One whole year!

Wow it has been a whole year since I last posted anything. Well things are going great up here in Denton. I love TWU and am very involved on campus. Lets see, I'm the Vice President of a student org., I'm a member of the TWU House of Reps., and I am a Senator in the Student Senate.

My grades are excellent, I had a 4.0 in my first semester and I feel pretty good about this spring semester. I am a little worried about my science class, as I have to write an 8 page paper on this microcosm project we are doing, and I can not for the life of me see how I will get 8 pages out of it, but I'll do the best I can. There are a couple of other big things happening soon, maybe I'll get back on here and start posting more as it is very cathartic.

Kindle

OMG, I received a Kindle Touch for Christmas I was so excited and so blown away, I was not expecting that. Thank you to my bestest friend in the world J.R. Mendoza, you always catch me off guard. I have already purchased several books, so I'm going to have to update my list of recently read books.

Dallas Bar Association Home Project

So I went to the Dallas Bar Associations Home Project "Kickoff Event" on Tuesday night. I was able to meet several local attorney's and members of Habitat for Humanity. I want to send an extra special thanks to the two co-chairs for this year's Home Project David Diaz and Brad Johnson for inviting me. I learned a lot about the project and was able to pick their brains for information on law school and the field of law.

If you are interested in volunteering the build days are scheduled for every Saturday beginning in March to the end of May from 8am - 4pm. More information can be found at the Dallas Bar Association's Home Project website www.dbahp.com.

Application Complete

So I received all my official transcripts and I finished my application for Texas Woman's University today. I will be attending a TWU transfer day at one of the other north Texas community colleges in the next 7 days to get my application fee waived. Then I will be waiting for an answer.

I feel really good, and I am so excited. I haven't told anyone yet that I finished my application, wanted my blogspot family to be the first to know. I have also started applying for scholarships. Hey, extra money never hurt and seeing as I still have to apply for an extension from the VA to see if they will pay for the rest of my schooling I may need the extra money.

I am also considering applying for a summer program that Harvard Law and NYU School of Law is offering. It is a 5 week summer scholarship program specifically for minorities and people of "modest economic means". The fact that it is in the summer, I'm like heck yeah, because I'm not trying to fool with the Northeast in Winter.

Church Happenings

So my pastor called me today and left me a message to call him, which I did. I was quite pleasantly surprised that he wanted to talk about the Health Fair idea that I ran by him last year. In September he said that the church (Bible Way Community Baptist Church) needed to do more work on the "Community" part of its name, and I recommended a community health fair.

Well looks like we are going to have one and he wants my input and help in getting it planned and going. This is in addition to my duties as the director of this year's Easter Play. So with 4 classes this semester, the easter play, trying to help my mom find a job, applying to TWU (yes that is a process), and now helping plan the Health Fair I have to say my plate is full. But the thing is, I don't feel overwhelmed. I have a sense of peace that everything will work out. So I'm just going to keep charging ahead. Lord give me strength.

Mama

So my mom is now here living in DFW. I'm so happy and so excited to have her so close to me. I know my best friend Kenneth is also very happy. We have both needed so mama love, him probably more than myself.

Now we are on the job hunt. It won't be easy but we have go to get her working as soon as possible. Thankfully the Dallas area seems to have a good job market, its just a matter of choosing the right career field and building up her confidence to go on interviews. My mom isn't like my brother and I. We feel like if you are going to give us an interview then you might as well give us the job because we are going to sell ourselves quite confidently.

Can't wait for that 1st pot of gumbo, yummy, yummy, yummy!

2011

So the New Year is here. I feel so blessed to have survived another year, lol. But seriously if you have read any of my posts I think it is pretty clear I am an eternal optimist, but I can still look back and see what could have been. 2010 wasn't perfect (what year ever is) but I can see where I have grown and become a better person.

All my decisions weren't perfect, I hurt someone that I care about and for that I am sorry. It was never my intent to make anyone feel pain or sorrow.

So now I have 2011 to look forward to. The spring semester starts midway through January and if all goes according to plan I will graduating with my Associates of Applied Science in May. Then this fall I will be attending Texas Woman's University to finish out my Bachelor's of Science degree, then to law school.

I am still amazed at how fast this has all happened. It was just in July of 2009 that I thought my world was crashing down on me. From there to now seems like a lifetime ago, okay not really, but it is still stunning how far I have come from then.

Happy New Year and may 2011 bring you all the blessings and success you could ever hope for.

Fall Semester Starts

So today was the first day of Fall Semester. I'm taking 4 classes for a total of 12 hours. I'm so glad Summer 2 is over with that really, really kicked my butt.

The week off between was a much need respite to recharge my batteries and just allow me to relax.

If everything goes well and on schedule I should be graduating with my Associates of Applied Science from El Centro next may. Then I will be transferring to Texas Women's University (yes, its co-ed) to get my Bachelor of Science in Government. Then onto law school, God willing.

God has a plan for me, and I'm just doing as I'm told.

The Ground Zero Cultural Center/Mosque

To quote President Andrew Sheppard,

"You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours."

We should be taking this imam and the peaceful muslims who want to build this cultural center at their word that it will be a place of peace and acceptance, that it will be open to people of all faiths and all walks of life, not spewing hate and making knee-jerk reactions.

We must stand firm in our values as Americans and stand with our muslim brothers and sisters and say yes you can build your center and I will defend your right to do it at the top of my lungs.

This issue is about America and Americans and what we stand for and will defend.

Will we let fear and bigotry direct our path or will we follow the rule of law and say to the extremist that we are a land that is full of acceptance and tolerance and you can never take that from us.

Trying to upload a copy of Certificate of Live Birth.

But I keep getting an error saying that .pdf format is not supported.

Saints Win, Saints Win

Oh my goodness, I cannot believe that my New Orleans Saints have won the NFL Super Bowl. I mean I believed it would happen one day, and once they made it to this championship, I had complete confidence.

But, it is still shocking to say the words, New Orleans Saints World Champions.

Wow, wow, wow.

Decision Made

Today I surprisingly made my decision. I’m not going anywhere. I’m making my stand, today.

Judge me if you wish, but I’m going to keep on smiling.

I will not waste another day, another hour, another minute being depressed or down or frustrated.

I have done nothing wrong and I have nothing to be ashamed.

Life is to precious, life is to special, and life is to amazing to be worrying about things.

I’m going to live for today because God has given me another today.

Who Am I?

This is a serious writing and it is from me not something I copied. I am not lashing out and I am not trying to preach to anyone. Its just some things I need to get out and this is how I am feeling at this moment. I am a writer and so I write.

I was recently faced with the question of who am I.

Who am I?
Who am I?

I am Brandon Joval Vance. I am a child of God, I am an American, and I love people, and I love life. I am a friendly person, a happy person, and a giving person.

I was raised in family in which we believed that everyone is important and everyone has value. We took homeless people into our house when I was young, we gave to the needy and volunteered our time and money.

I was raised believing and being taught to "Judge Not", because I or you could easily be in someone else's shoes if not for the grace God.

This is the core of who I am, Judge Not. This is why I have such an eclectic group of friends. My friends are black, white, asian, hispanic, and middle eastern because I Judge Not. My friends are young, old, gay, straight, republican, democrat, and independent because I Judge Not. I have friends in China, England, France, Canada, The Netherlands, Mexico, Peru, and all across the United States because I Judge Not.

I could no more cut off my friends, the people who have helped mold me and make me the man that I am, than I could cut off my mom or my brother. My friends have taken me in when I needed shelter, fed me when I was hungry, and have given me guidance and advice when I needed it. And I in turn have done the same. It would be crazy almost unimaginable for me to say no to a friend. If I have, and they need, then I give.

I am in no way, no way, perfect, but I am who I am. Some people take being a happy person or being friendly and see what they want in it. I wake up everyday, everyday, and thank God to be alive. I get up and sing songs to God as I get dressed. When I go to bed at night, I thank God for letting me make it through another day.

Many people wonder "What is the meaning of Life".

From the secular point of view I believe it is to be the best human being you can. To find your happiness and live in it. To learn from your experiences and those of others to be the best human you can.

From the spiritual point of view I believe it is to be the best human being you can, and follow the example of Christ. To praise, trust, and have faith in God. To learn from the experiences of others to be the best human you can.

These are not different, they come from the same place, and should lead you on the same path.

I will continue to do all I can to show each of you that I value, respect, and appreciate you.

Happy New Year.

Obama Wins

Watching & Waiting.......

Waiting as the election results creep in is so frustrating. Right now Sen. Obama is ahead in the polls/electoral count, but it is so frustrating waiting and listening to the live coverage on many of the networks.

Some of the networks have debuted some new and cool technology. I like the MSNBC interactive polls, that the analyst can interact with. But, the CNN hologram technology blew everyone out of the water. That was pretty cool.

Well, I am going to watch a movie and see what the numbers look like once its done. I think I will watch "The American President", I love, love, love that movie.

I can't believe I missed the whole month of October without posting a blog. Then again my computer was down. I got a really bad virus on my computer that would not allow me to even open an Internet Explorer page. Also I was in the hospital for a bit, and the emergency room a few times. Been a crazy, crazy month and a half.

Its been a while

Man a lot of things have happened since my last post. I have started all these new little crazy projects and things to keep my mind going and active. I will go into detail about them in the next few blogs, but I will give you some hints. The first has something to do with the moon. The second has something to do with providing low cost housing for people in Africa.

Also I have gotten really involved with the choir at my church, Bible Way Community Baptist Church. I had forgotten how much I love going to church and being a part of the choir. I can truly feel the presence of God in the building and it brings me such great peace and I am over flowing with praise. Though I have found a church home and renewed my commitment to God, the devil has been busy.

I was sick and admitted to the hospital for almost a week. I went with abdominal pain and they discovered I had a 102 degree fever, and admitted me. After all the checking and testing it was discovered I had some kind of bacterial infection. I had to stay in that dang hospital for 4 days. I was not a happy camper but I was still friendly and my nurses said I was the easiest patient they have had in a long time.

I have more to say, especially about drama at work, but I will update that in a day or two.

Later!

Why Obama and not McCain

Its funny to me that someone on a sports forum website got me to realize why I support and will vote for Senator Barack Obama. Here are some of my reasons for voting for Senator Obama and why I can not support Senator McCain.

Mainly because I don't support John McCain. I'm going to tell you why I support Obama also, don't worry.

McCain instills fear in me and I do not trust him. He said it himself, with his own mouth, 'he will say what he has to for his political ambition'. This explains to me why McCain 08 would pander after the evangelical vote by hugging up to Falwell and Hagee after calling them out a few years ago.

He comes off as a warmonger, and is way way to anxious to jump out with military action. And me as a veteran, I do not appreciate his many votes against veterans issues. And yes this is something I follow very closely.

Obama inspires me to believe that our country can be better. Don't turn your nose up yet, because it is important that your leader inspire you. He wants people to stand up and take responsibility for themselves. He wants people, young and old, to volunteer to serve and better the country, kinda like the peace corps in the 60's-70's.

Obama has worked in the ghettos and on the streets to improve the lives of citizens. Our country is 150% headed in the wrong direction and every poll shows Americans overwhelmingly say they same thing. Our standing in the world has likely never been lower, and Obama brings an opportunity to show we can listen as well as lead. His votes and support amongst Republican congressmen and women shows he knows that congress is about compromising and doing whats best for the people. Not just what looks good for the people (i.e. gas tax holiday).

These are some reasons why I will easily vote for Senator Barack Obama! If I have reguritated something from the so called liberal media please point out what it is. These are my own thoughts after doing my own research. And I do watch all 3 news agencies, Fox (fixed), CNN (fair), MSNBC (liberal).

To you I say remember there is a serious difference between political opinion shows (i.e. O'Reiley, Countdown, Hannity & Colmes, Lou Dobbs) and reporting the news.

Obama/Clark '08

Donate to Senator Obama

I have decided to add a fundraising campaign to my site for Senator Barack Obama. If you would like to contribute to the fundraising effort go to this link and do what you feel. This isn't about me, its about you my friends and family and the campaign.

Thats why the title is Brandon and Friends for Obama, so check it out.

Any amount will help.

Thanks,
Brandon

Who is the Flip Flopper

So I found this article on an international website that lists the flip flops or possible flip flops by both McCain and Obama.

It lists 5 things that Senator McCain has shifted on, not that he might but he has shifted on; Immigration, The Christian Right, Interrogation Rules, Guantanamo, and Oil Drilling. Sometimes he changes his opinion in the same day on an issue.

Then it lists Senator Obama's shifts or possible shifts; Campaign Finance, FISA, Gun Control, Iraq, and Free Trade.

Campaign Finance - I wholeheartedly support him pulling out of the "public financing" system and letting the public continue to finance his campaign. An overwhelming number of his supporters agree with this also. Good Shift

FISA - I already stated my opinion on this earlier but I will list as. Bad Shift

Gun Control - I like the Senator support the 2nd Amendment, and like the Senator I think states and towns have the right to enact sound gun laws. I don't think a 15 year old should be able to buy a gun. I don't think an adult should be able to buy 15 guns in one day without a backgrond check. That is supporting the 2nd Amendment with states able to make sound gun laws. This is what he has always said and believes. NO Shift

Iraq - He hasn't changed anything on Iraq, he still said he is going to bring the troops home within 13-16 months. He will be refining his policy, which means getting more input from Generals to help him refine the policy. NO Shift

Free Trade - He hasn't changed his mind, and he hasn't made any major or even minor annocement that he has officially changed position. So what has he flipped on with Free trade? NO Shift

We know for a fact Senator McCain has truly flipped on issues. We know Senator Obama has flipped on FISA, and made a smart decision to decline the only 85 million of "public financing" because he can raise more. But hasn't flipped on anything else.

WAKE UP PEOPLE STOP BELIEVING THE SPIN.

Senator Obama votes for FISA

I know many people are upset about this vote, it bothers me. But I realize no candidate is perfect, no candidate is going to agree with 100% or even 90% of what I want.

What amazes me on this issue is that Democrats never figured away to fight this battle in the public, knowing that a large majority of Americans don't support this new legislation.

Remember with the old FISA they could start wiretapping immediately & had to request a warrant within 72 hours. If I remember also, the secret court in its history only ever declined like 4 requests. Until the Bush gang decided they couldn't wait the possible 3 days to get their pretty much rubber stamped warrant, the old FISA was fine.

Here is the main reason why I can let this vote go and focus on everything else Senator Obama stands for. This would have likely been the death kneel for Senator Obama. The RNC and the 527's would have eaten him alive in the media.

Mainly because people listen to what they say, and it would not have been directed at we who already support the Senator but at people who might support him.

But even more because the Republican spin would have drowned out Democratic logic and branded him as not caring to protect America. They would have said he is trying to protect the terrorists, and people would have listened. If and when the Senator is elected POTUS he will have access to all of these requests. He will also be able to push new legislation with a larger Democratic controlled congress to overturn the legislation then.

Sometimes a flip flop is a flip flop at that moment, and sometimes it’s a setup to get what you want later. Patience, patience, patience.

We Democrats have got to be able to use the media better to get our message out.

Obama/Clark '08