Hectic

Well, world, my life got busy on me within the last two weeks. A plethora of tests, Young Life shenanigans, and examining Missouri State Statutes...what's not to love? Due to the confidential nature of much of my recent goings-on, and due to the open door that is blogging, I will change/withhold names and specificity from a significant portion of this post. But I encourage you to ask me next time you see me; I'd love to let you know what's been going on.

My academic life has taken an interesting turn for the time being. After much deliberation, I've decided to apply for a particular scholarship for graduate school with an emphasis on public service. This seems to be right up my alley, so to speak. I love people and I would like to make a career out of that, perhaps in a governmental position. Who knows? This scholarship could be a long shot, though. First I have to get nominated by my university, and then only one applicant per state receives one of these scholarships. This is an adventure, to say the least. I'm excited to see what happens.

Young Life has gone into full swing. I've greatly enjoyed spending time with my high school friends this year - I have absolutely no idea what this semester will look like, but it's off to a good start.

And lastly, legal issues are brewing. Nothing major, just a disagreement from last school year. Some friends and I are tentatively headed to claims court - my first real case! How exciting. This situation has been a great learning experience thus far, and I'm curious to see how it will turn out.

...and there you have it. That is the gist of my life, for the moment. Plenty of academics and witty anecdotes to fill the cracks, but not enough time to post them right now. Soon, perhaps...

Much love,
Michael

Gifts

This has been an interesting week in the life of Michael. There have been times when I've been wonderfully content, perfectly happy exactly where I am, perhaps walking to class or having a conversation with a friend. There have also been times of extreme discontent, when it feels as though nothing is "clicking" or making sense. During these times I am typically lost in my thoughts, and it becomes easy for me to forget all of the rich blessings God has bestowed upon me; for whatever reason, I am prone to focus on what I do not have, and this leads me to discontentment time and time again.

This afternoon I ventured out on my bicycle, both to exercise and simply to ride. Cycling has moved up about 5 notches in the Michael activity scoreboard since the school year began (putting it at notch 5). I rode on the MKT Trail; though I have no idea what MKT stands for (Martial Karate Teaching?), I greatly enjoyed the serenity and ambiance of the trail. I felt utterly free speeding alongside creeks, splashing through puddles, and avoiding the occasional jogger.

At one point on my ride, I realized that this time, this experience, was a gift. As I examined this notion more fully, it dawned on me just how true this statement was: my bike was a gift from my former roommate and dear friend Cliff; my helmet came from the floor of a friend's house; and my polarized sunglasses had been graciously provided by US Cellular (long, yet entertaining, story). Then I delved even deeper than the bike paraphernalia: the wonderful St. Louis Cardinals shirt I wore was a gift from my mother; my beloved Duke basketball shorts were a Christmas present from my grandparents; and, most of all, this trail, this day, this life are all gifts from God!

I love when these revelations "click" like they did today. I do enjoy diving beneath the surface of what seems apparent, to truly see each thing, each experience, for the gift it truly is. I wish I could do this more often. Let's see what happens...

Hunter-Gatherers

My house situation this semester has been quite enjoyable thus far. There are six of us living in an old house relatively close to our college campus. This means six different sets of eccentricities and interests; it has been great to see these come out. (For the sake of humor, and just because I can, I shall use pseudonyms for each of my housemates.)

The four of us on the first and second floors have become culinary wizards of sorts. And by culinary wizards, I mean we take whatever food we have and make it taste wonderful, whether through simple or far-fetched methods.

An example: In the past week I have created a wonderful dish involving whole grain pasta, chicken, garlic, fresh spinach, broccoli, and a dollop of olive oil, all topped off with tomato sauce. It is exquisite. I also made fried rice (with chicken and loads of vegetables) for the first time last week with wondrous results.

Another example: My housemate Herb* came home with several pounds of deer steak and a minuscule grill last week. Our house feasted upon succulent venison; 'twas wonderful, and quite manly at that. This protein-packed gathering has set up precedent for a weekly meal together, which I have dubbed a House "Meat-ing," similar to the more commonly used "meeting," but with much more flair and amino acids.

Our house is basically a community of hunter-gatherers. Herb* and Tito* are avid hunters, so whatever is in season will somehow end up in our freezer. Jermaine* and I (no pseudonym for me, I'm afraid) are on the gathering end of the spectrum. I happen to come across free food around campus at an astounding rate; just last Wednesday I happened upon a plethora of bagels and an entire pizza, all for free. Jermaine* happens to buy groceries from time to time. The four of us then combine our resources to create a smorgasbord of culinary possibilities. And let me tell you, it has been wonderful.

Left-Handed Watch
After getting back from Tennessee, my old right-handed Missourian self has been trying to reappear. Cooking has provided a golden opportunity for building up my left-handed strength, fortunately, but my right-hand has a monopoly in writing. It appears ambidexterity is more difficult than I anticipated three and a half months ago. Curses...