BCS Boycott

Let the boycott continue

2012-01-02T11:18:00.002-06:00

Well, I have skipped 23 of the 35 bowl games so far. Only 12 more to go. I think the toughest day will be today when the Rose and Fiesta Bowl games are played. After those are over, I know the total bowl game boycott will be a success!!!!

Bowl Game Boycott

2011-12-20T00:34:00.000-06:00

I saw the craziest thing the other day. It was a playoff game for college football. I know it wasn't the highest division, but I had to cheer that at least this championship was being settled on the field. I can't wait for the FCS Championship game between Sam Houston and North Dakota.

Join me in a BOWL Game BOYCOTT. Money talks and my money wants a playoff, so until I get it I am simply going to skip the college football bowl games.

And yes, I am going to skip the Rose Bowl too, I have no interest whatsoever in a game that means absolutely nothing for any of the teams playing.

And finally for the record, I am cheering for Sam Houston St.

The Fix: Day 5

2010-11-14T20:18:00.000-06:00

I am finishing up day 5 with no Mountain Dew. I was pretty grumpy for 3-4 days. I didn't cut soda altogether this week. I even had some Coca Cola. I fell better today though, and it will get easier to avoid Mountain Dew with each passing day. Eventually, I hope to eliminate soda altogether, except for certain special occasions. The stuff is just not good for your body.

5 days no dew. 5 months and 25 days to go.

A Mountain Dew Fix

2010-11-10T20:12:00.000-06:00

I am addicted! It's sad, but true. I have tried to drop my dew habit many times, but now it is official. Day 1 of the Mountain Dew Fix was today. And, yes the pun was intended.

So, for the next 6 months I am going to blog about not drinking Mountain Dew. Yes, all of it. No Baja Blast, Code Red, or the Retro Sugar original allowed. It is time. I want to quit the habit, and see how dropping the dew will effect my weight loss and life in general. So, here it goes.

Day One:

Well, day one is always easy. I can go a day without Mountain Dew. I usually do that every Sunday anyway. It is a non-event really. the real business of this will happen over the next couple of weeks and months. So stay tuned, if you want, and if not well I am doing this anyways.

The Mountain Dew Fix began today.

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10 Wonderful Years !!!

2010-10-28T20:58:00.000-05:00

Darci and I celebrated our tenth anniversary today. (the actual day of our anniversary is October 27th) I can't believe it has been ten years. It has been a fun journey. We have lived in California, Oregon, and Texas. We have been blessed with 4 healthy, smart, and happy children. They are obnoxious too, but I guess that comes from the offspring of two very stubborn and independent people. I told Darci that I wouldn't change a thing.

We spent the day shopping for Halloween costumes. It was a lot of fun. It reminds me of a story that happened after our honeymoon. We went in to a grocery store on Halloween Day, but we actually didn't know it was Halloween, because of the honeymoon and everything. One of the first people I saw was a man dressed in drag. I just figured he was cross dressing. We were afterall, at the beach in Southern Oregon. As we walked through the grocery store we saw witches, nurses, goblins, etc.. After several minutes one of us finally realized what day it was. We had quite the laugh.

Happy Anniversary Darci!!! I love you. Ben

Graduate School

2010-10-24T07:36:00.001-05:00

I wanted to post the text of my letter of intent for graduate school. I would love to hear what any and all of you have to say about it. I can't wait to get started with school again, but I guess I have to get accepted to the program first. Sorry for the short sentences it had to be less than 500 words. Anyways here it is:

Over ten years ago I lived in the Dominican Republic as a missionary. It was an enriching experience that has blessed my life in many ways. I learned to speak Spanish. I discovered new cultures. I saw unbelievable poverty. I was amazed at the resiliency of the people there. I began to understand that there is much more to life than what we own. After two years I returned home. I soon was married and began a family. I also started college. I decided to study history.
My undergraduate work was completed at Portland State University. I studied as much as possible about the land I had lived in and had grown to love as my own. I studied politics, culture, race, and even baseball. I enjoyed sharing what I learned with fellow students. I loved the chase of a fresh topic and the research involved to write about it. After five years I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Minor in Spanish.
I was very busy during school. I worked full time as a loan processor. As the sole provider for my family I had to work extremely hard to find time for every aspect of my life. I worked, studied, and nurtured a young family. Through it all I managed to graduate with a respectable grade point average, and a thirst to continue my education.
I applied and was accepted to Washington State University Vancouver. I was excited to begin a Masters program in History. However, as the term started the economy went sour. I was laid off. I informed the school I would not be attending classes. I decided to use my degree immediately to teach high school. The next two years were filled with substitute teaching and working as a special education aide. When the school year ended I knew it was time to finish what I had only briefly started.
I am now applying to the graduate program at UTSA. I am excited to learn more about history, the methods of teaching, and research. I look forward to using primary sources in Spanish. I am fascinated with stories about immigration. I enjoy seeing how immigrants assimilate into American culture, and how they introduce their own cultural traits to American society. I also want to explore the topic of race in the Dominican Republic, and how it is different from racism in other parts of the world.
I plan to finish my Masters degree in History and use that as a stepping stone to earn my Doctoral degree. I want to research, write books, and share what I learn with others, both in print and in the classroom as well. I look forward to working with the staff and graduate students at UTSA. I know they will invigorate my education, and help me to learn and grow as a historian. I also know that my knowledge will help others to learn and to succeed in their educational goals and aspirations.

Humongous Words.

2010-10-04T20:44:00.000-05:00

I hate it when people use big words. Especially when a little word will work just fine. Today at work, a customer was trying to impress my boss by using his extensive voabulary while trying to get me in trouble. Anyways, my boss and I had a good laugh. He came up with his favorite big word "discombobulate". Pretty good, a colleague overheard us and pitched in his favorite, "conundrum". All I could think of was "extraordinary", dumb I know. I was the guy who was getting in trouble though.

Anyways, what is your favorite word?

Fiction Idea

2010-09-20T21:51:00.001-05:00

There was a cool breeze blowing when I stepped out of the restaurant. I could smell the storm coming. It never just rained in Santo Domingo. It was always a hot sticky down pour. Within seconds the street was flowing with the dirty run-off of the street vendors. I was already soaked as I sloshed across the street and into the alley behind the hotel.

"Don't move" the man whispered. I kept walking. "Don't move", he said sternly. He grabbed my arm and pulled me back into the building shadows. In the darkness of the alley we watched.

Suddenly, a man turned and started running towards us. I turned too, but the mysterious stranger was gone.

I have no idea

2010-09-17T22:58:00.001-05:00

I have nothing to write about tonight. I thought about posting a book idea. That would have been cool. I thought about writing about my day, but thinking about that was tiresome. Finally, I decided to write a random piece of fiction. I started with this.

We can't stay here all night.

I know Colin said, but we have to wait for the rain to stop.

After I wrote that I couldn't decide what would be cool enough that they had to wait for the rain to stop for. Maybe they were going to shoot a satelite into space, or maybe they got into some kind of mischief and were in the middle of the getaway, or maybe they were just sick of getting rained on. I lived in Oregon for several years, so I know how that feels. Then, Darci came home and I paused for a few minutes to talk to her. While she was visiting the ladies room, I decided I was just tired.

So, I will post again tomorrow, something a little more thoughtful, I hope. Goodnight.

Ballin'

2010-09-16T23:28:00.000-05:00

Boy do I miss the basketball days in Lake Oswego! If any of you guys read this, throw up a lefty three for me, and make a layup for Landon. I went and played basketball tonight for the first time in ages. It felt pretty good. I took it slow. I didn't even take a shot in the first game. I threw up a couple wild shots in the second game, and finally made a three. The last two games I made several shots, and started feeling pretty good. Then, I hit the wall. What wall you ask? That I am out of shape and fat wall. I hope I am not too sore in the morning. Especially my ankle. I am already looking forward to next week.

Babysitting

2010-09-15T21:44:00.001-05:00

I was about to post a long rant about my irritation with colleagues at work, but then I read today's daily quote about humility. I paused for, I don't know, ten seconds or so, and decided to post it anyways. I swear I spent my whole day making sure other adults did their job. I could have been doing other things, like, I don't know, my job!. Anyways, it made me realize I definately do not want to be a manager any time soon. There would be way too much drama.

After work was much better. I enjoyed dinner with the family, and then spent the evening with the youth group at church. We played capture the flag in the church parking lot. I was going to sit it out, but one of the other young men leaders wanted to play. It was fun. I apologize for the title of todays post. If you were looking for soiled diapers, vomit, and real babysitting stories then you came to the wrong place. But you never know what tomorrow's post might bring.

A Writer's Block

2010-09-14T23:04:00.000-05:00

It has been nearly a year since I updated the blog. I know all of you have been dying to find out what I have been doing. Well, a lot actually. Darci and I added a beautiful baby girl to our family. Gabriella is nearly six months old already, and is almost as feisty as her mother. The others are all a few weeks into the new school year, and seem to be adjusting well to new teachers, friends, and classmates. Darci stays ultra busy trying to manage it all. I have been swamped at work, but interest rates seem to be rising, and a lull for me would be a welcome suprise.

You may be asking yourself about the nifty name change to my blog, and if you aren't I will tell you about it anyways. Afterall, this is a captive audience. There is no backtalking here. Unless you use that comment button. I may have to think about blocking that function. Anyways, I went to see a counselor today at UTSA, the fine San Antonio University I will be attending soon. I have decided to start my Master's program in History again. One of the things the counselor suggested is a daily writing exercise. So this is where it will be. A daily dose of all things according to me.

And with that it is time for bed. Goodnight.

BCS Championship Game

2009-10-19T18:00:00.002-05:00

I know this will sound blasphemous but as many of you know I am on the record as being a "playoff guy" for college football. But with each passing year I become more interested with the idea of the "season being the playoff".

Now, don't jump off the cliff yet. I do think that there are some "MAJOR" revisions that need to be made to the system, but I am slowly being converted. The big change needs to include all conference champions as potential participants in the championship game. This year for example what happens if Boise St and TCU both run the table, and neither gets in the Championship game?????

How that is fixed I am not sure. I think the season needs to be limited to 12 games, with a requirement that teams considered for a "BCS game must play division 1 teams only. That would create some more non-conference games with actual meaning, as opposed to Florida once again playing FIU, FAU, and the Citadel every year.

Speaking of Florida why is the SEC Champ already slated to play in the big game? What happended to Iowa, Boise St. Cincinnati, and TCU? They are all still undefeated. Let's at least let the games play out before we pick the final game. c'mon!!!!!

If you are scoring at home.............

2009-04-30T21:36:00.002-05:00

Put a basehit next to the - Pass 4-8 Generalist Test Line!!!! It feels great. I even pumped my fist a few times like Tiger does at the Masters. It only lasted a few minutes though before my mind raced ahead to getting a job now. I have been busy making photocopies of transcripts, resumes, and reference letters, but hopefully it will all pay off in the fall.

Anyways, I wanted to update everyone on the news.
ben

The TEST

2009-04-03T21:35:00.002-05:00

Well, tomorrow is the big day. For those of you who don't know; tomorrow I am taking the 4th through 8th grade Generalist test, which will hopefully allow me to get a job teaching Math, Reading, English, Social Studies, or Science in one of those 5 grades. I have spent the last month stuffing my brain with all that stuff from the show "Smarter than a 5th grader" and I think I might be ready.

I guess I'll sleep on it, and let all of you know how I do. Wish me luck!!!!

For me the Madness is over!

2009-04-01T22:24:00.000-05:00

Every year after the Kansas Jayhawks lose in the tournament I go through some kind of shock, waking up days or weeks later to realize that some other team (probably North Carolina this year) has won what we affectionately call March Madness. Although the shock came again it seemed to be easier this year. Maybe because of the championship last year, or maybe because the young Jayhawks overachieved anyways. Or maybe I am just ready for the NBA Playoffs. I think my Blazers will finally be back in the post-season ceremony. They might even have a winnable (is that even a word?) first round match-up.

Anywyas, I don't want to get into a mushy, detailed review of the last year, but as many of you know it has been a difficult year for the Fillmore family in Texas. We love Texas, don't get that confused, it has been great to see the sunshine on multiple days in a row, and to see the temperature guage hit 70 in the month of December. Instead I just want to say that I have grown and learned a lot throughout the last year. I have many blessings and I hope that all of you can enjoy each day for what it is and understand that we are all each uniquely and truly blessed.

I just started a week and a half ago as a special education aide at a middle school here in Killeen. It has been both fun but demanding at the same time. I work with kids that have a documented educational plan. For most of them this simply means that they don't learn as quickly and easily as others. It has been an eye-opener for me. I enjoy the stability and comfort of being at the same job every day, as opposed to working as a substitute. And I enjoy working and getting to know the kids more closely. I learn something new every day, and I am excited to be able to have my own classroom and challenges next year (maybe that will change once it actually happens). I am scheduled to take a test this Saturday that will allow me to get a job between the 4th and 8th grades teaching math, science, social studies, or language arts. So wish me luck on that.

Anyways I am going to try and update this more often, and share more about everything going on down under (isn't Texas like the Australia of the US). I hope all of you are well, and for Landon sorry about the 125 to 104 smack-down thumping the Blazers handed, I mean delivered to the Jazz the other night. I hope you are still my friend, becuase, Dude!!!, your friendship dues need to be paid again.!!!!!!

Ben

Coaching Debut = A Win !!!!

2008-07-30T16:08:00.000-05:00

So I was really nervous- yes even for 6-8 year olds. But I made it through the game, and my team came up with a 14-10 win. It was awesome. The kids did really good. We had a lot of turnovers, but it was still fun. I think most of the boys would say they enjoyed everything but their mandatory 1 quarter sit on the bench. Anyways, later that day we had a 6-6 tie. All the boys were tire as they all playeed in 2 games that day. After the first overtime went scoreless, we went to a sudden death overtime, like NFL football, the first team to score wins. With about :30 to go one of my players (who also hadn't scored yet) made a 8 foot jumper to win the game. But the ref wiped it out because the youngster took 6 steps to line up the shot. (He really did take 6 steps too). Anyways it was a lot of fun, and we gave the ref a lot of crap afterwards in good jest. I look forward to our next game on Friday.

I have spent several days recently at the library preparing for my comprehensive history exam to become a teacher. A few days ago as I was gathering my study materials to enter the library, I saw two cars back out at the same time, and rear-end each other. Both people got out, and assessed the damage, since they were going a combine 7 MPH they both shook there heads at the other person and left. Seconds later, I noticed a red pick-up truck rolling slowly out of its parking space. It had nobody inside, and rolled across the parking lot and smashed into an SUV. It was pretty funny, seconds later a chubby guy sprinted out of the library door, jumped in his truck, and re-parked. He glanced at the SUV, that had a small dent in the bumper, and then went back inside. I thought it was pretty funny.

Later.

Youth Basketball

2008-07-19T10:26:00.000-05:00

So, recently we signed Alec up for youth basketball. He was super excited to play and be on a real basketball team. A few days before the first practice all the parents got a mass email requesting volunteers for more coahces or the season would be cancelled. Needless to say I volunteered. I didn't know what I was getting in to. We have had 2 practices, and I am struggling to come up with drills and games the kids can play and do to learn the fundamentals. Of course all the drills I remember are from high school, so they don't really work for 6,7, and 8 years olds. Our first game is next week, so I will let you know how the mighty mighy Purple Tigers do. (no, i did not get to pick the team name). Oh, and if any of you have any ideas please let me know.

101

2008-07-04T10:21:00.000-05:00

Well, it wasn't a great score, but to be perfectly honest, it was better than I expected. I played golf yesterday for only the second time in like 3 years. I shot a 101 straight up on the home course here in Killeen (there is only one to choose from). I had a birdie and a par, sprinkled with a few triple bogeys. Ouch. Funny thing is 3 of my four triples came when I was playing through a slower foursome ahead of me. Oh well. I had a great time, and it was my first birdie in some time. I actually hit the ball really well too, and even counted all of my penalties. I went OB on the 10th hole, (while I was playing through a 4th time) and still managed a bogey on the hole despite the penalty.

- The NBA Draft has come and gone. I was really excited during the draft, since the Blazers picked up two ex-Jayhawks. They didn't stay long though. Bayless will be a great player. i read some stuff from Dime Magazine that makes it seem like he will be a great pro. The blazers also signed Rudy, and dumped JJ. Although I thought Jarrett was great, he is a career NBA backup in my mind. Blake is much more consistent anyways. I am excited for the upcoming season. check out this rotation of 10.

PG Steve Blake ...................Jerryd Bayless
SG Brandon Roy..................Rudy Fernandez
SF Martell Webster............ Travis Outlaw
PF LaMarcus Aldridge....... Channing Frye
C Greg Oden ....................... Joel Pryzbilia

-----Awesome------.

Finally, I wanted to console all of you Sonic fans. I am sorry. : )

Get Ready for Lift Off !!!!!

2008-06-25T11:13:00.000-05:00

Alright, Blazer fans the draft is just a day a way. I can hardly wait. Since the Blazers didn't make the playoffs I have been looking forward to tomorrow to see what the team might do. After the championship coma faded from the Jayhawks Miracle Mario shot, (it hasn't really faded but I will pretend because of the draft tomorrow) I have been reading all the blogs trying to figure out what the Blazers might do. At least one thing is certain GM Prithcard (a Jayhawk) will be dealing something for sure. Here are my thoughts.

1) Keep the 13th pick and draft Agustin from Texas, I think he will drop here because he is only 5'11" and that will scare off some teams.

2) Trade the 13th pick and Martell to the Grizlies for Mike Miller and the 27th pick (this may already be in the works).

3) Send Martell Webster, the 13th and 33rd picks to New Jersey for the 10th pick and Richard Jefferson.

These trades are probably crazy, and I don't know if they would even work. Oh well. I didn't even mention the fact that the Blazers have the Raef contract to play with..

Anyways. Go Blazers.

Trouble already.

2008-06-20T15:37:00.001-05:00

I told Darci, my wife, the other day that I wanted to start a new blog. She found out yesterday that I had actually done so. She immediately punched me in the arm, and said "what did you say about me". At least that is how I remember it. Anyways, it is now officially approved, and now I can officially go forward. Whew!!!!!!!!!.

I have been reading a lot of books lately nothing great. Mostly just to inspire me to start writing myself. I have this great idea of writing a novel, but I haven't started it yet. One of these days I will. I actually have several ideas. Maybe I will post a brief excerpt. Well that's it for now. I am preparing my playlist for the site. It should be good, no boring slow songs, but not too much over the top rock either. At least that's how I see it.

Ben

A random new blog

2008-06-11T14:14:00.000-05:00

With a new beginning in Texas and hundreds of things going on at once, I thought it might be fun to start a new personal blog as well. I can't promise that it will be anything worthwhile, but it might be funny, or at least funny looking. I posted on the family site today as well, our trip was fun and eventful. WE made it though and we are excited for new things to come. Some of this blog will be redundant because family is such a big part of my life, but I will try to add some fun things about me, and what I might be up too. I was thinking that it could be a journal of sorts. You will quickly see that posts will be few and far between, but with computers it is much easier to do online than to try and physically write.

Anyways here goes the blog.