first things first

When faced with the reality that I'm nearing the end of my undergraduate studies, the topic of graduation entered my thoughts. One of the greatest questions surrounding graduation was if I should send invitations and if so to whom? Since the closest family to me are the Gotts in Las Vegas and then all the way to Michigan, it was apparent that no one would be making a trip to watch a stale celebration of my career at the UO. With a tight budget and the understanding that people weren't going to make the trip out I decided not to send formal invitations but I needed to at least fill people in on my life. Inspired by the many blogs I follow daily and the response to my sister's blog I realized the best way to reach out to friends and family was to start my own. I wanted to open my life to the people that I care about, and care about me. So forget the transparent papers and ornamental embossments of typical graduation invitations, and open this invitation; join with me in a journey through life found in the pages of this blog.

I feel I should start with an apology for sporadic or in many cases non-existent communication over many years. My passion for independence and the distance that separates us led me to withdraw from family and friends but that was a monumental mistake! I am blessed to have a wonderful and patient mother who had kept many of you informed of my life but even my mother received few details at times. Over the last year however, I've realized the great importance and value of family and I am more than ready to rebuild and form the family I've slowly let slip away. So lets start afresh starting with my commitment to keep you up to date on the daily dribbles of my life, what do you say?

Ok to start things off I'll give you a short glimpse into my life and the few details I have of my future. As far as the basics of who I am I'll keep it fairly short. I love bicycles and am always building or repairing them, I also love riding and currently have but 3 bikes, I'm sure you'll hear plenty of bike stories on these pages. The northwest gives new meaning to the idea of a coffee addict, and I further that idea daily. The picture is of my favorite mug that never leaves my side! My parents can attest to my coffee love and snobbery but unfortunately as a Ross that passion follows through most food and drink, oh I love it all! I'm also a big music buff and I have a particular interest in Jazz. I love the outdoors and traveling, and follow hockey religiously, go Wings!

I don't look too far ahead in my life but here's what I do know so far:) I'm walking this June 13th in the University of Oregon History department graduation ceremony. I've earned a history degree with a thesis and focus on US medical history, and also earned a business minor. I have one Spanish class to take during the summer and will remain here after graduation. This last Wednesday I officially tool a position with my church for the next year organizing and establishing small groups within the college area and working alongside the church small group ministry. This is a big passion of mine and I'm real excited to see what the Lord can do through me. The details of the job are still unraveling so stay tuned. Unfortunately the position pays VERY little so I need to find another job to make ends meet, no leads yet other than friends at coffee shops. I am currently deciding what my housing situation will look like and I'll keep you up to date as I know more. I live with 3 guys in a great colonial house a few miles from school and it's been great but I think I may be ready to be a 'real boy' and live with just one roommate.

Thanks for jumping on board with me through life!
~B