Lou Holtz - "You aren't going to find anybody that's going to be successful without making a sacrifice and without perseverance."
I'll come right out and say it- lately life's been hard for me.
With the career choice I've made, I've had to give up so much, and I find myself questioning my decision.
Don't get me wrong, I love my job and my career path itself.... but there are friends that I wish I still kept in touch with, people I've had to let go of in order to pursue my dreams, and maybe the worst of all, seeing everyone spend time with each other- having a great time- and I'm not there.
Some days it gets so hard swallowing the idea that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing...
[BUT]
I've come up with some ways to pursue through the tough times, and I want to share in case some one reading this is struggling with the same things.
1) In times like these it's good to have a place to go to pray and think-- Quiet time or "alone time with God" as my dad calls it. Thinking, or even blogging/keeping a journal, I've found really helps me get my thoughts out. Especially the negative ones. Sometimes I think all it takes is writing a negative thought down just to get it out of your head. Grab a sheet of paper, and before you go to sleep, write down your fears- this one helped me a ton.
2) You've got to be stubborn-- I'm a really stubborn person anyway, so lucky for me, this comes naturally. But I'm talking about as far as eliminating the apprehensiveness or negativity. Convince yourself that no matter what you've made the best decision for YOU (no one else). Justify it any way you can in your head, even if it sounds crazy, and make yourself believe it.
3) Stay positive no matter what-- Having a positive state-of-mind starts you off on the right track. Your mind begins to think in terms of "How can I overcome?" instead of "What if I can't overcome?" Never let the idea of failure creep in your mind. This is the one I struggle with the most... I completely understand that sometimes it can be hard to find the silver lining in a thunderstorm, but the point it to train your mind to try to see the good in everything. Negativity might point out all the things you're missing out on, but being positive will highlight all the great things you've accomplished.
4) Find some kind of support group-- Most of us are blessed enough to have family that care, but I know there are some who, unfortunately, don't have that luxury. My advice would be to make friends with people in the same career path as you, and use each other as a buffer to help with the problems that come with the territory.
5) Stay motivated-- This is something I'm fantastic at. This is the main thing that keeps me going when I wake up every morning. If what you're pursuing really is your life's passion, then you should wake up determined every morning- ready to hone your craft and ready to embrace the process that comes with honing your craft. Setting tough but achievable goals. Reading journals to increase your knowledge. Reading motivational techniques. ANYTHING. When you're motivated to follow your dream, nothing else matters.
6) Put pictures in your mind-- With my goal of being a successful Director of Golf or Touring Professional, I'll sometimes create scenarios in my head and imagine myself in my successful position in the future. For example, I can't tell you how many times I've imagined myself in a press conference after my first PGA Tour win. I'll imagine exact questions reporters ask or imagine the sights and sounds of the building. It sounds crazy and goofy, but I'm a firm believer that if I create vivid images of success in my mind, then it gets me more comfortable with the idea that I could be successful and that my goals are more attainable. Try it- you'll be amazed and you'll know for sure the career you chose is worth it in the end.
God Bless,
-GP
Thursday, June 5, 2014
The Trip
Ernest Hemingway - "It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end."
Birmingham, Alabama to New Durham, New Hampshire.... here we go...
DAY 1
Big Ray, for those who don't know is my dad, and I left the Ham at around 2:30pm headed North. It was great to spend some quality time with him since I feel like as I get deeper and deeper in the black hole of college, I slowly drift away from my childhood and the relationships that come with it.
Still in comfortable territory we slowly cross the Alabama borders and enter Tennessee. Such a beautiful state. The way the road winds through the mountains keeps you awake cause you don't wanna miss any stunning views. I've been through Tennessee before, though. It is very special but definitely not uncharted territory.
Then I met Virginia (see what I did there?). Nothing exciting comes to mind when first thinking about it, but if I had to pick one word to describe it, I would say FARM. Virginia has so many farms- but not in an Alabama redneck way.... More so in a elegant (if possible) way. All perfectly organized, and groomed. Just strangely cool. We pulled into a little town outside of Roanoke called Salem to spend the night (by the way, I spent $49.00 on a hotel room and it was the BEST DEAL EVER).
DAY 2
Woke up with our free continental breakfast (told you it was a great deal), and got an early morning start. We had originally planned to follow the Virginia state line into Maryland, but we basically said yolo and went straight for Washington DC. Boy, was that a great call.
DC was incredible. Being a big history buff, I was marveled by all the monuments like the Washington monument, Vietnam memorial, Lincoln memorial, and WWII memorial. Just so cool to be in such a historic city. However, something I did not expect to see were the cool neighborhoods surrounding DC. Little duplexes and apartments in cute neighborhoods. Like in the TV show House of Cards... seriously did look exactly like it did in the show. I officially have added DC onto my list of places to live in.
Heading out of DC we soon crossed into Maryland. Now, for some reason, I've always felt a connection with Maryland. I like the university (partially because their football uniforms are DIRTY!!); I like the Ravens; I like the Orioles; and I've just always had this profile of Maryland in my head of being a classy state. And it definitely was. Clean highways, nice neighborhoods, and unique buildings all solidified my feelings for Maryland. Baltimore was a great city as well. We never got to fully explore it, but driving by reminded me of Birmingham (without the pro stadiums). The first thought is that it used to be either a heavy manufacturing city or an iron/steel city. So many ghost factories provided a rustic look that's very tough to mimic. BUT.......... Baltimore was my first experience with the northern toll bridges. $4.00 for a toll seems outrageous, right? Well, you ain't seen nothin yet...
Passed quickly through Delaware... literally was 10 minutes..... nothing to say but woooo Delaware.... Then the dark cloud of tolls started coming in New Jersey. Seemed every fifty or so miles there was a toll bridge. $2-3 a pop starts adding up when you're traveling.
Jersey was cool. Didn't get to see much of her just cause we were driving in the cover of darkness and we pretty much stuck to the Jersey pipeline, which is essentially just a big freeway going through Jersey.
NEW YORK (get your pockets ready). Aside from the crazy tolls, what an amazing city. Gah. Traffic was exhilarating- cars going 80-90 mph on two-lane roads converted into three-lane roads, and then toss in the added stress of road construction- much comparison to dodge ball at high speeds on wheels, but so much fun! We got into the city at about 10-1030 ET.... so imagine your Christmas tree during the holidays and now imagine the same scenario but with city buildings..... I'm still in awe over the sight. Unfortunately, we got out about just as fast as we came in, but I can say that New York is now added onto the list of cities I would like to live in.
Connecticut was just another humble New England state. A mix of resemblance between the farmlands of Virginia and the loneliness of Jersey. Except now, you are starting to get a taste of the mountainous terrain.
Dad and I pulled into the town of Concord to spend the night and we find a hotel for only $50.... skeptical of course, we open the door to our hotel room and, sure enough, it is incredibly 70s-themed with shag carpet, a twenty-plus year-old tv, and the funniest part was that outside our window (we didn't know at the time) was a rock quarry (we found that out quickly in the morning).........
DAY 3
New Hampshire. State slogan- "Live Free or Die." Just by the slogan alone I can tell I'm gonna be a fan.
After taking a photo by the state sign on the highway, the excitement starts to set in. "I'm FINALLY here," I keep telling myself. The cities we pass through aren't anything too special, but again, like in Connecticut, you start to develop a sense that you must be in some sort of mountainous terrain by the images in the distance. Hour and a half later we pull into the town of Wolfeboro. Wolfeboro's claim to fame is that they are America's oldest resort city, and you can tell they like keeping it original. Corporate America hasn't touched any part of Wolfeboro. Nearest WalMart? 45 minutes away. Closest McDonald's? 30 minutes away. I'm a big fan of this, though. So many small businesses everywhere maintains the town's energetic and homey atmosphere. Driving through Wolfeboro we passed the lake (Winnipesaukee), the golf club I'll be spending the next 2 1/2 months working at (Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club), and soon arrive at my current summer home.
There are three people I'm living with: 1) Mike 2) Ester and 3) Brian. Mike's a white guy with a THICK Boston dialect that works for a fuel pump/welding company, and he will talk your ear off if you don't stop him. Ester is Mike's Cuban girlfriend who is a nurse at a nearby retirement home with a fiery, upbeat personality. Brian is Mike's high school best friend who has a dialect thicker than Mike's, so you really just nod your head and say "yes" half the time cause your can't understand the guy. Mike also owns a dog that resembles a mountain lion and a cat the size of a golden retriever (not really but you pick up what I'm putting down!)
Looking forward to this experience and will be updating along the way!!
God Bless,
-GP
Birmingham, Alabama to New Durham, New Hampshire.... here we go...
DAY 1
Big Ray, for those who don't know is my dad, and I left the Ham at around 2:30pm headed North. It was great to spend some quality time with him since I feel like as I get deeper and deeper in the black hole of college, I slowly drift away from my childhood and the relationships that come with it.
Still in comfortable territory we slowly cross the Alabama borders and enter Tennessee. Such a beautiful state. The way the road winds through the mountains keeps you awake cause you don't wanna miss any stunning views. I've been through Tennessee before, though. It is very special but definitely not uncharted territory.
Then I met Virginia (see what I did there?). Nothing exciting comes to mind when first thinking about it, but if I had to pick one word to describe it, I would say FARM. Virginia has so many farms- but not in an Alabama redneck way.... More so in a elegant (if possible) way. All perfectly organized, and groomed. Just strangely cool. We pulled into a little town outside of Roanoke called Salem to spend the night (by the way, I spent $49.00 on a hotel room and it was the BEST DEAL EVER).
DAY 2
Woke up with our free continental breakfast (told you it was a great deal), and got an early morning start. We had originally planned to follow the Virginia state line into Maryland, but we basically said yolo and went straight for Washington DC. Boy, was that a great call.
DC was incredible. Being a big history buff, I was marveled by all the monuments like the Washington monument, Vietnam memorial, Lincoln memorial, and WWII memorial. Just so cool to be in such a historic city. However, something I did not expect to see were the cool neighborhoods surrounding DC. Little duplexes and apartments in cute neighborhoods. Like in the TV show House of Cards... seriously did look exactly like it did in the show. I officially have added DC onto my list of places to live in.
Heading out of DC we soon crossed into Maryland. Now, for some reason, I've always felt a connection with Maryland. I like the university (partially because their football uniforms are DIRTY!!); I like the Ravens; I like the Orioles; and I've just always had this profile of Maryland in my head of being a classy state. And it definitely was. Clean highways, nice neighborhoods, and unique buildings all solidified my feelings for Maryland. Baltimore was a great city as well. We never got to fully explore it, but driving by reminded me of Birmingham (without the pro stadiums). The first thought is that it used to be either a heavy manufacturing city or an iron/steel city. So many ghost factories provided a rustic look that's very tough to mimic. BUT.......... Baltimore was my first experience with the northern toll bridges. $4.00 for a toll seems outrageous, right? Well, you ain't seen nothin yet...
Passed quickly through Delaware... literally was 10 minutes..... nothing to say but woooo Delaware.... Then the dark cloud of tolls started coming in New Jersey. Seemed every fifty or so miles there was a toll bridge. $2-3 a pop starts adding up when you're traveling.
Jersey was cool. Didn't get to see much of her just cause we were driving in the cover of darkness and we pretty much stuck to the Jersey pipeline, which is essentially just a big freeway going through Jersey.
NEW YORK (get your pockets ready). Aside from the crazy tolls, what an amazing city. Gah. Traffic was exhilarating- cars going 80-90 mph on two-lane roads converted into three-lane roads, and then toss in the added stress of road construction- much comparison to dodge ball at high speeds on wheels, but so much fun! We got into the city at about 10-1030 ET.... so imagine your Christmas tree during the holidays and now imagine the same scenario but with city buildings..... I'm still in awe over the sight. Unfortunately, we got out about just as fast as we came in, but I can say that New York is now added onto the list of cities I would like to live in.
Connecticut was just another humble New England state. A mix of resemblance between the farmlands of Virginia and the loneliness of Jersey. Except now, you are starting to get a taste of the mountainous terrain.
Dad and I pulled into the town of Concord to spend the night and we find a hotel for only $50.... skeptical of course, we open the door to our hotel room and, sure enough, it is incredibly 70s-themed with shag carpet, a twenty-plus year-old tv, and the funniest part was that outside our window (we didn't know at the time) was a rock quarry (we found that out quickly in the morning).........
DAY 3
New Hampshire. State slogan- "Live Free or Die." Just by the slogan alone I can tell I'm gonna be a fan.
After taking a photo by the state sign on the highway, the excitement starts to set in. "I'm FINALLY here," I keep telling myself. The cities we pass through aren't anything too special, but again, like in Connecticut, you start to develop a sense that you must be in some sort of mountainous terrain by the images in the distance. Hour and a half later we pull into the town of Wolfeboro. Wolfeboro's claim to fame is that they are America's oldest resort city, and you can tell they like keeping it original. Corporate America hasn't touched any part of Wolfeboro. Nearest WalMart? 45 minutes away. Closest McDonald's? 30 minutes away. I'm a big fan of this, though. So many small businesses everywhere maintains the town's energetic and homey atmosphere. Driving through Wolfeboro we passed the lake (Winnipesaukee), the golf club I'll be spending the next 2 1/2 months working at (Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club), and soon arrive at my current summer home.
There are three people I'm living with: 1) Mike 2) Ester and 3) Brian. Mike's a white guy with a THICK Boston dialect that works for a fuel pump/welding company, and he will talk your ear off if you don't stop him. Ester is Mike's Cuban girlfriend who is a nurse at a nearby retirement home with a fiery, upbeat personality. Brian is Mike's high school best friend who has a dialect thicker than Mike's, so you really just nod your head and say "yes" half the time cause your can't understand the guy. Mike also owns a dog that resembles a mountain lion and a cat the size of a golden retriever (not really but you pick up what I'm putting down!)
Looking forward to this experience and will be updating along the way!!
God Bless,
-GP
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
A New Peace
Joyce Meyer- "I think the perception of peace is what distracts most people from really having it."
So lately, I've been trying some new things that have helped create some peace in my life....
I have been actively going to a yoga class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6AM, and it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Physically, my soreness from working out and the stress my back and shoulders take from golf are way more relaxed than they've ever been- not to mention a new found flexibility that positively affects my golf as well. Mentally, it's a place I can go to completely forget about everything. I used to judge yoga as a stupid, Buddhist practice that was just a fancy way of stretching... but it's so much more than that. I plan to start active practicing meditation in my apartment because I know now how much I need some quiet time in my life. Other than golf and sleeping at nights, I can't think of any other times of the day when I have an opportunity to sit, breathe, and embrace life.
Also.... being a dude with high levels of testosterone... I constantly feel the need to shut my doubters up, and use outlets, especially Twitter, to tell or show people how successful I've been or display my latest accomplishments. I recently set a goal to do my absolute best to avoid that, and use this blog to publish my successes since not a lot of my friends know this exists. It's very HARD!! A basic human want/need is the desire to feel accepted or admired, so we always feel the need to tell people how successful we are- when in reality, it is annoying. If you REALLY think about it- the people we most respect are those that don't seem to care when they're successful. That's a person I will set out to be.
God bless,
GP
So lately, I've been trying some new things that have helped create some peace in my life....
I have been actively going to a yoga class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6AM, and it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Physically, my soreness from working out and the stress my back and shoulders take from golf are way more relaxed than they've ever been- not to mention a new found flexibility that positively affects my golf as well. Mentally, it's a place I can go to completely forget about everything. I used to judge yoga as a stupid, Buddhist practice that was just a fancy way of stretching... but it's so much more than that. I plan to start active practicing meditation in my apartment because I know now how much I need some quiet time in my life. Other than golf and sleeping at nights, I can't think of any other times of the day when I have an opportunity to sit, breathe, and embrace life.
Also.... being a dude with high levels of testosterone... I constantly feel the need to shut my doubters up, and use outlets, especially Twitter, to tell or show people how successful I've been or display my latest accomplishments. I recently set a goal to do my absolute best to avoid that, and use this blog to publish my successes since not a lot of my friends know this exists. It's very HARD!! A basic human want/need is the desire to feel accepted or admired, so we always feel the need to tell people how successful we are- when in reality, it is annoying. If you REALLY think about it- the people we most respect are those that don't seem to care when they're successful. That's a person I will set out to be.
God bless,
GP
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
A New Beginning
Carl Band - "Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and create a brand new ending."
Wake-up call.
Life's lead me into different directions these past months. I love Mississippi State, but I feel a lot of the people here and in my program don't have the same values as I do. With that, it's almost lead me to become a separate person than I started out to be. Now I'm not talking about becoming a druggy, womanizer, or anything like that. The things I'm referring to simply aren't that big of a deal to some people, but it is huge to me.
So I turned 21 in August. Yeah, and as you're assuming rightfully, I started drinking. It was and has been a lot of fun, and I think it is an okay thing to do in a controlled manner; I've had a lot of great times going out, getting drunk with friends, but there's my conscience that always tells me the next morning: "Listen, this isn't who you are."
I don't have too much choice in who I spend my time around. The kids in my program are really all I see and because of that all I really know outside of school. They are funny and great kids, but man, there is so much negativity, trash-talk, and cussing going around. I can feel all of it just bringing me down, and even starting to respond to others in that way as well.
The worst night of my life started Saturday night. I was headed home from Tuscaloosa after a night of drinking followed by a morning of playing golf and my stomach just didn't feel right. Try to lay down in my bed to make the pain go away once I'm back, but slowly it becomes apparent I'm going to end up throwing-up soon. My prediction was unfortunately correct. I'll spare the details, but I end up loosing thirteen pounds in just under nine hours due to food poisoning. Just horrible.
In that moment of my lowest of lows, it hit me how far off the intended path I strayed. Looking back on where I was my senior year of high school, I would hate the person I am right now. I say I represent God and am a follower of Christ, but what good am I doing? What- I'm a Christian during the week, but I take time off during the weekends? What kind of crap is that?
So as I'm leaning over the toilet late Saturday night grabbing my stomach, wishing this awful night would stop, it hits me. I'm getting rid of all the bad stuff inside my body and starting over, so why not do the same with my bad habits?
Now that the sickness has surpassed and school is slowly ending, I have now set my mind on the end goal of improving my weaknesses into the person I would be proud to be. It will be a tough road, but nothing I'm sure I can't handle with a little faith.
-GP
Wake-up call.
Life's lead me into different directions these past months. I love Mississippi State, but I feel a lot of the people here and in my program don't have the same values as I do. With that, it's almost lead me to become a separate person than I started out to be. Now I'm not talking about becoming a druggy, womanizer, or anything like that. The things I'm referring to simply aren't that big of a deal to some people, but it is huge to me.
So I turned 21 in August. Yeah, and as you're assuming rightfully, I started drinking. It was and has been a lot of fun, and I think it is an okay thing to do in a controlled manner; I've had a lot of great times going out, getting drunk with friends, but there's my conscience that always tells me the next morning: "Listen, this isn't who you are."
I don't have too much choice in who I spend my time around. The kids in my program are really all I see and because of that all I really know outside of school. They are funny and great kids, but man, there is so much negativity, trash-talk, and cussing going around. I can feel all of it just bringing me down, and even starting to respond to others in that way as well.
The worst night of my life started Saturday night. I was headed home from Tuscaloosa after a night of drinking followed by a morning of playing golf and my stomach just didn't feel right. Try to lay down in my bed to make the pain go away once I'm back, but slowly it becomes apparent I'm going to end up throwing-up soon. My prediction was unfortunately correct. I'll spare the details, but I end up loosing thirteen pounds in just under nine hours due to food poisoning. Just horrible.
In that moment of my lowest of lows, it hit me how far off the intended path I strayed. Looking back on where I was my senior year of high school, I would hate the person I am right now. I say I represent God and am a follower of Christ, but what good am I doing? What- I'm a Christian during the week, but I take time off during the weekends? What kind of crap is that?
So as I'm leaning over the toilet late Saturday night grabbing my stomach, wishing this awful night would stop, it hits me. I'm getting rid of all the bad stuff inside my body and starting over, so why not do the same with my bad habits?
Now that the sickness has surpassed and school is slowly ending, I have now set my mind on the end goal of improving my weaknesses into the person I would be proud to be. It will be a tough road, but nothing I'm sure I can't handle with a little faith.
-GP
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Life
Anthony J. D'Angelo - "The most important things in life aren't things."
Life is a blessing.
Mississippi State has been the best choice I have ever made in my life. By far. I just feel so blessed to be in the situation that I am in here. PGM program, good room mates, great friends, great times, a caring university with caring advisors, beautiful campus......... Just feels incredible. I was filled with so much doubt and question first moving onto campus. Praying about it did nothing for me (I thought), and I was incredibly nervous about my decision.
I have started going out on the weekends for the first time in a while it seems like. There's a little place tucked in the cotton district called 'Ptolemy's' where all the PGMs go hang. Meeting new people is an exciting thing for me. In the past, I have just been so nervous and too afraid to be myself around new people. I was just locked in a box, and I wanted to let myself out so bad. Now, I have completely become the Garrett Powell that I want to be around people. My head no longer gets in the way, and I feel so at peace about it....... this is the thing that has stopped me for years- a constant road block that remained ahead of me no matter which road I took. I am incredibly happy and feel so accomplished by over-coming it.
Golf is going well. Just passed our 'Player Ability Test' yesterday by sinking a thirty-footer from out of the rough. I was incredibly exstatic. Today, however, it's not a big deal to me anymore, but this is a good thing. I love golf and love to compete, but I feel like I have matured enough now to where I realize my athletic performance doesn't need to dictate how good my life is. And I think that recent accomplishment tops them all. For a majority of my life I have left an athletic event either ruined or overjoyed after a performance. Sports ruled my life, and it caused me to live a shallow life. Although I am sure this is getting down-played in most peoples' heads, this is such a big deal to me. I feel liberated.
Let my changes and my passion inspire anybody who reads this- it's never too late to become the person you want to be. Stay devoted and you can do anything.
Autumn is almost here in full season, and I am in love with it. Just the cool weather, colors of the fallen leaves, the holidays coming up.... It's what I look forward to every year.
Life is good.
-GP
Life is a blessing.
Mississippi State has been the best choice I have ever made in my life. By far. I just feel so blessed to be in the situation that I am in here. PGM program, good room mates, great friends, great times, a caring university with caring advisors, beautiful campus......... Just feels incredible. I was filled with so much doubt and question first moving onto campus. Praying about it did nothing for me (I thought), and I was incredibly nervous about my decision.
I have started going out on the weekends for the first time in a while it seems like. There's a little place tucked in the cotton district called 'Ptolemy's' where all the PGMs go hang. Meeting new people is an exciting thing for me. In the past, I have just been so nervous and too afraid to be myself around new people. I was just locked in a box, and I wanted to let myself out so bad. Now, I have completely become the Garrett Powell that I want to be around people. My head no longer gets in the way, and I feel so at peace about it....... this is the thing that has stopped me for years- a constant road block that remained ahead of me no matter which road I took. I am incredibly happy and feel so accomplished by over-coming it.
Golf is going well. Just passed our 'Player Ability Test' yesterday by sinking a thirty-footer from out of the rough. I was incredibly exstatic. Today, however, it's not a big deal to me anymore, but this is a good thing. I love golf and love to compete, but I feel like I have matured enough now to where I realize my athletic performance doesn't need to dictate how good my life is. And I think that recent accomplishment tops them all. For a majority of my life I have left an athletic event either ruined or overjoyed after a performance. Sports ruled my life, and it caused me to live a shallow life. Although I am sure this is getting down-played in most peoples' heads, this is such a big deal to me. I feel liberated.
Let my changes and my passion inspire anybody who reads this- it's never too late to become the person you want to be. Stay devoted and you can do anything.
Autumn is almost here in full season, and I am in love with it. Just the cool weather, colors of the fallen leaves, the holidays coming up.... It's what I look forward to every year.
Life is good.
-GP
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Final Decision
David Russell - "The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which bridge to burn."
I got accepted to the Professional Golf Management (PGM) program at MSU recently so my decision is to pursue that major with my life. I has been a ROUGH road leading me to this decision. I love Auburn with all my heart, and there are certain people there who I also love with all my heart, but MSU presents me with the best opportunity for my future.
So why MSU and this PGM program?
1.) Upon graduation I'll graduate with a degree in BOTH PGM and business administration, so this gives me options.
2.) There is 100% job placement after graduation, and in this economy, I need all the help I can get.
3.) There are 24 different types of jobs available for a PGM major in a field that I have a passion for, and countless options for the business administration major.
4.) I realized that I suck at saving money...... So I'm gonna have to have a well-paying job to support my family the way I want to, and someone who graduates with a PGM major averages around $90,000 a year.
5.) I think it's no secret that golf is my passion.
6.) I will have a total of 5 semesters in the next 3 years interning at golf courses all over the nation, so it is a chance for me to spread my wings and explore other areas of the US.
It saddens me every day knowing I will never be a student at Auburn University, but I believe this is God finally pointing me in a direction that's best for me. The final decision hit me about two months ago on the way to my friend's house... and I fully believe that that moment was one of the changing points in my life.
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My dad always says how he regrets his college experience.... how he spent too much time partying and not enough time studying- yeah..... but the main thing he says is how he regrets not touching other people with his life. I plan on using this experience to represent my strength and my faith as strongly as possible, and maybe if I try hard enough, I can touch other peoples' lives.
-GP
Thursday, January 26, 2012
This Too Shall Pass
Skillet - "Today, I'm gonna try a little harder,
Gonna make every minute last longer,
Gotta learn to forgive and forget
'Cause we don't have long, gotta make the most of it."
Life has been pretty amazing lately, but today it was constantly bearing down on me. Stress with school, stress with golf, stress with relationships, and now a boat load of worry about certain people...
My golf game has gone to the crapper.... I have just been getting SO consumed with being perfect that I've lost almost all love for the game I used to be obessed with. IT'S JUST GOLF FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE. There's no reason to be getting so upset at myself.... life could be a hell of a lot worse, and I'm complaining about not performing well in a SPORT. I've never felt so selfish before in my life.
Recently found out that someone I really care about (no names or hints, sorry) has veered down the wrong path. She's convinced drinking is going to solve all of her stress and issues in life, and I'm worried for her. She's a good person deep down, but it's apparent her 'friends' have influenced her into developing a lifestyle that just isn't healthy. Although, we've had our problems in the past; I just can't sit on the sidelines while I watch her ruin the great things in her life (relationships with her true friends, family relationship, or even hurt herself). I've probably prayed more in the past 6 hours than I have in the past week. Hope someone or something gives her the strength to get through this road block. If someone reading this could say a prayer for her, that would be great.
>>>Music will always be a way for me to channel my emotions. Here's a song that's been getting me through today; I hope it does wonders for you like it has for me.
"One Day Too Late" ~Skillet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNEC735juI4
-GP
Gonna make every minute last longer,
Gotta learn to forgive and forget
'Cause we don't have long, gotta make the most of it."
Life has been pretty amazing lately, but today it was constantly bearing down on me. Stress with school, stress with golf, stress with relationships, and now a boat load of worry about certain people...
My golf game has gone to the crapper.... I have just been getting SO consumed with being perfect that I've lost almost all love for the game I used to be obessed with. IT'S JUST GOLF FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE. There's no reason to be getting so upset at myself.... life could be a hell of a lot worse, and I'm complaining about not performing well in a SPORT. I've never felt so selfish before in my life.
Recently found out that someone I really care about (no names or hints, sorry) has veered down the wrong path. She's convinced drinking is going to solve all of her stress and issues in life, and I'm worried for her. She's a good person deep down, but it's apparent her 'friends' have influenced her into developing a lifestyle that just isn't healthy. Although, we've had our problems in the past; I just can't sit on the sidelines while I watch her ruin the great things in her life (relationships with her true friends, family relationship, or even hurt herself). I've probably prayed more in the past 6 hours than I have in the past week. Hope someone or something gives her the strength to get through this road block. If someone reading this could say a prayer for her, that would be great.
>>>Music will always be a way for me to channel my emotions. Here's a song that's been getting me through today; I hope it does wonders for you like it has for me.
"One Day Too Late" ~Skillet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNEC735juI4
-GP
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Emotional Hangover
Jeremiah 29:11 - "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Now that the dust has settled and I have calmed down a good bit, it's time to be mature about this situation....
The fact is, the last couple of days have been pretty rough for me.. I miss having her around, and although, I know what she did was wrong, I'm still starting to regret some things I did while in the 'titless relationship.' Like my worrying.
She did some things that made me relate back to an old ex of mine that treated me like dirt and eventually cheated on me. Like she lied to me sometimes about the smallest things... like she'd tell me one day she told her mom something and the next day when I asked about it, her mom had never heard it. My thought process on that is, "Ok, if she's gonna lie about something THAT insignificant, what else is she gonna lie about?" Also, she completely changed personalities once I met her. When I got introduced to her, she acted like she was this party girl who wanted to have fun (she had a boyfriend at the time), but once we started hanging out, she was someone different. So I have to ask myself which one is really her?
Honestly, this whole 'no title' thing just scared the mess out of me too. I talked to another Hoover girl named Jackie a while back, and she didn't want the title either but still wanted to hangout. So we gave it a try.. A month and a half later I find out she's talking to two other guys from Spain Park, and when I confront her about it, she says "Well we aren't technically dating."
...The fact is, though, ALL of the above were most likely things that I over-analyzed. Simple situations that my mind took and twisted them. It got to the point where it ended up chasing someone I really cared about away.
I'm not a 'friggy-diggy' kind of dude, no matter how hard I want and try to be. I am probably the most analytical person you will ever meet in your life, and frankly, that's been my achilles's heel so far in school, sports, and now relationships. I promised her I would change before she broke it off, but I need to keep that promise. Except now I need to keep it for myself. No body wants someone around that over-analyzes everything, so it's time to just let go of my life and give all the control to God.
-GP
Now that the dust has settled and I have calmed down a good bit, it's time to be mature about this situation....
The fact is, the last couple of days have been pretty rough for me.. I miss having her around, and although, I know what she did was wrong, I'm still starting to regret some things I did while in the 'titless relationship.' Like my worrying.
She did some things that made me relate back to an old ex of mine that treated me like dirt and eventually cheated on me. Like she lied to me sometimes about the smallest things... like she'd tell me one day she told her mom something and the next day when I asked about it, her mom had never heard it. My thought process on that is, "Ok, if she's gonna lie about something THAT insignificant, what else is she gonna lie about?" Also, she completely changed personalities once I met her. When I got introduced to her, she acted like she was this party girl who wanted to have fun (she had a boyfriend at the time), but once we started hanging out, she was someone different. So I have to ask myself which one is really her?
Honestly, this whole 'no title' thing just scared the mess out of me too. I talked to another Hoover girl named Jackie a while back, and she didn't want the title either but still wanted to hangout. So we gave it a try.. A month and a half later I find out she's talking to two other guys from Spain Park, and when I confront her about it, she says "Well we aren't technically dating."
...The fact is, though, ALL of the above were most likely things that I over-analyzed. Simple situations that my mind took and twisted them. It got to the point where it ended up chasing someone I really cared about away.
I'm not a 'friggy-diggy' kind of dude, no matter how hard I want and try to be. I am probably the most analytical person you will ever meet in your life, and frankly, that's been my achilles's heel so far in school, sports, and now relationships. I promised her I would change before she broke it off, but I need to keep that promise. Except now I need to keep it for myself. No body wants someone around that over-analyzes everything, so it's time to just let go of my life and give all the control to God.
-GP
Monday, January 2, 2012
Everything Happens for a Reason
Thomas Fuller - "The day gets darkest just before dawn."
2012 has already brought some new changes to my life...
The girl I'm talking to decided it was best to break it off with me. I can't say I wasn't expecting it to happen, but was hoping there would be some way around it.
It all started a couple of days before Christmas. We had gone to her place like always to exchange gifts, but something didn't seem right..... we did everything we normally did, but it seemed like after a while she just didn't want me there anymore. So the next days follow.... even though her mom says I should come visit, she tells me that her parents won't let her have people over; she just so happens to develope a sickness that won't allow her to see people even though I know she's hanging out with her friends; and new years she doesn't want to have anything to do with me. All while she's telling me she misses me and really wants to hangout.....
I can't control the way people feel about me. I realize that. But what I will NOT take is people being dishonest and lying to me. So it doesn't necessarily bother me that she decided to end it, but that she handled the situation like a coward. There is no excuse for that. It became apparent she wanted to party and hangout with her friends so in a sense I already knew it was coming anyway.
Of course i still have feelings for her. She is an AWESOME woman, and I had a great time getting to know her and her family. But this has happened before, and if it ends the same way it did last time, I need to think twice before pursuing her again.
-GP
2012 has already brought some new changes to my life...
The girl I'm talking to decided it was best to break it off with me. I can't say I wasn't expecting it to happen, but was hoping there would be some way around it.
It all started a couple of days before Christmas. We had gone to her place like always to exchange gifts, but something didn't seem right..... we did everything we normally did, but it seemed like after a while she just didn't want me there anymore. So the next days follow.... even though her mom says I should come visit, she tells me that her parents won't let her have people over; she just so happens to develope a sickness that won't allow her to see people even though I know she's hanging out with her friends; and new years she doesn't want to have anything to do with me. All while she's telling me she misses me and really wants to hangout.....
I can't control the way people feel about me. I realize that. But what I will NOT take is people being dishonest and lying to me. So it doesn't necessarily bother me that she decided to end it, but that she handled the situation like a coward. There is no excuse for that. It became apparent she wanted to party and hangout with her friends so in a sense I already knew it was coming anyway.
Of course i still have feelings for her. She is an AWESOME woman, and I had a great time getting to know her and her family. But this has happened before, and if it ends the same way it did last time, I need to think twice before pursuing her again.
-GP
Saturday, December 31, 2011
NEW YEARS!
Benjamin Franklin - "Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man."
New year.... brand new start.
2011-
There were so many great things that happened in my life... Was blessed enough to follow my dreams of playing college football and college golf; developed some great friendships; found out who I really was during hard times; met someone amazing; volunteered service hours; helped lead YMCA campers closer to God; brought myself closer to God; became mentally and physically stronger; increased my GPA significantly; and remained the same person I wanted to be.
2012- New Year's Resolutions:
1.) Trust my friends and family more.......... I have a horrible habbit of not trusting the people dearest to me; I need to let go of all the fear and uncertainty, give it all to God, and live life worry-free.
2.) I need to always get stronger in my faith.......... There is always room for improvement.
3.) Get in GOOD shape......... I have never really been embarrassed by the way I look, but I have never been fully satisfied either. Already started my workout routine, diet, and supplement routine so this is the year to turn it up.
4.) Develope better study habbits............ If I'm going to transfer to a 4-year university, I can't afford to stay static with my habbits.
5.) Start playing the guitar and piano again.......... I use this blog as something to channel my feelings into because it helps calm me down. Music is something that calms me down as well, and I miss being good at the guitar and piano.
6.) Be slow to anger............. I need help to remain calm in tough situations. Most of the things that anger me just aren't worth getting angry over.
7.) Branch out and meet new people............... self explanitory
8.) Develope a morning running routine............. If I'm going to stay in shape for the rest of my life, I need to start running daily.
9.) HAVE FUN WITH LIFE
-GP
New year.... brand new start.
2011-
There were so many great things that happened in my life... Was blessed enough to follow my dreams of playing college football and college golf; developed some great friendships; found out who I really was during hard times; met someone amazing; volunteered service hours; helped lead YMCA campers closer to God; brought myself closer to God; became mentally and physically stronger; increased my GPA significantly; and remained the same person I wanted to be.
2012- New Year's Resolutions:
1.) Trust my friends and family more.......... I have a horrible habbit of not trusting the people dearest to me; I need to let go of all the fear and uncertainty, give it all to God, and live life worry-free.
2.) I need to always get stronger in my faith.......... There is always room for improvement.
3.) Get in GOOD shape......... I have never really been embarrassed by the way I look, but I have never been fully satisfied either. Already started my workout routine, diet, and supplement routine so this is the year to turn it up.
4.) Develope better study habbits............ If I'm going to transfer to a 4-year university, I can't afford to stay static with my habbits.
5.) Start playing the guitar and piano again.......... I use this blog as something to channel my feelings into because it helps calm me down. Music is something that calms me down as well, and I miss being good at the guitar and piano.
6.) Be slow to anger............. I need help to remain calm in tough situations. Most of the things that anger me just aren't worth getting angry over.
7.) Branch out and meet new people............... self explanitory
8.) Develope a morning running routine............. If I'm going to stay in shape for the rest of my life, I need to start running daily.
9.) HAVE FUN WITH LIFE
-GP
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Feliz Navidad!
Eric Sevareid - "Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something besides ourselves."
CHRISTMAS WAS AWESOME......and I'm not even talking about the gifts.
The whole family came home for Christmas as usual and the good times started....
BELL RINGER:
I had to have 12 hours of volunteer service to pass my business class this semester, and it was down to the last weekend. We called the Salvation Army haha and they said I could be a bell ringer. At first I was so pumped, but when I got to the mall (Galleria in front of Belk), I'll admit I was embarrassed out of my mind. Something about ringing a little bell, asking for money doesn't really excite me in a great way, but I'm happy I did it (even though I've never seen so many people trying to ignore me before haha)!
DECEMBER 22ND:
Found out suddenly that I needed a gift for the girl I'm talking to (girlfriend? yeah, haha whatever), so I search Francesca's and find something, but did not see anything good... so then headed to Private Gallery and after an hour of indecisiveness (real word?) and one of the girls there helping me, I found something legit! So now it's off to the Hoover chick's house to exchange gifts! The gifts were cool, but I was just happy to chill with her....we haven't since (not sure why) but hopefully we will soon; no reason to stress about it.
DECEMBER 24TH:
Christmas eve service with family and friends....WAS AWESOME.
CHRISTMAS DAY:
WAS AWESOME. It was one of the first Christmas's in years that my family had been financially stable, so we all were able to go hard on the gifts we got for each other this year... I hate to be cheesy, but it really felt great.
DECEMBER 26TH - 28TH:
The fam dipped over to my mom's hometown of Tunica, Mississippi to visit the fam and so the guys could go hunting! We were full of anticipation about hunting, but WE. SAW. NOTHING. Ever since the tornados last April, the deer population on our land have been extremely low because the Mississippi River flooded, but give it 3 or so years and things will be back to normal!
-GP
CHRISTMAS WAS AWESOME......and I'm not even talking about the gifts.
The whole family came home for Christmas as usual and the good times started....
BELL RINGER:
I had to have 12 hours of volunteer service to pass my business class this semester, and it was down to the last weekend. We called the Salvation Army haha and they said I could be a bell ringer. At first I was so pumped, but when I got to the mall (Galleria in front of Belk), I'll admit I was embarrassed out of my mind. Something about ringing a little bell, asking for money doesn't really excite me in a great way, but I'm happy I did it (even though I've never seen so many people trying to ignore me before haha)!
DECEMBER 22ND:
Found out suddenly that I needed a gift for the girl I'm talking to (girlfriend? yeah, haha whatever), so I search Francesca's and find something, but did not see anything good... so then headed to Private Gallery and after an hour of indecisiveness (real word?) and one of the girls there helping me, I found something legit! So now it's off to the Hoover chick's house to exchange gifts! The gifts were cool, but I was just happy to chill with her....we haven't since (not sure why) but hopefully we will soon; no reason to stress about it.
DECEMBER 24TH:
Christmas eve service with family and friends....WAS AWESOME.
CHRISTMAS DAY:
WAS AWESOME. It was one of the first Christmas's in years that my family had been financially stable, so we all were able to go hard on the gifts we got for each other this year... I hate to be cheesy, but it really felt great.
DECEMBER 26TH - 28TH:
The fam dipped over to my mom's hometown of Tunica, Mississippi to visit the fam and so the guys could go hunting! We were full of anticipation about hunting, but WE. SAW. NOTHING. Ever since the tornados last April, the deer population on our land have been extremely low because the Mississippi River flooded, but give it 3 or so years and things will be back to normal!
-GP
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Struggles
Anonymous - "Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets."
This is going to be a short and sweet post so get ready..
I have been focusing WAY too much on strengthening my body instead of my mind and my faith. My body has gotten stronger, but with that has come a lot of anger and a lot of stress. I have been getting SO upset at the smallest things...... golf, family, friends...... It's horrible and it's not who I want to be.
Aside from my recent anger problems my faith is in trouble. I have not prayed outside of church in what feels like forever, I do not touch my Bible anymore, and at times I feel so lazy with my faith.
The solution I see is to involve myself in a better group of friends, become more involved in church and prayer (I have been slacking a ton on the latter), get a good night's sleep every night, try to stay calm, and just have fun again.
-GP
This is going to be a short and sweet post so get ready..
I have been focusing WAY too much on strengthening my body instead of my mind and my faith. My body has gotten stronger, but with that has come a lot of anger and a lot of stress. I have been getting SO upset at the smallest things...... golf, family, friends...... It's horrible and it's not who I want to be.
Aside from my recent anger problems my faith is in trouble. I have not prayed outside of church in what feels like forever, I do not touch my Bible anymore, and at times I feel so lazy with my faith.
The solution I see is to involve myself in a better group of friends, become more involved in church and prayer (I have been slacking a ton on the latter), get a good night's sleep every night, try to stay calm, and just have fun again.
-GP
Monday, October 31, 2011
NovOctEmber
George Eliot - "Delicious autumn! My soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird, I would fly about the earth seeking successive autumns."
Now that October is over with, I turn my focus to what November brings.
One last note.... autumn is my. favorite. season. I LOVE it. There is nothing more peaceful or beautiful than driving on a overcast, cold, and windy autumn day with the orange, yellow, and red trees off in the distance. Nature is God's canvas, and there is nothing that complements God's creation like autumn. I hope I have many years left to experience its beauty.
I love this time of the year..
Tonight was Halloween. YESSSSSSSS! I had so many ideas on what to dress up as, but I ended up going with the retro basketball player look (high tops, high tube socks, SHORT shorts, jersey, afro, head and wrist bands)........ I do not regret it.
Now that October is over with, I turn my focus to what November brings.
1) I am one of the biggest nerds anyone will ever meet..... so this explains why I'm PUMPED about the new Call of Duty coming out on the 8th! This is a big deal because I went to the midnight releasing of the game last year at South, and there were almost 400 people in line.... like half of them were dressed in Army uniforms haha it was amazing. So guess what? Homeboy's going again this year!
2) Again I'll admit I am one of the biggest nerds anyone will ever meet..... aka why I'm dressing up as Edward Cullen when I go see the Breaking Dawn premier on the 18th!
One last note.... autumn is my. favorite. season. I LOVE it. There is nothing more peaceful or beautiful than driving on a overcast, cold, and windy autumn day with the orange, yellow, and red trees off in the distance. Nature is God's canvas, and there is nothing that complements God's creation like autumn. I hope I have many years left to experience its beauty.
-GP
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Acts of Indecision
Simone de Beauvoir - "Change your life today. Don't gamble on the future, act now, without delay."
The past few months have been pprrrreeettttyyyyy confusing for me..
Soooo the thing with me and the Hoover girl (last post) had been going off and on for a while. I found that some weekends she'd appear tired of me, and other weekends I'd seem tired of her....so I just haven't been sure on what to do. It's apparent we've both thought about dating, but that might not be in the best view for us. I start talking to her for a little bit and my feelings start swaying in a different direction..
I obviously still have feelings for the Hoover girl, but I can see myself in a better situation talking with the other girl... and of course there's always been something deep down that's liked this girl as well. So we started talking for a little while, and it was great for a couple of days... but I still don't know. I'm not a believer that God will point out who he wants you to date or talk to, but that He will provide you the opportunity or situation. So right now, it's on me and I need to decide who I want to pursue....
_________________
The other indecision in my life is this golf thing. Yeah, I was thinking about the possibility of enrolling at Mississippi State University to basically major in golf, it would be coool, but I don't think that's what I want to do...
I love golf obviously... but some days I just get so tired of it. I want it to always be something I can escape to in a rough tim in my life. I just don't want to invest in a career in something I love, only to get sick of doing it down the road.
And then there's Auburn...
Ever since I was little I've ALWAYS wanted to go to Auburn. I love the campus, how classy the students are (in comparison to Bama especially), all of my friends go there, AU athletics.... I just love Auburn. I've prayed about it before, and I'm still not sure what to do. My career choice might be at Mississippi State, but my happiness points towards going to Auburn.
I of course don't have to make any decision soon, but time is running out...
-GP
The past few months have been pprrrreeettttyyyyy confusing for me..
Soooo the thing with me and the Hoover girl (last post) had been going off and on for a while. I found that some weekends she'd appear tired of me, and other weekends I'd seem tired of her....so I just haven't been sure on what to do. It's apparent we've both thought about dating, but that might not be in the best view for us. I start talking to her for a little bit and my feelings start swaying in a different direction..
I obviously still have feelings for the Hoover girl, but I can see myself in a better situation talking with the other girl... and of course there's always been something deep down that's liked this girl as well. So we started talking for a little while, and it was great for a couple of days... but I still don't know. I'm not a believer that God will point out who he wants you to date or talk to, but that He will provide you the opportunity or situation. So right now, it's on me and I need to decide who I want to pursue....
_________________
The other indecision in my life is this golf thing. Yeah, I was thinking about the possibility of enrolling at Mississippi State University to basically major in golf, it would be coool, but I don't think that's what I want to do...
I love golf obviously... but some days I just get so tired of it. I want it to always be something I can escape to in a rough tim in my life. I just don't want to invest in a career in something I love, only to get sick of doing it down the road.
And then there's Auburn...
Ever since I was little I've ALWAYS wanted to go to Auburn. I love the campus, how classy the students are (in comparison to Bama especially), all of my friends go there, AU athletics.... I just love Auburn. I've prayed about it before, and I'm still not sure what to do. My career choice might be at Mississippi State, but my happiness points towards going to Auburn.
I of course don't have to make any decision soon, but time is running out...
-GP
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
UPDATEEEE (Part 2)
Leo Rosten - "Happiness comes only when we push our brains and hearts to the farthest reaches of which we are capable."
There is someone new in my life at this moment :)
This past spring break I met (kind of) this girl... We were eating at Applebees at the beach with some of my friends when like twelve high school girls walked in and sat down at my brother's table (apparently he invited them). Well, there was this blonde girl that was in the group. She was BY FAR the cutest one there, so I automatically assumed that was the girl Austin was talking to. That night, she and two of her friends came over to the house we were staying at, and while she hung out down stairs, me and another one of my buddies were upstairs playing some NCAA on Xbox (I know, real ladies' man). I wanted to go down and meet her, but no matter how cute she was, the fact was that she was in high school. So I never gave it a chance.
Fast-forward to Julyish that summer. I hear that Austin has invited three girls over to my friend's house to hang out.... and the blonde-headed girl was one of them. I get excited cause, I mean, she was really attractive; no matter if I wanted to date her or not, it would be fun getting to know her.
Fast-forward a couple of weeks. The girls (blondie included) are coming over to my friend's house while my brother and I am there becomes a regular thing now. I am constantly talking to her, laughing at her amazing sense of humor, and admiring her unexpected maturity. So I get her number and we slowly start talking up a storm.
Fast-forward to present day. Me and Sarah have been talking for just over two months now, and things couldn't be better. I have met her amazing family, and I love spending time with them whenever I go over to visit. Her beauty, maturity, witty personality, great family, confidence, and selfless attitude make me realize how lucky I am to have her at this point in my life....
......and I almost missed-out on it.
-GP
There is someone new in my life at this moment :)
This past spring break I met (kind of) this girl... We were eating at Applebees at the beach with some of my friends when like twelve high school girls walked in and sat down at my brother's table (apparently he invited them). Well, there was this blonde girl that was in the group. She was BY FAR the cutest one there, so I automatically assumed that was the girl Austin was talking to. That night, she and two of her friends came over to the house we were staying at, and while she hung out down stairs, me and another one of my buddies were upstairs playing some NCAA on Xbox (I know, real ladies' man). I wanted to go down and meet her, but no matter how cute she was, the fact was that she was in high school. So I never gave it a chance.
Fast-forward to Julyish that summer. I hear that Austin has invited three girls over to my friend's house to hang out.... and the blonde-headed girl was one of them. I get excited cause, I mean, she was really attractive; no matter if I wanted to date her or not, it would be fun getting to know her.
Fast-forward a couple of weeks. The girls (blondie included) are coming over to my friend's house while my brother and I am there becomes a regular thing now. I am constantly talking to her, laughing at her amazing sense of humor, and admiring her unexpected maturity. So I get her number and we slowly start talking up a storm.
Fast-forward to present day. Me and Sarah have been talking for just over two months now, and things couldn't be better. I have met her amazing family, and I love spending time with them whenever I go over to visit. Her beauty, maturity, witty personality, great family, confidence, and selfless attitude make me realize how lucky I am to have her at this point in my life....
......and I almost missed-out on it.
-GP
UPDATEEEE (Part 1)
A LOT has happened since my last post (I do apologize for the long wait)....so I'm going to make this into two posts.
Jeremiah 21:11 - "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
SO much good has happened to me in the past couple of months...
First off, as you all may know I was NOT happy at the University of South Alabama. I felt bored with the daily routine, hated football, and didn't have a good college experience there. But what hardly any of you know, was that my grades were so bad (2.55 GPA), that I had lost all financial aid priveledges. Being caught up in what seems like an endless recession, this was not good news for me and my family. Meaning whether I wanted to or not it was time to transfer.
The next idea was to apply to some cheap school for a semester (we were thinking Jeff State), so I could boost my grades and earn back my financial aid before heading to Mississippi State or Auburn...... Somewhere along the way though, I got the crazy idea that I wanted to play college golf...... As fate would have it, this was a blessing in disguise.
For a month I called a myriad of schools hoping they could magically have just ONE spot available on their team, so I could walk-on. One by one they all turned me down. I was beginning to lose faith when I had two schools left: Central Alabama Community College and Wallace State Community College. Called CACC and met Coach Jennings, who was a nice man, but unfortunately had no spots left. Before I hung the phone up he had told me that he didn't think Wallace State had any spots left open either.. Honestly, I didn't care what he said. I figured, "What the hell, I'll give them a call anyway." I call and there is no response, so I left a message..
Two weeks later, a Coach Dan York calls me back saying he DOES have one spot available. We get to talking, and he somehow gives me a chance to come try out. That Monday, I drove the 45 minute journey to Cullman Municipal Golf Course for my try out. I WAS SO NERVOUS. On the first tee he tells me he's not interested in my score but just wants to see if my swing's workable, and if I have a good personality. Of course the whole day i try my best to not get angry and to almost advertise myself the best I can. It paid off. I shot a 36 (1 under par), and earned a walk-on spot!
Three days later I get arguably one of the best calls in my life. That Thursday night, I hear my Creed ringtone singing in the other room, I pick it up, and it reads, "Calling: Coach York." I am both nervous and confused because I have no clue why he is calling..... I gather up my voice and answer.
"Garrett."
"Hey Coach, how ya doing?"
"Just fine Garrett, how 'bout yourself?"
"Good."
"Good. Well I got some news for you..." (this is when my heart dropped expecting some bad news)
"Yessir?"
"I believe I have found you a scholarship. So when you can, we need to get you up here to sign, and we need to give you a campus tour." (this is when I threw the biggest fist pump of my life)
"............"
"Garrett, you there?"
"Ha, sorry....yes, I'm.....yeah, I'm here! Thank you so much Coach York!"
"No problem Garrett, you deserve it. I will call you tomorrow with all the details. Talk to you then."
"See you later, Coach!"
(hang up)
That was the call that has changed my life. I proceeded to call Pam and Ray and the fam and we all flipped out haha. I love being at this school, and I love having the opportunity to wake up and do something I love every day. After my broken leg in high school (the low incident that I believe led me to where I am today), I can honestly say with complete confidence that EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON.
Never let something get you down because the next day everything could change.
-GP
Jeremiah 21:11 - "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
SO much good has happened to me in the past couple of months...
First off, as you all may know I was NOT happy at the University of South Alabama. I felt bored with the daily routine, hated football, and didn't have a good college experience there. But what hardly any of you know, was that my grades were so bad (2.55 GPA), that I had lost all financial aid priveledges. Being caught up in what seems like an endless recession, this was not good news for me and my family. Meaning whether I wanted to or not it was time to transfer.
The next idea was to apply to some cheap school for a semester (we were thinking Jeff State), so I could boost my grades and earn back my financial aid before heading to Mississippi State or Auburn...... Somewhere along the way though, I got the crazy idea that I wanted to play college golf...... As fate would have it, this was a blessing in disguise.
For a month I called a myriad of schools hoping they could magically have just ONE spot available on their team, so I could walk-on. One by one they all turned me down. I was beginning to lose faith when I had two schools left: Central Alabama Community College and Wallace State Community College. Called CACC and met Coach Jennings, who was a nice man, but unfortunately had no spots left. Before I hung the phone up he had told me that he didn't think Wallace State had any spots left open either.. Honestly, I didn't care what he said. I figured, "What the hell, I'll give them a call anyway." I call and there is no response, so I left a message..
Two weeks later, a Coach Dan York calls me back saying he DOES have one spot available. We get to talking, and he somehow gives me a chance to come try out. That Monday, I drove the 45 minute journey to Cullman Municipal Golf Course for my try out. I WAS SO NERVOUS. On the first tee he tells me he's not interested in my score but just wants to see if my swing's workable, and if I have a good personality. Of course the whole day i try my best to not get angry and to almost advertise myself the best I can. It paid off. I shot a 36 (1 under par), and earned a walk-on spot!
Three days later I get arguably one of the best calls in my life. That Thursday night, I hear my Creed ringtone singing in the other room, I pick it up, and it reads, "Calling: Coach York." I am both nervous and confused because I have no clue why he is calling..... I gather up my voice and answer.
"Garrett."
"Hey Coach, how ya doing?"
"Just fine Garrett, how 'bout yourself?"
"Good."
"Good. Well I got some news for you..." (this is when my heart dropped expecting some bad news)
"Yessir?"
"I believe I have found you a scholarship. So when you can, we need to get you up here to sign, and we need to give you a campus tour." (this is when I threw the biggest fist pump of my life)
"............"
"Garrett, you there?"
"Ha, sorry....yes, I'm.....yeah, I'm here! Thank you so much Coach York!"
"No problem Garrett, you deserve it. I will call you tomorrow with all the details. Talk to you then."
"See you later, Coach!"
(hang up)
That was the call that has changed my life. I proceeded to call Pam and Ray and the fam and we all flipped out haha. I love being at this school, and I love having the opportunity to wake up and do something I love every day. After my broken leg in high school (the low incident that I believe led me to where I am today), I can honestly say with complete confidence that EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON.
Never let something get you down because the next day everything could change.
-GP
Monday, July 4, 2011
Long Time No See (Part 2)
I am going to try my best to base my life off of these verses:
MATTHEW 6:1-7:6
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
-GP
MATTHEW 6:1-7:6
Matthew 6
Giving to the Needy
1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Prayer
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Fasting
16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.Treasures in Heaven
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Do Not Worry
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 7
Judging Others
1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
-GP
Long Time No See (Part 1)
A LOT has happened since my last post (I do apologize for the long wait)....so I'm going to make this into two posts.
Jeremiah 21:11 - "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
I have realized a lot about myself within the past couple of weeks...
First off, school has always been hard for me. Not necessairily the tests, quizzes, or homework assignments either.
I have always been in a pickle when deciding on what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have spent hours searching the web on looking for an occupation I'd be interested in, but my efforts have always resulted in nothing. That has always been my worst fear. Growing old, letting life passing me by while I do something that I hate. At first, I thought it was physical therapy.....nope. Then I thought it was communications.....nope. However, third time's a charm.
Just recently, my uncle told me about this program at Mississippi State University that was right up my alley. The program is in PGA Management with a BS in Administration/Marketing. With my love for the game of golf, I feel everything that has happened to me over the past few years of my life has set me on the right path for the rest of my life.
Everything happens for a reason.
-GP
Jeremiah 21:11 - "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
I have realized a lot about myself within the past couple of weeks...
First off, school has always been hard for me. Not necessairily the tests, quizzes, or homework assignments either.
I have always been in a pickle when deciding on what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have spent hours searching the web on looking for an occupation I'd be interested in, but my efforts have always resulted in nothing. That has always been my worst fear. Growing old, letting life passing me by while I do something that I hate. At first, I thought it was physical therapy.....nope. Then I thought it was communications.....nope. However, third time's a charm.
Just recently, my uncle told me about this program at Mississippi State University that was right up my alley. The program is in PGA Management with a BS in Administration/Marketing. With my love for the game of golf, I feel everything that has happened to me over the past few years of my life has set me on the right path for the rest of my life.
Everything happens for a reason.
-GP
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Another Bump in the Road
Psalm 9: 9-10 - "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."
This past week has been on of the worst, physically, in my entire life..
As I mentioned in my last post, I went to the YMCA Camp Hargis for my job training as a councellor. Well, as fate would have it, while we spent the night, bed bugs (yes, they are real) came out and bit me...BAD.
Last Saturday, I was on my way back from Doodles when I noticed a couple of little, red bumps starting to form on the inside of my bicep...and they started to itch. Later that night, I was spending the night at a friend's house when my lower back, arms, legs, feet, hands, and neck started itching. I tried to sit in his hot tub....didn't help. I tried to swim in his pool....didn't help. I tried to sleep it off and deal with it the next morning....couldn't do it. I FELT LIKE I WAS GOING INSANE. Since we had no car at his house, I called my parents to get one of them to pick me up...I could not bear the itching and bites that continued to mess with my mind. I grabbed my shoes and went running to get some wind on the bites so I would stop scratching, but even that wasn't enough. As soon as my mom arrived at my friend's place, I hopped in the car and headed home. It was six in the morning.
I got home and immediately hopped in a bath tub filled with hot water and oat meal oil (to help the itching). I stayed in the bath for probably another two hours. At the time, not me, nor Mom, nor Dad knew what was going on with me....they assumed poison ivy, but were both confused at the formation of the red marks and hives that appeared on my skin. The options of poison ivy, misquitos, bed bugs, rocky mountain fever (from ticks), were all possibilities, but we could not start treatment until we knew for sure what it was. I spend the rest of the day lying STILL in bed or in an oatmeal bath.
The next day, we find out that I am having a severe allergic reaction to bed bug bites. My parents contact our doctor, and he prescribes me a steroid to help get rid of the itch and the bites altogether. That night though, I layed in bed and thought about everything......I even later started tearing up. None of this was from the painful allergic reactions or the meds, but simply because I realized that I have done a crappy job of living my life for God...and it was obvious the things I needed to change. I am now working on them all.
Everything has gotten better. the itching is now almost completely gone, and the bite marks are on their way out as well.
Lord, thank You for helping me through yet another one of life's speed bumps. I believe it will help me to be more cautious and aware of my situations in the future. Also, I thank You for my deep thoughts that I had that second night. I have realized that I have not been living my life according to Your way, and as a result, I have not felt happy or satisfied knowing I have not been glorifying You. I will do my very best to improve, but I will need Your guidance along the way.
"And I'll praise You in this storm,
And I will lift my hands.
For You are who You are
No matter where I am,
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand.
You never left my side,
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm." ~Casting Crowns
-GP
This past week has been on of the worst, physically, in my entire life..
As I mentioned in my last post, I went to the YMCA Camp Hargis for my job training as a councellor. Well, as fate would have it, while we spent the night, bed bugs (yes, they are real) came out and bit me...BAD.
Last Saturday, I was on my way back from Doodles when I noticed a couple of little, red bumps starting to form on the inside of my bicep...and they started to itch. Later that night, I was spending the night at a friend's house when my lower back, arms, legs, feet, hands, and neck started itching. I tried to sit in his hot tub....didn't help. I tried to swim in his pool....didn't help. I tried to sleep it off and deal with it the next morning....couldn't do it. I FELT LIKE I WAS GOING INSANE. Since we had no car at his house, I called my parents to get one of them to pick me up...I could not bear the itching and bites that continued to mess with my mind. I grabbed my shoes and went running to get some wind on the bites so I would stop scratching, but even that wasn't enough. As soon as my mom arrived at my friend's place, I hopped in the car and headed home. It was six in the morning.
I got home and immediately hopped in a bath tub filled with hot water and oat meal oil (to help the itching). I stayed in the bath for probably another two hours. At the time, not me, nor Mom, nor Dad knew what was going on with me....they assumed poison ivy, but were both confused at the formation of the red marks and hives that appeared on my skin. The options of poison ivy, misquitos, bed bugs, rocky mountain fever (from ticks), were all possibilities, but we could not start treatment until we knew for sure what it was. I spend the rest of the day lying STILL in bed or in an oatmeal bath.
The next day, we find out that I am having a severe allergic reaction to bed bug bites. My parents contact our doctor, and he prescribes me a steroid to help get rid of the itch and the bites altogether. That night though, I layed in bed and thought about everything......I even later started tearing up. None of this was from the painful allergic reactions or the meds, but simply because I realized that I have done a crappy job of living my life for God...and it was obvious the things I needed to change. I am now working on them all.
Everything has gotten better. the itching is now almost completely gone, and the bite marks are on their way out as well.
Lord, thank You for helping me through yet another one of life's speed bumps. I believe it will help me to be more cautious and aware of my situations in the future. Also, I thank You for my deep thoughts that I had that second night. I have realized that I have not been living my life according to Your way, and as a result, I have not felt happy or satisfied knowing I have not been glorifying You. I will do my very best to improve, but I will need Your guidance along the way.
"And I'll praise You in this storm,
And I will lift my hands.
For You are who You are
No matter where I am,
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand.
You never left my side,
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm." ~Casting Crowns
-GP
Saturday, May 21, 2011
YMCA!
Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
I have the BEST SUMMER JOB
So a couple of weeks ago, I got a call in form the Shades Valley YMCA telling me the got my job application form to be a camp councellor this summer. Turns out ole Pam and Ray turned in my application (GREAT move).
The interview went really well, and it turns out both my brother and I got the job! On the 14th and 15th we had job training at Camp Harliss (?)......we were NOT excited about this at all. We got at the YMCA at 7:30am like we were asked, and from judging some people walking in the door (a problem we all tend to have) it did not appear as if this job was going to be any fun....I was DEAD WRONG. We got on the bus and immediately greeted by now one of my good friends, Shannon. She was obviously an athlete somewhere, and because of her greeting, it immediately lifted some of the bad anticipation about work off my shoulders. The weekend camp ended up being a great experience; we met a ton of new people and found out slowly that this job was going to be one to remember. Oh and by the way......we also got paid $200 for being there....not bad haha.
We had Sunday night off, then it would be back to job training on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8:45am to 1pm. Sounds awful right? Wrong. My first day I realize how special this The rest of "job training" was a breeze, and work starts on the 31st......frankly, I CAN'T wait.
Lord, thank you for blessing me with this opportunity. I believed you have provided me this job for a reason, so I can do my best to have fun and spread Your word.
I have the BEST SUMMER JOB
So a couple of weeks ago, I got a call in form the Shades Valley YMCA telling me the got my job application form to be a camp councellor this summer. Turns out ole Pam and Ray turned in my application (GREAT move).
The interview went really well, and it turns out both my brother and I got the job! On the 14th and 15th we had job training at Camp Harliss (?)......we were NOT excited about this at all. We got at the YMCA at 7:30am like we were asked, and from judging some people walking in the door (a problem we all tend to have) it did not appear as if this job was going to be any fun....I was DEAD WRONG. We got on the bus and immediately greeted by now one of my good friends, Shannon. She was obviously an athlete somewhere, and because of her greeting, it immediately lifted some of the bad anticipation about work off my shoulders. The weekend camp ended up being a great experience; we met a ton of new people and found out slowly that this job was going to be one to remember. Oh and by the way......we also got paid $200 for being there....not bad haha.
We had Sunday night off, then it would be back to job training on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8:45am to 1pm. Sounds awful right? Wrong. My first day I realize how special this The rest of "job training" was a breeze, and work starts on the 31st......frankly, I CAN'T wait.
Lord, thank you for blessing me with this opportunity. I believed you have provided me this job for a reason, so I can do my best to have fun and spread Your word.
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