Thursday, March 3, 2011

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.

Monday, February 28, 2011

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.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

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.

Friday, February 11, 2011

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.

Monday, January 17, 2011

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.

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.