We've all done things in our lives that will forever change us and mold us into the people we eventually will be. But what about the things we fail to do? Those moments that we fail to act on and forever leaving ourselves having to deal with the notion that we will never know. See, I think those moments mold us more than any thing we actually do, those are the moments when we decide our morals, our thoughts, and who we really are deep down....

Ever since October of 2003 I have been on a diehard mission not to let any of those "moments" pass me by anymore. I was tired of playing the safe route and decided from now on I'm going to start living instead of observing. Since that day in October when my whole life changed forever, I believe I have done everything I can to make myself take advantage of the time I have here. Two and half years later, I find myself sitting on the edge of nowhere again, patiently waiting and letting life pass me by once again.

Last night in some sort of drunken theological trip I decided that my life long dream is not to design rollercoasters and themeparks, its living. In five years I don't want anyone who talks to me now on a daily basis to even know where I am in the world. To be sitting on the beach somewhere in the South-Pacific watching time stand still and the breeze from the ocean (along with my Pina Colada) to take me away. I think deep down I'm supposed to live that life, to do something besides be content.

Maybe its because my life is a mess write now, or because I have no car to hit the road for a weekend and work all these things out that's making me crazy. I just thought the older I got the less these ambitions would influence me, but just the opposite has happened. I feel like dropping all my classes, take the rest of my student loans, by a ticket somewhere off the coast of Fiji and for once in my life, do something daring....

I guess we'll see....

This could be the next internet obsession.....spread it like wild fire.

http://www.purevolume.com/jroandthekid

and that is The Kid himself on the guitar and hitting Louda in the second verse. Let me know what you think...

I was sitting here after eating with my grandparents and my favorite bar-b-que restaruant in town on officially my last day of work for Gaskins (hopefully) and began recapping of the year of 2005. What a year it was, and what a year it did for me. I'm always trying to look back at things and try to find the meaning or the lesson in my experiences because I do believe everything happens for a reason and most of the time we don't see the reason right when it happened. It always seems a whole lot easier if I step back a few months, give it to God and then look back on it later. The lessons always astound me, always.

So I was looking back on 2005 and the funny thing is that its always the odd years that seem to be worse, so I had to compare this year with the best year of my life: 2004. 2005 was pretty good, but it did have some heavy competition, I mean the Joey Moore you guys know today was discovered in 2004. So the question was did 2005 redefine who Joey is? Did he dare everyday into making something out of what most might see as nothing? Did he push himself and test himself during those 365 days? Well, after sitting at work today with nothing to do except work the clock for extra time, I decided this is what 2005 will mean to me when I look back on it for the rest of my life:

2005 was a year that will never be forgotten and will always hold a special place in my heart. It made me closer to someone at Ole Miss taht will probably be standing next to me when I get married, it made me put myself out there again in "dating" way, it made me realize that I was still acceptable to hurt and defeat in the "dating" world, it pushed my travels to knew places, i made it to Mardi Gras, i was able to cross 4 more states off my list along with some life goals along the way, i got to do spring break "my way" and take off to florida for a few days, it showed me rejection, it showed me love, i found heartache and i found peace, it scared me to death and then brought me back to the Lord, it opened doors in my relationship with my mom and my older brother, it brought my family together for a few days, i danced a little more and even shed a little more tears, it brought me closer to some friends and others were pushed away, i defined who "Joey" is, i defined who "the Kid" is, I fell in love and am still falling, i grew up a little more and got a few more gray hairs, i helped my grandparents put together a hurricane ridden house, i shed some tears when others didn't make it, i drank more beer and some wild nights, i almost flunked myself out school, i doubted my life dreams and whether i could do it or not, then pushed myself and accomplished my goals....

i hugged a little tighter on my goodbyes, made my grandfather laugh a little more, it made an old relationship into The Relationship, it took ten years of dreams and made it into reality, i traveled more but rode less coasters, i saw Mickey and Disneyland turn 50 and myself turn 21, i refound the love of my life, i refound who i was when i was ten, i gained back some innocence that i had lost some time ago, and lost some along the way, and for the most part i found the "Joey" that i'm probably going to be for the rest of my life: the beliefs, the love, and the life.

Although most of these things don't mean something to everyone, they mean the world to me. And if you want the short and condensed version that most Americans crave for these days it really can be summed up in one clean, grammatically incorrect statement: 2005 will be remembered as the year of Mardi Gras, The Love of my Life, Katrina, The Injury, The Apartment, and The Night....

Okay, first things first: I AM OFF ACADEMIC PROBATION!!! I know to most of you guys are thinking what in the world was I doing on there in the first place? But I got off, I am so happy you have no idea. I set a goal of hitting 3.0 for the semester not even imagining that would be enough to get me off, but it was. The Lord can some amazing things when you give it to Him. Because there is no way in the world I did that. Okay, another thought:

I'm a mess right now, and a mess I shouldn't be. I thought my life was getting in order, I was getting older had more things figured out; boy, was I ever wrong. I'm at a loss right now, such a loss. Confused beyond confused and about something that I shouldn't even be confused about....

Something happened that changed me and now I can't turn it off. I feel like a lost kid again wandering through Disney World for the first time. I'm completely amazed but yet confused on how the world could be this beautiful and would ever give me a chance to get close to it. I know most of you might be wondering what it is I'm talking about but yet I cannot tell because of the closeness to my heart this subject is: but its great and awful at the same time.

Over the last two days I've started to do something I haven't done in years: write music. And with this inside of me I feel like it deserves an audience. And one day; it will. But as for my problem I do not know what to do about it and for once in my life, I'm going to show a little patience. But the Lord has it in his pocket so I'm comforted. Well, back to the upstairs with my guitar and set of headphones to laydown the most heartfelt thing I've ever written...

well, i totaled my explorer on thanksgiving day on my way to change my girlfriend's flat-tire. to be honest, after i made sure i was ok and all i realized that it was a pretty awesome wreck. both airbags went off, radiator busted, smoke everywhere, tires squeeling, lots of loud noises...every guys dream. it was the best rush i think i've ever had, it was great. i have to admit it did scare the hell out of me but that's half the fun of doing some of the things that we do around here. i can see why people become daredevils and stuntmen: out of control and on the edge of safety and uncertainty sure is fun! well, i guess there is nothing left to do except to find another car although i am considering just taking out a loan and get the mustang fixed and restored back to perfect condition....ahhh the decisions of a broke college kid who is once again immobile for the roadtrip winter season.

   Today was kind of rough, I've been worrying so much about my girlfriend and mine's relationship lately its really an emotional hazard. I'm been pretty pissed off all day because of some little things she's done over the last week or so. And then on the way back to Kroger, The Kid took over again...

  For all of you out there, the Kid is my alter ego. Really, a super ego. He's my version of Superman and Jimmy Buffett mixed into one meaning that he is unstoppable by normal measures yet longs to be chilled and relaxing in the Carribean.  He is The Kid. Now the name was given to me by my fellow coworkers back home in Atlanta since I was the youngest employee by about a decade. Anyways the name is not important.  He is everything I want to be, and when I get caught up in the nonsense of this little world he is my relief. The Kid has no cares except where's the closest Margarita and hammock.

  So, as I was coming home from a little grocery shopping some Buffett came on and I begin giving myself one of those peptalks from The Kid. "What are you getting upset about? Is your life really that bad? No girl can control you like that...you run the show...." Now whether I actually run the "show" or not is debatable but the talk worked. Whatever she wants to do back home in Athens is her deal. I can't change what she thinks is right or wrong to do in a relationship so why waste my breath? The Kid doesn't put up with it, he states his mind and then moves on. Now, believe it or not this little "talk" helped me out immensely. I need to quit letting everything little thing get to me. I'm here for one reason, to get an education and get where I want in life that's what I'm going to do. If she says she loves me as much as she does, then she'll come around. There's nothing I can do to make the process go faster or force it, so why get bent out of shape over something dumb.

  To be honest, I thought The Kid died when I got back into dating and got into this relationship. I always thought of him as more of my "single-ego" that keeps me moving when things are rough. He's more than that, he's what's inside of me when I'm brave enough to be myself and don't care what people think. And believe it or not....I think The Kid is coming back....

   I was sitting here today, the longest Sunday of the year it always seems; just looking through my travel books and magazines.  The places around the world never cease to amaze me, and the travel bug once again takes control of my life. Then I walked out into my living room and The Wall caught my eye again...

  For those who haven't ventured into my apartment here in Oxford, MS there is a wall. A wall that is 10 feet tall and about 20 foot wide, that is completely covered from top to bottom with pictures, park maps, post cards, parking decals, etc. Everything we gathered over the last two years is pretty much up on our wall, and I love it. My life never ceases to amaze me, the things I've done and the oppurtunities that I have been given to see this country. The world is filled with many things that are proof of our Lord's power and beauty, but I for one think that America holds the most of these...

   See my America isn't split between Democrat and Republic, between Blacks and Whites, or North and South. It's split between mountains and oceans, beaches and deserts. My America is the most beautiful and magical place on our Earth. In these mere 50 states we have so many amazing things, and for a country that is only a couple hundred years old the culture and history is amazing. I've seen the whitest deserts and the tallest mountains, from the hills of the rockies I've eaten a hot dog, and from the coast of the Pacific, I've been sun burned.

  As much as I have the urge to travel the world round, I must never forget the things I have right around me. Even in the remoteness of Mississippi, there are things that can astonish even the most traveled person. For instance, less than an hour from here you can see where the God Father of Blues sold his soul to Devil at the crossroads. Or maybe you want to see the home where the Muppets were created at by Jim Henson? They are things....

  There wasn't really a purpose to this post except to remind of all those out there that are longing to cross the Atlantic or maybe even the Pacific that don't forget what's around you. The things that I cherish most in my travels are things that no one else knows about like the man walking a dinosaur in South Dakota, or the 7-story tall Jesus statue in Arkansas. Get out there and find something that is yours. Something that when you see a photo of it brings you back to the person you were when you were there, back to innocence of the unknowing. Make this your America as much as I've tried to make it My America...

   Well, I decided not to partake in the camping/coaster trip this weekend. Mainly because it was going to cost too much money, my lady couldn't come, and there is plenty of things to be done around here and possibly in Jackson. Jordan is coming up on saturday sometime to clean up his room a little and I'm seriously thinking about going to Jackson saturday night to see my grandparents (whom I haven't seen since the hurricane hit).

   I can't believe I'm not going though. That's not me. I'm the one that is supposed to be planning these things and going no matter what the costs are. I mean, what the heck? When did all this since of responsibility take over my life? ....probably about the same time I went into debt and lost my job.

  Its ok I guess. I mean there is always next year to conquer more parks and better rides. It just sucks really. Really dissapointed on my part. But I'm sure a weekend here full of nothing will also be good, haven't had one of those since school started. And there is a soccer game tomorrow night which I might take myself too. I feel like I've let my friends down on the one thing that I am supposed to be king of: Road Trips. Is this the end of an era? Are the days of leaving everything behind and forgetting about all things over with? Well to be honsest, I'm not so sure. There will be plenty of days of traveling in my future. After all, a person does not become a traveler, they're born one...

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Another video shot in the early days of my film career. It's an oldie but more like a classic...

   So, after another amazing evening spent in Athens last night with my lady I'm back at my real home in atlanta. I just got done eating dinner with my grandpa and what an awesome guy he is. He's like me in 50 years, or atleast I hope to be something like him in 50 years. He's pretty tough and pretty funny, and he has no idea what's going on in today's world and pretty much doesn't care. Just living you know...

  So, here I am back downstairs on my old computer waiting on Jeremy to get here so we can go see some crap at the theatre (somewhere I haven't been since June). We used to go to movies all the time, what happened? Oh yeah, I'm freakin' broke that's what. Plus, nothing good has come out in like a year or so, what happened to all the good movies? I mean all my favorite directors have went to crap: Terantino, Spielburg (War of the Worlds? Come on...), and the writing for these have been worse. When is Shamalyan going to do another film, please save us from this repeatitive crap. And just another side note on the movies today....quit making them 3 hours long. That's really freakin' annoying, if you can't get the story in under two hours, you're doing something wrong....

   Well, what else....hmmm. Well the camping trip is getting pretty close and I'm really excited and dissapointed with myself at the same time. This weather is absolutely perfect for coaster riding and I haven't been doing any lately. So, I'm going to make up for it this weekend hardcore. I'm cashing in my change at Kroger Friday morning and buying my park ticket with that and I'm just going to ride. Heck, I'm going to ride just to ride. Already rode it that day, doesn't matter. Kids coaster that lasts about 13 seconds, I'm going to ride it 3 times. I need to remember why I'm going through this hell known as the Engineering Program. This weekend is needed and well deserved. So here's a big thanks to Garreth and the guys for talking me into going all the way to Branson this weekend.

   Well, I decided to head home this weekend mainly for two reasons 1) I'm dying to see Mysti and I just couldn't wait another week and 2) this camping trip that everyone is going on next weekend to Northern Arkansas sounds interesting.

   At first it sounded like a fun trip until I did a little research of my own. See while everyone else is out fishing and looking at trees and stuff; I'm going to sneak off a mere 38 miles to one of the most secluded and best parks in the nation: Silver Dollar City! Plus, they do have the #1 Coaster of 2005: Powder Keg!

   Now, I know what most of you are thinking: come on, it's camping. time to be one with the wildnerness and all that stuff. I love camping people I really do, I did it for six weeks straight two summers ago and loved every minute of it,  but I haven't been on a Coaster since June!!! I still will do all the camping stuff, but sneaking off for a few hours for a chance to go to a park I've never been to, that's a no brainer. Plus, how many times am going to be in Branson, MO during my life? Well zero is the count so far. So, I'm getting pretty excited and ready to go. And let's face it people, you're dying for another coaster video to be made :-)

  I'll make sure the pictures will be up whenever it is we get back, the trip is still a week and half away after all. And of course a video will be coming, but when is anyone's guess. Ahhh, I can feel that "Road Trip Urge" starting to settle a little...

Check all the other ones at: My Videos

The Kid is going through one of those weeks... Now to most people "one of those weeks" usually means a bad thing and that is no exception here, the thing is my bad week consists of this: not traveling and seeing something new. It's been far too long since I've put some miles on my car and for those of you that really know me, than that is a real problem for me. Life is too short to be spent in my Oxford apartment playing videogames with Billy on the big screen. And no, I'm not single anymore which has really taken some gas out of my traveling soul that used to play such a big part in my life...

See, this is how it used to be: Go a few weeks studying with tests and what not, and then I get this urge. And off I would go. Anywhere, and everywhere, it didn't matter where; as long as it was somewhere that was either a)new or b)had roller coasters. Ahh, how I long for the days on the road. It's my heaven on earth, its my sanctuary. And it's not that I mind not being single, I love my girlfriend with everything I've got, but its different; not bad different just different.

There is just something about getting up before the sun rise, packing a days worth of clothes and nothing more, and just driving. Seeing what God created for us and seeing what this place is without us in it. For some reason it breathes life into me knowing that I'm not everything in this world, which is forgotten sometimes I must say. Well, just to let all you know I've gotten the "urge" again and I've never been one to sit here when it hits me. As another journey starts to be planned I'm left with one real thought: this world is only beautiful if we see it.