Month: January 2009

James HoganLeave a comment

Such a great day!!! I am going to sleep soon, but I just had to write a few lines on how lovely today was!! Woke up today and made some bacon and hot chocolate…and then me and Rob and Andrew just chilled at our apartment relaxing and NOT doing homework. Then for some reason I felt pretty tired…so took about a three hour nap. GLORIOUS. After that, I felt so awesome…apparently, I really needed the sleep!

Later this evening, went over to the Lebos house for Mrs. Lebo’s 50th birthday surprise party!!! It was great times(and she was indeed surprised!!). I had a most enjoyable time…meeting a bunch of the Lebos’ cousins, hanging out with tons of awesome people, drinking way too much coffee, playing Assassin, watching crazy homemade videos, making more crazy videos, dancing in the kitchen…fun times or WHAT. I am indeed blessed to have such good friends!!! God is so good to me…He always has been and I am confident that He always will be. Have a great night, all!!

James HoganLeave a comment

Another lovely week has begun! Well I guess it technically began on Sunday, but we didn’t have school yesterday(MLK Day) so this feels like the real first day. It’s already been a pretty sweet morning; we had a good class in Adolescent Lit(turned in my homework for that…the homework was to write a poem…WHAT. How awesome is that!) I’m also very happy today because it’s beautifully cold outside…that always makes me happy!! Oh and the coffee I made this morning was good too…I definitely needed that because I DID NOT get enough sleep last night…so waking up this morning around 5:40 felt terrible. Class was fun though so it was all worth it. I love having an early class that I enjoy going to!! I may post my poem I wrote for homework here eventually…I want to see what the prof says first!

Oh and I don’t think I mentioned it here yet…but the Gators definitely won another football championship a few weeks ago…yeah, definitely my fourth championship here during my four years. Wow. Oh and one more note on that. I WAS AT THE GAME. And it was AMAZING. We beat the Oklahoma Sooners 24-14 YES.

And now I think I shall go outside(currently in the computer lab doing homework) and enjoy some of this awesomeness that is January weather…so great to remember the God that made all of this and is so loving and gracious to us all!! What a mighty God we serve!!

James HoganLeave a comment

Once again I am chillaxin’ at the Christian Study Center…it seems this is my best time for posting lately!! I had a very nice early morning(Ok, 9:35 is moderately early) lit class…I love that class so much because it’s such a sharp departure from my engineering classes. Most refreshing to be talking about books and their mirroring of teen culture rather than discussing the best way to have a lean manufacturing plant(not that that’s bad of course, seeing as that’s what I’ll be doing once I step into the “real world”!) Anyways after class, I ran into Chris and Andrew…great seeing them for a few minutes! Then I meandered on over here and have been enjoying the beautiful day ever since, drinking hot chocolate out on the front porch while reading the paper…the simple pleasures of life!

Anyways, what else should I say…I don’t have class for another hour, so feasibly I could write the whole time and have the most MAMMOTH entry ever. That would be awesome. But of course half of it would probably be rambling nonsense…ohh, I know what else happened today. We got a sweet assignment in my lit class – we have to watch a short film online and then “creatively respond” to it with either a short story, poem, comic strip, or essay. Seriously. That is awesome. I have never had an engineering assignment in which I get to write a poem. Of course, a poem involving time studies and differential equations would probably be most dreadfully dull. I think I’m going to try and write a poem but if my muse won’t help me out with that, I’ll just write a short story. Anyways…enough of talking about lit!

On another note, I’ve been looping Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” on youtube while writing this…it is probably really terrible that that’s been stuck in my head lately. I’m considering buying her latest album just because that song’s so awesome…and yes, I’m a terribly hopeless romantic. I can’t help that! Well, at least most of the time..

And now I need to get ready for class in a few minutes…but I’m just enjoying sitting here sipping my coffee too much right now. I have to say, it’s so weird thinking this is my last semester in which all I have to do is go to classes and hang out with friends…I still can’t really comprehend that my college career is almost over! Even weirder is to think that I started this livejournal account more than four years ago now…when I was still in high school and so ignorant of what my college years would contain. I remember thinking about college and knowing that it would be a grand adventure, but I don’t think I really understood how life-changing it would be. I’ve changed SO MUCH since my high school experience. While high school was super fun…I think I lived my life almost in separate spheres during my high school years. I had my school life and my school friends…and then I had my church life and my church friends. I think I can safely say that I was almost a different person in each of those spheres. Thankfully by God’s grace, these past four years I’ve learned that my true identity is in Christ. These past four years, I’ve become less dependent on man’s praise while I’ve looked ever more to God and His glorious righteousness. Might I always seek to serve God and in serving Him, love my fellow brothers and sisters and the rest of the world. Might I never look to my own glory and pleasure, but always to the glory of God! All that I am is His, because He made me who I am. Sometimes I despair in myself and foolishly wonder what’s going to happen in my future…but why do I forget the goodness of the Lord? Why do I doubt His mighty Hand?

And as I really do need to get to class, let me leave you with one of my favorite verses:

Therefore prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit and fix your hope completely on the grace to be revealed to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. -1 Peter 1:13

Hopefully y’all didn’t mind this rambling post too much…it felt good to just talk and talk and talk…and remember, if anyone did read this all, you get a cookie. Made by me. Which means it is awesome.

Now I am off into the cold. Farewell to all!!

James HoganLeave a comment

Right now I’m chilling at the Christian Study Center enjoying a delicious mocha…and just reveling in the beauty of the day!! Cold weather has arrived again and I absolutely love it!! This morning I woke up feeling quite cold and after my shower, I enjoyed the most amazing mint-flavored hot chocolate..mmmm…

Later, I went over to the Lebos’ place for lunch and then a sweet game of disc golf with Mrs. Lebo, Laura, George and Becca. I have to say, it was PERFECT disc golf weather…or really, it’s just perfect weather to walk around outside in!! Now I have one more class(senior design) before my academic day is over. I probably should start walking there now, but I’m enjoying sipping on my mocha and looking outside at the bright blue sky and palm trees slightly dancing in the breeze…

Hope y’all are having a great day!! And now, I’m off to class.

James HoganLeave a comment

Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever,
For wisdom and power belong to Him.
It is He who changes the times and the epochs;
He removes kings and establishes kings;
He gives wisdom to wise men
and knowledge to men of understanding.
It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
and the light dwells with Him.
To You, O God of my fathers,
I give thanks and praise,
For You have given me wisdom and power.
-Daniel 2:20-23

I have quite a nasty headache right now and still feel like I’m in a peculiar mood…but…I rest in the Lord.

James HoganLeave a comment

I am in an odd mood. You know the kind of mood where you’re depressed and don’t know why? Well, that’s how I feel and it’s rather annoying. I first thought I’d try writing something(poetry, etc.)…but that didn’t work – my muse is utterly absent tonight. Then I thought I’d watch a movie. None of my movies appealed to me. Then I thought I’d read a book…but all the books I have that I haven’t read are for my adolescent lit class. Reading those would not help my mood any. So I made mac ‘n cheese for me and Rob for dinner.

I probably should eat that now, since it is much past my dinnertime.

But nonetheless, I am in a weird mood and I don’t like it. Maybe you don’t like reading this random personal feelings stuff…but I claim journal privileges. I shall write what I wish. Maybe I should not even post this, yet I think I shall. This is a rather interesting stream-of-consciousness writing…and while I don’t think it’s really helping me, it’s sorta fun to write something, even if I can’t be creative tonight and write something original.

When any of you(those of you that have made it this far?) are in weird spontaneous depressed moods, what do you do? It’s weird because I’ve had such a sweet day and past week and past month. I should not feel this way. I should not feel that I’ve just had a meeting with a lancer who left me horseless and bruised and bloody and dazed and confused because I didn’t even know I was in a war. Or better yet(or worse depending on your point of view), I feel like I’ve had a crossbow bolt shot through my extremely dented and faded armor which failed to protect me from the enemy who was hiding in the trees and shot me before I was even aware of his existence.

Ok, I don’t know where all that came from.

I really should end this post before I say something I regret….so end it I shall.

It’s time for dinner. Or shall I say second-dinner. And then I will pick up my sword and continue the fight.

James HoganLeave a comment

Last night in Tampa….for a while. While I miss everyone crazily up in Gainesville, I’ve had such sweet times with the fam over the break that I’m gonna be pretty sad to leave again tomorrow…and I’m also a little excited/stunned/sad to be starting my LAST COLLEGE SEMESTER this next week. WHAT. I sorta want to write a longer entry detailing some of my deeper thoughts about the past year, but I am rather tired now…had an awesome time watching Bourne Ultimatum with the fam(even though the Bourne theme is now stuck forever in my head after half of my family has been humming it for the past week…) So now, despite my valiant efforts, I am falling asleep. Think I’ll get some reading done and then sweet pillow awaits. G’night all!

Another survey…what.

James HoganLeave a comment

I’m having a most relaxing Saturday morning drinking coffee and chillin’ with the fam…maybe later I’ll post a deeper entry. We’ll see. Anyways, survey time!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Worked a regular 8-5 corporate-type job…weird and great experience.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions for 2008? Will you make more for 2009?
I don’t know if I’ve EVER made New Year’s resolution.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Um…no. What’s weird is to think that in a few years that’s all gonna change…everyone’s getting married, eeek.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.

5. What countries did you visit?
Um…does Texas count? It’s sorta like another country!

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
I honestly can’t think of anything in 2008 that was lacking. Is that bad? Maybe more discipline. That’s never a bad thing.

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Oh boy…too many to think of. Spring break awesomeness in Sarasota. Hiking in the Panhandle with Rob. Two of my top moments from a year full of ’em.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting my first job offer. And becoming more like Christ. Not in that order.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Mmm…can’t think of anything groundshaking, but I wish I could spend quality time with all my friends all the time…it’s something I’ve come to realize just isn’t possible though…

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really. I’ve been remarkably healthy this year!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Um…my new laptop? That was actually near the end of last year, but I think it still counts. Can’t think of any other big purchases I made.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My whole family, just for being awesome.

13. Whose behavior made you mad and ill-willed?
It’s hard to think of any and even if I could…would I write it here? No.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Haha, food? Yeah, probably food. Oh, and car.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Hangin out with friends this last year of college, ahhhh!

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Stealing from Kady…”Low”…I got addicted to that song this year. And “Violet Hill”/”Viva la Vida” by Coldplay..

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: happier or sadder?
Mmm…probably both actually. Happier because this past year has just been awesome and I have a job to look forward to. Sadder because I know I’ll be leaving basically everyone I know behind when I do start my job.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Prayer, probably. I could always do more of that.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Dwelling on what cannot be. Thinking about the future when I could be living in the present. Very vague responses I know…;)

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Spent time with the fam…ate cinnamon rolls…enjoyed life.

21. How will you be spending New Year’s Eve?
Started it on St. Joe’s Peninsula hiking with Rob…finished it in Ormond with some of my best friends partaying it up around a bonfire.

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Nope…I’m too young for such a thing! Hehehe…

23. How many one-night stands?
None, thankfully.

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Lost…YES.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Um…I don’t hate people. At least I try not to. It’s counterproductive.

26. What was the best book you read?
Mmm…I just started the “Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan…that whole series has been awesome…and I’m almost done with it now. *sadness*

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Coldplay. I always figured that since they were popular they couldn’t be any good. I will admit, I was wrong.

28. What did you want and got?
I don’t understand this question…a job, I guess? Good times with friends?

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Mmm, two answers. The Dark Knight for pure awesomeness. And Death Race just because.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 21…whoa. And I spent it with my fam. Nothing better.

32. What’s one thing would have made 2008 immeasurably more satisfying?
Nothing. 2008 was what it was. And what it was was awesomeness.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Um…jeans and t-shirt? What it always is? I don’t really have a fashion concept. I wear comfort.

34. What kept you sane?
God. As He always has.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Haha, probably the different situations in Israel. They always get me the most passionate…oh and the whole little Russian invasion into Georgia. That was sorta interesting.

37. Who did do you miss?
My friends from high school who I don’t to see half as much anymore…it makes me sad.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
I met lots of cool new people this year…so no comment.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
I’ve learned lots this year…maybe the biggest is just to enjoy life in the present instead of worrying about the future.

Man…2008 was a good year. 🙂

Time for something a little different…

James HoganLeave a comment

Stolen from Kady…and I also didn’t want to try and list 30 bands so I’m also using last.fm for my 30…we’ll see how this turns out, since I’m not as big a music person as some people….hehehe.

List your 30 favorite bands/musicians (in no particular order) without looking at the questions, and then answer the questions using your list.

01. John Williams
02. Relient K
03. The Beatles
04. Trans-Siberian Orchestra
05. Hans Zimmer
06. Green Day
07. Muse
08. Blue Man Group
09. Howard Shore
10. Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori
11. Queen
12. They Might Be Giants
13. Switchfoot
14. Flogging Molly
15. Dropkick Murphys
16. BBC Big Band
17. Keith Green
18. Stratovarius
19. Blink-182
20. Lost Prophets
21. Kelly Clarkson
22. The Postal Service
23. Rhapsody
24. Nightwish
25. Jeremy Soule
26. The Royal Philharmonic
27. Coldplay
28. The Doors
29. Frank Klepacki
30. Apocalyptica

1. How did you get into 29 (Frank Klepacki)?
Haha, actually I think I deleted all of his songs(command and conquer soundtrack music) a little while ago…but I started listening because I got the soundtrack music from my friend Andrew. But on one of my random iTunes cleaning binges…he went bye-bye.

2. What was the first song you ever heard by 22 (The Postal Service)?
No idea…probably The District Sleeps tonight…but I heard them before I ever had their music, so not sure.

3. How many albums by 12 (They Might Be Giants) do you own?
Hm, well I don’t actually own any of their albums…but I have four albums on my computer.

4. What is your favourite song by 5 (Hans Zimmer)?
Probably the beginning battle music in Gladiator. Either that or the Pirates of the Caribbean theme music.

5. What is your favorite song by 15 (Dropkick Murphys)?
Hm, good question. Either “Do or Die”, “Heroes from our Past”, or “Amazing Grace”. All great songs.

6. Is there a song by 6 (Green Day) that makes you happy?
Haha, lots of Green Day’s songs makes me happy…but I’d have to say “Time of our Lives” simply because it brings back great memories of high school….

7. What is your favourite song by 10 (Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori)?
Seeing as they’re the Halo soundtrack composers…probably the main Halo theme. It’s pure awesomeness.

8. What is a good memory you have involving 30 (Apocalyptica)?
Hmm…just any time I’ve watched youtube videos of them and seeing my friends’ reactions to a metal cellist band…people get quite confused, hehehe.

9. Is there a song by 19 (Blink-182) that makes you happy?
“First Date”…so light and care-free and happy and awesome!

10. How many times have you seen 23 (Rhapsody) live?
Never. But…they would be one of the bands on my list I’d most want to see live. So that would be sweet if I ever could!!

11. What is the first song you ever heard by 26 (The Royal Philharmonic)?
Probably “1812 Overture” or something…I was actually sorta surprised they made it on the list…

12. What is your favourite album by 11 (Queen)?
A Night at the Opera. Definitely my favorite sound of theirs by far…

13. Who is your favourite member of 1 (John Williams)?
John Williams(Hehehehe…)

14. Have you ever seen 14 (Flogging Molly) live?
No, but it would be sweet!!

15. What is a good memory involving 27 (Coldplay)?
Writing my finance paper the day it was due listening to them the whole time…great fuel for the mind. That was also the day I first discovered their greatness.

16. What is your favourite song by 16 (BBC Big Band)?
“I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo”…very fun song!!

17. What is your favourite album by 18 (Stratovarius)?
Had to look up their albums on my itunes for this one…but definitely Dreamspace. Some of my favorite songs are on there..

18. What is your favorite song by 21 (Kelly Clarkson)?
Hmm…I don’t know if I have a favorite…probably either “Addicted” or “Behind those Hazel Eyes”…and yes, Kelly Clarkson is on my top 30. Nothing wrong with that!

19. What is the first song you ever heard by 25 (Jeremy Soule)?
He’s the composer of the Knights of the Old Republic soundtrack…so I guess the theme song from that game? Yeah, sounds about right.

20. What is your favourite album by 2 (Relient K)?
Two Lefts Don’t Make a Right…But Three Do. Great great album with tons of solid songs. Mmhmm is pretty awesome too.

21. What is your favourite song by 3 (The Beatles)?
“Here Comes the Sun”. Don’t think I’ve ever had another favorite!

22. What is your favourite song by 8 (Blue Man Group)?
Probably either “White Rabbit”, “Drumbone”, or “I Feel Love”. Yummy songs all!

23. How many times have you seen 17 (Keith Green) live?
Never…I think he died before I was born. 😦

24. What is the worst song by 12 (They Might be Giants)?
Umm…I can’t think of any of their songs I dislike!!

25. What was the first song you ever heard by 28 (The Doors)?
Um, not sure…but the one I always liked the most when I first heard them was “Riders on the Storm”. And I still do love that song…

26. What is your favourite album by 7 (Muse)?
Black Holes and Revelations. This also happens to be my favorite album of all time, ever…so…yeah. Awesomeness.

Fun survey time! Now maybe I should actually get something done….