Instead..... I am here in Reno. I am working at the same restaurant (where I feel like a pledge every night I work), taking a summer class, cleaning my house more then I need too, actually reading and finishing books, eating healthy (except for cheat days), and basically having a boring summer where I sit around 80 percent of the time trying to figure things out but never reaching a conclusion. But on the positive and exciting side of summer, Ive been going to Tahoe when I can, floating the river and slapping wine bags, Ive have some of the greatest nights so far at the Reno Rodeo, and also getting my ass back in shape and going to the muscle factory and running on a daily basis because Im sick of being a little out of shape shrimp.
I wish I could fulfill my summer fantasy dream. Living in a small hut on the beach where the sun and seagulls wake me up everyday. Starting my days by walking down the white sand carrying my surf board to shred some gnarly white caps with the orange sky from the sun rising over my head, then returning to my hut and eating banana oat pancakes for breakfast listening to reggae music. Then head to my underground muscle factory to work out. Then walk to my private dock, wearing a Tommy Bahama shirt, white cotton shorts or pants, sandals or sperrys, and hop on my sail boat. Then maybe head to my private jet and travel to destination unknown. But no, I cant do that....YET.
Anyway, I want to share some of the great memories of my summer so far....
First things first...Thank you baby Jesus for bringing the Rodeo to our beautiful biggest little city in the world and also thank you for allowing it to only last 10 days because within those 10 days, debauchery reaches new heights, bank accounts are heavily reduced due to Coors Light and Jack Daniel's, and also swing dancing is the Lord's shuffle. Bless all the cowgirls and the holy ground where the Jack Daniel's tent stood. And Bless this great country of America. Amen.
There are a few things I really dont like in my life and country music is one of them. But for 10 days out of the year I buy the cheapest cowboy hat I can find and sing all the catchy country songs we all know and join the thousands of people who take part in the Reno Rodeo. Well joining everyone who goes into the Jack Daniel's tent, which for me is the Rodeo. American flags, cowboy boots, cowboy hats, wranglers, country music, coors light and Jack Daniel's, beautiful women, and actually rodeo events, filled Reno for 10 days. Which is safe to say, the Rodeo is one of my favorite times of the year. But thank god it is over...
Also I played my first full round of 18 holes in golf and then participated in my first golf tournament...I think its safe to say that I am a pretty laid back, relaxed, and chill guy. The great game of Golf tests me and pushes my temper to extreme limits. I love and hate golf. I will loose countless amounts of golf balls, become extremely close to snapping every golf club over my knee and throwing them into the sagebrush, calling myself hurtful names and probably cussing every known swear word to myself. AND on top of all that, It was 105 degrees outside during my first tournament. I just wanted to bellyflop into the water holes around us and pour ice cold beer all over my face, but I didn't. Then by the 9th hole thunder, lightning, and as if the skys turned a fire hose on, we got drenched in rain. Northern Nevada weather at its finest. But what I do love about golf is driving golf carts, talking smack to my friends, and laughing at everyone else who I golf with because we are all terrible.
I still never get sick of how beautiful Lake Tahoe is. It is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world and I am so blessed to have lived there for part of my life and still live only 45 minutes away. From the water looking like glass in the morning to the beautiful orange and red skies when the sun sets and the tree covered mountains in the background, Tahoe is beauty at its finest. I love the days I have spent at the beach and before summer is over I'll be hiking Mt. Tallac and riding the Flume Trail...if you want to join me, let me know!
Then there was the date that everyone looks forward to during summer...July 4th AKA INDEPENDENCE DAY or get excessively tanked, and not remember independence day...day. My fourth of July didn't consist of going to Zephyr beach and joining the madness. From what I heard, it was just like every other fourth of July at Zephyr...cool story. I spent July 3rd in North Lake Tahoe with some buddies, drank a few beers, watched the fire works, relaxed and that was good enough for me. The next day I woke up and drove to my parents house to see my father, mother, sister and three dogs. I watched Walker Texas Ranger with my dear mother, my dad made me turkey burgers, my little sister made me a bowl of ice cream, and I camped on the couch for hours. After the wonderful hospitality and love from my parents I left back to Reno to work and was not excited to say the least but hey....money made is always good.
I've had some great nights out, some with the boys from work and some with the amazing group of friends I have. I have also had some laid back nights watching movies, watching my new favorite TV show Ray Donovan, finding new music because I love music, or just sitting by a bon fire listening to some great tunes. I have been enjoying waking up and going to the gym everyday almost, and I can really see myself starting to look better and feel better, all the hard work is paying off. Suns out, guns out...Skies out, thighs out.
Summer is halfway over and is flying by. The days turn into nights so fast and it is already July. School starts next month and I cant believe I am finally entering my last semester of college. Its becoming real nerve wrecking on what the heck I am going to do with my life post-graduation. But I have faith and believing that something will happen and the right door will open. Life continues to throw curve balls, sinkers, and knuckle balls and my batting average is slowing increasing, dealing with all the things as they come along.
Hope everyone else is having a wonderful summer wherever you may be and making lifetime memories. More post coming soon!
Forrest Gump is one of my favorite movies, and who would have known it can teach you so much. Movies that I can take away something from and apply it to my own life, are my favorite movies. Check out this great little read :)
Life Lessons from Forrest Gump
