Jennie's Blog
Generational philosophy
July 29 - 2008
After hearing so much hype about the new Batman movie: The Dark Knight, we had to see what this was all about. After an intense two and a half hours, I walked out realizing that this movie’s fame was not due to the innovative action scenes, impressive special affects, or even because of the late Heath Ledger, it was much deeper and profound. I think anyone over 30 would walk away feeling somewhat confused by this movie if they took the time to look through the gore and suspense. But what makes this movie so successful? Like any successful movie it must appeal to the subconscious of their audience. The audience in this case would be primarily to those of 18-25.
People get paid thousands of dollars to predict trends in the youth of America and to find out what we want before we know we want it. Or they find out which movies to invest in that will speak to the heart of such youthful Americans and cause a record-breaking $158.4 million on opening weekend. So what does this generation want? It seems we want flawed superheroes, subjective morality, and someone else to take the blame. The thing that makes the youth so youthful is their ideology that anything is possible. After the apathetic 80s and 90s, a culture is emerging of ideological and justice demanding young adults. We will not sit idly by watching television any longer, but will join community groups, such as Facebook, and Myspace, and proclaim our individualism to the world. Why else would all the major networks post shows on the internet for free if it were not for the inevitable demise of cable?
Not only that, but we will actually vote. Record numbers of college age people are taking their stand in the voting booths. US News reported that “more than 5.7 million voters under the age of 30 have participated in the primaries and caucuses held thus far. That's a 109 percent increase from the last set of presidential primaries, according to Rock the Vote.” Why such a sudden change in the MTV generation that felt “neither highs or lows”? Maybe we are just sick of being ruled over by rich old white men, and jumped at the chance to vote for a young black rockstar, even if he is a secret Muslim. Not that I’m in favor for the voter revolution’s choice for young blood, but I’m just telling you the facts; personal politics aside.
However, we’re not done with you yet, oh no. Not only are we getting off our lazy “you know what’s” from in front of the TV and creating a virtual personality and voting, we’re demanding ethics; environmental ethics. This generation demand for organic foods and ethical environmental choices have thrown markets for a twist. Not only do we demand earthly justice, but are fighting against he consumerist suffocation that engrossed Americans for the past 50 decades. Take the latest Wall-e movie that was the boldest anti-consumerism movie I’ve seen since Fight Club.
Interesting things are happening in today’s youth, which brings me back to batman. Today’s protagonists and antagonists can no longer just be good or evil; they must be humanized. Villains aren’t just evil to be evil, they had some traumatizing childhood experience or bad parents that caused them to be the reckless juveniles they are, and heroes make mistakes and are flawed. This is a relatively revolutionary idea; people want someone they can relate with, which could be part of the reason for the success of reality TV. Put 20 strangers on an island for a month to compete for money and you find they are backstabbing liars. The reality that this youth has stumbled upon is that all people are flawed, and we are somewhat drawn to the flaws and sadistic side of humanity. The most amazing part of The Dark Knight, to me, was how they got the audience to like the joker. Sure he was Heath Ledger, but it was amazing how the audience laughed at some of the terrible things he did, and how they got us to actually like the antagonist. This was the joker’s goal as well when he created two-face out of the shining white knight. So what is a flawed generation to do? We need someone else to take the blame for something they didn’t do. Sound familiar yet?
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Utah
March 31 - 2008
Kyle, Luke, Daniel, Sedrick (Daniel's roommate) and I, all embarked on a crazy adventure through southern Utah with Poly Escapes, the outdoors recreational club at Cal Poly. We had a team of about 14 people (all from Poly) including 4 leaders who organized the trip.
We started by driving to the Green River in South Eastern Utah, and spent 3 and a half days floating down 45 miles of river in rafts and kayaks. As the river progressed, the canyon of sandstone became deeper and deeper. We went on a few hikes along the way, and Daniel and I caught a few catfish for dinner. The boys had the most fun in the kayaks and had splashing and tipping wars. I mostly relaxed in the rafts, reading, sunbathing, and making new friends.
On Wednesday we finally pulled out of the river and made our way to Arches National Park, and we hiked out to the famous 'Delicate Arch' by sunset. The next day we did two canyons in the park. The first was dry sandstone, and we had quite a hike and some rock climbing to get to it. The views from up top were phenomenal with Colorado's snow peaks in the background. We started with 3 rappels including a free hanging one. Although the second canyon we did that day had the longest rappel which was 130 ft. This second one was Kyle's favorite canyon because there was lots of swimming involved. we had to jump through some big puddles of water to get through, but fortunately there was not a constant stream.
The canyon that Daniel and I liked the best was the next day in the 'goblin's canyons' which was very skinny and narrow, and more like a crack than a canyon. We squeezed through some pretty tight spaces and I got the most amazing pictures of sandstone carved out by water. That night we took a scenic drive to Zion National Park, and saw lots of wildlife along the way including deer and herds of elk.
Zion was also one of my favorite stops we spent the next day doing short hikes. The most amazing one was up 1,600 feet to Angels landing. The most intense part was the end where the path was only about 3 feet wide with 1,500 sheer cliffs on both sides! The view from the top was worth it though. I hiked with Evan, Chris, and Nicole, which all are in one of the pictures. We also went to 'Weeping Rock' which was a cliff with water dripping out of it. Then finally we ended with waterfalls at the 'Emerald Pools'. It was such an amazing place! Sunday we made the trek home and got back around 8pm.
Overall, all of us had an amazing time. We had a fun group of people who were always entertaining and I enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night talking and playing games. It seems there was never a dull moment. Hope you enjoy the pictures!
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local harvest
February 21 - 2008
Well Kyle and I have stepped up in our produce lifestyle. I heard of this organization called CSA (community supported agriculture) that is spread throughout the united states where you can get produce directly from farmers in your own county! Not only are you getting produce locally, but it saves transportation emissions, is picked when fully ripened and delivered to you within 24 hours of it being picked, and I know exactly where my food is coming from. This truly seems like how communities ought to work instead of eating fruits and vegetables that have traveled over thousands of miles from who knows where.
I've had some recent revelations on our agricultural practices, and how we have become separated from the land. If you want some great sermons, I've been listening to a church in Grand Rapids :) called Mars Hill, I'm sure most of you have heard of it. (http://www.marshill.org/teaching/other.php ) The pastor gives a great series of sermons called "God is Green" he really lays out some great points if you ever have the time to listen to it.
Anyways, I recommend getting involved with your local farmers, http://www.localharvest.org has all the places listed in your community that you can sign up to receive a weekly basket of produce from you local area. Not only does it taste so much more incredible it also is a deal! we signed up for a basket at $15.50 a week from Templeton. It comes with all seasonal fruits and vegetables and a list for where each product came from and even some recipes! I included some pictures to inspire you to get involved!
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November 04 - 2007
Well here's my version and answer's to Amy's Blog. hope you find it interesting.
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain (depends on your def. of a "mountain" )
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula- no thank you!
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree (I think everyone has at one point)
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game (Dogers vs. Giants)
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables (the only way to go!)
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb Does a goat count?
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment- many moments
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had/Have amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing (Canyoning is much better)
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero- didn't everyone do this when they were a kid?
58. Sung karaoke- (but don't tell anyone - that's what happens when you hang out with people in theatre)
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced (definitely don’t want to do this one!)
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the snake river
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date (technically)
89. Gone to
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone (Isreal)
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently (je ne
95. Performed in a Rocky Horror Picture Show
96. Raised Children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold I've been close, but never lost conciousness
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over (yay college!)
101. Walked the
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth (Does just watching count? my old cat Cleo)
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the
122. Slept 30 hours in a 48 hour time frame
123. Visited more foreign countries than
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi (one of my favs.)
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read "the Iliad" (parts of it)
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions ( I will be doing this one)
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office (Does 5th grade missionary rep. count? I was elected!)
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream- (San Luis Obispo)
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life
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summer of the chef
August 23 - 2007
Well you might say I did my "dream job" this summer, or at least took a step in that direction. I was the Ifixit chef for about a month and a half, cooking for 10+ guys lunch about 4 days a week.
I admit I was kind of nervous about the challenge at first, but once I typed up my own menu I thought this is going to be too much fun. It turned out to be easier than I thought, because if there is one thing that can never go wrong when cooking for guys it's: lots of meat.
Occasionally, I would try and broaden their horizons with things like... vegetables... or fruit. One of the guys said he had never eaten so many fruits and vegetables in his life. But I mostly got the satisfied grunts and growls when I made tri-tip sandwiches and french dip.
In all it was a great learning experience, and I felt my services were really appreciated. I love pleasing people with food, and feel it is great for getting them more connected with each other.
I still cook dinner for 5-6 guys 2-3 nights a week. It is nice to have a test audience, as I have been experimenting a lot this summer :). (Between the cooking shows, cook books, and magazines, I've developed some great new recipes.)
Anyways, it's been fun and we'll see what God does with it.
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My unimpressive job list
June 06 - 2007
Well, I really haven't had that many jobs, but the one's I've had, have lasted for a long time, I guess I get that from my dad:)
"Newspaper Girl": The first one is one all my siblings have had, and that's working for Kathy Ryan. Spending Saturday's delivering note pads for real estate to every neighborhood in Southern San Jose isn't very exciting for a teenager, but I did manage to save some money from it. I think John and Matt did better than I did because she stopped calling me after a while.
Sweet Retreat: Oh the infamous days as an ice cream "scooper" taught me a lot about human’s dependence on ice cream and the sinfulness of human nature. I think I was there for almost three years, the first year and a half were good, and it kind of went down hill from there. But it did provide another job for me which was being commissioned for my first mural.
My best memories are of midnight Denny's runs after a long night with Jill, Katie, and Stacy. And smelling like a refrigerator after work.
Office Clerk: Going from an Ice cream parlor to a law firm was a pretty big jump. I was also here for almost three years, and enjoyed my whole time. It was a big struggle at first because I had to learn so much information and had a few bumps along the way. I soon became known as the "queen of the copy machine". My favorite story with this is when the two lawyers were in the copy room trying to figure out how to copy a page. Finally one of them called me in the room, and demanded for me to fix the machine. I pressed one button and start in less than a second and it copied his page. And when I walked away, I heard him say "I feel like an idiot". Which goes to say that sometimes a law degree isn't enough to make photocopy, sometimes it takes a blond. :)
I was hard to leave as I got more attached, and I guess they got attached to me too because I put my two weeks notice in for December 1st, and my last day was actually April 9th.
Executive Assistant: my currant "position" is at ifixit as the assistant to the executive (I can prove it because I have business cards), namely my husband. I did do quite a bit of graphics work last summer, but now it seems my main job is to cook dinner for employees who work after 6pm. mostly I offer moral support to my husband :)
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The Death is Here
March 21 - 2007
With the little rains we recieved here in California this season, the hills are now in full bloom. Driving down the grade every day is an eye-gasm with the rolling green hills that make you feel like your in Great Britian or Ireland. It is truly unbelievable.
However I can't help look at the lush mountians around me with a bittersweet feeling that death is on its way. Each blade of grass and newly green leaf on the trees holds inside the nemesis of my sinuses. And with each day that grows warmer, the time inches nearer to the poison that will soon be released freely into the air. Inevitable "death of the sinuses" ensues for months, until the golden hills appear once agian; which sometimes I think is even more beautiful.
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whelmed
March 01 - 2007
"I know you can be overwhelmed, and I know you can be under whelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?" ... "I think you can in Europe" (points to those who know where this quote comes from).
After multiple adventures over the holiday season I thought I would be able to get back into a nice easy schedule in the winter quarter. Yes, I am one of those structured persons who always has a plan! (My old roommates can tell you about my morning routine and my intense devotion to do everything in order and on time.)
However, this quarter started with quite the bang... a bang to the leg actually... a bang to Kyle's leg. I knew after the first week of school this quarter was going to be hard, and after spending most the second week at the hospital, I thought, "is all this too much?" Never! how could I possibly step down from such an exhilarating challenge!
Yes my ambitions kicked in once again, and at this moment I have maintained all A's and B's in all my classes. But that's only to say that I have never worked so hard at school throughout my entire life. And it was not learning the inner workings of nuclear fission, or memorizing all 54 countries in Africa, or even the some 30 French verbs conjugated in present, passé compose, and the l'imparfait. With all this I was "whelmed" but it was English that made things overwhelming. (Take a look at my teacher's website http://cla.calpoly.edu/~dschwart/engl204/204home.html .... if you dare, and make sure to check out my class calendar.) I admit she is a fantastic teacher, and keeps me enthralled during class time; but after taking the midterm and thinking "two hours is not enough time to finish this test" one can't help but feel a bit overwhelmed.
In good news, there is only 3 weeks left for this quarter and I will be on to a new one! Oh the joys of the quarter system. In all, I have enjoyed these challenges, and it is nice to know what your capable of when under pressure.
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september madness
October 01 - 2006
Between graphics work, launching a new ipod product line, going to Oregon, and starting at a brand new university, the past 30 days have been non-stop. Especially compared to August, when I practically did nothing. Not that it has been bad, it's just... transition.
My house has finally been stuccoed, and we finished building the front porch last week!! How amazing to be able to step into your house with out acrobatic training! (it's such the small things we take for granted) Kyle's friend from Oregon also stayed with us last week and did a lot of the work. It was fun introducing him to the SLO life. A few more jobs here and there and I possibly could have a full operational house this week! (pray!)
On other exciting news, I completed my first week at a "real" university. It was a little crazy trying to move my schedule around, but everything worked out better than what I had planned. I was able to get out of a TERRIBLE teacher's class, and on to a much better one and better time. So far I am enjoying my new school and meeting some new people.
However, the best highlight from september was getting my new kitten "Nano". (we got hime the week we released ipods) He is black and white, and really friendly. Although I mostly got him because I saw him use the litter box at the pound, and I said i want the one who is potty trained!
And to top the month off, Kyle and I ventured up to Oregon, where I rode dirt bikes, went swimming, and hunted rabbits. Yes, I killed bunnies. It was actually a lot of fun, and it helps out the farmers, because they eat a lot of their crops. we may have killed up to 60-70 rabbits, and bearly put a scathe in the population.
Now looking forward to a great fall quarter, and hopefully less crazy October.
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The married life?
August 15 - 2006
It’s the question everyone keeps asking me, “so how is the married life?” and my reply is “I don’t really know”. Maybe it was last night I figured it out while I was watching Kyle drive around in our acre field pulling Luke and Daniel on an old snow sled through the dirt. Or maybe it was the night before when the four of us drove to an abandoned mine to shoot off fireworks inside and practice with our new shotgun, then top it all of with a paintball fight. Or maybe it's when everyone asks me "what's for dinner?" Actually its when I go to the grocery store and buy 2 gallons of milk, 2 gallons of orange juice, 5 bags of bagels, and have to go back to the store 4 days later because we had "run out of everything". Now you might understand when people ask me how is the married life, it is difficult for me to come up with an answer. Not that I'm not having fun, it's just a little unexpected. It can be entertaining when we go out to dinner that the kids, oops I mean Kyle, Luke, and Daniel, hold a piece of ice with salt on it in their fist and see who can hold it the longest. At least that is better than the deadly combination of a candle on the table and plastic flowers. It brings me new perplexities into the male psyche of their formula of: destruction + pain = fun. Who can understand it? I’ll just read my book, and not complain, and watch them have all the “fun”.
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An Italian shower
May 15 - 2006
The room was full of elegant tables spaced out, and on them displays of bread, cheese, and grapes. Burgandy clothes lay over the tables, hor'orderves sitting on top of them that look to good to eat. Bruchetta, stuffed mushrooms, olives, and sparkling cider. It could only have one thing in common: Italian.
I always new deep within my soul i really was italian, just with blond hair. The bridal shower could not have been more like an italian fairy tale. Out in the patio grape vines hung from the rafters. Berrels set up for decoration, fine china set the tables for four, with white candle chandeliers hanging from the patio covering, and to complete the ambiance a fountian was on the side wall, and the song "amore" in the background.
Needless to say, it was a beautiful shower, but lets not forget about the games. We first played "bubble gum trivia" wich they ask Kyle questions ahead of time, and i have to guess what his answer is, if i get it wrong i get to eat a piece of bubblisious bubble gum. I got 9 out of 27 questions wrong. Which I think is pretty good, but next time you get bubbleisious put 9 pieces in at once and see how you feel.
I was blessed by all the people who were there, as well as the devotional. In col. 3:12: "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;" As these things are all traits I put on as a wife, they gave me a piece of clothing for each attribute, that I can put on each morning.
It was definitely a shower that was more than i could ever ask for or expect.
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waterfalls, sandy red dress,& a plastic dragonfly
March 07 - 2006
Seems the past two weeks we have been traveling non-stop. From snow shoeing in Yosemite to having a picnic on the beach in my red dress, and all the way to Boston to "fabricate".
These past two weeks have been filled with extraordinary excitement and adventure, of both the mountainess and urban variety. It all started at 3:45 in the morning on February 11, and stumbled outside through our backpacks in the care and started on the long road to Yosemite. We snow shoed our way out unto the unknown.
We thought we were prepared for anything particularly extremely low temperatures, but what we were not prepared for was sunny 75 degrees. The best part was being out on the point overlooking the valley. Watching the mountains changing colors from yellow to pink to purple to blue from the sunset. (check them out in the picture section)
For Valentines day Kyle and I drove to Oceano where we can drive on the beach. I’ve always wanted to be the woman in Jack Vettriano’s painting “Singing Butler”:
We had a picnic on the beach and dessert at Steamers. Next time I will have to arrange for a butler:)
Instead of leaving early in the morning, the next weekend we left late Thursday evening to fly all night to Boston. We followed up with people at MIT along with some investigation of possible new business ideas. My favorite part was Sunday night when we went to see the “Blueman group”, for those of you who remember they did Intel commercials a couple years back. It was a great show and unique. The combined everyday items with paint in a creative way to make music or just act out a skit. Another highlight was going to the art museum; they surprisingly had a very good collection. I recognized many exhibits from my studies. They had one of Kyle and mine’s favorites: Thomas Cole’s “Expulsion from the Garden of Eden”
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Color outside the lines
January 18 - 2006
I remember the first day I wanted to be an artist. I was four years old, and had just watched Cinderella. I was drawing the pumpkin carriage, the beautiful dress Cinderella wore to the ball, and the fat little mice. I showed it to my mom and she told me, "you are going to be a very good artist some day."
I asked her, "What's an artist?"
She replied, "It's someone who draws for a living."
What could be a better job in the mind of a four year old?! I could color for a living!!! Ever since then I have told people I was going to be an artist when I grew up, and that is what I still tell people.
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Israel Summary
December 28 - 2005
Shalom,
I made it back from Israel a couple days ago, and it was an incredible trip. We started ministry in Tel Aviv on the first day with a Calvary Chapel there, and handed out relief and witnessed to people on the beaches of the Mediterranean.
The first half of the trip was spent in the region of Galilee. Some of the highlights were sailing on the sea of Galilee, seeing the 2,000 year old boat, driving up to Tel Dan, Ceserea Phillipi, Nazareth, mount of Beatitudes, and hitting Tiberius at night along with various ministry opportunities. One of my favorite places was at Tel Dan and Ceserea Phillipi.
We continued our Journey down to the Dead sea and stopped at one of the largest archeological digs in Israel.
My favorite part of the whole trip was at the Dead Sea, we stopped at En Gedi where David spent time hiding from Saul. It was a beautiful waterfall of a natural spring going down the mountain in the middle of the desert. God definitely was watching over us because two hours after we left, the area was drenched in a flash flood!
Jerusalem was our last stop. The first day was intense when we walked the last night of Jesus, starting on the Mt. of Olives and Garden of Gethsemine.
We visited the wailing wall and the west wall, as well as looking at
items the Jews are building for the new temple. We got to do lots of ministry at Calvary Chapel Jerusalem ("For Zion's Sake) and ended the trip with communion in the Garden tomb at Calvary.
It was quite an amazing trip and these were only a few of the many highlights that we experienced. God worked in amazing ways in my life and in the ministry he had for us. I mostly enjoyed getting to know everyone on the team, and spending time with my brother Matt. The Bible came alive and I will continue to read God's word in a different way as now I can physically picture the places I am reading about!1 Comments | Post Comment
jumping off the high dive
November 19 - 2005
Like Matt, i also had swimming lessons at Santa Teressa High school, and i think another place, but i don't remember. We did all kind of swimming games, my favorite was when the teacher would throw in colored rings that would sink to the bottom, and we would all have to jump in and find them. A couple other of memmories stick out.....
I remember one time i was late to my lessons, and mom was really mad at me. then when we got there, i forgot my towel.
Another time, we had swim passes to a neighborhood pool. It was really hot, and i couldn't wait to get in the water. When we got there, I was so excited i jumped in the pool with my towel.
The most memorable memory probably was when i had a big swim meet after my swimming lessons. they had a high dive, and i finally worked up the nerve to climb up. There was a long line of people waiting, and when i climbed to the top i couldn't jump off, and had to climb back down. However, the next time i was determined to do it, i think John brought a video camera, and i climbed to the top again, but this time didn't look down and just ran off the edge. It was pretty scary.
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Sparkly
November 01 - 2005
I crawled out of bed on a bright Saturday morning. Kyle told me to be at his house at 9:30, which is a bit early for a Saturday, but he was going to make me breakfast. When I arrived we had one of my favorite breakfasts-- an avocado and mushroom omelet. (And of course I had my coffee before :-) )
We were planning on going to Big Falls, an exotic locale about 45min outside of SLO in the mountains, for the afternoon. We have been here many times before together, in fact it was a place we went when we first started to hang out more and think about dating. His roommates and brother were supposed to go with us, but unfortunately had “other things to do.”
Kyle and I drove out there and hiked back to where the falls are, there are different places you can go to, either at the bottom of the falls or hike up to fun swimming holes and trails. He thought we should go check out the bottom one since we hadn’t been there before. We walked through some brush to the bottom of the falls, and I saw a table set up with a black cloth and digital picture frame with two buttons in front. I thought something might be going on beforehand, but I wasn’t expecting this and felt confused.
“Push the blue button,” he said. I pushed the button and the screen in the white frame lit up to a slideshow of me with my friends and family. A song started playing in the background that we both liked. The slide show started with pictures of my life and friends, and then transitioned into pictures of both of us. The last slide had the text, “Princess, will you marry me?” and at the bottom “If yes, press the red button.” I pressed the red button and a pedestal rose up from behind the screen with a red box containing a shiny ring. His friends (and roommates who ‘supposedly” had other things to do) were hiding and came out. We swam for a while and hiked farther up the falls to have a picnic lunch.
After we got back to his house around 3:00, I cleaned up and one of my best friends Laura walked in. She took me to get a manicure and pedicure and then get dressed up. She dropped me off at the airport were I was reunited with my now fiancée were we meet his friend who was a pilot. Unfortunately it was fogged in and we were not allowed to take off, so our sunset flight was postponed. He took me to my favorite Italian restaurant in SLO were we had a wonderful dinner (and they gave us a heart pizza to celebrate). I’m getting married!
See all pictures here.
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coffee, headaches, and breakfast in bed
October 07 - 2005
Well, Mom and Dad aren't the only one's enjoying a bed 'n breakfast this week. I had been battling a sinuse infection for the past couple days, and having extremely bad headaches. (it has been getting better though:)). I was feeling pretty crappy all week long, until this morning. As wonderful as Friday's already are and i get to sleep in until 8:00, however i woke up to a surprise.
I walked out into the kitchen, and was at first a little confused.... i first saw the coffee maker, and someone already making it. I was starting to be upset because i wouldn't get my coffee first thing in the morning, and would have to wait until some else finished first (you can tell this coffee addiction is pretty bad).
Then i saw a my man cooking me breakfast! "Go back to bed" he said when he saw me. I didn't mind as long as i could take the coffee with me. So i had breakfast in bed this morning, which is a very good way to start a day and a weekend:) especcially when your sick. So he's taking care of me:) (both "HE's")
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conqured fear
September 21 - 2005
They pulled up in his explorer to the sand overlooking the beach. She wasn't filled with her usual joy at the sight of the ocean, and just sat and stared out the window.
"Are you ready?" he asked
silence
"You sure you want to do this"
silence
She finally glanced at him and opened the car door. He did the same. They proceeded to put on their wetsuits and carry their long boards down the beach to the shore.
"You don't have to do this if you don't want too" he said.
Her memory flushed back months ago to another time the two of them were at the beach. He made her go in the water, and the waves seemed too big. He stood with her in the water trying to be reasuring, but she couldn't do it. She turned around and left the water.
"I'm ready" she finally replied.
It was a foggy day, and the waves were a good size. They both strapped on the cord that attached them to the surf board. Without thinking she walked straight toward the water, not stopping once the water hit her feet, then her knees, then her waist.... she paused. Waves were rushing in up to her chest, and she look around to see where he was at.
"I don't know what to do" she yelled out after him, but he did not hear.
She climed on the surf board and went for her first attempt, a wave came over her pulling her body around in circles. More flashbacks, but this time it was nearly a year and a half ago. After being shiprecked near the same area she had fought for her life in monsterous waves 70 yard to shore. The confusion of water turning her body, feeling powerless and unable to breath once again held a firm grip on her heart. But she emerged, and pulled the surf board back to her only to greet another wave that did the same. It happened 3 times, salt water filled her mouth and face, she emerged out of the water once more, but this time she was not filled with fear, but determination. she jumped on her surfboard and swam directly into the next wave passsing through she turned around and waited. More waves came and went, but she still waited.
Then she saw one coming, and a voice yelled out "Take it!" she started to swim, paddling faster and faster. she felt the board rise beneath her and the sound of water crashing underneath. she looked down and saw she was on top of the wave, she got to her knees, and to her amazment was still on the board and still on the wave. She got to her feet. Water tumbling beneath her she was out of the water riding the wave, she felt on top of the world. the board turned to the left and the wave started to desinigrate, and she hopped off. Looking back out to sea with a big smile on her face, he gave her a thumbs up.
She picked up the board and ran back out into the water.
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conqured fear
September 21 - 2005
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battle day
September 10 - 2005
Well for the past few months there has been a growing monster in my houshold. It was the worst kind of monster, silently consuming the house over a slow period of time. Until one day you realize...... a battle must take place. We set our plan of attack, we knew this monster was tricky for it has outsmarted us for many years. Amber, Kendra, Sarah, Liz, and I awoke early this morning to take our positions. It was not quite dawn, as i tip toed through the hall and carefully opened the door that led to the garage. I peared through a crack of the door and there it was..... growing numerous boxes and junk, years of old roomates trash compiling and consuming the very place we dwelled. I fliped on the light and spiders fled back into the darkness. The five us walked in and beheld what we were about to defeat. Kendra hit the switch to open the garage door, the light began to glide over the dust and dirt and trash bags and piles of, in my opinion, junk. Our long battle was about to begin.
Our first plan of attack was to take everything out of the garage, which we did. then sort everything into piles. There were few times and intense fights that broke out between the garage and us roomates. The most dangerous one was the most unsuspected. Everything seemed to be going according to plan, when i heard Sarah screaming for help. I rushed to her aid, as she was running away from the garage and screaming "live animal! live animal!" i looked around and looked in an open box full of clothing. Stuffed up against the edge of the box i saw a ball of fur then as it turned his head it revealed a long line of teeth. "It's a baby possum!" Kendra cried. soon the rest of the roomates were joined at the battle scene to discuss a plan of action. The baby possum just kept looking at us with his mouth open. Amber picked up the box and began running down the street, all of us cheering her on. she ran to the end of the street and dumped the baby possum near a fence to the canyon. We were victorious!
By the end of the day the garage was organized and cleaned, we made 3 trips the the dump and one to Good will. All of us brused and scared from battle colapsed, feeling tired but content with our sucess of the day.
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flip flop rebuttle
September 02 - 2005
So in the recent blogosphere
of this family website, there has been a certain attack on an item that is very
close to me. Now material possessions
ultimately amount to nothing, but I can prove the worthwhile necessity and the
blessing that God has bestowed on us humans by such an item. Although this individual has validated
complaints against the cheapness of the product and the pettiness of some
female’s reactions, they failed to overlook the very importance and practicality
of such a blessed invention. The flip
flop might not seem so controversial or stand out as a great invention of
fashion to most people at first, but I can prove the greatness of this man made
product and its importance to the people of this nation.
As I am a born native Californian, obviously the flip
flop will has a significant impact on my life as a “beach bum”. However, this contagious trend has spread
across the nation. Not only have the
intelligent Californians discovered the wonders of flip flops, but so has the
rest of the country. In the Chicago Tribune there was an headline article
published in July about the brave individuals who made a bold stand for the
shoe by wearing flip flops to the white house.
Such an act of nobility has not been seen by the American people since Martin
Luther King Jr.’s fight for the African American in the 60’s. These brave girls recognized the call to
elevate the flip flop to our nation’s capital, and make a stand against flip
flop prejudice. The girls told their
position to the newspapers, “Nobody was wearing old beach flip-flops,” said
Josephs, who wore a $16 brown pair with rhinestones. Darmody, 22, added: “I
tried to think of something that would go well with my outfit and at the same
time not be that uncomfortable. But at the same time not disrespect the White
House.” Compared to the old generation
of “a women must be in heals at all times”, this is as revolutionary as women
wearing pants after the 1800’s.
Despite the casual beach persona that originally came
with the flip flop, the shoe has evolved into a great attribution to
fashion. Not only are they much more
comfortable than the expected dressy heals women have often worn there are
health benefits as well. Studies have
shown the affects of years of high heals that working women have worn. Disfigured toes and other foot complications
have developed in the medical field. The
flip flop is one way to avoid this medical problem.
Flip flops are easy and ready to go shoes; they have
a wide verity of casual to very formal uses. I remember girls wearing very formal flip
flops to dances that were decorated in fancy beads and rhinestones. Nobody questioned their motives and it was
much easier to dance with. These shoes
allow women’s feet to be free on a hot day, and especially help to not have
terrible odor that would be emitted from regular tennis shoes. High technology
has been developed for feet support for walking around in, as well has comfy
molds that your feet can fit into. Instead of messing with the straps or
shoelaces of other types of shoes this shoe is ready to go when you are running out the
door. The shoe also varies in price to affordable-casual to more dressy and
formal. The possibilities are endless.
There are many other practical reasons why flip flops
are such a great product in today’s world, but after all if we want to follow
in Jesus’ footsteps, he wore sandals too.
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The last of a very Grimm tale
August 10 - 2005
Until one day
her father said “I am growing old, dear daughter, and would like to see
grandchildren before I die. I have requested princes from around the land who
seek your beauty and wish to be your suitor. Choose which one pleases you best to
marry.”
The farmer was
very perplexed and returned home. However, his love for the princess continued
to grow. One day while the farmer was hunting, he was about to shoot a rabbit
when it exclaimed, “Please don’t shoot me!” The farmer was shocked that the
animal could talk and said, “Why not?” The rabbit replied, “I can tell you how
to slay the dragon so you can have the princess for your own.” The farmer said,
“All right, I will spare you.”
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A very Grimm tale two
August 06 - 2005
Before the princess knew
what was happening, the dragon’s hot breath scorched her skin, but the fire
burned off the rope that held her hands and feet, and she ran to the
underground river. The princess swam and
swam until she had no strength left. She washed up on shore, and began to cry,
for she was very deformed by the dragon’s fire. An old hag happened to pass by
and asked, “Why, whatever is the matter, my young child?”
When they reached the
cottage, the old hag gave her clothes and food.
Then she said, “I have a magic mirror that will give you any wish you
desire, but there are some conditions. The wish will only last for 24 hours,
and if you are ever to marry, the mirror will break and will be useless.”
Still more to come ..............
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A Very Grimm Tale
July 23 - 2005
J. K. Pottenger
Once there was a king who had a beautiful daughter, and each year as she grew older she became more beautiful then the last. She spent her young days playing in the fields around the castle, but her favorite times were times she spent with her father. One day her father decided it was time for her to go away to school.
“But, daddy I don’t want to go to school. I want to stay here and play in the gardens all day and spend my nights with you reading to me until I fall asleep”
But the king was persistent and insisted an education was the best thing for his child. “If you are going to rule my kingdom someday you need to be taught its ways” he said.
The daughter finally gave in to her father’s wishes and went to school the following year. However, the other children were common and jealous of her beauty. She did not play with anyone else and instead spent her time fleeing the ridicules of all the other children. Time went on, and she grew more and more beautiful as the years went on and so the other children’s jealousy grew.
The time came for the young princess’ 16th birthday, and the king decided to have a ball. Every boy at the school wanted to be the princess’ escort to the ball, and the other girls became envious. There were two young sisters at school who were particularly jealous of the king’s daughter. “She always has the young boys’ attention,” one of the sisters said. “And they all want to take her to the ball!” the second replied.
“What are we to do?” the first sister asked. “I have a plan,” the second replied, for she was very clever. “We should tie her up and put her in the dragon’s lair that hides under the school.”
One day after school the two sisters tricked the young princess into following them down underneath the school, and when they reached the dragon’s lair, they tied her up and threw her in.
To be continued...
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Don't mess with the cook's buns
July 02 - 2005
"don't mess with the cook's buns" was the message
Kyle and I got when we spent the afternoon in Los Gatos a couple weeks
ago. For the past two weekends we have been invaded by parental units,
but the usual duet seemed to multiply (not that it is a bad thing). we
were plenty busy by various activities... water skiing, driving, dirt biking,
driving, hiking, driving, swimming, driving, Santana Row and did I mention
driving? A single blog could not hold the amount of driving or activities that
were done or the amount of fun. The first weekend in San Jose we spent touring
the memories of my childhood, and meeting many of those who were a part of it.
The second weekend was much more eventful as i got the full country boy experience.
Besides the various outdoor activities I thought this was the most creative:
Monday night we spent the evening with Kyle's married friends... seems innocent
enough, except i was denied any information on what would be happening.
So I and the other girl were blind folded and driven out to a park were we
stumbled around for about 20 minutes when it got extremely cold. We finally
took the blindfolds off to complete darkness, but I knew exactly were we
were... a cave. Through the once sweltering lava flows beneath bend we
stood in 40 degree temperature wondering around in the dark. But Behold! There
are lights ahead! However it was too late for poor Jen shattered her knee
on a near by rock. It’s just as well, I was carried to a dinner set up for
four with candles, food, and even a dinner show. It was a wonderful weekend filled with
wonderful people, activities and food :)
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Kittens!!
May 16 - 2005
One day a black and white small cat wondered into our backyard, and one of my roomates, (let's just call her the cat whisperer) made friends with the cat. 3 months later the cat not only adopted us has her owners, but gave us even more little cats. (5 to be exact). But lets back up for a minute. After our first encounter with the Cleo she has never left, Cleopatra is her full name, and she spends most of her time sitting by the back door looking pathetic wanting to come inside. But we give her lots of love and lots of food, and it was fun having a feline around the house agian, until we noticed she was growing a little too fast. Laura was the first to notice, and she told me the news. Of course i had to tell endless jokes of run away kitty teen pregnancy, but i was fascinating to see her change. Then on May 12, Cleo gave birth to 5 kittens, 4 are black and white (some more black than others) and one gray one. so does anyone want some kittens?
photos in the picture section :)
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nothing
April 11 - 2005
don't worry everyone i am not dead!...... unfortunalty. i know it's been a while since my last blog, partly due to all my words being taken up by papers, and mostly by the demands of everyday life. However, life goes on in the pottenger family website, more picutres, more downloads, more blogs about the deep and important aspects of life, (namely poop). Now i am happy to report the bills are mostly paid, the food has ever dissapered, and the bed is most certianly not made. HOWEVER, i have once again made my apperence in the web comsos and let my voice be heard (or rather my words be read) so i can rest assured! success lies within the blog.............. for i have succeded to write a blog about absulutly nothing. (sorry guys)
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the beach through an artists eyes
February 23 - 2005
I went to the beach today, it was an over due visit. I brought my new camera and did a lot of experimenting which was a lot of fun. However i did notice my change in perception when i was looking for all the perfect pictures. As an artist i think i have a different view on the world, and i know all you artists out there will agree with this. We look at the compositions, forms, lines, shapes, and my personal favorite the color. Sometimes i feel i am tripping on acid because of all the color i see in the world. I see things and how i would paint them, then all these new colors jump out that people don't normaly see. The way the light hits plants, people, landscapes make my artisitic eye catch on quick. I know what colors God mixed to get the color of clouds in a sunset, i can see the shades of green layed across the hills. And if you look close enough you can see the detailed purple, yellow, orange flowers that give the grass just a little flare. Not to say that no one else sees this beauty, but artists are just more aware of these natural revelation because that is what we are trained to do. As something as inspirering as nature, and is so constant in my every day life, i cannot help but to be constantly overwhelmed with God's presence.
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ADITLOACAE&M continued
February 07 - 2005
The upstairs filing always holds a certain joy, and honestly it's Susie. she is a secretary, and for whatever reason i just can't help but laugh when i file upstairs. Maybe it's how she always talks to herself, or how she laughs at everything which makes me laugh. The only bad thing about that is i start laughing when i answer the phone, but most people think it's funny and it doesn't happen often.
Afternoons are usually much quieter than the morning, and longer. some sustaining project usually presents itself around 2. "copy these depositions with exhibit tabs" or the more rare ones like i had last week: "go through these wills and write out a list" (there ended up being over 100 wills)
4:45 Post all mail and take it out. then finally 5:00 and the phones ring no more! lights are off, shades down, and dishes washed all ready for the next day.
through the stress and craziness the job can sometimes bring, i really do enjoy the work i do. whether slow, crazy, or just another day i count it a blessing to work for the people i do, and always look forward to going back.
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A day in the life of a clerk at E&M
January 18 - 2005
Many people often ask me after they find out i work in a law office "So what exactly do you do?" most of the time i am unable to answer this. My responsibilities vary day to day, circumstance to circumstance. Although the appropriate answer would mainly entail answering phones and filing, but it seems there is always much more. So to illustrate my position, i will take you along a day in the life of an office clerk.
I punctually walk through the office door at 8:15, wearing my black sandals that are worn down to the heals, and a fashionly appealing skirt and top. (among the many skills required of the job one is to always be looking good, which i pull off well:)) And the morning routine begins: open blinds, turn on lights, unlock doors, put away dishes, and the MOST important job of ALL: make the coffee. As people walk in, i log the faxes, and take the messages "welcome to partner mail VS, you have ....15..... new messages" there are always a lot after a 3 day weekend. After fighting through names and understanding phone numbers it was almost 9:00.
"Okay Jen, i have a project for you" (oh those dreaded words, actually it depends on who is saying them) "I need you to fax this form to these people" i get handed a list of about 50 plus people "and you might need to call some of them to get their fax numbers" i look at it again and realize half the numbers are missing. the phone rings "Good morning, Ernst and Mattison"......... "one moment please".
9:00 Sheila walks through the front door, we usually exchange weekend stories and comments of the whether. she has a daughter who just started kindergarten this year. the rest of the morning becomes interspersed with copy jobs, filing with the court, but then come to my favorite time of the day; 10:30 time to get the mail.
After a busy start to the day or even a slow beginning, getting the mail is a highlight to walk through the downtown SLO in our perfect sunny 72 degree whether. (okay not every day but I'm convinced SLO is as close to the garden of eden as you can get on this earth) I walk to the post office on Marsh and get the mail from our PO boxes. lots of times i run into people i know like the UPS guy always waves, or Brian who works in Jamba Juice. By the time i get back it is nearly 11:00 and only an hour to lunch.
I look on my desk and see file and conform documents to file across the street at SLO courthouse, and letters from Chris to fax, copy, and mail. Other notes seem to appear "Jen - make exhibit tabs 1-13, 3 sets. thanks" it's amazing how much needs to be done sometimes, but it gives me something to do, and makes the day go by much faster.
12:00 time for lunch and turn off the phones!
entry to be continued....
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NY 2005
January 08 - 2005
The streets were flooded with people. Kristie, Kristie, Jenny and I (yes two Kristie's and two Jenny's) walked out the door of the restaurant to the streets of New York City. The sky's the limit in the big apple's skyscrapers, billboards, and electric signs, but tonight something even more extravagant was going to take place. People from around the nation come to this festival of lights, i heard people from Texas, Washington, Florida, and even Australia. hundreds of thousands pack into tight combined places under the shelter of it's cities tall buildings and wait.......... and wait............ and wait........... and wait............ just to see a ball drop. As much as i would love to brag about such an opportunity, times square is overrated. after walking down blocks and blocks of barricades and police the four of us girls reached the giant mob of people; to get in to another even greater giant mob of people. so we joined the mosh pit to see if we could even get in, it was only 7:00. we vigorously began to fight against the crowd to keep our place in line (if you can call it a line) we were each searched and went on to the next excavation of joining the hundred thousand mob. Finally we have found our place in the midst of many New Yorkers, and peered down 10 blocks to a little lit up ball. well i guess i can say I've been there, but the real way to do it pay the extra money and get a hotel room with the ball in site. However, i highly enjoyed the sights around the city: ground 0, statue of liberty, Broadway, central park, wall street, NYSE, and always the shopping and star bucks. it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and by that i mean i probably will only want to do the times square once in my life.
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Christmas tree
December 16 - 2004
Last week Laura and I went to get a Christmas tree for our house. Being the poor college students we are, we happily picked up a Charlie brown Christmas tree. However by that afternoon we became Christmas tree pros, construction tree pros that is. I hammered the boards off the bottom nearly missing my fingers, Laura got electrocuted by the lights, and screwing the bottom in the stand to try and make it straight. But this wasn't the end of our holiday extravaganza, i found the decorations in the garage which are my mom and dads old 70's decorations. So we hung old red beads, half way burnt out lights, and every ornament including the one that says "1976". I think the one that makes the tree really shine however, is an old pottenger family picture of Mom, Dad, John, and Matt taken before i was even born mounted inside a painted wreath. i think it confuses most people, but i like to say it makes our house seem more
"home-y"
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christmas music
December 12 - 2004
Within the past week i have been to over four Christmas concerts. From elegant ballerinas floating across stage, to the well trained voices of cal poly, and even to elementary children missing their ques and forgetting lines on stage; it is all apart of the joy of the season. I believe I could have a Christmas event to go to every night of the week if i wanted too. However, as much as i love the singing and watching the congregation sing and dance to the "Twelve Days of Christmas" there is something a little different about some of the Christmas songs i have heard in these past weeks. I was sitting at the PAC listening to the choir sing "Veni, Veni" (O Come, O Come, Emanuel) and there was something different about these songs. The music touches my soul in only a way God could ever do, and only he could ever explain. I've always been a music lover, but i can't seem to wonder how these people can sing and not think their is a God, or think they have a soul. How can such beauty be in the world by their clear voices piercing the air, without them even realizing what they are singing. I guess it is just something words cannot describe. The choir continued and at the end of the concert the two choirs joined together to sing. i couldn't help but think this is what heaven must be like, the angels surrounding in a song was so commanding and awe inspiring, like i was walking down a white tunnel with the voices echoing in all their glory. It's hard to imagine people who are numb to the simple blessing of music, not that they don't understand it, but there is so much more when you let God reach to the depths of your soul, you can experience deeper, appreciate more, understand clearer, and see the world in a whole new way. Your eyes, ears, heart, mind are open to explore the garden God has made for you, and i intend to explore all of it.
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Christmas season moments
November 30 - 2004
so as many of us have blogged about lately, the Christmas season is upon us. Along with the lights, red and green decorations, trees and Christmas cheer are those random Christmas moments. Today i was in the post office and i over heard the post man singing Christmas carols. Namely "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas". Another man walked up and they started a friendly Christmas chat. In there conversation the man started talking about his Christmas eve tradition. so he described his night as blasting Christmas songs and killing aliens on video games all night long. then he proceeded to dramatize this moment as he sang at the top of his lungs "Deck the halls with bows of holly" Bam! Bam! Bam! take that! "tis the season to be jolly" (followed by explosion noises and more gun shots). it was quite the scene, and i will admit made my routinely trip the the post office an odd one, but i couldn't walk away without cracking up. so how is that for a Christmas eve tradition!
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school v. God
November 29 - 2004
During the course of my life in school, i have noticed certain work load patterns that seem to occur. there are semesters that are more consistent, and there are semesters where everything comes at once. These are the worst kind of semesters, they trick you into thinking the classes are easy going, no worries, not to much work is involved, just show up to class and you're all good. However, doom awaits around the corner, the pinnacle assignment that determines the fate of your grade is due, not just in one class, oh no, but in all. This semester was such a semester. I had this realization about a month ago when i was thumbing through my black planner looking at all my future assignments and thought "well looks like fun times ahead for me". I settled with the fact that i had my fun and now it was time to get to work, but its like coming back from a vacation, you just don't want too. driven by my strong will and determination i vowed not to fall behind, every moment was dedicated to the monstrous projects and papers ahead, and it worked...... for the most part. out of pure humility i admit I've always been a studious person, i like school and enjoy learning, but honestly this last month just plain sucked. I know i can handle it always have, but like I've discussed earlier, not everything goes according to plan. when I had my schedule perfectly laid out, i forgot one detial... God. So being the loving God he is, he had a couple surprises thrown my way to see what i would do during such a critical period..... Yeah, will only make that mistake once. Well I'm happy to report that the school work is all turned in (no worries mom and dad) and once again my schedule is thrown at the feet of the Lord. pray it stays there
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past v. future
November 02 - 2004
I can't believe it is already November. I always think of where i was a year ago at this time, and where i will be in a year from now. I look back and realize at this time last year, i had no idea i was going to work in a law office, i had no idea i was going to go to Africa, i had no idea i was going to make the friends that I've made. I had no idea the accomplishments i would make, the failures i would have, the excitement awaiting, the disappointment to be had. then i look to the future, a year from now, what plans will i have made, will dreams be crushed or succeeded? What could possibly happen between now and then. sometimes it feels like nothing will ever happen, but then i look back again and see all the unexpected twists and turns God has thrown at me. What more excitement could i want? Will i continue to doubt his work in my past, present, and future? what possible fear could i still be holding on too. I don't know maybe i shouldn't dwell on these things, but there you have it anyways.
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Bible Discoveries
October 18 - 2004
I got into a discusion with a friend last night about the different acheology discovories in the world about the bible. descoveries from Noah's ark to the ark of the covinent. I added the links we talked about, but i maintained a skeptical mind. check it out, if you have any thoughts or other sources i would appreciate them.
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Bre
October 11 - 2004
So my house speaks brief. I actually started to speak brief when i was in High school. Passed down by our senior anscesters when i was a freshman it became our common language that we spoke among my friends. it requires a special talent to speak brief, because it only applys to certian words. For example, "profesh "mean professonal. or "convo" is conversation. then there are the combinations of words such as "to aus" (pronounced toe-awese) meaning totally awesome. i was delighted when my roomates spoke brief, which we now call bre, (not to be confused with the cheese) it is our happy contrabution just to further degrade the english language.
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October 06 - 2004
seems like some of the funnest times in life, are the ones that are not planned. It is just spare of the moment, you thought you had plans tonight but, oh no, not for long. times where you don't think about everything you have to get done, don't think about what you should be doing, but just take off with your friends and go have an adventure. tonight i cruzed in my friends convetable mustang down through a beautiful canyon and up in the rolling golden hills of California. the hills were glowing pink in the sunset, and the wind was blowing the curl right out of my hair. each turn in the road was faster and faster until we finally reached the top. As i sipped my Jasmine Green tea from Africa, i could see out in the bay, the fog was rolling in. the land was slowly being complelty consumed by this white fluffy fog with only the mountain tops showing above. the clouds were truning from a yellow to orange, to pink. we descided to race the sun and make it to another spot of cliffs facing the ocean. takeing off down a dirt road we spun even faster through the winedy hills, praying a car would not be around the corner. dust flew up behind the car as we blasted some Celien Dieon, and pulled to a stop at the edge of the cliff facing the ocean. then we went for a walk along the rocks and watched the waves crash on shore. You just can't plan a sunset like this one. you just can't plan meeting your friends like these ones. You just can't plan these sporatic moments, these ispirations for adventure. you just can't plan becoming close with people or building friendships in these moments. and you know, it sure is nice not having to worry about it and letting someone bigger take care of it. Makes life a lot more fun.
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