Vote!

I am very excited about voting this election. I have been reading up on the issues everyday, trying to inform myself as best as possible. It's kinda fun b/c each form of media sways a different way. It's hard to know who or what you should believe anymore. I am definitely a minority here in Houston, because I'm for Kerry and not Bush. I get a hard time from everyone all the time. At least for me, I know I have been doing a lot of research and have confidence in my decision. It's funny though, about 2 months ago I was stuck in the middle and didn't know who to vote for. Maybe it was b/c Bush is from Texas and I had a soft spot for him. Now, I disagree with what he is doing and wants to do (that was polite). The only person I know around here who is voting for Kerry is my grandmother. So we are going to head to the polls together this Tuesday. Unfortunately, here in Texas Bush has it in the bag. However, I want to get my vote in no matter what. I think everyone should vote no matter your choice of party. Just my age bracket could be close to 20 million (I think) if we all get out and vote. Anyways, I am looking forward to it and can't wait to follow it on TV and the newspapers.

Astros!!!

Houston is off the hook right now. If you don't know why, then you need to turn on a TV or read a newspaper. The Astros are one game away from the World Series!!! The whole city is on the edge of their seats. Its been nuts around here and may get even crazier if they can beat the Cardinals once more. Houston has stuck by this team for 43 years and this is the farthest they have ever made it. My poor Mom stays nervous all day along and probably is losing sleep over this. She literally has not missed a game since April. She is one of their biggest fans. As far back as I can remember, sometimes the house would be quiet and then all of sudden you here this loud clapping coming from the kitchen. This means something good happened in an Astros game. Luckily, we were able to make it to a game this year. Roger Clemens was pitching and the Stros hit four homeruns in the first inning. I just hope they can keep it up. GO STROS!!!!

Back to San Marcos

This past weekend I was able to make it back to San Marcos. Last time I was there was right before Hawaii in June. It was actually kinda weird. As soon as I rolled up it felt like I had never left. The only difference was I had no apartment. The first thing I did was meet up with a few friends at Sewell Park and played Frisbee with "Frisbee Dan". This guy plays Frisbee for about 30 hours a week in the park and has been doing for over a decade! He is definitely a legend around town. Then I headed to the bike shop to see old friends and hang out. It was really good seeing everyone and catching up. I continued to play around in San Marcos and then met up with my old college roommate, Parker, and went down to New Braunfels where he now lives. I stayed there Friday night.
Saturday, I met up with the Cycling Team and we headed to Cleburne State Park to do a little collegiate racing. It was really good to hang out with the team and meet the new team members. This took up a lot of my time while I was in college and it was nice to be apart of it again. We camped out in a cow pasture in Cleburne, I opted to sleep in the car. The race was Sunday and I was thrown in the "open" class b/c I am old wash out now. It was a fun tough course and I ended up getting first in the open class.
This weekend made me miss San Marcos/Austin/Hill Country. I definelty don't miss the school part of it, but miss the area and friends. One day, I would like to live in Austin or somewhere close. A buddy of mine reminded me a bumper sticker he saw...."Life's too short to live in Houston". Thought that was funny. But I am enjoying it here now, and especially because the Astros are tearing it up!!!

Huntsville Classic

Did my first MTB race since last spring this Sunday. Actually this was first mountain bike race I ever did, probably like 4 years ago. Anyways, I wanted to give expert a shot, so I signed up for that. My goal was not to get last and I got 2nd to last. I wasn't expecting too much due to the fact I haven't ridden that much since graduating . However, it was just good to ride again and see some old friends. The best part was when I pulled up to the start, I looked over and see this guy named Jason Sager. He is by far the fastest MTBer in Texas and rides all over the country in different Pro Races. I was thinking to myself, "I am waaaay out of place". Luckily, he didn't lap me and only finished 35 minutes in front of me. The third lap really hurt, but it's always worth it when you cross the finish line. I don't think they had a photographer out there so no pics. Here is one from the last race i did in college, it was muddy.

Reality Check

Taxes? What is up with taxes? I just got my first paycheck and they took out an arm and a leg. I know this sounds completely ignorant, but let me explain. The last 3 years I have been working for the college which doesn't take out taxes, and before that was always a minimum wage jobs, tip-outs, or tax-free. So I guess I have been lucky. Yes, I have been nicely shielded by the beautiful umbrella of my parents my whole life, and I have no problem admitting that. I will always appreciate it and hope I can do the same if I have little rugrats waaaaaaay in the future. Anyways, life ain't cheap. I have been figuring out what I have to pay each month for being alive compared to what I make and it ain't pretty. I mean I'll get by, but I understand why the majority of college students move home after college. The fact of the matter is, I couldn't live somewhere else or move...Right now. However, I couldn't be in a better situation. My parents are totally cool with me being here, and I am in the perfect position to gain experience in my job and the real world. Working 8-5 is pretty cool though. I mean, you gotta like it, b/c chances are...You will be doing it for a long time. My point is, transitioning from college to the real world is quite the reality check, but it also has many advantages. Well, until next time...