Well this last week was awesome. First I went to a Stoa tournament in Seattle area, then got to spend the day with two of my best friends on the Oregon coast, then I got to visit Corban University in Salem for my very first college tour.
Well, let's start with the tournament. First of all, I'm sick of the NCFCA vs. Stoa debate. Both Stoa and NCFCA are legitimate leagues. I have my reasons for preferring NCFCA, however I can see from an administration standpoint, and the fact that they have a more accessible National Championship why many prefer Stoa. So why can't we just leave each other alone? I've heard numerous competitors and even parents and tournament staff from each league insulting the other. We're both supposed to be Christian organizations, so why can't we treat our "rival" league with a Christlike attitude? I'm not calling out any specific people here, but I'm talking about the general attitude that I've seen at competitions. Anyway, the "rant" part of this post can be over now.:P
So about the tournament. I ended up going 5-1 in prelims, which surprised me. I didn't think I did nearly that well due to the different resolution. Besides that, my friend Drew got 1st place in LD, which was definitely the highlight of the trip. I also did well in my persuasive and expository (IO). God definitely used both of those speeches to make a difference in the lives of people at this tournament, and for that I am very thankful. It's amazing how God can use us sinners to be His messengers, even if our hearts aren't always in the right place.
Then the Oregon Coast was incredible! There's something about the ocean that always amazes me. This was my first time to the Oregon coast, and I'm already hoping to go back this summer. We also got to see our good friends in Cloverdale, which was a blast, even though it was short.
And then, the college. Going on the tour was a bit intimidating, but the prospect of college life is also very exciting. I love Oregon, so going to college there would be really cool, but it's also a long way from New Mexico, so we'll see... All of my options are still open at this point.
So yeah, long story short: Awesome week.
-Andrew
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Moving...
Well it's official. We'll be moving to New Mexico in July or August. This will definitely been an experience, as it's been 8 years since I last moved. I remember it well enough to recall that moving means a lot of lasts. So some lasts that are soon to happen:
-Last day in the Boise house.
-Last Region 2 NCFCA tournament.:(
-Last Sunday at VLCC.
-Last time I'll suit up for my football team. (Sadly, that one's already happened...)
-Last day as a part of Firm Foundation Speech and Debate.
...and many more that I'm just not thinking of right now.
However, moving also means there will be a lot of firsts.
-First day exploring NM.
-First Region 3 tournament.
-First day for my dad in his new job. (a HUGE blessing for him)
-First night in a new house.
-First new friend in NM.
-First job for me in NM. (Hopefully!:))
-First day in new debate club. (Hopefully!:))
Well, moving sucks. There's no denying that. But it also creates a ton of new opportunities. Maybe it's just what I need. So, in light of that, I'm not going to focus on the lasts. The next few months will be hard, but I'm going to choose to focus on the firsts. God wants me in NM for a reason, so I'm going to focus on figuring out what that reason is.
-Last day in the Boise house.
-Last Region 2 NCFCA tournament.:(
-Last Sunday at VLCC.
-Last time I'll suit up for my football team. (Sadly, that one's already happened...)
-Last day as a part of Firm Foundation Speech and Debate.
...and many more that I'm just not thinking of right now.
However, moving also means there will be a lot of firsts.
-First day exploring NM.
-First Region 3 tournament.
-First day for my dad in his new job. (a HUGE blessing for him)
-First night in a new house.
-First new friend in NM.
-First job for me in NM. (Hopefully!:))
-First day in new debate club. (Hopefully!:))
Well, moving sucks. There's no denying that. But it also creates a ton of new opportunities. Maybe it's just what I need. So, in light of that, I'm not going to focus on the lasts. The next few months will be hard, but I'm going to choose to focus on the firsts. God wants me in NM for a reason, so I'm going to focus on figuring out what that reason is.
Monday, April 2, 2012
WA Open
Another tournament is now over, and I'd say my first national open was a great success! Not only did I place well in all of my events, but one of my good friends from club qualified to Nationals in OI!
But, now begins the "tournament hangover" that comes after tournaments. The time when the exciting break announcements, road trips, and philosophical chats with friends are over, and the boring schoolwork returns. Not fun. But, as Dr. Suess said, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." I think I'll go for a run and enjoy a fine day in Boise. They are getting fewer and fewer....
I can also look forward to Regionals and, Lord willing, Nationals.
Keep on being awesome, speech tournaments!:D
-Andrew
But, now begins the "tournament hangover" that comes after tournaments. The time when the exciting break announcements, road trips, and philosophical chats with friends are over, and the boring schoolwork returns. Not fun. But, as Dr. Suess said, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." I think I'll go for a run and enjoy a fine day in Boise. They are getting fewer and fewer....
I can also look forward to Regionals and, Lord willing, Nationals.
Keep on being awesome, speech tournaments!:D
-Andrew
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