I have four weeks of break yet I can feel my hair graying at the same pace it was during dead week. I've set all of these goals for the break and have all of this reading regimented out...and now when I'm not on the pace I want to be, here at 1 am, I an reverting to the same procrastinating techniques of the typical school quarter.
I'm going to turn iceinmyglass.blogspot.com into a 500 word essay collection. starting the first week of the new year I want to publish a 500 word essay every Sunday. on something I can have an opinion on. I feel like I need to start building some kind semi-formal of body of work if I want to really get into writing/editing professionally.
I don't know what is in storm for the rest of my life. I really don't. My cares are cast on Another's shoulder's though. (Not to make out God into nothing more than an existential pressure valve...maybe that's what I'm doing. Shame on me. "The point is...[I'll] be alright").
Christmas isn't here yet...no snow...not that much music...
You know when you think about it...the constitutional age requirement of thirty-five for the president made presidents pretty old for the times didn't it? I mean...thirty-five's a ripe old age at dawn of the nineteenth century. Another safeguard for white power I suppose...probably the only ones who could afford to live much longer than that back then.
I don't know who I'm supporting in the Republican field. But I'm pretty sure I'll be supporting one of them come November 2012. With Kim Jong-Il's death I'm not feeling Ron Paul so much anymore. Maybe Newt. Rick Perry is an actual idiot. He doesn't deserve to be the next Texas governor-turned president.
I know Jimmy Fallon might be funnier than Conan. I wish he wasn't in the same slot as the under appreciated Craig...11:30 is being absolutely wasted by NBC and CBS right now.
Hope you're having fun in Ireland Lyndsay. We'll miss you when we go caroling ;)
matt
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Week two or something
It's Tuesday of the second full week...we've had...two full weeks of class exactly. So if you're counting continuously the third week starts tomorrow.
I picked up a fifth four hour shift on Saturdays from 9-1. It just tickled my heart's strings to hear my manager say he'd rather they cut other employees shifts than mine. I'm a food service ace. Major life goal accomplished.
In total I'll be working about 20 hours now. I still have every day from two til bed on weekdays to do homework so I don't think I should be that pressed as long as I am disciplined in sticking to those time as designated study hours.
I am enjoying the pants out of this Philosophical law issues class. I'm in the running for discussion MVP right now (of course this has to be viewed from the perspective of my personal greatness...). I actually wish the class was three hours instead of two. Shakespeare is also really enjoyable actually. There's a strong correlation between my preparedness and my input in discussion, and then my input in discussion to enjoyment of the class. Consequently renaissance politics and Chinese are...not so enjoyable so far.
I told Matt Dugan the other day I couldn't be more pleased with how my life is going right now. Immediately following this proclamation we took a notable (to me) trip to the bookstore that left me feeling weighed, measured, and wanting. Anyway...
I've been doing the little devotionals in the Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for High Highest" book. True statement. ....anyway, a common thread in the last few pages has been leaving the mount and going into the valley...while holding onto the vision of the mount...that's pretty abstract but...Here's a couple quotes from yesterday:
"This is your line of service--to see that there is nothing between Jesus and yourself. Is there? If there is, you must get through it, not by ignoring it in irritation, or by mounting up, but by facing it and getting through it in the presence of Jesus Christ..."
"Can I face things as they actually are in the light of the reality of Jesus Christ, or do things as they are efface altogether my faith in Him, and put me into a panic?"
It's a very rare moment when I'm able to have Jesus in my conscious mind while in the midst of trial. A tough conversation, challenging worldly idea, or temptation.
Fantasy Football is going terribly this year...and I care less every week.
I need to start using a calendar or I'm going to suddenly realize on a Wednesday that I have three papers due on that Friday.
I'm eating five meals a week at the dining hall thanks to work. That puts a big dent in the grocery bill.
It's a cool thing to have a group of a few guys who are interested in and knowledgeable living together and taking the same class.
I picked up a fifth four hour shift on Saturdays from 9-1. It just tickled my heart's strings to hear my manager say he'd rather they cut other employees shifts than mine. I'm a food service ace. Major life goal accomplished.
In total I'll be working about 20 hours now. I still have every day from two til bed on weekdays to do homework so I don't think I should be that pressed as long as I am disciplined in sticking to those time as designated study hours.
I am enjoying the pants out of this Philosophical law issues class. I'm in the running for discussion MVP right now (of course this has to be viewed from the perspective of my personal greatness...). I actually wish the class was three hours instead of two. Shakespeare is also really enjoyable actually. There's a strong correlation between my preparedness and my input in discussion, and then my input in discussion to enjoyment of the class. Consequently renaissance politics and Chinese are...not so enjoyable so far.
I told Matt Dugan the other day I couldn't be more pleased with how my life is going right now. Immediately following this proclamation we took a notable (to me) trip to the bookstore that left me feeling weighed, measured, and wanting. Anyway...
I've been doing the little devotionals in the Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for High Highest" book. True statement. ....anyway, a common thread in the last few pages has been leaving the mount and going into the valley...while holding onto the vision of the mount...that's pretty abstract but...Here's a couple quotes from yesterday:
"This is your line of service--to see that there is nothing between Jesus and yourself. Is there? If there is, you must get through it, not by ignoring it in irritation, or by mounting up, but by facing it and getting through it in the presence of Jesus Christ..."
"Can I face things as they actually are in the light of the reality of Jesus Christ, or do things as they are efface altogether my faith in Him, and put me into a panic?"
It's a very rare moment when I'm able to have Jesus in my conscious mind while in the midst of trial. A tough conversation, challenging worldly idea, or temptation.
Fantasy Football is going terribly this year...and I care less every week.
I need to start using a calendar or I'm going to suddenly realize on a Wednesday that I have three papers due on that Friday.
I'm eating five meals a week at the dining hall thanks to work. That puts a big dent in the grocery bill.
It's a cool thing to have a group of a few guys who are interested in and knowledgeable living together and taking the same class.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Oohs and Ahhs
So today marked the 5th day of class this and a completion of a first full week this school year. So far it seems like a good slate of study lays ahead of me.
I'm working at the new Burger Studio place Tuesday and Thursday mornings, as well at the new Subway on the weekends. Both on campus, which is nice, but the hours are short. The actual work has been pretty interesting. I'm officially a fry cook. Which is surprisingly fun. I think I'll average 16 hours at my current rate. Which is what? 120 dollars to take home every week? It should pay the rent at least. I'd like to see if I can't get into a seasonal retail position too. I might die with this credit load though.
I'm just as fat as when I left. There's a pull up bar at the bottom of the stairs that I've been doing a couple times a day, but that's the extent of my exercise this quarter. I should get running in the morning. I also need to get a regular diet to manage better than the current system of pulling random things out from the fridge.
Everyone I live with is awesome, but that wasn't a variable coming into the year. Church is great. Class really is great. Especially my philosophical issues in law class. It's got all of eight people in it. Conversation becomes a lot easier. I don't feel so much like I'm being a showy jerk bag if I open my mouth in that class. There are no idiots in the class as far as I can tell. Bobby Sterling, who I glowingly reviewed upon our meetcute in the back of Matt's car last Fall is in that class.
This is the most fun Switchfoot song since Stars. Vice Verses seems a step up out of a mini-rut after one and a half listens.
Professor Parris wound up being the one to connect me to Mrs. Fisher. How embarrassing.
My professor in this renaissance-modern political thought class stairs at the sealing whenever she talks for any extended period. She speaks quite well otherwise.
Shakespeare is so far. Alright. She is not the greatest lecturer on philosophy I've had. Matt, Jake, and Aaron being in that class makes it great of course.
I got a parking ticket from the immorally hawkish university police today. $25. But if I don't get another one I'm not sure if they can force me to pay it...I don't think they can connect the vehicle to...me. If they could they'd put a hold on my student account. But they're not the law. Anyway. I have 13 days to pay without a late fee. If I do pay...
I'm working at the new Burger Studio place Tuesday and Thursday mornings, as well at the new Subway on the weekends. Both on campus, which is nice, but the hours are short. The actual work has been pretty interesting. I'm officially a fry cook. Which is surprisingly fun. I think I'll average 16 hours at my current rate. Which is what? 120 dollars to take home every week? It should pay the rent at least. I'd like to see if I can't get into a seasonal retail position too. I might die with this credit load though.
I'm just as fat as when I left. There's a pull up bar at the bottom of the stairs that I've been doing a couple times a day, but that's the extent of my exercise this quarter. I should get running in the morning. I also need to get a regular diet to manage better than the current system of pulling random things out from the fridge.
Everyone I live with is awesome, but that wasn't a variable coming into the year. Church is great. Class really is great. Especially my philosophical issues in law class. It's got all of eight people in it. Conversation becomes a lot easier. I don't feel so much like I'm being a showy jerk bag if I open my mouth in that class. There are no idiots in the class as far as I can tell. Bobby Sterling, who I glowingly reviewed upon our meetcute in the back of Matt's car last Fall is in that class.
This is the most fun Switchfoot song since Stars. Vice Verses seems a step up out of a mini-rut after one and a half listens.
Professor Parris wound up being the one to connect me to Mrs. Fisher. How embarrassing.
My professor in this renaissance-modern political thought class stairs at the sealing whenever she talks for any extended period. She speaks quite well otherwise.
Shakespeare is so far. Alright. She is not the greatest lecturer on philosophy I've had. Matt, Jake, and Aaron being in that class makes it great of course.
I got a parking ticket from the immorally hawkish university police today. $25. But if I don't get another one I'm not sure if they can force me to pay it...I don't think they can connect the vehicle to...me. If they could they'd put a hold on my student account. But they're not the law. Anyway. I have 13 days to pay without a late fee. If I do pay...
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Book I: A Nice Little Family
A few friends and I are reading Brothers Karamazov. We're going to blog about it. I think.
I just finished Book one. I'm supposed to finish book three tomorrow.
Book one introduces what I gather are supposed to be the three main characters of the novel. Dmitri (ESFP), Ivan (INTJ), and Alyosha (INFP). They are the son of Fyodor. (so they're all Fyodorovich Karamazov. I love Russian names. Seriously.) They're all massively different from one another and have very little experience dealing with one another until the narrator brings us into their lives.
So I figure one way to do this is to do the reading response, summary, quote, question thingy...Right now I'm really tired and I know this is going to be a nearly heartless rushed job.
The first time I read through Book 1 (I read the first 100 pages or so last year) I thought Alyosha was the guy I was going to be relating to most. That's probably still the case but I don't think I relate to him (modern reader syndrome) as well as I first thought. I'm definitely aware of money and people, and I'm definitely. Judgmental. He is neither of these things. Here's something I like that sums up what he is aware of. " 'I cannot give two roubles instead of "all," and instead of "follow me" just go to Sunday liturgy.' " (in response to the story of the rich young man, asking Jesus what he must do to get eternal life). Undoubtedly an NF after that.
Some more quotes I liked...
"...if the cliff, chosen and cherished from long ago, had not been so picturesque, if it had been merely a flat, prosaic bank, the suicide might not have taken place at all." (story of a romantic girl.)
The first paragraph, which works toward defining muddleheadedness, I'm sure will only reveal it's self to me more brilliant as I read it over again and gain more context. I know it felt good when I was flipping back and forth through the first couple pages. The thoughts I thought escape me now though. I need to take notes. Write at length right as I come to things. I need to stop saying I.
I just finished Book one. I'm supposed to finish book three tomorrow.
Book one introduces what I gather are supposed to be the three main characters of the novel. Dmitri (ESFP), Ivan (INTJ), and Alyosha (INFP). They are the son of Fyodor. (so they're all Fyodorovich Karamazov. I love Russian names. Seriously.) They're all massively different from one another and have very little experience dealing with one another until the narrator brings us into their lives.
So I figure one way to do this is to do the reading response, summary, quote, question thingy...Right now I'm really tired and I know this is going to be a nearly heartless rushed job.
The first time I read through Book 1 (I read the first 100 pages or so last year) I thought Alyosha was the guy I was going to be relating to most. That's probably still the case but I don't think I relate to him (modern reader syndrome) as well as I first thought. I'm definitely aware of money and people, and I'm definitely. Judgmental. He is neither of these things. Here's something I like that sums up what he is aware of. " 'I cannot give two roubles instead of "all," and instead of "follow me" just go to Sunday liturgy.' " (in response to the story of the rich young man, asking Jesus what he must do to get eternal life). Undoubtedly an NF after that.
Some more quotes I liked...
"...if the cliff, chosen and cherished from long ago, had not been so picturesque, if it had been merely a flat, prosaic bank, the suicide might not have taken place at all." (story of a romantic girl.)
The first paragraph, which works toward defining muddleheadedness, I'm sure will only reveal it's self to me more brilliant as I read it over again and gain more context. I know it felt good when I was flipping back and forth through the first couple pages. The thoughts I thought escape me now though. I need to take notes. Write at length right as I come to things. I need to stop saying I.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Hello Thursday
No comedy tonight. That's over for the year. I got into the political theory class I was on the waitlist for. So my ideal schedule has come true. MWF, 8:30-10 Shakespeare. 10-12 Renaissance Political Theory. 12-2 Modern Chinese Politics. Then TR, 12-2 Philosophical & Ethical Issues in Law. English 308, and PLSC 362, 430, and 467. I am graduating in a year. Heck yes.
Hearing stories of Mr. West's desire to go to Law School, but drastic change of plans because of his bride to be, then becoming a teacher, which he vowed never to become, have given me great encouragement. This is exactly the way I see my life panning out right now. Having a plan, that I know I probably won't follow through with, and a plan Z, which is really the plan all along. Now all I need is a bride to be to make me not want to give up my life to the allegedly torturous demands of the legal profession.
Thinks I need prayer to not be anxious about, but still have the grace to put my talents forth for to receive more grace in hopefully having them granted, or get shown a better way: Money making opportunities this summer. Continuing to work on becoming all about my Gospel purpose. Not in that order. This so I can be a fit servant at church this summer wherever there's need. Financial aid for next year to get cleared out smoothly. Money making opportunities next fall.
I'm going to become a permanent resident of Bellingham as early as September 1st. And after next summer's graduation I'm going to be totally unanchored. This is intimidating, exciting, terrifying...lots of things. Anything could happen. Anywhere. Most of all it's exciting.
This is going to be a wild ride yes? I want to pack up and get far away. Maybe internationally. Step out on my own in faith. Far away, yes...Peace corp maybe? TESOL? Hitchhiking? Taking all of these Asia courses....hm. Something, before more school. That's for sure.
Hearing stories of Mr. West's desire to go to Law School, but drastic change of plans because of his bride to be, then becoming a teacher, which he vowed never to become, have given me great encouragement. This is exactly the way I see my life panning out right now. Having a plan, that I know I probably won't follow through with, and a plan Z, which is really the plan all along. Now all I need is a bride to be to make me not want to give up my life to the allegedly torturous demands of the legal profession.
Thinks I need prayer to not be anxious about, but still have the grace to put my talents forth for to receive more grace in hopefully having them granted, or get shown a better way: Money making opportunities this summer. Continuing to work on becoming all about my Gospel purpose. Not in that order. This so I can be a fit servant at church this summer wherever there's need. Financial aid for next year to get cleared out smoothly. Money making opportunities next fall.
I'm going to become a permanent resident of Bellingham as early as September 1st. And after next summer's graduation I'm going to be totally unanchored. This is intimidating, exciting, terrifying...lots of things. Anything could happen. Anywhere. Most of all it's exciting.
This is going to be a wild ride yes? I want to pack up and get far away. Maybe internationally. Step out on my own in faith. Far away, yes...Peace corp maybe? TESOL? Hitchhiking? Taking all of these Asia courses....hm. Something, before more school. That's for sure.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Hi Mom & Dad
I love you!
I've been having nostalgia spells throughout the day. Everyone's been gone all day except me. Senior year was great right? Yup. Freaking awesome. There isn't much more I could have asked for. I also made William Byrd Suite and Lincolnshire posy the soundtrack to Me, Matt, and Aaron's game of Settler's of Catan last night. That might be contributing to this.
A couple of my lovely facebook friends posted a link to an article about a band I'm not particularly inclined to listen to. It was also pretty disparaging to the christian music scene. In defense of it, here's number...something. "Forgiven" By Sanctus Real. Matt Hammitt is not Jon Foreman, or Matt Thiessen as far as penning lyrics, but he is honest (an over used word in music criticism), relevant, and full of the gospel. Forget Spirit 105.3 you...dunder heads. Martha Hadley, Mike and Matt. Whatever.
I watched a lot of office clips from earlier seasons. More nostalgia. Gah.
I've been having nostalgia spells throughout the day. Everyone's been gone all day except me. Senior year was great right? Yup. Freaking awesome. There isn't much more I could have asked for. I also made William Byrd Suite and Lincolnshire posy the soundtrack to Me, Matt, and Aaron's game of Settler's of Catan last night. That might be contributing to this.
A couple of my lovely facebook friends posted a link to an article about a band I'm not particularly inclined to listen to. It was also pretty disparaging to the christian music scene. In defense of it, here's number...something. "Forgiven" By Sanctus Real. Matt Hammitt is not Jon Foreman, or Matt Thiessen as far as penning lyrics, but he is honest (an over used word in music criticism), relevant, and full of the gospel. Forget Spirit 105.3 you...dunder heads. Martha Hadley, Mike and Matt. Whatever.
I watched a lot of office clips from earlier seasons. More nostalgia. Gah.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Three for One
Eh. Did I actually say this was going to be a tried and true daily thing?
The progression in the chorus of this song reminds me of Spyro the Dragon. "Cover Me" The Everglow by Mae has to be one of my top...dozen CD's
I'm not going to link "Speaking in Tongues" by the Elms. The only video I could find was first off, way embarrassing given a striking resemblance to one Justice Beaver, but more importantly abridged the song way too much.
I like to sing, I think, more than I like to do anything else in the world. To just. Belt it. This is a good belting song. A lot of their songs are just out of reach for me, or barely in a screeching reach. It's part of why I like House of Heroes so much I think.
The progression in the chorus of this song reminds me of Spyro the Dragon. "Cover Me" The Everglow by Mae has to be one of my top...dozen CD's
I'm not going to link "Speaking in Tongues" by the Elms. The only video I could find was first off, way embarrassing given a striking resemblance to one Justice Beaver, but more importantly abridged the song way too much.
I like to sing, I think, more than I like to do anything else in the world. To just. Belt it. This is a good belting song. A lot of their songs are just out of reach for me, or barely in a screeching reach. It's part of why I like House of Heroes so much I think.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Lay 'em Down
This is one of my favorite vocals ever.
"Lay 'em Down" from NEEDTOBREATHE. For some reason they insist on all-caps-ing their name, with no spaces. I don't quite get it. Or get it at all actually.
I love that this song is kept to three minutes. I think that's what held down a lot of tracks on The Heat.
"Lay 'em Down" from NEEDTOBREATHE. For some reason they insist on all-caps-ing their name, with no spaces. I don't quite get it. Or get it at all actually.
I love that this song is kept to three minutes. I think that's what held down a lot of tracks on The Heat.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Frisbee is cool
I always want to title Sunday posts, "Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!" I think I've avoided that so far...
Went to church all by my lonesome. I was a few minutes late. The front row, as I guess is a universal protestant church norm, was totally empty though, so I found my spot there. I think my toe-nails are as long as they have ever been...dang...look at those things.
Nic and Bill stopped by and graciously invited me to their game of ultimate frisbee. This thing is telling me I've spelt frisbee wrong. But it doesn't offer any suggestions. Could I really have gone all these days misspelling frisbee?
I said yes for once. And I didn't regret it. I had one glorious moment where I caught a..."touchdown." but for the most part was far from among the more productive members of my 7 man team. I was probably actually the...worst. There were two girls on my team too. Yes. That does indeed mean something. But it's ok. I'll chalk it up to me being a relative stranger to most of the folks. Nic's a really cool guy.
We played for probably around two hours. It was a pretty good workout. Made me feel better about ignoring my alarm to go running this morning.
You know what else? CCF was really pretty good on Friday. My opinion of that group hasn't been given a chance to fully develope. Mostly because I haven't given them a proper chance I think. Probably a negative effect of me living off campus and my roommate being a high school friend. I am inclined to follow what he does, without going and experiencing much on my own.
Lack of confidence, anger, cynicism, lust. I think those are my big four vices. It's good to know what they are I think. Specifically. More than just that broad I'm a sinner acknowledgement. Not that that is expressly incorrect though. I might add gossip on there as a fifth. Five is a nicer number.
Lack of confidence totally can be a sin newbs. Because I'm more than a conqueror!
Mom says I'm 5 or 6 years out from having a fully developed set of people skills. Happy Mother's Day lol.
I'm making progress though! So that's good. I hope I don't lose ALL of my quirkiness in the process though.
Today I don't think law school is for me. We'll see what I think tomorrow.
The Passion of the Christ was on what I can only describe as the "Jesus Channel." We get that and not Tennis Channel? Not that a Jesus Channel isn't awesome (ok. I haven't seen a good one). But...They're usually angled towards the more mature (and more vulnerable/wealthy) Anyway, I wound up watching the last 90 minutes or so of that. There's some interesting artistic(/catholic?) liberties taken with the Bible, but it's a solid passion play. I waxed lachrymose every 8 or 9 minutes probably.
I desperately need to do laundry after two weeks. It's the smell...Only 5 weeks until summer. Which. I'll we'll make the most of it. And I certainly won't be anxious in anything, or grumbling and complaining about everything now will I?
#7) This is very nearly the perfect song Sara. I don't care what you say. Is there a better song to blow your vocals chords up with in 4 minutes or less? No. Well. Maybe "Your Song."
"God Save the Foolish Kings" Not exactly the reason I love House of Heroes. I actually think...their real sound is elsewhere. But this is a flipping great song still.
Went to church all by my lonesome. I was a few minutes late. The front row, as I guess is a universal protestant church norm, was totally empty though, so I found my spot there. I think my toe-nails are as long as they have ever been...dang...look at those things.
Nic and Bill stopped by and graciously invited me to their game of ultimate frisbee. This thing is telling me I've spelt frisbee wrong. But it doesn't offer any suggestions. Could I really have gone all these days misspelling frisbee?
I said yes for once. And I didn't regret it. I had one glorious moment where I caught a..."touchdown." but for the most part was far from among the more productive members of my 7 man team. I was probably actually the...worst. There were two girls on my team too. Yes. That does indeed mean something. But it's ok. I'll chalk it up to me being a relative stranger to most of the folks. Nic's a really cool guy.
We played for probably around two hours. It was a pretty good workout. Made me feel better about ignoring my alarm to go running this morning.
You know what else? CCF was really pretty good on Friday. My opinion of that group hasn't been given a chance to fully develope. Mostly because I haven't given them a proper chance I think. Probably a negative effect of me living off campus and my roommate being a high school friend. I am inclined to follow what he does, without going and experiencing much on my own.
Lack of confidence, anger, cynicism, lust. I think those are my big four vices. It's good to know what they are I think. Specifically. More than just that broad I'm a sinner acknowledgement. Not that that is expressly incorrect though. I might add gossip on there as a fifth. Five is a nicer number.
Lack of confidence totally can be a sin newbs. Because I'm more than a conqueror!
Mom says I'm 5 or 6 years out from having a fully developed set of people skills. Happy Mother's Day lol.
I'm making progress though! So that's good. I hope I don't lose ALL of my quirkiness in the process though.
Today I don't think law school is for me. We'll see what I think tomorrow.
The Passion of the Christ was on what I can only describe as the "Jesus Channel." We get that and not Tennis Channel? Not that a Jesus Channel isn't awesome (ok. I haven't seen a good one). But...They're usually angled towards the more mature (and more vulnerable/wealthy) Anyway, I wound up watching the last 90 minutes or so of that. There's some interesting artistic(/catholic?) liberties taken with the Bible, but it's a solid passion play. I waxed lachrymose every 8 or 9 minutes probably.
I desperately need to do laundry after two weeks. It's the smell...Only 5 weeks until summer. Which. I'll we'll make the most of it. And I certainly won't be anxious in anything, or grumbling and complaining about everything now will I?
#7) This is very nearly the perfect song Sara. I don't care what you say. Is there a better song to blow your vocals chords up with in 4 minutes or less? No. Well. Maybe "Your Song."
"God Save the Foolish Kings" Not exactly the reason I love House of Heroes. I actually think...their real sound is elsewhere. But this is a flipping great song still.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Numba Six
Just to catch up. If this list was in any kind've order, this would be top 5 material. And yeah.
Meant to Live. I bet you didn't know this was on the Spiderman 2 soundtrack.
Meant to Live. I bet you didn't know this was on the Spiderman 2 soundtrack.
Cinco
I originally had a different song picked for today. But. I decided I wasn't sure it was good enough. But this one for sure is
"Surprise" from Jars of Clay. Dan Haseltine is almost as good a poet as Jon Foreman. But...he's less consistently good I guess. This song...is great. And proof that Jars in the last decade was better than Jar in the 90s despite what most people say.
"Surprise" from Jars of Clay. Dan Haseltine is almost as good a poet as Jon Foreman. But...he's less consistently good I guess. This song...is great. And proof that Jars in the last decade was better than Jar in the 90s despite what most people say.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Number 4
Get used to seeing Relient K and Switchfoot showing up on this list...I wish they'd go on tour together again.
"More Than Useless" represents everything that makes Mmhmm, lyrically and musically, my SECOND favorite cd of all time from anyone. The instant relatability and effortless flow. This is a crispy song. A crispy album. Jake and I were discussing how Thiessen is so practical and explicit with his verse. Maybe too much so. But dang it he makes up for it with that...flow. That incredible wit. His playfulness. And heck, sometimes I want/need to be spoon fed.
"More Than Useless" represents everything that makes Mmhmm, lyrically and musically, my SECOND favorite cd of all time from anyone. The instant relatability and effortless flow. This is a crispy song. A crispy album. Jake and I were discussing how Thiessen is so practical and explicit with his verse. Maybe too much so. But dang it he makes up for it with that...flow. That incredible wit. His playfulness. And heck, sometimes I want/need to be spoon fed.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
# Three
I'm a song/day behind. It's been difficult to post regularly for whatever reason.
Jake was listening to this song yesterday. His twenty-second birthday is Thursday February 9th, 2012. Lucky dog.
"Let That Be Enough"
Lyrically, Jon Foreman's on the top of his game here. This song has some of the best metaphor and imagery in any of his work, but it still winds up being so straightforward. It's awesome.
Jake was listening to this song yesterday. His twenty-second birthday is Thursday February 9th, 2012. Lucky dog.
"Let That Be Enough"
Lyrically, Jon Foreman's on the top of his game here. This song has some of the best metaphor and imagery in any of his work, but it still winds up being so straightforward. It's awesome.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
"Still, she's got a lot of spirit..."
Whaddya think?
Song #2: "Forget and Not Slow Down." It's the height of Relient K musically and lyrically so far. Just a great song. For jamming with the windows down, for waking up, for exercise...for thinking?
This is kind've a stalk song that I knew was going to be on this list, whereas with Love Affair I just kinda stumbled upon it and remembered its awesome (yes, possessive its).
Song #2: "Forget and Not Slow Down." It's the height of Relient K musically and lyrically so far. Just a great song. For jamming with the windows down, for waking up, for exercise...for thinking?
This is kind've a stalk song that I knew was going to be on this list, whereas with Love Affair I just kinda stumbled upon it and remembered its awesome (yes, possessive its).
Monday, May 2, 2011
Hot 100
Inspired by myself, and maybe subconsciously by Tommy's amigo's 100 days of music, I'm going to do a song everyday for the next 100 days or so, slowly creating a list of my favorite 100 songs. They're all going to have to have words, and they're not going to be classical. It's going to reflect my life and my tastes over the last 10 years or so. I'm going to be posting every song here with some thoughts. I started another blog where I'm going to be posting more..."content"ish things, where I'll include different analysis and more polished crap.
Anyways, the first song is "Love Affair" by Copeland. These will be in no particular order but the order I find them on any given day. Maybe I'll create and alphabetical index. Suffice it to say this will be the greatest playlist of all time bar none. Of course.
Anyways, "Love Affair" (and all of Eat, Sleep, Repeat is filled with them) has one of the most instantly memorable melody's I've heard in its chorus. The instrumental interlude is stinking awesome. The intro piano is the same. The actual poetry is about (to me) stolen innocence, heartbreak, and of course hope! It's one of those songs I found a few years ago and tried to naively fit into my experience. Modern reader syndrome as Dr. Margaritis would say. There's a lot good in appreciating something...objectively (most overbroad, vague, understatement ever).
...and I just figured out Copeland is now defunct as of last year. Too bad...hate hearing those things. Mae went recently too. Ahh well.
As far as recent news is concerned, Dane Burgess pointed me towards this: "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; lest the LORD see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him." (Proverbs 24:18-19). Dane actually only put up the first part, but, as Matt Dugan pointed out, the second verse brings the focus back where it belongs in all things. Vengeance is the Lord's. Justice is the Lord's. So that's where I am on that.
Reading some disheartening news about John Ellis (of Tree 63) fame, I wound up looking up Tree 63's namesake Bible passage, Psalm 63, again. at the end of Psalm 62 I found what is now one of my favorite verses for sure, "One things God has spoken, two things have I heard: That you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving."
Anyway, Today was good. We watched Kim Jongilia in Class today. I got to say I'd seen it before. So I guess that's good for my fragile connection with Dr. Parris. It's a sickening video. Makes you realize how pointless all that "never again" post WWII rhetoric is. I'd encourage people to watch it. I'm still struggling myself to think of what can be done. What I can do.
Anyways again. Today. Got out of bed at 7:48 after ignoring my 7 am alarm. Went to class looking alright though. Did a lot of dishes. Did a little studying.
Oh yeah! Me, Matt, Jake, Aaron, and Christian signed the lease on our house for next year. A soberingly large commitment. I've got to get my finances straight for next year. The landlord, Alex, and his wife (?) seem like they're going to be awesome people. and I know my roommates are going to be awesome people. The house is in the Barkley area, just down the road from Greg & Steph, and Shiloh & Theresa. Now that we're actually geographically inside the Barkley area (we've been attending the Barkley Gospel Community for Redeemer) I'm hoping we can really start to get involved in the community. It's a big 5 bedroom place...for a pretty good price I do believe. Lots of space to host GC or w/e community events we'll surely be putting together. Matt and I are already planning on doing Wednesday Night Worship the way Jake and he remember it last year. Acoustic and intimate and all...it's going to be awesome to be around all these awesome peeps.
Jake and I had a wonderful talk Sunday night. Alleviated a good deal of tension. and. Yeah. General excitement in that largely clandestine area of my life. But not really.
The board is set. The pieces are in motion...
I ate the biggest burrito I've ever seen after church Sunday. We went to this place called "Casa Que Pasa" and man...that thing was the size of a new born baby I swear. Fried potatoes was the trademark ingredient. and it was stinking awesome. Definitely going to be come a repeat visitor.
I received the highest score on our 311 midterm it turns out. At least the objective portion. That was nice and affirming. I think I'll be alright.
Also. Lodrick and Matt spent 30 seconds staring in awe at my biceps/arms in general. That's right. I am the most awesome guy you know...sheesh. I really need to shed ~15 lbs though. (that didn't sound too jerkish did it? Ya'll know me.)
I think my sleep debt from my all-nighter last Thursday is almost paid in full.
Currently Listening: Copeland's Eat Sleep Repeat, Sanctus Real's Pieces of a Real Heart.
Anyways, the first song is "Love Affair" by Copeland. These will be in no particular order but the order I find them on any given day. Maybe I'll create and alphabetical index. Suffice it to say this will be the greatest playlist of all time bar none. Of course.
Anyways, "Love Affair" (and all of Eat, Sleep, Repeat is filled with them) has one of the most instantly memorable melody's I've heard in its chorus. The instrumental interlude is stinking awesome. The intro piano is the same. The actual poetry is about (to me) stolen innocence, heartbreak, and of course hope! It's one of those songs I found a few years ago and tried to naively fit into my experience. Modern reader syndrome as Dr. Margaritis would say. There's a lot good in appreciating something...objectively (most overbroad, vague, understatement ever).
...and I just figured out Copeland is now defunct as of last year. Too bad...hate hearing those things. Mae went recently too. Ahh well.
As far as recent news is concerned, Dane Burgess pointed me towards this: "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; lest the LORD see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him." (Proverbs 24:18-19). Dane actually only put up the first part, but, as Matt Dugan pointed out, the second verse brings the focus back where it belongs in all things. Vengeance is the Lord's. Justice is the Lord's. So that's where I am on that.
Reading some disheartening news about John Ellis (of Tree 63) fame, I wound up looking up Tree 63's namesake Bible passage, Psalm 63, again. at the end of Psalm 62 I found what is now one of my favorite verses for sure, "One things God has spoken, two things have I heard: That you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving."
Anyway, Today was good. We watched Kim Jongilia in Class today. I got to say I'd seen it before. So I guess that's good for my fragile connection with Dr. Parris. It's a sickening video. Makes you realize how pointless all that "never again" post WWII rhetoric is. I'd encourage people to watch it. I'm still struggling myself to think of what can be done. What I can do.
Anyways again. Today. Got out of bed at 7:48 after ignoring my 7 am alarm. Went to class looking alright though. Did a lot of dishes. Did a little studying.
Oh yeah! Me, Matt, Jake, Aaron, and Christian signed the lease on our house for next year. A soberingly large commitment. I've got to get my finances straight for next year. The landlord, Alex, and his wife (?) seem like they're going to be awesome people. and I know my roommates are going to be awesome people. The house is in the Barkley area, just down the road from Greg & Steph, and Shiloh & Theresa. Now that we're actually geographically inside the Barkley area (we've been attending the Barkley Gospel Community for Redeemer) I'm hoping we can really start to get involved in the community. It's a big 5 bedroom place...for a pretty good price I do believe. Lots of space to host GC or w/e community events we'll surely be putting together. Matt and I are already planning on doing Wednesday Night Worship the way Jake and he remember it last year. Acoustic and intimate and all...it's going to be awesome to be around all these awesome peeps.
Jake and I had a wonderful talk Sunday night. Alleviated a good deal of tension. and. Yeah. General excitement in that largely clandestine area of my life. But not really.
The board is set. The pieces are in motion...
I ate the biggest burrito I've ever seen after church Sunday. We went to this place called "Casa Que Pasa" and man...that thing was the size of a new born baby I swear. Fried potatoes was the trademark ingredient. and it was stinking awesome. Definitely going to be come a repeat visitor.
I received the highest score on our 311 midterm it turns out. At least the objective portion. That was nice and affirming. I think I'll be alright.
Also. Lodrick and Matt spent 30 seconds staring in awe at my biceps/arms in general. That's right. I am the most awesome guy you know...sheesh. I really need to shed ~15 lbs though. (that didn't sound too jerkish did it? Ya'll know me.)
I think my sleep debt from my all-nighter last Thursday is almost paid in full.
Currently Listening: Copeland's Eat Sleep Repeat, Sanctus Real's Pieces of a Real Heart.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Bryan Beale
was my band teacher for three years at Central Kitsap Junior High. Everyone always gives band teachers an inordinate amount of flak, compared to other teachers, who still get their own hefty serving of grumbling. Me (and my lovely sister) along with a few more level headed people I know understood that they are people too, and usually extraordinary people. Mr. Beale was one of those extraordinary people. He was a great band teacher, who left the world yesterday morning when he was struck by an SUV that ran a red light. He was enthusiastic about music and education. He was a goofball with a lot of moral substance. He played trumpet pretty darn well. He thought I was a good kid. He put up with a lot and accomplished more. I was able to be a part of what I think was some quality music making with him, and during my time in his class I got my first taste of the awesome years I had ahead of me in music. And I'm really thankful for that.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Bogged Down
This weekend wrapped up pretty well. Pretty darn well. Unfortunately I haven't been able to enjoy it at all because of my 311 midterm. I've turned it in and it's still bothering me. I rewrote it maybe 6 times. I didn't find myself pressed for space (he said we should be) so that worries me more. It was not hard to fit into three pages. I know I missed a lot of points. I just couldn't get it straight. So many sources seemed to say different things about the same thing. I thought it was going to be fun. It wasn't. This is probably my fault. I probably wasn't prepared. I know I wasn't.
Gal. Today has been the worst day of the year yet perhaps. My head is throbbing. and I think I'm slightly feverish.
When I can get that midterm, and the midterm in 307 I have tomorrow out of my head, I remember this weekend pretty fondly.
This has not, so far, been the quarter of my emergence as an adult. The first week was good. And then...the last three weeks, even without facebook, just...were terrible failures. If I'm looking just at productivity the curve between the last 20 days and today is a full 90 degree cliff. and the place is just...terribly messy. Worse than ever perhaps. But I'm pretty lugubrious. about these things. I could spend a whole 'nother day cleaning up around here though. But I really can't afford to this week at least. 310 essay is due Saturday at midnight, and I haven't begun to think about that. We start the Canterbury Tales (in middle English) on Thursday, and my objective based midterm for 311 is also Thursday. I'm advised to memorize his Powerpoint lecture notes. So that will be my Tuesday evening and Wednesday, interspersed with some reading on Korea. (I hoped to write my paper on this weeks theme in 310, which is the Korean Peninsula...but I am already a day behind on these weeks reading...).
Easter. Easter service good. Easter evening. a bit of a blur. Saturday. Beautiful. "A Serious Man." Terrible. Good Friday service...interesting. Intimate?
My hair is currently faux-hawked up. I just went insane after spending 5 hours making zero progress on that 311 midterm and plastered my hair with that moose...stuff. (Mousse? I don't know.)
Dave Snodgrass posted an article on the higher education "bubble" in America. My gears are grinding for sure...how is it that higher education costs outpace inflation by 651 points?
I don't know what to do but keep trudging on for this quarter right now. But. The more I read about the future the less time I think I want to spend in school. I guess that's a testament to me being more about appetite than passion after all. I don't want to be an old dude settling down. I want to spend more than half my twenties building a family more than anything. I don't know how to accomplish that practically though. and I don't exactly have someone waiting to build it with me either.
I'm losing sight of the Cross. On the day after Easter. Well. I'm smiling now at least.
I've got a chance to wake up early tomorrow and make it a better day than today. So. 15 minutes later. and I actually feel...pretty good.
I'm pretty upset. Because that camera dated all of my pictures wrong I deleted all of my pictures from Canada. But I still have this...
Currently listening: "Misty...", Copeland, Count Basie, "You make my dreams come true," David Crowder...passing from the C's into the D's.
Gal. Today has been the worst day of the year yet perhaps. My head is throbbing. and I think I'm slightly feverish.
When I can get that midterm, and the midterm in 307 I have tomorrow out of my head, I remember this weekend pretty fondly.
This has not, so far, been the quarter of my emergence as an adult. The first week was good. And then...the last three weeks, even without facebook, just...were terrible failures. If I'm looking just at productivity the curve between the last 20 days and today is a full 90 degree cliff. and the place is just...terribly messy. Worse than ever perhaps. But I'm pretty lugubrious. about these things. I could spend a whole 'nother day cleaning up around here though. But I really can't afford to this week at least. 310 essay is due Saturday at midnight, and I haven't begun to think about that. We start the Canterbury Tales (in middle English) on Thursday, and my objective based midterm for 311 is also Thursday. I'm advised to memorize his Powerpoint lecture notes. So that will be my Tuesday evening and Wednesday, interspersed with some reading on Korea. (I hoped to write my paper on this weeks theme in 310, which is the Korean Peninsula...but I am already a day behind on these weeks reading...).
Easter. Easter service good. Easter evening. a bit of a blur. Saturday. Beautiful. "A Serious Man." Terrible. Good Friday service...interesting. Intimate?
My hair is currently faux-hawked up. I just went insane after spending 5 hours making zero progress on that 311 midterm and plastered my hair with that moose...stuff. (Mousse? I don't know.)
Dave Snodgrass posted an article on the higher education "bubble" in America. My gears are grinding for sure...how is it that higher education costs outpace inflation by 651 points?
I don't know what to do but keep trudging on for this quarter right now. But. The more I read about the future the less time I think I want to spend in school. I guess that's a testament to me being more about appetite than passion after all. I don't want to be an old dude settling down. I want to spend more than half my twenties building a family more than anything. I don't know how to accomplish that practically though. and I don't exactly have someone waiting to build it with me either.
I'm losing sight of the Cross. On the day after Easter. Well. I'm smiling now at least.
I've got a chance to wake up early tomorrow and make it a better day than today. So. 15 minutes later. and I actually feel...pretty good.
I'm pretty upset. Because that camera dated all of my pictures wrong I deleted all of my pictures from Canada. But I still have this...
Currently listening: "Misty...", Copeland, Count Basie, "You make my dreams come true," David Crowder...passing from the C's into the D's.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Oh this is fun!
Sort've. I've posted about this piece at least 3 times before this, but I found a video of it with the sheet music scrolling past, which is awesome to watch. It's the BYU recording, which is...more full. but less dramatic than the Polyphony one in my opinion. Look at that 18 part swell...snap (forgive for maybe trying a little too hard to sound cool/smart/cultured).
Picking up the pieces...
"It is but a shadow and a thought that you love."
GC was good. Great even. probably the best I've been too.
To be continued...face ripping...tangled/pride and prejudice. (too remind myself). I'm tired. and. not feeling this right now. Tomorrow night though. Get ready.
Picking up the pieces...
"It is but a shadow and a thought that you love."
GC was good. Great even. probably the best I've been too.
To be continued...face ripping...tangled/pride and prejudice. (too remind myself). I'm tired. and. not feeling this right now. Tomorrow night though. Get ready.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Stretchiness explained!
So I know a lot of you have seen my apparently abnormally stretchy skin. I'm pretty sure I have this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehlers-danlos
At least mildly. I've got a lot of systems at least...starting with just the stretchy skin, which is picture perfect if you scroll through the page and look back at me. My join flexibility. I wouldn't call myself double jointed really, but my legs and arms...they are pretty...extendable. How I've sat/slept in the weirdest of positions. My shoulders dislocating and relocating so many times, and so easily. My hips feeling like they're going to dislocate. Easy bruising, paleness, crowded teeth, no earlobes! Velvety. Smooth. Skin. On the slightly hypochondriac side of things: my early onset arthritis! It even covers my lethargy and...interesting digestive history. Ok. I'm not letting it explain my lethargy. I'm chalking that up to my poor sleep habits.
Good thing is, whether I'm right or not, I'll still live a normal life span.
Today is going to be a good day. But even if I don't check everything off my list. I stand upon grace. Hallelujah.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehlers-danlos
At least mildly. I've got a lot of systems at least...starting with just the stretchy skin, which is picture perfect if you scroll through the page and look back at me. My join flexibility. I wouldn't call myself double jointed really, but my legs and arms...they are pretty...extendable. How I've sat/slept in the weirdest of positions. My shoulders dislocating and relocating so many times, and so easily. My hips feeling like they're going to dislocate. Easy bruising, paleness, crowded teeth, no earlobes! Velvety. Smooth. Skin. On the slightly hypochondriac side of things: my early onset arthritis! It even covers my lethargy and...interesting digestive history. Ok. I'm not letting it explain my lethargy. I'm chalking that up to my poor sleep habits.
Good thing is, whether I'm right or not, I'll still live a normal life span.
Today is going to be a good day. But even if I don't check everything off my list. I stand upon grace. Hallelujah.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Thursday.
"...Take me, have Your way. Though I don't feel you I will believe. Take me, Lord I pray. Just have Your way with me."
I guess there's a song for every moment. I've been feeling really lonely. All week. Progressively more so. It's not due to a lack of good people around me though.
I still feel pretty lost at times. Not very sure of what I'm doing. I think that might be one of those things I'll have to do battle with all of my life.
The days go so fast. Nowadays. It seems. Anyways.
I know that the creator of all things cares. I know that I don't, and will not ever, understand everything I want to.
Looking out houses for next year with Jake, Matt, and Aaron. All of whom...well. They have something in common.
It's exciting thinking about having multiple bathrooms, possibly my own room, and above all things: a dishwasher.
It's late. For me. Goodnight.
Tree 63. Eric Whitacre. Yeah.
I guess there's a song for every moment. I've been feeling really lonely. All week. Progressively more so. It's not due to a lack of good people around me though.
I still feel pretty lost at times. Not very sure of what I'm doing. I think that might be one of those things I'll have to do battle with all of my life.
The days go so fast. Nowadays. It seems. Anyways.
I know that the creator of all things cares. I know that I don't, and will not ever, understand everything I want to.
Looking out houses for next year with Jake, Matt, and Aaron. All of whom...well. They have something in common.
It's exciting thinking about having multiple bathrooms, possibly my own room, and above all things: a dishwasher.
It's late. For me. Goodnight.
Tree 63. Eric Whitacre. Yeah.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Spring quarter starting
Well so much for Spring Break. It was fun. A sufficient amount of friends, family, and Federer.
Anyways. Today is/was the first day of the quarter. I got up very successfully at 5:45 and went on a job across campus to visit all of my classes as the sun came up. The environmental studies building is officially the coolest building on campus. It looks like a piece of crap from the outside, but inside it is pretty stinking cool. It feels like...Zaboomafoo's treehouse meets USS Enterprise.
I had a banana and oatmeal for breakfast. Showered. and read the first six chapters of Isaiah all on schedule. Chapter six is loaded. After that I went over all of the reading for 311 again, reading the case a total of five times before class I think. I was going to be ready to get called on, let me tell you. In class none of that seemed to matter. I felt as inadequately prepared as I have ever been. Luckily it didn't matter. He didn't get to and Socratizing of the class today.
Back to where we were...at twelve I had English 307. Medieval literature. This professor. Is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. Go look at Ian McKellan on the cover of Richard III, then put him in the most ridiculous...(tweed?) suit you've ever seen, with a fit that made him look actually more like Al Pacino than Gandalf. He's an American. But he talks with an almost British Accent. Like you'd expect...a man born in the late 18th century in America to sound like. Definitely not English but...something is there...And the mustache?
He seems pretty cool though. I'm gonna botch this point here, but it seems like a lot of English teachers...assume a certain...(old fashioned?) way of reading texts has already been learned...except...so many of them do that no student really knows what that is....well. That made NO sense, but this guy. This guy is old fashioned. and Old. I think I will like him. He did a little mini spiel about how many English professors in "American universities at least," seem to have developed a guilty conscience over doing nothing with their lives except look at novels and poetry for decades, and feel the need to justify their field with social utility or cultural relevance...or...whatever. Thus...tarnishing the real "disinterested interest" (I should have paid more attention in 313) or...w/e. Art for arts sake is good. and doesn't need to be justified. Doesn't need...a...poignant social theme...not every dead author has to have been secretly gay Pam Hardman.
Anyway. That made. Very little sense.
But w/e. It was a good first class period. No Jake or Mikki yet though.
311 (the hardest non-hard science class at Western according to former students...according to the professor) was also enjoyable this first day of class. I got to see the guy I judge (having not actually interacted with him) to be a pretentious half-idiot got shut up real quick by the adorable professor Paul Chen. He said "Goodness" about 18 times during the class period. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to here people say Goodness instead of taking the Lord's name in vain. Bobby says Dr. Chen is a great Christian guy too. He wore green pants with suspenders. a white shirt blue jacket and tie. A shorter Asian fellow. He speaks quickly.
He described the course as a (very) little taste of what law school is. 3/4's of the class raised their hands when he asked who's considering law school. I went ahead and raised mine too. He said, in so many words, it's a factory that pumps out cold heartless bastards. The kind of people who, from what I gathered, take no words for granted and tend to argue more over language than what is actually signified by the language. I thought I was this way interacting with a lot of people in my past. Then I met Jake and I thought I might not actually be that bad. Jake, you are warm and full of heart though. Don't mind that part. He said during his three years at law school he never once heard the word justice in the classroom. Literally. He didn't say that was an inherently bad thing. You're not learning about what's right or wrong, or studying a subject really at all according to him. You're learning a new way of thinking. The cold heartless bastard way of thinking. He mentioned Scott Turow's book. I felt stupidly proud that I'd read it.
Anyways. All those hands going up in that one class, packed to the brim...sobering considering only 12 students from Western enrolled at UW law last fall. and that's the highest I've seen the three years I've been keeping track.
There is no question I will read more pages, words, and syllables this quarter and spend more time doing it than I ever have in the past.
This is how I described my family in a recent text message "...Sara is being awesome. Kara is also being awesome in her own less-like-me way (but really...plenty like me). Mom is recovering from uterus-removal surgery. She has been up and about and seems fine. Dad's sense of humor is aging like wine so far."
Here are some pictures. From over the last month.
I cannot describe to you. How good this was.
Enter: Bill
Josh
Nic
Guess
Matt (Dugan) Decided to...take a picture of his crotch. Today.
It is good to have someone to take semi-candid pictures of me again.
Currently listening: Sanctus Real "Pieces of a Real Heart," Random worship music...Fee, Shane & Shane, Todd Agnew, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, PETRA!!, Philips Craig & Dean, Kristian Stanfill, Matt Redman.
Anyways. Today is/was the first day of the quarter. I got up very successfully at 5:45 and went on a job across campus to visit all of my classes as the sun came up. The environmental studies building is officially the coolest building on campus. It looks like a piece of crap from the outside, but inside it is pretty stinking cool. It feels like...Zaboomafoo's treehouse meets USS Enterprise.
I had a banana and oatmeal for breakfast. Showered. and read the first six chapters of Isaiah all on schedule. Chapter six is loaded. After that I went over all of the reading for 311 again, reading the case a total of five times before class I think. I was going to be ready to get called on, let me tell you. In class none of that seemed to matter. I felt as inadequately prepared as I have ever been. Luckily it didn't matter. He didn't get to and Socratizing of the class today.
Back to where we were...at twelve I had English 307. Medieval literature. This professor. Is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. Go look at Ian McKellan on the cover of Richard III, then put him in the most ridiculous...(tweed?) suit you've ever seen, with a fit that made him look actually more like Al Pacino than Gandalf. He's an American. But he talks with an almost British Accent. Like you'd expect...a man born in the late 18th century in America to sound like. Definitely not English but...something is there...And the mustache?
He seems pretty cool though. I'm gonna botch this point here, but it seems like a lot of English teachers...assume a certain...(old fashioned?) way of reading texts has already been learned...except...so many of them do that no student really knows what that is....well. That made NO sense, but this guy. This guy is old fashioned. and Old. I think I will like him. He did a little mini spiel about how many English professors in "American universities at least," seem to have developed a guilty conscience over doing nothing with their lives except look at novels and poetry for decades, and feel the need to justify their field with social utility or cultural relevance...or...whatever. Thus...tarnishing the real "disinterested interest" (I should have paid more attention in 313) or...w/e. Art for arts sake is good. and doesn't need to be justified. Doesn't need...a...poignant social theme...not every dead author has to have been secretly gay Pam Hardman.
Anyway. That made. Very little sense.
But w/e. It was a good first class period. No Jake or Mikki yet though.
311 (the hardest non-hard science class at Western according to former students...according to the professor) was also enjoyable this first day of class. I got to see the guy I judge (having not actually interacted with him) to be a pretentious half-idiot got shut up real quick by the adorable professor Paul Chen. He said "Goodness" about 18 times during the class period. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to here people say Goodness instead of taking the Lord's name in vain. Bobby says Dr. Chen is a great Christian guy too. He wore green pants with suspenders. a white shirt blue jacket and tie. A shorter Asian fellow. He speaks quickly.
He described the course as a (very) little taste of what law school is. 3/4's of the class raised their hands when he asked who's considering law school. I went ahead and raised mine too. He said, in so many words, it's a factory that pumps out cold heartless bastards. The kind of people who, from what I gathered, take no words for granted and tend to argue more over language than what is actually signified by the language. I thought I was this way interacting with a lot of people in my past. Then I met Jake and I thought I might not actually be that bad. Jake, you are warm and full of heart though. Don't mind that part. He said during his three years at law school he never once heard the word justice in the classroom. Literally. He didn't say that was an inherently bad thing. You're not learning about what's right or wrong, or studying a subject really at all according to him. You're learning a new way of thinking. The cold heartless bastard way of thinking. He mentioned Scott Turow's book. I felt stupidly proud that I'd read it.
Anyways. All those hands going up in that one class, packed to the brim...sobering considering only 12 students from Western enrolled at UW law last fall. and that's the highest I've seen the three years I've been keeping track.
There is no question I will read more pages, words, and syllables this quarter and spend more time doing it than I ever have in the past.
This is how I described my family in a recent text message "...Sara is being awesome. Kara is also being awesome in her own less-like-me way (but really...plenty like me). Mom is recovering from uterus-removal surgery. She has been up and about and seems fine. Dad's sense of humor is aging like wine so far."
Here are some pictures. From over the last month.
Currently listening: Sanctus Real "Pieces of a Real Heart," Random worship music...Fee, Shane & Shane, Todd Agnew, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, PETRA!!, Philips Craig & Dean, Kristian Stanfill, Matt Redman.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
A New Bit!
Sort've. I'm going to do the first (and probably only) piece in a series called "Good idea, Bad idea." Real original right? ok. Let's start with a positive suggestion
Good Idea: Sending personalized messages of greeting and /or encouragement to several of your friends, or someone you know could use a kind word.
Bad Idea: Regularly sending a generic mass text indiscriminately to all of your friends. I've often been guilty of this myself.
Our good idea for today might actually do...some Good. It let's people know you care at least enough to use their name, and might actually lead to a moment of Substantive human interaction. Maybe even several moments (If that's something you're afraid of, or find bothersome, or feel that...it's not the point, you're in the wrong). I would love to receive more of these real texts. Today's bad idea, on the other hand, is not only impersonal, but more often than not is inconsequential. For me these are at best spam, and at worst insulting. To me it says the sender feels he/she is either too important, or thinks she/he is too busy to care about me the individual. I see it almost as the sender trying to glorify him/herself by putting as little time as possible into letting everyone know that she/he is awesome and nice, but doesn't actually care about me.
So in conclusion. DO send people (especially me ;]) a personalized text with a name, full of love and encouragement. It takes barely any more time than what you should NOT DO: regularly send all of your friends a vainglorious text trying to osmose how awesome you are into their craniums. Ok that might not be your intent (Seach your heart. Pray. Now. Seriously), but still. You might not have time to reach as many people, but you will also annoy fewer people, and the ones you do reach will be more significantly impacted than they ever would with a "Hi Everyone, I'm so Nice I've got enough awesome left to tell you all to have a good day!...Every week!" Put forth that extra bit of energy please. You will have a much more real impact on someone's day. It's good for you. It's good for those who you reach. Texting is faceless enough without not even bothering to call someone by name.
This is just a suggestion. I'd like to think. Something positive someone can do. I don't want to be all negative just bashing on people. Please Don't react by stopping; start really doing maybe.
Good Idea: Sending personalized messages of greeting and /or encouragement to several of your friends, or someone you know could use a kind word.
Bad Idea: Regularly sending a generic mass text indiscriminately to all of your friends. I've often been guilty of this myself.
Our good idea for today might actually do...some Good. It let's people know you care at least enough to use their name, and might actually lead to a moment of Substantive human interaction. Maybe even several moments (If that's something you're afraid of, or find bothersome, or feel that...it's not the point, you're in the wrong). I would love to receive more of these real texts. Today's bad idea, on the other hand, is not only impersonal, but more often than not is inconsequential. For me these are at best spam, and at worst insulting. To me it says the sender feels he/she is either too important, or thinks she/he is too busy to care about me the individual. I see it almost as the sender trying to glorify him/herself by putting as little time as possible into letting everyone know that she/he is awesome and nice, but doesn't actually care about me.
So in conclusion. DO send people (especially me ;]) a personalized text with a name, full of love and encouragement. It takes barely any more time than what you should NOT DO: regularly send all of your friends a vainglorious text trying to osmose how awesome you are into their craniums. Ok that might not be your intent (Seach your heart. Pray. Now. Seriously), but still. You might not have time to reach as many people, but you will also annoy fewer people, and the ones you do reach will be more significantly impacted than they ever would with a "Hi Everyone, I'm so Nice I've got enough awesome left to tell you all to have a good day!...Every week!" Put forth that extra bit of energy please. You will have a much more real impact on someone's day. It's good for you. It's good for those who you reach. Texting is faceless enough without not even bothering to call someone by name.
This is just a suggestion. I'd like to think. Something positive someone can do. I don't want to be all negative just bashing on people. Please Don't react by stopping; start really doing maybe.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Yes.
"'She would of been a good woman,' The Misfit said, 'if it had been somebody there to shoot her every minute of her life.'"
That sums up my conversation with my awesome sister this evening. It ended with me reading Flannery O'Connor's "A Good Man is Hard to Find" to her as she fell asleep. We had a good time renaming the characters. Or at least I did.
That sums up my conversation with my awesome sister this evening. It ended with me reading Flannery O'Connor's "A Good Man is Hard to Find" to her as she fell asleep. We had a good time renaming the characters. Or at least I did.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Spring break starting
Yes, Yes again, and Yes forever. Today is the first official day of spring break. So far I've spent it recovering from my weekend with Jared (through sleep), doing laundry, washing dishes, and reading Song of Songs.
I'm always (a lot) scared to read Song of Songs. I figure it's hard to read it with a right mind. It's really not as explicit as I remember thinking it was when me and Jared would go through it and just laugh at the colorful metaphors.
Some take away points? Well the refrain "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires" I like. In my romantic mind it means something like...don't go around trying to force the issue of. romance. Don't be overly eager. Don't. Be dumb. Like I have been. The study Bible makes note of it being in the context of physical affection every time it comes up. So that makes some obvious sense. Don't get freaky until its time to get freaky. (which is after its time to get married by the way).
7:10 says "I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me." That's just a biting critique of lusting after women. Cheapening them through sex. Cheapening a girlfriend through sex. Cheapening a person by lusting after them or having sex with them. It's not good. If it's not your don't touch it. That sounds terribly (and ironically?) objectifying. Be smart people. I'm obviously not meaning to be. Sex is freaking amazing. Between a husband and wife. I can't go fooling around. Instead I should get with some 7:13 "...I have stored up (...'delicacies') for you my lover." Yeah.
I keep on lamenting that I left my grandmother's notebook containing everything she was able to write down in one sitting about her life and grandpa's life.
Don't give up on love people...sheesh. I'm not going to say anything about personal stuff I've witnessed recently but. Some people make me gag with their immaturity. I need to be praying for them. Not almost dieing, choking on my own vomit.
I had my first drinking experience on Thursday night last. I was very careful not to get drunk. Although where that line exactly is I don't know. The point is I remember everything, did nothing horrible, didn't puke, and was able to walk in a straight line the whole time. What I did do was get loud. but still...sensical. Obnoxious loud at times maybe, but I can be obnoxious loud any normal day. If I could channel that uninhibited charisma on a normal day though, without the assistance of Jack Daniels...God would find it a lot easier to use me. I was infinitely more productive for Jesus in that night that I've been all year. (I shared the Gospel with 1 guy, and I think I've shared the Gospel with 0 guys this year before him.)
My dad buys the most disgusting beer I've ever tasted (I've tasted two beers).
Let's see. There was a potatoe bar potluck after church on Sunday. It was good, and I was killing it with the 12-year-olds.
I missed Bill Faye speak on Sunday. Slept right until it started. Didn't want to get myself up and pretty to be half an hour late.
Djokovic is being dominant this year, and since I'm remembering that schools still in for the CK school district I won't be playing tennis at all this break it turns out.
Jordan Swanberg has left Silverdale even more permanently. He is now a Cop. A bonafide officer of the law in Colorado Springs. Good luck BRO. I'll try and keep you in my prayers.
I went to this place called the Grub Hut in Kingston with Jared, Jordan, and Jason. That was the last time we'll be together for a long time. Existential guilt.
I'm starting to worry about my chances getting into UW law. I'll have good enough grades, and I think I'll kill the LSAT, which is 90% of what matters, the rest practically being a participation grade...but. Bah w/e. I think I'm going to pursue another career, maybe paralegal, for a couple years after graduation. See if I even like that atmosphere, before I commit to $100,000 of debt. People say once you stop going to school it's almost impossible to get yourself to go back though. I don't know if I'd mind all that much. I'd be free.
As long as I remember to live for Jesus first...
Had a great time with a surprisingly successful (as far as attendance is concerned) reunionish party yesterday night. Derrick, Colin, Lyndsay, Nick, Brian, Emma. Thanks for coming. You're awesome.
Lets kick this Spring break in the face.
I'm always (a lot) scared to read Song of Songs. I figure it's hard to read it with a right mind. It's really not as explicit as I remember thinking it was when me and Jared would go through it and just laugh at the colorful metaphors.
Some take away points? Well the refrain "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires" I like. In my romantic mind it means something like...don't go around trying to force the issue of. romance. Don't be overly eager. Don't. Be dumb. Like I have been. The study Bible makes note of it being in the context of physical affection every time it comes up. So that makes some obvious sense. Don't get freaky until its time to get freaky. (which is after its time to get married by the way).
7:10 says "I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me." That's just a biting critique of lusting after women. Cheapening them through sex. Cheapening a girlfriend through sex. Cheapening a person by lusting after them or having sex with them. It's not good. If it's not your don't touch it. That sounds terribly (and ironically?) objectifying. Be smart people. I'm obviously not meaning to be. Sex is freaking amazing. Between a husband and wife. I can't go fooling around. Instead I should get with some 7:13 "...I have stored up (...'delicacies') for you my lover." Yeah.
I keep on lamenting that I left my grandmother's notebook containing everything she was able to write down in one sitting about her life and grandpa's life.
Don't give up on love people...sheesh. I'm not going to say anything about personal stuff I've witnessed recently but. Some people make me gag with their immaturity. I need to be praying for them. Not almost dieing, choking on my own vomit.
I had my first drinking experience on Thursday night last. I was very careful not to get drunk. Although where that line exactly is I don't know. The point is I remember everything, did nothing horrible, didn't puke, and was able to walk in a straight line the whole time. What I did do was get loud. but still...sensical. Obnoxious loud at times maybe, but I can be obnoxious loud any normal day. If I could channel that uninhibited charisma on a normal day though, without the assistance of Jack Daniels...God would find it a lot easier to use me. I was infinitely more productive for Jesus in that night that I've been all year. (I shared the Gospel with 1 guy, and I think I've shared the Gospel with 0 guys this year before him.)
My dad buys the most disgusting beer I've ever tasted (I've tasted two beers).
Let's see. There was a potatoe bar potluck after church on Sunday. It was good, and I was killing it with the 12-year-olds.
I missed Bill Faye speak on Sunday. Slept right until it started. Didn't want to get myself up and pretty to be half an hour late.
Djokovic is being dominant this year, and since I'm remembering that schools still in for the CK school district I won't be playing tennis at all this break it turns out.
Jordan Swanberg has left Silverdale even more permanently. He is now a Cop. A bonafide officer of the law in Colorado Springs. Good luck BRO. I'll try and keep you in my prayers.
I went to this place called the Grub Hut in Kingston with Jared, Jordan, and Jason. That was the last time we'll be together for a long time. Existential guilt.
I'm starting to worry about my chances getting into UW law. I'll have good enough grades, and I think I'll kill the LSAT, which is 90% of what matters, the rest practically being a participation grade...but. Bah w/e. I think I'm going to pursue another career, maybe paralegal, for a couple years after graduation. See if I even like that atmosphere, before I commit to $100,000 of debt. People say once you stop going to school it's almost impossible to get yourself to go back though. I don't know if I'd mind all that much. I'd be free.
As long as I remember to live for Jesus first...
Had a great time with a surprisingly successful (as far as attendance is concerned) reunionish party yesterday night. Derrick, Colin, Lyndsay, Nick, Brian, Emma. Thanks for coming. You're awesome.
Lets kick this Spring break in the face.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
"The Way the World Turns
And I keep on turning to you..."
I have really never felt more responsible than I do now. There is a lot of work still to be done in the next 5 days, but I'm off to a very good start.
I'm starting my final paper/exam for East Asia pretty much right now. Hopefully I finish that up this weekend, get the take home test for American Authors done on Sunday, and get through the majority of the Critical Theory study guide. If that's all done by Monday morning all I'll have left to do is write my Critical Theory paper (which is actually due Friday, but I want to turn it in Wednesday so I can get the hockey sticks out of here) and study for the final exam in the same class Wednesday evening. Then blamo
I'm at a 90% in East Asia right now. If I get an A on this paper, and she gives me full participation points (please...pleas please...) I'll have a 94 or higher.
I've got some kind've A- I think in Critical Theory right now. So I also need to come out swinging on the paper and final in that class. I'm most skeptical about my ability to pull an A out of this class. Definitely possible though.
American Authors is also going to be close. I'm pretty angry because I forfeit 5% of my grade by forgetting the due date on one of my discussion posts. I've got every last other point though, and she seems to grade pretty easily. So with a little luck I can have an A in there too.
I picked up my books for next quarter at the bookstore today. Next quarter I'll probably have the opportunity to work harder than this quarter (which had more work for me than Fall). I don't want to say school will be hard. Because it probably won't. It's not like I'm doing math. I want to put a lot into it though....(so I get a lot out of it?).
We watched some video smuggled out of North Korea in class this morning. It made me pretty angry. Watch the video, read the article.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/southkorea/8165274/North-Koreas-undercover-journalists-reveal-misery-of-life-in-dictatorship.html
Here's the link to the whole documentary "Kimjongilia."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3l4DP07NpA
Between 1994 and 1997 some 5-10% of the korean population died of starvation during a famine. And this is what Kim Jung Il, and his youngest son King Jung Un (On the left, in black), whose now his designated successor look like.
If your gonna be a...jerk...like they are. At least look like you're not eating your weight in dog every night.
I dunno. There's a lot of hunger in the world obviously. I don't know why I'm so affected by these particular images. Maybe because of how they try and hide it, and refuse to let anyone in, even those who just want to provide humanitarian support because they can't support themselves anymore.
Anyway. I finished Job today and read a little bit of Matthew. Verse 11:12 is drastically different in the NIV compared with the ESV and NASB (NIV: "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the king dom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." ESV: "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force."), although the footnote in NIV helps to alleviate some of the dissonance. Something to do with active vs passive voice. The whole point of the verse in context was different then I first thought though. Apparently it's more a reference to John the Baptist's actual ministry and the spectacle it became to many people trying to fit themselves into heaven through him. At Acquire the Fire back in...2005 or so, this was one of their theme verses for their whole "Battlecry" thing (The NIV version of course), which totally misrepresents the point of the verse. Frustrating that a group as influential and apparently as up and up as Teen Mania would take a verse out of context like that, and an outlying translation at that.
My apologies by how poorly constructed and underthought that last paragraph was. It annoys me.
Jake's friend Josh, who I guess is still a senior at CK is here. I think they're playing CoD (grimace...).
Welcome back to Silverdale Jared!
BTW, I gave up facebook for lent. In case you were wondering...
I'm pretty excited to pass go, collect $120 from Michael, and land on Jordan's Swan Song (kudos to Jared for the pun there...) party next week.
Currently Listening: FFH: Found a Place, I Want to be Like You, Sanctus Real: Pieces of a Real Heart
I have really never felt more responsible than I do now. There is a lot of work still to be done in the next 5 days, but I'm off to a very good start.
I'm starting my final paper/exam for East Asia pretty much right now. Hopefully I finish that up this weekend, get the take home test for American Authors done on Sunday, and get through the majority of the Critical Theory study guide. If that's all done by Monday morning all I'll have left to do is write my Critical Theory paper (which is actually due Friday, but I want to turn it in Wednesday so I can get the hockey sticks out of here) and study for the final exam in the same class Wednesday evening. Then blamo
I'm at a 90% in East Asia right now. If I get an A on this paper, and she gives me full participation points (please...pleas please...) I'll have a 94 or higher.
I've got some kind've A- I think in Critical Theory right now. So I also need to come out swinging on the paper and final in that class. I'm most skeptical about my ability to pull an A out of this class. Definitely possible though.
American Authors is also going to be close. I'm pretty angry because I forfeit 5% of my grade by forgetting the due date on one of my discussion posts. I've got every last other point though, and she seems to grade pretty easily. So with a little luck I can have an A in there too.
I picked up my books for next quarter at the bookstore today. Next quarter I'll probably have the opportunity to work harder than this quarter (which had more work for me than Fall). I don't want to say school will be hard. Because it probably won't. It's not like I'm doing math. I want to put a lot into it though....(so I get a lot out of it?).
We watched some video smuggled out of North Korea in class this morning. It made me pretty angry. Watch the video, read the article.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/southkorea/8165274/North-Koreas-undercover-journalists-reveal-misery-of-life-in-dictatorship.html
Here's the link to the whole documentary "Kimjongilia."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3l4DP07NpA
If your gonna be a...jerk...like they are. At least look like you're not eating your weight in dog every night.
I dunno. There's a lot of hunger in the world obviously. I don't know why I'm so affected by these particular images. Maybe because of how they try and hide it, and refuse to let anyone in, even those who just want to provide humanitarian support because they can't support themselves anymore.
Anyway. I finished Job today and read a little bit of Matthew. Verse 11:12 is drastically different in the NIV compared with the ESV and NASB (NIV: "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the king dom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." ESV: "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force."), although the footnote in NIV helps to alleviate some of the dissonance. Something to do with active vs passive voice. The whole point of the verse in context was different then I first thought though. Apparently it's more a reference to John the Baptist's actual ministry and the spectacle it became to many people trying to fit themselves into heaven through him. At Acquire the Fire back in...2005 or so, this was one of their theme verses for their whole "Battlecry" thing (The NIV version of course), which totally misrepresents the point of the verse. Frustrating that a group as influential and apparently as up and up as Teen Mania would take a verse out of context like that, and an outlying translation at that.
My apologies by how poorly constructed and underthought that last paragraph was. It annoys me.
Jake's friend Josh, who I guess is still a senior at CK is here. I think they're playing CoD (grimace...).
Welcome back to Silverdale Jared!
BTW, I gave up facebook for lent. In case you were wondering...
I'm pretty excited to pass go, collect $120 from Michael, and land on Jordan's Swan Song (kudos to Jared for the pun there...) party next week.
Currently Listening: FFH: Found a Place, I Want to be Like You, Sanctus Real: Pieces of a Real Heart
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Way to Go France!
There aren't many times I've been inclined to say that in my short existence, but they were the first country to recognize the rebel coalition's government as Libya's legitimate regime. Britain did the same soon after. Where is the US on this? Come on Mr. President.
Anyway. I just finished writing my final project for 309. I always surprise myself with how awesome I am. It's called "...On Every Visage" and it grows out of Hawthorne's "The Minister's Black Veil." It is hardly all it could be. I could only have 6 pages double spaced, and there was a lot that I didn't get to develop, but it works pretty effectively for all that isn't in it I'd say, after giving it a couple full read throughs.
That's one good looking family eh? I certainly think so. This might be the best picture I've ever seen of all of us. Certainly since I've been caring about pictures.
A couple days ago I felt like I really wanted to write something about Job. Now not so much. The gist of it was that....everyone always talks about Job being a book with the theme of enduring hardships and that whole "Praise You in this storm" attitude, but as I've been going through it this week, what strikes me more than Jobs attitude (which really isn't that great anyway, just listen to my man Elihu), is the attitude of his friends. The message I have been taking away is how important it is to love your friends well, especially when they are going through hardships. As Job says (somewhere between chapter 6 and 15) "A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends!" He goes on in chapter 19, "Why do you pursue me as God does?" Deuchebag Eliphaz, Bildad, and whoever the third turd face are do nothing to encourage Job as he lies writhing at the bottom of a pit a broke and broken man covered in his own filth. Instead they rub salt in his wounds by telling him what a terrible guy he must be? Love your friends! Love everyone in fact! Let God do the judging.
Another thing I did a couple days ago is write down the places I'm a leader in and what position/authority/resources I'm a steward of. My position in the world as a student at first seems pretty powerless, but I connected that (Oh Ms Fisher...you'd be so proud) with what we learned about South Korea and the student population being viewed as something of the "moral compass" of the nation. Now I'm not so cotton-headed-ninny-mugginsed as to think that very many people think that college students in America are anything close to a moral compass, but I think there is a lot of influence that many students don't take advantage of. A lot of participation in the public sphere is done by the young student type. A lot of it is done by the liberal young student type. At the very least they get people's attention...I don't know. I could be doing something to tug the pointer in a more Jesusy direction at least.
I'm annoyed by all of you people who have no sense of political efficacy. Who don't vote and think protesting or participating in politics in any way really is right above (and maybe below) wrist slitting as far as usefulness or time worthiness. I'll let you go unnamed for now.
I'm also an older brother.
Most importantly though I'm a steward of the truth. A steward of the good news. A steward of the Gospel. I take this for granted so dang much. In the majority of spheres in my life this doesn't even get a thought from me. Everywhere I'm in contact with people I should be talking about how awesome Jesus is. How we can never be on the same plane of holiness God is, and nothing we do changes that except the cross. Have I not told you about Jesus whoever you are? Slap me in the face and demand it from me next time you see me! Is xbox live a place to turn off Jesus and just act like a jerk while I relieve stress on virtual skulls? It shouldn't be. Is class a place that I just go to extract information and refuse to interact with anyone around me? Nope...Goodness gracious.
This time next week I'll be at home. The quarter is winding down. Two Papers and 1 test stand in my way. Getting this project out of the way makes me feel SO much better...
Me, Jake, Trey, and Mikki went to Pho' 99 again today. It's not really my favorite thing but somehow I was talked into going.
Currently Listening: MercyMe: Almost There, Sanctus Real: "Lead Me," "Half Our Lives."
Anyway. I just finished writing my final project for 309. I always surprise myself with how awesome I am. It's called "...On Every Visage" and it grows out of Hawthorne's "The Minister's Black Veil." It is hardly all it could be. I could only have 6 pages double spaced, and there was a lot that I didn't get to develop, but it works pretty effectively for all that isn't in it I'd say, after giving it a couple full read throughs.
A couple days ago I felt like I really wanted to write something about Job. Now not so much. The gist of it was that....everyone always talks about Job being a book with the theme of enduring hardships and that whole "Praise You in this storm" attitude, but as I've been going through it this week, what strikes me more than Jobs attitude (which really isn't that great anyway, just listen to my man Elihu), is the attitude of his friends. The message I have been taking away is how important it is to love your friends well, especially when they are going through hardships. As Job says (somewhere between chapter 6 and 15) "A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends!" He goes on in chapter 19, "Why do you pursue me as God does?" Deuchebag Eliphaz, Bildad, and whoever the third turd face are do nothing to encourage Job as he lies writhing at the bottom of a pit a broke and broken man covered in his own filth. Instead they rub salt in his wounds by telling him what a terrible guy he must be? Love your friends! Love everyone in fact! Let God do the judging.
Another thing I did a couple days ago is write down the places I'm a leader in and what position/authority/resources I'm a steward of. My position in the world as a student at first seems pretty powerless, but I connected that (Oh Ms Fisher...you'd be so proud) with what we learned about South Korea and the student population being viewed as something of the "moral compass" of the nation. Now I'm not so cotton-headed-ninny-mugginsed as to think that very many people think that college students in America are anything close to a moral compass, but I think there is a lot of influence that many students don't take advantage of. A lot of participation in the public sphere is done by the young student type. A lot of it is done by the liberal young student type. At the very least they get people's attention...I don't know. I could be doing something to tug the pointer in a more Jesusy direction at least.
I'm annoyed by all of you people who have no sense of political efficacy. Who don't vote and think protesting or participating in politics in any way really is right above (and maybe below) wrist slitting as far as usefulness or time worthiness. I'll let you go unnamed for now.
I'm also an older brother.
Most importantly though I'm a steward of the truth. A steward of the good news. A steward of the Gospel. I take this for granted so dang much. In the majority of spheres in my life this doesn't even get a thought from me. Everywhere I'm in contact with people I should be talking about how awesome Jesus is. How we can never be on the same plane of holiness God is, and nothing we do changes that except the cross. Have I not told you about Jesus whoever you are? Slap me in the face and demand it from me next time you see me! Is xbox live a place to turn off Jesus and just act like a jerk while I relieve stress on virtual skulls? It shouldn't be. Is class a place that I just go to extract information and refuse to interact with anyone around me? Nope...Goodness gracious.
This time next week I'll be at home. The quarter is winding down. Two Papers and 1 test stand in my way. Getting this project out of the way makes me feel SO much better...
Me, Jake, Trey, and Mikki went to Pho' 99 again today. It's not really my favorite thing but somehow I was talked into going.
Currently Listening: MercyMe: Almost There, Sanctus Real: "Lead Me," "Half Our Lives."
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Tingly
I feel tingly. Not in a good way. In that...intensely unsatisfied way. That way. you know. That. Maybe it's...me putting so many things from my mind that my mind has frozen up. Like. Having so many programs open but minimized slows down computers (does that even really happen? I'm sure it must) I guess I can remedy that by writing everything down and starting to tear away at it. I dunno. The tingle in all this fuzz is...just people. and not people.
I spent a good 90 minutes today reading through all 19 pages of this thread on the Viking Village forum called "Hey you, and the moment you've been waiting for." It's people taking the least risky, hardly-a-step-at-all-step towards meeting people that they've admired from afar for a day or for months. "Hey you, person I would've been madly in love with already if we lived that long time ago in the galaxy far far away..." Yeah. I don't think any of the posts were referring to me. Not that i was expecting it. Not that many people post on there, and most of them are the hyper-liberal God-debunking type anyway.
Thinking through what I've got to do by next Wednesday I feel pretty good. This short story should come along pretty easily when I get to it, the final essay for 307 looks pretty easy, almost a rehash of the first essay. Take home test for 309, in class exam Wednesday for 313 which should be ...well, manageable. The only thing that leaves me a little unnerved at this point is the 5-6 page analysis of one of the texts we've read in that class I'm supposed to do. I'm not alone in feeling kind've disconnected from what my goal is supposed to be with that I don't think. But I'll figure it out. I actually have til next Friday to do that one, but I have to turn in a hard copy, and I don't want to actually stay until Friday. I'm hoping to leave Wednesday night, right after my final at 5:30 or after GC, closer to 9. I don't really care to get home at midnight, but...It might be less trafficked and more beautiful. We'll see.
I dunno. I guess I really need prayer to just feel more...lose and aware of what's gotta get down. To bite down and chew away. If I work hard a 4.0 is really possible this quarter (Just like it is for almost anyone even up to the last week and a half of the quarter). Right now though, I'm projecting...3.8. A- in both 307 and 313, and an A in 309. We'll see.
Going home messes up my rhythm. Not that I don't love all of you but. Man. I feel like I was at a good pace getting up this hill but then came to a sudden stop and now have to work extra hard to get that momentum back again.
I'm giving up irresponsibility for lent. and thoughts of girls. (lolz on one of those...)
Currently Listening: Children 18:3: Rains' A Comin', Thousand Foot Krutch: The Flame in All of Us, FFH: I Wanna Be Like You.
I'm having a hard time finding music to "purge me of this lonely mood..."
(Half and hour later: The answer was "The Coldest Heart." and remind me to talk about Job.)
I spent a good 90 minutes today reading through all 19 pages of this thread on the Viking Village forum called "Hey you, and the moment you've been waiting for." It's people taking the least risky, hardly-a-step-at-all-step towards meeting people that they've admired from afar for a day or for months. "Hey you, person I would've been madly in love with already if we lived that long time ago in the galaxy far far away..." Yeah. I don't think any of the posts were referring to me. Not that i was expecting it. Not that many people post on there, and most of them are the hyper-liberal God-debunking type anyway.
Thinking through what I've got to do by next Wednesday I feel pretty good. This short story should come along pretty easily when I get to it, the final essay for 307 looks pretty easy, almost a rehash of the first essay. Take home test for 309, in class exam Wednesday for 313 which should be ...well, manageable. The only thing that leaves me a little unnerved at this point is the 5-6 page analysis of one of the texts we've read in that class I'm supposed to do. I'm not alone in feeling kind've disconnected from what my goal is supposed to be with that I don't think. But I'll figure it out. I actually have til next Friday to do that one, but I have to turn in a hard copy, and I don't want to actually stay until Friday. I'm hoping to leave Wednesday night, right after my final at 5:30 or after GC, closer to 9. I don't really care to get home at midnight, but...It might be less trafficked and more beautiful. We'll see.
I dunno. I guess I really need prayer to just feel more...lose and aware of what's gotta get down. To bite down and chew away. If I work hard a 4.0 is really possible this quarter (Just like it is for almost anyone even up to the last week and a half of the quarter). Right now though, I'm projecting...3.8. A- in both 307 and 313, and an A in 309. We'll see.
Going home messes up my rhythm. Not that I don't love all of you but. Man. I feel like I was at a good pace getting up this hill but then came to a sudden stop and now have to work extra hard to get that momentum back again.
I'm giving up irresponsibility for lent. and thoughts of girls. (lolz on one of those...)
Currently Listening: Children 18:3: Rains' A Comin', Thousand Foot Krutch: The Flame in All of Us, FFH: I Wanna Be Like You.
I'm having a hard time finding music to "purge me of this lonely mood..."
(Half and hour later: The answer was "The Coldest Heart." and remind me to talk about Job.)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Success!
I registered very successfully (of course) today at 4:15 on the dot. Even though I knew there were plenty of spots for what I wanted it still was a little bit of a kick refreshing the page every 5 seconds waiting for the exact second it opened up. Anyway. Here it is.
ENGL 301: Writing Studies. Tue, Thu, 10-11:50. PH 220, Cathy McDonald.
PLSC 310: International Relations of East Asia. Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30-9:50. CF 226, Kristen Parris.
PLSC 311: Intro to Law and the Judicial Process. Tue, Thu, 12-1:50. ES 313, Paul Chen.
I'm excited. It will definitely be the best quarter yet. I've generally felt good about the coming quarter after registration...I guess this quarter was more a take what I could get quarter since I had to wait 'til phase II to get into a lot. But I've just heard so many good things about Paul Chen and that class, and Kristen is great. 301 definitely sounds preferable to 350 (creative writing) so I feel good about that as well. Whatever ratemyprofessors is worth, it says Cathy MacDonald is great too.
Hi mom! get better soon! I've got the prayer police out in force ;) I'll see you Friday!
So I'm bringing both Lodrick and Jake down south now. I guess that is more money to offset the weight my gas tank is having on my wallet.
Me, Aaron, Jake, and Matt talked about getting a house next year. Maybe with an assortment of other friends as well. That would be absolutely sublime. that would set me up for being able to stay next summer and take classes and work around here. It also would probably be considerably cheaper. and I'd be able to protect my food more voraciously.
I had one too many glasses of water. I kept on eating cake at GC tonight. and washing it own. The water makes me hurt...
The end of the quarter is two weeks away for me. Two weeks from now I will be coming home for spring break. I have to write a short story, do two 5 page papers, a take home test, and only one in class final on that Wednesday two weeks from today. Seems pretty manageable from here. Here's to kicking it's butt.
I guess I should say something about GC. It was biscuits and gravy. I just. Spooned fat into my mouth for half an hour. Mmmmmmmm...
Jake led for a second time! (You do a really good job Jake ;) seriously. He directs and expounds and branches like a pro. Nehemiah 5 was the passage. Oppression and Justice the theme. I wasn't that plugged in honestly. There were some moments.
Learning about the history of Korea and it's division is actually pretty interesting. Its made my proud-to-be-an-American meter go down a couple clicks. It's definitely a tragic situation. Kim Jong-Il better hurry up and die. And we better be ready to bring down that regime.
Currently Listening: Nothing. I really have listened to nothing today. I thought about listening to house of heroes a little...
ENGL 301: Writing Studies. Tue, Thu, 10-11:50. PH 220, Cathy McDonald.
PLSC 310: International Relations of East Asia. Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30-9:50. CF 226, Kristen Parris.
PLSC 311: Intro to Law and the Judicial Process. Tue, Thu, 12-1:50. ES 313, Paul Chen.
I'm excited. It will definitely be the best quarter yet. I've generally felt good about the coming quarter after registration...I guess this quarter was more a take what I could get quarter since I had to wait 'til phase II to get into a lot. But I've just heard so many good things about Paul Chen and that class, and Kristen is great. 301 definitely sounds preferable to 350 (creative writing) so I feel good about that as well. Whatever ratemyprofessors is worth, it says Cathy MacDonald is great too.
Hi mom! get better soon! I've got the prayer police out in force ;) I'll see you Friday!
So I'm bringing both Lodrick and Jake down south now. I guess that is more money to offset the weight my gas tank is having on my wallet.
Me, Aaron, Jake, and Matt talked about getting a house next year. Maybe with an assortment of other friends as well. That would be absolutely sublime. that would set me up for being able to stay next summer and take classes and work around here. It also would probably be considerably cheaper. and I'd be able to protect my food more voraciously.
I had one too many glasses of water. I kept on eating cake at GC tonight. and washing it own. The water makes me hurt...
The end of the quarter is two weeks away for me. Two weeks from now I will be coming home for spring break. I have to write a short story, do two 5 page papers, a take home test, and only one in class final on that Wednesday two weeks from today. Seems pretty manageable from here. Here's to kicking it's butt.
I guess I should say something about GC. It was biscuits and gravy. I just. Spooned fat into my mouth for half an hour. Mmmmmmmm...
Jake led for a second time! (You do a really good job Jake ;) seriously. He directs and expounds and branches like a pro. Nehemiah 5 was the passage. Oppression and Justice the theme. I wasn't that plugged in honestly. There were some moments.
Learning about the history of Korea and it's division is actually pretty interesting. Its made my proud-to-be-an-American meter go down a couple clicks. It's definitely a tragic situation. Kim Jong-Il better hurry up and die. And we better be ready to bring down that regime.
Currently Listening: Nothing. I really have listened to nothing today. I thought about listening to house of heroes a little...
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
There's a protest tomorrow on the budget cuts. If it wasn't in the middle of class I seriously might go. It is rather ridiculous in my opinion that a public university has to get the majority of its funding through private funds.
Claude Atcho is going to be on an "ask us anything" panel about religion tomorrow along with a guy from The Inn, a mormon, a muslim, and a few other really weird sounding folks. Jake I guess has been planning on going for a month but Matt scheduled his groups study group during that time so now he can't. That really sucks. I think I'm going to try and go.
Claude preaches the second service at Redeemer. I can only imagine that kind of questions he'll get to field tomorrow from this student body...What a brave guy. If ya'll could say a prayer for Claude, I'm sure he'd appreciate it.
Professor Chen (I'm taking his class next quarter) is doing a presentation that has something to do with mixing religion and politics. Based on what I've heard about Dr. Chen, this sounds like something I might want to go to as well. Only problem is it is at 5:15 and GC is at 6...Well I will have to go to the Claude thing. I told Jake I'd take pictures.
Today has been a good day. I have read a lot. I'm completely caught up in 307 and will be caught up in 309 soon. I will probably still have to do some bucket bailing the rest of the week to get back on par in 313.
I got a B on my second essay for 307. I knew a few hours after I turned in, upon actually reading the article on social movements in South Korea that there was definitely a lot that wasn't in my essay. I have an A- in the class overall at this point. I'll have to nail the last essay and not slip on any remaining quizzes.
Registration is tomorrow. 4:15. I'll be going to the library straight after class and working out my fingers to buzz in those numbers. I shouldn't have a problem though. Doesn't look like my classes are filling up all that fast. One advantage of having a boat load of credits.
I had tomatoe soup and a quesadilla for dinner. I was going to say cheese quesadilla. But then I realized that that is probably redundant...and I've been saying it all these years...There isn't as much sodium in that soup as I thought there was.
Derek and Melissa Boulch have lost 28 lbs between them since the new year. Flipping good job. What have I been doing? I think I've broken even about.
Walden redeemed itself in the end. "...such is the character of that morrow which mere lapse of time can never make to dawn. The light which puts out our eyes is darkness to us. Only that day dawns to which we are awake. There is more day to dawn. The sun is but a morning star." He probably wasn't talking about Jesus, but it's still beautiful.
Currently listening: Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst, Light and Gold
Claude Atcho is going to be on an "ask us anything" panel about religion tomorrow along with a guy from The Inn, a mormon, a muslim, and a few other really weird sounding folks. Jake I guess has been planning on going for a month but Matt scheduled his groups study group during that time so now he can't. That really sucks. I think I'm going to try and go.
Claude preaches the second service at Redeemer. I can only imagine that kind of questions he'll get to field tomorrow from this student body...What a brave guy. If ya'll could say a prayer for Claude, I'm sure he'd appreciate it.
Professor Chen (I'm taking his class next quarter) is doing a presentation that has something to do with mixing religion and politics. Based on what I've heard about Dr. Chen, this sounds like something I might want to go to as well. Only problem is it is at 5:15 and GC is at 6...Well I will have to go to the Claude thing. I told Jake I'd take pictures.
Today has been a good day. I have read a lot. I'm completely caught up in 307 and will be caught up in 309 soon. I will probably still have to do some bucket bailing the rest of the week to get back on par in 313.
I got a B on my second essay for 307. I knew a few hours after I turned in, upon actually reading the article on social movements in South Korea that there was definitely a lot that wasn't in my essay. I have an A- in the class overall at this point. I'll have to nail the last essay and not slip on any remaining quizzes.
Registration is tomorrow. 4:15. I'll be going to the library straight after class and working out my fingers to buzz in those numbers. I shouldn't have a problem though. Doesn't look like my classes are filling up all that fast. One advantage of having a boat load of credits.
I had tomatoe soup and a quesadilla for dinner. I was going to say cheese quesadilla. But then I realized that that is probably redundant...and I've been saying it all these years...There isn't as much sodium in that soup as I thought there was.
Derek and Melissa Boulch have lost 28 lbs between them since the new year. Flipping good job. What have I been doing? I think I've broken even about.
Walden redeemed itself in the end. "...such is the character of that morrow which mere lapse of time can never make to dawn. The light which puts out our eyes is darkness to us. Only that day dawns to which we are awake. There is more day to dawn. The sun is but a morning star." He probably wasn't talking about Jesus, but it's still beautiful.
Currently listening: Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst, Light and Gold
Monday, February 28, 2011
Kara tells me
That I should blog. So I must blog.
I cleaned the kitchen with Matt today. It was fun. We watched an episode of home improvement while we did that, and then listened to some Justine Timberlake. Oh yes. I then exposed him to Eric Whitacre via "When David Heard." Which is a flipping awesome song. I've posted about it before. He liked it. Of course he did. how could you not?
Then we switched gears into some Maynard Ferguson. While he did his fingernails. There's a good Skillet song...
Today was a peeeerridy good day. Registration for me is on Wednesday and I think I have finalized a schedule that should not be hard at all to make a reality Wednesday at 4:15. Unfortunately (Kinda. I became increasingly disinterested in the idea as time went on and the plans evolved into something less ideal) the class I planned on taking with Aaron and Jake didn't work out. But for me personally I think it's all for the bestest.
On Sunday Rob came up and shook me and Kara's hands. He remembered my name and we hadn't even made eye contact as far as I know since September. I'm quite impressed.
I hate the feeling I get listening to music I played in high school. It makes me absolutely hate where I've let myself go today (completely out of music for the most part). I'm totally changing that next year. I think. I'm listening to Count Bubba's Revenge right now. I used to be able to (kind've) do that. I remember having sectional for that song. Yeah...yeah...no...
I don't know. It's far too late to be doing this. All I can think about is rushing of to bed so I can wake up early.
I'm giving Lodrick a ride to Auburn on Friday on my way down. Hopefully I get home by 8 o'clockish.
There could be trouble for me if this plan for tuition charges cause 'o budget cuts go through. If an undergrad has more than 225 credits, he'll be charged out of state tuition. On my current plan I'll graduate with...230ish. Goodness. I want to do too much. Maybe I need to back down from some of it.
Bed time. Sorry.
Currently listening: Percy Grainger, Eric Whitacre. William Byrde Suite. Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band.
I cleaned the kitchen with Matt today. It was fun. We watched an episode of home improvement while we did that, and then listened to some Justine Timberlake. Oh yes. I then exposed him to Eric Whitacre via "When David Heard." Which is a flipping awesome song. I've posted about it before. He liked it. Of course he did. how could you not?
Then we switched gears into some Maynard Ferguson. While he did his fingernails. There's a good Skillet song...
Today was a peeeerridy good day. Registration for me is on Wednesday and I think I have finalized a schedule that should not be hard at all to make a reality Wednesday at 4:15. Unfortunately (Kinda. I became increasingly disinterested in the idea as time went on and the plans evolved into something less ideal) the class I planned on taking with Aaron and Jake didn't work out. But for me personally I think it's all for the bestest.
On Sunday Rob came up and shook me and Kara's hands. He remembered my name and we hadn't even made eye contact as far as I know since September. I'm quite impressed.
I hate the feeling I get listening to music I played in high school. It makes me absolutely hate where I've let myself go today (completely out of music for the most part). I'm totally changing that next year. I think. I'm listening to Count Bubba's Revenge right now. I used to be able to (kind've) do that. I remember having sectional for that song. Yeah...yeah...no...
I don't know. It's far too late to be doing this. All I can think about is rushing of to bed so I can wake up early.
I'm giving Lodrick a ride to Auburn on Friday on my way down. Hopefully I get home by 8 o'clockish.
There could be trouble for me if this plan for tuition charges cause 'o budget cuts go through. If an undergrad has more than 225 credits, he'll be charged out of state tuition. On my current plan I'll graduate with...230ish. Goodness. I want to do too much. Maybe I need to back down from some of it.
Bed time. Sorry.
Currently listening: Percy Grainger, Eric Whitacre. William Byrde Suite. Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Top Halo Multiplayer Maps
It's time for my first real opinionated, review, feature piece...thing. If you didn't guess already, it's going to be a listing of what I think are the best (and worst) multiplayer maps in the history of Bungie's Halo franchise.
The list is divided into five tiers. The first tier will contain a listing of the top five maps in order, followed by a list of honorable mentions in alphabetical order.
Tier I
You freaking love these maps.
#1) Blood Gulch (/Coagulation/Hemorrhage ) Tagline: "The Quick and the Dead"
First appeared in: Halo: CE, remade for Halo 2 and Halo: Reach
At the end of the day, there might be visually or competitively superior maps out there, but when measured by hours of glee, shrieks of pain, cries of joy, and body count, no map will ever come close to equaling Blood Gulch. It was the only map most people can even remember playing in Halo: CE. Nothing has more nearly encapsulated the sublime or the beautiful in my life than 8 v. 8 CTF classic with two indestructible warthogs on the original Gulch. But back in 2002, it didn't matter if I was having a massive LAN party with the projectors at church, or doing a three person split screen free for all on a 27" screen in my best friend's living room. Blood Gulch was the place to be. Warthog wars. Human v Zombies. Red vs Blue. As far as I know, none of these things would exist without this boxed canyon in the middle of nowhere.
#2) Lockout (/Blackout)
Tagline: "Some believe this remote facility was once used to study the Flood. But few clues remain amidst the snow and ice."
First appeared in: Halo 2, remade for Halo 3.
What do an Elbow, a Library, and Snowflakes have in common? Why they can all be found on Lockout of course! FFA or T-slayer, Lockout is golden. It defined the Halo 2 experience, and like Blood Gulch, added many staple Halo experiences to the franchise repertoire. Right behind CTF on Blood Gulch, is FFA swords on Lockout (with four or fewer players), and no map tests a players spacial awareness or combat creativity like Lockout does. You want to keep your brain nice and un-atrophied? Forget Sudoku. Play Lockout. This map is etched onto every veteran Halo player's backhand. The best part is, the better you got at Halo, the better map Lockout became. Learning how to walk the beaten paths is only the beginning. All of the shortcuts, trick jumps, and hiding places could almost justify their own published strategy guide by the time Halo 3 came out. Now if only they could find a place for a warthog...
#3) The Pit.
Tagline: "Software simulations are held in contempt by the veteran instructors who run these facilities."
First appeared in: Halo 3 (and that's it... so far. I'm looking at you Bungie)
If team slayer is at the heart of the Halo multiplayer experience, then The Pit is the pulmonary artery. This was the map that, to me, brought home the importance of teamwork and communication in Halo multiplayer. Generally, if your team is out cooperated, you lose. My first call outs were references to the rocket hall, green box, and training. Team BRing and legit plans of attack (and more often defense) are the gods of The Pit, so get your lone wolf butt in line, because every death counts here. I can see it now...Speedykiller heads for the sniper tower to cut off the left side of the map, while rosewhip, lobster, and cowboy make a mad dash for the rockets, pins drawn from our grenades before you can say slayer, followed shortly thereafter by a metallic clink (and if we're lucky, a manly-yet-morbid grunt). Our first explosive objective acquired, we take up our posts atop the yellow walls and behind a concrete pillar. Your move blue team...
#4) Zanzibar (/Last Resort)
Tagline: "Wind Power Station 7 sits as a mute reminder of the EAP's late 25th century attempt at re-nationalization." (But really..."He's on the sea wall!!!")
First appeared in: Halo 2, remade for Halo 3.
Zanzibar did something rather new and different in Halo 2. The flagship Halo 2 map, it was large, outdoors, and stocked with vehicles and heavy weapons a plenty. A map built for objective play, but unlike Blood Gulch and Sidewinder before it, Zanzibar was asymmetrical. Imagined for a game type where teams would take turns attacking and defending; one team starting at the beach with a variety of vehicles, and the other left to fortify an inland structure, from where they must stop a flag from being stolen, or bomb from being planted. It was a fresh and wonderfully successful "innovation" in the Halo formula. Heat seeking rockets, vehicle boarding, and a more interactive environment were all on display. That timer clicking down from 4 minutes (and actually mattering) really added something. Some of the most intense and gratifying moments in all Halo come from last minute flag stops/captures after a hard fought battle on the outside of that crumbling sea wall.
#5) Ascension (/Pinnacle)
Tagline: "This relay station is part of a network that has kept Delta Halo functioning smoothly for untold centuries."
First appeared in: Halo 2, remade for Halo: Reach
Picking the last of the top five was tough, and Ascension is probably the most personally slanted pick, but it is a heck of a map. If you're thing is split screen play (because you can't afford the internetz), and Lockout was feeling just a little stale, a stroll over to Ascension was in order. I love this map. Maybe more than any map it makes players appreciate the art of finding cover. Almost the entirety of the map is visible from...almost the entirety of the map. At least for me, the battle rifle found it's way to my heart through Ascension. There is less opportunity for creativity in Ascension than Lockout, but players raw skill head to head is tested all the more for it. Two sniper rifles and a banshee make it very difficult to stay in any one place for long unnoticed. It's also a heck of a thing to watch a map of 6 players FFAing, suddenly start focusing their fire on the 1 suddenly-loathed fool who attempts to nab the banshee as it spawns. Killing spree if he makes it in safe, 5 groins to the face if he fails. And when I finally figured out where those rockets were coming from...
My time is precious, so I'm going to wait to give the honorable mentions the honor they deserve, and some others their shame at a later date.
The list is divided into five tiers. The first tier will contain a listing of the top five maps in order, followed by a list of honorable mentions in alphabetical order.
Tier I
You freaking love these maps.
First appeared in: Halo: CE, remade for Halo 2 and Halo: Reach
At the end of the day, there might be visually or competitively superior maps out there, but when measured by hours of glee, shrieks of pain, cries of joy, and body count, no map will ever come close to equaling Blood Gulch. It was the only map most people can even remember playing in Halo: CE. Nothing has more nearly encapsulated the sublime or the beautiful in my life than 8 v. 8 CTF classic with two indestructible warthogs on the original Gulch. But back in 2002, it didn't matter if I was having a massive LAN party with the projectors at church, or doing a three person split screen free for all on a 27" screen in my best friend's living room. Blood Gulch was the place to be. Warthog wars. Human v Zombies. Red vs Blue. As far as I know, none of these things would exist without this boxed canyon in the middle of nowhere.
#2) Lockout (/Blackout)Tagline: "Some believe this remote facility was once used to study the Flood. But few clues remain amidst the snow and ice."
First appeared in: Halo 2, remade for Halo 3.
What do an Elbow, a Library, and Snowflakes have in common? Why they can all be found on Lockout of course! FFA or T-slayer, Lockout is golden. It defined the Halo 2 experience, and like Blood Gulch, added many staple Halo experiences to the franchise repertoire. Right behind CTF on Blood Gulch, is FFA swords on Lockout (with four or fewer players), and no map tests a players spacial awareness or combat creativity like Lockout does. You want to keep your brain nice and un-atrophied? Forget Sudoku. Play Lockout. This map is etched onto every veteran Halo player's backhand. The best part is, the better you got at Halo, the better map Lockout became. Learning how to walk the beaten paths is only the beginning. All of the shortcuts, trick jumps, and hiding places could almost justify their own published strategy guide by the time Halo 3 came out. Now if only they could find a place for a warthog...
Tagline: "Software simulations are held in contempt by the veteran instructors who run these facilities."
First appeared in: Halo 3 (and that's it... so far. I'm looking at you Bungie)
If team slayer is at the heart of the Halo multiplayer experience, then The Pit is the pulmonary artery. This was the map that, to me, brought home the importance of teamwork and communication in Halo multiplayer. Generally, if your team is out cooperated, you lose. My first call outs were references to the rocket hall, green box, and training. Team BRing and legit plans of attack (and more often defense) are the gods of The Pit, so get your lone wolf butt in line, because every death counts here. I can see it now...Speedykiller heads for the sniper tower to cut off the left side of the map, while rosewhip, lobster, and cowboy make a mad dash for the rockets, pins drawn from our grenades before you can say slayer, followed shortly thereafter by a metallic clink (and if we're lucky, a manly-yet-morbid grunt). Our first explosive objective acquired, we take up our posts atop the yellow walls and behind a concrete pillar. Your move blue team...
Tagline: "Wind Power Station 7 sits as a mute reminder of the EAP's late 25th century attempt at re-nationalization." (But really..."He's on the sea wall!!!")
First appeared in: Halo 2, remade for Halo 3.
Zanzibar did something rather new and different in Halo 2. The flagship Halo 2 map, it was large, outdoors, and stocked with vehicles and heavy weapons a plenty. A map built for objective play, but unlike Blood Gulch and Sidewinder before it, Zanzibar was asymmetrical. Imagined for a game type where teams would take turns attacking and defending; one team starting at the beach with a variety of vehicles, and the other left to fortify an inland structure, from where they must stop a flag from being stolen, or bomb from being planted. It was a fresh and wonderfully successful "innovation" in the Halo formula. Heat seeking rockets, vehicle boarding, and a more interactive environment were all on display. That timer clicking down from 4 minutes (and actually mattering) really added something. Some of the most intense and gratifying moments in all Halo come from last minute flag stops/captures after a hard fought battle on the outside of that crumbling sea wall.
Tagline: "This relay station is part of a network that has kept Delta Halo functioning smoothly for untold centuries."
First appeared in: Halo 2, remade for Halo: Reach
Picking the last of the top five was tough, and Ascension is probably the most personally slanted pick, but it is a heck of a map. If you're thing is split screen play (because you can't afford the internetz), and Lockout was feeling just a little stale, a stroll over to Ascension was in order. I love this map. Maybe more than any map it makes players appreciate the art of finding cover. Almost the entirety of the map is visible from...almost the entirety of the map. At least for me, the battle rifle found it's way to my heart through Ascension. There is less opportunity for creativity in Ascension than Lockout, but players raw skill head to head is tested all the more for it. Two sniper rifles and a banshee make it very difficult to stay in any one place for long unnoticed. It's also a heck of a thing to watch a map of 6 players FFAing, suddenly start focusing their fire on the 1 suddenly-loathed fool who attempts to nab the banshee as it spawns. Killing spree if he makes it in safe, 5 groins to the face if he fails. And when I finally figured out where those rockets were coming from...
My time is precious, so I'm going to wait to give the honorable mentions the honor they deserve, and some others their shame at a later date.
Off he goes...
Down the road. Who knows how many he's been down before...
Ok I'm not an old man yet. Yet.
I spent a lot of last night remembering my junior high/early high school years with Jared, Sarai, Jordan, Chase, Jason, Toni, Riki etc. As of now I believe I still consider that the best time of my life. This year could make a push though. Senior year and band was pretty good too...
Jake says I idealize the past. Maybe. I don't know if anything could mar the image of Toni shooting Jordan in the thigh with a paintball gun in the open field after we'd called a ceasefire and everyone was peacefully walking out. Or losing 100 dollars to Jared and Jordan when I failed to win my wager with them over two 1 one 1 matches with them at Halo 3. Fort Warden, Drama club (literally), all that paintball, all that Halo. Building all of those homemade paintball courses in Jared's backyards. Chopping down trees in to feed his families furnace. You're still my best friend Jared. I miss you guys like nothing else. It really stinks having to grow apart from all of those loved ones. One day we'll have wives Jared. Let's move in across the street from one another.
I got out and took a bunch of pictures this morning, trying to get our before everyone was going to class, realizing it wasn't a Saturday. There isn't as much snow on the ground as there was the last couple snowy days. But I had to get out and get some pictures today.
I'm thinking of taking 18 credits next quarter (two 4 credit classes), because it costs the same as 15 credits. Free school. You only get to register for 17 credits in phase 1 though. We'll see if the all of the seats fill up.
Still don't see it Sara?
Just like wikipedia.
Creepin....
Us
Well wasn't that fun? I thought so.
I'm supposed to be thinking about what I'm making a special effort to build an protect in my life for GC. I figure an easier answer is a pure heart for my wife.
I was evangelized by two girls yesterday at the bus station. It's really not a bad idea. There is no non-awkward escape. As for me it was a fun experience. Turns out they live practically next door and go to the girls core right here. The conversation went surprisingly great actually. Probably because it wasn't small talk. But I was as fluid a speaker as I've ever been.
I really need to build relationships with all of these people I am seeing in multiple classes. Really no excuse for being a hermit like I have been (mostly).
I'm considering more and more graduating next Spring. After this year I'll have 142 credits, 38 upper division, and I only need 180 and 60 to graduate. That is scary. I am having a hard time thinking of good, real, reasons to stick around longer than that. If I did that it'd be Political science w/ English minor. I'm troubled with what on earth I would do after that. It is just. Wow. I just got here it seems...and now I'm ready to leave? Crap. It is definitely not right for me to be this worried about it. I'm gonna get back into a textbook here pretty quick.
The Lord provides...
I overheard a couple of guys talking about the future. Career options and what not. (one the bus.) One guy was clearly not interested in carrying on the conversation, but the other was genuinely taking an interest and trying to give out some practical advice about what the first guy could do about the future. Eventually the first guy blew him off with a (Jake just tried to poor ice down my shirt) guy ended the conversation with a "I guess I'll figure it out eventually." I kind wanted to just interject..."No. You won't. You're not going to figure it out." Then that night Sara Knepper was talking about how, people think that they're just going to walk up this nice slow even slope and get to where they're going. When. That's really not the way things work. Eventually you're going to have to get over a steeper obstacle. Do something big. Out of your comfort zone. Make things happen. Not thing they'll happen to you....Pull the tracks together...I dunno. Maybe I'm expecting my road to already be made and me just be walking down it nice and easy. I don't mean to put too much emphasis on me. Or human strength. I dunno. C.S. lewis says something about the easiest way to hell being the nice and even downward slope. Not to imply that salvation is something you lose, or that Heaven is earned. I might be mixing my metaphors a bit here. but. There's something to that, that I don't want to spend time developing just now. Maybe later.
Currently listening: Clint Black: Put Yourself in My Shoes
Ok I'm not an old man yet. Yet.
I spent a lot of last night remembering my junior high/early high school years with Jared, Sarai, Jordan, Chase, Jason, Toni, Riki etc. As of now I believe I still consider that the best time of my life. This year could make a push though. Senior year and band was pretty good too...
Jake says I idealize the past. Maybe. I don't know if anything could mar the image of Toni shooting Jordan in the thigh with a paintball gun in the open field after we'd called a ceasefire and everyone was peacefully walking out. Or losing 100 dollars to Jared and Jordan when I failed to win my wager with them over two 1 one 1 matches with them at Halo 3. Fort Warden, Drama club (literally), all that paintball, all that Halo. Building all of those homemade paintball courses in Jared's backyards. Chopping down trees in to feed his families furnace. You're still my best friend Jared. I miss you guys like nothing else. It really stinks having to grow apart from all of those loved ones. One day we'll have wives Jared. Let's move in across the street from one another.
I got out and took a bunch of pictures this morning, trying to get our before everyone was going to class, realizing it wasn't a Saturday. There isn't as much snow on the ground as there was the last couple snowy days. But I had to get out and get some pictures today.
I'm thinking of taking 18 credits next quarter (two 4 credit classes), because it costs the same as 15 credits. Free school. You only get to register for 17 credits in phase 1 though. We'll see if the all of the seats fill up.
I'm supposed to be thinking about what I'm making a special effort to build an protect in my life for GC. I figure an easier answer is a pure heart for my wife.
I was evangelized by two girls yesterday at the bus station. It's really not a bad idea. There is no non-awkward escape. As for me it was a fun experience. Turns out they live practically next door and go to the girls core right here. The conversation went surprisingly great actually. Probably because it wasn't small talk. But I was as fluid a speaker as I've ever been.
I really need to build relationships with all of these people I am seeing in multiple classes. Really no excuse for being a hermit like I have been (mostly).
I'm considering more and more graduating next Spring. After this year I'll have 142 credits, 38 upper division, and I only need 180 and 60 to graduate. That is scary. I am having a hard time thinking of good, real, reasons to stick around longer than that. If I did that it'd be Political science w/ English minor. I'm troubled with what on earth I would do after that. It is just. Wow. I just got here it seems...and now I'm ready to leave? Crap. It is definitely not right for me to be this worried about it. I'm gonna get back into a textbook here pretty quick.
The Lord provides...
I overheard a couple of guys talking about the future. Career options and what not. (one the bus.) One guy was clearly not interested in carrying on the conversation, but the other was genuinely taking an interest and trying to give out some practical advice about what the first guy could do about the future. Eventually the first guy blew him off with a (Jake just tried to poor ice down my shirt) guy ended the conversation with a "I guess I'll figure it out eventually." I kind wanted to just interject..."No. You won't. You're not going to figure it out." Then that night Sara Knepper was talking about how, people think that they're just going to walk up this nice slow even slope and get to where they're going. When. That's really not the way things work. Eventually you're going to have to get over a steeper obstacle. Do something big. Out of your comfort zone. Make things happen. Not thing they'll happen to you....Pull the tracks together...I dunno. Maybe I'm expecting my road to already be made and me just be walking down it nice and easy. I don't mean to put too much emphasis on me. Or human strength. I dunno. C.S. lewis says something about the easiest way to hell being the nice and even downward slope. Not to imply that salvation is something you lose, or that Heaven is earned. I might be mixing my metaphors a bit here. but. There's something to that, that I don't want to spend time developing just now. Maybe later.
Currently listening: Clint Black: Put Yourself in My Shoes
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