Just Blogging

Keith Allen asked:




Not long after earning and receiving Service Status, I was chosen by my Family Representative for a special opportunity and learning experience. Approached by Mr. Chaffin Pullan, I was asked to help a student, Norine Lopez, by joining her and five other students on a trip to an Indian Sweat Lodge. Two weeks later we were on our way to live and to learn.

I was excited and timid all at the same time. I had known of and spoken to very few of the six girls who were going. Together we joined as one, as sisters, as true bonded, and strong friends. We all have similar struggles with our Dads, having felt lonely and very selective in our relationships. One experience changed my life - the car ride down involving conversation about past problems, embarrassing and funny moments. We didnʼt have a care in the world, except ourselves, and what was next down the road. When living at home we thought we knew everything. If we didnʼt know everything or know what to expect we wanted nothing to do with the situation. However, we experienced just that, the unexpected.

The sun set beautifully over the Idaho Mountains as we arrived at the Lodge. It felt like a mini-family reunion with the love and open hearts eager to meet one another. The next morning I woke up with the sunshine peering in through the opening of the canvas tepee. The sweet smell of breakfast pinched my nose with the promised mouth-watering taste of french toast, bacon, fresh fruit and fresh squeezed orange juice. The rest of the day was a challenge. We learned how to make fire with a flint and steel, tomahawk throwing, shooting a bow and arrows in an attempt to hit the bulls eye. To my surprise an attempt is, and always can be, a winner.

We had taken up a days worth of listening, learning and doing. It was now the time to feel, and the sweat did just that as we opened up to our spirituality of choice and allowed new and insightful chants and stories from the heart be shared within our circle of family. I felt my fears, struggles, happiness, and pain all over my body. I allowed myself to let go of and forgive my mistakes and blame. It got better as I allowed myself to receive and acknowledge all that I have brought, will bring and will share on this earth. Through allowing myself to let go and help myself I unconsciously give to others. Norine has continued to be one of my good friends who I know in my heart I can always count on, and she can count on herself. She is flourishing like the beautiful butterfly and young woman she is.

Iʼve learned that sometimes all someone needs is love and support to allow them to break out and show their true colors. My journey to and from the Sweat Lodge really opened my mind and eyes to what I do have and how much I took for granted, and sometimes still do. No one word can describe the power and feeling I received from the Sweat Lodge. To this day I still refer back to that experience last August. Not just because it was a fun experience, but also because I allowed myself to be re-born through purity and growth as a young woman of Mother Nature.

Iʼd like to thank my mom, Mr. Chaffin, Ms. Amy, Grey Wolf, Grey Owl, our awesome Staff, Ms. Julie and her daughter, Jessica, along with my five other sisters, and last but not least Iʼd like to thank me. I want to acknowledge our effort to want to change and help one another as a growing family.

Tom Turner asked:




There are many types of remodeling projects that you can take on, and mobile home remodeling may be one of the more challenging tasks that you will ever encounter. This article will look at some of the good and bad aspects of remodeling your mobile home.

Determine the Value

One of the more important aspects when making your plans for your next remodeling project is to determine whether or not you have enough value in the mobile home, versus how much you plan on spending for improvements.

Adding Value Starts in the Kitchen

No matter what type of dwelling you are doing - home improvements on the kitchen is probably one of the most valued places you can start. With a mobile home, you can add incredible value by increasing the usefulness of the kitchen.

Bad or Low-Quality Appliances

The appliances may be one way that you can add some great value to your kitchen without making any major changes to the look and feel of the room. Often times most mobile homes use inferior appliances, if they’re just stock items.

Get Rid of that Flooring

The stock flooring in most mobile homes is often times not the greatest quality. So you may consider adding a thicker pad and nicer carpet to your mobile home remodeling plans. You may even be able to find some seconds or overstock product at your local flooring center to save you considerable money.

Finally the last consideration is to you will have doing your remodeling. If you plan to do it yourself make sure that you draw up some detailed plans. Then do some considerable amount of checking around to find the best prices and quality of material for your mobile home remodeling project.

Benjamin Chin asked:




Getting into the United States Air Force Academy is the dream of nearly 60,000 applicants throughout the United States. Applicants are selected on several grueling categories, measuring their academic performance, athletic capabilities, leadership, community involvement and belief systems. Falling short on any one of these categories could put your application in jeopardy!

Of those 60,000 applicants, approximately 1,300 are selected to enter the incoming Cadet Class each year. That’s an acceptance rate of one in fifty, about 2%. What sets the successful candidate apart is a number of factors.

First, the successful candidate has to have strong academics. You don’t need a straight A average, but you can’t have failed any classes. The Air Force Academy will also look at what kinds of classes you took – a lower GPA taking harder classes, particularly classes dealing with solid academic subjects, like calculus and physics and Advanced Placement classes, will be weighted more strongly than ones where you took the easiest classes possible.

Second, the successful candidate has to show that they’re not just a bookworm. Perform in extra-curricular activities, particularly sports, to show that you’re athletically up to snuff for the Academy. Sports that are “good indicators” are basketball, football, track and field, trap shooting and fencing. All of these sports build good cardiovascular endurance, and emphasize upper body strength.

The Air Force, like all of the services, puts a strong emphasis on leadership. So, it’s not enough to participate in extracurricular activities, you also have to have strong community involvement. Do things that show your ability to lead, your ability to organize and your ability to get others to sign on to your plans and make them happen.

While the Air Force is officially agnostic, candidates who are involved in their local church services tend to get preferential admission. It doesn’t matter what religion you believe in, it does matter that you believe in something is the official Air Force position.

Hopefully, these bits of advice will help you become an Air Force Cadet!

Keith Allen asked:




I have always dreamed about my Senior year of highschool football; growing up in Texas it’s been kind of hard not to. The last thing I would have thought would happen is that I would be playing in Iowa. The way I was headed I wouldn’t have played at all, but Midwest Academy Football has made my dreams of my Senior year of football come true.

Twelve months ago I was selling drugs, skipping school, stealing and getting kicked off the football team. My parents decided something had to be done so they sent me to the Program. I am extremely grateful to them for sending me here. It has given me so much more than I could have ever asked for. I was transferred to Midwest Academy after being at Casa By The Sea for nine months. The last three months here have been the best time of my entire Program.

My friend, Brandon, and I were able to play for the local high school here in the city of Keokuk. From the very first day of practice we knew that we had a lot of work to do on the team. We were both warmly welcomed by the team and the community. A lot of the players were negative and did not practice very hard. In the Program I was taught to do my best in anything I do and to not let mistakes bring down my positive attitude, so that’s exactly what I did. When Brandon and I went out there we really opened up some peoples eyes. We brought people a positive attitude and taught people to practice like they want to play in the games.

Being in a high school environment again brought up many challenges and temptations for me. I could have easily gotten into a lot of trouble, but the tools I learned helped me through. Now I think about choices in my life before I make them. I decide what I want in my life and what I don’t want. I also think of the results that will come from my decisions. This keeps me from making mistakes that would be devastating to my future.

We finished up the season and went to the first round of State playoffs. This was huge for myself and the town of Keokuk, who had only gone to the playoffs two other times in its history. We had a great football banquet where I was given awards for All District, State play- offs, and the Black Lion award for my perseverance and commitment to the team.

The coach has been sending game film out to some colleges and they want me to go play at their schools. This has really opened huge possibilities for me.

I am so happy and thankful for this great experience. Midwest Academy has really helped me get my life back on track with having a successful life. They have helped me get my grades up and have taught me so much about dealing with my issues and problems that will come up throughout my life. Best of all, the Program has taught me to believe in myself, and not to quit.

Albert Lee asked:




When creating a patio design from scratch or you remodeling your existing, one thing you should remember is not to be overly concerned with the available space. It doesn’t matter if your patio is small or large. What is important is you are able to maximize the whole area, bring together the elements properly of the design, and successfully achieve the exact emotion you want to feel.

Here are some ideas that will help you conceive the simple patio design you will admire for years to come:

1. The patio flooring design ideas.

There is a variety of options for patio flooring design: brick, stone, stone veneer, flagstone, stamped and colored concrete, plain concrete, concrete pavers, and tile.

Your final choice will come down on how you want your patio to look like. Simple design does not have to be dull and boring. If you think one type of material is not enough for the floor, try combining two or more types of flooring.

2. Patio furniture ideas.

Choosing the type of furniture for your design should be based on the purpose of your patio. Will it be used for outdoor grill and entertainment? Will it be used for party and social occasions? Or will it be used for dining and relaxing? Whatever the purpose of your patio is, you can start with a table and chairs or a long reclining chair. You can also customize the patio furniture according the space available.

3. Light ideas.

Installing different lights throughout around you patio is a simple way to set mood to the patio. It also keeps your patio safe and livable at night. Lights can be installed ceilings, trees, and patio covers, steps, walkways, plant bed, and at the focal point of your patio.

4. Focal point ideas.

There are several focal point options depending on the size of the patio. For large space, choices range from trellises, birdbaths fountains, artificial lakes, little pool, and statues. For small patio, a bed of flower and plants can be the best option.

Again, a simple patio design does not have to be dull and boring. Simple means it has to be uncomplicated; lines should not be confusing; steps should not be very elaborate; plants should not have to be very expensive. It should not contain just the basic furniture standing on a plain floor and shaded with any patio cover. It means all the elements of a good patio are used properly.

John Escribar asked:




Do you want to be trained at the Players Development Academy or the PDA soccer? It is a great choice for you to make since the academy provides a unique opportunity for soccer players and enthusiasts from underprivileged places. Who says that the game was discovered just to be played by the elites? That is a myth. Money doesn’t control the game. It is the players’ passion to play and their agility to be part of a team.

PDA soccer encourages the youth who has the interest to play the game and be trained professionally. It welcomes individuals from the urban areas and those in the poor sector of the country underwriting all associated fees. They train a player at an early age and let them enter a challenging program that will expose and shape their talent to play competitive games that will reach national and international levels. The academy crosses the economic barrier and tries to coach exceptional youth soccer enthusiasts until they reach their optimum playing potential. The Player Development Academy puts forward the chance for underprivileged youth to partake in every clubs, organizations, and leagues. Top quality game instructions and best coaches are being invited to the academy to share their knowledge to the students. You do not have to feel bad if you live in the most suburbs of your town. If you were born with a heart to play the game, the academy awaits you. The academy will make a difference in your lives by granting you all game trainings and be given the chance to contend with advanced PDA Soccer Club teams.

Don’t miss the opportunity to play and gain recognition as successful athletes. Know your priorities and dreams. Strive harder for your goal. Your best competitor is your self. Play better than yourself, so you have to train hard and live your dreams.

Keith Allen asked:




Out of a small black personal timer on my waist, a shrill cry is heard; and it has not come too soon. For the row of exhausted students in my midst running lap drills, it is a sweet sound as it signals the beginning of a one-minute round of rest. Some of the students go straight for their water bottles, some rest their heaving torsos on their weakened hips, while the rest shrug it off and keep jogging. All however, answer the next bell - the beginning of a new round and with it, a new drill.

This is Muay Thai Fundamentals, a new physical fitness class at Spring Creek Lodge Academy. Muay Thai, or Thai Kickboxing, is a dynamic and challenging martial art that utilizes the whole body in self-defense. Like other martial arts, Muay Thai is about self-improvement. For each of our two-hour training sessions, students work on a wide variety of skills. Some of our drills are designed to improve overall fitness while others are specific to the art. For two hours, we are in constant motion, getting a fantastic cardio-vascular workout while learning to move in new ways.

The purpose of Muay Thai is to learn about healthful habits. During our training sessions students sweat out toxins, burn calories, build muscle, lose fat and increase energy levels. Moreover, all involved learn a great exercise routine that they can implement into their overall plans for a healthy lifestyle. Through disciplined training, students find that they can achieve their physical fitness goals, de-stress and learn to manage a host of emotional issues.

On many levels Muay Thai fits well into the Spring Creek environment. Like many of our studentsʼ programs, the art stresses a balance between proper thought and proper action. As in most avenues, a dedication and focus in the art brings improvement and success. For students to get the most out of martial art training, it is imperative that they cast from their minds all extrinsic thoughts vis