Holler friends.

Pennsylvania is roasting right now. Seriously, it has been in the mid to upper 90’s the past few days, and honestly, I love it. I’ve had enough cold to last me a couple of years from this past winter. The heat is a pleasant change for me. I can now actually feel my extremities, which means a lot. With summer in full swing, I can sit outside read, drink coffee (hot or iced) and be completely relaxed. Oh, how lovely it is!

Work has been great. Waiting tables, however, is much more difficult than I had ever imagined! One cannot let his mind wonder for even a second or he will get behind in everything. I must constantly be checking my tables, waiting for my food to be done, and putting orders into the computer. It is very high stress work. The other night, I dreamt about waiting tables all night. At one point, I woke up and was at my laptop trying to put food orders into it! How bizarre! But, I really have been enjoying it, and I’ve really been learning a lot about life from everyone with whom I work. It is so fascinating to learn about everyone. I mainly work with 40 year old ladies who’ve been waiting tables for years, and I’ve grown to respect them a lot. So, it’s been a learning experience in itself.

Research has been going well. Actually, I will be off to there in a few minutes. As always, it is such a pleasure to be able to learn with such great minds in my field. Things have been really busy, so I haven’t been in the lab too much, but I expect to have my scheduled ironed out soon. I am just learning to balance all of the responsiblilties I have in the most efficient way.

I miss the fiancee. Christy is doing really well in Cali. She is learning a lot through her intership and is enjoying spending time with the other interns. Actually, I will be flying out to LA on the 27th of June and staying until the 4th of July. It was such a blessing– somebody in my church bought me a ticket so I could go and see her. This man’s generosity floored me. In fact, he barely knows me. I was speechless for nearly 10 minutes after I’d found out what he’d done for me. This makes me pray so much that some day I will be able to bless others in such wonderful ways as well. Because really, all I have should be used to bless God and others. God’s faithfulness to me is astounding.

After I get back from Cali. My friend, Austen, will pick me up from the airport, and we will embark on a roadtrip…to somewhere, haha. We really don’t have the details ironed out yet. Perhaps we will be in Vermont for awhile. Or maybe we will be in some other obscure New England state. But I think we definitely hope to make to Montreal for at least a day. It will be really fun. I am looking forward to hanging out with him. Some good convos and good times.

Well, friends, I hope you all are doing really well. You are in my thoughts and prayers often! I pray you are all encouraged and loved in God’s sovereign plan! Take care, and hope to see you all in due course!

Cheers and love,

Anthony J.

Thursday:

Today, I drove to my hometown, Lewistown. In the morning, I had a job interview at a restaurant owned by family friends. They found themselves suddenly in a bind and asked if I’d be interested in helping out. It could be fun. Who knows. The only downside to this deal is the driving. I’d have to drive from State College to Lewistown in order to work. However, I could possibly stay with my grandparents a few nights a week, which would be wonderful. Spending time with them during this phase of my life would be an enormous blessing. I love them a lot. Then, after taking a walk in my favorite park back home, I was able to meet up with two great friends in a neat coffee shop. We spent the better part of two hours talking, laughing, and catching up. What a pleasure to see them. 

Next, I drove to my house; I had to return the vehicle to my parents. Parents cooked dinner for us and we ate together.  My mom was in the middle of painting their bedroom, so I stayed and helped her paint. I do not like to paint. It is one of my least favorite tasks. But it was so fun to be with my mom. We laughed and complained (just jokingly) about all the work we had to do. We caught up on American Idol and talked wedding planning.  Then, I burnt my arm on a light bulb. That was not fun. But, I have just been realizing that I need to cherish every time I can get with everyone, especially my mom, dad, and sister. They are so amazing, and someday soon, we won’t be so close together. I love them a lot. 

Then I hoo-la-hooped. Supposedly, with this contraption my sister got, you can loose two inches from your waist in a month by only using it for only 10 minutes each day. Sounds doubtful to me, but let them have their fun with it, haha. 

Anyway, I am off to read and such things. Sorry if this blog was a bit bland, but this is my life, and it’s undeservingly fun! I hope everyone’s had a great day! Peace, Love, and Happiness, friends!

Cheers,

Anthony J.

Dear wonderful friends,

     Time has flown faster than I could ever imagine. A lot has happened in the past months, but honestly, I have not had a second to sit down to write anything. It’s interesting how we can jam full every minute of each day so easily. And, I have a few seconds before I need to move on in the day, so I thought I’d just quickly share a few thoughts/provide a rapid update. 

     School ended excellently. I actually had a lot of fun this semester with class things, and I actually kind of enjoyed studying for my finals. In the end, I think this makes a huge difference; it helps me to remember material so much more efficiently when I actually enjoy my studies. Plus, I had a lot of free time during the end of the semester. With that free time, I was able to spend so much with great friends, and really, I just had a really pleasant time. Similarly, I was able to find a great research assistantship on campus working in the Psychological Clinic on campus. It was a lot of fun, challenging, and interesting. Fortunately, I will be able to work a bit in the lab during the summer as well. How superb!

     Apart from studies, Christy and I have been extremely occupied with beginning our wedding plans. With only 3 weeks together for the entire summer, we realized the need to get the process moving. She will leave for sunny LA next Wednesday to begin her externship at the UCLA Medical Center. Despite going to miss her a ton, I am really excited. She will have an amazing time at one the top hospitals in the States. I am excited to hear all about how much she learns and experiences. So, with that in mind, we have been running around looking for potential churches and reception venues. After having no luck in the State College area, we decided to move our event location to the state’s capital, Harrisburg. So far, we have a beautiful reception site, which is really exciting! Currently, we are still in the search of a beautiful church where we will have the ceremony. Yet, we are hopeful that we will locate one soon. 

     Times with God have been interesting as well. The times are never trite, that’s for sure. Frustrating, wonderful, exciting, but never dull. In the past weeks I have been learning so much about myself. Perhaps one of the most notable thoughts I’ve had stemmed from feeling a little distant from God. After being frustrated for a time, I realized that, you know, God is actually never far from any one of us. To a lost soul, He is only a prayer away. To me, as a person who believes, He is always near. When feeling far, perhaps, it is I who have turned my gaze from Him, and suddenly enveloped in the fog of striving. If and when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. Such a simple thought. But, I guess it took me until now to realize its importance. God is never really far from anyone of us! hmm. Thankfully, His mercies are new every morning, and his grace overflowing!

     Well, I am going to sign off for now. I hope this update has found everyone really well! I pray that each of your lives are blessed, and that you are enjoying life’s every moment! Take care, and hopefully see each of you really soon. Have a great week!

Cheers and Love,

Anthony J

Hello to all,

I hope everything is going well for everyone! It’s been awhile since I’ve ventured on here to blog, so I thought I’d say something. A lot has been going on in life over the past weeks. Mainly things I’d never divulge over a blog, sorry. But, I have just been learning about the beauty of life amidst difficulties and hard things. Life is really wonderful, and we must always see the best in everything. Of course, it’s not easy, but it’s the best thing. So enough about that. 

Lately, I have also been having serious problems with getting ridiculous songs stuck in my head. Apple Bottom Jeans, for one. Terrible. I cannot stop singing it. I have heard it before, but for some reason this week, it came to life in my head, and let me tell you, dem apple bottom jeans haven’t stopped dancing ever since. Not to mention those baggy sweatpants and Reeboks with da straaaaps. It’s just been absolutely ridiculous. Oh, and there’s more. So, I heard this song on the radio the other day…it was very catchy. I was humming it every now and then. Discreetly, of course, because I didn’t want to be beaten up by anybody for singing such a girly song. Then, a day later, while watching Leno with my roommates, the artist, a newbie from the UK, was on the show. Leona Lewis is her name. Needless to say, I heard the song again. Then I checked her out online to see where she came from, and heard the song again. It’s very catchy, and she has a great voice. However, I still feel annoyed to have that particular song in my heard. Bleeding love, keep, keep bleeding love. Grrr…Oh well, I guess these things just happen every once in a while…. 

Okay, I am going outside for sun time. I love the spring. And to read. It will be really fun. So, until next time, friends. Be safe. Peace and love!

Cheers,

Anthony J.

     This day is absolutely beautiful. I can’t even take it. For real, I had forgotten what nice weather actually feels like. And today, I was graciously reminded! I started a post yesterday, it was kind of sad, so, I am not even going to bother with it. Besides, on a day like this, sunny and divine, who can really have a bad day? My friend Austen and I were talking, and we decided that people who love winter/cold are just plain crazy. Seriously, during the winter months, I don’t even feel my extremities. I have to shower in order to have adequate blood flow to my hands and feet. It’s dreadful. So, needless to say, I am delighted that gorgeous weather is finally on its way. Although, we must be wary because I think this heartwarming sunshine is only making a brief appearance and quickly, moving on (kind of like Chelsea Clinton…hmm). Anyhoo, it’s going to get a little chilly and rainy again until we see the majesty of the sun once more. I guess, just to be optimistic, it gives us something to look forward too. However, I do hope and earnestly pray we are able to experience longer stints of nice climate for the remainder of the spring semester. It’s fantastic fun to be outside with everyone to simply relax. 

     On a similar note, I now only have 12 credits. Kind of unfortunately, I had to drop my chemistry class. Much to my dismay, I was not earning the grade I wanted, and it was becoming quite a serious burden. Constant worry and angst clouded my mind when I thought about that class. Since I had been sick during the first exam, causing me to fail miserably because I could not finish it, my grade in the class was semi-low. I did well on the second exam, but not well enough to bring my grade to my desired grade. Suddenly, the third exam was looming, and knowing I would probably do only mediocre on that one as well, I decided, you know, I do not need this class to graduate or for my major. Promptly, I dropped it. It was quite liberating, but at the same time kind of embarrassing. I do not like to “fail” at things, especially when it comes to academics, but I just decided–”get over yourself, man. It’s okay to not be the best at everything. At least you’d given it a try.” So, the moral of the story is this:  I only have 12 credits (whether I like it or not), and I have a lot of free time. Wrapping it up, I am going enjoy every last second of this semester and spend hours and hours with friends doing fun things. If it is sunny, I am going to be in the sun. If something fun is going on, I’ll be there. I am going to make the best out of what looked like a bleak situation….LET’S HAVE FUN PEOPLE!

     Anyways, it’s been fun. I am going to go–have to do some research on mild traumatic brain injury (concussions, in lay terms). Then I am going to play some ultimate frisbee for which I am profusely excited (pray for me though; the last time I enjoyed a game of ultimate frisbee, I walked away with a collapsed lung)! Oh, and tonight is bothhhhhhhh American Idol and The Office! Oh baby, baby. So fun. This is probably the best day. Ever. Until I get married to the most beautiful girl ever, then that will be the best day. Well, everyday is great though too….you get my drift. Okay, for real now, I love you all, friends. I pray God’s joy, peace, and love are abundant in all you do. Hope to see you soon! Take care now!

Cheers and love,

Anthony J.

     Now, it is Tuesday. This can only mean one thing:  American Idol. Since it’s inception, I have been an ardent supporter. It’s a fun show. I mean, it’s clean, good fun. In fact, throughout high school, my sister and I would watch the show with our grandparents every week. It was a great tradition. So, I feel emotional ties to the show. This year has actually been my favorite season. The judges have been less rude, and the contestants are really decent people. I def. look forward to relaxing on Tuesday nights (usually with my chemistry homework) and watching the kids sing. I would occasionally go to Bible study on Tuesday nights, but now, since American Idol has started, I have not really been going. But, I think it is okay because I am in church-related things like a billion other times during the week. So, I just decided that it is okay to take some time to kick back and relax. Plus, it gives me time in the apartment to jam with my guitar and spend some time alone. All in all, it works out nicely. Not that I don’t love spending time with everyone in Bible study, but sometimes you just have to know how much is too much. So, yea…I am pretty excited for a low key night.   

Also, I think might get a haircut soonish. I am always so nervous to get my haircut.  You never know what you’ll walk away with. A good cut. A bad cut. Or worse, an in-between cut. Sometimes I like the idea of my longish hair, then other times, I like it short (more like messy/faux hawkish). I’ll probably wait another couple of days before I decide what I am going to do. No need to rush. I also need to start exercising. As soon as the weather keeps being warm, I will hopefully get into a running routine. Seriously. I saw this pack of old men running today, and it was humbling. I hope I am that “young” when I am that “old”. 

Well, I don’t have much to say, obviously, haha. But, you know, I have been experiencing the power of prayer in my life. I decided:  it is hard to pray, and I am not very good at it. But, I have felt compelled to spend purposeful time in prayer as often as I can. I am just shooting for a few times a week, but I would like to do it everyday. Like, there are so many things going on around us everyday, and so many burdens on our hearts. We aren’t made to carry so many of the things we do carry. And, there is no better way to get rid of those burdens than being in communication with God, the only one who can carry the heartaches we face everyday. In turn we are more free to be an encouragement and blessing to those around. Like I said, I am no expert, but I’ve been learning so much about the importance of spending real time in communication with God. 

Okay, friends, have a great night. Love you all and pray that God’s love is abundant and working in you! Hope to see you each soon!

Cheers and Love,

Anthony J. 

I am about to schedule classes for my LAST fall semester here, at PSU. It is an exhilarating, yet fearsome experience. On the one hand, I am ready to leave dear, old State College in pursuit of my future. It will be so fun to get married and travel with my exquisite bride across the country and begin a life of excitement together. Yay! On the other hand, change is always a bit terrifying. I mean, let’s face it, in the midst of  the thrill of change, a small part of us often seems to dig our heels into the dirt, trying to resist. For whatever reason, and believe me, there are many, we are afraid to let go of familiarity. And, really, not that familiarity is bad; I think it can become harmful, though, when we know we are called to something that will ultimately lead to a change, but we, paralyzed with fear, gripping fiercely to our familiar surroundings, will not move forward. So, I think I will not allow myself to be paralyzed. With great joy and anticipation, I am going to embrace the changes this next will bring. Graduation, marriage, moving. Future is looking bright!I only need 26 more credits to graduate, which is definitely doable in two semesters. Previously, I thought I would need to take summer classes this summer, however, I met with my advisor, and she set my feet on the right path. Cheers to her! Literally, that woman saved me close to 5000 dollars. I should really send her a thank-you card. Now, I am just going to take a few gen. ed. things because I am done with my major classes. I think I will take 18 credits in the fall and 15 credits in the spring. A lighter load for the last semester so I can just have fun all the time with everyone :). By that time, I should be well on my graduate school, and not need to worry so much about menial things such a grades, gpa, and the likes. Delightful! Okay, whoa! It’s almost time for registration, so I am going to be going. But take care everyone, love you all, and hope to see you soon! Have a great week! Cheers and love!Anthony J. 

I love my skinny jeans. They are great; The style fits me well, I think. And, if not, I still like them. Usually when I wear them, people make comments. Some are positive. Some are…not so positive. My friend, Aaron, hates them. He thinks they are really gross. But, I say, then, don’t wear them. Just because I like to wear skinny jeans does not mean I will force my point of view on anyone else. You will never hear me saying, “You should wear skinnies because IIIIIII wear skinnies.” In essence, wear whatever you like, but don’t judge me. Haha. Well, honestly, I think it is fun when people joke around about it. It makes me laugh. But, I do love them. I should have been born in Australia or somewhere in Europe where they find true joy in the skinny jean. With this being said, I still find satisfaction in other types of pants. I am fan of slim boot cuts, and other types of slim fits. I find myself wearing these other types of jeans like once or twice a week. However, I still prefer the little guys. Alright, I am going to get back to watching an episode of the Office!

cheers,

anthony j

     Hi. I am in my favorite (not) spot, again. The library. I have to run a practice neuropsych assessment in 45 minutes, so I thought I’d do some things here. Basically, I have been on this abbreviations kick, where I abbreviate everything. Any word I can think to shorten, I do. It’s weird. I mean, my family has always done it. Seriously, we abbreviate everything, and if someone heard us having a conversation, it would probably sound like a foreign language. But, the last few days, it has become intensified. Who knows…but it’s kinda fun and funny. I just have to be careful not to abbrev. at inappropriate times. For say, in an interview or when assessing a patient in the clinic. Uh-oh. I will just have to compartamentalize that area of my life, ha.

     But, for real, on a more serious note (ha, I rarely have those), I think it would do me some good to abbreviate more than just my words, but, like, maybe some parts of my life. So full of clutter. Often, it’s hard to see what’s just around the bend because there is always so much going on. Anyway, I love everything in my life, so it’s hard to say what could be cut out, you know? I love my friends, family, church stuff (ACF and DRC), and really, I like school/learning. But, I am sure that after some examination, there are some small things I could simplify. Perhaps I’ll work on that. I don’t know even if I can cut anything out, like I said, but it was just a thought. Simply, I only know that I need to keep Christ at the center of things, and if I do that, things will work out. Okay, good.

     Now, really, I am going to be productive for a minute. But you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope all is well in everybody’s life! Peace, love, and happiness, friends!

Cheers,

Anthony J.

     I love cats. Seriously. They are like my favorites animals. So much personality. I have been sitting here studying for a test now for a couple hours now, and I really want one of my cats to sit on my lap. If our apartment allowed cats, I would definitely bring one of mine here from my house. We have four. Alice, Isabella, Peek-a-Boo, and Felix. I love them all, in fact. But, today, I would want Isabella here. She is huge and loves people. Basically, everybody her best friend, and she loves to be held, etc. I think it’s comforting to have a little companion when I read or study. It just makes the time more enjoyable. I love cats much more than dogs. I hope to never have a dog. Kudos to all you dog people, though, I am convinced the way to go is a great cat. They hold all the qualities of a great buddy- you can’t go wrong! I think God is a cat guy- I mean, Jesus is, afterall, the Lion of Judah ha, I am such a cheese-ball….

 

Okay. Back to my cat-less studies. Have a great day, folks. You are all such great people, and I love you all!

 

Cheers and love,

Anthony J.