The Future

   Well folks I'm almost out of this place. The months have come and gone and winter is pretty much obsolete. Spring 2011 kind of means new beginings for me and the start of my new life. Am I scared? Not really, because I have faith in myself and I know that in the end things are going to end up alright. I guess optimism is one of the best qualities you can have this day in age. Despite all the shitty things going on around me I'm just going to keep on plugging. I truly mean that too!
   I guess persistence is my middle name, because if I didnt have it I would never be this close to graduating from college. Who would of fucking thought that I, Eric Engeldinger, would someday graduate from an accredited University. I wont lie at some points in my life I never thought it was going to happen, especially around my sophmore year when my fraternity got kicked out of our house, and I had to live on my buddy's floor for three months. All we did was smoke weed, get drunk, eat shrooms, and I dabbled in some prescription pill usage. Class was a second class citizen in my mind and I just wanted to have fun. And fuck it I did. It was moments in my life like this that really shaped how I am today and how I progressively matured. Even though I have learned a good bit in the classroom, I have learned a lot more out of the classroom. The "college experience" has been both good and bad to me. I learned a lot, fucked some girls and made some damn good friends. I've learned that some things are not worth getting upset about, and that sometimes things are going to go wrong no matter how hard you try. So fuck it, Im going to do what I want to do and I know that I got a good head on my shoulders and I'll be alright.
   As much as I hate Muskingum and the town of New Concord in general part of me is going to miss it, but only a slight bit. It is here that I grew up. I mean dont get me wrong I was 18 when I came here, but I feel that I came here a a vital age and this is where I truly grew up and became the person that I am today. Ok, I retract my statement of missing Muskingum what I'm really going to miss is Ulster. Ulster was my frat, and no its not Greek (kind of weird I know) but I'm kind of weird.Although I havent lived in Ulster for awile now because we got kicked off campus again I'm still going to miss all the characters that came in and out of that house, along with all the stupid random shit we did to pass the time. I'll never forget pledging and the fucksticks that I went through it with. The nights we would stay up till 4 am on a tuesday, because we were in a frat and thats what we did and all those three am monsters no guy wants to talk about to his friends.
   On that note I'm out. I do not know what the future has in store for me so I guess I'm just along for the ride.

Suns out Guns Out

    Today was the nicest day that we had all year. It was 83 degrees out today and the sun was shining. It felt like it was 100 degrees though, because we havent seen a day like today in six months. I went fishing at a local creek that runs in and out of the Muskingum River called Salt Creek. I was really hoping that I'd catch my first smallmouth of the year, but to my dismay I did not. To make matters even worse a buddy of mine brought his girlfriend with him who doesnt even like to fish and on her first cast she hooked into a three pound smallie. That was the only bite anybody got all day. I spent hours moving up and down the creek casting into the deep pools and no luck. I wont lie I was pretty salty about it.
    Being out there today made me think about my life growing up and how much I love the country and love being outside. I honestly cannot think of having a different upbringing then what I did because I truly am a country boy. I love being out in the middle of nowhere getting down and dirty and enjoying the earth that God has blessed us with. I spent most of my childhood playing with the dogs I have owned throughout the years and also being around different animals such as horses and goats. I could not ever think of living in the city, nor do I ever want to.
    People that arent from the country just dont understand. And I dont mean that in a mean way it's just the truth. People from  rural areas are even looked down upon by people from the city as eneducated and simple. And to be honest I dont think that simple is all that bad, because thats exactly what country living is all about; simplfying your life. Not sweating the small stuff and remembering the important things in life. To me those things are your family and the things that make you happy. I know what makes me happy and I dont have one regret with who I am. One of my favorite songs really explains how I feel and everytime I listen to this song it hits close to home. Its called Cecil Brown by Hank 3.......
"Well my name is Cecil Brown
and I'm from a little town
and people don't think much of me
I never understood
why they thought I was no good
But this is how it seems
The feelings of this worn out cowboy
will make you feel so cold
I've traveled up and down so many
kind of lonesome roads
I once took the high road
and it took me straight to hell
and I stood there all by myself
Cause all alone's where
I feel like I belong
Cause it don't matter
who's right or wrong"

sports and athletics

    Well my intramural softball game got cancelled yesterday because the other team forfeited. I was kind of mad about because I was already prepared to go up and play, but O well because it was kind of cold. Playing all these intramurals and pickup games throughout the years def. make me think about what used to be my own athletic career and pro sports too.
    I am what you would call an all around athlete, and I dont say that with arrogance. I can really play just about any sports good, but I was never the greatest at any one sport. I think a lot of athleticism has to do with my parents, and having me involved in numerous athletic activities growing up. I have played golf, football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, swimming, baseball and track competitively throughout my lifetime. My favorite sport was wrestling, because that is the sport that I put the most time into, and tried to be the best at. Wrestling is a very demanding sport and it demands for someone to be 100% involved to be good at. I also like football a lot because I liked being part of a team, and there was no weight cutting involved like there was in wrestling. I am also a big fan of swimming and golf because these are sports that you can participate in by yourself, and pretty much for the rest of your life. I mean I need something to keep me busy.
    OK, on a more professional level...... For one I am glad that college basketball is over. Man O' man what a crazy season and an even crazier ending. I really thought the Buckeyes were going to go all the way. Baseball is now in full swing, and I hope the Indians  can have a respectful season, but I also know that they are young, but Im still being optimistic. There is nothing more fun then going to a Cleveland Browns game though. Browns games are the biggest parties ever, and I never leave without having a good time. Talk about D-R-U-N-K and stoned. Browns fans are diehards and they will endure the frosty Cleveland winter from sunup to sundown partying and having a good time and cheering the Browns on. Thats why I love going to Browns games. Its the best atmosphere ever. This is why I pray that the NFL will get the football lockout figured out, because there has to be football! Why is everyone being so effin greedy? Like they are all making tons of money. Without the fans there is no football so the NFL better remember that.

Tattoos

   I must say that I had a pretty decent weekened. I partied a bit, hung out and played a lot of basketball. I went fishing for a little bit too, but I didnt have much luck. This cold weather shit is def. pissing me off. I just want it to get nice outside, and stay that way. Im not asking for much, just for 60 degree weather. It's a little warmer out today, actually a lot warmer, but it's supposed to rain all day. O' well got to expect that out of an Ohio spring right?
   Speaking of spring where in the hell is my tax return? The US government better get off their ass and get it sent out to t-county, because I am really counting on getting that money soon because I am broke. This is why I hate being in college because I am always broke. I rather just work and have a little bit of money to play around with. I should be getting $500 bones back, and hopefully I will have enough money to get another tattoo.
   I wont lie tattoos truly are addicting, but I dont really know why. I dont see them as a bad thing tho. I truly do see them as a work of art. It's all about the artist, and getting him or her to put something on your body that flows and looks good. Currently I have over $2000 in tattoos. I know this seems like a lot, but I have gotten them in stages throughout the years, and I dont plan on stopping. I just hope society gets off their highhorse about making  a  big deal out of them. Just because you have a bunch of tattoos doesnt mean you are dirty or uneducated or a criminal. Dont get me wrong if you have a bunch of tattoos you could be those things, but I dont feel like tattoos have anything to do with someones personal actions. I feel like people should be judged on their character not their bodyart. This might sound wierd but the next tattoo I am getting (which will hopefully be soon) is going on my butt. Its not even going to be a joke tattoo, I just really want one on my butt and I have the perfect design for it that screams eric engeldinger. More to come later on!

Spring means bass fishing!!

    OK, so spring is here and even though I live in the state of Ohio and the weather is absolutely crazy here, its still making me happy that winter is pretty much over here. Dont get me wrong its supposed to be like a high of 41 degrees today, but it is suppose to warm up later on this week into next week. But regardless of what crazy weather mother nature throws at us in Ohio I am still excited because spring means pre spawn bass fishing. I love fishing for bass especially for smallmouth and I cannot wait to get on the river to catch some fat smallies.
    I went fishing at the New Concord resevoir yesterday and tried out the trolling motor I just bought. I bought it used and to my suprise the forward controls now go in reverse and the reverse now goes in forward. This pissed me off and I tried to fix it but no luck. My flat bottom boat also has a tiny hole in it now, so it is taking on water. And to top it off I didnt catch anything. I was in a bad mood about everything but I decided to try out another spot, which is a farm pond that I have permission to fish at. I brought two rod and reel set-ups with me. One was a 30 dollar ultralight setup I have to mess around on and the other was a very nice berkely/daiwa baitcasting setup Ive had for about three years now that cost me over 200 bucks. Well it was just my luck that about four inches of the tip broke off  of my baitcasting setup. I was so effing pissed, and I only caught one measly bass that was a little over a pound. To say the least yesterday wasnt my day.
    I'm not going to let my misfortunes slow me down though. I cannoty wait until the weather gets a little warmer, and more stable, so I can start throwing topwater baits. Topwater baits are my absolute favorite to throw, because the way a bass smacks these baits literally makes your heart pound. I love it. Buzzbaits and frogs are my go-to choice for top water baits. I like frogs because you can even use them in the summer months when algae plays a factor.

My life and weed

  I had my first intramural softball game today, and although it was a little cold, it was still a lot of fun. I like playing softball because it is pretty laid back and its a lot easier than baseball was. Its nice just to be outside with your friends, and just being able to hang out and bullshit. Most of the guys I play with usually get pretty baked before we play. This brings me to my next point. Why isnt this stuff legal?
  I have been smoking weed on a regular basis for over six years now. I guess by definition I would be considered a pothead because I smoke pretty much everyday. I guess I dont mind being a pothead because I'm not your typical hemp wearing hippie. I simply just like smoking weed. I hate typical weed stereotypes, because I believe that just because you smoke doesnt make you worthless or lazy. I dont ever plan on quitting, because I honestly dont think its bad for you. I dont smoke that Bobby Brown shit either, I smoke  premium grade strains with very high THC levels. I do everything high, even things you wouldnt think would be beneficial doing high, but they are. I love to smoke outside and go hiking. It might sound corny but I love being in nature when I'm completely ripped. I also love to go fishing high, I feel like I have more patience and more concentration and "touch" with the rod. Another thing I enjoy doing is smoking and then going to go lift weights. I can only explain it one way when I'm high and in the weightroom and that is I'm in the zone. It heightens my concentration and I cant feel myself getting sore. It's a win win for me.
  One of my idols that is a well known pothead is Willie Nelson. Damn I want to meet that guy. Willie has lived the life, and he is truly a country boy. Willie smokes mad weed and he is a social icon. I also agree with a lot of Willie Nelson's conservation actions. I too believe that we should preserve this beautiful earth God has blessed us with. Its just a shame that great people that are a benefit to society can be arrested and persecuted simply for pocessing or smoking weed.
 

Faith and Religion

  Today was a pretty good day for me. I had to take a computer test this morning, and it was really hard and really long. But, I think I did fairly well on it even though I had to rush questions due to time restraints.  This is literally the hardest semestes I've ever had because I was done with all the classes I needed to attain my BA in sociology, therefore I've had to take all the classes I either postponed or have previously failed. It sucks because I am taking class subject that I'm terrible at, aka math and computer science. Its ok though because I've been keeping up with my homework and Ive had a lot of time to think about my future along with other things such as religion and the human race in general.
  Sociology has really opened my eyes about a lot of issues along with people in general. I think that my education in sociology with def. help me down the road in life. A lot of touchy issues that we have discussed in different classes have made me ponder my religion too. I was born Roman Catholic, and a lot of the issues that we have talked about in class, my religion says one thing and some of the "liberal"thinking with my peers have said different. I think this is a good thing to think about becaus it helps you establish   your own personal beliefs.
  But for the most part I think being well educated in sociology can help you become a better person and ultimately a better Christian. To be truthfully honest I think a lot of Catholics are biggots and very judgmental. I personally do not think that should be the case and I believe that all people deserve a certain level of respect  and you should try to get to understand someones situation before you cast such harsh judement. People have to realize that not everyone grew up like they did so not everyone is going to agree with you or have the same beliefs. I just try to see the good in everyone. I think it is just part if me maturing and becoming my own person.