Degree in liberal arts? You want fries with that?

As you probably know, I attended 4 colleges in my post-secondary career. Primarily in my quest to play college basketball--which I did. But that aside, I decided it might be fun to compare the different aspects of each, once and for all. Just kind of compiling my various favorites at each place.

Pittsburg State University: NCAA Div. II--Pittsburg, KS (Fall 2003)

Mascot: Gorillas
Where I played ball: The Weede Gymnasium--on PSU campus, Pittsburg YMCA
Best basketball moment: Dominating 3-on3 intramurals with Justin, Cortney, and Eric.
Best teacher: Chuck Killingsworth. He only "taught" my Freshman Experience class, but he's the only guy whose name I remember, and was a pretty cool guy.
Best friend: Justin Rogers
Crushes: Krystine Foster, Laura Garrison

McPherson College: NAIA--McPherson, KS (Spring/Fall 2004)
Mascot: Bulldogs
Where I played ball: Sports Center--on MC campus.
Best basketball moment: Getting the chance to play for Coach Trimmell--even if just in practice. Scoring 56 points in an intramural game was pretty neat, too.
Best teacher: Whoever taught my biology class. Female, maybe in her late-30s or so. She was pregnant during one of my two semesters there (for anyone reading this who may know who I'm talking about). She was real cool, and actually got me semi-interested in science--which I never thought possible. Wish I could remember her name...
Best friend: Justin Bacon
Crush: Sarah Story

Kansas Wesleyan University: NAIA--Salina, KS (Spring 2005)

Mascot: Coyotes
Where I played ball: St. John's Military School--I played there with some football guys on occasion. Oh, and don't forget the shoddy old gym with the yellow lighting.
Best basketball moment: Playing college basketball, period. Circumstances were all but ideal, but I did it, nonetheless. Playing against my pals from McPherson, and my ex-roommates Donta' and Travis was really cool--though I would've rather been on the other side.
Best teacher: No good ones stand out. This was not a pleasant semester for me. Yikes.
Best friend: No one. Not while I was there, anyway. Ashley Hurd and I have become good friends since, though.
Crush: No one. I kept to myself--a lot.

Wichita State University: NCAA Div. I--Wichita, KS (2005-2007)
Mascot: Shockers
Where I played ball: Heskett Center--on WSU campus. Still play there whenever I can get back up there. I try to once a week.
Best basketball moment: Just the everyday camaraderie of the guys up at Heskett.
Best teacher: Stephen Hathaway. I took three different Literature classes from him. Would've taken more if I could. Hilarious man, and a very good teacher. Second place: Lindsey Harvell. But mostly because we became friends after that class. It was her first semester as a "real teacher," and she's only 3 years older than me. Cool chick.
Best friend: Amanda Walker. Best person I know, period. My hero. Though I miss Mac all the time, had I stayed, I never would've met her. Because of her, I realize God has a plan with everything He does.
Crushes: Amanda Walker, Darcie Spresser.

Is it weird that I never dated a single one of these college crushes? The only girlfriend I ever had while in college was with a girl I'd actually gone to High School with. This seems a little sad.

Tale of the tape:
Best campus: McPherson College. Small, but very homey. I miss that place every day.
Best cafeteria: Pittsburg State. The food may have been slightly better at Mac, but the convenience, the selection, and friendliness of cooks gives Pitt the edge.
Best dorms: McPherson College. Especially if you lived in Morrison Hall. Second place: Wichita State. The other two schools? Not quality.
Best athletic facilities: McPherson College. K-Dub has built a new gym that I haven't seen since I left. WSU has a very slick D-1 arena (Koch). But without a legit football stadium--or at least a team to use it--it's got to be Mac.
Best coach: Roger Trimmell, McPherson College. Not really even close here. If you know him, you know why. Second place: Nelson Haggerty (ex-Pitt State assistant). Very caring young coach who deserves a shot at the big-time someday. Honorable mention: Mark Turgeon (ex-WSU coach). A few isolated conversations with him, and attended a camp, but obviously never played for him.

I am sure this is not the least bit interesting to any of you, but it gave me something to sort out, if nothing else. Curse me and my OCD, eh?

*Sigh*

Do the right thing,
Derrick

Warning: If you read this, you'll learn something new...

I'm a pretty open cat, if you know me. Finding a secret on me is like finding a needle made from hay in...well, you know--a haystack.

But I decided to dig deep and come up with some things that some folks may not know about me. I do this every-so-often, and figured I was due. Some of these things are quite embarrassing--but alas...

- In 2nd grade, I wanted to be a preacher when I grew up.

- I'd had a long day at school and basketball practice the day before my grandfather died--so I told my mom I'd pass on visiting him in the hospital. Doctors assured us his condition wasn't serious, and he'd be fine. No worries, I figured--I'd see him in a few days. He passed away in the middle of the night. My decision that day still bothers me sometimes.

- My first kiss was approximately 6 weeks before my 18th birthday.

- I would marry (______) today, if she let me.

- I had this High School classmate--real cool chica. I've said occasionally for years (almost always to myself) that I definitely wouldn't mind marrying a girl exactly like her someday. I can't think of anyone who knows (guessing aside) who I'm referring to.

- If I don't have a kid before December 19, 2014--I will consider myself a major disappointment.

- The first episode of SportsCenter I ever recall watching was on November 7, 1991. It remains the most memorable thing I've ever seen on ESPN. I couldn't actually find an ESPN clip--they appear to be stingy with their rights--but here's one from CNN. It's 9:56 long, but you'll get the idea very shortly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSfy4AhDDnw

- I did not go to my High School graduation. People insisted I'd regret it, but truth be told, I often even forget that I didn't go. My college graduation was much more important to me. I went to that one--almost entirely for my mom.

- I absolutely love Pretty Prairie, KS. There, I said it.


- I love to sing. Almost exclusively in my car. Primarily along with various country songs, but not that part's not exclusive. I'm convinced I'm pretty okay at it, too.

- I was 100% comfortable with my weight until 2005. My college basketball coach (Jones, not Trimmell--Trimmell was too busy being a good person, and winning games to ever demean his players) made several comments about it. Even resorted to cheap name-calling. To this day, I am self-conscious about my weight because of that man. I think about it at least a dozen times a day.

- I have never been in a relationship with anyone on Facebook. I've also never had a girlfriend in the summertime. Or the fall, now that I think about it. More specifically, never between June-October. Whoa...

One last one that I'm borrowing from a flick (gee, guess which one), but I always liked it, and it holds true for me, too...

- "I could be fun, if you want. I could be pensive, uhh...smart, superstitious, brave? And I, uhh--I can be light on my feet. I could be whatever you want. You just tell me what you want, and I'm gonna be that for you."

"You're dumb."

- "I could be that."

Do the right thing,
Derrick

My friend, Ashley--my other half. Not like that, though.

So my good friend Ashley moved to St. Louis [well, Ballwin], Missouri this past week. I promised I'd write a blog about her, so here goes...

Ashley Erin Hurd was born in...

Just kidding. Not that kind of blog. That'd be weird.

Ashley and I are...well, pretty different. Then again, we're exactly the same.

Let's run the stats:

She's a chick, I'm a dude.
She's black, I'm white.
She's from the city, I'm from the country.

That's where the differences end...

We're kind of the same, otherwise. I can't tell you how many movies we went to together--20, Ashley? Somewhere in there, I reckon. That was our main outlet for hanging out--going to the movies. That, and her soccer games. Man, her soccer games...

Various teammates of hers basically thought we should be married. We constantly bickered at each other (in a loving way, of course), so I guess they figured we already acted married, anyway. After the first few times, we really just did it to mess with them. Pretty funny stuff.

We have a unique relationship--where one of us will say: "I hate you," and the other just laughs. On her last day, she said something--picking on me--and I replied: "Man, I'm so glad you're leaving." We all busted out laughing.

Obviously, that wasn't true. I miss her--always will. She is a terrific person. Lots of fun. Just don't tell her I said that.

Most embarrassing moment with Ashley: Clubbing in Kansas City for her birthday--group of 10. How many white folks do you think were in the group? Yup, just me. It was all gravy, though--until we hit this one spot. You know the kind--where you're certain you'll see three or four handguns just within your peripherals, upon entry. The kind of back-alley hole in the wall that charges you $20 to get in, even though the place is no bigger than your kitchen at home. Packed to the gills, too. If you think my blood was pumping a little faster that night--you'd be correct.

**Since we somehow don't have a single picture with just the two of us...this is the best I could come do (from that night, too). All 10 of us in an elevator. Cropped the best I could, but Brian's shades--and G's forehead--still made it into the shot.**

Most important lesson learned from Ashley: White people can love Popeye's chicken, too. Which is nice, because it's pretty much--not to oversell it here--the best thing ever in life. I may never eat KFC again. KFC is like the retarded, blind little step-brother of Popeye's. Gosh darn it, he tries hard, but he just doesn't get the job done.

Most harrowing moment with Ashley: It's the 21st century. People shouldn't have an issue with mixed-race couples by now. But set a white guy and a black girl (who are 110% just friends, by the way, and always will be) on a bench in downtown Wichita, KS after midnight--you'd be surprised how many awkward looks you get. We had fun with it. That's how we are. Kind of like with her teammates--always fun to mess with people. Still, just a little ridiculous.

Most annoying moment with Ashley: I may never forgive her for making me sit through Mamma Mia. Two hours and nine bucks I'll never get back. Absolute garbage. May be the closest thing to a real fight we ever have.

Anyways, I've rambled on long enough. You get the idea. If I say much more, she might get the idea that she's actually important to me. Yuck!

Just kidding, Ashley.
I miss you.

I hope your new home suits you well, and that this finds you smiling.

Your white friend,
Derrick

A half-truth equals a whole lie.

Since my sister [hi, Rhonda] recently blogged about lying, and I seem to lack creativity lately--I will, too. Going to try to dive a little deeper into the topic of lying, rather than just bellyache about it--like most people seem to do.

I've always thought it was silly for people to ask: "Why do guys (or girls) lie?"

I have two thoughts when I hear this question...
1. There are different "reasons"--no one in particular.
2. It shouldn't matter why they lie, just that they lie. Shows character--err, lack thereof.

1. The reason I say there are many reasons is because it depends on the person, and the situation.
- Some people lie just because they can. They probably got away with it once, and they saw how easy it was for them.
- Some people lie out of guilt. They probably did something they knew was wrong, and assume the truth will hurt more, so they lie to "protect" the person they're lying to.

-The vague question of "Why do people lie?," as if the answer is roundly the same--ridiculous. Each case is different.

In my case...I don't know why I was lied to. My best guess is this...

-She wanted so badly for me to like her (at first, anyway), that she tried to be the person she thought I wanted. In fairness, she was probably lying to herself, too. But that's no better. In fact, it may be even worse than lying to me.

2. Once you know you've been lied to, things seem to crumble from there. How far back do the lies go? Where do they end?
-Example: I was blatantly ignored for months [convinced she found someone else, and decided instead of being honest, disregarding my existence all together was an easier route]. And then...

I get a 2-page text message apology out of the blue last week. It read (exactly) as follows...

"I know I am probably the last person you want to hear from, but i want to apologize. I am sorry for hurting you. You deserve so much better than me. Whoever you end up w/ is very lucky and i hope she knows that. You are an amazing guy i let slip through my fingers."

Quasi-sincere, eh? Or maybe not. My conclusion?

Doesn't matter whether it is or isn't. The motives for such an act were obviously skewed, regardless of their intent--thus not warranting a reply.

Could the text itself be a lie? Sure. Could it be heartfelt? Maybe. Though evidence points to the contrary. Regardless, for once in my life, I don't want the last word.

Several response ideas popped in my head at the time. Here are some samples:

"I wouldn't have slipped through your fingers, if you would've bothered to hold on."

"All you ever had to do was make an effort, and be honest."

"Yeah, I know."

"Liar."

But it wasn't worth it. High road, and all that jazz, you know...

It was great for a time--it really was. But was it real? I think so. But even then, my drastic efforts aside--something changed. And I'm done with it.

I'm choosing to say more...by saying nothing. I'm darn proud of that decision.

...and that's no lie.

"Always tell the truth. That way, you don't have to remember what you said." - Mark Twain

Do the right thing,
Derrick

PS--Random thought of the day: If anyone knows any girls with a voice even half as sexy as Jennifer Nettles, send her my digits. These are two of the most incredible music videos I've ever seen--and I'm a dude. Check them out--even if you've seen them before. You can almost see her soul. Amazing, I think.

Just goes to show...vulnerable can be sexy.


"Stay"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIyxkZod2cM&feature=PlayList&p=6FBE4F77F860DCF8&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=1

"Keep You"
http://www.cmt.com/videos/sugarland/441354/keep-you.jhtml?id=1622764

This woman would be hot, even if she were ugly. But she isn't--and that's awesome. Enjoy.

You can't trade cents for sense.

Just for kicks and giggles, I decided to ponder a few things that don't make any sense to me, whatsoever...here goes:

1. Why we're taught "I before E, except after C." That's just sheer ignorance.

Just off the top of my head:

neighbor
weigh
weight
eight
sleigh
vein
veil
height
either
neither
seize
weird

I could go on, but you get the idea.

2. The phrase "after dark." The way it is used makes no sense. "After dark" is said when someone is referring to nighttime--thus making it after light.

3. "Promotional considerations provided by..." Don't get me wrong, I get it. But to me, this sounds like they're saying: "Here are some folks who thought about promoting our show, but then decided not to."

4. Disney characters Goofy and Pluto. Goofy stands, walks around--and wears clothes--just like a human. Pluto walks on all fours, and even has a collar. Um...they're both dogs. What gives?


5. Signs on dirt roads that say "Muddy When Wet." Why is that even necessary? Maybe it's a Kansas backwoods thing?

6. If you buy a CD at Wal-Mart that may have profane language, it's edited out--but you can buy guns and ammo there.

7. You can go to war and die for your country at 18, but can't drink until 21. Remember, this is coming from someone who doesn't drink, and couldn't care less about the drinking age. But still...

8. It's illegal to tape record Monday Night Football, then watch it with your friends--without expressed written consent.

9. It's against the law to rip the tag off your mattress.

10. The horrible fear of spiders. This is my most "normal" mention, but...I just don't get it, and never will. Anything that can fit under my shoe--you know, for the sake of squishing--I refuse to fear. Sorry.

Addendum: Spider bites are another story. For example, if a huge spider crawls across my face and bites me in my sleep--OK, I'll be upset, and aching, no doubt. Or if I wake up with one on my face, I'll certainly be startled. But otherwise? Eh.
+=

Couldn't think of anything significant to write, so this is what I came up with. Lame, eh? I'll write something more substantial soon. Enjoy.

Do the right thing,
Derrick