It's good to have Phusebox back.

Happy New Year everyone. Late Merry Christmas as well. I've done alot of thinking and I've come to this:

This post is going to be a combo of my last 2 Xanga posts (I had to find somewhere to write everything down while Phusebox was out..heh) so enjoy it and if you actually get through the whole post then you deserve a cookie.

Enjoy..

Saturday, December 24, 2005

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

-----------------------------------------------------

I added a few things ..by that I mean 2.. to my Christmas "list".
Things asked for this Christmas: 2.

I don't need alot of new things to make me happy or make Christmas worth while. It's never been like that for me. I was a spoiled little kid ..most of us were.. and I think it funny to think how excited I used to be on Christmas morning. All the toys my brother and I would get would make us so happy and we would play with them until they broke. As I grew older, my prespective on things changed.

Ever since I started giving more presents ..family, friends, girlfriends.. than I was getting, my mom has said "It's not about what they want. It's about what you want them to have." I disagreed with it because my train of thought was always about me and what I wanted ..I was selfish.. and it made no sense about why a gift someone wanted me to have would be exactly what I wanted.

So I was a selfish little kid ..and teenager.. but now I realize she's right. I joke with her and everyone else about how it's about what the person wants but she's right.

Christmas is the time when people run over each other for toys and other gifts and it seems to me that if we all just stepped back and looked at what Christmas is supposed to be about, it would be a whole lot more cheerful around this time of year. Take this for example: if someone were to ask you what you think of around Christmas time would you say..

- Jesus, Christmas trees, snow, Santa, and presents

..or..

- Traffic, crowded malls, credit card debt, and crazy people

It's just something to think about. I mean after all, Jesus is the reason for the season.

-----------------------------------------------------

The first semester of college has long been over. Wanna know my grades? Have fun with it..

- Communications 150  B+
- Geology 101  B+
- English 101  A
- Math 123  C+
- Spanish 150  B

-----------------------------------------------------

I've all but given up on writing like I used to. On my old xanga [[squirrelly203]] I would just sit down and type whatever I felt like typing and somehow it all made sense. Yeah, it ended up being 6 or 7 pages worth of thought and opinion but it was entertaining. Lately I've felt like I've lost my edge. I can't make an argument without going off on a rant or ending with something completely different than what I started with.

My mom always thought I would be a writer. I said there wasn't any money in it so I would pass. Then I thought about this: money shouldn't matter as long as you love what you're doing. I used to love to write. Maybe I will again someday. Who knows? In a week of two there could be this gigantic Xanga entry like the old days. If it happens, I promise it will make sense.

-----------------------------------------------------

People change. Life changes. Death, taxes, and change are probably the 3 most guaranteed things in life that we all deal with. The first two we tend to stay away from (obviously) but the latter is almost more positive than you might think. Take your group of friends in middle school. Now take your friends from high school. How many of them are still close to you? Which ones have changed? Moved? Died even? Thinking back on life before responsibility presents us with so much that we almost took for granted. With growing up comes less (sometimes more) drama, daunting responsibilities, and trying to find a job that will support you and your family.

Have you taken your life for granted? What about your childhood? There are so many what ifs and they are nothing more than what causes regret. The changes in life happen for a reason. The friends we had when we were younger might not even live near us now but they will always hold a special place in the memories we tell our new friends, family, and someday our kids. Change may not always be good but most of the time it is extremely beneficial to how we grow and learn.

All those girlfriends who lied to you or cheated on you cause you to be more selective and cautious about who you date. They changed your perspective. The times when your "best friend" told all your secrets to their new "best friend" shows you just how decietful people can be. They changed what you consider to be a "best friend."

Long winded as I sometimes am, what I'm getting at is you simply cannot move forward without some form of change. Change teaches us, helps us in our lives, and can even define who we are.

On a side note, we all have or will have a defining moment that is caused by some form of change. If you try to think back on your life to find it, then you haven't had one. It will always be fresh in your mind no matter how many years go by.

-----------------------------------------------------

When I talked about a best friend, it got me thinking of who I call my "best friends." Over the years my list, like everyone elses, has changed some. After 18 years, here are my best friends:

-Lyndi 8 months
-Kelly 3 years
-Genna 2 years
-Amy/Rachel 9 years
-Chris 4 years

I went over to Kelly's the other night to exchange presents between her, myself, and Genna. It's been a while since I've been to her house and when I got there I saw her mom, aunt, and grandparents. She and her family have found a special place in my heart ever since Kelly lost her dad nearly two years ago. She's got all of her friends that she's known for years longer than I've known her to support her and be there for her when she needs them but when I see her mom and family all together, it's like something completely different. I've always been made to feel like I was a part of their family and Kelly has become like a little sister almost. It warms my heart whenever I see them laughing and smiling because that let's me know they're doing alright. The whole point of me saying all of this is because when I was getting ready to leave, I hugged her mom bye and she told me she loved me. I said I love you too . After leaving the house, I sat in my truck for a minute and thought about how close I am to them. I'm not in town as much as I used to be but I always know that Kelly and Genna are two of my best friends and they will always be my family. She's there for me and I'm there for her and she's one of the few people I can still trust. That's friendship right there.

Amy and Rachel..good Lord..I've known them for it seems like forever. They're my little, yet older, sisters and their family welcomes me like I'm a part of it as well. Being able to just show up and joke with them like we did back in high school always brings a smile to my face and no matter what happens to me or them, the 3 of us will always be close because they are my older, shorter (heh) siblings. Sorry Amy,

I've only known Chris since high school but I can tell you he's German, awesome at video games, and can rebuild an engine in 29 minutes. We've been through alot over the past couple years and if I ever needed anything ..like someone to fix my truck or build me a cooler radio or anything actually.. that I could count on him.

Lastly, certainly not least-ly, I come to my girlfriend, fiancee, wife, and soul mate. Its been 8 months but it feels like 8 years. We can fight, argue, and smile over absolutely nothing and no matter what we do, we can count on each other for anything and everything. She knows every thought, feeling, and opinion my little mind could put out and that is more than any of my friends will ever know about me. There's not been a stone left unturned. I love her with all my heart and I will love her until the day I die. On top of everything, she is my best friend. There is and will never be another person quite like her. She's done so much for me and the biggest task she's taken on has been just putting up with me. I haven't made it a walk in the park but without her here to keep me straight I don't know where I would be. Nothing would make me happier than to see her face light up on Christmas morning considering this will be the first Christmas without her Grandfather. All I've wanted from the time of our first date was to see her smile and for 259 days straight  she has smiled at least once. I'm sorry for all the trouble I cause you and I love you to death beautiful. You're my life and my whole world.

To death do us part?

-----------------------------------------------------

ESPN: The Worldwide Leader in Sports.
Maybe one day, you'll hear these words..

"Welcome to Sportscenter, I'm Kyle Cantrell along side.."
..or even..
"Coming to you on ESPN Radio I'm Kyle Cantrell. What do you guys think about.."

Can dreams really come true?
If you asked me 3 years ago if I wanted to be in front of a camera doing news, sports, etc. I would have said no.
Now it's my life's goal.
Wouldn't that be something for a high school reunion?

-----------------------------------------------------

I've gone on long enough for now.

I <3 LRC

cantrell.out

-----------------------------------------------------------

Sunday, December 25, 2005

I wasn't sure how this Christmas was going to go because alot of things changed. Let's just say that this Christmas was awesome.

As always, I went to Alabama yesterday to be with my family. For the first time, I brought someone with me. Lyndi came and I do believe she had an awesome time becoming part of my family

Ever since I've had a Xanga, I always post what I got for Christmas. I don't know why but I'll continue that little tradition this year.

Enjoy..

- Digital Camera (my parents are the coolest)
- Webcam
- Garth Brooks Box Set
- Gift Cards to American Eagle and Hastings
- Jacket
- Hoodie
- Candy, Cash, Cookies
- Talking Ron White doll thing
- White UT hat
- VOLopoly (we played, I dominated)
- "Fill'er Up" Antique Gas Pump Liquor Pump (my little brother gave it to me, yes it's meant for liquor, no, I'll use it for water)

Lyndi's parents got me something, too. We were at her house late Christmas Eve and they were all opening presents and they gave me one to open. I rip the paper off, open the box, and the only thing inside is this sheet of computer paper. On this sheet of paper reads:

"This page is your ticket. Blue Collar Comedy Tour 2005, Gaylord Entertainment Center, February 16, 2005"

I had no idea what to say, think, or do. I did what any normal person like myself would do in that situation: I freaked and kept on smiling like a moron. Tickets to see my absolute favorite comedy show..holy freaking crap..I almost cried. That's not even the best part of Christmas, though.

Lyndi and I had our first Christmas together and that in itself was enough to bring a smile to my face. Bless her heart though..she saved her money to get me something I've been wanting for a good while and when I opened it up I almost cried. My wonderful girlfriend bought me a brand new Fossil watch. It's got a silver band and a silver face and it is unbelieveable. It's probably the nicest and most thoughtful thing someone other than my parents or grandparents has ever given me. My face lit up even more after I looked at my new watch and ever since I saw her open up what I got her, my heart feels like it can't quit smiling.

This has been one of the best Christmases ever. Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you all got to spend it with your families and your friends and had as good a CHRISTmas as I did, inside and out.

I love you Lyndi Rose (soon to be) Cantrell.

cantrell.out

1. You measure distance in minutes.
2. You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.
3. You use "fix" as a verb. Example: "I'm fixing to go to the store "
4. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect or animal.
5. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.
6. You know what a "VOL" is.
7. You carry jumper cables in your car...for your OWN car.
8. It has ever snowed and reached 75 degrees in the same week.
9. You only own four spices: salt, pepper, Tabasco and Ketchup
10. The local papers cover national and international news on one page but require 6 pages for local gossip and sports.
11. You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.
12. You find 100 degrees Fahrenheit "a little warm".
13. You know all four seasons: Almost Summer, Summer, still Summer and Christmas. [This is freakin' true. No doubt.]
14. You know whether another Tennessean is from east, west or middle Tennessee as soon as they open their mouth.
15. Going to Wal-mart is a favorite past time known as "goin' Wal-martin" or off to "Wally World".
16. You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good pinto-bean weather.
17. A carbonated soft drink isn't a soda, cola or pop...it's a Coke, regardless of brand or flavor. Example: "What kinda coke you want?"
18. Fried catfish is the other white meat.
19. You understand these jokes.

I love being from the South.

I decided to come home for a night since classes are over with and as soon as I walk in the door, I see the Daily News Journal laying on the kitchen counter and what is on the front page? Complaints about another Wal-Mart being built in Murfreesboro.

Of all places, I figured no one here would ever complain about Wal-Mart. For God's sake people just let them build the store. It's helping you out so you don't have to drive across town to the other Wal-Marts. They're trying to make money and I'm sorry if you don't want a Wal-Mart or any other kind of store right in your back yard but when you've got a city expanding as rapidly as Murfreesboro, you'd have to expect it to happen sooner or later. If you don't want to deal with it, then move out to the country, move to another part of the city, or just deal with it and go on. This would be different if there were only 20,000 people in town but there's close to 80,000 and it's still growing. Deal with it because it's inevitable.

My dad has worked for Wal-Mart for 25 years and most of those 25 years came as the store manager at the Wal-Mart by the mall. He has worked his butt off for a company that went from nothing to the biggest in America and I'll be damned if all of these people want to try and stop the company that my father works for from expanding and trying to make a profit. He has put up with more crap than anyone I know and he deserves a break from all of this but no, you people insist in complaining and I'm sick of it.

I'm sick and tired of hearing how big it is and how much they hate it and how they won't shop there. Get over it. If you don't like it, go to Target. If you're tired of working for them and complain about wages and all that then find another job.

Wal-Mart has fed me, clothed me, paid for my car, our house, and me going to college and it is what holds my family together and I'll be damned if someone tries to take that away from me.

I had to vent and get all of that out..

A lot of streaks were broken this year...along with alot of hearts but hey, that's how it goes.

Welcome to college football. The fans live and die with each and every play, keep track of the entire Top 25 like it was presidential election coverage, and worry that they might make it to a bowl game.

Most schools have well-established standards as to what bowl games they go to and who is and is not good in their respective conference. For the past few years schools that were once the prominent and most storied schools were going through hard times, i.e. Alabama, Notre Dame, and Penn State. Schools with longstanding traditions of excellence were being consistent in winning conference titles, bowl games, etc., i.e. Michigan, USC, Tennessee, and Florida among others.

This year has been full of surprises and also full of expectations that were bypassed. The 3 biggest surprises: the old Big 3: Bama, Notre Dame, and Penn St. Why would these teams be surprising? They've been mediocre and far off of their winning traditions. Well, Notre Dame is 9-2 and has locked up a BCS bowl bid, Alabama was 8-0 until losing 2 straight which will cost them a shot at the SEC championship and a BCS bowl berth yet they bounced back nicely after a 6-6 season last year, and finally Penn State has been nothing short of horrible these past few years and shocked the nation when JoePa seemed to have a little magic left in leading them to a 10-1 record and a BCS bowl berth. If you have kept up with college football over the past 6 or 7 years then this year is almost like living way back when nothing was better than watching the Bear stroll the sidelines in the now famed checkerboard hat or South Bend being a hotsopt for something other than a team blind to it's past.

There are many more surprises but now I'll talk about the one surprise that shocked the whole SEC, as well as ESPN and the rest of the country: the collapse of what was the Tennessee Volunteers.

I grew up in a house where both Alabama and Tennessee were cheered for. I has Alabama license plates on my truck and wore Alabama hats, but always pulled for UT when they played. When the decision came to where I would attend college it was down to the two schools either side of my family loved so much: my dad's Tennessee Vols vs my mom's Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama was a major possibility until I "checked the price tag." Let's just say I sent in applications to both but was more concerned with what the response from Tennessee. Low and behold, the letter comes, I am accepted, and even though it's March I can't wait to walk into Neyland knowing my football team is abso-freaking-lutely awesome. Apparently, that's where I went wrong.

We came into the regular season ranked #3 in the nation in all polls. We were coming off of a huge Cotton Bowl win against Texas A&M. We had the whole country saying "When Texas loses, the original UT will be there to take it's place." Orange Nation should have sensed something wrong when good ol' Phil bought into the hype and basically said we were going to be awesome. To avoid an even longer story, lets just sum up the whole season in one sentence: Tennessee loses to Vanderbilt for the first time in 22 years. The preseason #3 had not only fallen from the Top 25, it had fallen below Vanderbilt to the near bottom of the entire SEC. Did I mention no bowl game? 16 straight years of bowl games, a few SEC titles, a National Championship, and we lost to Vandy?

Leaving Neyland Stadium and being trash talked to by a Vandy fan felt like being made fun of by Siegel High School fans after their team beat ours (senior year). "They're not supposed to be good. I mean for God's sake..it's VANDERBILT!" That was the lowest point a Tennessee team had been at in a long time. Vanderbilt! What's next? Losing to Kentucky and Vandy in the same year? That hasn't happened since 1964.

This season was so disappointing that I actually considered transferring to MTSU, all in joking of course. I might as well focus on my education because I had about as much fun during the football games here as I would have there and before all you MTSU people get pissed you probably can agree with me on that.

There were many upsides to this year however. Myself and Jason made the Knoxville News Sentinel after the South Carolina game. You can see the picture by looking in my photobox right over there à. The Jumbotron seemed to favor our seats as we made it up there probably 10 or so times this year. We had front row seats every game but the first one when  we were four rows back but still..they were good seats. We made it onto TV albeit during some Jefferson Pilot broadcasts. They're no ESPN but hey, it's worth it to have friends and relatives calling you saying "I saw you on TV!!" I also made it on TV during the Vandy game with my sign that read "FOSTER FOR HEISMAN IN '09." In that game he rushed 40 times for 223 yards. I'll keep that sign handy for a few more years..

So with all of this being said it comes down to this: was coming to Tennessee worth it and is it what I thought it was going to be, including football despite the dismal year?

Yeah, I'd say so. Hey, win or lose they're my team now and I'll support them through the good and the bad times. If you don't believe me, ask someone from last year's senior class at Blackman who traveled to Cookeville on a Tuesday night to watch our then 6-16 basketball team play? I can deal with losing and I'll deal with it now but just you wait..

We'll bounce back. We'll be on top again next year.

I've seen Peyton Manning up close, I've been apart of an absolutely insane stadium crowd, I've rioted after an enormous win, and I made it onto TV long before I had ever hoped to.

It's been worth it no matter who we lost to.
And to think..3 more years of this.

"Good old Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee."

Ladies and gentlemen, he's back.
David Cutcliffe is once again Tennessee's offensive Cooridinator.

I'm gonna go ahead and call it right now. Whether I'm right or not is debateable but..I'll say it JUST incase something swings my way..
Indy vs NY Giants..excuse me..Peyton vs Eli in Super Bowl 40.

Christmas time is here! You know what that means, don't you?

Cramming for finals.
Finals.
Christmas shopping.
Heavy traffic.
Cold Weather.
Christmas traditions.
More turkey.
New Years.

I love this time of year..

So I did my schedule this morning..bright and early at 7am..

MWF
Psychology 110       10:10a-11:00a
Math 125                    12:20p-1:10p

T/TH
Journalism/Electronic Media 275       9:40a-10:55a
Astronomy 151                                       12:40p-2:30p
English 102                                             3:40p-4:55p

Pretty pleased overall with what I'm taking. I won't have any overly stressful days and I can relax earlier on Fridays because I'll be done by 1:10! Sweetness...

It's a good day..

We've gone a month without a win.

That is..until today.

Lackluster? Yeah.
Should've been a blowout? Probably.
Boring? You're kidding me, right?

20-16. We're 4-5 and if we win our last two games, we'll be bowl eligible..which is something we're fighting for no matter if we like having to fight for it or not. Let's recap this year up until this point.

Got worried by UAB, won anyway.
Put up a fight against Florida in The Swamp. Lost valianly.
Campus wide riot after the 30-27 comeback OT win over LSU.
Lackluster win over Ole Miss. 3-1 is good, right?
Put up a decently good fight against Georgia. Lost anyway.
Defensive battle on the Third Saturday in October. 6-3 loss on last second field goal.
The most hated man in Tennessee: Steve Spurrier, leads S. Carolina to a 16-15 win. Lost 3 straight, first time under Fulmer.
Pridefully lost against Norte dame 41-21. Very proud of the boys..really. 4 straight losses now.
Homecoming week: Walking on Memphis. Nothing special, just a 20-16 win.

So here we sit. 2 weeks left in our season we all wish to forget but won't because it will stick like a thorn in our side until we prove (next year) we're worthy of being called a championship contender.

Is 4-5 alright with me? Not a chance in..yeah..not a chance.

Will I take 6-5 and a trip to the Music City Bowl?

At this point, I'll take anything with the word Bowl on the end of it. That..

..and a few more wins. :-)

Ok...
I was upset abou the UT/Notre Dame game when i made my last post and didn't think much about it when I posted it but I will say this now:

MTSU has never had that much to cheer about: i.e. the year in/year out bad football teams.

UT has alot to cheer about in more sports than just football, however football is one of the most if not the most important sport here. We actually take pride in our school and show spirit even in a losing situation..i.e. our current season.

Let me know when you fill your stadium by the way.

I'm entitled to my opinion anyhow so what does it matter?

If I wanted to cheer for a school this crappy, I would've settled for MTSU.

I get so frustrated sometimes when people argue every freaking thing that comes out of your mouth.

I'll be home this weekend..

again.

Later.

photo from kylewesley

Me and Jason in the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Have I mentioned yet how much I love this place?

Some idiot on the 7th floor lit a trash can on fire at 2:00 this morning so everyone was standing outside freezing and pissed because it woke almost everyone up.

Funny thing was the fire alarms didn't go off on all of the floors..just the 8th and the 7th.

AND to add more on top of our fun day/night...Jason and I have had no air in our room for about 3 weeks because no one bothered to fixed the a/c from 1965 until now. They are fixing it as I am typing this and they told us that we cannot turn on our air because the building has turned on the heat for the winter. Just for the record..I love to have the air on in the dead of winter. Makes me feel..confortable.

So I guess it's official. I'm a victim of the big orange screw.

It had to happen sometime..

Kind of pissed off right now. Actually, I'm extremely pissed off right now.

I'm pleased with all the positive (and sometimes shocking) feedback about my haircut. Thanks you guys.

So I walked outside to go to English today thinking that it would be in the mid 60s like it was last week. To my surprise, it was around 50 with a very cold wind. I stood in flip flops, a pair of shorts, and a t-shirt while everyone else has on jeans and jackets.

Felt good to me, :).

Halfway through the first semester in college and I've got to say it's harder than I thought it would be but hey, I'll be fine. Next semester is going to be a blast, that is if I get my schedule the way I want it.

It's kinda late and I've got alot of work to do tomorrow so..

Peace, ya'll.

Less hair.
Less sideburns.
All Kyle.

We'll call this a reinvention..

Lovin' the new phusebox.
Kudos for Nathan.

Saturday night I went to Monster Mountain in Hendersonville with Lyndi, Kayree, Chris, and Kayla. First of all, it was out in hicktown, down a long, winding, 2 lane road, and in the middle of an old tralier park. To sum it all up..it was scary before we even got in line. If I could explain what it was like waiting in line, I wouldn't be able to talk through all the laughter. Lyndi wrapped her arms around me, we zipped my jacket up around her, and she wrapped her legs around my waist. I looked pregnant in an odd sort of way, she looked warm, we all looked completely stupid, ha. It wasn't scary like a million people were jumping out at you, it was scary because it was in the woods, at night, hardly any light, and we had no idea what was gonna pop out at us..i.e. the air compressor, pinhead, Jesus (inside joke..).

Went for my advising session today to see what all I should take in the spring. I've got laid out what I think to be a near perfect schedule. The hard part is obtaining the classes I want and I can't do that until mid-November.

I'm so excited about the next 3 and a half years. I'll start taking 'real' journalism courses next semester and after that I'll be knee deep in it. I just hope I'm good enough to make my dreams come true..

I've done 2 productive things today:
1) won the national championship on NCAA 06 w/ Tennessee
2) went to the UC to get a bigger notebook

I love my days off.
I should probably get a job..or..something.

I've gained close to 10 lbs since I moved up here. My dad told me I was gaining a little weight. I tried on an old shirt and my stomach sticks out like I'm 2 months pregnant.

SEE!? I told you guys I'm fat..ha. Riiight.

Adios mi amigos!

It's ALL coming off now.
I look like I belong back in high school.

Plus, no one really likes it cut like this. No, I'm not assuming. That's everyone's initial reaction.

Yikes.

Before..


photo from kylewesley

After..


photo from kylewesley

Fall break - Thursday and Friday
4 day trip home.

I'm a very random person. I'm also a very odd person. I can be messy and throw trash everywhere and 3 days later clean a whole house to where it's spotless. I'll be careless and carefree while later I'll be so cautious you'd think I was a 15 year old being put behind the wheel for the first time. I can be happy, mad, and sad all within an hour. I probably have some kind of disorder but..I really don't care. I don't like 'stupid' people, which, if you know me, you know what I mean by that. I love recneck comedy. I am a redneck by heritage. I wear Hollister, Abercrombie, and American Eagle. I drive a Nissan Pathfinder, I would be more comfortable in a muscle car. I love most sports. My dream is to work at ESPN. I've yelled myself hoarse at almost every sporting event I've been to. I was born into Alabama football, raised on Tennessee football, and love both like a religion. I believe in God. I am a Baptist. I need to start going to church again. I love college life for the sheer fact I can sleep in during the week, nap whenever I want, and live by my own rules. I believe that I can do whatever I set my mind to. I am thankful my parent's only expectations of me were to be happy. I am thankful for my wonderful family. I hold them very high in my life and in my heart. I believe that home is where the heart is. I thrive under pressure. I do my best when I tell myself I can't do the task given to me. I always think I have something to prove. I never feel like I am a success. I hold grudges, though I know I shouldn't. I have put alot into things that give nothing in return. I have mushroom like hair and obnixiously large sideburns. I am getting a haircut in 2 days to remove said mushroom for a long time. I have always and probably will always out everyone else before myself. I don't think I should have fun if other people aren't. I never 'do' anything for myself first and others second. I try not to judge people before I know them. I can be very closed-minded about alot of things. I have alot of pride. I have a girlfriend who I love very much. I want to own my own production company when I get older and get out of my first career. I have a camera phone and an iPod. I feel blessed to have lived the life I've led. I am not perfect. I will never be perfect. I have made many mistakes in my life. I think that if you've read this far you should get a cookie. I am not very good at backing up what I believe. I should learn how to backup what I believe. I don't work out and I need to. I am not a very jealous person. I have lied, cheated, and manipulated people in the past. I will never lie, cheat, or manipulate people because of the hurt it causes myself and others. I like to follow the rules. I am a momma's boy and I see nothing wrong with that. I believe I am better than people who start rumors, lie, and dramatize life. I usually don't cae what other people think about me. I speak my mind about what is going on. I try to be blunt and to the point to show the reality of the situation. I am 18 years old. I am in college. I am majoring in Journalism and Electronic Media. I was born in Huntsville, Alabama. I have lived in Fayetteville, Tennessee , Murfreesboro, Tennessee , Valparaiso, Indiana , Bowling Green, Kentucky , and Knoxville, Tennessee. I love to drive. I love life. I am content with life...

My name is Kyle Cantrell.
I am me.

Who are you?

Before..



photo from kylewesley

After..



photo from kylewesley

Just in case you didn't notice, the goatee is gone.

Haircut this Thursday.
I believe a decision has been made..

UT needs to step it up. We've got Bama coming up on the 22nd. Cheer for my school or the team I've always cheered for?

No. 6 vs No. 17.
The Third Saturday in October.
Alabama vs Tennessee.

I love SEC football.

I've been thinking alot lately about going through with it and cutting my hair..

I've got a haircut on October 13 so I've got until then to decide.

I want everyone's opinion. I don't even care if you know me or not..just give me something, anything!

Yes?

No?

The sideburns might even go..



photo from kylewesley

Ok, I took it a little too far..but my hair is getting out of control as you can plainly see in the picture..

HELP! It's about to eat my whole head!

GO TO Tack's Phusebox FOR SOME PICS!

Tennessee Vols - 30
LSU Tigers - 27
Final - Overtime

Down 21-0 at halftime.
Almost every one here had already changed the channel or went back to studying.
Ainge out, Clausen in.
21-7.
9:35 left in the 3rd quarter, I said "Do you think?"
24-14.
Cheers are being heard outside and down the hall.
24-21.
2 minutes left in the 4th quarter.
24-24.
Did we just..? Yeah..we just did.
Overtime, down 27-24.
Gerald Riggs Jr in from 1 yard out.
GIVE HIM 6, Touchdown Tennessee!!

After the game ended only God knows how many people converged on Neyland for the biggest party since the win over Florida last year. It lasted until the wee hours of the morning with hardly anyone sober enough to remember just what exactly went on in those hours after an improbable comeback.



photo from kylewesley

This is why I came here. This is what I've been waiting for. At the same time I am getting a top notch education, might I add.

So I guess this was initiation into college for all the freshman here because as the 15,000, probably 20,000 students were screaming Rocky Top I looked around at all of them, smiled, and said just one thing..

"It's great to be a Tennessee Vol."

I love it here. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

The Blame Game.

Now, the rules of the game are as follows.
- Everytime something bad happens, you find someone to blame.
- They don't have to be connected in any way to what happened.
- Whatever reason given is good enough to create a following.

It's President Bush's fault.
It's the Liberal's fault.
It's the environmentalists fault.
It's the American people's fault.
It's Saddam's fault.
It's the media's fault.

Does anyone honestly see how childish this all is??

Think of it like this: when our children and our children's children are studying American history they'll read about World War 2, the hippies of the 60's, the Clinton Impeachment, and "The Blame Game." What kind of legacy are we leaving here, people? Quit blaming everyone and just help out! Katrina was made ploitical because people wanted someone to blame over a HURRICANE.

Now that another one is on the way, everyone is getting a head start and trying to blame someone for why gas is going to rise or where everyone is going to go or where Natalie Holloway is..wait..no..everyone on TV is playing the game that is fascinating America while the whole world looks on and laughs..

The Blame Game.

Grow up.
Shut up.
Open your eyes.

Ok, first off..lovin' the lack of comments. Nice to know anyone cares.

Second..

I'm done with this.

Florida sucks.