Raggers

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:07:49 GMT

I went back to camp the other night, to tie a friend's Silver Rag at a Ragger's Ceremony. It was a really nice experience, to see old friends and campers, and talking about the days when I had been a camper and when I had become a staff member.

Raggers is a YMCA program with seven levels of challenges to make one's self better and to strengthen their relationship with God. It takes no less than 10 years to complete them. I'm currently on the fourth (Gold Rag) and the friend who's Rag I tied last night is the second level. I don't know if I'll ever go beyond my Gold Rag. The truth is, I'm not sure if I'm as dedicated as I used to be.

When I went to last night's ceremonies (I also attended a Brown Rag ceremony), it was a real eye-opener for me. One thing that really got to me was when one of the counselors read a poem that I haven't heard in years. I remembered the first time that I had heard it, and the impact it had on my 15 year old self. The poem is called The Man in the Glass, and it was written by Dale Wimbrow. Hearing that poem made me realize exactly what I have - and more importantly, haven't - been doing with my life. It may very well have been the swift kick in the ass that I've been needing to get my life back on track.

Anyways, without further ado, I'll provide the poem here for your viewing pleasure:

The Man In The Glass

by Dale Wimbrow, 1895-1954

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people might think you're a straight-shootin' chum,
And call you a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.

He's the fellow to please - never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear to the end.
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass.

The Last 6 Years of My Life

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:02:25 GMT

In lieu of better posting material, here's the latest survey floating around on my Myspace bulletin board...

6 YEARS

1.) How old were you?: 16

2.) Where did you go to school?: Alvarado High School

5.) Where did you hang out?: Band Hall

6.) Did you wear glasses?: no

7.) Who were your best friend(s)?: Amanda S., Amanda Kay, and Meghan

8.) How many tattoos did you have?: None

9.) How many piercings did you have?: One in each of my earlobes

10.) What car did you drive?: I didn't have a car yet

11.) Had you been to a real party?: Nope

12.) Had You had your heart broken?: No

13.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced?: Single

3 YEARS AGO

1.) How old were you?: 18

2.) Where did you go to school: Tarleton State University

3.) Where did you work? I didn't

4.) Where did you live?: Stephenville, TX

5.) Where did you hang out?: School, Bostock's, City Limits, Scotty's house, etc.

6.) Did you wear glasses?: No

7.) Who were your best friend(s)?: Meghan, Amanda, Scotty, Candice, Heather, and all of the girls from Theta Iota Epsilon.

9.) How many tattoos did you have.?: None

10.) How many piercings did you have?: Same as always - just the ears

11) What car did you drive?: A 2001 Ford Escort

12) Had your heart broken?: I thought I had

13. Single/Taken/Married/Divorced?: I had just started dating Tony at this point

TODAY

1.) How old are you?: 21

2.) Where do you work?: At UTA, as a full-time student

3.) Where do you live?: Arlington, TX

4.) Do you wear glasses?: When I'm reading or playing music, yes

5.) Who are your best friends/close friends?: Amanda, Tony, and Michelle

6.) Do you talk to your old friends?: Yes

7.) How many piercings do you have?: I have needle fear, ya'll. Still the same old earlobes.

8.) How many tattoos?: None

9.) What kind of car do you have?: 2001 Ford Escort (that is one tough car, ya'll)

10.) Has your heart been broken?: Yes

11.) single/taken/divorced/married?: Taken

amber837

Raggers

The Last 6 Years of My Life