The Goodbye

This is it fellow classmates. The final blog.

First off, I want to say that blogging all year has greatly developed me into a better writer than what I was before. I realized that there is much more to writing than just using proper grammar; one must write with emotion and passion, it is far more important than spelling. I would also like to mention how much I enjoyed this AP Language class. Although it was an AP class, it didn't always seem like one (I mean that in the best way possible Ms. Gunter). Something about the atmosphere was relaxing, and it enabled me to actually enjoy the time I spent in the room.

Secondly, I want to thank everyone for making the class, and the whole school year, a blast. I may seem like a meanie at times, and maybe even come off as arrogant to some. But I assure you, I don't mean to be. I'll deeply miss all of you next year.

James Shockley is such an inspiration. Let's face it, we all love DC. Sure, Mr. Constant would have been nice, and a win in Halls and Walls would have been too, but regardless, we love it. We are madly in love with the four years we spent here, and the people we spent them with. How could you not be? I would like for you to read a passage from a book called Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller.

And I could not have known then that if I had been born here, I would have left here, gone someplace south to deal with horses, to get on some open land where you can see tomorrow's storm brewing over a high desert. I could not have known then that everybody, every person, has to leave, has to change like seasons; they have to or they die. The seasons remind me that I must keep changing, and I want to change because it is God's way. All my life I have been changing. I changed from a baby to a child, from soft toys to play daggers. I changed into a teenager to drive a car, into a worker to spend some money. I will change into a husband to love a woman, into a father to love a child, change houses so we are near water, and again so we are near mountains, and again so we are near friends, keep changing with my wife, getting our love so it dies and gets born again and again, like a garden, fed by four seasons, a cycle of change. Everybody has to change, or they expire. Everybody has to leave, everybody has to leave their home and come back so they can love it again for all new reasons.

With that, I want to say goodbye. Much love. Mucho grande.

The Memories

It's came to my attention that I still have two more blogs to write, so I apologize if they are in no way about Chic-Fil-A. I'm sure you won't mind that much.

Tonight was senior awards night. At first I was skeptical about how it was gonna' go, I really didn't know how many people were going to attend, or how serious it would be taken in general. I have to say, I was impressed. The auditorium was full kids and parents, most of which were adorned in nice outfits. If you didn't already know, I won the "Best Ninja" award. You may have seen me sprint to the stage and tumble across and receive my award. It was no big deal.

As soon as I got home I got on Facebook of course. I chuckled to myself as I saw numerous statuses about the end of senior year, and how no one was ready for it to be over. I'm sorry to do this, but I told you so people. The same people who had been ready to move on for so long are laying in their beds tonight lying wide awake with so many things on their minds. Things concerning the activities of their senior year of high school. They're probably thinking about all the things they missed, or the things they were just "too cool" to do. I really only have a small hint of advice for them.

Stop.

Sure, we all made mistakes as a teenager. We all at one point have done something we wish we hadn't. Or not done something we wish we had. Come one though, we have a couple weeks left. Stop fumbling through your regrets; start making up for them. I know 12 days isn't that many, but you would be surprised about how much you can do in that short amount of time, especially considering our situation. Do everything you can these next days, do a lot of things you won't regret.

I know I will.

The Memories

Recently, there has been tragedy at Chic-Fil-A. Ever since I have worked there, we have always had three good and hardworking managers. And when I say "good", I mean that they let the employees do pretty much whatever we want (to an extent). Just the other day, one of these managers was fired. Rumors and speculations quickly spread around about the reason(s) why. I really didn't believe any of them, but due to the fact that the information of why he was fired was not released to us, I have to assume that it was pretty bad.

There has been utter chaos this past week in dealing with this tragic blow. Our boss has been struggling to find another worker who is responsible enough/has enough time to take up the reigns as team manager. I have a looming feeling that whoever he appoints, will definitely not be as cool and acceptable as the old manager was. I have discussed my thoughts with other employees, and many of them share my same fears. Pray for me please, this is my future we're talking about here!

As most of you know, this past Saturday was prom, and being a senior, the night was HUGE for me. Some of you may have seen me there, I had the privilege of escorting the beautiful Mallory Osborne around and about. I would just like to say, the whole night was amazing, I enjoyed every moment and wouldn't have traded it for anything in the world. It always amazes me how much fun a person can have when they live put everything behind them, forget about what's in front of them, and live in the moment. And of course, put themselves around the right people. :)

You're probably wondering how these two tales connect.

Prom is over now (in saying that, I'm also going to mention that the end of the school year is drawing to an end) , and as I woke up from my long nap today, the depression set in. People have always said to enjoy your senior year of high school, or just high school in general. Not until this moment have I realized the complete truth in their advice. Lately I have been thinking about my future in college. The saying of "turning over a new leaf" really doesn't fit me too well. Although I am slightly excited about experiencing new things and meeting new people, I really do not want to turn my leaf over. My life is great how it is right now; I am completely content, as I always have been. I have so many decisions in front of me. Decisions that will define who I am as a person, and who I want to be for the rest of my life. Am I ready to make them? Pray for me please, this is my future we're talking about here!

In closing, I would like to say one last thing. I oftentimes notice people talking about how they absolutely hate high school, and cannot think of anything but moving to college. I have even been guilty of the thought at times. Prom turned my opinion around though, strangely enough. I now believe that no one should want life to speed up, but slow down. We all take many things for granted in our everyday lives, from a cool manager to our senior year. Starting now, my plan is to stop taking these things for granted. I realize that our number of days left as high school students are limited, and I plan on enjoying every last bit of them. Take pictures, take chances, laugh, enjoy yourself, and enjoy the time spent with the people that mean the most to you. STOP wishing you were somewhere else. Soon it will all just be memories.

John Mayer - Stop This Train. Listen to it.

The Break

I have to apologize, but I'm going to stray away from the usual here, I hope that' alright. I would like to just write my thoughts I have on my spring break experience. I'll try to keep it PG.

I went to Panama City Beach, Florida, and stayed in the Holiday Inn (definitely the hot spot). I have to say, those seven days were the best of my life. Each day and night brought something new and exciting. I was totally care-free while meeting tons of new people and chilling with friends from Owensboro. Waking up, going to the beach, getting tan, beach/pool parties all day long, barely clothed and beautiful women everywhere. I don't even know how to describe the amount of fun I had while there.

Let's get serious here. Looking back on Spring Break 10' as a whole, I realized that it seriously got me ready for college. I met so many cool people who are attending UK next year, where I will be as well. The fun and excitement behind meeting new people and developing new friendships (in a week even) is truly overwhelming, at least to me.

The week will be greatly missed, I can tell you that. Before I leave you, I would like to say one more thing. You'll most likely not understand, but just take it in anyways.

ROOM 802, WHAT IT DOOOOO??!??!

The Wiggers

I'll admit it, I was slacking last week and forgot to post, so because of that, and in light of recent events, I decided I would post twice this week.

Before I get into the story, I need to describe one of the people I work with. I doubt anyone knows him, so I am going to go into some detail here. He probably weighs around 270 pounds, and he's only like 6' tall. He's from Cyprus, which I think is an island outside of Greece. Just picture this kid in your mind, pretty funny looking huh? Well on top of all that, he thinks he's about 6'5 and weighs 180 pounds (of pure muscle). Now I'm no gladiator, but I consider myself fit. There have been numerous times where he has told me he could beat me up (worded differently), and he's been totally truthful about it. He always tells me about different times he's been to jail and whatnot, and honestly, it's really annoying. Also, with his altered vision of himself, he attempts to hit on every girl that works with us. It's obvious they are extremely turned off by him, but he can't take a clue. And that's just where the problems started on Friday night.

Apparently, one of the girls who works up front has a wigger as a brother. She supposedly went home one night and informed her brother about this guy a described, and how he always hits on her and is a total d-bag. Her brother gets all mad, and is quoted for saying "He can be like that towards errbody' else, but he aint gonna' be like dat' towards you." Anyways, this trailer-trash wigger of a brother comes into the restaurant on Friday night, yelling for this dude to come out to the parking lot, and fight him. This was happening as I was getting off of work, around 9:00. As I walked into the lobby, our manager was trying to calm the ruckus down. The tattoo-stricken wigger looked at me, crazy eyed. "Hey yo, you know dat' dude back there? Heyyo' tell dat' little rat that ima' break his neck, and if you're his friend ima' break yo' neck too. Believe dat'."

I couldn't believe what I had just heard. Was this guy really trying to talk trash to me? I just replied with an "Ok, buddy" as he walked out the door backwards, eying me the whole way out. His sister repeatedly tried to apologize to me, clearly embarrassed by her brother's actions. I really didn't care that much anyways. People are fools.

The best part about this whole situation, is that if you guys want proof this actually happened, ask Michael Gaddis. He was there when it was all going down.

The Children

Every day, I see too many people go through their lives with a heap of worries. These people worry about sports, school, clubs, and a variety of other things, and all the worries occur on a daily basis. I'm sure you all can point out two or three people in this room that are like this, but that's not the point. I have always taken pride in the fact that I am a laid back person, very few things can happen to me that I end up thinking about for more than a couple of days. I strongly believe that this is truly the best way to live your life; if you want to argue about it, we can.

This past Tuesday at Chic-Fil-A was kid's night. I was given the honor or working the 4-8 shift. I knew the place was going to be chaotic, but I had no idea, I wasn't ready. Probably the most exciting part about kid's night was the fact that we had Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomatoe off of Veggie Tales come. I got pictures with both of them by the way, but I have no idea how to upload them, or I would. Anyways, I was assigned the task to take a break from my normal nightly cooking routine to venture into the playplace and assist the children. This was neeccesarry due to the large number of them all trying to clamour through the place at the same time. At first I felt really morbid about doing this, I mean I like kids and all, but not 30 of them at the same time. Several kids got stuck at the top of the slide, too scared to go down. One kid even got so scared he peed all over the place. Despite all of these hardships though, I got over the fact that I was pretty much the babysitter for a large number of parents' children, and I began to enjoy myself. I had conversations with a couple of kids about sports and school, and I even played tag with a group of little girls.

I have always believe the quote that states that all humans 'live and learn'. Going by that, I try and learn something from every event that takes place in my life, no matter how small the lesson may be. Tuesday night, I took notice on the kids' behavior. They all seemed so happy. No matter what was going on around them, whether they had just lost at tic-tac-to, or they couldnt find anyone in hide-and-go-seek. Like I mentioned before, I see too many people these days with an overabudance of worries on their minds. Lighten up people! I challenge you all, some more than others, to take a couple days out of your worry-stricken lives and live like a child would.

You may be thinking that this idea is absurd, but try it, odds are you will enjoy yourselves. Maybe even enjoy yourselves enough to continue the new lifestyle for a couple more days, and maybe even a month. You will be reminded of how it feels to be young again, and gain that adolescent vigor you once possesed. Something I know many of you wish you had back.

I tried this once, and I've been living like a todler ever since.

This tale starts out Tuesday night. I was working from 4-9:00, which was a little unusual for a weeknight, and made me a tad uneasy due to the fact I had a heap of homework awaiting me when I got home. Although I know that working at Chic-Fil-A may seem like a dream job to some of you, I am here to tell you, it has it's ups and downs. In the end though, I'm glad I worked the night I did. It enabled me to witness something that definitely changed my whole outlook on the people I work with, and perhaps people in general.

Ok, so there's this woman (I'm going to keep her name confidential.) She is crazy. I really don't even know where to start with this lady. Every time I see her, she calls me "babe", "hun", or "cutie", and I'm really not sure how I should take it. There have been several instances where it has been very obvious that she has came to work high. I know this because she seems even more loopy as usual, and she wears sunglasses, even when she works. I don't know if any of you have ever seen her, but I warn you, do not let her take your order. These things, along with many others, as you can probably guess, have made her quite unpopular at work. We all just think she is plain creepy, and don't want to deal with her.

Anyways, on Tuesday night she came into work a little late. As she walked to the back I got a quick glance in at her face. She looked like she had been crying. Later on, as I was listening in on two drive-through girls' conversation, I caught the info that the crazy lady's cat had gone missing. Up to this point, I had had serious questions about whether or not she was homeless. Every time I saw her the rest of the night, she didn't say a word to me. She was clearly not herself. In fact, I kind of felt sorry for her.

The next day I had a slightly shorter shift. I was loving life as I walked into the break room in the back of the kitchen to get my apron on. As I was leaving, I noticed a flier posted on the wall. It was about the missing cat. I asked a girl who was on her break about it, and she informed me that one of our managers had made copies, and put them up all around the restaurant. The girls up front were even giving them away to drive-through customers. The night went on, and eventually I was off work.

The next day I didn't have to work, but I went after school to get a bite to eat. You would think I would get tired of the food, but I don't. At the time, the creepy lady was the only one taking orders at the front counter. I asked her how the search was going with finding her cat, and her face immediately lit up. She told me her cat had been found.

This struck me as an odd occurrence. Here's this creepy lady, who no one really likes, but yet in a time of distress, the good people of Chic-Fil-A came together and helped her out. For what reason? I couldn't really think of any. All I could really muster, was the fact that here is a bunch of good people helping another person, just because it was the right thing to do.

Look for the good in people, and most importantly, in yourself. Even when you don't think it exists, most of the time it does. Bad things happen to good people, the saying is true. Lately I've been jamming out to John Mayer though, so I leave you with this. Overall, I think the heart of life is good.