Me is a Race Car Driver

Shipping my stuff back home.

2006-11-30T20:16:00.000-08:00

Well... basically since I bought my first home, I haven't had any time to move in and ship my stuff to it (obviously my tour of duty got extended overseas.) After doing a quick Google search I checked out the usual top sites like move.com, 123move.com, and uship.com. All of their moving rates were pretty comparable. Uship provided a couple of quotes from shipping companies willing to ship my stuff in their network. Unfortunately, I didn't like the fact that the companies bidding on my "move" didn't have a local office.

After a little more research and a couple phone calls, I found a company that was closer and affordable. They were able to handle shipping my furniture and shipping my car. They did an excellent job and delivered on time. If you need your stuff moved... ask for Martin. Tell him I sent you. :) Enjoy the holidays. :)

Places to get a Mortgage Online

2006-02-25T07:29:00.000-08:00

In my pursuit to purchase my first home, I've been busy as all hell putting together the various sites on the web that allow you to apply for a home loan and get qualified immediately online. Here is the list I've compiled:

http://www.lendingpartners.com
http://www.eloan.com/
http://www.quickenloans.com/
http://my.countrywide.com/
https://www.wellsfargo.com/

These seem to be the most popular and best ones on the market right now. They all seem to have interest rates that are the same so I don't think I'm going to be getting any deals through either one. I think you are really more or less shopping for convenience and who you trust.

2006-02-22T19:48:00.000-08:00

The idea of buying a racehorse might seem out of reach to many, however if you are interested in ownership in a racehorse here are the different types. Keep in mind there are many factors to considered before purchasing a horse. You must evaluate the purchasing price, who to train it, and mwhat type of ownership to assume. Any prospective buyer should take the time to consider their options and choose the type that's right for them.

The first type of ownership to consider is Sole Ownership. This type of ownership means that you alone own the horse, any profits are yours to keep, and any costs are yours to cover. All decisions regarding the horse will be yours to make, including the name. This type of ownership is best for individuals who like to keep control of their investments and are willing to put a lot of time and energy into managing the details of racehorse ownership.

The second type of racehorse ownership is Co-Ownership, which is essentially any type of racehorse ownership other than sole ownership. There are several types of co-ownership:

Company Ownership - a company owns one or more horses and appoints a Registered Agent to manage them. The companies shareholders are co-owners of the horse. This is a common method for those looking to own a horse but are not quite willing to assume complete financial risks. This is also a popular option to further learn how the horse industry works.

Joint Ownership - can consist of up to 12 individuals. Each of the owners has a say in the management of the horse, and all expenses and profits are usually shared evenly. Joint ownerships can lead to larger profit margins if the horse wins. They can also lead to larger profit loses if the horse never wins.

Racing Partnership - can consist of up to 20 individuals, but at least two partners must be registered owners. This type of ownership can also lead to larger profit margins if the horse wins, but keep in mind the if the horse never wins, a loss will financial loss will occur.
If you would like more information on horse ownership visit the nearest race track.

Congratulations to the Steelers

2006-02-17T22:42:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to this year's superbowl winner the Pittsburgh Steelers. The last time the Steelers visited the White House was in 1979 when they went along with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who had won the World Series. This makes number five for them... Maybe next year for Da Bears.

Football Season is coming!

2005-07-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

The upcoming football season is finally approaching. Let's get everyone to sign up this year and play in our annual football pickem contest. We are setting up a office football pool on officepools4u.com to make it easy on everyone this year. (including me.)

This year's contest will be based on your win-loss record with an over/under total as the tiebreaker. Pretty straight forward. If anyone wants to bet me the Dallas Cowboys win the super bowl, I'll entertain offers.

Scooters to Buy Online

2005-01-24T23:47:00.000-08:00

I've had a hell of a time finding a cool scooter to buy online lately. Seems all these sites are selling garbage products and are grossly overprices. Fortunately, I came across this site that sells scooters for a good deal and large selection.

I haven't decided what I want yet, but I'm narrowing it down from some mini choppers or possibly a cool new mini atv they have listed on their site. Both seem fairly well priced for the industry, although maybe a little out of my budget at this time.

I may end up going the cheap route and picking up one of those electric scooters you see guys riding around college campuses. They aren't extravagent and don't go fast, but they are cheap and get the job done. Let me know if you have any suggestions on my impending purchase.

John Mayer - Why Georgia

2004-12-19T22:02:00.000-08:00

This song got me through so many tough times in life. Without it, I might be dead in a ditch somewhere and not able to produce the single gayest name for a weblog ever. In honor of John Mayer, I've decided to post the lyrics to this wonderful song.

am driving up 85 in the
Kind of morning that lasts all after
noonjust stuck inside the gloom
4 more exits to my apartment butI am tempted to keep the car in drive
And leave it all behind
Cause I wonder sometimes
About the outcome
Of a still verdictless life

Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?
Why Georgia, why?
I rent a room and I fill the spaces with
Wood in places to make it feel like home
But all I feel's alone
It might be a quarter life crisis
Or just the stirring in my soul
Either way I wonder sometimes
About the outcome
Of a still verdictless life

Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?
Why Georgia, why?
So what, so I've got a smile on
But it's hiding the quiet superstitions in my head
Don't believe me
When I say I've got it down
Everybody is just a stranger but
That's the danger in going my own wayI guess it's the price I have to pay
Still "everything happens for a reason"
Is no reason not to ask myself

If I am living it right
Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?
Why Georgia, why?

Such emotion in this song, it is so powerful. People don't think Race Cars can have emotions, but we do. But for now, this race car is out.

Another Cool Blog

2004-10-28T01:03:00.000-07:00

Came across a really cool blog that I thought I'd point out to you folks. It's called pseudo celeb and talks about all sorts of cool things. I definately think you should bookmark it and put it on your daily reads.

I don't find too many blogs that I really like, but this one is really good. Sometimes you find someone who just writes a certain way and you feel a connection. So do me a favor and check it out, you won't be disappointed.

Looking for other cool blogs?
http://www.technorati.com/
http://www.blogwise.com
http://www.bloguniverse.com/

I am the man

2004-10-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

Let's see if my new blog works.

always second-guessing myself

2004-06-10T23:41:00.000-07:00

I'm kind of unhappy and discontented with some of my most recent posts. It feels like I've been pretty lazy about this whole blog thing. Maybe its a poor self-image. I claim to have strong opinions, but I feel like I don't have anything really profound to say. Truth is, everyone's got strong opinions, and everybody wishes they were a writer. I wish I was a better communicator so I could pretend I was a good writer. Its not so much my blog posts don't accurately reflect my emotions or opinions, its more like my writing just does these things a disservice [read: Reagan's passing]. Overall I would just say I am dissatisfied with the result, for the time being. I've been reading some other bloggers and they approach everything it seems with a beautiful perspective, and thats what I'm starting to become self-conscious about. Who really wants to read another middle-class white male point of view? True demographics says little about someone's personality, it just seems I wish more interesting things happened to me. I bet a thousand other people feel the same way, so I'm just preaching to the choir. And I know there's many more who simply don't care about me bitching about my own personal dissatisfaction. Even writing this, I'm cringeing at the way I sound. I guess I'm still a work in progress, I want to have some depth to what I say, but so far seem incapable of it. I just wish I could figure out how to get the comments to work on this blog, so I could find out exactly what people think, and if in fact, anybody really reads this thing. And if you are worried about me, don't, cause knowing me, I'll be over this tomorrow.

taking loving...to heart

2004-04-03T23:58:00.000-08:00

Earlier today, or I should say yesterday, I spent some time handing out flyers for NHS. For a service project, we are collecting items for a local women's shelter called My Sister's Place. Even though it was a little cold and rainy, it felt really good to me to be doing something to help others out. I think that helping others is something all people should value, and I know that for me, it is an essential part of my faith. As a Christian my greatest commandment from my God is to love my neighbor. I can't remind myself of this enough. Biblical doctrine tells me its not by doing good things that I am saved, but only by my faith in God's grace. I feel so undeserving of that grace, though, becuase I really mess up sometimes. Not even sometimes, but A LOT. But theology can't allow us to seperate serving the people around us. If we don't care for ALL the people we share this world with, then we are devoid of the love we proclaim for Christ. My grandma, who passed away recently, had a favorite verse from scripture; Matthew 25:40. Its pretty simple, but the words are very important. Yeshua is basically saying that "whatever you are doing for the most looked down upon of society, you are doing it in My name". I can't paraphrase it more basic than that. However I think that is something a lot of proclaimers of Christ do not actually take to heart. I have an excellent book called What's So Amazing About Grace-the Visual Edition from Phillip Yancey.

It is his best selling book of the same name (sans illustrations) in a visual, graphic form. There are a lot of testimonies that really challange me. One of them is from a gay man who said "It is easier for me to get sex on the streets than to get a hug in church". I don't know how that makes you feel, but it hurts me. Even more painful to view are the photographs and newspaper-like accounts of hate groups against homosexuals...made up of people who call themselves Christians.

If we do not love, than we cannot serve. If we don't serve others, they won't see the love we have for them. Its elementary, but for some reason, there are a few people who still struggle with that concept. Servitude can be as simple as smiling at a stranger, but as for me, I want to push myself to serve harder, to see if my love is really limitless. So as I was putting printouts in screen doors, I decided to make a committment to volunteer more of my time and energy to helping people in need. I feel a little bit guilty now about talking with other students about things like cell phones, music festivals, and gas prices, in the midst of us collecting items for women in need of things as basic as shampoo for their hair or diapers for their children. So my prayer for today is that our school can collect boxes and boxes of these things so that it would take numerous vehicles to pick up or deliver the items to the shelter. You can talk about helping others until you are blue in the face, but it takes a heart to turn a statement into a difference.

listen up.

2004-03-01T23:44:00.000-08:00

This weekend I got a newspaper from my old hometown, or county, whatever...and my uncle John Simson was featured in a story about his time in the Navy. It was very well-written, and opened my eyes to a reality of his story i only vaguely knew, and never really heard from him. This has had me thinking...I wish I could listen more. I always thought of myself as a good listener, but I'm wondering...am I still listening. Even as I write this, I am feeling a heap of conviction piling into my heart. Maybe I don't listen enough. And its not so much an issue of paying attention, its more like "Do I really care?" I should. So I have little understanding about the Arab-Israeli crisis in the 70s, it has little effect on me today. But what my uncle experienced shaped and changed his life forever. I didn't really know much about his life, and I've always known him, he's always been there. I guess what I realize now more than anything is that everyone has a story to tell you. And you should listen to that story. You aren't the most important person in the world, you can and should take time to listen. the people behind these stories are absolutley everywhere in your life, there's no ignoring it. And if they care about you, they'll want you to know where they have been, the mistakes they made, things that they learned. If they care, they'll speak, if you care, you'll listen. And it works on the opposite level. So when you think you know everything, you learn something totally new. OK, I'm stepping off the soapbox for now. Thank you for listening.

Via Chicago

2004-02-29T23:45:00.000-08:00

I flew back into Phoenix earlier today, and its good to be back. Thats not too say I didn't have a terrific trip. I've never been to Chicago before, but I hope I can go again. The weather wasn't too bad this weekend either. On Saturday, when I actually went sight-seeing, the temperature was in the mid-50s. My family actually stayed in this small village in Chicagoland called Itasca, but there wasn't much to do outside the hotel. So I was really excited when we finally got on the train to see downtown. We went in the Sears tower, the Chicago Library, Grant Park, Navy Pier, and the Riverwalk. We were going to walk the Magnificent Mile, but after the pedsetrian tour we were feeling a little less than magnificent. It was a great time though, and took some good photos.The reason we flew to Illinois was because I won a scholarship from Enesco, the company my dad works for, which is based in chicago. We attended a fancy company luncheon and shareholder's meeting, which I wasn't crazy about. It was really awkward meeting all these corporate-type people, although the founder of the company was reall nice. So I followed my directions and cleaned up my plate, and did what I had to do. But the scholarship was a very good size. I don't even feel comfortable saying how much it was, so I won't, but its definitely something I can use! I still have a ton of mail I need to sort through, plus I'm pretty tired from the flight. I also better reset my watch. I'll try to get an album of the photos I took up sometime this week, we'll see. Here's hoping I wake up tomorrow morning.

V Day

2004-02-14T23:42:00.000-08:00

What did I do for Valentine's Day? Well I remained true to my word and kept it simple. thursday at school I gave Nat a card and a single rose, and later in the day suprised her with a few balloons and a message. It was a small gesture, but I'm sure she really appreciated it. So what did I do for her today? I wanted to do something really grand, but I kept it simple again. Just a phone call. Did I do something nice? Sure. Was it really romantic? I don't know. Honestly, I'm not sure what justifies romance in this age. But I did put a smile on my dearest friend's face, so mission accomplished.

how to fight loneliness

2004-02-07T23:59:00.000-08:00

Wow. I feel like I made a total mistake. Have you ever felt like you were doing something nice for someone, and then realized you completletely disrespected that person? Thats what I think happened yesterday. I got a NAU souveneir from my campus visit the other day to give to Nat, and I couldn't wait until Monday to tell her about the visit. I made sure I called before showing up at her house. She was a little reluctant to let me come over, but finally said I could. I was so focused on just seeing her, I couldn't think of anything else. So we talked for several minutes in the front hall, and after a while, the air in the room grew restless. Using one of those incredible Thai facial expressions, Nat told me nonverbally that I probably should get going. So I said good-bye, and "see you soon", and walked home thinking I made someone's day.But after thinking about the incident, I realized that the restlessness in the atmosphere of that room was due to the fact maybe I shouldn't have been there. Why was she reluctant to let me come over? It was probably against her household rules. I feel like I totally disregarded her parents' perspective, and my act was selfish and immature. She either saw that I love her so much, nothing can stand in the way of me seeing her face and hearing her voice, or that I don't respect her enough to regard her family's rules. I really hope she didn't get in any trouble because of me, so I owe her a huge apology next time I see her. I feel so stupid. After telling Nat so many times how much I respect her, I feel I totally blew it by what happened yesterday. I just hope she can forgive me.

Go Jacks!

2004-02-06T23:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I took the two hour trip north to visit Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. If you have been reading this journal, you may already be aware that they have offered me a full tuition scholarship for four years. So I went to check it out more, and this time, I made sure I asked a lot of questions. Overall, everyone was really friendly, and my feelings have changed about the school. The information the faculty gave was really appealing, but the students were also really happy with the university. I was at first a little skeptical about attending a state college, byut this one is very affordable, and I know I can get the best education possible through there. I'm not sold on it yet, as much as I hate to say it, but so far its the closest to what I can say I'll do after I finish high school.

Tearing the Shelter Down

2004-02-04T17:57:00.000-08:00

I found out that one of my new favorites the David Crowder band will be plaing in Chicago, IL the day after I leave the city. That would have been a wonderful way to end my trip there. Luckily the band will be coming to tempe at the end of March, so I won't necessarily miss the show... So I'm a little upset with myself and my lack of patience at this moment. My self conviction seems to be getting stronger.

For no reason I am upset with my email provider, mail.com. They launched a new layout at the website and its much easier to use and navigate, but they have been trying a lot of diferent front pages. Why are we, as people, desperate for regularity? This email thing is so significant, but I was seemingly disappointed with it only 5 minutes ago? Why do we have an emotional longing to dig ourselves into a comfy little hole and never leave? Yet this is the way humanity begins, too. If a newborn infant had any premintions of the"bad" things he or she would encounter in her lifetime, would she still want to leave the womb? If given the choice, would she remain in the comfort and safety of her mother's body? Of course, remaining there would kill the child eventually, but fear of change is something that really tears a lot of people up. However, change isn't always a bad thing, and you shouldn't be afraid to get your feet wet or your hands dirty. This life isn't supposed to be easy. Your lifestyle isn't always going to be comfortable. What I'm saying, is be prepared to have your shelter torn down, becuase it will happen to you eventually, if it hasn't already. But believe this promise. When things seem to be at their worst, the best is only around the corner. Don't give up. And do not let stupid things like email providers make you fear change.

Talk About the Passion

2004-01-31T23:42:00.000-08:00

I'm getting really excited about the upcoming Mel Gibson film The Passion of the Christ. Although this isn't the first movie to be released about Jesus, it sounds like it will be the most accurate. There has been a lot of buzz about it, and I'm sure you know all about it by now. I have read testimonies from people who have already seen it, and I've heard everything from "I left the theater crying" to "this film can change the world". Thats a huge thing. The church I attend was going to rent out a whole movie theater for one day, but decided against it. I think that was a good idea, because our purpose as the body of Christ isn't to prevent others from seeking Him. I definitely will see this film when it comes out. I almost never go to the cinema, but this is the one movie I won't miss. It is going to be absolutely gory, and really violent, and thats part of the power behind this film. i don't think I can do anything to prepare myself for this film. I've read so much about the passion that went into the making of the movie, but it doesn't compare to the actual suffering Yeshua went through. I know this project will reduce me to tears, its just so uncomparable. This will be an effective film, and Gibson knows its potency, yet he still has much humility about himself. He doesn't want to see people "worshiping" Mel for this project, but to see who Christ really was, and the magnitude of His death. Still I wouldn't write it off as a "tool" for saving souls. Even though the subject matter is far beyond the scope of most of the other movies being released this year, principally, its still a form of art. But I believe that art is something that speaks to humanity, on a much deeper level than any "tool" can do. Ultimately, it won't matter how many awards the picture recieves, or even how many people see it, but how it actually touches humanity.

Are we still OK?

2004-01-22T18:55:00.000-08:00

Thats the question I asked yesterday at lunch. Nat told me she hasn't been feeling too well. I asked her if there were any problems, but she said she was just having a bad couple of days. I don't like bugging people, so I didn't dig too far into her psyche. I asked her if it was anything I said or did, but she said no, it wasn't my fault. So I tried to understand, but I could only do what was in my power to help. I gave her a big hug and told her I hope she'll feel better, and if she needed anything, I'm always there for her. I also told her to speak up, and let me know how she's doing. She was so quiet for the past several days, and must have gotten sick of hearing me speak. She seemed to be doing much better today. She was in a better mood, and she wasn't just putting on a happy face so I wouldn't worry about her. So things are OK between us, and I am so thankful for that. Even after she has to fly back to Thailand, I still want our friendship to endure. People are more valuable than any of the riches of this world. To have someone as special and precious as Nat is better than anything money could buy.My Old Testament Survey class went really well yesterday. The course is going to focus on the big picture of the OT, and the weeks will be divided into the differnt books and their themes. We got an introduction to the class and a crash course in Bibliology, so next week we'll be diving into

whats shakin'

2004-01-16T23:45:00.000-08:00

So I made another life-changing decision today: I think I will buy my coffee at Einstein Bros. Bagels instead of Starbucks. I can't get enough of the "Bohemian Blend" its great. Plus the bagels aren't bad either. Also, I'm sick of the way Starbucks is absolutely everywhere, Barnes and Noble, the grocery story, and now even a few hardware stores have them. The whole issue is, you can't get discounts at these Starbucks-inside-a-bigger-place, unless you are a member of the bigger place. I went to Tower Records again today, and almost went on a frenzy, but I decided to put everything back. I buy too much music on an impulse, and I decided to control my habit before it becomes an addiction. I think I'll limit myself to two purchases a month (including anything music- CDs, magazines, DVDs, vinyl, concert tix) to exercise control. My money isn't exactly burning a hole through my wallet as it is, and the situation will be more serious if I go to college next year. There are lots of better things I can be doing with my money anyway, using it to help others, not just entertain myself. So I tthink I'll wait to see if I can still survive without that new Earlimart disc that teased my ears...So I've been watchng the Wilco DVD quite a bit lately. Its an awesome film, Sam Jones really portrays a realistic story, and all the little things that caused such a brilliant album. You get to see the recording and mixing processes take place, the tension between the band members (especially a riveting argument between Jeff Tweedy and Jay Bennet), the whole ordeal about the record getting dropped from Reprise, the band getting dropped, and the one year move to Nonesuch. There are some incredible live performances captured in the film, including a Jeff Tweedy solo show, and you get a peek at the meticulous set-up process and the awkward meet-and-greet that take place before and after the concerts. The extra footage on the bonus disc is really cool, too. Lots of cute clips of Jeff playing with his sons. So I'm really looking forward to my evening classes at church coming up. On monday night I'll start the C.S. Lewis class, and on Wednesday the big OT Survey. I can't wait, I'm ready to be challanged and willing to be open to what God will reveal through these studies. I sent a prayer request and got some encouraging responses, I'm really praying that I won't only be educated, but changed by these courses.

YOUR HEAD A SPLODE

2004-01-14T23:56:00.000-08:00

I finally got my bedroom back today, after loaning it to my grandpa for a week or so. I don't mind, though, I still slept pretty well. So I got more good news today. Last night my dad called from L.A. and as it turns out, the company he works for is awarding me some college money so I get to go to Chicago next month! I'm really stoked, I 've never been there before. I'll give more details....once I know about them.So why is walking such a big deal? The weather in Arizona is perfect right now, not too hot or too cold.

I walked home from the rec center across the street and from school today, not too far to travel, but everyone is insistent on giving me a ride. Is it pity because I don't have a liscense yet? I wish I knew what was up, because all I want to do is just get some fresh air and a little bit of exercise, and I'm cuting down traffic by a fractile percentage. Where's the problem?

Appreciation for the Internet

2003-12-31T18:59:00.000-08:00

GiantsGuy128 (3:47:14 PM): happy 1994!SimNixon (3:47:28 PM): 1994? already?SimNixon (3:47:51 PM): dude i just stepped out of my y2k bomb shelterGiantsGuy128 (3:47:52 PM): i know, the mid 90's are upon us.GiantsGuy128 (3:48:13 PM): well, you'll need it in 6 years, brother.

I think the internet is possibly the greatest invention of all time. At least, it plays a big role in my life. Obviously, you wouldn't be reading this if it weren't for the World Wide Web. But the Internet is also the tool I use most often for communication, I read weblogs, message boards and chat rooms. One of my favorite mediums now is probably instant messaging though. I used to be one of its biggest critics, thinking it was kinda pointless-but I quickly became a convert, no matter how reluctant I initially was. Last week, I talked to a friend I hadn't actually seen since early August, and hadn't spoken with since September. But we had a long conversation just about whats been happening and were able to share some laughs, even though she's a couple states over and we couldn't even hear each other. Thanks to AIM and e-mail, I can keep in touch with a lot of friends I left back in New York. I try to send letters too, but e-mailing does the trick as well. And with my new digital camera, I can share pictures of anything with anybody. The possibilities of using this technolody are limitless, so I just thought I'd voice my praise for it.