The Old Guy Rules

For sure I need to do a few more bench presses to keep up with the old man:)

Whoa, my own page. I'm not really sure what my dad planned for me to say, so I'll probably do what I do best: ramble.

Growing up with two guys; my dad and my brother 3 years older, is no piece of cake. I had to learn things like hair dying, makeup, and clothes purely by either myself, magazines, or someone dad was dating. It's a hard-knock life;) My idea of a great-tasting meal was Dad's grilled cheese, noodles, or omelets. (seriously, the things he does make are really good) But I wouldn't change it for anything. My dad is probably the most important person in my life because of all he's sacrificed and continues to sacrifice for me and my brother.

There are not too many kids who can say they can consider their father a homie. It's all his fault I love movies like Goodfellas or Animal House, love watching UFC and put the Pittsburgh Steelers before breathing. My friends are all jealous of how "cool" my dad is. He tells the best stories and has the funniest sayings. And he isn't embarrassed to rap. I'm serious. I could tell you stories. Besides that, you have no idea how many "your dad is ripped"s and "dude, your dad looks so young"s I've gotten. Weird, I know.

I can't help but think about following in daddio's footsteps. I'm pretty sure I was passed on his entire personality. He teaches English, and I wanted to do that for a long time. But I realized it takes a really special person to handle high schoolers, haha. I have always known, though, that I wanted to have a career somewhere in the line of English (very sorry, I cannot stand math or science). My dream now is to become a writer of young adult books. I love reading them, and I want to inspire girls with books the same way I've been inspired. I know I'm only about 18 years old, but I'm working on a book right now and I'm really excited about it. I say to all of you young guys: don't let anyone tell you what you can do, or who you can be. If I want to make millions by writing books, I'll do it. Life's too short, so do work, son.

I also decided to go to Dad's alma mater, Eureka College. It's small, sure, but it has so much history and meaning for me. When I first told him I wanted to go there, he made sure I knew why. He said, "Shelb, if that's where you want to go I'll support you, but make sure you are going to Eureka for your own reasons. Your reasons are completely different than mine, because I went there in large part because of the football program." We visited a few colleges, but I always knew this was the one. In a school like that, you aren't just another number. Professors know your name, you know everyone there, and you're encouraged to do a lot of things, not just straightforward academics. I'm really excited to go there, and I hope it'll be a great experience.

While I was in cross country, I learned a lot about teamwork, but definitely a lot about hard work. I never used to think I could run that much, ever. It's largely due to a great coach and team. When you're involved in something like that, though, you learn how to push yourself more than you ever thought you could. You've got to have some sort of inspiration, right? Well Muhammad Ali is one of my biggest idols, and the greatest fighter of all time. I even wrote a term paper for an American History class on him, and then I decided to write him a letter to say how cool he was. I didn't expect to get anything back, but when his actual autograph came back I framed that bad boy ASAP. Even in his worsening condition from Parkinson's, he makes time to sign autographs to fans each day. Now there's a hero.

Anyway Ali has some of my favorite quotes. So here's another dose of inspiration.

"Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them-a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill."

And so, old guys and young guys alike, you need to have the will. I mean, I'm not just talking about sports. It's true to your whole life. Nothing can stop you then.

Thanks for reading. Hey remember, age is just a number.

    ~Shelbi