It's a break from school that sends me to clean up my room, my computer, my bank records...even a bit of my head. I remember bits and pieces because receipts remind me. Joel, Neal and I went to steak 'n shake, Turkey Run campground, and New Harmony. We bought a lot of gas at high prices. I went with Piper, Danielle, Jeremy, Jenny, Neal to Ben Kweller in Omaha. We've gone to 4 brothers 3 times. I've not spent much on food, but the Grille is a bit greasey. Dordt wrote a check to me for $4 dollars as reimbursement for a bag of flour and a bit of applesauce, and all the North hall RAs and I enjoyed bread pudding (though I don't know how the flour flavored the pudding).
Yes, I've run to Wal-mart for groceries...twice. But the new video store in town doesn't take debit, so I only vaguely remember renting the George Clooney 40s Noir wanna-be. The last receipts were Christmas gifts, and I still remember convincing myself December 21 was Christmas (sorry, Family); I met many Kuceras and Santmans; But did not buy food to gift anyone, who needs more?
Though my life isn't ruled by money, its realities close in a bit each year, but I'm thankful for the bit of a record to remember the past year.
Happy New Year, Auld 2008.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
A Day in the Life of a Crab
Waking is tough when your muscles are inside of a shell-like exoskeleton and cannot be stretched properly. I thought I knew better for most of the day. First of all, I was working on a graph in Xcel®, which of course was making a lot of mistakes for me. The graph would only turn out if I told the program the exact details needed in the graph. Needless to say, Nathan walk up and I said: "I am not going to ask for help, because it is the computer's fault" (translation: help me, but I'm too much of a crab to ask).
Next, I was reading the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church's report on Diversity and Racism. Of course, I new much better and turned red as I read things that looked like they were saying our culture cannot define us, only Christ. This would be like saying my culture (enjoying coffee) cannot be an important part of my life (spending time with people drinking coffee). Well, come on Synod representatives, where's your realism. People are within Culture. But of course, this morning I finished the article, and the ending clarified the beginning. So, they say I can still enjoy my coffee and conversations with people as long as culture doesn't become an idol, as long as I am most deeply defined by my brotherhood with Christ.
Finally, after putting jumper cables on with the help of a semi-retired farmer, failing; letting him push my car, bumper to bumper, down a hill to push-start the vehicle, failing; and trying jumper cables from my dad, success; and finally "accidentally" shutting the car off at the fuel station, walking home, and returning once more to the car only to find out the the retired-farmer was right and I was wrong---THE BATTERY CONNECTION was bad. I was wrong.
So I went to bed at 11, with peace know that I could fail three times in the day, react like a crab, and still rest under comforting ocean swells too magnificent to see.
Next, I was reading the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church's report on Diversity and Racism. Of course, I new much better and turned red as I read things that looked like they were saying our culture cannot define us, only Christ. This would be like saying my culture (enjoying coffee) cannot be an important part of my life (spending time with people drinking coffee). Well, come on Synod representatives, where's your realism. People are within Culture. But of course, this morning I finished the article, and the ending clarified the beginning. So, they say I can still enjoy my coffee and conversations with people as long as culture doesn't become an idol, as long as I am most deeply defined by my brotherhood with Christ.
Finally, after putting jumper cables on with the help of a semi-retired farmer, failing; letting him push my car, bumper to bumper, down a hill to push-start the vehicle, failing; and trying jumper cables from my dad, success; and finally "accidentally" shutting the car off at the fuel station, walking home, and returning once more to the car only to find out the the retired-farmer was right and I was wrong---THE BATTERY CONNECTION was bad. I was wrong.
So I went to bed at 11, with peace know that I could fail three times in the day, react like a crab, and still rest under comforting ocean swells too magnificent to see.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
It's a Gas
The Choir is traveling together to Europe to sing in various churches in the Netherlands. I'm thrilled. Piper and I hope to travel to Sevilla after the tour in order that I can study for 2 months, acquiring the credits abroad that I need to graduate with a Spanish major. Following the studying, we hope to travel to Paris within a week, and fly home in order to work a bit and start another semester at Dordt College.
If you would like to help Everyone in the choir financially, and enjoy the Choir through the ages' music, buy a CD. The tour fund would a appreciate it, and if you have any trouble, leave a comment. I had a friend who had trouble; it came as a heavy blow, but we sorted out the matter.
If you would like to help Everyone in the choir financially, and enjoy the Choir through the ages' music, buy a CD. The tour fund would a appreciate it, and if you have any trouble, leave a comment. I had a friend who had trouble; it came as a heavy blow, but we sorted out the matter.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Trip to Upland, IN
This is a general update in mechanical language for my records. That is, I tend to forget a lot of things, and I would like to remember this trip. Maybe the reader will enjoy the details too.
Neal came to Orange City at exactly 10am, he is never late, and I began puttzing around the house to collect my packings to put in his car. We left at 10:30 to arrive in Des Moines at 4:30. Yes, you could say we took our time. Aurora, IA has a great little cafe with great burritos and sodes (which was a mispelling, flip the d to a p and "sope" is the actual mexican dish).
Once in Des Moines we enjoyed some homemade enchiladas, Joel's company, and the company of his family. We watched the opening ceremony to the Olympics, which was simply amazing in its orchestration. The drums, the cardboard pillars, the martial arts...
In the later evening we watched "Funny Games" a horrible movie in that it tortures the viewer and makes fun of the fact that he/she is watching a horror film. It's a tough watch, but only perhaps worth the clever idea of the film. Look up some reviews, because I'd rather forget most of the film and not recall it in writing.
Then, Isaiah, Joel, and Neal went to enjoy a bit of hookah while I lay down to sleep. I need more sleep to be an enjoyable person. They came back in and started "the Shining." I heard it in my half-sleep and scary images flooded my mind. Creepy, but good (somehow)
On to Piper's house. The winding stairs festival was flooding the town (thankfully only a 20 minute shower of actual rain came down) and we ate good pizza: Pizza Palace. In the evening we all watched Benny and June. Yeah! Parting was not sweet, but sorrowful, although I was looking forward to the rest of the trip much.
On to Turkey Run state park. We pulled into the park at 8:30 as the sun was setting and set our tent, started our fire, and I enjoyed a toasted rice-crispy bar. The night went by quickly while sleeping, and we woke around 8 to start our trek to brother Andrew's place of residence and work: the Victory Acres CommunitySupportedAgriculture site in Upland, IN.
Andrew lives in a camper on the farm. We crashed there after eating at Kay's Cafe and desserting at Payne's coffee shop. Kay's was a small, dirty-floored, beautifully tabaccoed cafe full of the local rif-raff, that is the hard-working folk of the area. I think a recently-turned ten boy was celebrating his birthday with relatives. We ordered pizza: all from scratch, cheesy mozzarella and lots of veggies and meats. Deliscious.
Payne's coffee was delicious. Too delicious. Chocolate frozen custard and two cups of coffee made me stay up late (12am) thinking of the joys of the "life on the farm" boardgame and the option of finishing a teaching degree. I wrote a letter in my head, as well.
So, after deciding to get the degree to teach, I fell asleep. We picked cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and "beef-steak" tomatoes all morning. At noon, we rushed pack up and go to New Harmony, IN. Neal had vacation at the small town that started a commune of "harmonists." There mark was evident in the town with many round gardens with a sphere or fountain in the center. I enjoyed the architecture of the episcopalian "roofless" church and the local museum. De Staebler did a lot of the sculpture in the church. Perhaps he's famous.
And then we went on to Isaiah apartment. More hookah, a Guinness, DiGiorno's, and "Them" (another thrilling movie) and I slept early again. After eggs and bacon (thanks for the Bacon from Ben) Neal and I dropped Joel off in the morning, and went home.
I'm grateful for the refreshment of seeing new things each day, though my mind is tired after restless nights in new places.
My new bed is a sanctuary of sleep. Gratefully...
Neal came to Orange City at exactly 10am, he is never late, and I began puttzing around the house to collect my packings to put in his car. We left at 10:30 to arrive in Des Moines at 4:30. Yes, you could say we took our time. Aurora, IA has a great little cafe with great burritos and sodes (which was a mispelling, flip the d to a p and "sope" is the actual mexican dish).
Once in Des Moines we enjoyed some homemade enchiladas, Joel's company, and the company of his family. We watched the opening ceremony to the Olympics, which was simply amazing in its orchestration. The drums, the cardboard pillars, the martial arts...
In the later evening we watched "Funny Games" a horrible movie in that it tortures the viewer and makes fun of the fact that he/she is watching a horror film. It's a tough watch, but only perhaps worth the clever idea of the film. Look up some reviews, because I'd rather forget most of the film and not recall it in writing.
Then, Isaiah, Joel, and Neal went to enjoy a bit of hookah while I lay down to sleep. I need more sleep to be an enjoyable person. They came back in and started "the Shining." I heard it in my half-sleep and scary images flooded my mind. Creepy, but good (somehow)
On to Piper's house. The winding stairs festival was flooding the town (thankfully only a 20 minute shower of actual rain came down) and we ate good pizza: Pizza Palace. In the evening we all watched Benny and June. Yeah! Parting was not sweet, but sorrowful, although I was looking forward to the rest of the trip much.
On to Turkey Run state park. We pulled into the park at 8:30 as the sun was setting and set our tent, started our fire, and I enjoyed a toasted rice-crispy bar. The night went by quickly while sleeping, and we woke around 8 to start our trek to brother Andrew's place of residence and work: the Victory Acres CommunitySupportedAgriculture site in Upland, IN.
Andrew lives in a camper on the farm. We crashed there after eating at Kay's Cafe and desserting at Payne's coffee shop. Kay's was a small, dirty-floored, beautifully tabaccoed cafe full of the local rif-raff, that is the hard-working folk of the area. I think a recently-turned ten boy was celebrating his birthday with relatives. We ordered pizza: all from scratch, cheesy mozzarella and lots of veggies and meats. Deliscious.
Payne's coffee was delicious. Too delicious. Chocolate frozen custard and two cups of coffee made me stay up late (12am) thinking of the joys of the "life on the farm" boardgame and the option of finishing a teaching degree. I wrote a letter in my head, as well.
So, after deciding to get the degree to teach, I fell asleep. We picked cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and "beef-steak" tomatoes all morning. At noon, we rushed pack up and go to New Harmony, IN. Neal had vacation at the small town that started a commune of "harmonists." There mark was evident in the town with many round gardens with a sphere or fountain in the center. I enjoyed the architecture of the episcopalian "roofless" church and the local museum. De Staebler did a lot of the sculpture in the church. Perhaps he's famous.
And then we went on to Isaiah apartment. More hookah, a Guinness, DiGiorno's, and "Them" (another thrilling movie) and I slept early again. After eggs and bacon (thanks for the Bacon from Ben) Neal and I dropped Joel off in the morning, and went home.
I'm grateful for the refreshment of seeing new things each day, though my mind is tired after restless nights in new places.
My new bed is a sanctuary of sleep. Gratefully...
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Fourth of July, Independence Day
With the weekend on the back of my mind's stove, simmering; a Blue Moon beer on the end table next to the sofa; my brother's laptop on my legs; Piper driving through thunderstorms back to Traer; Anthony Bourdane investigating Greek culture and cousine; and work looming ahead for 3 more weeks...in short: with this list I am happy to relax on Sunday evening. I am now twenty-years old, I'll be married, God willing, in 7 months, and Independence day seems to have taken on a new meaning this year. I feel grown beyond childhood.
However.
Piper and I sifted through 2 of my journals this weekend. Sparing the reader embarrassing details from high school, I feel immature and dependent. I've changed, but not as a caterpillar. I think more on my own, but I'm also very much my family's child, my school's student, my church's member, my friends' friend. Next, I'll be my wife's husband and my child's father (in years, no worries, all) and dependence will flow down through me to them.
So, these "profound" thoughts I will read in later years, just as I read my high school thoughts this weekend, and I'll shake my head and laugh (once again, God willing) and realize that I've changed, become more dependent rather than independent, and, well, I suppose that's life.
And, If anyone wants a beer; I'll be happy to buy (still look forward to show my ID with a grin), if you stay for a bit of conversation.
However.
Piper and I sifted through 2 of my journals this weekend. Sparing the reader embarrassing details from high school, I feel immature and dependent. I've changed, but not as a caterpillar. I think more on my own, but I'm also very much my family's child, my school's student, my church's member, my friends' friend. Next, I'll be my wife's husband and my child's father (in years, no worries, all) and dependence will flow down through me to them.
So, these "profound" thoughts I will read in later years, just as I read my high school thoughts this weekend, and I'll shake my head and laugh (once again, God willing) and realize that I've changed, become more dependent rather than independent, and, well, I suppose that's life.
And, If anyone wants a beer; I'll be happy to buy (still look forward to show my ID with a grin), if you stay for a bit of conversation.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Jonathon is back
I hope I spelled his first name right. That would be strike two. I decided to not pick him up from Texas: sorry Jon.
In other news, and completely (shifty eyes) unrelated to ditching plans to texas, Piper came to the area this weekend for Brandon and Erica's wedding. And, incidentally, I live around here too. We had a good weekend, took a compatibility test (results pending), went to the wedding, had a fire with Alvin, and Alvin took photos commemorating Piper and my engagement.
Back to work on Monday. I'm getting excited to see finished products this house because I was given a small drive-by tour of past vision bldrs houses. Hopefully, we'll all have a bit of inspiration to work hard all summer.
In other news, and completely (shifty eyes) unrelated to ditching plans to texas, Piper came to the area this weekend for Brandon and Erica's wedding. And, incidentally, I live around here too. We had a good weekend, took a compatibility test (results pending), went to the wedding, had a fire with Alvin, and Alvin took photos commemorating Piper and my engagement.
Back to work on Monday. I'm getting excited to see finished products this house because I was given a small drive-by tour of past vision bldrs houses. Hopefully, we'll all have a bit of inspiration to work hard all summer.
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