Day 12 - What's in your bag

Hmmm…this is tough because I don’t normally carry a bag.  I guess I carry my school bag to and from class.  Does that count?  I think so!  Let’s see, I have:

-Three pencils
-Some extra pencil lead
-A highlighter
-A three ring binder for my Current Issues in Student Affairs course
-A notebook
-And my handy dandy…Panther Planner!  :)

So that’s it.  That’s what’s in my bag.  Kind of boring if you ask me.  I should throw something unusual in there to spice things up like a set of juggling balls or a sack of Legos.  You never know when you might encounter a situation where you have to juggle or build something to get you out of a bind.  In fact…these are necessities!  I’m going to go put them in my bag right now!  I can’t believe I didn’t think of this sooner!!!

As Lonestar from Spaceballs once said, “Take only what you need to survive!”  These are things I simply can’t live without and they are essential for survival. I’m just saying.  :)

Day 11 - Your siblings

I have four siblings:

(From left to right) Aaron, Me (except I’m not my own sibling), Erica, Jimmie, and Sean.

Out of all of us, I’m the youngest.  So there were many times when I was younger that these four were looking after me.  Sean and Jimmie took me fishing, Aaron played video games with me, and Erica always had me come and stay with her and my Brother-in-law in the Council Bluffs/Omaha area.  Looking back, they all have made a significant impact on my life and I truly treasure how they all took me as their little brother.  I may have been a pain in many ways, but they always included me and wanted to spend time with me, which to this day seems pretty cool.  There aren’t many brothers and sisters out there that are willing to hang out with their younger brother, just because.  :)

Thank you Jimmie, Aaron, and Sean for accepting me with open arms as your little brother and thank you Erica for being my big sister.  I love you guys and thanks for your willingness to spend time with me all those years.

Day 10 - What you wore today

Well, that’s easy!  Since it was the 21st Annual RA Conference, I wore my purple “UNI - I am an RA” shirt!  Along with my RA Conference shirt, I also wore a pair of jeans, my purple highlighted Nike shoes, and a pair of UNI flex socks.  I would definitely have to say it was a comfy day for clothing!  I love wearing jeans!!!

Day 9 - Your beliefs

I have many beliefs.  So many in fact, I couldn’t name all of them.  However, here are just a few of my beliefs.

-I believe everyone has a purpose.
-I believe everyone possesses their own strengths and can better society using them.
-“I believe in a thing called love…”
-I believe everyone deserves a second chance.  We all make mistakes.
-I believe the glass is half full.  We all should focus more on the positive, rather than the negative.
-I believe in Jesus Christ.
-I believe we all should pay attention to children more.  They are the ones that live life to the fullest and many possess more wisdom than someone who has been around for 30 or more years.
-I believe we all possess the capacity to reach our greatest potential, so long as we work hard to achieve it.
-I believe in destiny.
-I believe in legends.
-I believe we can all make a difference in the world.
-I believe in Superman.
-I believe comic books are some of the greatest works of art.
-“I believe can fly…”
-I believe everyone has the right to an education.
-I believe we are not alone in this universe.
-I believe simple acts of kindness (free hugs, holding the door for others, etc.)
-I believe in miracles.
-I believe “…in the power of music to lift up, inspire, and help make the world a better place.”
-I believe in loved ones, both friends and family.
-I believe there is always someone there that has your back.
-“I’m believer…”
-I believe there is always a solution to every problem.
-I believe what I believe.  You believe what you believe.  And I believe in respecting what you believe in.
-I believe in all things good.
-I believe in the wonder and excitement of make believe.
-I believe in believing…

I believe in a lot of things, but above all else, I believe in you.  Because you are incredible.  Because you are SUPER!

Day 8 - A Moment

I have had a lot of special moments in my life thus far, and there only a few as moving as this.

In August of 2003, just two days before I departed for my first year at UNI, I received a phone call from Mark Janssen, a senior member of the University of Northern Iowa Varsity Men’s Glee Club.  He invited me to join the Men’s Glee Club by encouraging me to attend an informational meeting the Monday evening when classes began.  He mentioned that I did not have to commit at this time and that no one had to try out.  It was simply a men’s choir composed of mostly non-music majors who loved to sing.

I had always enjoyed singing.  In fact, I had been in a choir every year since the fourth grade and this was telling me that I could continue my passion for singing.  So Monday evening came around and their were roughly 80 guys jam packed into one of the Schindler Education Center’s lecture halls.  To introduce us to the organization, we watched an hour long video of the groups most recent trip to Europe.  When the video was over, I was sold.  This was a group I wanted to be apart of and I couldn’t wait to get involved.  I joined the group without question and it would end up being one of the best things that I had ever done.

As the year went on, I grew more and more terrified of the Director, Bob Byrnes.  If you want to talk about someone who was passionate about music, it was Bob.  Although terrifying, I got it.  I got the message of Glee Club.  As Bob would say, “You have to work damn hard if you want to make something truly special.  If you want to be extraordinary.”  And it was the truth.  So we worked “damn” hard on preparing for the upcoming trip to Europe.  That’s right!  As freshman, I was headed to Germany, Austria, and Italy to perform with my “Brother’s in Song.”  Oh, and just to clarify, it was really wonderful to get to know Bob as the year progressed.  He ended up being one of the most inspiring people I have ever met.  He was just really intense in his direction!  :)

Although there were so many incredible breathtaking moments in Europe (standing at the peak of mountain in the Alps, catching a sunset on the peak of Mt. Vesuvius, and many more) none of them compared to singing during High Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.  In August, I had no clue what I was in for.  Then after taking Humanities I, I understood where I was going.  I was headed to the largest church in the world!

It was magnificent!  As Bob, and many others had said, the marble floor was even more beautiful then some of the things you could see in the entire world.  And then the alter…truly amazing.  We sang several songs throughout the service, but then we sang Ave Maria.  We filled every square inch of that place with sound!  There were echoes that filled the church for several seconds after and when we sang our last note, the congregation applauded.  The congregation applauded!  We made a Catholic congregation , in the world’s largest church applaud (applause is not a typical practice in the Catholic Church), and it was epic.  And when it was all said and done, I could not believe what we just did.

And the icing on the cake, and probably the most exquisite thing I have ever heard in person came from a little old Italian lady.  This was the monumental moment.  She said in Italian,

“Everyday I am a poor woman, but today I am rich for hearing you sing.”

You can’t buy moments like that.  It was truly priceless.

In closing, joining the UNI Varsity Men’s Glee Club was one of the greatest things I have ever done and I miss it incredibly.  I want to close this story and moment with the mission of our Glee Club, because I believe it is missions like these that sincerely change the world.

“We believe in the power of MUSIC to lift up, inspire, and help make the world a better place.” ~The UNI Varsity Men’s Glee Club

Day 7 - Your best friend

I have a few of them!

There’s…Brittany...

…Alan…

...James...

...Chris…

...& Chip.

“These are a few of my favorite…” friends!  :)

Day 6 - Your day

I’m going to write today’s entry as the My Perfect Day!

My Perfect Day

I would wake up around 8:00am, allowing me some time to sleep in, and yet not waste the day.  I’m fairly certain that when I awake, my wife Brittany will still be sleeping, so I would whisper “Good morning” to her and quickly and quietly dash to the kitchen for some breakfast while she continued sleeping.  I’d make myself a bowl of cinnamon and brown sugar oatmeal, and accompany it with some yogurt and fruit.  While eating breakfast, I would sit and watch The Weather Channel to catch up on our local weather, and possibly catch a highlight or two on ESPN Sportscenter.

After I finish breakfast and catch up on the latest weather and sports, I would let my tummy settle before exercising.  I would either play a video game (Donkey Kong Country Returns or Pixel Junk Monsters) or read my latest Superman comic.  I might also read something by Tony Dungy or Kurt Warner’s new book.  Once my tummy had settled for a good hour or two, I’d either go run a couple of miles, bike for a half hour, or swim some laps over at the WRC.

In the afternoon, I could see myself hanging out with friends.  We’d either watch football, go see a movie, play mini-golf, go hiking, or find an Amusement Park nearby (most likely Lost Island Water Park in Waterloo and of course, during the summer time.  If we really had an option, we would teleport to Sandusky, OH to go to Cedar Point and ride some of the best roller coasters in the world).  OH and don’t forget lunch!  We’d probably head over to Pancheros for a delicious burrito, chips, and salsa (we’d have to let our tummies settle before riding the coasters of course).

Upon spending a day riding the waves, hanging in the lazy river, and sliding down the tenacious slides (or riding the hills, twists, loops, and turns of roller coasters with the help of teleportation), I would depart my friends and spend the rest of the evening with Brittany.  We would have dinner together either at the Olive Garden or Panera (two of our favorite places).  Brittany and I might catch a movie that evening as well (depending on whether or not I saw one with my friends.  Two movies in a day would be pretty pricey!).  :)  I could also see Brittany and I playing the New Super Mario Bros. Wii to end out our day.

“Penguin suit!”
“We should use a flier TeeJ.”  :)

And that would be the extent of my perfect day.  A little bit of me time, a little time with friends, and a little time with Brittany.  Now that’s what I call My Perfect Day.

By the way, here’s one of the coasters my friends and I would ride!  :)

This is the Millennium Force.  When we road this coaster in 2003, it was the third largest and fastest roller coaster in the world.  We also thought about riding the tallest and fastest in the world at the time.  The Top Thrill Dragster:

Uh huh. Yep.  That’s awesome!

Day 5 - Your definition of love

Love is:

Marrying your best friend.

Spending an incredible amount of time with someone, and then when they are away, wishing they were right there next to you.

Supporting your friends through the best of times and the worst of times.

Departing a close friend for a decent amount of time, and reuniting like you never even left each other.

Utilizing your talents for something bigger than yourself.

Being proud of your family members for the people they are and the individuals they are becoming, regardless of how many mistakes they make.

Always telling those around you that they matter, even if personalities, beliefs, and actions clash.

Respecting one another’s differences.  Valuing people for who they are and where they come from.

Reaching out to someone in need, even if you don’t know them.

Giving your time, energy, and resources for the betterment of others.

Is teamwork and all thing associated with is (support, encouragement, sportsmanship).  We can’t do this thing called life without our friends and family.

Displaying affection in a plethora of creative ways.

Always telling someone “I love you.”

Enjoying your life so much, that there is not a thing in the world that could bring you down.

Loving yourself more than anything else in the whole world.

Love is a lot of things.  It’s laughter.  It’s happiness.  It’s friends and family.  It’s a great big ball of many things rolled into one.  And I would say, that if we live our lives without this great big ball of pure joy, then we have nothing.  As the Beatles would say, “All you need is love!”

So take out your big ball of joy today, and display it proudly to everything and everyone.  I guarantee you’ll make someone’s day, including your own.

This looks like a serious problem…

When it starts raining Tetris blocks, I think it is safe to say that it is time to run!  :)

(by Dan Garner)

Day 4 - What you ate today

Well, let’s see…

For Breakfast, I had:
A bowl of cinnamon oatmeal, an orange, and some key lime yogurt.

For Lunch, I had:
A bowl of Brittany’s delicious cheeseburger soup, some cottage cheese, and a handful of bugles

For Dinner, I had:
HyVee Pepperoni Pizza

And for a couple of snacks throughout the day, I had:
Some cherry cobbler (a new recipe Brittany had made), a Kellogg’s Fiber Plus bar, and a banana.

And there you have it.  That’s what I ate today!  Mmm, mmm, good.  :)

Day 3 - Your parents

Here they are!  Cliff and Kathy Daugherty.


I wouldn't be SuperTeeJ without these two.  Much like Johnathan and Martha Kent, they have taught their sons, daughters, nieces, and nephew a lot about life, and have encouraged them to use their talents for something bigger than themselves.  And although I have yet to discover how I am supposed to contribute, I trust the things you have taught me will help me find my occupation and how I can attempt to make the world a better place in some capacity.  I hope to contribute to those around me as much as you have to those around you; both at work and at home.

All in all, my Mom and Dad have always been there for me through the ups and downs of growing up, and they continue to teach me things everyday from the moments and memories I have had and continue to have with them.  I want them both to know that there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of them, and I will always look up to them.

Mom and Dad, always "Remember who you are" as well.  You're two wonderful parents who have raised five children successfully and you both continue to be a true inspiration in their eyes.  I can guarantee it. 

Thanks Mom and Dad for being an inspiration in my eyes, and know that I love you both very much!

Day 2 - Your first love

My first love, huh?  I’m guessing people are wondering where I might take this.  I’m sure many of you are thinking about relationships.  And if that’s the case, it was girl named Lindy who was in my first grade class at Hoover Elementary School in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  Lindy and I would often pick dandelions outside on the playground and occasionally swing next to each other on the swing set at recess.  Lindy was actually my first kiss as well (I know mom.  You’re probably thinking, “What?!”).  So yeah, relationship wise, it was Lindy.  We were never officially dating.  We were just friends.  :)

 

Now, if I were to consider my first love in a different way, such as the first thing I loved more than anything, it would have been a tie between my blanket and my stuffed Little Foot (which I still have to this day).

 

OH, and I mustn’t forget the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles either.  I loved them also!  They were cowabungatastic!  :)

Day 1 - Introduce yourself

Hello!

My name is Torrence James (TJ) Warren.  It’s nice to meet you.  ;)  I was given the name Torrence because my mother thought it would be a good president’s name, but now she’s not so sure she wants me to have that job.  If you haven’t heard, it’s a BIG responsibility.  :)

I was born in Council Bluffs, IA back in the day, and have lived in Exira, Ia, Atlantic, Ia, and Eldora, Ia since then.  I currently reside in Cedar Falls, Ia with my wonderful wife Brittany.  We both graduated from Eldora-New Providence high school.  I graduated in 2003 and attended the University of Northern Iowa, where I became a Panther, which has been grrreat!

In closing, I enjoy superheroes & comic books, making movies, hanging with my friends & family, playing video games (especially New Super Mario Bros. with Brittany), exercising, reading, movies, and music.  Oh, and some people call me SuperTeeJ, which is super!

All in all, I enjoy seeking out the inspiration in all that I see, do, hear, think, and feel, and I aim to encourage and help others to their true potential.  I also have  been a “big kid” (to this day, I still smile at cuddly things, like stuffed aminals and puppy dogs) all my life, and will always strive to be a “kid at heart.”

So, that’s me in a nutshell!  Thanks for reading, and I hope you’ll enjoy my 30 day challenge!  Have a dandy day!  Take care!

Starting the 30 Day Challenge

Inspired by Jessica Staudt, a wonderful Panther and person, SuperTeeJ is starting the 30 day challenge.  Here's a look at what I will be touching on for the next 30 days!

Day 01 – Introduce yourself
Day 02 – Your first love
Day 03 – Your parents
Day 04 – What you ate today
Day 05 – Your definition of love
Day 06 – Your day
Day 07 – Your best friend
Day 08 – A moment
Day 09 – Your beliefs
Day 10 – What you wore today
Day 11 – Your siblings
Day 12 – What’s in your bag
Day 13 – This week
Day 14 – What you wore today
Day 15 – Your dreams
Day 16 – Your first kiss
Day 17 – Your favorite memory
Day 18 – Your favorite birthday
Day 19 – Something you regret
Day 20 – This month
Day 21 – Another moment
Day 22 – Something that upsets you
Day 23 – Something that makes you feel better
Day 24 – Something that makes you cry
Day 25 – A first
Day 26 – Your fears
Day 27 – Your favorite place
Day 28 – Something that you miss
Day 29 – Your aspirations
Day 30 – One last moment

"And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

I feel the same way... :)

“For as far back as I can remember, I would get a thrill of excitement every time I saw this symbol.”

(I still do.)  :)

“If you experienced the same thing, if you’ve ever worn that symbol on a T-Shirt, doodled it on the back of a notebook, or had it tattooed on your arm…if you understand what that symbol means — that all things are possible — then this book is dedicated to you.”

Superman: Earth One - By J. Michael Straczynski

Pretty cool stuff if you ask me.  :)

Lessons from Superman - #2

Recently I read a book called Superman: Earth One by J. Michael Straczynski.  Yes, it’s a comic book.  :)  This particular comic book was amazing.  The cover makes it looks scary, but it’s not.  Basically Superman: Earth One tells the origin story of Superman, but in a modern way; as if Superman was walking amongst us today.  This particular origin story has Clark setting out into the city to discover who is and what he is meant to do.  He goes out seeking a position that fits him well and obtains all these job offers.  He has the choice to be a rising football star, a top scientist, a successful businessman, an outstanding baseball player, an upcoming engineer, an unbelievable chemist, or a journalist for a failing newspaper company.  While searching for a job, he questions how he can use the abilities he has for the betterment of mankind; something we are all wondering and looking for.  Eventually, a major attack is initiated on earth by a civilization that destroyed his home world, and it is through this attack that he learns what he is supposed to do with his talents.  I’m sure you can figure out which occupation he selected in the end.  :)

Nevertheless, as I begin to look for jobs this semester, and many others out there attempt to find work and discover who they truly are, I found myself connecting to this book.  This is by far one of the best Superman stories I have ever read and I’d like to just share a little bit from the book that might be able to inspire those of us pursuing our potential.

This excerpt comes from Johnathan Kent, Clark’s father.  Clark is reflecting back on this conversation about his future while in the midst of attack on earth.  I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did.  :)

Superman: Earth One by J. Michael Straczynski

“I know how you must feel some days…like the weight of the whole world is pressing on you and there’s no one to talk to…no one to help you…when you’ll feel utterly and totally alone.  But when that time comes, you’ll know what do.” - Jonathan

“How can I decide what to do with my life when I don’t even know who I am?  I feel like I’m walking in a dream, and nothing’s real, not even me.” - Clark

“Then maybe the answer is to wake up.  There will come a day Clark, when for the very first time, you won’t have to hold back…a day when you can cut loose…a day when you can finally be who you truly are…you’re unique in all the world.  Extraordinary.  Not just any man…and more than just a man…a SUPER-man.  Live Clark.  Follow your passion.  Show the whole world what you can do.  Fly Clark…fly…” - Jonathan

"Yesterday’s failures are today’s seeds that must be diligently planted to be able to abundantly harvest tomorrow’s successes.” ~Unknown

“Enjoy life. This is not a dress rehearsal.” ~Unknown”

You know who's awesome?! - #3

This guy:

This here is Drake Martin.  He is the Assistant Director of Residence Education at UNI.  He basically helps Hall Coordinators and RAs create dynamic residence hall communities through educational and social opportunities.

Drake is someone I greatly look up to.  He’s wise, encouraging, and he is filled with ideas.  If you ever need some assistance brainstorming future plans or need a catchy, creative idea, Drake Martin is the guy to go to.  He also delivers amazing puns and maintains a great sense of humor that can make you smile on a regular basis.

Just recently we had our RA Winter Workshop here at UNI.  Every January, we take a couple of days with the RAs to help them reconnect and get ready for the upcoming busy semester.  As a piece of inspiration for the upcoming semester, Drake encouraged RAs “To be the change they wish to see in the world” (Gandhi).  He instructed us to think about a legitimate trouble in the world that is bigger than ourselves, yet capable of fixing, and he inspired us to work towards eliminating that trouble and making an impact.  I thought this was such a cool message and something we should all consider doing.  There are many troubles in the world that we are capable of fixing through hard work and the help of others.  We just have to rise up to the occasion, unite, and do it.

Altogether, I find Drake Martin to be an inspiration to myself and many others I just want him to know that he’s one, incredibly awesome man!  :)  And if you ever need to be cheered up, he’s a great guy to go to.  He’s a “punny” guy.  :)

It's Been Awhile...

Wow!  I haven’t posted on my blog for about a month now!  It’s time to get back to it.
Today is the start of my last semester here at UNI as a student.  It’s hard to believe I’ve been here for 8 years.  Nevertheless, the past eight years have been a thrilling ride and I have enjoyed my time being a Panther.  Here’s to another great year in 2011 and a fantastic final semester!  :)