Brandon Michael

The future

2011-12-19T21:35:00.000-08:00

So I was thinking about my future and the awesome opportunities I would like to capitalize on one day... and I wasn't really coming across any amazing ideas. Then I somehow stumbled across something that I think is tailored to meet my current interests. Becoming an NBC Page.

I'm sure at this point everyone is like...what the hell is a NBC page? You ever see 30 Rock? You know that hilarious show by Tina Fey? Well, Kenneth is an NBC page. Essentially, you give tours of the NBC building, work on shows, and mingle among the actors on the different shows. This would offer the potential to work alongside the amazing people from my favorite television shows, Community, The Office, Parks and Rec, 30 Rock, and more.

It isn't the best paying job... obviously. But it could totally be a lot of fun. I would just need to relocate. I can do that. Right? And apply. I can do that. Right?

My Dysfunctional Thanksgiving

2011-11-26T15:44:00.000-08:00

The Pennington household is neither sane nor safe on any given holiday. Let's be honest, for those of you who know how crazy I can be, imagine my family. Let me give you a quick run down of my Thanksgiving.

11:00 PM WED: I'm so exhausted from work today that I immediately go to bed.

3:15 AM THURS: Dad busts the door open of the room I'm sleeping in. In one hand is a pot, in the other a hammer. He just looks at me and proceeds to pound the hammer against the pot saying "Wakey wakey eggs and bakey!" I kick him out and fall back asleep.

10:00 AM: Actually wake up and go sit in the living room with my parents while mom finishes up some of the dishes she is cooking. Dad walks off to the kitchen and I hear him ask, "Hey Brandon, you wanna see the turkey?" I turn around. Big mistake. My dad is mooning me. Great.

10:01 - 11:30 AM: Try my best to purge the memory of my dads pale white butt from my memory.

11:30 AM THURS: Shower. Dress.

NOON: Load up my vehicle and the food into my Explorer.

12:10 PM: Arrive at my Mamaws and see that the turkey juices have spilled onto the floorboard of my car.

12:15 PM: Feast heartily with my family.

1 PM: Throw away plates and go to sit down on couch.

1:01 PM: Break couch.

1:15 PM: Watch family members disassemble couch and reassemble couch.

That was pretty much the highlight of my Thanksgiving on Thurs. Granted I also had a Thanksgiving with my friends on Monday night, the dysfunctional Thanksgiving on Thursday night, and then another one today at my other grandmas. My favorite by far has to be my dysfunctional Thanksgiving. I love my family so much. We have good times.

Here are some pics from the dinner with my friends.

BPenn

"Cause nobody likes it when you're 23..."

2011-11-20T09:54:00.000-08:00

I am now twenty three. It seems like such a useless birthday really. Nothing really happens, you're just one more year older. Twenty two wasn't a useless birthday. It was the year I was no longer twenty one. I'm still conflicted about how it feels to be twenty three, well, I ask to every who asks me "how it feels to be 23," how is it supposed to feel? It doesn't feel like anything. But at the same time it feels good.

It feels like you are absolutely loved whenever you are at work and your phone won't stop vibrating because so many people are commenting on your facebook wall simply wishing you a happy birthday. It feels like you are special in someone's life because they plan you a surprise birthday party. It feels like your coworkers are happy you are apart of their team because they buy you surprise chipotle and a birthday cupcake. It feels like a group of the greatest people in my life playing a long, hilarious, game of mafia and quelf. It feels like I'm a year older. But at the same time, I always feel these things. I always feel loved by the people in my life. So while I had a great birthday, I have a great life because the people who felt it necessary to make my birthday that much more special, well, you've already done your part in making my life special. :)

I think it's about time to start blogging again now that I had a sufficient amount of time to do so.
Brandon

Insanity and Business Plans

2011-07-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I posted last, however, I've been relatively busy here recently. So this is probably going to be a quick update. Anyways... about two weeks ago my girlfriend, her roommate, and myself decided to start the Insanity program. With a combination of a low-carb diet and the program... I have officially lost 12.5 pounds as of today. Considering I do not have a scale at my apartment... I can only weigh myself when I come to Harlan. It's kindof nice too! I usually become obsessed with the scale and that's not so.

Also, I have some major plans for my life now. I know exactly what I want to do in terms of business. I'll update more on it soon (when I get the business plans drawn up) but for now... one is going to be a screen printing business and a Greek store. I also am planning on going into business with my co-worker, Roxanne. That one will probably come first.

-Brandon

Harry Potter and My Life.

2011-07-15T00:11:00.000-07:00

I'm sure everyone was expecting this blog... and that's fine. But I think it's time I share exactly why Harry Potter means so much to me.

I grew up with the series. I mean I literally grew up with it. I spent over a decade analyzing tantalizing texts and spent endless hours reading/waiting on the next book/movie/etc. I truly became so immersed in the story that it literally became part of my life.

Not only have I read the books numerous times, not only have I watched many marathons on the Harry Potter movies, but I even wrote a fan fiction blog. This is a confession I typically don't talk about but honestly... it's a big part of me growing up and developing a creative flair. I literally cast a character of Jacob Walker, an American wizard transfer to Hogwarts, who literally became an extension of my personality. I was not only interweaving the stories of Harry into my absorbent mind... however... I was also interweaving my own character and some of my life into the world that J.K. Rowling had created. I had a bunch of friends who also did so: Linda, Candi, Swannee, just to name a few.

But that's why Harry Potter means so much to me. Not only was I integrating the endless life lessons of good versus evil, love, coming of age stories, etc into my being... but I was contributing to the universe which had affected me so.

That's why tonight was hard for me. I didn't realize how much this movie was going to mean to me as the credits began to roll. It's kind of like... when you have a really good friend who leaves your life for a long time. It's like... never seeing that person again who meant so much to you. It just so happens that this ending also came with the ending of my college career... thus... making it even more depressing. I mean... I know I have Pottermore to look forward too. But it's really different... a weird feeling has crept up into me... which just continues to make me sad. It's the end of an era and I'm definitely feeling the effects of it.

I brought my wands to the showing tonight... Of course I kept Harry's wand in hand at least for half the film, ready to fight of Death Eaters alongside my Gryffindor brothers and sisters (dramatic, I know... but still).

Here's a pic....

The movie was spectacular, moving, and timeless. There was a few points in the film that disappointed me... but that's okay (*cough cough* Harry not fixing his wand with the elder wand at the end *cough cough*). I know what really happened in the book. I'll miss Harry Potter and his adventures... but the stories will live on inside of me... inside my mind and inside my heart as I continue to dream my own adventures for the trio of the Harry Potter realm as well as reflect on the character I created. It's a good night. Long Live Harry Potter.

Until next time blogosphere,
Brandon

I'm tired of talking, man, ya'll ain't listening. Them ol' dirt roads is what ya'll missing...

2011-07-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

Today was an absolute blast. If you are my facebook friend, you will notice that today my parents and I decided to hit the mountains and do a little fourwheeling. My mom and dad recently bought two new ATVs and I borrowed my grandfathers and we hit little shepherds trail. Little Shepherds Trail is actually my favorite place in Harlan County to go fourwheeling.

Some of the most majestic sites in Harlan can be found on this trail. Here are some of the pictures from our trip:

In high school, I spent a lot of time around this area whenever my friends and I would get off of work. For example, the story of beardog (a great story shared between my friend Chris and I) resulted from Little Shepherds Trail. On this trail, there is a bunch of different lookouts along the trail and one day, Chris, Myself, and one of other other friends had been fourwheeling when we came across this ferocious beast of a black bear inhibiting us from proceeding. Of course, upon seeing this black beast all three of us sped away. However, upon further reflection of the situation when we reached a safe haven... we decided it might have been a big black dog. Well.. about three or four months later I saw this black beast again in the same area... only to find out it was a black goat. Apparently, Chris, David, and I let our imaginations run wild that day... but it makes a good inside joke between us now. I even wrote Chris' senior personal narrative on this moment haha... (You read that right... I wrote my friends senior personal narrative haha).

Another awesome place on Little Shepherds Trail is the pond. This area is so nice.

It's on top of the mountain at the peak of Little Shepherds Trail and you can usually find a plethora of country folk fishing or riding their fourwheelers around this pond. In fact, when we visited today there was about 4 or 5 other people around. There's even a little pier in the pond for your fishing needs!

On of the more historic sites on this trail is the tower. My dad told me the story of this site today.

Apparently before our wonderful technology of GPS and satellites... rangers around Harlan would utilize this lookout to spot forest fires and report them. My mom apparently also climbed allover this tower when she was a kid... unfortunately.. the bottom steps are removed from the tower now.

Another amazing story that results from this area is the story of Rebel Rock (which I refer to as Pride Rock in my head... you'll see why when I post the pic).

There are actually two stories the surround Rebel Rock... however... the one that I'm going to talk about is the more dramatic one. I've always been told that during the Civil War, Harlan was very divided and tensions were high. One rebel was trying to flee Union Soldiers for the love of his life when he fell to his death off of Rebel Rock, forever glorifying his act. In fact, it is stated that only one ranger knows the location of the rebels gravestone as well.

It was such a great a day, being able to visit Little Shepherds Trail on ATVs and drink in the pure bliss of the mountain air and dirt roads. I can't wait to go back again.

Until next time blogosphere,
Brandon

Express Lanes

2011-07-09T23:39:00.000-07:00

I actually thought about including this in my last post but I thought it deserved an entirely different tone and train of thought... so I decided to actually write two posts tonight.

One of my biggest pet peeves is whenever someone gets in the Express Lane at any given store, whether it be a Wal-Mart, Target, Kroger, etc, with more than the designated number of items for that specific lane. Express Lanes, if you have been living under a rock for the past five years, are lanes that are designated 20 items or less or 10 items or less. But it really irks me whenever someone gets in that specific lane and has a ridiculous amount of items. I don't care if it is midnight that lane should still be reserved for someone under the designated number of items. Obviously this happened to me tonight thus resulting in my stream-of-consciousness writing.

But more importantly... what can be done about this people who believe they are more entitled and enter these lanes when they know that they have 50 plus items in their shopping cart? Are we, members of society, supposed to just grin and bare it? Turn the other cheek? What makes this customer more entitled than myself? I personally won't even attempt to get in an Express Lane given that I have one more item than the designated number (even though my friend Felicia and I both agree that its acceptable to do so with one or two more items). But in all seriousness what can be done? Can you complain to the manager of the store? Will the cashier reroute the pious, self-centered schmuck to another lane exploiting their misconduct (of which I have never witnessed but would love so much to see)?

I honestly believe that if I were to work at a place as such and I happened to be in the Express Lane I would redirect the customers to their rightful lane. In business we talk about an entity known as opportunity cost. Tonight I fully put this entity into practice when I got behind another customer who had 50+ items in their cart yet still entered the Express Lane. The "Opportunity Cost" is defined as the cost of any opportunity in terms of the "best" alternative forgone. As such... I had to measure whether or not standing in line behind this customer who obviously thought more of themselves that they did not have to abide by "shopping law" or go to another lane in which customers had a little over the limit of express lanes but still followed "shopping law" and hope that these lanes were faster. To my excitement Felicia and I went to another lane with our three items and exited the store before these horrible people did (I'll admit these people probably are not horrible but I equate utilizing the express lane when you have more items than the specified amount to the same as faking someone's name at a restaurant and stealing their reservation...). While there is nothing that is really preventing people from doing either of those two actions (express lanes and reservation theft)... there should be preventative measures as well as recourse.

But I'm just ranting.
Until next time blogosphere,
Brandon

Good Ol' Harlan County, Gondoliers, and Hillcrest Lanes

2011-07-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

There's something I notice about coming home to Harlan County that I suppose is more ever present. I notice that time seems to move a little slower here... in a weird way. For instance, despite the fact that I feel like my stays in Harlan are rather short, two to three days at most, it's like the the world slows down just a little bit and time isn't an issue. In Lexington, after work, before work, during work, the business that consumes my life all seem so important and all things must be rushed and promptly completed. But here in Harlan, it all slows down the the beauty of life surrounds you as towering mountains comprised entirely of lush trees, foliage, and animal life guard you from having to live your life in fast forward. Harlan makes me appreciate my life so much. I love coming home and having this sensation. While Lexington gives my life a living-in-the-moment feel, Harlan takes me back in time and forces me to realize just how beautiful my life is. It allows me to appreciate everyone in my life. It allows me to slow down, relax, breath. It allows me to rejuvenate and invigorate my spirit. I love Harlan County.

Having said that... when I come home I try to allot as much time to people of whom I designate some importance too. Obviously my family, my sister, her husband, one of my best friends, Felicia, and a certain circle of friends (such as the Joshes), are all worthy of this honor (just kidding). Today I got to experience a packed day with everyone that was important (save the Joshes - you guys missed out!). Anyways, my day started with my mother and I doing a little grocery shopping - our favorite Saturday event. We cracked jokes like we always do and everything and had pizza for lunch. The rest of my day was allotted to my friends in going to Gondoliers and Hillcrest Lanes in Harrogate, TN. Gondoliers was decent Italian but cannot hold a candle to my Olive Garden, Carrubas, and Puccini's. Regardless... Bowling was a lot of fun. My competitive side really reared its ugly face in the first set of frames (I ended up bowling a 160, which isn't my best (182) but it's good). But I was a little ashamed because my competitive side was really coming out as I was not only comparing my frames to my lanes but also the lanes that were beside of us! I can't believe I let that happen! Oh well. It happens. Felicia and I also played some billiards while we were there with me dominating the first round and her barely winning the second. I also ended up with a high score on a basketball shooting game in the arcade area! It was a pretty good day haha. Here are some pictures:

Until Next Time Blogosphere,
Brandon

Oola Versus Looma Teaser

2011-07-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

Oola Versus Looma. My old cartoon... possibly coming back for your entertainment!

Until Next time Blogosphere...
Brandon

Happy Birthday America.

2011-07-04T19:47:00.001-07:00

Happy fourth of July everyone! I hope yours is ten times more fantastic than mine. :)

Campfire, Fireworks and Wingardium Leviosa.

2011-07-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

So last night I went camping with some good friends! My best friend and his wife, my girlfriend, my friends Nikki and John, and Nikki’s little sister Madison. Considering I won’t be home to shoot off fireworks or anything of that nature… this was a nice substitute. We arrived at Nikki’s and swam for a little bit, set up camp, and made some campfire hotdogs and smores. It really was just such a nice time soaking in the night and drinking in the good times. It was a much needed break from work and from Lexington… but at the same time it felt really nice to come back to my own bed this morning.

That was just a quick update about my day. What I really wanted to share on my blog today was a moment I shared with my roommate a few days ago that exemplifies how big of a nerd I really am. Taylor, my roommate, and I went out to Chipotle (Taylor had a buy one get one coupon) a few days ago after running a few errands (this is the day I closed my account out at BB&T).

Anyways… as most of my friends know… I’m a fanboy when it comes to Harry Potter. Taylor and I also have a conversation about Chipotle versus Qdoba at least once a week. This is a highly debated topic as well. Regardless… knowing that Taylor has a preference for Qdoba and I recently became a bigger fan of Chipotle… we compared Chipotle and Qdoba in terms of Harry Potter.

I made the bold statement that Chipolte was Harry Potter and Taylor was quick-witted and replied with, “Does that make Qdoba Voldemort?” Immediately, I said yes. Taylor also knows that I have a weakness for Qdoba’s Queso so he was like, “I don’t know… Queso is really good.” Well... Voldemort makes becoming a death eater a nice offer… you know… new world order and everything. But this definitely didn’t sway him entirely.

Well, Taylor’s B1G1 coupon resulted from him attending a Pride festival in Lexington where Chipotle was handing out coupons. So my next statement was, “Did Qdoba hand out coupons at Pride? No. I think we know which one is Harry Potter.” Winning.

Now… I think I need to ask him which one is Harry Potter when it comes to frozen yogurt Fro-Jos or Orange Leaf. I think I know the answer… but we’ll find out.

Also… just to prove my Harry Potter nerdiness… here’s a pic of a Harry Potter party I attended as well as my three of my replica wands. Nice!

It's Levi-OH-sa...not Leviosa!

Until next time blogosphere,
Brandon

BB&T is a monster. Not like the Lady Gaga kind... but the horrible kind.

2011-07-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

I recently had my very last encounter with BB&T. As most of my friends in college know I’ve never had a positive experience with BB&T, however, I officially had enough of their “We are the 13th biggest bank in the nation,” audacious attitude. I’ll outline the situations in which led me to this ultimatum momentarily but first of all, as a customer service representative in the banking industry, please realize that I mean no offense to anyone’s banking choices or the CSRs within the BB&T franchise.

BB&T is the only bank that is both in Harlan and Lexington so in college my parents and I kept this account open in case I needed monies immediately at any time. But now that I am out of college… well… now it’s not worth it.

Firstly, the thing that I really grinds my gears concerning BB&T is the way that they process debits and credits. At Whitaker, we process credits first to further help any customer avoid overdrafts and let payments go through. At BB&T, your account will process the debits to your account first which may end up rejecting certain items from going through on your account and even end up posting overdrafts on the account.

Secondly, I lost my debit card one time last year. Upon trying to close the card I called a Lexington branch and politely asked if there would be a fee for the new debit card. I was transferred 5 times before I was fed up and hung up. I called the Harlan branch and found out everything I needed to know in less than two minutes. Good job, Harlan BB&T points to you… but not enough to keep this customer.

Thirdly, my debit card was charged wrongly my sophomore year of college and I resulted in an overdraft. I further used my card not knowing that I was already in the negative… this resulted in my account being 240 overdrawn. I asked about my options to get my money refunded… but no one could help me apparently. I guess they thought a college student wasn’t worth helping. I needed options but the bank offered nothing. They didn’t even talk to me about Regulation E forms (which I know about now as a CSR) which would allow me to dispute a charge… but nope. They didn’t try to help me out.

Fourthly and lastly, I found out BB&T no longer will have free accounts. At least this was according to an article I read recently. So I checked my account online… sure enough… I now had a paper statement fee of 3 dollars per month. This really bothers me because my mail is delivered to Harlan, to my parents, who do not open my mail. I had no clue this was going to be added to my account. As I stated earlier I kept the account open for security with my parents… but since I’ve been out of college I have not used this account at all. I had a total of $2.87 in the account because of this. Let’s do some simple math $2.87 - $3 = -0.13 cents. Great. So I called again to see if I would receive an overdraft. Thankfully no. However, the teller retorted with, “But if you don’t get money in the account in 2 days, then you will receive an $8 fee everyday until you make your account positive.” What. The. Hell.

That’s when I decided I would close the account out. So I strolled in the BB&T in Hamburg, deposited a miniscule 13 cents… and happily stated I wanted to close the account. The teller asked me why I wanted to close the account out… and I gave him all of the previous reasons… only for him to say, “Oh, I’m sorry.” Sir, you are truly not sorry. I understand you are apologizing on behalf the company and you spoke the rightfully scripted parts. But the BB&T tyrant is not sorry.

And I am not sorry I closed the account out.

I think I will mail this blog post to a BB&T… or their corporate office. With a major in business administration, I’ve learned that the most important part of conducting business is truly the customer and perception is everything. If BB&T is not the horrible corporation I perceive it to be I hope they see how they have treated a customer and make appropriate strides for improvement.

Until next time blogosphere,
Brandon

The age old question: What do you want to do with your life?

2011-07-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

I figured by now I would know exactly how to answer that question. Unfortunately, when asked this question, no answer suffices despite my extraneous digging through the crannies and crevices of my mind. Do I want to manage some sort of financial institution? Do I want to actively pursue advancement in my current job? Do I want to go back to school to get a degree in something that would allow me to pursue different avenues? I really don't know.

But I do know something. Here recently (actually a couple times a year a sensation wells up within me and wants to come into fruition), I've been feeling as if I want to go into teaching. I mean not for the money obviously...

How can I accurately describe why I want to go into teaching? Well, first of all, I think I would want to teach high school students because I think teaching younger children would become to monotonous for me and they'd drive me nuts (despite how much I love children). I also want to teach high school students because I think college students would drive me crazy with their lofty thoughts and naive idealism about philosophy, life, themselves, and such. I was one of those college students so I know I would hate to teach people like myself. However... high school students seems like a happy medium. Enough that I could relate to the students, enough for me to really care about their education, and enough for them to comprehend and understand what I would like to teach.

Which is my next topic: what would I teach? Business of course. I loved my business classes so much. But specifically, I would like to teach Business Marketing and Promotions focusing on the social networking, advertising, and online marketing. How fun would that be? To teach about an industry that is constantly changing and evolving. It would incorporate technology that I love utilizing and applications and websites that I find fascinating. I mean I should really write a blog post about my thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, Google, Bing, Apple, etc. someday... except I talk about it enough in real life that the people who see me on a daily basis will probably tell me to jump off a bridge or something.

Next topic: What kind of teacher would I be? The most awesome one of course. I mean... I feel like I can pretty much relate to all walks of life. I will see past the stereotypical labels and divides of high school drama and do my best to foster the best education that I can possibly provide for these students... while also incorporating my nerdiness and relating it to curriculum. I see posts all the time on MLIA where students talk about how they will take a quiz, and not knowing the answer to a question, will draw a dinosaur and leaving a note that says "This dinosaur protects my quiz from red marks and Xs." I would totally give that student credit (assuming they are typically a good student). And then they would write a story about it on MLIA. Haha. So yeah, I would be the coolest teacher ever.

I would also want to get involved in extracurricular stuff too... you know... be a Will Schuster or something...

But to do this... I need to start on a masters degree in education. That's crazy! I never thought I would consider school again....especially in a field that I absolutely evaded in college already. Well... I guess I'm one of those students who really don't know what they wanted to do with their life until...well...now.

Until next time blogosphere,
Brandon

It's the moments that make the memories...

2011-06-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

And I just want to take my time.
And I just want live my life.
I don’t want to be satiated.
But fully immersed.
Fully aware.
Fully alive.
Alive.

I’ve been doing my best to really soak in my days. To really absorb all the little moments of every day. To transform those into meaningful memories and fully be aware. I know that’s quite vague but I don’t necessarily believe it’s something that I can convey in any certain way. It’s the little moments in my days like when you take a sip of water and await that refreshing “cool” to spread throughout your veins and body. It’s those moments where you genuinely smile because you see such a beautiful moment… like when one of your co-workers (an adult working in the banking industry) walks a balloon dinosaur around a Kroger. It’s one of those moments where you are a lone and you experience something joyful that you laugh aloud but no one hears you.

This is how I want to live my life from this moment on. I feel like until a few days ago… things were a little muted. A little foggy. Then I wrote my last post and realized I needed to make a change in my life. I need less worry and less drama.

I remember one time a while back… probably my senior year of high school. My dad and I went fourwheeling in deep dark hills of Eastern KY (nice reference eh?). It was really one of the first times Dad and I had went fourwheeling on separate ATVs together. We spent the entire day outside on our ATVs exploring the less traveled mountains of Harlan. I remember just soaking in the sun, the mountains, the fresh air, and the amazing company of my father. I remember feeling so alive in that moment drinking in the essence of life and feeling a stupor of ecstasy radiating from my core.

It’s funny how I can relate this day to little moments… because it’s not really the memory of the moment but the moments that make the memory. Every moment counts.

Just because my day isn’t filled with daily fourwheeling with people I love… doesn’t mean I can’t manifest happiness in little moments and provide not only myself but those around me with some positive chi/karma/energy/etc. I not only plan on deriving the most from every moment in my life but I encourage everyone else to do so as well.

Until next time blogosphere,
Brandon

Suitcase and Memories...almost left behind....

2011-06-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

Tonight is kind of a sad night for me for some unknown reason. I really guess it's because what I keep referring to as the "graduation woes" are beginning to set in. Maybe it's more of a "I can't believe I'm growing up thing," but I will keep denying that one.

Regardless... I really feel like taking a stroll down memory lane and ponder upon the memories of high school, of times since past, that comprise the individual you see today. And that I have done all the damn day. I thought about my friends from high school, the things I used to do, the things I used to say, the after school jobs, the video games, the music, the television shows, the breaking of rules, the fear of breaking those rules, the unknown, and so on. All of this chaos came flooding into my mind like an explosion that spread through my body. Every fiber feeling, no, being consumed by the emotion. I'm pretty sure I would've broken down had I continued to think about all of these moments, remembering who I was and realizing how much of him I have lost today.

I used to be creative and weird. I'll just say that outright. I was very creative. I was very weird. I spoke in riddles and wrote in rhymes. I thought in lofty idealism that was surely to never manifest but remained optimistic anyway. College has stripped me of that optimism in the world and the future - I suppose this is the opposite of what is supposed to occur in hallowed halls, yet, I feel that college has molded me into an individual that is ready for the "real" world. Not this world that I always imagined in my mind... where everything was whimsical and magical. No. The world has not shown me that my version exists yet.

But the real world is what has spawned my thoughts about my high school days and who I was then. In high school, as any of my high school friends could attest to, I was unabashed, unashamed, and more importantly intelligent and opinionated. Now, don't get me wrong, I haven't lost all of that... but the real world has shown me that this person I used to be needed to be tamed... molded...altered. To become a more refined individual. Which is sad really. I can't believe I ever let this happen to me. I became one of those people who silently passed judgement on someone who showed quirks and a persona that was different. High school me would not be proud.

As one of my dear friends would say, "You think the only people who are people, are the people who think and look like you." High school me stands next to you Celia Finfrock, along with a plenty of my high school friends who would want me to recognize my failures and follies. Linda Adams... you would be disappointed if you knew how I abandoned my post as a stature and protector of the underdogs.

But that me still exists, he is somewhere inside of me waiting to once more come alive and burn brightly once more.

I can't believe that all of these thoughts transcended upon me by thinking about my friends in high school and who I was.

It is so crazy and unbelievable to think that my friends in high school are dispersed across the world and I don't see them anymore. In high school, I would see them all on a daily basis and they were the highlights of my day. You all are all amazing and have contributed so much to who I am today. I guess in the end... it truly isn't the end results you get but the journey. I can think back on my journey in this adventure growing up and I know that no matter what... I am grounded by the thoughts of my high school friends. Of me feeling like an outcast with all of my other friends... but knowing that we were actually anomalies in this crazy world.

I sometimes wish that I could wake up some morning and it would be 2004 or 2005 again. I sometimes wish that I could go into the halls of James A. Cawood high school and set in our little theater where Linda Adams, Tabitha Hardy, Brandon Pace, myself, and a few others would sit and wait for our day to start. I sometimes wish that after homeroom I would meet up with Chris Bolin, Felicia Sutton, and David Williams and we would act like we were paying attention in class but instead find entertaining diversions throughout the day. I sometimes wish I could be at lunch in our cafeteria again where Linda and I would talk about our Harry Potter role playing characters (of which she was never ashamed of yet I tried to hide on a daily basis because I thought others would pass judgement on me). I sometimes wish after school I could hang out with Chris, Felicia, Linda, Devan, Charley, and everyone all one more time. As if nothing had every changed and everything was all the same.

I know this can't happen. But just thinking about my friends makes my younger spirit come more alive. Here I make a pledge to always remember my roots, to remember what has always made me happy and capitalize on that for eternity. My spirit will continue to burn bright because I come from such an amazing place filled with amazing people. I love you all. I miss you all. Keep in touch please.

Here's a few pics I stole from facebook from my college years...

Until next time blogosphere!
Brandon

To my new friend...

2011-06-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hey blogosphere,

I made a promise a few days ago to devote one of my blog entries to someone who has thoroughly kept me entertained at work. Her name is Kristen Rodgers. Let me tell you a little bit about my new friendship with Kris.

A long long time ago... in a Kroger not so far away on Old Paris Road... I met a nice person (who at the time I'm not sure we even knew each others name). When I would choose my lunch item for the day, for the most part I would either go through my friend K-La's line but if she was unavailable then I started going through this new girls line (mostly because there were some weird people at that particular Kroger... no offense to anyone... just didn't come across the best (but I'm sure I didn't either)).

However... despite the fact that I had fallen in love with the whimsical wonderment of Old Paris Road... my job would toss me aside and transfer me to a new branch, Romany Road. An uncharted land. New faces. New co-workers. A new adventure. How scary and new.

Luckily, I was not a lone wolf in this unfamiliar land. I soon acquired some knowledge that the magical Old Paris Road Kroger was closing (still makes my heart break a little) and the employees of Whitaker and Kroger would be dispersed among the other branches in Lexington. My excitement was unable to be contained at the very thought that my old co-workers from Whitaker might be placed in my new location (Ash, Chase, or Amy!) or I would see familiar faces from the old Kroger (K-La or Mary!).

Finally, the day dawned where my kinfolk from OPR would grace the lackluster Romany. But to my dismay... no one from Whitaker transferred but I recognized a familiar face through the disappointment. Kristen... It was actually kind of comical how she and I made the connection that we both had roots in OPR... it was one of those over utilized plots from trashy comedies... you know.. that "Don't I know you?" However... our friendship is not one of trashy comedies (albeit I think we have the makings that we could have a trashy comedy spawn from our friendship... this is a compliment Kris). Upon this discovery Kristen has made my workdays just a little bit shorter by keeping me entertained and just discussing the mundane details of our days that no one really wants to hear... but at least we both acted like we were slightly interested haha. But for real... my transfer to Romany was made so much easier by having a familiar face. So thank you, Kroger Gods, for sending you prodigal daughter to save my weary soul from mundane, monotonous tasks of a tenacious workday.

But Kristen has begun a new chapter in her life. She is one of the few lucky people I know that out of college has generated a wealth of success from her degree. Kristen is going to Louisiana to work with their Sports and Athletic Department, specifically the women's volleyball team. If I could turn Kristen's name into a witty "You go, Glenn co co," phrase believe me... I would. Unfortunately my wit is shadowed and marred by her absence in the aisles of Romany. Don't get me wrong... I'm so happy and proud of her that I could just burst. But.. she was a new friend who has exited my daily life (Shame on you Kroger Gods for not taking better care of you prodigal daughter and giving her better opportunities to keep her here). I sent her off with a card of awesome and a promise to devote a blog post to her and I have made this come into fruition. But I can't help but think how crazy it is how people come into your life so quickly, you become attached and familiar, and then they exited just as quickly as they came. I think this is truly the epitome of the crazy adventure we call life.

So here's to you Kristen Rodgers. May your adventures be wild, your dreams be large, and your life blessed with success, love, and happiness. You will always have a friend back here in KY (assuming I don't leave anytime soon) and I hope that you and I will hang out again soon making memories worthy of kings and queens.

Stay in touch friend. I don't say goodbye... so I'll see you soon.

Until next time blogosphere,
Brandon

My Obsession with MLIA

2011-06-21T10:51:00.001-07:00

Okay I have a confession to make. I have an unhealthy addiction to My Life Is Aversge (MLIA). If you have yet to stumble upon this wonderful website... I pity you. I'll be entirely honest in downtown this is probably one of the highlights of my day... Just logging on to MLIA and seeing what average antics the submitters are up to today.

Why do I love this website? Because of how nerdy it truly is. Let's be honest Im a huge nerd (we all know it to be true). When you first log on you'll notice that the majority of the posts have to do with making fun of twilight, the google vs yahoo war, cleverbot, Harry potter, ninja vs pirates, the floor is lava, Memes, and nerds in live action. Basically... The story of my life.

Some of my favorites from today are:

Today, I decided to join the google vs yahoo war. I typed in both "if you are what you eat, then" yahoo gave me "if you are what you eat then what am I?". And google ga e "if you are what you eat then voldemort is a unicorn." needless to say, google wins once again. mLIA.

Today, my friend showed me the sentence "Woman without her man is nothing," that an English class had been told to punctuate. Apparently all the guys put "woman, without her man, is nothing," while the girls pit "woman: without her, man is nothing". I will never underestimate the power of punctuation again. MLIA

I went on google an typed up "50 most popular women on the web" it took me to a link where number 7 was Justin Beiber. Thank you google, for making my day.

These are just a few that caught my attention... But if you are ever feeling especially nerdy or just need a smile make sure you check out MLIA!

Until next time blogosphere,
(also my posts might be rare and few and far between right now my pc is dead)

Brandon

The Green Lantern

2011-06-18T22:16:00.000-07:00

So if you know me at all... you would know that my favorite superhero within the DC universe is the Green Lantern. It's not necessarily because he is green (a plus), it's not necessarily because he can essentially make anything he wants to materialize out of his ring if he can imagine it (another plus), it's not necessarily because he can fly (another plus), it's not because Ryan Reynolds (of whom I have the utmost respect for as an actor) plays Hal Jordan (another plus) it's a combination of all that plus what the the Green Lantern and the Green Lantern Corp stand for... at least... what I remember from the limited knowledge I have of the Green Lantern. You see... growing up, the Green Lantern meant one major thing for me in my life: Hope. I do my best to see the positive in any situation... at least... I try. I feel like this is a crucial element in the Green Lantern's tenure as a member of the corp, is having hope for a better future and protecting a civilization, a species, an universe that is consumed by some many other things. It's the Willpower of the Green Lanterns to overcome this. That always provided me with a sense of hope and renewed faith in mankind. Hence the reason I had to go out to the movie decked out in a Green Lantern hat! Here's a pic from tonight:

Both hats are mine (but of course I had to let my good friend Felicia rock one), and then two of my best friends, Daniel (brother-in-law) and Josh are wearing the masks. It was definitely a good night.

I had a few other thoughts throughout the day and some odd ones during the movie. But I'd rather end on a positive note due to I see a lot of hope in my future despite some thoughts that ate at me a little today.

Until next time blogosphere,
Brandon

2011 Commencement, Transylvania University

2011-06-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

I don't really have much to type about tonight... but I did almost shed a tear when I saw this video...

See if you can spot me! I saw myself twice.

Until next time blogosphere!
Brandon

My Busy Beautiful Life

2011-06-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

Well it is officially the 13th of June and my best friend is now married to the love of his life. First things first, Mr. and Mrs. Bolin, I have already wished you a happy life together a million times today in a million different ways but that's only because I wish you happiness times a million. Congratulations again and thank you so much for allowing me to be apart of your special day.

Before I continue with the entry today I'll post a few pictures from the festivities just so everyone can experience the beauty of the bride, the elegance of Talon Winery, and how much hard work and effort Melissa Dean (Jerie's Mother) put into one of the most beautiful (if not the msot beautiful) wedding I have every had the pleasure of being at or participating in.

That last one was really just to be fun. Dakota and I have that "special" kind of relationship I guess...haha. Anyways, I know I said I had a lot of things to talk about concerning the events that lead up to the wedding, however, I'm not sure I can really recall many of the facts and details of the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner the way I would have wanted to and the Bachelor party should remain between the people of whom attended and I suppose the bride. So I won't elaborate on that.

What I will elaborate on is how I'm going to be so sunburnt tomorrow! My face is as red as a cherry right now. It's pretty ridiculous. But that's okay... I really don't mind. What I will elaborate on is how I'm running on like 5 hours of sleep and haven't stopped going yet. I guess this is sort of the winding down portion of my day...where I'm writing this blog. What I will elaborate on it John's (one of our friends) advice on how one glass of wine is perfect before giving a best man speech...not 4. I had a small flub because I tried to get ahead of myself on one of my jokes... but I think it fit the mood really nicely. It wasn't really embarrassing as I thought it would be to mess up... especially when I practiced at least 40 times before I actually gave a speech...

Finally, what I will elaborate on it back up plans and perfection. In any situation you always have to have a back up plan. One of the most influential people in my college career, Julia Poynter, professor extraordinaire, stressed this to us. And then she stressed the point that when something goes wrong find ways to fix it. If it can't be fixed... well... no one will know the difference anyways. This was a lesson I learned well today. The reception venue had a sound system that didn't come equipped with a CD player. So Chris and I after having searched high and low for solutions ended up calling my girlfriend who so graciously brought her Cd player to hook up. Unfortunately we still couldn't get it to work and the photographers needed us for the pictures. So after I smiled with extra cheese and looked real pretty, I went back to finding a way that my best friend and his wife could have their first dance... so equipped with a limited knowledge of electronics, good friends, and my intuition, we set out on this mission. Nikki and I went in and played around with the CD player until we finally got sweet music streaming through two of four speakers and unfortunately couldn't make the other two work. But it's okay. No one ever knew the difference (I guess they do now... :S) and it was just as beautiful a moment. But I absolutely love it when lessons I've learned in my academic career pop up in my life. So no stress and worked out any kinks. So Jerie, if you're reading this... I not only saved your wedding by making Chris shave, shower, refuse to let him wear a black undershirt underneath his white (see through) button down tee, and got him there safely (despite our cheap attempt at making you think Lexington has swallowed him whole), but I also made your first dance happen and I guess Dakota and Nikki made it happen somewhat too... but that's besides the point. I'm not trying to boast about saving your day or anything... but... just kidding. I'm so happy for you all. Love you both!

Until next time blogosphere,
Brandon

Best Man Update

2011-06-12T10:00:00.001-07:00

So Chris and I have successfully gotten up and started getting ready for his big day. His photographer wanted to get pics of he and I getting ready and since Chris spent the night here...well... he's coming over to take pics. Also, major updates to come considering its been a busy day or two considering I have to update about the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, bachelor party, taco bell runs, etc. Haha. But first a quick pic of the groom getting ready:

The Legends, Relay for Life, and Some Fun Photos...

2011-06-10T22:36:00.000-07:00

As I said in my last post, Dakota and I decided to hit up the Whitaker Bank Ballpark for a Legends game on Thirsty Thursday (also Bark in the Park)! I was really excited because aside from my sisters softball games I don't think I've seen a baseball game since I watched the Louisville Riverbats play at GSP. This actually turned out to be a lot of fun and I would encourage a lot more people to actually come out to the games! In fact there was a really good triple play that the Legends got on the North Carolina Hickory Crawdads! I was relatively surprised at the caliber of game they played considering I wasn't expecting a lot out of a minor league (especially because I made the assumption that Lexington couldn't have a decent minor league team due to the NIMBY mindset (for those who don't know NIMBY- not in my back yard)).

So I'll just sum up some highlights of the game and then a drawback in a short stream-of-consciousness fashion:

Highlights: The triple play was really cool and unexpected, dollar beers, dollar sodas, bark in the park was balling, Mortal Kombat soundbites when the Legends pitched two strikes, fun promotions, coupons for Meijers and Penn Station, and because the legends had ten hits Raising Canes allowed anyone who presented their ticket stub to get B1G1! Can't really beat that right? Also, the night air felt amazing yesterday!

Drawbacks: There really wasn't any drawbacks except for a few things. One being our seats weren't the best but that was fine, two being a pack of girls showing up and annoying the heck out of us. Seriously, don't come to a baseball game and talk so loud about your sex life, why you can't keep a boyfriend, your vaca, and how wasted you want to get that I can't hear the announcer or any of the promotions! (I love hearing the promotions... that's the marketing major in me...). If you follow me on Twitter (bpenn11) you'd see how upset I was getting at them.

All-in-all the Legends game was fun and I plan on going back. Apparently, my life is very Whitaker oriented right now. We had the annual Relay for Life tonight at Lexington Christian Academy (which I've attended two years in a row now!). If you don't know, the Relay for Life is aimed at raising money for Cancer Research and glorifies survivors of cancer. It's also a lot of fun to see everyone decking out their tents and having a good time with co-workers, friends, and family. It was supposed to go all night and until 12 pm the next day but being that I have to work at 9 and I had to try my tux on for Chris and Jerie's wedding... that wasn't happening.

Last year, having only worked at Whitaker for about 2 or 3 months it was a little awkward to attend but this year was different. It was pretty fun and seeing everyone out supporting and chowing down was a nice way to end a work day. My favorite part was when I pitched a baseball and dunked a little girl! It was some other tent and I won a free sucker by doing so haha. Here's a pic at my athletic prowess:

I guess going to the Legends game really paid off in my children dunking efforts!

Finally, I've been meaning to upload a funny picture from my sisters wedding. For us groomsmen we got a huge kick out of our friend Gerald's shoes in the wedding. And Chris and Jerie if you're reading this... I know a few things have gotten mixed up with the tuxes and it's salvageable (and that's wonderful) so I know you guys will appreciate this picture!

Haha! Both of Gerald's shoes were doing this! I had to make sure I got pictures of it. I guess its somewhat symbolic of finding funny moments in the most stressful/serious times. I think one could also discern something along the lines of everything works out in the end, even if the journey has a few bumps in the road? Take it however you will...

Until next time blogosphere,
Brandon

Legends, Summers, and Legendary Summers

2011-06-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

Just to make myself actually keep up with updating my blog... I wanted to throw in a quick post because I think the rest of my day might be busy.

So to begin, I'm really excited because later today I will be completing one of the things that I've been wanting to do since Whitaker Bank acquired the ballpark that the Lexington Legend's

play at (if case you don't know, I am a Customer Service Rep at Whitaker and I'm super pumped about the prospect of seeing a minor league baseball game tonight!). Not to mention today they have dollar beers and dollar hotdogs! Dakota (my girlfriend) and I have a small list of things we plan on doing this summer and the Legends game was on that list. So not only am I completing one of the things I've wanted to do based on my job but also based on the list we've made to do for the summer.

I'll update with some pics of the Legends game tomorrow in a post along with a few other things I am sure. Probably a recap of the Relay for Life which I will be attending on Friday night after work at LCA.

But before I conclude here is a glimpse of the things to come in the blog based on what I plan on doing this summer (the list previously mentioned):

-Legends Game
-Red's Game
-King's Island
-Lollapalooza with Chris and Jerie in Chicago
-Midnight showing of Harry Potter 7
-Watch all of the Indiana Jones movies (considering I've not had the pleasure to ever see them)
-Have an awesome camping trip!
-(For Dakota: catch some fireflies somewhere.... lol)

That's all I got so far. There's more to the list... but that's a small glimpse :)

Until next time blogosphere :)

The Duties of A Best Man

2011-06-08T10:37:00.001-07:00

Wedding season is at it's peak with the third wedding in three weeks looming in the near future... by near future, I mean specifically in 4 days. On Sunday, my brother from another mother, my best friend, Christoper Bolin is marrying the love of his life, Jerie Barnes

I'm so extremely happy for them... It's really hard for me to express just how happy I am for then without dipping into my toast speech so Ill leave that a surprise. However, the most important part of wedding season is coming up for me. Chris asked me to be the best man... And being that I hadn't really been to many weddings, I wasn't sure the exact duties of the Best Man. I mean I know I supposed to plan the hangover-esque-night-we'll-never-forget-because-some-dumbass-drugged-our-drinks bachelor party... However that hasn't happened yet... I'll update at a later date since we're going out the night before. At my sisters wedding, Chris and Jerie asked me if I was going to say anything...and ofcourse I would given that they want me too. So my workday has consisted of me forging through tantalyzing monotonous quotes and weaving together verbose and heartfelt, warming (albeit) cliche quotes to express how happy I am for them and how lucky they truly are. I'll update later on that as well considering I don't want to give anything away until the wedding.

But I feel that the Best Mans duties are a little stronger than this. I feel that the title of Best Man is something that one can't really express and is something intangible. It's an oath and a vow among men that states you have had a major influence on my life and I will forever appreciate it. You have been with me in the good and in the bad. You are so important to me that I want to share this special moment with you. It's a promise to always have eachothers back, unconditionally, no matter what. I really hope I have provided this for you, Chris. I know you have fulfilled these qualities for me. I truly hope they are reciprocated.

Chris and Jerie, I'm honored to share this moment with you. I cannot wait to see what life brings your way. You all are so special to me.

Until next time blogosphere.

When did my life become a whirlwind?

2011-06-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

These past few weeks have been absolutely tiring and amazing all at the same time. Just to give you a quick rundown: I graduated from Transylvania University on the 28th of May, one of my favorite cousins married the same day, and yesterday my sister married the love of her life. On top of that, I've had work, moving into my new apartment, and turning in a multitude of applications.

Aren't you just jealous?

Regardless, I figured I would post a few pictures on my blog considering I haven't even thought of my blog while I was finishing up school. Maybe divulge a few tidbits of wisdom and transcend some higher knowledge upon my reader too (yeah right...).

Round 1: Graduation

Walking across the stage that was built on top of the steps of Old Morrison was such an amazing moment in my life. It is the epitome of my college experience, the peak of higher learning (as of now), and really just a moment I feel like I can cherish for the rest of my life. After all of my hard work, I have finally graduated with my degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing (honors) as well as a minor in French.

Round 2: Ginger's Wedding

This was absolutely the craziest wedding I have ever been to. In a good way. My cousin and her now husband decided on an Indian (as in India) style wedding and it was absolutely beautiful. She looked so gorgeous and the venue was equally as beautiful. Not only was it a beautiful wedding... but it was really fun and unconventional in certain ways. It included my cousin and her husband reciting poetry to one another and also my cousin and her bridesmaids singing to Adam. I'm so happy for you both and wish the best for both of you in the crazy adventure known as life.

Round 3: My sister's wedding.

I can't believe after almost nine years it was time for my sister and her boyfriend to get married. She was so stunning and it was definitely her day to shine. She and Daniel picked out Camp Blanton in my hometown, Harlan, to tie the knot and I couldn't have imagined a more serene, tranquil, beautiful place for them to exchange vows and say, "I do." I love you Sis and I love you Daniel. I'm so extremely happy for you both and I'll always be here for both of you for any situation, any endeavor, and challenge life throws your way. I'll will also be there to celebrate the good times, to smile and be jovial when the moment warrants it, and glorify your achievements in this life.

Until next time blogosphere.
Brandon

Westboro Baptist Church

2011-01-12T20:11:00.001-08:00

So there has been something on my mind recently with some recent events in the news. As anyone who has read my facebook status within the past few days, they can easily tell that I do not like the Westboro Baptist Church; in fact, they disgust me. I don’t understand how anyone could possibly want to be indoctrinated by the hateful, spiteful, evil things that spawn from these demented people.

Regardless my blog tonight is not about how much I hate them or any kind of facts that you probably don’t already know about them. It’s not even my opinion on what I think of their ideologies and beliefs. It’s about what they had claimed that they were going to do in light of the Tucson shootings.

For those of you who are not up to speed, the Phelpses and their horde of evil-spirited evildoers claimed that they were going to picket the funerals of the 6 people who died in the shootings of Tucson by Jerad Loughner. They even posted on their websites and spread their “good” word: “Thank god for the shooter! God appointed this rod for your sins!” Can you believe that? How disgusting and revolting are these people? However, the part that really struck me and apparently the rest of America was that they were going to picket the funeral of a 9 year old girl, Christina Taylor Green, who died in the shootings.

A nine year old, innocent girl.

I’ve been following this story intently, hoping that good and pure would suffice over these people, praying that something intervene to prevent these psychopaths from defaming the funeral of this little girl. As I stated before, I decided that I would write this blog about something inspiring, so this post isn’t all bad.

What I found out by following this story is how many good people truly exist in this world. And that for the 15 members of the Westboro Baptist Church who planned on showing up to insult, slander, and taint Green’s funeral, there would be almost three times that many people there with what they called “Angel Wings” from a silent counter protest that they called “Angel Action.” Not only would three times that many be there waiting but over 2,000 would be helping these people construct 8 by 10 ft “Angel Wings” to shield the funeral and drown out hate with love and silence. It would make this private affair once again private and about love. Not about the hate that spews from the vile mouths of the WBC. I’m amazed at these people and praise them tremendously.

However, that isn’t all. The Arizona state legislature rushed a law that made picketing within 300 feet of a funeral an illegal act. That act was passed. How astounding is it that not only are people gathering to drown out the hate from the repulsing crazies from Westboro Baptist Church but the state government is trying to protect Green and her family and friends. This is so heartfelt. How many times can you say that about the government?

The most astonishing thing that has surfaced in this situation, at least to me, is that two radio stations, KXXT-AM and CFNY-FM, agreed to allocate times to the Westboro Baptist Church to spread their beliefs (under regulations of the radio stations) on their channel so that they will not picket at Green’s funeral. Despite the fact that listeners will not know the reasoning behind why they allowed WBC to broadcast on their stations, they are willing to allow them to speak so that they will not picket Green’s funeral. Even if it causes them to lose ratings.

This is so selfless of the shows. I cannot praise them enough. Regardless of your religious belief (unless you have been indoctrinated by the absolutely WRONG belief of the WBC), political stance, etc then I think you agree with me on that.

How inspiring is that? I have a new found respect for people in this world and a little renewed and reignited disgust for the Westboro Baptist Church.

-Brandon

Ke$ha is always classier than Velcro...

2011-01-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

So last night, I made it back to Transy and unpacked all of my belongings, setting them in their rightful place among my room. However, I had one of the most amazing night's I've had in a long time.

My friends, Taylor, Dakota, Brittany, and myself decided we would kick this semester off the right way, and as every college student knows, that encompasses playing Super Mario Bros. for the Wii, watching Easy A, and then playing board games (specifically Dirty Minds). Of course, this is how every average college student likes to celebrate their return and begin another semester without parental supervision.

Anyways, it was an amazing night, but I found out that I am absolutely terrible at the game we were playing, Dirty Minds. Dirty Minds for all intensive purposes describes a regular object, person, job, etc. but does so by using provocative and suggestive phrases. Having taken personal lessons from Michael Scott in the "That's what she said," department and constantly firing off "Your Mom," at exactly the right time to invoke a roaring laughter from my peers, and having grown up in a small town where having a perverted and dirty mind is equated to receiving your high school diploma, I thought I would decimate my friends. I mean, I thought I would flat out dominate and leave no remains from a such a win. If Dirty Minds was like playing Mortal Kombat, I expected a flawless victory.

However, as all of us found out, my expectations were not exactly accurate. Maybe this is a good thing though, right? I mean it's easy to make the assumption that because I was bad at Dirty Minds, I do not in fact have a dirty mind. Not so much, if that was true I wouldn't be obsessed with The Office, The Big Bang Theory, etc.

However, I did make an enormous realization in having this kickoff with my friends how much I appreciate the people who surround me. I couldn't ask for a better support group, such a wonderful foundation, and just such amazing people to keep me company in the endeavors of my college career.
-Brandon

For when someone asks you, "So what have you learned in college?"

2011-01-08T22:12:00.001-08:00

In less than 14 hours, I will be on my way back to my university, back to the hallowed halls of Transylvania University, where I will begin my last semester of undergraduate study. The clock has begun to countdown to the time when I will don a black robe and walk across the stage in front of Old Morrison, shake President Williams’ hand (though one would have hoped it would’ve been President Shearer), and raise my diploma to the heavens crying out excitedly and with pride, that I, Brandon Michael Pennington, man of only 22 years, from a small country town in southeastern Kentucky, has received a college degree. At that moment, I am fairly certain the heavens will part through fluffy white clouds allowing a ray of sunshine to encompass my body, allowing me to glow and stand out among my peers. Everything I have done up until this moment will be exalted in one tiny second where I will realize that I am closing a chapter in my life and begin a new journey.

Wow. That’s kind of scary to think about. Was everything I have done in my college career worth that piece of paper that signifies my endeavors as an undergraduate? What have I accomplished so far in my life and is it warranted for me to be proud of what I have accomplished?

What have I accomplished?

I could go off on a tangent about how I have gained many insights about French culture, business management and marketing, social sciences, great literature, or other general liberal arts requirements. But honestly…when I think back to my college career twenty years from now, that isn’t what I am going to think about. And I shouldn’t be held to some standard that I need to remember every detail, formula, or fact about a subject. What I will remember about my college career are the people I’ve met. I’ll remember how these people have influenced me and what insights and values I have taken away from my interactions with them. This is what I remember the most about my college career. Of course, I’ll remember the professors who helped and inspired me; however, it is the friends, the brothers, the relationships that have molded me over the past four years that will define what Transylvania University means to me.

So when I ask myself, “What have I accomplished in the four years that it has taken me to acquire my college degree?” I will smile happily and drift back to the day I met the first members of my SOL group, making my first friend at Transy, the greet line, bubblepuhlooza, meeting the first Delta Sig (who later would aid in my decision to join a fraternity (Thomas Baker)), pledging Delta Sig, becoming a real brother, the hall, the friends that I can’t help but greet every day of my life at Transy, the informals, the formals, the language lab and how much fun I have in there on a daily basis, the trips I would randomly take with brothers and friends, my bigs, my first little brother, my second little brother, my third little brother, activating my little brothers, my relationships, and so much more.

So when someone asks you what have you learned while you’re at college, well, I hope you can spout off some random facts you learn about your major or minor, but, I truly hope that in the back of your mind, you’re not so concerned about these matters that you overlook the most important part of college. The people. The fun. The memories who make you. I know that from here on out…. That will be the thing I talk about when someone asks me about what I learned at college.

It’s not such an easy and simple question that you can answer in just a few words. And, for that matter, it's not so much what you learned but who you became. How can you sum up the most amazing people you’ve ever met and how they have changed you, molded you into a better person, helped you tap into your true potential, and loved you unconditionally even when you didn’t necessarily deserve it?

-Brandon

My Dysfunctional Family

2011-01-07T23:12:00.000-08:00

There is something that I need to admit to anyone who reads my blog and probably a little to myself. That being said here it goes: My family and I are entirely dysfunctional. It’s quite hilarious actually. I can’t believe some of the stuff we do, regardless, I think it’s because together we are not embarrassed or we are so unashamed of the random acts of stupidity that occur in this household that the dysfunction factor tends to surface more so than when I’m around other people. Regardless we do things that make me laugh so hard it hurts or we reminisce about times that make us tear up. Today my mom (who I have to say, is not only an amazing person but I truly consider her one of my best friends) and I were going through old photo albums and couldn’t help but laugh at some of the pictures we found. I know I can’t explain the hilarity that ensued from this photo albums but I thought it would be pretty funny talking about some of the stupid stuff we do in our house.

Honestly, I hope that anyone who reads this can relate to something I’m writing about because so much joy and so much love stems from everything my family and I do together that if you can’t relate, then I feel bad for you. My family and I know how to laugh with each other, we know how to love strongly, and we know the true essence of family.

Note: These are just in random order and only a few of the things that keep us occupied. I think most of this has occurred on my Christmas Break from college.

1.) The Refrigerator Games: This memory/ongoing game sticks out in my mind so much more than anything else maybe because I’m the only one that can actually win the game. So the goal of the game is to get one part of your foot, usually a toe, on top of the refrigerator in the kitchen. Me being 6’2 and possibly one of the most flexible members of my family I’m typically the only one to actually cup my toe on top of the fridge. However, it is the funniest thing I have ever seen in my entire life watching everyone else trying to do it. Mom and Erica cannot even get close so the usually end up gently kicking the fridge, however, my dad, who is the least flexible member in my family ends up kicking the fridge really hard and hitting it against the wall. When I win the game they try to make it harder on me by asking me to try to open the top cabinets in the kitchen with my feet while standing flat footed. I still usually succeed. Points to the tall guy.

2.) Antlers: My mom and I have a running joke about my “antlers.” One year for Christmas, while I was home, I told my mom I was cold. She just looked at me and simply stated, “If you’d let your antlers grow out, you wouldn’t be cold.” Apparently I’m a reindeer or something? Regardless this joke has continued for years as sometimes I’ll say something like, “I’m cold,” “I’m bored,” “I’m hungry,” etc. and mom will follow quickly with, “Well…if you had your antlers….”

3.) Brownie Batter fight: So over this Christmas break, I decided to make brownies. I didn’t actually want the brownies so much as I wanted the brownie batter. Regardless, mom asks if she could have a bite of the brownie batter mix and of course I let her. As she’s eating the batter, I dipped my finger into it then raise my hand and spread the batter across her forehead; I proceeded to say, “We’ll call you Simba,” and told her anything the light touches is our kingdom. She, however, responded by spreading batter across my face which turned into an all out war. This is still one of my favorite memories even though it recently occurred.

4.) The Snake Games: My grandfather is deathly afraid of snakes. We keep a surplus of plastic snakes around the house just for this cause. He lives directly across from us so he comes over every night to visit and the games begin. We do everything we can so that there’s one snake in his nightly agenda and when he finds one…my god…we laugh so hard because he screams, throws things, and then realizes that the snake is only plastic and begins swearing at all of us. In fact, today he chucked a plastic king cobra at me after having found it under a pillow on his favorite chair in our house.

5.) The Chemical Test Strip (Pee Stick): Forewarning this one might gross some people out…. But it’s my blog. So mom has a bunch of medical supplies laying around the house and I recently discovered the chemical test strips. If you’ve never had one of these, essentially to find out what kind of chemicals are in your blood you pee on the stick. You can conclude what I did from that point. Regardless, my mom and I are discussing the results as my dad is leisurely and intently watching television in the living room. Let me explain something about my dad: when he is watching TV, he is dead to the world. Seriously. You know the church women who set in the pews and soak in every word the preacher has to say? Like if they pay attention to anything else but the words he speaks, they will be committing a sin weighed as heavily as adultery? That’s my dad watching TV, unless you say something perverted, or boob, or vagina. So being the pest I am, I started sticking my pee stick in his face and of course he has no clue what it is. I did this about 4 to 5 times before my mom could explain that I peed on the stick I was sticking in his face. I laughed so hard I cried at his response.

6.) Erica Killing Her First Snake: One time my sister spotted a snake out in the backyard, concerned for the safety of our dogs, my sister’s first response is that she has to kill the snake. She comes to me and shows me the snake from the safety of my living room window. The creature is a huge black monster, at least 7 foot in length and about 6 to 7 inches around. This snake would instill fear in any who would face it down, in fact, our dogs kept a good distance from the beast. The snake was literally about a foot from leaving our property and being past our fence line. So my response is “Sis, you won’t make it in time to kill it before it leaves the property.” However, out of the corner of my eye I see my sister become a blur as she sprints outside and somehow conjures a gardening hoe in her left hand and wielding it like Excalibur. I honestly have never seen my sister moves so fast, by the time I had actually made it to the back porch she was staring down the monster’s back. She moves tenderly, lifting her feet in silence as she gets closer, however, the snake senses her and turns to stare her down. Instantly my sister regresses to a 10 year old girl and she looks at me and says “What do I do now?!” I laughed so hard waterfalls started forming in my eyes. I don’t think I can capture the essence of how scared my sister immediately became when it turned on her. Her feet started dancing as if dodging raining bullets and the gardening hoe was no longer Excalibur but her only barrier between an imposing threat and her. “Hit it!” I screamed after a fit of laughter and she proceeded to kill it. Then we took it over to my grandfather’s driveway for an afternoon surprise when he decided to come over or go to dairy queen.

7.) Mom’s sandwich with the paper still on the cheese: My mom loves deli pepperjack cheese. I share this same passion with her, however, a few days ago she did the funniest thing with it. She made a sandwich and she was so excited about it. It was going to be the sandwich of all sandwich. It’s delicate crust, it’s fluffy and tasty white bread, the spicy pepperjack cheese, and the sensational brown sugar ham even left my mouth watering for something so delicious. However, the first bite seems to put up a small fight with my mom, who says, “Man this ham is tough.” Second bite. I can instantly tell that something is wrong with this sandwich, that it is not super delicious like my mom had anticipated. Then I watch her pull wax paper out of her mouth. Apparently, she had forgotten to take the wax paper off of her pepperjack cheese when she made her sandwich. God, we rolled in the floor with so much laughter from this moment.

I laugh so hard at the things that my family and I do together. Whether it’s indoor snowball fights, wrestling matches that end up with me on the ground because my mom knows the only spot I’m ticklish in, making fun of my sister speech problems (even though she really doesn’t have one), or just laughing at how oblivious my dad is to so much stuff that goes on in the house, my family has given me one gift that I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to repay: The gift of laughter and humility. The gift to laugh at myself and laugh with others at myself. This gift… is so sensational I honestly how no clue how to thank them for it.

Except to maybe keep up the random acts of stupidity around this house when I am home.

-Brandon

The Perfect Woman

2011-01-06T21:24:00.001-08:00

My sister and I had a conversation awhile back and the topic of concern was the perfect woman. In my mind, the choice was obvious so without thinking, “Pam Beesley/Halpbert,” spews out of my mouth. My sister just look at my quizzically as if the cosmos were trying to find some nice retort about my choice but instead her eyes glazed over and a puzzled look swept her face. “Why?” She asks out of curiosity.

“Because you know, she’s Pam."

While this simple answer was not sufficient for my sister, the magnitude of the statement encompasses and accomplishes so much more than anything else I could ever possibly say about Pam Beesley/Halpbert.

So in lieu of our conversation (and perhaps my lack of vocalizing an adequate response) my blog tonight is dedicated to the reasons why Pam, from the Office (and not necessarily Jenna Fischer), is the perfect woman.

Although a shallow point to begin with, I think it’s necessary to set the parameters of Pam Beesley versus Jenna Fischer, therefore, this point is going to be physical characteristics (hence the inferred apology with the shallow stuff). While she may not embody the definition of hot like women such as Megan Fox or Carmen Elecktra, Jenna Fischer is an extremely cute and pretty lady; therefore, it’s easy to say that Pam measures up to the same standard. Cute, pretty, beautiful, whatever word choice you want to go with, Pam exemplifies these words. She has a face that when you see it you just want to go “Awww…” So first point being, she is really cute. Here’s where we will deviate from Jenna and remain solely on Pam.

Next, Pam is extremely funny. Now I understand that Pam is a scripted character but that aside Pam is hilarious. I don’t think there has ever been an episode of the Office where I haven’t laughed about something Pam did. Even if it did revolve around the dry humor of a situation she’s in or a comment she says, she keeps me laughing. The perfect woman keeps you laughing. I also think this could be another point but I think it also goes under being funny, Pam is the type of woman that creates, fosters, and constantly shares inside jokes with her significant other, obviously this is essential to a good relationship and of course, it’s something the perfect woman would do.

Third, she has the right amount of nerd in her that keeps your attention and keeps you entertained. Take for example her gift to Jim in the Office during the latest Christmas episode. She made a comic book of Jim becoming a radioactive bear! How nerdy is that? But still absolutely cute. Also, I love watching the episode, “Murder,” to watch Pam play along in the murder mystery. She is so nerdy towards the end where she is still in the conference room while Michael, Dwight, Andy, and her are point weapons at each other and Pam yells, “I’m not going down for this, you hear?!” She’s such a nerd, yet, not so nerdy that you have an inclination to make fun of her.

Finally, especially since this post is getting on the lengthy side… You grow with Pam in the Office. This is another reason I find her to be the perfect woman. She seems to be so real in comparison to the other women you see on television. If you watch Pam from the beginning you really see her grow in confidence, in herself, and as a person. You also see her grow in her relationship with Jim. You see them grow as friends, they grow as they begin to date, they grow as the take on the world together in marriage, and they grow as they start a family together. You see them share the good (vacations, marriage, promotions, etc), the scary (buying their first house), and the bad (discussing whether or not they would lose their jobs due to economic recession). Maybe this is why I find Pam to be the perfect woman because she and Jim share the ideal relationship that I expect to have in my future one day. I want to experience very similar things with my own Pam one day.

However, Pam is a scripted character and fictional. Besides she’d probably be to cool for me anyways… Regardless, I hope Jenna Fischer is a lot like Pam. Or the reverse is true. I’d love to believe that Pam isn’t just a character but Jenna Fischer’s personality coming out in Pam.

This was a rather long attempt at explaining why Pam is the perfect woman I guess next time someone asks me I could go into detail, but honestly, I like putting on a coy smile and just simply stating,

“Because you know, she’s Pam.”

-Brandon Pennington

Something that has been on my mind...

2011-01-03T14:10:00.000-08:00

So since I've been on Christmas Break from Transy, I have read exactly 9 books. Of the 9 books, atleast 7 of them had an evil authorative figure in it. Not just an antagonist within the plot but an vile, villainous, authorative figure who attempted to do something like destroy the world or opress the people within his/her reign.

Who the hell elects these people?

Seriously, I don't feel like these characters would be elected in a real life situation and while it truly adds to the plotline and makes the story that much more mezmerising, I couldn't help but have some distaste in my mouth for the people who elected this figure into office. Or if they weren't elected how they could maintain their office or position after their true personality started showing. Seriously? How unrealisitic (granted most of the stories and books I've been reading don't stay within the realm of realisitic) are the choices these people make in their leaders, their figureheads, the people they entrust certain powers in? Well, I'll argue the point that, for the most part, the people deserve to be under opression by letting this person reign over their kingdom, treating people as pawns, ascribing death to characters, and proclaiming their leadership as revolutionary.

Seriously, this has been bothering me for a couple days now. Especially after reading the entire Percy Jackson series, starting Rick Riordan's newest Olympian series, The Hunger Games trilogy, I Am Number Four, etc.

Regardless, these books gave me a new appreciation for the heroes within the text. I've never "not" appreciated heroes, don't get me wrong. But the protagonists in these stories are heroes in a revolutionary way. I guess that's partly why I've been feeling so insignificant here recently, however, I also don't have an oppression regime reigning trying to usurp my freedom or some crazy tyrant trying to destroy civilization as we know it (at least, not in the blatant sense that the vile characters in the books use).

I guess I should be thankful for that.
But, honestly, I'd rather have powers and fight.

-Brandon

Long time no update...

2010-12-31T19:03:00.000-08:00

This is the perfect example of my issues with commitment. I can't commit to doing one thing and continue to do it!

Regardless, I find it highly ironic that the last post I blogged was about the Hunger Games. I recently finished up the triology over my Christmas break. I couldn't believe how amazing the books were. I finished them all within a fifteen hour period and drank in every word allowing myself to meandor the alleyways and mines of District 12 while also mapping out the arenas that Katniss and Peeta were thrown into so that I could stratigically plan their next moves. Suzanne Collins has outdown herself with this triology. Although the realistic ending is much more warranted than an idealisitc love conquers all ending, I find myself wanting the latter because of my naive optimistic personality but, hey, gotta accept who you are, right? I became so obsessed with this novel that I almost dedicated myself to a weight loss plan and growing my hair out some so I could try out for the part of Peeta in the films, haha, right. But that's essentially the degree that I fell in love with these books.

My idea behind writing again has nothing to do with trying to commit to something as a new years goal, rather, it's an extension for the creativity that builds up within me that has no outlet. I'm finding out that my creativity is causing me to overload and become overwhelm with certain things. As any who grew up with me could tell you, I have dabbled in many different fields concerning the creative arts. I was an excellent artist in the field of rudimentary drawings (aka using lead pencils to draw my wildest fantasy and creations), in fact, I was enrolled in that silly art school where you have to draw the dog and send it in (they advertise it on TV all the time), however, I didn't continue with it. I have published poetry as well as a perfect score on my portfolio writings in high school. I donned the name the "Word Weaver" for my niche in creative writing, however, I didn't continue with poetry and writing. I wrote songs, poetry, stories, and so many other things in high school attempting to satisfy the beast that is my creative impulse. Unfortunately, I don't satisfy that hunger anymore as a college student. Therefore, my new years resolution has nothing to do with losing weight or committing to something. It is to promise a gift to myself. To allow myself to explore my creative impulses again. I am going to write, read, draw, create, sing, and perform with every fiber in my body. I am going to tame this beast again. Whether I have to start animating cartoons on youtube again, (Oola Versus Looma, anyone?), mash-up songs (yes I did this once), or just sing at the top of my lungs in the shower or car. I will satisfy these needs as my new years resolution. I lost myself in the norm and trying to fit the status quo.

No more, say I. No more.

Let's rock this year.
-Brandon

The Hunger Games and Unexpectedly, Milo.

2010-08-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

So long story short.

I have commitment issues when it comes to writing blogs. Whoops.

Regardless...

Since my last update, I have a job. A real job. I work at a bank! That's pretty cool, right? I also have been living in or around Lexington all year. That's exciting? And now, it's the summertime. I am working and reading a lot.

I recently read "The Hunger Games!" If you have yet to hear about this book it's amazing in every sense. I mean, it keeps you on edge and you have to contemplate about every detail. However, it's also slightly demented. Just the thing I need and want considering my twisted preference of literature. Picture this; out of the ashes of a fallen North America, a new nation, Panem rises. The people who once rebelled against their government, now are seperated into poor districts. And the government chooses two children/teenagers (one boy, one girl) to fight to the death against every other districts chosen ones as a reminder of who is in control. And now go buy the book to see what happens! I would love to set down and discuss this book with anyone who reads it!

I'm now beginning a new book, Unexpectedly, Milo. It's quirky. It kind of makes me thing of this awesome book I own, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime," and the fantastic movie, Amelie. Merge these two masterpieces together and their love child is Unexpectedly, Milo. I'll continue to update on this book later.

I have also picked up a new nightly habit while not in school for the summer, running!

-Brandon

A Lesson in Romantics (Thank you Mayday Parade)

2010-01-06T09:33:00.001-08:00

Don’t you hate it when you realize things a little bit too late? If there is any facet of advice that I should never be allowed to converse with anyone about, I should never be allowed to give out advice on love and relationships. I’m basically a hopeless romantic who suffers from delusions of grandeur of what it means to be in love and what I expect in a relationship.

Unfortunately, I came to a conclusion a couple days ago… but that ship will never set sail. I know this… but I wanted to at least say something…but I didn’t know how to say it to anyone… so instead I’ll put it in a public blog where everyone can see it. Wait, counterproductive? Not, so much.

I’ve learned some valuable lessons from this. Don’t wait too long to tell someone that you are interested in them. Don’t wait too long to acknowledge the fact that you may like someone. And for god sakes, don’t wait too long to realize you love someone.

I’m a culprit of all three. I wait too long to know I’m interested. I wait too long to tell them. And I never acknowledge that I love someone.

Try to do

2010-01-05T21:45:00.001-08:00

I absolutely love this video. It makes me happy every time I watch it. I hope you all enjoy it too.

It's 2:18 in the morning...and I'm not writing a song...but rather a blog.

2010-01-02T23:20:00.000-08:00

The New Year has finally arrived… I could write a blog about the things I plan to accomplished in the next twelve months or I could blog about the things that have led up to this moment. But actually, I really don’t feel like doing either of those two things. I feel like it would be empty and somewhat shallow to focus entirely on how I plan to change things up or how things could have been different.

Sure collecting my thoughts, organizing them in a way that makes sense and planning out my future year based on what I want to do may sound awfully compelling, however, I don’t want to take one day to foster change but I want it to be a continuous effort. If I’m changing it needs to be a perpetual thing.

So if there’s one thing that I feel like I do need to change about me, then I want to approach it logically. That is spending habits. Lately, I feel constricted by the suffocation of money. It seems to be the root of all of my problems, not having money because I spent it on something, not saving money because I spent it on something, gaining weight because I bought food, too much space taken in my room/dorm because it’s filled with unnecessary objects of my fascination, and finally, stress because of money.

How can I change this in 2010? Here are the tips that I want to enact to not only help myself with this issue but help anyone else who wants to try to save a little more money in 2010, of course, this is mostly directed to the youth of the nation since my income isn’t large since I’m only a college student (so most finances will be left out).

9 Personal habits to change:

1: Leave the debit and credit cards back in the dorm/room. Take only the amount of money that you need plus maybe another five or ten dollars to cover any costs that may incur sporadically. Regardless, this means planning efficiently in what you and your posse intend to do for the evening.

2: Instead of going out with your friends to organizations which cost money then stay in and watch a movie or some TV. Play board games. Stay in. You can have the same philosophical discussion over scrabble as you could at Qdoba or Ice-Skating.

3: Use your vehicle as little as possible. Gas = money. If you are in a location which is surrounded by businesses, parks, and other establishments, walk there. You also don’t lose your parking spot that way.

4: Keep up with how much money you actually have in the bank. Knowing how much money you have can actually inhibit some impulsive spending. Plus… you are more conscious of the $$.

5: Do not disregard the power of change. Pocket change, change in the car, change you find on the street.

6: Use your meal plan wisely. Obviously, you won’t have to spend that extra money if you eat the school’s cafeteria rather than the McDonald’s down the street. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, yet, you still don’t want to eat the caf, try cheap food like ramen, popcorn, and oatmeal.

7: Try to save laundry for the home, unless it’s absolutely necessary.

8: You don’t have to have that new cd, that new shirt, etc. You can save that.

9: No drinking. If you have to, try to be cheap about it at least. Although I say that I’m not going to make a list of things to change, well, this is also on my list. Try to not drink. Every year, college students spend $5.5 billion on alcohol.

I really hope that this methods will help me save money but also help my readers too.

----

I’m a gleek.

I’ll admit it every day because I think this show is absolutely amazing and powerful. I also think that it has touched my generation in a way that no show has in such a long time. In fact, the last time I heard about some of my fellow students raving about whether or not they caught the last episode of glee, was probably sometime in middle school when everyone was all about catching the latest episode of Dawson’s Creek or Friends.

I understand the reasons why I love the show. It’s extremely comedic, there’s music, and the writing is spot on. Not to mention a lot of the random sounds that fill the scene transitions remind me of Katamari Dimachi! Haha! Also, there are a lot of controversial topics that get brought up throughout the series, for example, down syndrome, homosexuality, status quo, teenage pregnancy, etc. However, with all of these controversial issues, the show usually ends with a lesson. Perfect for this blog, right?

Tonight, I had/am having a glee marathon, and will post some life lessons tomorrow or the next day!

-B Penn.

Carrie Underwood - What Can I Say ( New Full Song HQ )

2010-01-02T14:24:00.001-08:00

I love this song.

What a tangled mess...but a victory nonetheless!

2010-01-01T19:02:00.000-08:00

If there is one fault in my gentlemanly-like conduct, it’s the fact that I have never been able to tie a tie correctly. And while this seems like a minor fault, a man who partakes in the new age trend of dressing up and looking like I have my swag on, well, I should know. It would also help since I am a fraternity man who has his brothers tie his ties for him for formal affairs, etc. Also, I participate in a group called Pioneer Voices and we always wear ties to our performances. It is definitely time to learn how to tie a tie.

According to the World Wide Web… well there are 4 different knots when it comes to tying a tie. The only one I am going to attempt is the Four in Hand Knot (from tie-a-tie.net).

According to tie-a-tie.net, it’s best to stand in front of a mirror, I tried this but found it rather hard to look in the mirror and follow instructions. Apparently I can’t multitask when it comes to tying a tie. It’s whatever. Anyways…

Step 1: Get a tie.

Step 2: Put the tie around your neck, with the widest part of your tie to your right, and for those who are reflection challenged, this will appear to be your left in the mirror ;). Have it extend about a foot farther than the other end. I did this the first time but being a taller guy it needed a little adjustment.

Step 3: Cross the narrow end over the wide end. It made me think of an ankh for some odd reason.

Step 4: Bring the wide end around to where you are now seeing the underbelly of the beast. Epic.

Step 5: Bring the wide end around one more time like an anaconda constricting its prey. It’s pretty intense. You now have a tie that is being constricted by itself.

Step 6: Pull the wide end up through the loop around the neck.

Step 7: Bring the wide end through the constricted part of the tie.

Step 8: Adjust it to fit; this includes sliding the loose constricted part of the tie to your neck. You have tied a tie.

Proof of the endeavor (okay… it’s just a photo of me with a correctly tied tie…but it’s the thought that counts)

I really needed to learn how to this and I’m extremely proud to say that I have officially become a master of the tie. I can die peacefully one day knowing that I am truly a man! Obviously tying a tie is such a manly thing. I feel burly and butch. Maybe I should grow a massive beard, sport a flannel shirt whilst my manly chest hair flows like fountains from my shirt. Yeah… I’ll upload a picture soon.

Canadian, Please... NOW ON ITUNES!!!

2009-12-31T11:53:00.001-08:00

I think this is really funny and kind of pertinent to my life right now. Okay... not really. But still...my mom asked me a few days ago if we should move to Canada. Well they speak French, et je parle le francais aussi!

So yeah... I want to be Canadian, please.

The Gypsy

2009-12-31T10:34:00.001-08:00

The Gypsy

Her hips a pendulum, her gaze a hold,
Caught wind of her scent and was sold.
She moved like a gypsy, gyrating in my direction.
In pools of sapphire, I caught my reflection.

Like a serpent enticing it’s prey,
Her hips danced, my head then sway.
Here was a sacrifice, her altar.
Petrified while she made me a martyr,

A force to strong to break,
a youthful smile for her to take.
A devil disguised as love,
and no salvation thereof.

This gypsy smiled through her eyes,
A misguided man, without any ties.
Now plagued with turmoil and strife,
From a parasite, draining energy, drawing life.

For years, he lived for this moment alone,
Acknowledgment of love now known.
A hollow statue, a man struck with devotion,
The gypsy’s dance invoked fabricated emotion.

Each step, every move more fluid than before,
Potent poison flowed , majestically from the whore,
She softly said, “Only jade kisses for a jaded man,”
As the fire cracked, she took his heart and ran.

Lessons

2009-12-31T10:10:00.000-08:00

I fell into a pit fall that I usually fall into today. It wasn’t a very good thing to do considering I’m trying to recognize the bad qualities of myself and alter those behaviors. This pit fall, I’m sure, is one that is pertinent to all of us. Why do we have an ability that allows us to quickly judge what people think of us and shut ourselves down? I did just that today.

When I’m home there’s only one place I trust to change the oil in my car, H and T Tire. It’s a great place to get any kind of car work done in a timely fashion (except maybe when they are busy, like today). I thought that, like always, I would stroll into H and T Tire, shoot the breeze with a couple of the guys, slap my money down on the counter, and proceed to exit the shop, hop in my car, grab a Blizzard from DQ, then go home. Unfortunately, that is not how my day worked out. I had a moment just now writing this, where I envisioned that scene from Shaun of the Dead, where Shaun and his pal plan out strategy for getting Shaun’s mum out of her house and they say everything they are going to do. It’s funny in my head but not so much after typing it out. Haha.

First of all, I was late, which, if anything should tell you that if you get somewhere late you have to wait an extra amount of time. So try to get there early. You won’t spend an hour and thirty minutes waiting on an oil change.

Life Lesson #1: Don’t be late to an appointment. You not only inconvenience yourself but those around you too.

Regardless, the lobby was packed when I got there. Of course, there only being 5 seats in the small lobby, this is uncomfortable for all parties involved. Especially when it’s obvious that none of the patrons of the automobile arts knows one another.

Here’s where I came in thinking it was going to be a long, uncomfortable wait because I would have no one to talk to. It was cold in the lobby, so I wasn't a happy camper to begin with. The seats were filled with people of whom, without doubt, that I could not relate to. Plus I was positive some of the older crowd would have judged me for playing games on my cell phone whilst I wait. I mean… it’s something to do, right?

I was wrong. I had one of the best conversations of my life with the guy sitting opposite myself. We talked about everything, high school, friends, college, family, life. Everything my blog is supposed to be about and here I was telling myself that these people were going to be of no interest, or at least, not interested in what I had to say.

Life Lesson #2: Don’t be quick to judge those around you. Sure I though the guy I was talking to was going to end up being a douche, at least a recent high school graduate whose life experiences could not fathom those of my own (sarcasm guys). However, he turned out to be one chill guy.

Turns out the guy had been there almost two hours. I was ready to kill myself and raise some hell after the first 30 minutes. Man… I felt bad after I was like… God, what is taking so long?

Life Lesson #3: Your situation may not be as bad as someone else’s. I bet this guy was just ready to blow his brains out… no one to talk to, waiting two hours to get his car fixed.

Finally, Life Lesson #4: Make sure you explain what you want done or investigated in your car correctly. Sure, the Automatic Braking System light may be off for them when they start the car. But when you get three miles down the road it comes back on, you feel dumb.

Car wasn’t fixed entirely.
Sure I got my oil changed… so…we’ll count that as Brandon 1. Ford Explorer 0.

-BPenn

First Post

2009-12-30T20:35:00.000-08:00

First entry.

Wow. I can’t believe I’m going to give this a shot, but why not? Take a chance. You never know what might happen.

First things first, I would like to formally introduce myself.

My name is Brandon. My friend’s call me BPenn (pronounced B-Penn). I’m not exactly sure when I picked up the nickname but I’ve decided to just embrace it rather than reject it. I’m a third year student at Transylvania University and I’m having the time of my life. I grew up in a small town called Harlan, where I still visit periodically, especially during breaks.

Essentially this is what I intend to do with this blog:

I honestly could never imagine myself writing a blog for the sole reason of giving out advice. Therefore, I refuse to write this blog in a fashion that seems as if I am offering some sort of knowledge that transcends from a higher being to readers with the goal of solving every world problem. However, I will write blog entries based on what I have experienced in life. I hope that in some odd twist of fate, in my random rants about life and all related things, you, the reader can discern some obscure truth, discover something about yourself that you never knew before. I hope you feel empowered and rejuvenated after a day in the life and realize that you’re not alone in this expansive world. That is my sole goal.

-BPenn.