The World of Joel

So as you all know I have a wonderful girlfriend named Jenn who I have been with for almost four years now. Well when I decided to transfer out of Cal State San Bernardino during the Fall I knew I would see a lot less of Jenn as we used to carpool down to CSUSB together. Well that did happen and due to my work/school schedule we did end up seeing each other a lot less, and even less now in the Spring. So this has been tough on both of us and I can honestly say it has been stressful. We have managed just fine its just the constant running around trying to get thirty minutes with each other which is difficult.

Well to make a long story short I was coming back from seeing Reign Over Me during one of my long gaps at UC Irvine. I was driving back to school while talking to Jenn on the cell phone. She was supposed to be busy doing birthday shopping for her dad, and she kept asking about where I was, and where I usually parked. Well anyways I park at my normal area and I was tired and wanted to lay down in the back seat where I can stretch out. I see a girl walking up to the car, not paying attention to who it was I shut my door to let her pass. Well then the girl opens the door and wouldn’t you know it, it was Jenn. I don’t think I have ever been that happy, it was one of the most amazing surprises I have ever had. And to top it all off she took me out to eat at one of our favorite little spots in the OC, Spaghetti Bender. It was such a memorable surprise and one that I just couldn’t resist posting.

So I don’t know if I am a target or what the case is but whenever people want to beg for money they seem to always spot me out of a crowd. And you know where it happens the most? At the gas station. What is it about the gas station that always requires people to beg for money. Hey I know Gas is expensive I am buying the same gas everyone else is. The fact of the matter is I have no problem giving someone who needs money, money. However trying to figure out if someone is actually in need or if they are just going to by some booze is another question.

I am one that has always had the attitude that you have my respect until you give me reason not to. And so when people ask for money, and I happen to have cash on, I will give, and thus was the case this evening. On my way home from Jenn’s I stopped by the gas station, a lady came up asked me to help her family and so I gave her a few bucks. the problem I have with this is I never feel right just giving them cash. Pastor Tom Lance at the The Grove (the church I belong to) has recommended instead of giving cash to buy the person lunch or gas. I have taken his advice on one occasion and given gas but I guess I have that fear inside of me that the person may be dangerous and you just never know what’s going to happen.

So I guess I am just wondering if anyone has any feedback on this. I always think in terms of WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) and I feel that is to give no matter what the circumstance. My only wish was that the people begging for money weren’t so pushy. It’s one of those life events that happens on many occasions and you just have to remember how lucky you are.

Well I really thought I picked a good bracket this year. For the first round or two I was in the top of the rankings, but after that it just fell apart. Thanks a lot Texas for just totally letting me down, I can’t believe I laid my faith in you. But as part of the agreement for going into the tournament we have to give a link back to the winner of the tournament who was Bryan Le.

Congrats Bryan you did pick a good tournament, I would have never guessed Florida was going to repeat, but hey they were the best team! I am a big fantasy guy, and really enjoyed doing this, got to love college basketball.

Today is the first day of my spring quarter here at UC Irvine and this being my second quarter here I have to say I am feeling more comfortable. After what I feel as a rather dissapointing start here at UCI, I am ready to hit this quarter in stride and see if I can’t be just a bit more successful. I have to admit although I am here at a lot more then I was last quarter in terms of time my schedule this quarter really sets up a lot nicer then before. I just spent the last four plus hours in the library which I spent going over Calculus and reading a book for one of my classes. I got so much accomplished in so much less time then I would at home plus it was just nice and relaxing. Now I am here in my Global Economy class way to early but amazed that I am finally in a class that reminds me of what a “UC Class” is supposed to look like. It’s an extremely large stadium style auditorium that looks like it potentially could be a great movie theatre with 300+ students.

Spring quarter has begun and for the first time I actually feel ready. Here goes nothing!