Bloggin' On The Spot

I'm not totally sure why I'm writing this blog, or where I'm going with it, but it just feels right. I don't even care if anybody reads it, it just feels good writing it. Ya Dig? I just kind of got that blogging spark back.........so here we go!

Winter Break is an interesting thing, it gives you time to relax and hang out with cool people who are home for the holidays. But more importantly, it gives you a real good chance to just sit and think. By just letting my mind wander, I've actually come up with some inspirational thoughts (these can even be considered New Year's resolutions). If you're not into this sort of thing, then that's cool, but I just really wanted to drop this blog for some reason.

With the semester over (thank the Lord!), I found myself really needing to regroup. Through this process I have come up with a couple of realizations. My first one is to always think and act positively. Sometimes this may seem hard or frustrating, but it's well worth it for yourself and others. I like the thought that you should always treat others in the way you want to be treated, it makes sense. I've really been trying to improve on that and trying to make my relationships with other people the best they can be. I honestly believe that if you can do this successfully, you WILL live a happy life (which is pretty damn cool, if you ask me).

This brings me to my second thought, appreciating the time you spend with people. As lame as this may sound, it's so true. I really wish I could always be bursting with joy and have fun every second of my life when I'm around other people. Unfortunately, this is pretty difficult to accomplish. That's why I'm also working on making the best out of every experience. Let's face it, we're all going to face hardship and struggle, but if we make the best out of what we have, things will work themselves out pretty nicely.

My last thought is a little more internal. It's all about being proud with who you are at the end of the day, and having no regrets. I think this is possible by having good people in your life and being true to yourself. I also want to work on learning from my mistakes. By this, I mean not making the same mistake twice.

This has already been a rock solid winter break and I have honestly enjoyed spending time with my family and friends (which to me, is what the holidays are all about). I think it's the coolest thing when you picture the time you've spent with close people, and can't help but smile. I really think that's the way life is meant to be lived.

I'm fully aware that this blog was soft and it lacked some humor, but that's how I meant it to be. It was nice and gentle.

Thanks for your time, and I hope everybody out there has an AWESOME NEW YEAR'S!

Go DU Basketball. Also, please feel free to vote in the NEW POLL located at the bottom of this page!

-Shaun

The Bounce Back

Some might compare my blog to an Avalanche.......Because it just keeps gaining momentum! (WOW that was lame!)

So anyways,

Today was a pretty interesting day and I'm still not totally sure what to think about it. It all started at about noon, in my really fun math class. We had a class workshop day (which meant you are allowed to work in groups) on the assignment. As the kids in the class scrambled around to find friends to work with, I suddenly found myself alone, working all by myself. At the time, I didn't really care, I just started working. Things were going pretty well in group Shaun, until I got to problem #5, which was WAYYY over my head. Having no freaking idea even where to begin, I asked the three girls who sat in front of me for help. They also happened to be the three cutest girls in the whole class (so I must have really looked like a nerd working alone next to them). I simply asked, "Hey guys, do you know how to do #5?" It was obvious they heard my question, because they immediately stopped their conversation about what to wear and how drunk they got last weekend. All three of them stared at me in silence, then started ruthlessly laughing at me. I dont even know why they were laughing at me, maybe out of pity, but it was sure as hell embarrasing. I think the whole class stopped to watch me get embarrassed, and it seemed like some even joined in. I'm not even gonna lie, this cut me deep. These girls I don't even know teamed up and laughed at me, it was like they didn't even take me seriously (but I really needed their help). After straight up dissing at me, they just went back to their conversation and the assignment in their extremely exclusive group. I honestly felt lower than these three freshman chicks (I was down, but not out....).

At the time, I honestly didn't know what was wrong with me, I felt kind of pathetic. These three girls had me questioning myself, I felt like some kind of freak show! I was trying to figure out what I did wrong to get humiliated by these three freshman sorority girls. I played the question I asked over and over in my head to try to find a reason why I got laughed at.

So I just tried to shake it off and return my efforts back to problem #5. Hopeless and humiliated, I was just kind of sitting at my desk with my head down, staring at my paper. Then, out of nowhere, a girl from across the classroom came up to me and showed me how to do the dreaded problem #5. She was kind of a quiet, nerdy girl, who was nice, and happened to be my savior. I completed problem #5 with her help and turned in my workshop with pride. When I looked back, the three mean girls were frantically trying to figure out how to do problem #5 in the final minutes of class. They looked up at me (exiting the classroom in glory) and stared jealously, while I stuck my tongue out at them. The best part is, they never finished the workshop and they seemed PISSED about it.

So like I said before, I don't really know what to take away from this experience. Maybe it's to not question yourself or lower yourself to anyone.....ever. Or maybe its to appreciate the kindness of strangers who help you with math. One thing I do know is, The final result: Group Shaun (+ the help of the nerdy girl) 1, Three Mean girls 0.

Hopefully errrrrbody's doing well out there,

-Shaun

P.S.- Big Ups on the D.U. win tonight, I think they could be real contenders come March.

Realizations on the RTD

Your initial reaction after reading this blog will be similar to touching a stove......shocked by how hot it is!

Lets get things started (that's what she said). (not really). So I was riding the bus home from campus today (I know what you re thinking...Shaun's a loser for riding the bus!) Anyways, I stepped onto the all-but-glorious RTD, and silently took my seat, as usual. It was just the ordinary Tuesday, not great, but not horrible either. A few moments later, the bus pulled away, destined for the next stop on the route. When we arrived at the next stop, an Asian girl sat down in the seat in front of me. At first, she looked like every other passenger on the bus, kind of bored and unhappy (like my Dad!). She must have been only 15, still in high school. At the time, I didn't think much of it, I just kind of stared out the window, like I usually do. Reminiscing about my classes, homework I have to do and tests I have to study for, I found my good mood starting to deflate. Just about then, the young Asian girl in front of me pulled an Etch-A-Sketch out of her purple backpack. For those of you who dont know, or were robbed of a childhood, an Etch-A-Sketch is a little, red, plastic drawing device that utilizes two knobs and powder to create an image. Immediately, she started to play with it, like she had just gotten it as a present on Christmas morning. It was hard to ignore the fun and sense of excitement this Etch-A-Sketch brought to her.
After witnessing this event, it put me back in a really good mood for some reason. I started thinking about bright and happy memories. It was like the Etch-A-Sketch was contagious, spreading positive vibes, and I caught the virus of happiness. After seeing how a simple Etch-A-Sketch brought this girl so much happiness, I asked myself, "Is it possible for such a simple thing to bring me happiness?" "Why cant I always be happy like her?"
As the bus continued on, I realized that to be happy, we must have a source of happiness in our lives, like that girl's Etch-A-Sketch. We just need to find whatever it is that makes us happy and hold onto it, or else your life will disappoint you (which really sucks). And to think all of this came from a short RTD bus ride is pretty cool. If you think I went soft because I wrote this masterpiece, then forget you. Make the world a better place, punch an Atlanta Braves fan in the face. Rockies in October.

As always, thanks for reading and I hope everyone is feeling good out there.

-Shaun

Recent Thoughts

I've got really good vibes about this blog and I'm not sure why. My blog spot has always been a place where I can just be myself, without ever second guessing. That's probably the reason I started writing blogs in the first place. Its really interesting, you learn a lot about yourself by taking thoughts and feelings and publishing them. Throughout these last few years of blogging, my life has definitely changed, but its nice to still have a place to express yourself. I guess blogging is like soul searching, the more you search, the more you find out.

Given, my blog spot isn't the coolest one out there and my blogs aren't the talk of the town, but that's not important to me. What is important to me, is dropping epic blogs that change lives and I'm able to do that now more than ever. If blogs weren't created with meaning and intention, what would be the point in reading them?



At the end of the day, I feel damn good about myself and I think that's pretty cool. But sometimes it's not always like that, so you make changes to improve the situation. My Uncle once told me that the best thing you can do for yourself is to be a good person and everything else will just kind of fall into place. I also think that if you live with a positive mindset, your life will be a little bundle of joy.



On another note, how freakin' sick are the Rockies right now? I mean it feels like I finally found love in my life. I think they are going to be a serious force come playoff time. Its Hella tight to watch. If it comes to it, I wont hesitate to sell every item I own to get World Series tickets. Can you dig it?



Its tough to find another blog spot with as much soul and swag as whats goin' down here. Don't look down upon anyone unless you're helping them up. Keep it real everybody.



As always, Thanks for stopping by!



- Shaun

A Good Vent Session

Blogging is like venting. For those of you who don't know, venting is just an opportunity to release some thoughts or feelings that have been building up inside you for too long. I think venting is a really good thing, that we need to do more often. That way, we can live with honesty in our lives and avoid those hated stress build ups! Plus, after saying what you mean you will feel better about the world and about yourself. Another thing that can help is acquiring a more positive mindset to take away from your bad mood.

As most of you know, I work at King Soopers (FML). Well, after a 9 hour shift today, full of dealing with pushy customers and having the privilege to bag groceries all day, I suddenly found myself in the dumps. Sometimes, I honestly think its impossible to see the good in the world while working in that store. I slowly slumped through the day, with the thought of getting a paycheck soon, just looking forward to 5:15 p.m. (the time I got off). Somehow, I made it to 5:19 and clocked out to go home, with that bored/sad feeling still lingering over me, like a permanent raincloud. I walked out of the store, out of the artificial store lighting, and let the pure, warm evening sunshine hit my face. I took a deep breath and started to feel a LOT better. I just let the very uneventful day of pointless work slip right through my fingers, like sand from Huntington Beach (17Th & Ocean view). I guess you just cant take things too seriously and cut the stress and bad feelings loose, like a fishing line that got tangled in some weeds.

This has been a really good summer so far. I have taken advantage of chances to see pretty much all of the west coast (and the A's, Giants, Angels and Dodgers and the Lake Elsinore Storm). I have gone to some Rockies games and spent time with some pretty cool people. Now more than ever, I have realized you need to take advantage of the free time you have. I say this because time seems to be moving a little quicker each day, but each day is a damn good day to be alive. Being 19 is pretty crazy, considering its my last teenage year. The other day, when I was making fun of my Dad for being 53, he said it seems like just yesterday when he turned 19. It seems like my life is divided into spending time with my family, friends or work, and I never get to spend enough time with the first two. That's why I think it's really important to always be a loving, caring person around the important people in your life. For those of you who think I'm a bitch for dropping that last line, FORGET YOU!

Thanks everyone who read this one, hopefully the vent session wasn't too lame (unlike my cousin Keevan's rival blog page). I also must say, I'm very interested to where the Rockies currently are. They temporarily show flashes of greatness from time to time, I think they might be one of those teams you might want to watch out for. I plan on attending at least 25 more games this season, so get up off your lazy rear-ends and let's go watch some baseball!!!

Thanks again,

-Shaun Hicks

P.S.- Make the world a better place, punch Russell Martin in the face.

Patience Is a Virtue....

New Blog under construction, so check back REAL SOON.

What a Day.

Today has been one of those days that you see things from a different point of view, but its a good thing. Its really crazy to think what a difference what just one single day can make. When I woke up, it seemed just like any other ordinary day, but now that I write this, I realize it was much more than that. Since May 8th (the last day of finals at Wyoming) I have been between a rock and a hard place. I mean, yeah, its a good feeling to know that you completed your first year of college, but its stressful to have no idea what you are going to do with the next year of your life, or where you will be living in a few short months. Either go back to the University of Wyoming next year (which isnt a bad thing at all, or get accepted and attend CU-Boulder). Earlier today, none of these pressing questions had answers to match and it seemed like I was just living day-to-day.
Before I went to work today (to my anything but glorious job at King Soopers), I randomly checked my CU-Boulder application status online. Not expecting much, I glanced over the computer screen and pulled a double look for good reason.........because the application status had been updated and the first word was, "Congratulations!". I just took a second to think that my hard work last year had payed off by being accepted by CU-Boulder. I worked almost hard on my schoolwork as Joey T. and his buddies did on the triumphant success that the Feeny page has become. Let the feeny page serve as a beacon of hope to all of us in the struggle.
When I came home from work, I encountered my old man. I wanted to tell him, but I had to wait for the right moment to break the news. I pulled up the acceptance page and showed him, he took a second to realize what it said. Then I saw a grin grow on his face and he gave me a pound. Yes, thats right a pound, no high-five or handshake. It was a once in a lifetime event.
I guess this blog ends on a happy note, because at least I feel better knowing where im going to school next year. Plus this summer is about to really take off.

-Shaun.

The Great Return

Summer time is the blogging season, no more school, that's a good enough reason! Its time to really start blogging again, before my life passes me by, seriously! First I just want to shout to Sammy (the Chancellor), just for old-times sake. Oh yeah, vote in the new poll at the bottom of the page.

So I went to my little sister's golf banquet today back at Monarch High School, mainly because my Dad made me (and i am too scared to disobey him). Walking through those halls again definitely brought back some memories and feelings I forgot I ever had. It really got me thinking, once I saw all the kids who are still in high school. They seemed so care-free, having no idea where life was going to take them. Its crazy to think that was me only a year ago. It seems like so long ago, but just yesterday. I still have no idea where life will take me. It seems like time has started playing tricks on me. It leaves me pondering if anyone else feels like this. Don't get me wrong, life is amazing, but it just seems like it moves a little too fast sometimes. That's why Ive realized you must really appreciate the time you spend with people. Some of my very best memories came in the most unexpected times and places. I'm talking about those little bundle of joy memories, that make you want to give the world a hug.

It felt really good to play Saturday morning basketball again, even though I think I have gotten progressively worse. I still have my moments. I heard the ice cream truck today, WOW, that really made me feel like a little kid again. Like I was barefoot, sprinting to my Dad for money to get ice cream (the answer was usually no). I guess not that much has changed, I still ask my Dad for money and its still usually no! That's OK though, he wanted me to earn it, so I could be my own man, which is good for me I guess. Its starting to feel more like summer, little by little. I have a feeling that once I come home sunburned and happy from a Rockies game, summer will have officially set in. I am really trying to make the most of this summer, possibly even better than the summer of George. Can you dig it?

My Uncle once told me that, "If you are a legitimately good person, everything will work out for you". That's what im trying for. Im so glad summer is back, this blog spot is going to get more big hits than Larry Walker in 1997. No more blogging layoffs, I just hope you can keep up! (just like the rest of the Boulder-Bolder vs. Me) There is so much to write about and so little time. If there was ever a time to read my blog, the next few months would probably be it. Huge shout-out to everyone who read this one, I don't think as many people still read, but that's OK, im still going to pour my heart out onto the keyboard. I hope everyone is doing alright out there.

See you very soon!

-Shaun Hicks

Go Rockies.

Happiness

It seems like sometimes you just want to sit back and reminisce about the past, the world or people. It seems like far too long since I have really done this, like
I have been allowing the world to speed past right in front of my eyes. A couple days ago, on one of those shallow days, that you don't really take anything away from and just want to pass by, I started really thinking again. I believe that you should try to take something away from every day, or maybe learn something new to apply to the future. The reason why I really started reminiscing again was because I got a letter out of the blue from my Grandma. It was like my flames of thought were rekindled into a raging wildfire! The letter said that she was just thinking about me in her busy life, which came along with a ten dollar bill. This really got me thinking about all the times in the past when I have visited and spent time out in Illinois with her, about how meaningful it was to me that she sent me that letter. I think it really helped me escape that seemingly meaningless day and explore all of my great past memories of spending time with my Grandma, which translated to a huge smile on my face, followed by a few laughs. It felt really good to reintroduce these bright thoughts into my head, but no matter how much I close my eyes and reminisce, it wont ever compare to actually spending time with my Grandma. I know my Grandma will probably never read this, but she definitely deserved this shout-out. That letter in her familiar cursive writing (which I have had trouble reading since I was like 6!)gave me the opportunity to take something away from that shallow day. Now, that I look upon that day, it doesn't appear shallow at all, but extremely meaningful. We need more of that in this world, its those things that makes life worth living (well, that and the Rockies).

Thanks for your time and I hope everybody is proving themselves to the world out there.
-Shaun Hicks

Small Things

Today has been pretty ordinary so far, no complaints, but there is one event that occurred today that really got me thinking. The sun was shining today and I found myself with some free time, which was well spent now that I look back and reflect on it. Jake and I were just chillin' in our dorm, when a brilliant idea struck me. I suggested to go throw the frisbee and get some good, natural endorphins going, amidst of all the running around. It seems like playing outside in nice weather makes you feel good, it almost brings back those bright reminiscent memories and feelings from your childhood. Anyways, back to the story- Jake and I get out into a big grass field and start tossing the frisbee around for a while. After about twenty-five minutes of frisbee-catch, Jake decides he wants me to throw him a deep, hail-mary like pass. So, Jake lines up on the imaginary line of scrimmage, about ten feet to the right of me. I yell, "Set, on two, on two, hut, HIKE!". Jake then goes wheeling down the field like I have never seen him run before, on the brink of breaking the sound barrier. I wait for about four or five seconds and unleash on a throw that could have made Peyton Manning jealous. The throw starts off straight, then starts to tail off to the right a bit. About 60 or 70 yards later, Jake found himself in the midst of making a miraculous catch. With the frisbee curving to the right, Jake never stopped hustling. With his legs pumping faster than the pistons inside a Porsche-Turbo, Jake made a glorious catch over his right shoulder. I honestly thought he was never going to catch up to this throw, but in a titanic effort, he somehow found a way. I think we can all learn something from this event- to always try our hardest in tough situations and success will surely emerge. Jake proved this ideology to be true by not surrendering to this almost unfetchable frisbee. I hope this blog finds everyone in a good place and thanks for reading it.

-Shaun

FIRST GUEST BLOG APPEARANCE!!!

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

As you may have already noticed, a new blog (with a questionable title) has been dropped on the site today! I didn't change the title because the author of the Blog has the right to "Artistic Expression" on my site, you can say whatever the heck you feel. This new blog was from Joey Tusa, coming straight from Eugene, Oregon. This kid has a ton of blogging potential and he tells it how it is, Respect for that. Hopefully he can drop a new blog sometime again in the future. As for the interesting video posted, that is a couple of cool kids playing the latest fad sweeping the nation called Urban Golf (the name speaks for itself). On another note, there is a new poll at the bottom of the page, please feel free to participate! I hope everyone is doing well out there in the world. Stay updated if you know whats good for ya'.

Shaun Hicks Is Likes Men!

A day out on the links.

“Don’t let your silly dreams fall in between the crack of the bed and the wall.” My boy Jim James spit that lyric not so long ago and it really spoke to me. I always wanted to be involved with sports as a profession but now I’m not pursuing it in college. History is a fine major and all but can I see my whole career centered around it? Nope. But a life positioned around my true love, sports, is easy to picture. I realized I was slow, unathletic, and overall very poor years ago so being a professional athlete is out of the question. (My main man ‘Tino must have stolen all my athletic genes in Ms. Robinson’s class in 6^th grade.) So that leaves an option in sports management. Talking with Pat Hicks at Treasure Island over great barbecue chicken sandwiches made me realize that this is what I want to do.

Do what you love. I hope everyone understands this concept before its too late. Life is about finding things that make you happy. Your job is probably the most important thing you will have in life besides family so cherish it. A good example of this is my father. When he was 12 he wanted to be chef and he decided to pursue it with all his might. He overcame the shit wages and work on holidays to get to a position where he can make a comfortable living. So through hard work he prospered.

I think if anyone works hard enough they can make great money in any field of work. If you’re the best at a specific thing then you won’t have to worry about making money. Not making money is a fear of many and they choose a profession based on how much cash they can make. I find that very foolish because if you can’t put your heart into your profession you will never succeed. So follow your heart. We are at a cross roads in life where we decide our future. Make the best of it and make sure to be happy with your decisions.

P.S. Evelyn Is Not Real.

Yours Truly,
Joseph Baran Robert Tusa. A.K.A "The Rattler"

Concerns of the Colorado Rockies

These are some thoughts and reflections of the current Colorado Rockies' situation and if you don't like the Rockies then quite frankly, you suck. This Rockies offseason has been interesting thus far, with some questionable trades and acquisitions. (1) Firstly, lets start off with Matt Holliday being shipped off to Oakland and in return, we get Huston Street, Greg Smith and a promising farm prospect in Carlos Gonzales. Now, this trade makes it clear that the Rockies intent is to rebuild the franchise with young talent. Huston Street, Greg Smith and Carlos Gonzales are all under the age of 25 and they are all expected to blossom into Rock-Solid performers. Rock-Solid, Get It? HaHa. I think the best case scenario of this trade would be that, in a couple years, the Rockies become the Devil Rays of last season, by exploding onto the scene with young talent, along with potiential. I also think the expectations of another young gun, Ubaldo Jimenez have also increased. In conclusion, this trade is definitely in the realm of re-structuring the Rockies into a younger franchise, with room to develop, even though it's tough to say goodbye to Matt Holliday. (2) Secondly, the acquisition of Alan Embree from the A's just doesn't make sense. He is almost 40 and went 2-5 last year, with an ERA of4.96. He is just a piece of the puzzle that doesn't fit, plainly because he is bad (Thank God its only a one-year deal). This will be his Tenth Major-League team he has been a part of, he is just recycled trash. (3) Thirdly, Willy Taveras has recently signed with the Cincinnati Reds. This hurts the Rockies, because I heard that Willy is the funniest/coolest guy in the clubhouse, which hurts our team chemistry. But let's face it, the only thing on the field he had going for him was laying down a bunt and running his ass off. In my point of view, this doesn't really have much affect on the Rockies, it just opens up a spot on the 40 man roster. (4) Lastly, there is a trade that will most likely be finalized tomorrow, which brings Jason Marquis to Colorado, in exchange for Luis Vizcaino. This trade will help build up our starting rotation, in a good way. I kind of like this trade because Marquis went 11-9 last year on a successful Cubs team, compared to Vizcaino who is a mediocre right-handed reliever, with an ERA of 5.28. This trade gets my approval, but Dan O'Dowd still sucks.
This Offseason has been interesting, but hey, look at the bright side, we still got Clint Barmes! I am looking forward to catching a glimpse of this new Rockies team on Opening Day and if you happen to see Sabatino Chen, tell him to stop being a WIMP and help convince him to attend Opening Day with me.
I hope everyone is doing well out there,

-Shaun.