talk to anyone more than a nod and wave, usually. So, whenever conflict is present, either A. I avoid it or B. I dont even hear it because my headphones are drowning "California Dread" by nelo in my brain to numb the obviously, ignorant rant of people (These are new terms I use to describe people on campus, when a few months ago, I thought all people who were on a college campus had one thing in common, intelligence.)

This, though, is not true, by any means.

It was a normal Friday, I am walking to class. It's briskfully cold in Lubbock and I decided to wear one of my prized article of clothing under a jacket (Those of us who know me, know I dont normally care, I still wear Wranglers for Christ Sake). The piece of clothing Im referring to is my Boston red Sox Dustin Pedroia shirt. This because Wesley gave it to me on my last birthday and  Dustin Pedroia is absolute idol. He's everything I love about baseball, and I see a lot of myself in him. He is 5'7, yet plays in the majors, and also one of the most competitive people I've ever seen. Basically, me in a nutshell, and millions of dollars richer.

The story continues with the fact no one would have known I wore it, except when I went into the Library to read more "Decision points" by G.W Bush, I got a little toasty, so I took off my jacket. Come to find a guy wearing a rangers ball cap starring at me across the library. At first, I thought nothing of it, then I noticed his partner in crime, and he both had the SAME Rangers "Claw" shirt, and same Rangers hat. And they were both starring at me and shaking their heads.
Considering my introduction to the post, I try not to care, and continue reading. I get up to leave and as I'm putting on my jacket, I hear a faint stab at my shirt from Ranger boy.

"Your just a bandwaggoner."

It seemed as time froze a little bit, ya know like in that music video "Consequences" with Dre and Eminem? Like, Time was saying, "you got two choices, whatcha gone do, brah?"

I decided to decline the invitation to smack the ever-living ignorant snot out of him, and walk away facing the consequence I was a bandwagon fan, yet I am the farthest from it. Besides, I could see the "Size tag" on one of their "Claw" Tshirts. My best guess was he couldnt name  It got me thinking, what is a true fan? and Which one of us is right?

I want to make myself very clear, I have some serious Rangers fanatics as friends, and I, too, loved seeing their run to the World Series, as pure and majestic as it was. It was done how baseball should be won, making runs out of nothing and pitching. This is in no way a jab at the few true fanatics I know. You know who you are.

This is for every back-country hick in love with the flavor of the week. Lemme guess, you saw one guy wearing the shirt and was like "DUDE thats such a cool shirt, I dont have a slither of originality to my personaility, so I'll get one!" And your a DIE hard Rangers fan, huh? Yeah, we'll see after this season.

This is to ever fair weather fan, every feathe- in-the-wind fan, every Longhorns fan who isnt a student or former student of the University of Texas...fan. It's these people who I absolutely hope I never see on the street when they have a family, all wearing burnt orange while telling other burnt orange wear-ers that their "Son gonna be the best damn Quarterback Mack Brown ever did freakin' see", cause he isnt, he is lucky to be able to walk without reminding himself to breathe or blink, let alone throw a football straight.

This is to all the other "Fans" of that team, they say they have been a fan for "Longer than I can ever remember".  Quit Lying, your mom/dad bought you a shirt you saw on a rack at Walmart, found out who it was and BAM, you's a fan! So, because of the shirt, and hat, and all the other stuff you collected since you were 11, you think you "Belong". It gives you a feeling of being apart of something, and you love it. You also love the fact they win, constantly, Have the most state funding, and probably could buy the entire state of Hawaii and use it as a vacation home for Mack Brown. You use this knowledge, what little it is, to be-little the other universities students and alumni about their school. You say things like "you have little brother syndrome". "2008 was a fluke." "(Insert name of other university) SUCKS! Hook'em baby!", because you feel entitled. Nevermind that you have no clue about that university, or even been to the campus, or spent a day there. Nevermind that you didnt have the Moxie to actually apply to the university you "love so much", and for those that did, they forget the rejection letter they were sent back.
The school that you "Bleed Orange" for, doesnt even want you "Bleeding" their orange.

Face it, your a fair-weather fan. The only time you show any pride is when your team is winning. You cancel the fact that your team didnt make it to one of the 32 bowl games this year. That your team lost 3 games AT HOME. Even the student body gave up on them. This is where you shouldve kept quiet, and let the real fans be the ones to come out, but you didnt. Your pride has manipulated your mind so much that, now, you take hits against the University (that didnt want you, mind you) that you dont have an ounce of affiliation with, personally. It amazes me, that people long so much to be apart of a winner, that they trick themselves into thinking, or worse other people thinking, they actually could have been apart of it.

I guess my anger with these people is the fact, they have no clue how hard I worked to get to MY university. To graduate from Texas Tech University, and plan my life afterwards. I risked a lot, I failed a lot, but I triumphed. And I'm definitely not going to let someone who is "just a fan" talk about it in a way that is negative, because you simply have no right, or justification.
I look at my life, much like I look at Rudy Ruettiger's life. He was nothing without Notre Dame, and frankly, he could have done just fine without that school, but he didnt want to. He set a goal, polished it, and stuck with it. It was a mircale he even got into the school, much less on the football team. I made a goal long before I could remember that I would go to the best school I saw that fit me. That was Texas tech. I learned this when I was in 8th grade, before then, I never really had a affiliation with any school, I kinda flipped-flopped, but since I didnt have a alum background, I didnt have much facisnation with college sports of any kind. As far as I can remember my parents were strict on grades, and just told me "to go to college, we dont care where, just be happy." After numerous talks with the Texas Tech rep at Sulphur Springs High School, I knew I had found the place. I began setting myself up to go there. Of course, without any money, I wasnt going anywhere, so after years of saving, working night shifts and attending random juinor colleges, I finally moved here and enrolled at Texas Tech.

I think it's a story I'm excited to tell my kids and grandkids, and the pride that burst out of me when I tell it will be original, because those who know me, know I cant gloat about myself to save my life.
And that, to me, is way more powerful, and passionate, then these so called "Longhorn fans" could ever imagine pumping into their lives. It's something that I can tell my kids and grandkids, and they'll be proud to know, that their father/grandfather never settled, never strayed away, and never faultered to follow his dream.

I dont think I have to explain my passion for the Red Sox, because anyone who knows me already knows I love my BoSox. And yes, we sucked last year, and yes we have a very high payroll. But thats not why I love them. Honestly, sometimes I wish they would trade everyone away. Go ahead, Theo (Dont read too deep, please?) trade'em. My love is for the team. yes, I will follow Pedroia, Lester and those guys, and cheer for them when they play, but I will always cheer for the Red Sox, no matter what.

Now, Please, let the punishment I am about to endure from several "Longhorn" fans" commence, I'm open for it. I challenge you to ask yourself first, "Would I still be a fan if they lost every single game?", or "If theyre fan base wasnt as broad and popular?"

"Am I a fair weather fan?"
 Wreck'em

Lucas Out.

Awwwww-right

Well, it's about time to right another post. See, I warned ya'll I'd suck at this. I dont believe it's the writing that bothers me, it's the writing about myself. If there is one flaw I have, it's the fact I can never give myself enough credit, or enough praise. I'm humble, what can I say?

Well, Wesley has graduated from college in December. it's amazing, the way one person doing it, can make you see it's not as far-fetched as you think.
She also moved into her new apartment. Go over to her blog to see pictures. I love it, it's perfect for her. All she needs now is for her personal financial planner (me) to help her manage her bills. She's gotten better at it, it's so hard anymore like it was when we first met. She's doing well keeping her head on an even keel, thinking purchases through, and making sure she always keeps up to date with her bank account. (That sentence makes me look like a real planner, as opposed to a boyfriend.)

Since the last time I wrote, I had an amazing christmas break. I absolutely love my family. I went deer hunting for the first time in 3 years with my grandpa. I didnt really see anything to shoot, but it was fun. I love going and just enjoying the morning sunrise in Kerrville, Tx. I think when God was making Texas, he blessed us with a piece of heaven with Texas Hill Country, honestly.
Also, Wesley cam down for New years with my family. We found a new Barbeque restaraunt (who woulda thunk it? Me? barbeque?) called Red Hot and Blue. If you have a chance, please drop in. The ribs are amazing.

Oh, and since last time my last full semester of school has started. It's my senior year, and of course, I had to choose two hard classes, cause that's just how I roll. I think my Banking, credit and Investments class is going to be difficult, but probably the one class I'll remember forever.

Besides School and holidays, January 16th was an awesome day as well. It was Mine and Wesley's 3 year anniversay. I surprised her Thursday with soup,salad and breadsticks at home. Then Friday I took her on a surprise trip to cagles for dinner (Thanks Pop!) and we went out and celebrated with friends at Bar PM.
3 full years, with one small speedbump. It's been heaven, and it's been hell, but I wouldnt have it any other - or with any other person - way. I love you Wesley Cristin.

Well, maybe I'll write again before a blue moon, untill then..
Lucas Out.