Time Slowly Flies By

It's been a while since my last post... I feel rather and unusually inspired to type my thoughts out onto this blog tonight.

I have spent the past week thinking about my life; past, present, future... I think about how seemingly easy life used to be living under the protection and security of my family... I think now how difficult it can be at times to be away from my family. I miss them immensely, everyday I think about each individual person in my family..
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My mom is always on my mind because she is the one woman in my life who has always loved me unconditionally and always supports me.

I think about my step father and how amazing of a man he is and how much I want to be like him as I mature and grow each day.

I think about my oldest brother and my sister and how much I miss them, the always supportive the always strong couple.

I think about my middle brother and how inspiring and brave he is and how much he has motivated me throughout my education.

I think about my father and step-mother and how supportive and unconditionally caring they have been.

When I think about these amazing people in my life, although I may be sad at the thought of the distance between us lately, I realize how lucky I am to have such wonderful and inspirational people in my life.

Now that I am embarking on my final year of college and residency in Flagstaff, time has taken an odd toll. Although it seems as though time has flown by, there are moments in life that seem to slow down and become engrained in our memory. These are times of cherished and sometimes regrettable moments, but they are memories and they are what makes us who we are and helps us to make decisions, take chances, pass up opportunities, jump in head first, or check the temperature before entering.

I have many regrettable moments in my life, but I wouldn't take them back for anything, for they, just as much as my family have helped to form me into the person I am today. Although I am not perfect, I love myself and care about myself.

Thank you Mom, Mike, Jeremy and Steph, Ryan, Dad and Mary... If not for you, I don't know where I'd be and who I would be...

Le First Blog

Well as my first blog I would like to note how hypocritical I am for this. I have told myself for months that I wouldn't become a person that blogs, however, here I am... what's the next contradictory action for me? Twitter??? hell naw!

Now there's something that really 'grinds my gears'. People who think it is imperative to constantly keep people posted on their status and tracking the status' of those they know or stalk. It's rather narcissistic if you ask me.

Let's get passed that... You may notice my 'chunked format' writing style, this makes it easier on the eyes for those who are reading my incessant complaining and monologuing. (Thank you NAU and mom and pop!)

Considering the fact that this is my first blog I won't be adding any hyper-links or messing with the fonts, you gotta' let a guy warm up to this whole thing. So, finally, let's get down to business...

Currently, I am taking 6 credits of summer classes towards getting my bus. degree and working around 20 hours at your friendly and always affordable Discount Tire Co. (located just east of the Flagstaff Mall off of 89A!) between Fridays and Saturdays. I am due to graduate in May 2010 which is very exciting and horrifying at the same time. However, I hope to use my degree to further my work with DTC at their Scottsdale headquarters.

Now that we have all the groundwork laid out for you to become familiarized with me, time for the ranting and raving that all blogs should be filled with from time to time...

I am currently occupying myself to keep from reading a published essay by someone who thinks they are too eloquent and educated to keep their thoughts to themselves and instead bore the hell out of students who'd rather be getting drunk. Now, I can respect someone who writes about something that needs to be addressed, especially in the corporate world.

As I have progressed through my education it has become increasingly relevant that most companies are completely profit-oriented and care only for the company and its shareholders. This is obviously the reasons why companies exist and maintain operation for many years, however, it becomes an issue when they set aside their obligations to their surrounding communities and environment.

All of us know what kind of neglectful actions companies take to gain profits so I won't dwell on examples. The truth of the matter is when companies 'get called on their shit' they change their actions to become more ethical and reputable to society. But that is just the problem, they change to appear more ethical and reputable to maintain business and operation, which translates to mean they put on a facade to keep people from boycotting and putting laws/regs on their business procedures.

It is a hard fact to face that, although we like to think we live in a free market economy, we are rapidly becoming capitalists. Politicians are funded by companies for their campaigning and, of course, are expected to return the favor. If companies have this power over the leaders and representatives of our country, how do we expect our government to have any control over corrupted businesses?

Don't take what I'm saying the wrong way, I support strong businesses as long as they are ethical in their conduct. I also am a proud patriot of our country. I just see the direction we could, potentially, be heading and it is worrisome.

However, you do have companies that do truly care for their employees and surrounding civilians and environment. Such as the company I work for. Discount Tire Co. is not incorporated therefore not owned by shareholders. Shop is closed Sundays because the owner feels Sunday is a day for family. Mr. Halle also gives many national holidays to his employees. All stores are equipped with the best and safest machinery around in order to protect his employees from potential harm. The company also uses recycling boxes for the lead-based wheel weights that need to be disposed.

I feel that the owner truly cares for his employees and customers and that is why a small, privately owned company has turned into the country's largest tire dealer.

Alright I need to get to reading... Hope this wasn't too boring... Either way, it dont matter none haha!