16 Random Things (plus some)

I have copied this list from my Facebook. It is a bunch of random statements about me. I hope you enjoy...


1. I have wanted to be a missionary since I was about 8 years old. I was just too afraid to admit it. (Plus, I kinda wanted to make some money at some point in my life, but I figured out this was more important.) Interestingly, I want to do mission work in South America BUT... I have never been there and I don't speak any Spanish.

2. I am in love with the most amazing woman in the world. She has the greatest heart, and I love the way that she looks at the world. It amazes me to hear her get excited about little things that I don't think about. And I love hearing her pray.

3. I love soccer. I started playing when I was 4, and I kept playing off and on until now. I am also a soccer referee and have been for the last 5 years, but I don't enjoy it at all. There's not enough money in the world for me to enjoy getting yelled at, although the amount they pay me is close.

4. I have always wanted to be in the military. I came close to going to the Air Force Academy; I almost became a Naval Chaplain a year ago; and I still think about it at times. BUT... Megan tells me I can't.

5. My favorite sports teams (in no particular order) are: Tennessee Titans; Tennessee Vols (football); Memphis Tigers (basketball). But I also find myself cheering for the Kansas Jayhawks (since I work here.) But can I tell you a secret? I would give all of them up for the chance to attend a Manchester United game in Old Trafford.

6. I like pets. I think dogs would be fun to have around, in theory, but I am not a dog person. And you think I am kidding. I don't like petting them, holding them, playing with them, walking them... About the only ones I can stand are Beanie and Beaker.

7. I am a huge JAG fan. I know it's cheesy at times, but I still find myself watching it all the time.

8. I would rather climb a mountain than go to the beach any day.

9. I really want to write a book, but I have so many things I want to write about and not enough gumption to actually get up and do it. I do have a couple of ideas, though. Hmm...

10. My greatest heroes: My dad; John Moore; Joe Cannon; Craig Phillips. There are a couple of others,

11. I have always enjoyed Civil War history. I was supposed to participate in a CW Reenactment this weekend, but the guy letting me borrow a uniform could no longer make it. I was pretty bummed. Yes, I am a dork, but I am ok with that!

12. I love to learn. I always have. I will probably be a lifelong student. I want a PhD, but I could also see myself getting a couple of Master's degrees too, or at least continually learning new things. And I am not picky; I enjoy learning languages, history, current events, music, cooking, sports...

13. I was pretty intimidated by girls until college. I had the biggest crush on one of my best friends all the way through high school but never told her. But... I did a LOT of dating in college. And I had a lot of fun.

14. I am not a car person. I barely even notice them. I have friends who say, "Wow! Did you see that _______________? (fill in the blank with an amazing car: Porche, Corvette, Jag, Lambourghini, etc.)" The answer will always be, "I never even saw it." Sorry, fellas: Just not a car guy. I get more excited about tools.

15. I love giving gifts, but not receiving them.

16. If I could visit anywhere in the world, here's the list: Ireland, Scotland, Argentina, China, Israel. There are tons of others, but right now those are the top five.

Bonus Facts:
1. I love helping people, but I get really cynical when helping people who randomly come into my office.
2. I often wear the same pair of jeans for a LOOOOOOOOOONG time. And I do mean long. But... I won't ever wear the same pair of running shorts twice without washing them. Weird, huh?
3. Every time I say "Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk" on the inside I am quietly yelling, "GO MEMPHIS!!!"
4. I am a sap, and I really like chick-flicks. Sue me.
5. I like going to the symphony. I enjoy classical music, as long as it isn't too contemporary. The newer guys sound like moose in heat.

The End of OPEC?

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages...

I want to apologize for my random angry phone calls on Saturday morning. Many of you received them, hearing me whine and complain that gas went up 20 cents overnight in Lawrence. I went to bed on Friday at 3.49 and woke up Saturday morning to 3.69. I want to apologize for the base, dastardly things I had to say about OPEC and its constituents. While true, they were still rather harsh and vindictive. Because, truthfully, I don't even know the marital status of their parents...

The recent spike in fuel costs is the result of OPEC's decision to cut the "overproduction" of oil that has led to a "drastic" decline in oil prices. (I have yet to see said decline at the pumps, however.)

Side item: Why do spikes in crude oil prices hit the day after they are announced when the price of oil is based on projected costs 6 months down the road, yet the decline in oil prices never seems to make it to the consumer? Why can companies like Exxon post record profits every quarter for the last two years and yet still claim that they are unable to come out on top? They claim to be putting up record percentages in exploring alternative fuel sources, and yet it only comes to 2% of their overall profits, less than any other company in the market. Can I justify to the IRS that I am "reinvesting" my own personal assets in "alternative economic stimuli packages?" That's got audit written ALL over it! Can I charge my students a processing fee for my ministry job due to the rising demands on my time and abilities, and the dwindling supply of my time/energy? If so, sign me up!

Ok, side note over. OPEC decides to cut the "overproduction" of oil due to a dilution of the market and their inability to turn a suitable profit. I am sure they can dry their tears on the extra dollar bills and Euros they gained from their recent market gouging. Similarly, both Chavez/Venezula and Putin/Russia have threatened to cut off oil flow to America and Europe as a result of their incessant political ravings. (Has anyone noticed that they sound slightly Stalin-esque when they both speak?) So... all I have to say to OPEC, Russia, and Venezula is this: Go drill yourselves somewhere else, cause we are tired of being probed by you!

Now, hot on the heels of this announcement is the decision by Saudia Arabia to withdraw from OPEC. (http://blogs.moneycentral.msn.com/topstocks/archive/2008/09/11/the-death-of-opec.aspx?GT1=33009)
They decided to NOT cut their oil production, but instead to continue at current capacity. Many political pundits and market analysts are heralding this as the end of the reign of OPEC over the global oil market. Let's hope. But I think one of two things will occur: either the diminished prominence of OPEC OR an attack on Saudi oil refineries. (One is probably more likely than the other.) Additionally, Brazil announced the finding of a second major oil discovery, enlarging the first from earlier this year (which is reported to be the largest in the world!)

Let's hope the Saudi's audacity will send shock waves throughout the global oil market, and the Brazilian discovery will spell the end of the Middle Eastern dominance in black gold as we know it.

If not, can I at least get some Saudi tea and Brazilian Carneval beads with my HUGE gas price increases at the pump?