So this list is pretty much coming off the top of my head and what I can remember from this year. There is no doubt though that this year was one of my best and I can't wait to see what God has in store for me the coming years. Without further ado, here is my list.
10) Blazers-Thunder game on December 4th
I have part-time season tickets. So far this is the best game I have been to given the Blazers current record. Lamarcus Aldridge had 38 points and 13 rebounds! He was on fire. Really blessed to have witnessed this game against such a good team
9) Blazers-Heat game on January 10th
This game we actually won, not to compare to the heartbreak last Saturday. The difference in this game, my favorite Blazer hit back to back 3's to give us the first lead of the entire game, plus Lebron James played. What is not to like about that!
8) My sisters high school graduation in June
This moment meant a lot to me. While in college these were the years I missed out on with my sister. She during those years blossomed into a beautiful young lady and it was such a good moment for the family. It also was the last kid out of the house for my parents! Now she is at OSU and I am so happy to only be 1.5 hours away from her instead of 3.5 hours.
7) Last college retreat to Lake Shasta in May
This would be the last retreat with the beloved college ministry that did so much for me during my 5 years at OSU. I made so many good friends during those years and it is something I will never forget. This year by far had the most impact on me because I have never seen God move the way he did that weekend. Maybe it was because I gave him room to or he just wanted to prove me wrong. Whatever the case was, it was a great time and I will miss times like that moving forward with my life.
6) Las Vegas in August
So I love this place, yeah it is Sin City but it is a good place to vacation for 3-4 days or so. The tops on this trip was meeting Chris Daughtry and going to his show later that night. Getting a picture also was worth it too. I never came home with the big bucks but I for sure will make Vegas an every two year trip for sure!
5) Concerts and concerts
I love music. I saw so many concerts of bands I love. It started with a night of worship when Hillsong United was in town. I can honestly say they are one of my favorites and that night is something I still go back to time to time. What a show. I saw REO Speedwagon and Loverboy. Grew up listening to these bands so this show rocked! Bethel Music was next and again another great night of worship. Chris Daughtry ended the concerts for this year but I am looking forward to this next year and what it has to offer! Journey and Steve Miller is already on the list :)
4)Colorado Springs and a Bronco game in September
This weekend trip was my graduation present. I had such a blast staying with some friends in Colorado Springs for 3 days before heading to Denver for my first NFL game! For those of you that know me I love the Broncos! That weekend just reminded me how lucky I am to be alive and also how beautiful this country is. I would love to call Colorado home someday. Here is to hoping that dream becomes a reality in the next 10 years :)
3) Singapore mission trip over Spring Break
Honestly if it wasn't for the next two memories being lifetime accomplishments this would be number 1. Words can not express the impact this trip had on me and where I am today. I encourage you if have never heard about my trip to Singapore to read my previous posts starting with this one and moving up :)
http://whenmyguitargentlyweeps.blogspot.com/2013/03/roads-untraveled.html
It was an amazing trip and the stories tell themselves. I will be visiting soon someday.
2) Graduating college
What can I say. Since I was a kid I wanted to graduate from college an OSU Beaver. It may have taken me 5 years and I am have wanted to quit along the way but I did it. If it wasn't for the ongoing encouragement from my family and friends, I would not have been able to do it. That day walking across that stage and getting my diploma just made all the difference in the world. Now I know my hard work paid off.
1) My first job as a civil engineer
Now here I am, 6 months on the job as a project engineer for Sisul Engineering! I still have my job moving into the new year and I also get full benefits and a little raise. It is a start but I couldn't be more thankful for this position. I love what I do so that makes it worth it! Portland has been treating me well and I can only imagine 2014 will be more busy for me at work. It still hasn't hit me that I am a full time engineer. I still feel like a kid. Hard work pays off I guess. For now I am loving it and this is the memory that will last a lifetime for me. Never thought this day would have come.
In conclusion, I can expect 2014 to be an even greater year. I have no clue what to expect but I said that last year and look what God did. I can't wait to kick off the new year right and see a year from now what has happened :) Happy New Year and God bless you all!!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Thursday, December 19, 2013
My thoughts on the Blazers thus far
This post comes from the fact that the Blazers did lose yesterday. 27 games into the season their is no doubt that is team has something special. I am no expert but I did want to state my option on the team thus far in the best manner that I can.
For one, the resilience this team has is unbelievable! Yesterdays game I had as a loss long before they played, but they could have easily been 1-3 on that trip and they know it. The fight this team has is a lot like that team was last year. I remember a lot of their 33 wins last year and they had some pretty good games when they fought back and won. Granted last year they had no bench but compared to this years team the starters haven't changed. With exception to Lopez being a true center that doesn't demand touches and the bench being upgraded with players that mesh well and fit Stotts system, this team will not give up.
One thing I loved about last night is the quotes from the players. They admitted the Twolves kicked their rear end and didn't make excuses about it. They noticed flaws and even said they have a lot of work to do as a team. Most of that is on the defensive end but with all the points they put up each game, you are unlikely to see the Blazers crack the Top 5 when it comes to team defense, but they can continue to get better and do what they do best.
I trust Stotts 100% with the direction of this team, he is an analytical genius in my mind. The NBA game has changed and he knows it. No Blazer team in my lifetime have I remembered meshes together as well as the Blazers team does this year. I still think Mo could improve in the 6th man role, but he sure is a hell of an upgrade from last year. Freeland has changed his game completely and if only Leonard could learn from him and the confidence he has with his gameplay on the court, he could be 2nd string. Until he learns that, Freeland will continue to get minutes. Wright can flat out shoot the ball when he needs to and his D isn't to bad. And T-Rob is a diamond in the rough that will continue to get better over time. If the starters stay healthy, I like this team making a run in the playoffs.
But their is so much room for improvement and a lot of it. I love the fact that LA and Wes demanded a team meeting after last nights loss. They take complete blame for it. Teams in the past would never do this. Not this Blazer team. Individually each guy can improve. Damian and his FG percentage inside the three, Wes and creating his own shot. Batum not forcing things. LA is playing great. RoLo manning up more. Mo not being stupid and turning the ball over. The list goes on.
For one, the resilience this team has is unbelievable! Yesterdays game I had as a loss long before they played, but they could have easily been 1-3 on that trip and they know it. The fight this team has is a lot like that team was last year. I remember a lot of their 33 wins last year and they had some pretty good games when they fought back and won. Granted last year they had no bench but compared to this years team the starters haven't changed. With exception to Lopez being a true center that doesn't demand touches and the bench being upgraded with players that mesh well and fit Stotts system, this team will not give up.
One thing I loved about last night is the quotes from the players. They admitted the Twolves kicked their rear end and didn't make excuses about it. They noticed flaws and even said they have a lot of work to do as a team. Most of that is on the defensive end but with all the points they put up each game, you are unlikely to see the Blazers crack the Top 5 when it comes to team defense, but they can continue to get better and do what they do best.
I trust Stotts 100% with the direction of this team, he is an analytical genius in my mind. The NBA game has changed and he knows it. No Blazer team in my lifetime have I remembered meshes together as well as the Blazers team does this year. I still think Mo could improve in the 6th man role, but he sure is a hell of an upgrade from last year. Freeland has changed his game completely and if only Leonard could learn from him and the confidence he has with his gameplay on the court, he could be 2nd string. Until he learns that, Freeland will continue to get minutes. Wright can flat out shoot the ball when he needs to and his D isn't to bad. And T-Rob is a diamond in the rough that will continue to get better over time. If the starters stay healthy, I like this team making a run in the playoffs.
But their is so much room for improvement and a lot of it. I love the fact that LA and Wes demanded a team meeting after last nights loss. They take complete blame for it. Teams in the past would never do this. Not this Blazer team. Individually each guy can improve. Damian and his FG percentage inside the three, Wes and creating his own shot. Batum not forcing things. LA is playing great. RoLo manning up more. Mo not being stupid and turning the ball over. The list goes on.
Along with the teams we have beaten, we have yet to face a quality team on the road. Sure we have already beat our road record from last year but until we beat a team like OKC, Houston and SA at there home, I won't be satisfied. Can I also say I can't wait to see what CJ can bring to the team.
Looking forward to the new year. I am thankful we have only 5 games left in December. We need it. On average we have played two more games than most of the NBA. That is crazy. Beating LAC and Miami at home will be huge. December 31st is the game I will have circled though. @ OKC with Durant. 4-1 the next 5 I am okay with. But beating OKC at home will only tell me more about this team. The D was none existent this last road trip and will get better. We will continue to lead the NBA in points and 3 point FG made. When 3 of your players are in the top 10 for FG made behind 3 that trend is likely to continue to happen throughout the season. But quality road wins in what I am looking for because come playoff time we will need them. So much more to talk about. Moral of the story is I love this team and love that they want to get better 22-5 isn't good enough and I LOVE that. Thankful to be a part time season holder as well. Miami is next. Keep it up Blazers, you are making this city, this state, and also this nation really proud! Rip City for life. Until next time....
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Countless blessings
It is a little past 9, lying here in my bed. Coming to the realization that I haven't posted much in a while. With a lot going on in my head why not give you all an update while lying here.
This weekend again reminded me how lucky and blessed I am to have the family and friends that I have. The holidays seem to have that effect on me. This is defiantly my favorite time of the year.
Wednesday night after I got off work I headed halfway south for Thanksgiving. I stopped in Corvallis to stay with some family friends and then caught a ride down with them Thursday morning for the big feast at my parents property in Eagle Point.
Come Thursday I couldn't have asked for a better day. Though it may have been only 18 hours, it may have been one of the best Thanksgivings I have ever had. From my grandparents coming down from Portland just like me, to seeing my dad's dad, my uncle, my cousins, and just hanging out with family friends, it overall was a great day. It was great to see my dad's dad given his current health. He will be heading down south to LA for the next 6 months like he has done for the past so that could have been my last time seeing him. It was really good. And of course getting to spend some time with my mom and dad meant the world. I miss the property a lot and Portland sometimes just can't fill that void. I am thankful Christmas will be a little bit longer but not by much.
This year compared to other holidays will be more different than I have ever experienced. For most of the month of December I will be by myself, something I am not used to during this time of year. I'd be lying if I think it will be easy because it won't. At the same time, I plan on rejoicing through the ups and downs and reminding myself how truly blessed I am in the first place.
The rest of the weekend was spent in Corvallis celebrating the wedding of my friends Kelley and Kacie. Me and my brother were on the road at 6:30 Friday morning. Even though Austin and I weren't directly in the wedding party, we were blessed to be included in all the activities leading up to their big day. It truly was a good wedding as well. From breakfast at Sharis while the girls were already getting ready at the church to mini golf to the ceremony and reception it will was so fun! It has been so cool to see Kelley and Kacie grow as a couple and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for them with their marriage.
Overall the weekend was a success. Tomorrow the work week starts up again. I am again truly blessed to not be in school anymore because this week would be Dead Week. Another thing to yet again be thankful for :) Though this month may have its ups and downs leading up to Christmas with my family, I hope to make the most of it. I am so thankful family and friends are just a phone call or a text away so regardless I am going to make the most of it. Until the next post, hopefully not 3 months from now. This is all I got, God bles
This weekend again reminded me how lucky and blessed I am to have the family and friends that I have. The holidays seem to have that effect on me. This is defiantly my favorite time of the year.
Wednesday night after I got off work I headed halfway south for Thanksgiving. I stopped in Corvallis to stay with some family friends and then caught a ride down with them Thursday morning for the big feast at my parents property in Eagle Point.
Come Thursday I couldn't have asked for a better day. Though it may have been only 18 hours, it may have been one of the best Thanksgivings I have ever had. From my grandparents coming down from Portland just like me, to seeing my dad's dad, my uncle, my cousins, and just hanging out with family friends, it overall was a great day. It was great to see my dad's dad given his current health. He will be heading down south to LA for the next 6 months like he has done for the past so that could have been my last time seeing him. It was really good. And of course getting to spend some time with my mom and dad meant the world. I miss the property a lot and Portland sometimes just can't fill that void. I am thankful Christmas will be a little bit longer but not by much.
This year compared to other holidays will be more different than I have ever experienced. For most of the month of December I will be by myself, something I am not used to during this time of year. I'd be lying if I think it will be easy because it won't. At the same time, I plan on rejoicing through the ups and downs and reminding myself how truly blessed I am in the first place.
The rest of the weekend was spent in Corvallis celebrating the wedding of my friends Kelley and Kacie. Me and my brother were on the road at 6:30 Friday morning. Even though Austin and I weren't directly in the wedding party, we were blessed to be included in all the activities leading up to their big day. It truly was a good wedding as well. From breakfast at Sharis while the girls were already getting ready at the church to mini golf to the ceremony and reception it will was so fun! It has been so cool to see Kelley and Kacie grow as a couple and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for them with their marriage.
Overall the weekend was a success. Tomorrow the work week starts up again. I am again truly blessed to not be in school anymore because this week would be Dead Week. Another thing to yet again be thankful for :) Though this month may have its ups and downs leading up to Christmas with my family, I hope to make the most of it. I am so thankful family and friends are just a phone call or a text away so regardless I am going to make the most of it. Until the next post, hopefully not 3 months from now. This is all I got, God bles
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