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June 29, 2002
Waiting for the Delivery Boy
ACK. I just had four cavities filled. My face feels like it's going to fall off. The worst part is I have to go in next month to have three more done! I'm really hungry right now so I ordered a pizza. Hm... It should be interesting to find out if I'm able to eat it. :)
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
June 28, 2002
Summertime, and the Livin' Is Easy
Another week has come to a close for the West Jordan High School drumline, and they have progressed considerably. The band is doing two parade songs this summer: Gitana by Victor Lopez, and the Gershwin classic, Summertime. The drumline can play both songs all the way through, and they hold together for the most part. There are still a few trouble spots that need cleaning, but they are learning fast. Mrs. Leyva has asked everyone in the band to have both songs memorized by Monday, so we're going to have a little memorizing party at my house tomorrow. With this extra little push I hope they'll all be well prepared for the parade Wednesday.
This week I was offered a seat on the Technology Board for the University of Utah Student Union. A good friend of mine was just appointed chairman of the committee. The job would be to update the Union webpage and to organize technology oriented activities on campus and over the Internet. My friend says he hopes to get chat services and gaming up and running on the Union website soon. I told him I didn't have a whole lot of time this summer, but that he should definately contact me in the fall. I think it will be a lot of fun, and would certainly look great on a resume or my application for addmitance into the Computer Science Major. Anyway, have a "look see" at the Union Website.
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
June 24, 2002
First Day of Teaching
I taught my first day of summer marching band today, and it was fairly productive. We were able to practice a third of the way through one of our songs. The first parade is next Wednesday, so the guys really need to learn their music and memorize stuff fast! In the past week they have proven their learning capacity. If they can continue as they have commenced, I don't think they'll have any problems accomplishing the task before them.
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
June 20, 2002
Cast All Your Anxiety on Him
Today was the last day of a four day clinic for the West Jordan High School drumline. I sat in on the clinic, but it was taught by a guy named Sam Santistevens. Most of the drumline members are sophomores with no previous percussion experience, so Sam covered the basics, and the line just ate it all up. I'm excited to teach this drumline over the summer. They have a hunger for learning. If they can continue progressing at the rate they have been this week, they will be incredible! I only hope I can be some small measure of the kind of teacher Sam is.
I also took my first exam today for my online Calculus class. I was fairly confident about the concepts and ideas that have been covered so far, but I was somewhat apprehensive about taking the exam because I didn't really know what to expect. I updated the scripture of the day, 1 Peter 5:6-7, this morning, without even thinking about my exam. I didn't realize that the idea of "casting all my anxiety" on the Lord would come in handy. Coming out of the exam I felt very good. In fact, I would be surprised if I don't get 100%. I know the ability to learn and understand things is a gift from the Lord, and I'm thankful that He calmed my anxiety today.
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
June 17, 2002
Email Me Now For Free Lunch
Hm... I never get any e-mail anymore. Hey, let's have a little contest. Whoever you are, drop everything you're doing right now and send me an e-mail. I don't care if it's blank (although I wouldn't mind a quick update or at least a hello). Whoever sends the first e-mail gets a free lunch on me. Good Luck!
[Update: My cousin Steve out in Michigan was the winner of the contest. Thanks to all three people who participated (I'm such a loser), and Congratulations to Steve!]
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
June 16, 2002
Happy Father's Day!
Dad: You are one of my best friends. Most of my fondest memories are of camping and hiking trips we took together. I don't think camping would've been the same without your stories and harmonica playing.
I remember one day you told me that if I ever wanted to drink a beer that I should call you and you'd try it with me. That has always stuck with me and to this day I think if I ever did want to try beer I really would give you a call. I'm sure you would talk me out of it, but I guess that's the whole reason you said that.
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that you've always been a wonderful example to me and I really appreciate that. I love you!
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
June 15, 2002
Some Changes Around Here
Well, there were a few things about this website that had bothered me for some time, so this morning I finally fixed them.
For one, you should notice I removed the welcome text from the top of this page. I hope this means no one will have to scroll down anymore to read the newest journal entries. If you are desperate to read the welcome praragraph, it can now be found on the About page (which incindentally, has been renamed from 'About Me').
Second, I've added a little home icon to the bottom of each page. Sometimes when you navigate onto the site from search engines you will only get part of the page, and you won't be able to see the menu on the left (this is a nasty side-effect of the way I'm using frames...for an example click here). The home icon reloads the whole thing so that you won't just be stuck in one place.
Hope these improvements make things easier (although most likely no one cares but me, and that's okay :)).
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
June 13, 2002
Merissa's 21st Birthday
Today I want to wish my little sister a very happy 21st birthday!
Merissa (A.K.A. Sister-head, Hippy): Wow, you've made it to the big two one. I think the last year of your life has been a particularly defining one. As your big brother, I'm pleased with the decisions you've made and the things you've accomplished. You are a great sister and an even greater friend. Happy Birthday!
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
June 12, 2002
My Car is Fixed!
I am the happiest kid on the planet right now! Janene has a cousin who is a mechanic at a local Dodge dealership. He's been looking at my car for a few weeks now checking a few things that may be the problem. He wasn't able to find the problem so he finally decided to just do the tune-up for me tonight. My car now runs perfectly!
The parts for the tune-up cost me about $90, which is a far-cry from the $752 Firestone wanted to charge me to fix the problem. I know this is a blessing from the Lord, and I count myself deeply indebted to Him for everything He does for me on a regular basis.
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
June 09, 2002
Comments From an American Youth
Today I had some time to kill, so I asked my girlfriend and her family what I should put on my website. I was surprised by the thoughtful response I received from her twelve year old sister, Kathlene. She has written some comments about September 11 and asked me to post them here.
The September 11 terrorism attack on the World Trade Center had a deep impact on a lot of American children. Kathlene's father served in the Navy when he was younger, and she has very strong feelings about our country and our freedoms. These are the thoughts of children across America. May we all listen and learn from them.
A letter written by Janene's 12 year old sister, Kathlene.
September 11 was a sad day for America. Families getting calls from loved ones saying goodbye. So many people lost and yet to be found, but many didn't survive. America had so many questions like, "Why did they do this?", or "Who did this?", but some did not seem clear.
People all over America found ways to help: police, firemen, news reporters. America will never be the same! People realized how important life was. They also came closer together.
It not only affected New York; it affected everyone in America. The memorial service was something. It made me realize that so many people risk their lives for their country, including my dad. America is the land of the free and the home of the brave.
September 11 also changed me deeply. It helped me to appreciate America more. It also put me closer to God in prayer. God allowed this to happen for a reason. I think it was so it would bring America closer together.
The flag is so important to me because it represents many things to me. When I see a flag it sometimes brings tears to my eyes. I always wear red, white, and blue.
Be proud that you live in America. Stand tall. Love this country. Thank God for your life. Pray for families that lost loved ones, and pray for people who fought for you and still are.
Be proud to be an American.
— Kathlene (usa)
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
June 07, 2002
Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart!
It's actually 1:43am on Saturday, June 8, but I wanted to get this up anyway. I want to wish my sweetheart, Janene, a happy anniversary. Today (or what still feels like today, June 7) is the one year anniversary of our first date.
Janene: We have had a few ups and downs this past year. Our friendship is the common thread that runs through them all. My hope and prayer is that we can continue to grow as God would have us to. You are the love of my life. I love you!
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
June 03, 2002
Fixed, But Not Really
I got my computer back! Unfortunately, they didn't fix the problem at all. The replaced the power supply, and the fan isn't having any problems anymore. However, the computer still locks up after being on for about 15 minutes. Two things make me think it is not an operating system problem. One, the computer works just fine as long as I've got the case open. I can boot it up and leave it on for hours. Second, the day I got it back I was making some changes to my BIOS settings (before Windows ever booted up) and the computer locked. So, I'm going to be taking it back into the shop today. We'll see if they can properly diagnose the problem this time, eh?
I've been thinking about all this, and I know that the Lord is chastening me. He wants me to realize that my material possesions could be gone tomorrow if He willed it. They came from Him, and He can take them away. I'm really learning to depend more on Him for my needs. I am grateful to the Lord for all the things He is continually teaching me.
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)