A sign from one McDonald's using Shrek to attract children.
Oak Brook, IL — McDonald’s has recently come under fire from a group of concerned citizens for using their “Happy Meal” product to lure kids into their restaurants, and then proceeding to prepare and cook them into “McDouble” cheeseburgers.
When you think of best Super Mario song, what comes to mind? The overworld theme that is one of the most recognizable video game music compositions ever; the just-as-easily recognizable underworld theme; how about that one with the fish? Or God forbid, the Walk the Dinosaur song from the movie…
But I pose to you something else; something newer, but not recent. I’m of course talking about Dire, Dire Docks from the level of the same name in Super Mario 64. Why do I think this song deserves recognition? Simply, it has stuck with me more than most other video game songs, including the overworld song.
Four years ago, I was finishing up high school, preparing for what was, at the time, the biggest change in my life.
Four years ago, I was clueless, just leading my life.
Four years ago, I went to youth group every Wednesday, and had a crazy fun time.
Four years ago, I was finishing up a pointless, and hilarious, English video (which led me to my love of video editing); I was enjoying the recently-renewed Family Guy, and ate lunch in the science room.
Four years ago, I was enjoying Pixar’s newest movie: Cars.
Four years ago, I was stressing over what college I wanted to go to, and what it would be like when I got there.
Four years ago, I was leaving all of my friends and going into a new and frightening location.
Four years ago, I sat in Constitution Hall and walked a long walk across a stage, and turned a tassel.
Four years ago, I got my iMac, printer, surround sound system, and iPod Shuffle.
Four years ago, I spent my last “permanent” time at home, with my family and cat.
Four years ago, I visited Cal U, toured the Meteorology Lab, the old (now non-existent dorms), and many other buildings that are no longer around.
Four years ago, I was thrust into a new environment, not knowing anyone, and left to fend for myself.
Four years ago, I spent most of my time in my dorm room, playing video games and on my computer.
Four years ago, I was taking Intro to Meteorology; a naive little freshman who sat and played the class clown to try and combat his nervousness and shyness.
Four years ago, I went on a camping and rafting trip, meeting many new friends, and realizing I had picked the right college to go to.
Four years ago, my life changed…a lot, and now I’m being thrown quickly into the same situation. With a month left until I graduate…again…I have no idea what to do. A ton of work behind me, but still a ton ahead of me. No idea where I am going in a month or what I will be doing. Leaving everything and everyone I’ve known for the past four years, back into a new and different part of my life.
And even though the past four years have had their ups and downs (and more downs), I regret nothing. It has been an interesting four years; it’s been nothing like I expected. I could never have imagined myself being in the position I am right now four years ago. I never thought I’d be so depressed…not wanting to leave.
So now I go on with my life, to do new and exciting things. With the past four years being so much different from what I expected, who knows the the next four, eight, and twelve years hold. I’ll meet new people, go more places, and hopefully will be happy.
And as I accept my degree, I will walk across, and never stop.
A nice batch of sticky, sweet Golden Gram Treats
I thought I’d try to make something new tonight after making Rice Krispie Treats yesterday. I have had Golden Gram S’mores a long time ago, which mixed Golden Grams, marshmallows, and chocolate chips into a s’more-like treat. However, I thought, since I had some Golden Grams unopened in the pantry, I would try to use the same steps I use to make Rice Krispie Treats, but just substitute in Golden Grams. Whadda ya know? They are actually pretty good! They look like they are glazed like doughnuts you would get at Krispy Kreme. So, what is the fate of these delightful goods? I will be donating them to my school’s Lions Club bake sale which will be taking place in Eberly this Thursday. They’ll totally be worth the $0.25 or whatever. 
Me in a few years...?
It seems like everyday anymore I find myself thinking, “time is flying by way too fast!” It’s true too. College classes just began last week, and it doesn’t seem like more than a month since they began in 2007. I am continuing to get events from this past summer and the summer of ’07 confused, and find myself saying “was it really over a year ago since I did that?” It’s crazy, and is kind of sad, too.
So, it should not surprise you that today is just blowing my mind in so many ways. It can’t be true–I must have miscalculated! Am I really 20 today? Have I really been on this planet for two decades today? Seriously, it doesn’t seem like that. I remember when I was 10 and spent most of my day outside actually doing some activity. Was that really a decade ago?
But alas, here I am–a jounior in college, somehow–majoring in Meteorology. It really does not feel like I should be here…it seems like just yesterday I was worried about graduating high school and moving on to college. Now, amazingly, I am already worried about graduating college and moving on from there. It baffles my mind!
But I will try to enjoy my birthday, even if 20 is such an odd year. You are no longer a teenager, but still are not a full adult… I’m in limbo! I can hear the Twilight Zone music playing already! I have more stressful things to worry about in my 20th year on this blue marble anyway, such as the 30 page research paper I have due by the end of the semester…
Celebrate! 
Email
YIM
ICQ