So, after much time, I decided the old bio page was outdated and wanted to bring it up to speed...yet as I was about to delete the old page I realized it showed a little bit of the past, so I'm leaving it up as well. Read on and I hope you enjoy the new short biographies on my friends and the like.
David Lou - Undoubtably my best friend without question, as I look back on the past five years of knowing him it never fails to amaze me how much we've been through together. Sure we've had our moments yet it is in those moments that shape and define our relationship as true friends. I smile when I think about what chaos he must be causing even at the very moment you read this.
Bret Theis - Someone who I knew much better in the past and am geting to know him better now. I sometimes feel like I'm his logic and reason when he's struggling with something yet at other times the roles reverse as well. He's a talented individual who I respect. It's funny how even though he's the youngest we was the quickest to jump into the job force.
Richard G - So it's funny how something as simple as going 50/50 to buy a mutual friend a gift ended up bringing us closer together...Richard is a unique lad and has always seemed to be the speaker of the group when it came to acedemics...or other geek-like things. I guess I won't see much of him anymore now that he'll be busy in the summers. Richard, I wish you the best and cherished the little battles we had over the years and cherished even more that rare Christmas were we became better friends. I know you will do well in whatever you do.
Dan (Tippy) Tipton - What words can I use to describe such an energetic young man? He's borderline reckless at times, maybe that's why I admire him so much. I have always found his attitude towards life to be refreshing and sometimes a bit frightening. Overall, I think Dan will be one of those people I'll be able to track down in the future once he makes it big somehow.
Chris Sancho - Now here's a character for a book or movie. If you want the truth, he'll give it to you, no fluff or sugar-coating. Though sometimes Chris will get on my nerves, I usually need it at the time. He loves his music loud as do I at times so we make an interesting scout party. Though his actions and decisions are not always ones I would agree with, he certainly has moments of goodness and genuine conversations.
Here's my blurb. Some of you in the old bio are not here in this one...the reason? I just never see or talk to you anymore...so I can't write about someone I've lost touch with. If it bothers you that much, track me down when I'm in town and we can hang out, okay?
Krysti L - I pause before writing about her just because I think I had many memories with her, she's so talented in so many things, singing, dancing, and music. I honestly must say the memories are both happy and sorrowful, I did some foolish things to her that I regret now, though I hope she understands and forgives me. I hope she never loses that Pearl Harbor CD I gave her. Krysti, you will always have a special part of my heart and you better keep living life to the fullest, I'm counting on you.
Suzanne R - Possibly the one person I used to see most each break, not so much now. She has been there for me a lot in the past as well, my personal therapist of sorts. Seriously though, I appreciate her help whenever I can get it. Suzanne has always been a great friend and a great listener to me through the thick and thin. Her passion for life and adventure truly is rare and perhaps that's where I see the true value within her. I tip my hat to you, good Suez. Thanks Suzanne for everything.
Lily - She's going to have to forgive me for taking so long to do her entry. What can I say about such an odd girl? As quickly as she became one of my newest friends we ended up becoming distant. I laugh when I think of the predicament she is in, having so many college friends and yet still stuck in high school for another couple years after this one. I think she blends in with the college-age so well just because she's so full of life and so much more mature than the others her age. Her youthfullness still shines through, don't get me wrong, just at certain times and places. She was that person I sort of grabbed on a whim and we'd take off to anywhere at anytime; keep that positive attitude, Lily.
Jessica S - My dear Jessica, you've put up with me the longest. It's always easy to remember how long we've been friends, I just have to remember when I started playing clarinet. My only regret was that you stopped playing after our years back at Rincon. I hope one day you pick it back up again, it's such a relaxing thing at the right times. You and I haven't done much the past few years yet I still feel very close to you. I even fear that somehow we can blame each other for how we turned out to this day. Let us never forget one another. I am so excited that you are getting married so soon! You and Eric are a great couple and I know you will do well together.
Sarah H - The girl obsessed with blue. I'll always remember her distinguished look as she used to come visit us and then finally stay with us at luch during Senior year. She has a drive that I don't think I'll ever understand but it's that kind of drive that makes me want to do more and be more. I'm grateful for all the times I've had the chance to spend with her and hope that we continue to spend those rare times together having a good time.
Jennifer R - Someone I owe the most apologies to. She had to put up with my immature ways of high school the most I think. Or maybe that was David? Either way, I really did enjoy all the time I had with her back home and now as my junior year is halfway done, she and I look forward to spending more time getting to know each other again without the fears of my past. She has always been an example of bravery and logic. Ironically, we both are anthropology majors so I imagine that'll give us something to laugh about in the future.
Rod H - If there was any one individual who would best represent a stalone/lee clone, it'd be Rod. Though I do not spend much time with him now as I once did, I still enjoy talking to him about the world outside California; he is one of the few aside from David and myself who truly understand that outside world and how it isn't as bad as the Californians say it is. If you want an answer, he'll give it to you. Thank you, Rod, never let the world weigh you down, just tear it up with your toys.
Diana J - Alright, what to say about this exquisite young lady? She's both an ally and a nemesis, a comrade and an arch-enemy..or at least, that's how we act around one another. Of my friends from SD she's one of the few who still make an effort to keep in touch with me and I don't thank her enough for that. It's good to have that feeling of want and appreciation, no? I do get a kick out of seeing her when I'm home, we like to play out the roles set before us from days long past. It's good to be dorks.
The Comrades of College
Hoo K - Someone who now I do not see a tenth of as much as I did for obvious reasons. He never ceases to amaze me and reminds me of myself many times. I must say his giving heart has been the biggest influence on me as a whole. I wonder if one day we'll meet again when these college days are long past how we both will have turned out.
Ryan S - Someone who might just be crazier than I am...he's been an interesting mix to our BT this year. His love of blowing things up makes me laugh and his honesty blows me away at times as well. I must say I'm glad he's on our side and not making weird bombs to hurt us. As for his escapades in repelling, the guard knows what's up when he said, "Chaw..." To that I say in the words of Ryan, "Axesome"
Kristin J - You know how sometimes you meet someone and before you know it you became best of friends? That's how it was with Kristin and I, we were buds. I think this must mark a breakthrough in various records to common shared interests with a friend; Kristin likes wolves, computer games, anime, and even Nexus. She's an exceptional young woman who I'm very thankful she came to me and asked me to dance. Funny, I wrote this a year ago, "it's hard now to think what my life would be like without her in it." and now she isn't...I wish it didn't have to be thrown away like that. Good luck Kristin, in wherever your life may take you.
Chris - Chris was an amazing lad who tended to think differently than the rest of us, 3 floors seperated us in the dorm yet that didn't stop us from hanging out. We went out drinking (ginger beer) and playing the ol' ball and hand (pool) a couple times. He is one of the few I know who has that spark in their eye, those I know that will do amazing things later in life. Good luck Chris, in whatever you end up doing, you will be missed.
Charlie/Chuck/Charles - This kid can't be normal, there's no way...Charles lived next door to me Sophmore year and I can say confidently that the dorm floor that year would have been a snore without him. Be it climbing random buildings or just breaking the norm of daily life, he makes all of us here at Sewall Hall laugh. His enthusiasm in what he does spurs the rest of us to get cracking on our tasks as well. Lounge? What Lounge?
Andy D - The other living next to me Sophmore year, a fine gentlemen who rivals even my spurts of insanity and humor. His wisdom is far beyond his years as we've gotten into various theological discussions and contemplations. His love of similar music to mine also helped us interact from the get-go and I can thank him for introducing me to Dvorak. Keep that intellectual spirit, Andy.
Brendan "BirdMan" - Birdman's well...Birdman. Though we never got him to proclaim "Biiiirdmaaaaan" like the show from the 70's he still was a rare gem on our floor Sophmore year. The facial expressions he gives are comical to say the least and his taunts while gaming are even better. I don't know if I'll ever see him again but it was still enjoyable just shooting the breeze with him...and having diss-off's back in the good ol' days.
Pete - Good Ol' Pete. I can thank him for my one shot at movie stardom. Well, that tanked but we had a lot of fun throughout that sophmore year on the same floor. Sure, we got into some religious debates, still was fun. He and Charles would always love to be pulling pranks, maybe that's what I appreciated about them. In the immortal words of Pete, "Dude, you wanna order some food?"
Gavin - The ever-light-hearted Gavin. He and I never really spent too much time together but it seemed like he helped maintain stability on the floor when things got bad. His responses to various aspects of life would cause most a chuckle indeed, "Of course 'Pa just jumped on the prox mine." Pa, erm, Gavin has been a good sport the whole year and I do hope one day to get to know him better than I did on the floor.
Aaron A. - Pun Master. Nick - What to say about Nick? Anyone from the third floor can think up a lot about ol' Nick. He wasn't a quiet one, that's for sure. I do take a little pride (or shame, depending on how you look at it) in how he does now gaming thanks to my introduction of Smash Bros to him. Of course I think Aaron will always hate me for that, eh. Nick's had his finer days though, back in the beginning of soph year when we actually used to hang out and goof off. At the end I saw that coming back a little, as he was fantasized with my mirror in the room and using my window sill to yell at the guys in the quad. Nick, I won't soon forget ya. Oh, and that stunt with faking your death? You are a genius! Keep up those antics.
Laura M - Now back home I'm amazed I forgot to add her here. Laura is an amazing young woman and never ceases to put a smile on my face. Her attitude towards life is so positive that it's infectious; she is undoubtably one of the few girls I know who regardless of what is going on keeps a smile on her face and a positive attitude even in the worst of situations. I was fortunate to meet her all the way back in Freshmen year with the band and then further got to know through the Sewall Bible Talk. Her love of hiking and the outdoors coaxes me to get out there and hike around more often than my lazy self would like which is great. Thank you, Laura and I'm so glad I get one more semester/year in your company. Even though we didn't always see eye to eye I always will cherish our friendship.
Alisa I - She's a girl who has been there for me even when she didn't think she was there for anyone. If there's anyone I could count on more than anyone on a daily basis it was her. I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to get to know her this three past years and cherish every time I get to just chat with her for even a few minutes on the fly. I'm so thankful for her loving heart towards others, especially her roomates and her family. I hope she reads this and I wish her the best in all that she does, be it cooking or something kines-ish down the road. Thank you, Alika, my Pacific Ocean Sister.
Sarah B - What to say about Sarah? She has been one of the most forgiving people I have ever met, I am very very grateful for all the times she has forgiven me. Her love of Star Wars reminds me of a younger David, which is nice. I have had a lot of fun in the times we have had together, be it having watched flicks together or grabbed a bite to eat. We tend to just distract each other on frequent occasions, perhaps because when it comes down to it, we're both such nerds that this sort of distraction is likely to occur. Not too sure what it means, but we seem to be fairly identical in freckles on the arms and face. Sarah, keep making me smile and I'll do my best to do the same for you. I'm glad to be your Odin and Elven "vakha."
James U - The most common line on the phone: "Hey James, it's James." I never get tired of saying that, hopefully never will. Those of you who know me know that I have a very old saying, "never met a fellow James I didn't like". Still applies down to the J, as it were. James has been such an amazing roomate and such a great friend as well. From the silly fights in the house down to the deep talks I've enjoyed them all. In many ways we are different and yet in many ways we are much the same. I'm really thankful God stuck me in the household I'm in now, really glad to have had him as a roomate. James, never lose that spirit of adventure and let's keep exploring the facets of life together.
Clint L - The glue of my household, that's Clint. It's still hard to believe how perfectly things just worked out for the four of us, living under one roof as Christian Brothers. I didn't know Clint really at all until I walked through the door with my bags. Over the past few months it's been great seeing his honest heart and his goals and dreams for life. He is a very fortunant brother and loves his baseball games (namely the red sox). He adds a flavor to our household I couldn't imagine being without. Clint, cherish the memories of this household and come to rely on the aid of your fellow runners in this race and when you're all "married-like" don't be a stranger, you're always welcome to stop by.
Matt Hammond - Ol' Matty. I remember the first time I really got to spend any time with Matt, it was out on Coors Event Center in the early morning praying. I remember that day thinking, "Wow this man has seen a lot in his walk with God." Just like Clint I didn't really start to get to know him till I moved in with him. We tend to chat most seriously when both of us are doing the dishes, it's really nice. Now I see the man, Hammond himself; his honesty is challenging to all of us in the good way, reminds me especially that sometimes the plain truth is what we need more of in our walk on this earth, no beating around the bush. Matt, keep up that zealous heart for God and for your dreams, I know you will prosper so long as you continue to be obedient to Him.
Austin Jacobs - Okay, so like last year I end up moving in with someone from church who I knew only a little. As usually the case is, he and I have grown a lot more in our friendship since moving in together. Along with him came Bella, our puppy who is a constant center of attention. Austin completed what Joe Neiland started, I'm now a total Dream Theater/Iced Earth/Iron Maiden fan, we rock out in the house pretty often. His drumming is apparent as at any time his hands are moving ina drummer-like fashion. He's an overall good guy, cooks up some interesting dishes too. Austin, keep rocking out and let's turn it up to 11 on the amp when I get back next semester.
Lucas Bravo - This guy's living with me too...and as I write this he's getting married tomorrow! I've known Lucas since freshmen year, he roadtripped with me to Cali back Fresh-year too. Moving in together was a good thing, we talked about it last semester as well. He imitates Justin a lot in his absence and seems to personify our household's metrosexual (jk Lucas). He's nothing but helpful with anything anyone needs, takes care of a lot of people I have not the connection to do so with which is good. I can't believe I'm watching my THIRD of 5 roomates getting married. Lucas, I wish you the best in your future. Never forget all the memories of the 'trip, I'll never have one better than that!
Lauren P. - I can't forget this girl in band either. As a freshmen, she was in the piccolo section and I knew her from afar and that was about it. Fastforward to my Junior year and she's rejoined band and become a clarinetist (smart choice) and we become buds practically overnight. She's got this energy that even I can't comprehend or explain, it's that kind of energy you wish you could bottle and use on the days you're lagging. Lauren does have her moments of gossip-overkill but then, most girls do so it's alright. She practically lives at Denny's and befriends virtually anyone she meets. With her in band, along with Josh, I knew I could handle anything this year and for that I am very thankful. Lauren, you're one of a kind and have a loving heart towards all, keep it up and rock out now that you're outta here!
Lara W. - Lara was like my partner in crime in the clarinet section. There were days where all each of us needed to get through was a hug from the other. Lara was under her sister's shadow but still was able to make a great impression on me and many other band members. Of the girls who were new to the section she proved to make herself sociable. Lara, I really hope the rest of your college career goes great and that you savor all the good times you have while in this crazy ride.
Jess Swift - I remember distinctly the first conversation we had. It was about swords, maybe some sci-fi added in there. Jess has an infectious personality that really brightens your day. I had a good time this final band season being her poke-buddy on TFB as well as being able to chat outside of the section with someone who cared. Jess, I miss you and hope you will think fondly of me when you remember me when I'm long gone from CU.
Till then let the days be merry and the nights be a joy for us all,
Till the day I speak with each of you once more.