summer goals

Summer. Finally.

What a crazy year. I don't even know where to begin. I know for a fact that I haven't finished/even begun to process what this year meant to me. That is definitely in the works and I am actually looking forward to it because I know how beneficial it is to me. The year ended in a great way but it also means closing certain chapters and starting new ones, which is always tough for me.

I'm really looking forward to this summer. It will be the first time I'll be practically living on my own since I'll be in Ohio with one of my best friends, Steve Conn. I had him bring a TON of books home with him, so I'm really excited about all the reading I'll be doing in my spare time. Plus, we'll pwn some noobs in our spare time and go get a piece of pie at the local diner. Also, I'll be a LOT closer to my awesome girlfriend and that will be the best part. Also, if you haven't tried Mango Salsa Chicken Sandwiches, you really should. Best things ever. Not even kidding.

I'm also really ready to be doing something outside of the realm of academia. I'll be working as a Student Ministries Intern at Newpointe Christian Church, and I am pumped! It'll definitely be a challenge, but I'm really excited about it. I've never really worked in a position like this, so I'm really looking forward to see what God's going to do. Bring it on baby.

So, the point of this post - here are some goals outside of my internship that I have for this summer:

• Read a ton. This includes finishing Les Miserables instead of pretending that I did.
• Practice my guitar skillz a ton. I can't be as good as Ben Taylor, but I'll try. Plus, I'm teaching Steve, so I've got to pretend that I know what's going on.
• Investigate grad schools. I'm really considering Taylor's Master of Arts in Higher Ed/Student Development, but I want to look at other schools for similar programs or counseling degrees.
• Learn more about the sports teams I follow. Although I'd rather die before I learn any more about Lebron.
• Plan some for next year. Senior year, baby - I'm gonna go out with a bang.
• pwn some noobs with Beck, Steve and the Kirks.
• Listen to Josh Ritter a ton. He's awesome.
• Convince Dauthan to live in the Box with me when we're in the MAHE program.
  

As far as books go, I'm really open to suggestions. I've got some in mind, but if there's something I should read, by all means let me know. First on the agenda is the His Dark Materials series. I know, tough reading.