It's Never Too Late For Starting Over

**JayCarrFan** · 09-19-2009, 02:59 AM

Well, a lot has changed recently. I graduated college in May, got a wonderful girlfriend the same month, but now I'm living at home in Memphis once again, and my life is currently turning quite stagnant. I'm gonna be substitute teaching soon. I'm hoping to use it as a chance to land a full-time job. Recently though, I've been painting my grandmother's house for some extra money. It's funny, when I was 15, I painted houses as my first job, now I'm doing it again with a college degree!

Also interesting, the girl I'm dating is a manager at Chickfila, and her store is the sister store of the one I worked at for 3 and a half years. Her boss is actually the one that interviewed me. Even stranger, her boss is now the volunteer youth/college pastor for my church.

My church... It's nice to say that. I guess that's the best part about being back in Memphis. I'm back to the Church I've been around my entire life. I do a lot of work with the Youth and college there, but they don't keep me nearly as busy as I was in high school.

So, back to the original paragraph, some things seem to be stagnating. It's weird. For years, I was the one who went off to school, and all my friends stayed in Memphis. Now, I'm back, and for the most part, they aren't around. One is in the Army and is stationed at Ft Drum, NY before shipping out next month to Iraq. Another moved to Nashville to continue working for FedEx. Even my younger brother is off to Ouchita Baptist University in Arkansas.

The friend who went to Nashville is proposing to his girlfriend tomorrow, and wants me to help him set it up. It's weird, his girlfriend lives here, and he comes home practically every weekend. Anyway, he wanted me to be there to help him pull off an awesome proposal, but I'm due to be at a wedding. Instead, I'm just gonna help him set it up earlier in the day.

Have I mentioned that I just can't sleep tonight?

My guitar and banjo skills have progressed slowly. I just find myself stuck being a jack of all trades, and a master of none. And because of that, I just never seem able to focus on a single thing, like playing guitar or learning a new instrument. I have the knowledge necessary, I have some level of musical ability, but I just never seem to have enough desire or patience. Then, when I do practice, I get frustrated if it doesn't sound exactly right. Or, I get too upset at the fact that my girlfriend has my capo, and I can't play what I want to. And this isn't just about music, I'm decent at a lot of things, but I don't know of anything I specialize in.

In other news, I'm looking to sell my truck soon and get something better. You see, I've always limited myself to the Nissan Frontier because I figured I didn't need the power of a full-size truck, and couldn't afford the gas mileage. But, recently, I've learned that my truck struggles pulling a trailer, and my gas mileage is not very good at all. Things really came to a head last week when I borrowed my dad's F250 for a week. He and mom were out of town in the Camry, and my truck was in the shop. I drove the 5.4L V8 for 5 days, used nearly a tank of gas, and when I filled it back up, I realized I had been getting 15.4 miles to the gallon. THAT'S WHAT MY NISSAN FRONTIER GETS WITH A 3.3L V6! So, in the near future, once I get the sub job and a regular paycheck, I'm gonna look for an F-150 with an extra cab and a stick shift. I miss driving a stick shift.

Also, I got a new pair of tennis shoes this week, which by itself isn't very remarkable. However, I wish to make it known that this is my first new pair of tennis shoes since my sophomore year of high school! That was 7 years ago! Maybe I'm cheaper than I thought..

I pre-ordered the new David Crowder*Band album, and I'm really looking forward to its arrival, I need something new around here.

I think that covers most everything. Maybe now I can get some sleep...

**JayCarrFan** · 09-19-2009, 03:07 AM

Ok, now that I've changed my signature and some other stuff, I have no excuse not to go to sleep. Goodnight, West Coasters.

**Rainer.** · 09-19-2009, 03:17 AM

G'night, Andrew.

Good to have you back?

**Gustin** · 09-19-2009, 03:37 AM

That's cool about Wes. I never did get a chance to meet up with him. How's he handling it around here? If he's still looking for people to hang out with or a church or whatever let me know... I'm closer to where he moved now.

It's nice to see you actively around again... I was starting to wonder where you ran off to.

bravesfan007 · 09-19-2009, 08:25 AM

Seems like there is a lot going on in your life about like mine, but we are kind of in the same place. It's kind of sad because I find myself living a fairly stagnant life too. I mean, I get up, go to work, come home, and repeat for five days. On the weekends I'm not doing much to actually mention besides homework and other necessary evils since I'm enrolled in a graduate program.

It's good to have you back around though.

**JayCarrFan** · 09-19-2009, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainer.

G'night, Andrew.

Good to have you back?

Why is that a question?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gustin

That's cool about Wes. I never did get a chance to meet up with him. How's he handling it around here? If he's still looking for people to hang out with or a church or whatever let me know... I'm closer to where he moved now.

It's nice to see you actively around again... I was starting to wonder where you ran off to.

Honestly, Wes is in Memphis every weekend, I don't think he really does anything in Nashville. I think he just works all day and sits at a computer all night.

Yeah, I didn't exactly run off, I just got busy and stopped blogging.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bravesfan007

Seems like there is a lot going on in your life about like mine, but we are kind of in the same place. It's kind of sad because I find myself living a fairly stagnant life too. I mean, I get up, go to work, come home, and repeat for five days. On the weekends I'm not doing much to actually mention besides homework and other necessary evils since I'm enrolled in a graduate program.

It's good to have you back around though.

I do not regret my decision not to go straight into grad school. At some point, I'd like to get my Master's in Education, but I'd rather teach some first.

Just finished a family brunch. My older brother and his wife are in town for my cousin's wedding tonight, so we had a nice big family meal of pancakes, pineapple, bacon, and muffins. It was spectacular.

My shoulder is hurting this morning, no idea why. I think I'm just cursed with bad joints. I really don't look forward to how bad this is gonna hurt when I'm actually old.

gg7 · 09-19-2009, 02:32 PM

Hey Andrew. *re-subscribed*

**JayCarrFan** · 09-20-2009, 12:03 AM

Well, I helped my friend set up for his proposal. It was quite extravagant, fireworks and everything. My cousin's wedding went really well, but I'm pretty much exhausted from the days festivities. Also, I just couldn't sleep last night. I was up until 4 AM, tossing and turning. Maybe tonight will be better.

I've had a blurry spot in my left eye for three days now. I emailed an optometrist friend about yesterday, and he told me to change to a new pair of contacts and give it a few more days. If that doesn't fix things, it could be something serious.

***Art*** · 09-20-2009, 12:43 AM

*grumble* screwing up my subscriptions

Glad to have you back.

**JayCarrFan** · 09-21-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art

*grumble* screwing up my subscriptions

Glad to have you back.

Yeah Art, I'm sure I cause you more trouble than any one else on these forums...

So, showed my girlfriend the movie Psycho today. First time she had ever seen it. She didn't freak out much at the ending, much to my disappointment.

I have to get up early in the morning for Sub Training. I have no idea what happens at Substitute Teacher Training.

**JayCarrFan** · 09-22-2009, 05:48 PM

New David Crowder Band album arrived by mail today. I preordered it, so I also have it on vinyl. Also included is a bonus acoustic album download. The CD is currently ripping to the computer, and the digital album is downloading. I am filled with great anticipation.

**Rainer.** · 09-22-2009, 07:39 PM

Vinyl, CD, and Digital? That's intense.

**JayCarrFan** · 09-22-2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainer.

Vinyl, CD, and Digital? That's intense.

Did I mention the four bonus acoustic tracks included with the download?

bravesfan007 · 09-22-2009, 08:48 PM

And what are your opinions on the album? I'm a loser who didn't preorder.

SupaNova · 09-22-2009, 09:49 PM

I really wanted to pre-order the vinyl, but I just couldn't justify spending thirty five bucks on music at the moment, especially while my old turntable still needs a new needle. Anyway, the album itself is a fantastic piece of work. After my first few listens yesterday, I was convinced that these guys are still easily some of the most competent musicians working in the christian slice of the industry. Maybe even the music industry at large.

How are the acoustic tracks?