I logged in to Facebook the other evening. Something I saw almost brought me to tears and I had a flood of memories. It was Matt's birthday that day. March the 6th.
Matt was my buddy. I moved to Minnesota in pursuit of dreams and success. My first job there was as a school bus driver for the local company serving the district. I drove routes. Matt drove charters. One evening I was told I could take a team of young women on a trip to Albert Lea for their swim meet. I arrived safe and sound and I noticed another one of our busses in the high school parking lot. Sitting in the seat was a young guy around my age. He wore a purple shirt that said "MSU Aviation Department". I sauntered up and said, "How's it goin'?" He replied, "FAAAANTASTIC!" I didn't realize it then but I would remember that forever. It was his catch phrase and automatic response whenever some one asked how he was. He was positive and cheerful all the time. Matt had no worries.
I think we talked for six hours that night while our respective teams competed in their events. We wandered the halls of the school discussing fishing, archery, hunting, off-roading, and especially, flying. He was a green pilot; not yet licensed. He had a gleam in his eye. He had the bug that every aspiring pilot has.
We talked flying all the time after that. We shot bows together at the Gander Mountain store. We shared almost all interests. Life was good! Life is still good!
One Saturday evening we wandered to Gander to shoot our bows. He had a new one and shot it constantly. He could shoot for hours. I remember as we left the parking lot that night, I had the feeling that I should invite him to my church. I should give him the opportunity to see the gift God gave me. ...I chickened out. Probably afraid of rejection.
I moved not long after that. I went back to Iowa and then on to Texas. I kept in touch with Matt through Facebook. We continued to chat flying and he had earned his private license along with a fresh multi-engine rating. He was so excited about that! The day after Thanksgiving I got a phone call from a friend in Mankato. She told me that Matt had to work late the day before Thanksgiving but opted to fly to his home in Wisconsin for the holiday. He took off from Mankato airport and pointed his nose towards Wisconsin. He never made it.
Matt showed me that no matter where you are in life, you can be happy. Make your own happiness. If you want to be happy, be. I regret not inviting him to church. I found out later he was a devout Lutheran; something we oddly never talked about. I have high hopes that the Lord lived in Matt's heart. I pray that God was with him when he lost control.
Tailwinds Matt, and happy birthday my friend.
"According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death." Philippians 1:20-24
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Starting Fresh!
Well here we are. It's been a couple months since my latest update so I thought I'd let you all know where things stand right now. And by you all, I mean that one creepy dude who sees my blog. Yes YOU! Creepy dude! I know you're out there!
Anyway, I got through Christmas and New years and am back in Texas and back in school. Last semester ended really well and I was satisfied with the results of the classes I took. I ended up with a 3.0 GPA which is satisfactory for me. I'm hoping I can pull that up this semester. Also glad I don't have to retake any classes and didn't waste my time and money!
This semester I'm taking English part 2, History part 2, Economics part 2, Accounting part 1, and Music Appreciation. I love music appreciation! It's right up my alley and ought to be a fairly easy class to pass and fun to boot!
Christmas time was a lot of fun. I got to go back to Iowa for a couple weeks and even got quite a bit of flying in! Most of the hours I racked up were at night as well, which looks good in the logbook. Taking up friends to see Christmas lights is one of my favorite things to do!
I didn't get to see everyone that I had hoped to see while I was in town so if you're reading this and feel left out, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to skip out on you I just didn't make it around. I was going to try and head up north to visit Minnesota friends but that just didn't happen either. Time flew by faster than I thought it would! I guess that's to be expected on a vacation though.
Well I'm looking forward to another hopefully successful semester and I think it will go well. The only class I'm worried about is the Accounting class. It's pretty tough and the instructor moves quickly. Hopefully it won't be a problem!
I'll catch you all later!
"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son in whom we have redemption; the forgiveness of sins" - Colossians 1:13-14
Bye!
Anyway, I got through Christmas and New years and am back in Texas and back in school. Last semester ended really well and I was satisfied with the results of the classes I took. I ended up with a 3.0 GPA which is satisfactory for me. I'm hoping I can pull that up this semester. Also glad I don't have to retake any classes and didn't waste my time and money!
This semester I'm taking English part 2, History part 2, Economics part 2, Accounting part 1, and Music Appreciation. I love music appreciation! It's right up my alley and ought to be a fairly easy class to pass and fun to boot!
Christmas time was a lot of fun. I got to go back to Iowa for a couple weeks and even got quite a bit of flying in! Most of the hours I racked up were at night as well, which looks good in the logbook. Taking up friends to see Christmas lights is one of my favorite things to do!
I didn't get to see everyone that I had hoped to see while I was in town so if you're reading this and feel left out, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to skip out on you I just didn't make it around. I was going to try and head up north to visit Minnesota friends but that just didn't happen either. Time flew by faster than I thought it would! I guess that's to be expected on a vacation though.
Well I'm looking forward to another hopefully successful semester and I think it will go well. The only class I'm worried about is the Accounting class. It's pretty tough and the instructor moves quickly. Hopefully it won't be a problem!
I'll catch you all later!
"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son in whom we have redemption; the forgiveness of sins" - Colossians 1:13-14
Bye!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Things to Come...
As time passes life grows simpler as the decisions affecting life truly grow more difficult. My life has changed rather drastically in the last few months. My move to Texas has opened my eyes to the wonders of the world that God provides if only we listen. Is life perfect? Of course not, someone would be absurd to think so. However, God can provide perfect circumstances and pathways in this ever imperfect life.
I moved here for a few reasons. It started in January of this year. I have a fantastic person I'd like to share with you all. His name is Dr. Doug Snapp. He was my trumpet mentor and jazz leader at Minnesota State. He is a class act of a person and has a heart that is bigger and more golden than many people I have met. He truly cares for the people under his direction and he was my biggest inspiration for this move. If you ever question the greatness of this man's heart and the love he shows, just catch him hanging around with his wife. He has a gleam in his eye when they are together and they're an inspiration to young people everywhere. It helps that she's possibly the sweetest person I've ever met in my life. Seriously she rocks.
I slightly digress but I want everyone to know what got me in the mindset to move down here. This guy doesn't steer people wrong and always has an encouraging word to pass along. These last couple of years were hard on me. I moved away to pursue my "perfect dream".....well guess what....I screwed it up hardcore! But it's okay! Every empty pursuit of dreams or lonely path we wander in life always leads back to God if only we open ourselves to him. Jesus truly is a classy guy!
Even though my flying dreams were faltering these last two years, my trumpet playing had truly "taken off" (no pun intended). I had been playing stronger than ever. In fact I was playing things I had only dreamed of before. Dr. Snapp told me to apply to the University of North Texas. In big band circles, that's one of the best places to go. He said I'd go far. He was encouraging and pushed me to the highest skill of playing I'd ever experienced. It was truly an honor for him to compliment me with that.
I can still remember one of my last performances. It was the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire jazz festival. We had arrived last and I didn't get to hear any of the other college bands. We played a song there that I had wanted to play for years. It's a tune entitled "Send In the Clowns." A Stan Kenton arrangement of the classic song to be more precise. I was nervous and remember stumbling down to the front of the stage for my small (and ridiculously high and loud) solo. It was so short but I felt like it lasted forever. For the first time in my life I pulled it off flawlessly. Everything just flowed and it came out better than I had ever hoped it would. I just couldn't stop smiling. The last song in the set was also a fun one and I got to end that one with a tasty A above high C.
It seemed almost esoteric at the time. I can still remember everything about that set in an eerie way. Somehow I think I now realize why I remember it so well; what a great way to end a hobby. It was the icing on the cake for me. I loved that band with those people. They were so fun and encouraging! The whole reason I came down here was for the jazz but I'm slowly realizing that I am merely a decent trumpet player. I am no Maynard, or Wayne, or Snookie Young, or any other of the countless greats. I am Morgan from Des Moines. I think I have realized that I was brought here with music and am staying for so much more. I love it here, and I've barely played three notes since I got here.
A true passion is one we hold on to no matter the circumstances and it seems as though I only really love playing when I'm behind a great band with a great conductor. My career choices are beginning to takeoff and I am focusing more on pounding out a degree and getting myself a seat flying something shiny someday. I must be honest about something. I didn't even audition into a band this fall. I was so busy with getting work figured out and school in order that I didn't even attempt it. Do I miss the feeling it brings me and the joy I get? Of course. But sooner or later there's a fork in the road and we have to choose one. Just as we cannot have the Lord while enjoying all of the worlds pleasures, I cannot be the top guy in the band AND the pilot guy. One of these needs to dissolve and sadly for my beautiful Yamaha Xeno, I feel as though my love of flying far outweighs my love of playing.
Could I still do both? Sure I could find a way to do that. But I'm getting a strong vibe that it's time to click that case shut one last time. I like playing. It gives me a such a rush. I love the good feeling a great musician can give his audience. However, I love flying, and the loves in my world hold more salt than the likes. I will see what this spring brings but if I am not getting strong signs to dive back into playing than I won't. It truly has been one heck of a ride.
One last tidbit....I'd like to thank everyone who supported my playing through the years! Coming to my endless concerts and performances was quite possibly the most encouraging part of the playing! I truly enjoy playing for the people I love! You guys rock and I love you all.
Stay safe and happy out there! Life is too short for whining! (Coming from a guy who can whine with the best of them)
And remember....Keep your stick on the ice, we're all in this together!
I moved here for a few reasons. It started in January of this year. I have a fantastic person I'd like to share with you all. His name is Dr. Doug Snapp. He was my trumpet mentor and jazz leader at Minnesota State. He is a class act of a person and has a heart that is bigger and more golden than many people I have met. He truly cares for the people under his direction and he was my biggest inspiration for this move. If you ever question the greatness of this man's heart and the love he shows, just catch him hanging around with his wife. He has a gleam in his eye when they are together and they're an inspiration to young people everywhere. It helps that she's possibly the sweetest person I've ever met in my life. Seriously she rocks.
I slightly digress but I want everyone to know what got me in the mindset to move down here. This guy doesn't steer people wrong and always has an encouraging word to pass along. These last couple of years were hard on me. I moved away to pursue my "perfect dream".....well guess what....I screwed it up hardcore! But it's okay! Every empty pursuit of dreams or lonely path we wander in life always leads back to God if only we open ourselves to him. Jesus truly is a classy guy!
Even though my flying dreams were faltering these last two years, my trumpet playing had truly "taken off" (no pun intended). I had been playing stronger than ever. In fact I was playing things I had only dreamed of before. Dr. Snapp told me to apply to the University of North Texas. In big band circles, that's one of the best places to go. He said I'd go far. He was encouraging and pushed me to the highest skill of playing I'd ever experienced. It was truly an honor for him to compliment me with that.
I can still remember one of my last performances. It was the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire jazz festival. We had arrived last and I didn't get to hear any of the other college bands. We played a song there that I had wanted to play for years. It's a tune entitled "Send In the Clowns." A Stan Kenton arrangement of the classic song to be more precise. I was nervous and remember stumbling down to the front of the stage for my small (and ridiculously high and loud) solo. It was so short but I felt like it lasted forever. For the first time in my life I pulled it off flawlessly. Everything just flowed and it came out better than I had ever hoped it would. I just couldn't stop smiling. The last song in the set was also a fun one and I got to end that one with a tasty A above high C.
It seemed almost esoteric at the time. I can still remember everything about that set in an eerie way. Somehow I think I now realize why I remember it so well; what a great way to end a hobby. It was the icing on the cake for me. I loved that band with those people. They were so fun and encouraging! The whole reason I came down here was for the jazz but I'm slowly realizing that I am merely a decent trumpet player. I am no Maynard, or Wayne, or Snookie Young, or any other of the countless greats. I am Morgan from Des Moines. I think I have realized that I was brought here with music and am staying for so much more. I love it here, and I've barely played three notes since I got here.
A true passion is one we hold on to no matter the circumstances and it seems as though I only really love playing when I'm behind a great band with a great conductor. My career choices are beginning to takeoff and I am focusing more on pounding out a degree and getting myself a seat flying something shiny someday. I must be honest about something. I didn't even audition into a band this fall. I was so busy with getting work figured out and school in order that I didn't even attempt it. Do I miss the feeling it brings me and the joy I get? Of course. But sooner or later there's a fork in the road and we have to choose one. Just as we cannot have the Lord while enjoying all of the worlds pleasures, I cannot be the top guy in the band AND the pilot guy. One of these needs to dissolve and sadly for my beautiful Yamaha Xeno, I feel as though my love of flying far outweighs my love of playing.
Could I still do both? Sure I could find a way to do that. But I'm getting a strong vibe that it's time to click that case shut one last time. I like playing. It gives me a such a rush. I love the good feeling a great musician can give his audience. However, I love flying, and the loves in my world hold more salt than the likes. I will see what this spring brings but if I am not getting strong signs to dive back into playing than I won't. It truly has been one heck of a ride.
One last tidbit....I'd like to thank everyone who supported my playing through the years! Coming to my endless concerts and performances was quite possibly the most encouraging part of the playing! I truly enjoy playing for the people I love! You guys rock and I love you all.
Stay safe and happy out there! Life is too short for whining! (Coming from a guy who can whine with the best of them)
And remember....Keep your stick on the ice, we're all in this together!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Down to the wire
Well the weather's turning nippley and the sun has started to set earlier every day. Midterms are behind me and I have one more short month of classes before I'm done with my first semester in Texas! My grades are halfway decent and I am doing pretty well balancing work and school. A couple of weeks back, I was assigned an after school route and now I make a little bit more money everyday. Life sure is good! I am quite tired after working all day and it's getting a little exhausting, however the paycheck at the end of the month is totally worth it.
I like being able to get things done and see positive results. The school work is difficult but it's nice to finally get on track and start making my way towards my career goals. Things are falling in place slowly but surely and hopefully after a few more years here, I can finish up and move on to something I enjoy doing!
This weekend my sister will be visiting and she wants to take a picture of both of us for a Christmas card. Hopefully we can send out a few for people to enjoy along with a small letter. Some people are interested in what's going on in our lives and I'm constantly being asked about how things are going from friends and family. Hopefully a small note can clear most of that up. Just know that things are positive and I'm making forward progress to a future goal.
I'm thinking of joining the Reserves after college. I have done lots of research and have found that I can "hire on" into UPT school for a certain airframe. I'm very excited at this prospect and hopefully I can find a slot with positive results. I'm not sure where the military economy will be in a few years so I'll have to play it by ear. With the Iraq war coming to a close, there will be many pilots stateside so there's a lower chance of flying opportunities. I haven't given up hope though! Hope all is well with everyone, I miss you guys up north.
Have a great week! And remember to keep your stick on the ice.....we're all in this together!
I like being able to get things done and see positive results. The school work is difficult but it's nice to finally get on track and start making my way towards my career goals. Things are falling in place slowly but surely and hopefully after a few more years here, I can finish up and move on to something I enjoy doing!
This weekend my sister will be visiting and she wants to take a picture of both of us for a Christmas card. Hopefully we can send out a few for people to enjoy along with a small letter. Some people are interested in what's going on in our lives and I'm constantly being asked about how things are going from friends and family. Hopefully a small note can clear most of that up. Just know that things are positive and I'm making forward progress to a future goal.
I'm thinking of joining the Reserves after college. I have done lots of research and have found that I can "hire on" into UPT school for a certain airframe. I'm very excited at this prospect and hopefully I can find a slot with positive results. I'm not sure where the military economy will be in a few years so I'll have to play it by ear. With the Iraq war coming to a close, there will be many pilots stateside so there's a lower chance of flying opportunities. I haven't given up hope though! Hope all is well with everyone, I miss you guys up north.
Have a great week! And remember to keep your stick on the ice.....we're all in this together!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The Short Bus!
I should really change the name of my blog to "the short bus" instead of "life in Texas." The short bus pretty much sums up my life right now in many ways!
I am having a ball in Texas. My classes are quite challenging and I am finding out slowly that this school thing is TOUGH. I am enjoying the learning though and I am thankful to be able to do it! There's so much going on here and I am overwhelmed by so much of it! (in a good way)
Times are tough and I have a great paying job that really makes me smile at the end of the day. I have been given the amazing opportunity to drive a special needs bus at the Denton School District. These kids are just amazing. I have a couple of students bound to wheelchairs and quite a few others that have a mental issue of one kind or another. The route is split up between elementary kids and high school kids. There's no time on my run to do a middle school route so those are the two age ranges I get to haul around. There is so much we can learn from people with disabilities, that it is truly astounding. These kids have the biggest hearts and most open ears of anyone I've ever met. They love with a passion and grace that is truly biblical. I used to really enjoy driving bus for a living, now I LOVE it!
I am having trouble with a few things in my personal life and one is my weight. As many of you know, I have been gaining a lot of weight since I started college and have become progressively heavier. I was up late the other night because I couldn't sleep and I caught myself watching an infomercial for P90X. For some reason it hit me that maybe that was something I could try and do. I made mention of it to Aunt Sherry and she surprised me by ordering the system for me and having it shipped. It showed up and I will be starting the exercising and meal plan on Monday. I am nervous and a little excited. I have a big undertaking in front of me. I hope to lose between 70 and 80 pounds. We will see how it goes and I will hopefully be giving updates every 30 days. The program is 90 days split into 3 parts.
Not much else going on here. I am in search of a church to actively attend. A friend of mine from Texas has told me of a couple that she has been to close by and I will be attending one of those either this week or next. I may just go see my sister this weekend so we shall see. Anyway I hope all is well out there in fairyland!
And remember,
Keep your stick on the ice, we're all in this together!
I am having a ball in Texas. My classes are quite challenging and I am finding out slowly that this school thing is TOUGH. I am enjoying the learning though and I am thankful to be able to do it! There's so much going on here and I am overwhelmed by so much of it! (in a good way)
Times are tough and I have a great paying job that really makes me smile at the end of the day. I have been given the amazing opportunity to drive a special needs bus at the Denton School District. These kids are just amazing. I have a couple of students bound to wheelchairs and quite a few others that have a mental issue of one kind or another. The route is split up between elementary kids and high school kids. There's no time on my run to do a middle school route so those are the two age ranges I get to haul around. There is so much we can learn from people with disabilities, that it is truly astounding. These kids have the biggest hearts and most open ears of anyone I've ever met. They love with a passion and grace that is truly biblical. I used to really enjoy driving bus for a living, now I LOVE it!
I am having trouble with a few things in my personal life and one is my weight. As many of you know, I have been gaining a lot of weight since I started college and have become progressively heavier. I was up late the other night because I couldn't sleep and I caught myself watching an infomercial for P90X. For some reason it hit me that maybe that was something I could try and do. I made mention of it to Aunt Sherry and she surprised me by ordering the system for me and having it shipped. It showed up and I will be starting the exercising and meal plan on Monday. I am nervous and a little excited. I have a big undertaking in front of me. I hope to lose between 70 and 80 pounds. We will see how it goes and I will hopefully be giving updates every 30 days. The program is 90 days split into 3 parts.
Not much else going on here. I am in search of a church to actively attend. A friend of mine from Texas has told me of a couple that she has been to close by and I will be attending one of those either this week or next. I may just go see my sister this weekend so we shall see. Anyway I hope all is well out there in fairyland!
And remember,
Keep your stick on the ice, we're all in this together!
Friday, August 26, 2011
A Whole New Life
Well as you can see I no longer live in Minnesota. And the one or two people that actually read this know where I live. However, for the distant blog follower or random stumblee, I am a southern and more country version of my former self.
I am loving life in Texas! God is good and he definitely provides me with more opportunities than I know what to do with. I am living in Denton, Texas with my fish and my cat. God's given me a job, a house, a school to go to, and food to eat. Life is pretty awesome! Last weekend I got to visit my sister Lauren who lives in Longview and we had a lot of fun wandering around causing trouble (well, not exactly but whatever.) Her church is absolutely amazing and I wish I could attend every weekend. Unfortunately the budget isn't really allowing that right now.
I am driving a special needs bus for the Denton School district and my route starts on Monday. This week I had to watch about a million hours of safety videos and powerpoints and went driving with a trainer to prove to them that I actually could drive (being from the north and all.) By the way, no offense to any Texans but you guys are terrible drivers (sorry.)
School is fun but difficult. I seem to be enjoying the challenge more this year than in previous years. I am not doing jazz band right now but I will hopefully be doing it in the spring. The jazz program at UNT is the whole reason I came down here anyway so I hope to dive in soon. I have not had the resources to do any flying yet down here but the Denton airport is a flurry of activity I'm told and a great place to rent a plane. I checked them out online and they have a LOT of airplanes available for rental. That's pretty cool as the more planes there are to rent the more experience you get on different types.
I am hoping to have open doors after college but it's going to be a few years before I can honestly think about that. I have many things I am thinking of doing after schools all done but they will all focus on flying for a living. Thanks for reading. Updates to come soon I hope.
I am loving life in Texas! God is good and he definitely provides me with more opportunities than I know what to do with. I am living in Denton, Texas with my fish and my cat. God's given me a job, a house, a school to go to, and food to eat. Life is pretty awesome! Last weekend I got to visit my sister Lauren who lives in Longview and we had a lot of fun wandering around causing trouble (well, not exactly but whatever.) Her church is absolutely amazing and I wish I could attend every weekend. Unfortunately the budget isn't really allowing that right now.
I am driving a special needs bus for the Denton School district and my route starts on Monday. This week I had to watch about a million hours of safety videos and powerpoints and went driving with a trainer to prove to them that I actually could drive (being from the north and all.) By the way, no offense to any Texans but you guys are terrible drivers (sorry.)
School is fun but difficult. I seem to be enjoying the challenge more this year than in previous years. I am not doing jazz band right now but I will hopefully be doing it in the spring. The jazz program at UNT is the whole reason I came down here anyway so I hope to dive in soon. I have not had the resources to do any flying yet down here but the Denton airport is a flurry of activity I'm told and a great place to rent a plane. I checked them out online and they have a LOT of airplanes available for rental. That's pretty cool as the more planes there are to rent the more experience you get on different types.
I am hoping to have open doors after college but it's going to be a few years before I can honestly think about that. I have many things I am thinking of doing after schools all done but they will all focus on flying for a living. Thanks for reading. Updates to come soon I hope.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Pested by a Pest
So as I am writing this I am being yelled at by the one and only Steve Cox (vencox.blogspot.com) about not blogging for awhile. Also he is badgering me about my lack of certain "snappy titles." I'm not sure what the problem is but I'm pretty much writing this out of total spite for what he said.
What's going on in my life lately? Well I'm still living the dream. Driving school bus every day for almost six hours and working three to three and a half hours in the warehouse and yet I still have no money every month. I need to get out and do something! I am planning on attending a University next fall again and getting back on track in my schooling. There are many things I have learned over the last couple of years but one thing that sticks out the most is that I'm sitting around spinning my wheels and wasting time.
Not exactly sure yet what University to attend but there's one in Colorado, one in Wisconsin, and one in Texas. I'm leaning towards Texas but we'll see what happens. I'm looking at going to school for music and these are the three best Universities for music. My specialty is big band and UNT in Denton, Texas is the best big band school around. I figure go big or go home.
Not much else to report but I'm still happy and healthy and enjoying life. I'm blessed by many things and I'm ready to continue on, maybe to another part of the country, to see what lies in store for me there as well.
That's all for now, and remember, keep your stick on the ice, we're all in this together!
P.S. You know who really hate farts? .....Midgets
What's going on in my life lately? Well I'm still living the dream. Driving school bus every day for almost six hours and working three to three and a half hours in the warehouse and yet I still have no money every month. I need to get out and do something! I am planning on attending a University next fall again and getting back on track in my schooling. There are many things I have learned over the last couple of years but one thing that sticks out the most is that I'm sitting around spinning my wheels and wasting time.
Not exactly sure yet what University to attend but there's one in Colorado, one in Wisconsin, and one in Texas. I'm leaning towards Texas but we'll see what happens. I'm looking at going to school for music and these are the three best Universities for music. My specialty is big band and UNT in Denton, Texas is the best big band school around. I figure go big or go home.
Not much else to report but I'm still happy and healthy and enjoying life. I'm blessed by many things and I'm ready to continue on, maybe to another part of the country, to see what lies in store for me there as well.
That's all for now, and remember, keep your stick on the ice, we're all in this together!
P.S. You know who really hate farts? .....Midgets
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