Move…get out the way…

As I have been living in the mountains outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico for two months now, I have observed a lot of things…

1. New Mexicans put green chile on everything.
2. A lot of people just don’t get it.
3. I really do miss being around a lot of friends and people my own age.
4. I am surrounded by limitless beauty.
5. Old people are frightened of young people.

Now when I say old – I mean older than me. (27 in December…yikes!)

Let me explain. I have noticed that middle aged folks and older treat those younger than them like children. Do they think that we are morons? Or are they simply threatened by our energy and capabilities.

This is true in many facets of life that younger people are treated as second or lower class citizens/workforce. The problem is not that we have to start low on the totem pole and work our way up – rather that many of my friends are not even getting that opportunity to work their way up. In the book I am reading now for the 2nd time called “The 60 Second Leader” – the author says a line I cannot get out of my head…”You have to give ordinary people a chance to be extraordinary.” My generation is capable of giant things. What is going to end up happening – is we will stop asking. We will just start doing. And instead of an ally – many people will find us as foe. This is not a threat against those 40+. But it seems to me you would rather help cultivate that promise that so many of us exude, instead of slamming the door in our faces.

This frustration mainly reared its ugly head as I was without employment and kept losing out to people with 20+ years of experience. I am now working in a job with a boss that pushes me to greatness. I am so thankful for this opportunity. But the other day – I was feeling a little frustrated and left out. My internship is with sales/events – but he knows that I am also striving to learn and take in as much as possible. I told him that I would like to be apart of any/all meetings that he would feel comfortable having me and would like to learn more than just sales/events. He was so gracious and said that he would be more than happy to include me in everything he can. He sees my desire for success – and is helping me fuel that fire.

The main point I have is 2 fold…

1. Young(er) people – learn all that you can from those older/wiser than you. But at the same time – do not be intimidated and be confident in who you are.
2. Old(er) people – We are not here to change everything and make you obsolete. We simply want our time to shine. And better to give us those opportunities than for them to be grabbed in a hostile take-over.

There always have been and always will be major generational gaps between folks of different ages. The focus should not be one person or one way being better than the other. Its using all life experiences and knowledge for formulate the best of both worlds. There is no room in the workplace, schools, churches, Starbucks for bitterness, jealousy and spiteful attitudes. We are all here together – and must find a way to work side-by-side.

A voice of triumph….

In the past few weeks – I have thought about writing 2000 blogs; with topics ranging from frustrations with the church to the downfall of the American Education system to run-ins with idiots. All could have taken hours to write, and every time I began to write, I stopped. I have learned it is best never to write anything, especially when publishing on the internet, while emotional or in the heat of the moment. I am pretty much a genius.

So what to blog about? I have thought about it for a while, and I am going to blog about me. Trust me – this will be good – you will want to read the whole thing.

I will spare all the background stuff. If you don’t know the history of Bo – let me know – maybe my next blog will be a timeline of all that is Bo…

During the summer of 2003, after coming back from being a last second chaperone for my church’s youth camp – I attempted suicide. I was unbelievably depressed. I bought a bottle of Tylenol PM, and sat in a Kroger parking lot in Cumming, Georgia and finished off the entire large bottle (somewhere around 100 pills). The gas station attendant noticed something wrong and contacted the police. She saved my life. If she had waited any longer or not called at all – I would be dead. I was in a coma for a few days, and still do not remember anything for about a week after the incident. I had hinted to some people this might happen – and I had every intention of dying.

At that time – I had finished my first two years of college – and decided not to return. I was told by everyone that I needed Christian counseling and that would cure everything (my dad being a minister – everyone giving advice was under this impression.) I stopped going pretty quickly and immersed myself in working and trying to piece my life back together. The next summer – it happened again. I had done one of the dumbest things…ever…and the depression consumed me again. I was heading to Springfield, IL from Atlanta to see my best friend and hope that it would help with my depression. But outside of St Louis, I veered off the interstate – drove into a random corn field – and again attempted suicide. Same thing. Only this time, I ended up flagging down a car for help. I had no idea why I was so depressed. I was a happy kid. I loved to laugh and make others laugh. Sure, I moved around a lot, but thought I was a better man for it. I was popular, played and succeeded in sports. All State choir. You get the point. This time, I was put in a Psych Ward – an experience I would not wish on my worst enemy. I was told I had chemical depression (which means I had no control over my serotonin levels and they were completely out of balance – causing my depression). Finally – I had an answer to what was causing the problem and a solution.

I began medication and intense therapy sessions. I learned to cope when things go bad, communicate my feelings, etc. As a person who everyone turned to for help – it was a big step for me to take to become vulnerable and lean on others for help. After a year- my levels were checked and I was weaned off the medication. After suffering from this chemical depression for 4 years – I was finally back to being me. Friends and family said they finally saw the old me. From 2000-2004 – I was not myself. And I had allowed my depression to take over my decision making.

Since going back and graduating college (started back fall of 2005 – two years after dropping out -most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life graduating December 2007) – it has been a very tough time finding work and moving on with my life. I moved to Nashville in hopes of finding work – even moved back in with the folks while job hunting. Year and a half later – still living with my folks…and not depressed. Frustrated – sure – but it can always be worse.

Had I not been through those trials earlier in my life – I would be a basket case probably looking for a tall bridge to jump off of. But I have a little advice…a few points to pass along so that others can hopefully nip depression in the butt much earlier…

1. Get things off your chest. If you are upset, angry, frustrated, sad – tell someone. Friends, family, trusted older person…SOMEONE
2. Read. Knowledge is power. The more you read – fiction or non – I can guarantee someone has already gone through similar circumstances and wrote about it.
3. Let the small things go. If you don’t get invited to a party, your crush turns you down, you parents don’t get you a car – etc etc – who cares! There are always worse tragedies in life.
4. Surround your self with a wide group of people who genuinely have your best interest at heart. You need friends your own age you can relate to, older/experienced people you can trust and seek counsel from etc.
5. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. There is a reason psychologists and psychiatrists are professionals – they know that they are doing. They can and will help you. Be careful about “counselors”. Some are good and useful – just always keep your eyes and ears open.
6. If you feel depressed/down in the dumps/like a main character at the end of a Martin Scorsese movie – RUN to help. If you have let things dwell and go untouched – you are late in the game and you better get help fast. If you don’t know where else to turn – go to the ER – they will take care of you. You don’t want to end up in a coma with your stomach pumped and a tube down your throat – it sucks.
7. Write. Journal (even if it’s on your computer), poetry, songs, whatever – just write. You don’t have to say anything profound – but a lot of times – if you see what you’re thinking/feeling – it will help.
8. Don’t get bogged down by school/work/relationships. Take time to enjoy life.
9. Laugh. We are all idiots at some/most points in our lives. If you look around you – its one big Chris Farley movie out there – and if you don’t laugh at it – then you will cry – and then you are depressed…
10. DON’T GIVE UP! Jimmy V – the famous NC State Head basketball coach, said this shortly before he died, “Don’t give up = don’t ever give up!” It’s a motto I have lived with since 2004 – and it has gotten me through some tough times here lately – being unemployed, 26 and living at home. It would be easy to give up – but I know I still have a lot to accomplish.

I hope this helps at least one person. If not – at least I wrote three pages about some of the toughest – yet rewarding – years of my life. I would not wish anyone else going through that – but it has made me a better man. This is a just a little about me. I spared a lot of details for fear of boredom, but you get the point of the story….

Have a great day….

Jennings

Sports Movies

Well – I have already blown the blog once a day goal I had set. Awesome.

Today – I am listing my favorite Sports Movies. As a sports nut – I have seen every related sports movie out there. Don’t hate me if you don’t agree…

5. Raging Bull – De Niro as a fighter. He is violent in every other movie – just in this one – its organized and legal.
4. He Got Game – Denzel Washington and Ray Allen. Its a great tale that is very real in a lot of highly talented basketball players – especially in the larger cities. Great flick
3. Field of Dreams – Kevin Costner apparently really wants to play baseball – becaus ehe made two movies starring himself. Its a great story that renewed baseball as a strong interest for many Americans. You don’t realize how much you miss something until its gone – a great theme throughout this movie.
2. Caddy Shack – Funniest sports movie – and would be number one if Kenny Loggins did not do the entire soundtrack. What a great farce on country clubbers.
1. Hoosiers – If you do not like this movie – I am not sure we can be friends. Every person wants to be Jimmy CHitwoods – great talent and loved/admired by an entire town. He is like the David Landrith of the basketball world. Awesome flick…

Honorable mention
The Greatest Game Ever Played
Million DOllar Baby
Legend of Bagger Vance
Iron Will – if you count dog sled racing as a sport
Any Given Sunday
Miracle
White Man Can’t Jump
Cool Runnings
Blue Chips
Rookie of the Year
Tin Cup

Sports Movies that finished dead last…
All of Will Ferell Sports Movies
The Replacements
The Longest Yard – the new one
The Big Green
Bend it Like Beckham
Angels in the OUtfield
Air Bud
Caddy Shack 2

The next post will be a little deeper. I promise.

Music Movies…

In this entry – I am ranking my 5 favorite movies that are based on music. You will see what I am getting at. There is also a honorable mention list and a group of the worse ones. Enjoy my musings on music…

5. Waynes’ World – The sequel is ok too – but the original is amazing. Awesome music – including Bohemian Rhapsody – and a story that was relateable in the mid 90s. This is one of the rare SNL skits that was a succesful movie.
4. That Thing You Do – Tom Hanks wrote the movie and co wrote the main title track. My favorite song is actually “There’s a Party Going On” – the one they played at the Illinois State Fair. Great cast – even better script. Awesome.
3. Walk the Line – Take one of the most influencial musicians ever, add his amazing life story of struggle and perserverance, add amazing actors and a well developed script – then you get my number two. Jaquin was amazing as Johnny Cash – and Reece Wetherspoon did a fantastic job as June Carter. I would really like to see that story go on – June and Johnny together till the end. This is the only autobiographical movie I would like to see a sequel too…
2. Almost Famous – amazing journey of a tennager who is writing for Rolling Stone following around and up and coming band. The music is insane – including the scene where they all sing Tiny Dancer on the bus. Amazing. Go see it immediately.
1. High Fidelity – This is one of my favorite movies all itme period. John Cusak, a young Jack Black. Awesome story and amazing music. A story about a struggling music store owner you leave the movie wanting to know the name and artist of each song. Go see it now…

Honorable Mention
Across the Universe – amazing music. Would be top 5 but the movie plot itself was weird and lacked cohesiveness.
Ray – Jamie Foxx does a great job but it was missing out. Not all original music recordings like Walk the Line.
Empire Records – A litle funnier than High Fidelity – but not nearly as big of a musical influence. Great cast – ok story.
Buddy Holly Story – Other than Black Sheep – only movie Gary Busey is in that I would suggest. A great movie
Dream Girls – Take out Beyonce and you are in the top 5. The rest of the cast shines…
Wedding Singer – It was great for what it was.
Blues Brothers – the Original one – I would put this top 5 – but Dan Akroyd kept raining on John Belushi’s funny parade…

Bad Music Movies
August Rush – terrible script
My Holland’s Opus – I know its based on a true story but Richard Dryfus singing ruins it. That and his almost affair with a student. What a creeper
Howard Stern’s Private Parts – This movie chronicles his life trying to make it big as a DJ. And the only reason he makes it big is because he has High shock value and has no shame. Plus – its mainly him and his buddies trying to act – and they could not act there way out of a paper sack.
High School Musical – Do not try to convince me otherwise
American Dreamz – Mandy Moore is gorgeous – and that is the only good thing to say about that movie
Detroit Rock CIty – Almost every parent thought KISS was the devil. Nothing about that movie is good – except the end, when they role the credits. That is awesome…
Glitter – Mariah looked good – and got paid. But they cannot give away copies of that movie.

Best Musical Moments in other movies…

* The end of 40 Year Old Virgin – The song and coreography is great.
* Anchorman – Afternoon Delight quartet
* Back to the Future – Michael J Fox plays and sings Johnny Be Good
* Band of Brothers – on Christmas Eve – a German soldier sings Silent Nigh in his native tongue. Very touching
* Big – Tom Hanks and the other guy on the giant piano playing Heart and Soul…and chopsticks…
* Step Brothers – Will Ferell singing an opera while John C Reily plays the drum and saying Boats n Hoes. Priceless
* Hardball – when they pitcher has to take off the headphones – Keanue, the other players and fans sing his favorite song “I love it when you call me Bigpoppa”
* Animal House – When the band plays “Shout” at the toga party. Priceless…

I am sure I will forget some stuff, but don’t hesitate to let me know….

Greatest Sports Rivalries

What is a rivalry? What makes it good? Why does anyone care?

Well these are all very simple answers. A rivalry is the desire to beat one particular opponent more than any other.

COLLEGE
Men’s Football – It has to be Ohio State and Michigan. Now I am not , by any means, saying that these are the two best teams or trying to make an argument that Big Ten Football is good. Its not. I am a Texas boy who has also lived in SEC land. Big Ten has become the step child to the rest of the world. But the game is never a let down – and no other rivalry has such a strong influence on wether or not a coach gets to keep his job.
Basketball – Duke vs North Carolina. They live 8 minutes apart. They are always highly ranked. And thier fans bleed thier respective shades of blue.
Women’s Basketball – Tennessee vs UCONN. The coaches have helped make women’s basketball relevant. Its a shame they cannot make up and get the series started again. Pat Summit is trying to prove she is more of a man that Geno because he called her out on a recruiting violation. But get over it. This is the only women’s game the entire country wouldn’t mind watching.

PROFESSIONAL
Football – I have to go with Steelers vs Cowboys. When these two play – everytime – a Championship is on the line. Growing up a Cowboys fan – I have never nor will I ever like the Steelers. Bill Cower was a great coach – and the day he resigned – I breathed a little easier – until now of course. But its pure hate between these two.

Baseball – Yankees vs Red Sox. Its simple. They both have ridiculous payrolls. They play each other 18 times in the regular season – half of which are in the first month of play (MLB – stop it. I am worn out by May. Its 162 games – spread them out a little.) From the Babe to Johnny Damon – players switch teams and fans love to hate. This one is a no brainer.

Basketball – Lakers vs Celtics. These two have combined to win 137 Championships, and most of have been played against each other. I was stoked they played in the championship against each other last year. It looks like LA can make it back – not sure about the Celtics.

Soccer/Futbol – Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona. The argument could be made for Manchester United vs the entire Premier League. But RM and FCB is more than just a game. Its also a political affair. The teams are playing for Spanish pride and dominance in its political system. I have seen the game on TV a few times – and it never dissappoints.

OLYMPICS
USA vs The World. Everyone hates us because we are the only country who can genuinely compete in all events. We have talent coming out of our ears and are still one of the few countries who do not pay our athletes. Keep on hating world. See you on the slopes in 2010.

Do you disagree? Which rivalry would you place above the others and why?

You’re cuttin me real deep Shrek…

As this is my first real blog entry – I thought I would go serious. Now I am by no means a deep person, most of the time. But I tend to get nuggets of wisdom every now and then. So here is my first try…

The popular question asked ’round the world is always “Is it better to have loved and lost – than to never have loved at all?” And I think the question can even be a little more broad. Is it better to have tried and failed than to never have tried at all?

There are several avenues you can look at this. First – in sports. Look at the Buffalo Bills. 4 straight Super Bowls. And they lost every single one – the last by a blowout by my Dallas Cowboys. Those teams were loaded with Hall of Famers and coached by another class-act, HOF Mark Levy. They all continually say they would have rather played in the Super Bowl 4 times and lost than to have never played in one. But could you do that? Could you work your entire life and repeatedly come up short? That is a lot of heartache. To some – ie the Oakland Raiders – they are content never doing anything productive on the field and enjoy collecting a paycheck. Which way would you have it?

In terms of love – would you rather have loved and lost than to never have loved at all? I used to think the latter – until I went to the funeral of my friend Justin this past summer and saw the love he had with his girlfriend Christa. She was devistated. But at least she was open to love. Were the good times they had worth the pain in the end? I used to think no. Thanks to Christa – I think its worth the pain…

Look in terms of your faith – if you have any. No matter what your religion – is it better to put yourself out there and share the importance of your beliefs with others – facing scrutiny and rejection – or to sit idley by in comfort – risking enternity for those around you? Check out this video… Penn Says

Penn makes a good point about if you believe in something - you should share it - no matter what. He is an atheist. But Christians, Muslims, Jews do a horrible job of sharing. Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses seem to be the only ones assertive enough to share (without blowing up stuff - Muslims). Is it better to swallow your pride and share what's important to you?

If you are a newly-wed couple - you have to think in terms of the future all the time. Is the joy of having a child worth the trouble later? I currently live in the South and that answer is always yes. But think about this. The future is not bright. I sit in schools all the time and kids are getting worse behaved by the day. Teen pregnancy, substance abuse, legal troubles - its common place to have at least 1 if not all three of those things take place in a family. Or even worse - your child dies. I cannot fathom going through with a child what I put my parent's through (That's a blog for another day). Is that sorrow worth it? Or is it just as easy to not have kids and put that money and energy into dogs, hobbies and vacations. As I get older it definitely makes me think....

I am not telling anyone how to think here. Merely asking you - is the almost certain outcome of pain and dissappointment worth the risk? Each person has thier own answer. And even more - each person has the answer they say outloud and the answer they truly mean to themselves. I think a lot of these questions are character ones that reveal a lot about a person. I know I have some thinking to do....

Welcome

I thought I would just say welcome to my little blog. I will talk about anything from life, sports, music, movies, religion, whatever else I feel like. If you do not like it. I apologize. Check that – no I won’t. That’s the great thing about America. We continually vote the wrong people into office and we can write whatever we want in blogs. U – S -A! U – S – A!

My goal is to write every day – which I am sure will only last a week or two. After that – who knows. If there is anything you want to hear my opinion on – let me know….