BEST WEEKEND EVER!!!

   Where to begin, where to begin. Friday? Ok. Friday wasn't anything special, but I didn't have class so I just slept in, and that was nice. Didn't do anything that night but went to bed early and got a good night sleep. Went for a great bike ride on Saturday because it was so nice outside. Then my parents called to tell me that they're sending me to Colorado this weekend for spring break!!! 3 more days of snowboarding this season!!! I fly out Thursday night after class and get to ride all day Fri, Sat, and Sunday with my favorite sister!!! Later that night I decided to drive to SLU to visit friend there. It was pretty fun, went to some random warehouse for a party. Didn't party too hard though because I knew I had a big day of skydiving today!!!
   Finally got some airtime and got to try out all my new gear!!! It was a perfect day to jump out of an airplane at 7,000ft. My new altimeter tells me how fast I was going and I can playback my last jump in real time. It said I hit 133mph in freefall!!! Could be accurate, could be a little fast but either way I had 3 great jumps today and can't wait for Safety Day coming up in 2 weeks. I love the fact that I got to skydive this weekend, be snowboarding in Colorado next weekend, then the next weekend after that I get to skydive again!!! Whew, life is pretty awesome sometimes. Did I mention I love skydiving? Oh and I my instructor took some pictures for me for free, thanks Mike!!! I got out at 7,000 while he stayed in to video the tandem going out later and he snapped some shots of me exiting the plane! I should have them some time soon...

Daily song...I'm stumped...can't think of anything at the moment...


Catch ya later,
-Johnny

Heading to SLU tonight...

   Heading to SLU out of the blue. Works out well though because I can just drive a little farther south in the morning to....SKYDIVE!!! Can't wait!!! Talk to guys tomorrow.

Daily song time...


Catch ya later,
-Johnny

Me no like wind

   So my hopes for skydiving tomorrow have been crushed by forecasts for high winds. Rescheduled for Sunday now. Cross your fingers.
   Today was beautiful outside. And what did I do all day? Sat inside and did nothing. Although I did have the screen door open, so I consider that being outside ;) I really should've gone on a bike ride, but instead I had Wendy's for lunch and a fatty burrito from Qdoba for dinner. Oh well.
   I did get a little creative today, if you count standing on the porch and snapping a quick picture.














Daily song...Jordan and I watched "Into the Wild" last night, and it got me in an Eddie Vedder mood..


Catch ya later,
-Johnny

therzdaiy

   Man, this thing is hard to update everyday. Sometimes there's a lot to talk about, sometimes, there's nothing to talk about, like tonight.
   Those test were extremely hard today. I think I did OK though, maybe B, most likely C.
   Supposed to skydive Saturday but the forecast calls for high winds :( How in the heck do they predict winds? I'm in meteorology, I should know, but I don't and I'm hoping the weatherterds are wrong. I'm itching SO BAD to skydive.
   I haven't done anything creative in a while. I want to get out and take some photographs sometime soon. The pictures I took while cycling don't really count because I just strapped the camera to my handlebars and told it to take a picture every 60 seconds.
   Well, tonight is an extremely random post, so I'll end it now.
   O, and shout out to Sara Camp, the only one who reads my blog! Hahaha

Daily song...I'm thinking of one right now...hold on...yep, got it...


Catch ya later,
-Johnny

Oops

   So I "accidentally" slept through my classes today. O well, I don't think we were doing anything important. It did give me extra time to study for both my tests tomorrow, which will be extremely hard. Meteorology is really really hard.
   Got some amazing news today...BLUES SKIES THIS WEEKEND!!! You know what that means, skydiving!!! Geezowee I'm excited. Yea, I just said geezowee. It's been a long month with out my new 'drug'. I got some new gear I've been anxious to take to the skies with. All my friends keep telling me I'm wasting my money skydiving, but what do they know?, they're whuffos. It is seriously the single best thing I've ever experienced, and I hope the lack of money never stops me from doing it.

Daily song...keeping with the skydiving theme of this post, "Elevation by U2"



Catch ya later,
-Johnny

Relient K - Where do I go from here?

Leaving
May not be coming home
Needing
To know I'm not alone
Even
Though I can't feel a thing

Taking
Time to get over it
Making
The best of what won't quit
Breaking me down
I can't feel a thing

Where do I go
Where do I stand
Where can I find myself again
Where do I go
If not disappear
Where do I go from here

Tracing
My steps right back to you
Racing
The clock to save an hour or two
And facing
The fact I don't feel a thing

I'm dealing
With what I can't control
Feeling
Confused cause I don't know if
Healing
Is when you don't feel a thing

Where do I go
Where do I stand
Where can I find myself again
Where do I go
If not disappear
Where do I go from here

Woah Woah Woah

And I still can't feel a thing

Catch ya later,
-Johnny

Fall 2010 Classes!!!

   So I haven't officially registered, but I have my Fall 2010 classes lined up. Should be a pretty fun and busy semester, 16 hours.

• Geography 202 - Resources Use and Management
• Geography 333 - Geography of Asia
• Environmental Science 120 - Survey of Environmental Science (field work)
• Environmental Science 220 - Principles of Environmental Science
• Speech Com 213 - Intro to Public Relations
• Biology 111 - Intro to Biology

   I'm really excited for most, not really Bio 111, just a gen ed I haven't taken yet so that kind of sucks but I think the rest will be awesome, especially ENSC 120, because the teacher is really cool for it.
   This will also be the first semester I have a class on Friday! Big bummer, but that's the way things go. I should consider myself lucky to go that long with Friday class. Kind of glad not to be taking summer school this year, so I can make some moolah for skydiving. But Summer 2011 will definitely involve summer school if I want to graduate in 4 years.

Daily song...


Catch ya later,
-Johnny

It's only 8 o'clock???

   It has to be later than that, I'm so tired. It was probably because I slept in real late. Anyway, I ordered a free trial of some random "Acai Berry" diet pill, cleanse, blah. I had a Visa gift card with like $3.00 left on it and that's all the cost was for shipping it. I don't really plan on losing weight, because I'm happy with my body(I sound like a girl) I'm just looking for a way to improve my health. I just don't feel healthy, which could be due to all the fast food I eat. I realize a little pill probably won't change my health that greatly, but I do know for a fact that Acai berry is extremely good for you, so what they hey. I'll probably try to start eating healthier too, more fruits and veggies. Well, I'm keepin' it short tonight, probably going to bed soon.

Daily song...something to put me to sleep...also a good song with powerful lyrics


Catch ya later,
-Johnny

Dear Weatherman, you are just the worst...

   So the forecast for today was solid clouds all day, rain/snow, cold. So what did I do? I slept in, planning on just doing nothing today, not skydiving because of the weather. And what do I wake up to at noon? BLUE SKIES AND ALMOST 50 DEGREES!!! I hate all weatherman, they are horrible at their jobs. I definitely could've skydived today, but no, weathermen ruined my day.
   It wasn't a total waste of a day though. I got to hit the bike path! Almost made my full 40 mile route. I took my GoPro HD HERO out too, to test out the photo taking capabilities. Got some good shots, here's one of them. I set it to take a picture every 60 seconds. This was my favorite but there were a ton of other cool ones! And some funny ones that caught me with a funny face, haha.















Daily song time...classic from one of my favorite artists ever, Beck...great video too...enjoys!


Catch ya later,
-Johnny

Hooray for Friday

   Ah, today was good. I love not having class on Fridays. 4 semesters, never had one class on Friday. I felt super healthy today too! I got up fairly early, around 930ish. Had an amazing granola bar fo' breakfast then got outside into the great outdoors! I ran my usual trail running route which loops me back to the apartment, then hopped on my cycle and hit the path rolling. I was a little worried there would still be a little snow on the path but it wasn't too bad, most of it has melted. Only made it about 30 miles though :( Hopefully the rain holds off tonight and tomorrow is fairly warm to so I can repeat today's activities tomorrow!
   Once again, no skydiving. This winter weather stinks! Next weekend's forecast? BLUES SKIES!!!! Festus here I come.

Daily song: a fairly new one from Weezer...


Catch ya later,
-Johnny

Bummin about winter...

   Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love winter. But for the first time I can remember I actually want winter to be over!!! My reasoning? I want to skydive!!! I didn't make my first jump until late November with the hopes that I would be licensed by spring. Boy was I wrong. I've got 8 total skydives and really really really want to keep current and keep going on my training. The only problem is this Midwest winter is taking forever!!! And all 8 of my jumps have been in cold weather so while it was SO amazing and breath taking, I really want to know what it's like in warm weather when I'm not all bundled up. Did I mention I want winter to be over? Anyway, I got a test tomorrow so I'm keepin' it short tonight.

Daily song: one of my favorites from Kyle Andrews...Enjoy!


Catch ya later,
-Johnny

NEW CAMERA!!!!!

   So I got a new camera today!!!! I still have my Nikon D60 DSLR but this little guy is totally different! I got a GoPro HD Hero. Basically, it's this tiny little camera that's waterproof and you can strap it onto anything; helmets, bikes, anything you want to get a wide angle point of view look on life. I can't wait to get out and try this thing, and I'll definitely be uploaded pictures and videos. No song today, but I'm uploading a video shot with the camera I just bought. I DIDN'T SHOOT THIS VIDEO. It's just an example of what this little guy can do!



Catch ya later,
-Johnny

Snow day today...yay and nay

   We had a snow day today...not sure why, the roads were fine but whatever. Kinda happy, kinda sad...I got to sleep in nice and late but I also missed class, which always have interesting discussions. O well. I had another lazy, lazy day. Mostly sat around, watching the Olympics.
   I turned my phone off last night, trying not to use it for a week. It should be an interesting week, probably won't talk to my friends since that's the only way to communicate these days. I'll probably end up turning it on Friday night :( Well, once again, not much to talk about so I'll leave everyone with a song.



Catch ya later,
-Johnny

Its snowing!!!

   I'm really hoping for a snow day...and if it keeps up like it is right now, I just might! Actually, I love my classes and they're fun, so I kinda want to go to class, never thought I'd say that in my life time. Tomorrow is Special Education and Asian Cultures. Special Ed is so interesting. I never realized how great I have it when you learn about others and their disabilities. Asian Cultures is awesome too. Right now were on Afghanistan and Pakistan, which I never realized was part of Asia, sad, I know.
   This weekend was alright, really really unproductive. The weather stunk so I couldn't get any cycling in, which I was bummed about. I love cycling. It's a great workout but I never feel like I'm exercising because it's so fun. Plain old working out is boring but hoping on my bike, cycling 30-40 miles, listening to my favorite songs, enjoying the beautiful IL plains, I love it. I bought a new camera POV camera this weekend for skydiving, but I'll probably use it when I'm cycling to. I don't know why, I'm thinking I might get some cool shots, maybe. Well, it's bedtime, sooo goodbye.

Daily song...great song, cool video..enjoy


Catch ya later,
-Johnny

   BOOOO...no bike ride or skydiving today...to cold and cloudy...not much goin on...peace!
   Daily song, enjoy


Catch ya later,
-Johnny

   So I have been terrible at updating this everyday. I feel like I don't have anything to write about. Not to much going on this week. Finally deleted my Facebook, and it feels great. Yea, I can't keep up with my friends everyday, but it got to a point where I didn't even talk to anyone on it. O well. While no one reads this either, it's nice just to get stuff out there and not hold it in.
   I'm hoping for blue skies tomorrow. I really want to get down to the drop zone and work on my free fall skills. I'm truly addicted to skydiving. My roommates get mad because it's literally all I talk about now. I just wish it wasn't so expensive. I feel like I'm blowing money but I know it's going to be worth it once I'm licensed. Well my food is burning in the oven so I'm cutting it short tonight. I'll be back tomorrow after the first bike ride of the year. Let's hope I can make it the whole 42.7 miles!

Daily song:


Catch ya later,
-Johnny

psh

so tired, no energy, cant type anym

happy birthday to me

   so today is my birthday...didn't get to celebrate really....i got 2 tests tomorrow!!!! ugh, how lame... :(

Catch ya later,
-Johnny

LOOOONG WEEKEND

   Whew, that was a heck of a weekend. I can't believe how tired I am. I made it the entire weekend without caffeine, which absolutely stunk. I'm almost too tired to write this. It feels like I haven't been to class in forever and really don't want to get back into the swing of things this week. Tuesday is me birthday and really wish I could just take the whole week off to relax. While I love my classes, I'm worried what the tests are going to be like.
   In honor of my birthday, I'll be making quite a few celebratory skydives throughout the week. Skydiving makes me think of my favorite life motto I live by. "Life should not be a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving in a well preserved body, but rather skidding in sideways, body totally worn out and used up screaming WOO HOO what a ride!!" God put us on this earth for a reason. I'm a firm believer that He wanted us to live our life to the fullest in everything we do. You could argue you shouldn't do things that could potentially end your life, but I have never felt more alive each time I've skydived. I truly believe God wanted us to live our lives and be happy with everything we do. While my family doesn't support me skydiving, they are happy that I'm happy. I just wish it wasn't so expensive ;)
   Anyway, I'm way to tired to keep typing, but my new "thing" I'm doing is going to add my favorite song for the day! Enjoy!

Catch ya later,
-Johnny

Short blog today. I'm in the airport heading back to Pennsylvania for my grandma's funeral. See you guys Sunday.

Catch ya later,
-Johnny

From Photography to Music

   So yesterday it was photos, today, it's everybody's favorite; Music. Everyone has their favorite type or favorite artists and favorite songs that mean something to them. I don't have a favorite style of music. I'm your typical "O I like everything but country" kind of guy. Everything suits me as long as I like the lyrics. The lyrics are what everyone can relate to and have some sort of connection to the musician. I really like those deep, moody songs with lyrics that make you think about things. That being said, the song I posted has no lyrics! It's a song performed by an amazing composer named Yann Tiersen. You can pay attention to the photos in the video, but the purpose of posting the video was really just for the audio. It's my favorite song when I'm cycling or trail running or just sitting in the woods. When you listen to it, shut everything else out and just think. Think about whatever you want, anything. Life, friends, the future, the past, anything.


Catch ya later,
-Johnny

Power of Pictures

   So today in my mass media class, we talked about the power of a photograph, and we took a look at some famous photographs of the last century, including photos of war, politics, civil rights, etc.
   I love photography and think of myself as a photographer. I love taking pictures and have a few of my favorites and the one I'm posting is one them. It's not necessarily an amazing photo I just like what it makes me think of. Anyway here's the picture.

   Like I said it's not an artistic picture or anything, it's more of the power behind the mountains. I'm a Christian and strongly believe in God. There are a lot of people out there that things the Earth was just created by chance and just exploded into existence. That could be true, but I think God was the driving force behind that. Anyone who has been to Colorado or any mountain range and climbed to the top of a peak and looked out over the mountains knows what I'm talking about. The mountains are so vast and great it's hard to look out over them and not believe that there was something greater than us that created this beautiful landscape. While a picture doesn't do the mountains justice, you can still get an idea of what I'm talking about.

Catch ya later
-Johnny

First

   So, this is awkward. Never really blogged before but got tired of Facebook so I'm switching to this. If your one of my friends from Facebook, you probably think this is dumb and wondering who cares what I'm thinking. Well, obviously you do since your reading this. And ask yourself if anyone really cares about what your a "fan" of on Facebook. Believe it or not, you can live without Facebook.

   Anyway, enough of me complaining about Facebook, my first topic of discussion is college. I just changed majors from business to liberal studies. Basically, I get to chose all my classes rather than focusing on one subject. I do have an interdisciplinary focus, which is "Human Interaction with the Environment". I got tired of doing something I didn't love just to get a degree in something society tells me will get me a good job with good pay. I just got fed up with all the fact based classes that don't teach anything other than what someone else has already figured out. In my opinion, you don't learn anything in fact based classes, like math or econ. Getting fed information to be tested on is pointless because you'll most likely forget everything right after the test. It's more beneficial for a young person to learn theory and how to think for themselves and do something interesting rather than struggle through a major which will just make them money after school. The point of all this rambling is if your not really happy with your major or whatever, just think about what you really love to do and if what your studying is really what you want to do for the rest of your life.

Catch ya later
-Johnny