Half A World Away

I got some exciting news over the past week!

In January 2009, I went to Uganda to help build a school through UWRF and it's involvement with Building Tomorrow. Through the experience, I met some amazing people!

We spent 2 weeks digging, moving bricks, hoeing, wheelbarrowing, doing some pretty intense and dirty work in the hot African sun. It seemed like this little building that was sprouting out of the ground was going nowhere...

Then, after completion in August 2010, the doors were set to open. And over the weekend, pictures were posted of the finished building.

Building Tomorrow Academy of Gita

supported by the University of Virginia

For the past several years, we did fundraisers at UWRF. We tried everything. Everything from reaching out to the high school to benefit concerts with Shawn Mullins to pancake breakfasts to biking the distance to Uganda to carnivals to selling Amy's amazing book purses. Everything.

Finally, we raised enough funds (along with the city of Indianapolis) to support a school. As of January 16, that school is now OPEN! Here are some pictures from the grand opening, which even featured the Vice President of Uganda.

Building Tomorrow Academy of Jomba

Supported by the University of Wisconsin - River Falls and the city of Indianapolis

"Thank you the City of Indianapolis and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls"

This feeling is unbelievable.

I find it so hard to imagine that after all these years, this process is complete.

The money. The events. The meetings. The ideas. The phone calls. All of our work from thousands of miles away.

The dirt we dug helped lay the floor that the kids will learn on.

The bricks we carried are now the walls of a school that they never had before.

My sweat. My soreness. My blisters. My blood (I'm accident prone). My heart and soul are in those buildings.

I am so proud of all the people that were involved, everyone that supported our efforts, and for all of us that were able to travel to Uganda (or attempted to) during UWRF's trips there.

Everything has made a world of difference, and for that I say

WEBALE!!

(thank you)

Our work is done.

But for these kids, the impact will last a lifetime.

To donate to Building Tomorrow,

please visit the website

Surreal

Today, I went to the grand opening of the new Salvador Dali museum.

Salvador Dali is my favorite artist. Most known for his surrealist style and being a complete weirdo, he has been one of the most influential artists of the past century.

So, when I moved to St. Petersburg and found out that they had a museum with the largest collection of his work outside of Spain, I instantly fell in love with it. Better yet, it was on the USF-St. Petersburg campus where I work.

For the past year and a half, I have been waiting for January 11, 2011 - when the museum would be moving down the road to a new location. I watched the building being constructed. I waited. And waited.

Today, it finally came.

The day's events started with a parade. It marched right by my building, so I was able to join in the march to the museum. Everyone in the parade had some of the craziest costumes you will ever see - all in Dali's surreal style.

We walked to the new location, where they did all of the ceremonial ribbon cutting and all the boring stuff. So I went back to work, but I got a wristband that would let me into the museum later in the day.

A few hours later, I returned.

I was lucky enough to be one of the people let into the collection on the day the museum opened.

By this point, I'm sure you're thinking... wow Jeff, you're such a nerd.

Don't judge me!

The inside of the building is amazing. Aside from all of the chaos of the other people inside, it was amazing! The staircase and the windows are the coolest parts. The gallery space is large enough to hold many of his paintings, as well as a lot of sketches that he has done. It also featured a local middle & high school surrealist project. And although I've seen it several times and heard the stories, I still got chills when the docent was explaining my favorite painting there, The Hallucinogenic Toreador (upper right painting- in real life, it's about 20 feet tall, and everything that Dali has hidden and the meaning behind what he included will make your jaw drop.)

Ok, so I scored major nerd points today, but it was so cool!

"There is only one difference between a madman and me. The madman thinks he is sane. I know I am mad."

"Each morning when I awake, I experience again a supreme pleasure - that of being Salvador Dali."

"I don't do drugs. I am drugs."

-Salvador Dali

Less is More

As I begin my last semester of grad school, I realize that there's a few things that I hope for. Accomplishing certain things will simply come down to how I spend my time.

Here's what I want:

Less time sitting on my couch in my apartment.

More time for running, gym, volleyball, badminton, kayaking, etc.

Less time alone.

More time with friends.

Less time worrying about the future.

More time focusing on the present.

Less time on facebook.

More time reading and writing.

Less time settling for routine.

More time making each moment special.

Finding a balance to life...

Essentially, it's less time for ordinary. More time for extraordinary.

More moments like this.

(1/7 - first day back in FL)

A Moment

This is something I've heard a few times over the past few years:

"You should start a blog."

"Why? I don't have a baby..."

"(Insert some other smartass comment here)"

"I want to know what you're up to"

"You do some cool stuff. People would love to see it"

"I'm not that interesting"

"Nobody would read it."

Ever since I started this, I have been apprehensive. Who would read this? Does anything I do really matter?

Last night, I had one of those moments that helped provide some clarity.

Rewind to Dec. 10th when this message came to me online from one of my friends:

i dont have a lot of time to talk, or to explain it, but i want you to know that you´ve helped me a lot in the last week. (even though you probably didnt even notice) i love you and am glad that after over 10 years that we are still friends.

This message came from one of the best friends I have ever had. I've known her since middle school, and she's always been such a big part of my life. Unfortunately, I don't get to see her very much because she moved away. Then I moved away. So every year or two, we usually get to see each other.

Twice, while home on break, I saw her.

And I asked her about it.

She just spent the past few month in Peru having the most amazing experiences you can imagine. But as she was getting closer to coming back, things were a little off. A recent breakup, readjusting to what life would be back home, going back to school full time, minor apartment dilemma... things were a little out of whack. She told me that reading my blog was the perfect thing for her. There were so many doubts, so many questions, and as she read, it struck something in her. It reminded her that she is not stuck in any situation- there is so much out there. It reminded her to never settle and to always keep looking for amazing opportunities. She told me she was proud of me for all of the things that I have accomplished. She told me that it inspired her to stay motivated so she can accomplish the things she wants in her life.

(Side note- I am horrible at receiving compliments, recognition, praise, etc. so although this was one of the most beautiful moments I've ever shared with a friend, it was torture!)

I was in shock.

I told her (and I've told her before) that she is one of the most amazing people I have ever met, and that her ability to move away, start over, her sense of adventure, and her love for living life is one of the things that has always inspired me.

A truly touching moment between two people who make each other jealous because of all the amazing experience and opportunities we've had.

I had no idea that me writing down random things could have any impact, but I'm glad it did.

That conversation inspired and motivated me even more.

So this is my promise. For me, for her, for everyone that stumbles across my site. I will continue to look for experiences and opportunities that will help me grow. I will keep challenging myself to accomplish my dreams, reach my goals, and live MY life. I will not stop living life to the fullest. I will make the most of this thing called life.

More importantly, I hope you'll promise to do the same.

And to my friend that I shared this moment with:

You should start a blog, and I love you

11 for '11

I feel like most people use this time of year to make goals that may or may not last.

I feel like the best method for follow-through is to just throw it all out there. Take risks. Share with people.

They say that your chances of accomplishing goals becomes exponentially greater if you write them down. Even more so if you some tell people. Even more so if you tell LOTS of people.

So with this (not that lots of people will read this), here are 11 goals that I hope to accomplish in 2011.

1. Accomplish (as much as I can of) the Florida List

2. Earn another 4.0 spring semester

3. Become a Master (graduate from grad school)

4. GET A JOB

5. Read 50 Books

6. Run a race every month (mostly 5K, some 5K w/ obstacles, & hopefully a 10K+)

7. More running goals- Run 211 miles, run for 10 miles, sub-7:00 mile

8. Complete P90X (I was 0/4 in 2010)

9. Lose 50+ lbs.

10. Visit 5 new states/countries

11. Smile and laugh. A lot.

Whole bunch of 1's

1/1/11

New year. New hopes. New ambitions. New opportunities.

New.

As every year passes, I spend a lot of time reflecting on how the previous year went. I also reminisce about the moments that made the year special. Because no matter what, even when bad things happen, there are so many positive moments that make life special.

I wanted to share my favorite moments of the past year. Keeping in mind that there infinite moments that I have enjoyed, some I have forgotten, many that I could have done without, but all making a piece of this thing called life.

My Top 10 of '10:

10 (tie). Jingle Bell Run - It's not very often that personal accomplishments make me proud, but this one does. My first 5K. My first race. Decent time too! To me, this is great not only for the race, but also for what the future will hold if I keep this up.

10 (tie). CSA Open House - It was so amazing being a part of Open House for our grad program, and being a resource for many that were looking at USF for grad school. I met so many great people, and it has been wonderful getting to know the ones that ultimately chose USF even better as this year has progressed.

9. Elton John Concert - This concert might have been my favorite of all time. It was that good. For an old(er) man, he can still rock it! Such a fun night with great friends.

8. Crystal River Excursion - Spent a weekend camping and learning about environmental impact in rivers and how it affects wildlife, including the manatees. I am so proud of my friend Colleen for organizing such a great weekend!

7. James' Wedding - One of the late 2010 moments was one of the best. A weekend filled with love and laughter. Can't beat that!

6. Swimming with manatees - My friend Amma and I found a place where you can snorkel with manatees. Turns out they're even bigger than me. So incredible to get up close to the gentle giants.

5. MN Trip - Took a couple grad school friends to Minnesota to show them home. Saw so many great MN friends. Got to play tour guide and do lots of fun touristy things in my own backyard.

4. Alternative Spring Break- Spent spring break in Cumberland Island, Georgia helping with the restoration of some of their historical preservation efforts. One of the most unique places I have ever been, with crazy wildlife, wilderness, and rooted in American history. Such a great group, and I learned a lot about myself as a leader through the process. I love team LEAD!

3. Space Shuttle Launch - I have ALWAYS wanted to see a space shuttle launch. The experience was unforgettable- from a 2AM road trip across the state, to embarrassing moments, to the deafening power of the shuttle taking off. A truly once in a lifetime moment.

2. Happiest Place on Earth - I go to Disney way too much. Since last December, I have spent 16 days there. So many people ask if it gets old. The answer is a definite NO. Every trip has something new. New people. New rides. New celebrations. Something unique and memorable happens every time. Some of the favorites include ESPN the weekend, HAB Disney Day, Brandon's visit and seeing Team Eschenbauch, and my parents coming to visit. Calling out Chad Ochocinco, a random lady "adopting" Amma, Angela's child-like wonder, dominating Justin at Buzz Lightyear, learning from Vince & Julia, teaching Peter Pan how to fly, Alice calling us out for being lost, JJ's excitement for Fantasmic, Laura passing out, Eargate scandal, getting fairy dusted by Tinkerbell, a Whoopi sighting, and finding random things to celebrate... it's pretty much my second home in Florida.

1. New England Summer - This was one of the best summers of my life. I spent my summer doing an internship with the Orientation program at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI. First off, this was probably the most incredible group of students I have ever seen. almost 50 people making up the most dysfunctional yet closest family and sharing so many memories with each other. I will remember them forever! Also, the entire summer was filled with unforgettable moments and so many once-in-a-lifetimes. Best roommate ever, aquarium trip, Newport mansions, several boston trips, Jenna & Doug's engagement, Sox game at Fenway, 4th of July in Boston & Bristol, being in the longest-running 4th of July parade in the country, beach day in Maine, NYC with Rose, parents coming to visit Boston, and an epic road trip back to FL. One of the best summers of my life!

Thank you to everyone who shared these moments with me, as well as all of the others that made 2010 a great year.

I am looking forward to the many adventures to come in 2011.

I hope you'll share them with me.

Always a groomsman, never a bride...

On Dec 18th a good friend of mine got married.

Rewind to December 8th, when he asked me to be a groomsman. Whoa

I don't want to bore anyone with the details or the day's events, but I just wanted to share a few thoughts from the day.

(thanks to some facebook stalking, I was able to find some pictures)

Groomsmen through my sunglasses.

I was honored to be able to go to the wedding. We mentioned it several times that weekend, but we've known each other for almost a decade now. And he's one of those people that I rarely see (every 1-3 years or so since high school has ended), but every time I do, it's like nothing has ever changed. And we've actually been able to get closer these last few years because his family moved to FL shortly after high school. So it's been great to reconnect with him and his entire family. I was excited when Mama V told me "you boys better keep in touch." I know I will- partially because his mom scares me a bit, but mostly because James has always been like a brother.

It was so much fun being a part (albeit a small one) of the wedding. This is the first time I've been in a wedding, and it was a blast! From hanging out with the friends and family, to being in the middle of the craziness, to the pictures, to picking up flowers the morning of the wedding in the rain, it was an adventure. There are so many moments that I will remember for a long time.

For me, one of my favorite things of the entire wedding weekend was being with James' family. (It still blows my mind to see how much his sisters have grown up since we were in high school, even though I've seen them a few times over the past 2 years...) James' family is the type of family that will wrestle around, constantly rip on each other and push each others' buttons, but then the next minute would be cuddled up on the couch watching movies together. Anyone would do anything for each other. When I envision the perfect family, and the type of family I hope to have in the future, theirs is pretty close to the top of the list of what I hope to have. Not even with just their own family. They will share the same amount of love with anyone, which has included me in a few cases. On a trip to check out USF before I even applied to grad schools, his family took me in, gave me a place to stay, took me to Universal, and made sure I had a great weekend (that having been the first time I saw his family in 5+ years). And when I was 1,500 miles away from my family for Thanksgiving last year, they made sure that I would not spend the day alone. If everyone had as much love as their entire family does, this world would be a much better place.

To James and Ashley,

Thank you for letting me be a part of your wedding, and I am excited to continue to be a part of the journey.

5,000 Reasons to Smile

Last night, I ran my first 5K race ever.

In my neighborhood, they have an annual Jingle Bell Run, which starts at the St. Petersburg Pier, goes most of the way to my apartment, then back to the pier.

It started a little rocky. I was trying to find a place to stash the bag I brought, until luckily my friend Rachel agreed to take it while she was walking. As it was starting.

So I started running, but the first half mile consisted of weaving in and out of walkers, dogs, strollers, kids, people standing, etc. aaahhh! Not the most enjoyable experience of my life.

Once I could finally get going, it was fun. SO many people, but the atmosphere was great! There were bands playing Christmas music along the entire way (I would have appreciated it more if I didn't have my headphones blaring), everyone was dressed up in Christmas outfits. I had no idea that there were that many jingle bells on the entire planet.

At 1-1.5 I started to feel sluggish. I didn't think I could do it. Dodging people was exhausting. At 1.5-2 I started to catch a little bit of a second wind. 2-2.5 was a blast. 25-3 was all adrenaline and not quitting.

The best part was seeing Caitlin, Monica, Justin, and Amma waiting at the finish line. Gave them high fives (Justin actually gave me 2 high fives!) and crossed the finish line!

Total Distance: 3.26 miles

Total Time: 29:45

Pace: 9:07/mile

My legs actually felt amazing, I just have to work on endurance... oh well.

First race-

DONE!

Thanks to Angela, Kyle, Jenna, Doug, Julia, Becca, Rachel, Juliann, Amma, Justin, Caitlin, and Monica for making this a truly amazing night!

Now, I look to the future- I'm down 25 lbs (even though it's not that noticeable yet...) so I will keep rocking that.

I plan on running a race every month next semester (and maybe all year depending on where I end up).

Many more good things to come...

...one step at a time

Lessons from Tangled

The other day, my friends and I went to see Tangled.

If you haven't seen it, stop reading. Right now. Get in your car. Drive to the theater. Go!

There is one part in the movie that was really inspiring- right before Rapunzel saw the lanterns.

She was talking with Flynn, and was starting to get really nervous. When she realized she was finally going to see them, she was overcome with a lot of emotions. Their conversation went something like this (not the exact quote, but my hazy recollection... I'll update it when I see it again, because let's face it... I probably will):

I have been waiting for this moment my whole life. It's been my dream. What if it isn't as great as I imagined?

And what if it is? Then my dream is over and I'll never have it back.

Then you'll just have to find a new dream...

The reason why this hit me the way it did is because I've had that same thought. As long as I can remember, the #1 thing I've always wanted to do was go on an African safari. The wildlife, the scenery, the adventure- everything about it has always appealed to me. That's the number 1 thing I want to do before I die.

In January 2009, I went on a safari during my trip to Uganda. It was incredible! One of the best days of my life included a morning safari in vans and then an afternoon boat ride on the Nile. Words can not describe how amazing it was!

And then, just like that, it was over. Crossed off my list. And for the past (almost) 2 years, any time the topic has come up of "what do you want to do before you die?" the first words or thought is always "well, I already completed my #1."

What I realize, is that if I keep thinking this way, I will never be able to have as great of a moment for the rest of my life. My thinking about this will always be in the past. So, like my homegirl Rapunzel (voiced by the amazing Mandy Moore), I need to find a new #1. Things like getting married and being a dad will always be at the top, but I need to find that thing that motivates me- that I strive to accomplish.

That way, when I get to cross it off, my soul will truly be happy.

Oh yea, and go see Tangled!