So it's been a while since my last blog. I believe the last post had concerns about Thanksgiving and Dad's wedding...
Chronologically, Dad's wedding went very well. I'm very happy for him and Diane. Things are changing and it's difficult to deal with although I don't like to admit it. Only in the last few years (2 or 3) have I begun to realize how important family is. I don't know why I didn't realize this before but let's just say better late than never. I am related to some pretty amazing people. I think it's a real testament to our love for each other that my Mom's family was there in full force to support my dad in his new marriage. I was particularly glad that Annemarie, Tim and Emily were there. While Annemarie and I haven't been entirely comfortable with this whole idea, it was nice to have some solidarity within ourselves and to have Tim and Emily there to support us. I think we're both very grateful for each of you :-)
Thanksgiving was different, but not like it's been different since Mom died. It seemed like this was the beginning of the new ritual. I went to the Parade with Annemarie, Haley, Uncle Mike, Jean Marie, Bernadette, and Joe. I love parades. I think there is a special place in my heart for marching bands! Annemarie was frustrated with me when I couldn't figure out the train system to get to the parade but hopefully she didn't mind when I drove to NJ so we could take the train together. I had to be in NJ later anyway. After the parade I went to Dad's house and hung out with him and Diane, watching the parade I had just seen live, on tv and checking out the Black Friday adds. Diane's Mom and Cousins came over later and we had dinner. It was very good. I love thanksgiving food. It goes with the whole, being chubby, thing. After dinner I went to Uncle Fran's house for a while and then slept at Dad's house for the night. Over all a good thanksgiving.
I'm getting excited for my trip to Santa Barbara in January, they've taken care of my plane ticket and now I just need to prepare by reading, reading, reading.
It's nice to have something to look forward to while the semester winds down. Sometimes I feel like the classes I'm enrolled in here currently are not really helping to prepare me for ministry and my career goals. While I'm sure that the history of Christianity is useful and interesting to some, it has not been something that I've found to be entirely helpful. It's no fault of the professors because they're all very knowledgeable but I don't feel like I've learned a whole lot that I couldn't get from a decent text book. Hope is in the future and next semester looks promising as long as things work out the way I have them planned.
Tonight, Emily and I are having dinner with Roll, Andy and Alyssa. I'm looking forward to getting out of this place for the night.
This class is almost over so I'll post more when I have something to talk about. In the meantime, check out what Mike Huckabee has to say. While he's a republican, he seems to be making sense.
Peace!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
The last few days...
Dad, Emily and I are sitting here in the living room shooting the breeze. Chicken Little is on the TV letting us know that the sky is actually falling this time. Dad and Emily are engrossed in a conversation about Emily's car and such related things. I think dad is confused.
So last night Emily and I went to see Nickel Creek in DE. Let me tell you, they are amazing! Chris Thile is truly a virtuoso on the mandolin. Sara Watkins can sing like an angel and Sean is a great compliment to the group. Even the tap dancing bass player added to the show! A certain plus to the evening was the aquiring of a Chipotle burrito before taking off :-) I love me some Chipotle! We had a great time and I think she enjoyed her birthday present just as much as I did ;-)
Today the mission was to go to Dad's house and get the laundry done. We also stopped at the dry cleaners to drop off my suit to wear to Dad's wedding and to get some new glasses as I'm pretty shure that Chubbo steppped on my old pair while I was in Ohio this past weekend. I was anticipating spending about $200 and I spent less so i guess that was ok. They're almost identical to the old ones except these are 'Brooks Brothers' and the old ones were 'Scott Harris.' If you know the difference then I applaud the depth to which you have studied Eye glass fashion.
On a happy note, I've been chosen to receive a full scholarship to the Bartimaeus Institute in Santa Barbara, CA! I'll be going January 14-18, all expenses paid to study Matthew and social economics. It may not sound all that exciting but I am totally stoked. I haven't really applied for anything like this before so it's kind of a shock for me to get chosen. Regardless, I am very excited :-)
Well, that should do for now, have a great night!
So last night Emily and I went to see Nickel Creek in DE. Let me tell you, they are amazing! Chris Thile is truly a virtuoso on the mandolin. Sara Watkins can sing like an angel and Sean is a great compliment to the group. Even the tap dancing bass player added to the show! A certain plus to the evening was the aquiring of a Chipotle burrito before taking off :-) I love me some Chipotle! We had a great time and I think she enjoyed her birthday present just as much as I did ;-)
Today the mission was to go to Dad's house and get the laundry done. We also stopped at the dry cleaners to drop off my suit to wear to Dad's wedding and to get some new glasses as I'm pretty shure that Chubbo steppped on my old pair while I was in Ohio this past weekend. I was anticipating spending about $200 and I spent less so i guess that was ok. They're almost identical to the old ones except these are 'Brooks Brothers' and the old ones were 'Scott Harris.' If you know the difference then I applaud the depth to which you have studied Eye glass fashion.
On a happy note, I've been chosen to receive a full scholarship to the Bartimaeus Institute in Santa Barbara, CA! I'll be going January 14-18, all expenses paid to study Matthew and social economics. It may not sound all that exciting but I am totally stoked. I haven't really applied for anything like this before so it's kind of a shock for me to get chosen. Regardless, I am very excited :-)
Well, that should do for now, have a great night!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Sam and Krista's Wedding
This blog comes to you from the Starbucks next to gate A3 in the Columbus, OH. I'm currently sitting at a table looking out the window as planes take off while sipping a latte and blogging to you. I feel like a yuppie only without the money and fancy clothes.
The weekend is over. It's a little bitter sweet. I'm excited to get home and see Emily and get back into the swing of things but I had a lot of fun with my guys in Ohio. It was like a mini-escape from reality.
So here's a recap of the weekend...
Thursday I arrived in Columbus and Sam picked me up from the airport. We immediately went to pick up my tuxedo and buy some stogies :-) I like stogies. When we arrived at the Men's Wearhouse it turned out that my tux pants were too small (I'm getting fat apparently) so we had to go back the next day when they had new pants for me. Then it turned out that they were too short so we waited while they let them out a little bit. I didn't try them on afterward so i was unaware that they were then too long and I would have to wear them so high that it felt like I had a perpetual wedgie...
So, Sam's mom has been in a nursing home, in Cleveland, for a little while now and he and Krista (now Mrs. Sam Selvage) had arranged for Sam's mom to come down to Columbus and stay in a nursing home for a few days so that she could be at the wedding. Late in the day on Thursday, about 5 pm, Sam gets a phone call from his sister saying that he had to get to the nursing home in columbus stat because they are all of a sudden not accepting his mom. Frantically Sam and Krista drove to the nursing home to straighten things out to no avail. Finally Friday morning Sam was on his way over to lay down the law and they called him and had made everything right. Mama Selvage was coming to the wedding, phew! How's that for wedding day stress!
Late Thursday night I got to hang out 2 on 1 with Krista and Sam. This was truly fantastic. they asked me to read their vows for congruency and I got to preview the slide show. Now, I had met Krista's parents when we saw Harry Potter 5 over the summer but I didn't have a chance at the time to realize what incredible people they are. They are so obviously in love with each other it warms your heart to be around them. Krista had a copy of her parents wedding vows that she let me read and if you've ever listened to a song and said to yourself 'I wish I had written that' then you know exactly the way I felt when I read them. It was poetry, it was beautiful, it was honest, and most of all it was filled with love. There isn't much else to say about it except that if you ever get the chance to meet Jeff and Cathy Barber then you are a lucky person.
Friday was devoted to all things wedding. last minute details were ironed out and we prepared for the rehearsal dinner. I spent most of the day with Tom which was good times. The rehearsal dinner was great. there was some drama about place cards that I chose to smoke through but other than that everything was great. Later that night I went to Eddie's house to drink, and play cards. After that was the infamous Micky D's run that you can read about in my last blog.
Side note: It has become aware to me that once you enter seminary, you become the default grace sayer/authority on all religious things to your friends. It's kinda nice. I do like more than five minutes to prepare something to say for grace but I find that as long as you're honest and speak with sincerity and humbleness you'll be just fine.
Saturday was wedding day. Here's a word of advice. If you are about to have a wedding, do not take your groomsmen anywhere with a name that in any way resembles 'Hoggy's Barn.' Barbecue is sure to make for a smelly ceremony. That's all I'll say about that.
After lunch we had plenty of time to waste before pictures so we milled around for a while. At this point I am a little frustrated with Jason's driving as he get's lost going everywhere. We quite literally got stuck in a roundabout for two times around. He's a chubby bitch.
The ceremony was beautiful. Sam cried like a little baby and Krista fought it back well. I was a little nervous about the ceremony because the groomsmen, myself included, did not behave in the slightest during the rehearsal or even up to the point that we walked into the church. It was almost as if the holy spirit stepped in and sut our traps for 40 minutes. I can't imagine anything else having that kind of power... The music was great. Our good friend Chad played the organ. They didn't do the wedding march. I don't know why everyone gets down on the wedding march, I love it. They did do the traditional exit music though, it's great, very triumphal and telling. I digress...
The reception was all kinds of fun. I got to hang out and dance with my Jenny, I miss my Jenny and I like to dance so that was good all around :-) The Frat Boys sang to the bride which was fun for us but I'm sure the bride was less than amused. I always get to conduct in these situations which is fun for me too. I had very little to drink at the reception despite my previous desires. I had a drink with dinner and then got up to dance and such and never made it to the bar. Don't be disappointed in me, I had a blast and I'm sure the photographer got plenty of picture of me dancing like an idiot, but really, what else do you do at weddings?
Jason and I got a hotel room by the airport, I drove us there as he was tanked. We made a pit stop at the gas station for a six pack of Leinenkugel, 2 bags of chips, 2 40's of Bud Light, and 2 bottles of Champagne. We changed out of our monkey suits and went over to Tom and Deb's room for a while. We played a game that I don't know the name of but Bri and I apparently rock at it. If you can guess Geneva Convention in 5 words then you may be worthy of competing with us. Otherwise just stay home.
This morning I had to wake up Jason. This is worth mentioning because if you've ever tried to wake up a 360 pound man with a hangover you know where I'm coming from. I threw pillows, turned on the tv and the radio, made coffee, opened the curtains, made sure the balcony door was open to get the cold air in and I still had to jump on him and given the amount that boy sweats it was probably not the best idea I've ever had. Gross... We finally got out of the hotel, grabbed some lunch at 'The Rusty Bucket' where they have Hoegarden and deep fried pickles. I love food that is bad for me... We proceeded to get his pictures developed which will be on face book at any moment and then he dropped me off at the airport.
All in all it was a great weekend. Sorry for the length of the blog but there are a lot of things that I want to be able to remember down the line. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Sam Selvage!
The weekend is over. It's a little bitter sweet. I'm excited to get home and see Emily and get back into the swing of things but I had a lot of fun with my guys in Ohio. It was like a mini-escape from reality.
So here's a recap of the weekend...
Thursday I arrived in Columbus and Sam picked me up from the airport. We immediately went to pick up my tuxedo and buy some stogies :-) I like stogies. When we arrived at the Men's Wearhouse it turned out that my tux pants were too small (I'm getting fat apparently) so we had to go back the next day when they had new pants for me. Then it turned out that they were too short so we waited while they let them out a little bit. I didn't try them on afterward so i was unaware that they were then too long and I would have to wear them so high that it felt like I had a perpetual wedgie...
So, Sam's mom has been in a nursing home, in Cleveland, for a little while now and he and Krista (now Mrs. Sam Selvage) had arranged for Sam's mom to come down to Columbus and stay in a nursing home for a few days so that she could be at the wedding. Late in the day on Thursday, about 5 pm, Sam gets a phone call from his sister saying that he had to get to the nursing home in columbus stat because they are all of a sudden not accepting his mom. Frantically Sam and Krista drove to the nursing home to straighten things out to no avail. Finally Friday morning Sam was on his way over to lay down the law and they called him and had made everything right. Mama Selvage was coming to the wedding, phew! How's that for wedding day stress!
Late Thursday night I got to hang out 2 on 1 with Krista and Sam. This was truly fantastic. they asked me to read their vows for congruency and I got to preview the slide show. Now, I had met Krista's parents when we saw Harry Potter 5 over the summer but I didn't have a chance at the time to realize what incredible people they are. They are so obviously in love with each other it warms your heart to be around them. Krista had a copy of her parents wedding vows that she let me read and if you've ever listened to a song and said to yourself 'I wish I had written that' then you know exactly the way I felt when I read them. It was poetry, it was beautiful, it was honest, and most of all it was filled with love. There isn't much else to say about it except that if you ever get the chance to meet Jeff and Cathy Barber then you are a lucky person.
Friday was devoted to all things wedding. last minute details were ironed out and we prepared for the rehearsal dinner. I spent most of the day with Tom which was good times. The rehearsal dinner was great. there was some drama about place cards that I chose to smoke through but other than that everything was great. Later that night I went to Eddie's house to drink, and play cards. After that was the infamous Micky D's run that you can read about in my last blog.
Side note: It has become aware to me that once you enter seminary, you become the default grace sayer/authority on all religious things to your friends. It's kinda nice. I do like more than five minutes to prepare something to say for grace but I find that as long as you're honest and speak with sincerity and humbleness you'll be just fine.
Saturday was wedding day. Here's a word of advice. If you are about to have a wedding, do not take your groomsmen anywhere with a name that in any way resembles 'Hoggy's Barn.' Barbecue is sure to make for a smelly ceremony. That's all I'll say about that.
After lunch we had plenty of time to waste before pictures so we milled around for a while. At this point I am a little frustrated with Jason's driving as he get's lost going everywhere. We quite literally got stuck in a roundabout for two times around. He's a chubby bitch.
The ceremony was beautiful. Sam cried like a little baby and Krista fought it back well. I was a little nervous about the ceremony because the groomsmen, myself included, did not behave in the slightest during the rehearsal or even up to the point that we walked into the church. It was almost as if the holy spirit stepped in and sut our traps for 40 minutes. I can't imagine anything else having that kind of power... The music was great. Our good friend Chad played the organ. They didn't do the wedding march. I don't know why everyone gets down on the wedding march, I love it. They did do the traditional exit music though, it's great, very triumphal and telling. I digress...
The reception was all kinds of fun. I got to hang out and dance with my Jenny, I miss my Jenny and I like to dance so that was good all around :-) The Frat Boys sang to the bride which was fun for us but I'm sure the bride was less than amused. I always get to conduct in these situations which is fun for me too. I had very little to drink at the reception despite my previous desires. I had a drink with dinner and then got up to dance and such and never made it to the bar. Don't be disappointed in me, I had a blast and I'm sure the photographer got plenty of picture of me dancing like an idiot, but really, what else do you do at weddings?
Jason and I got a hotel room by the airport, I drove us there as he was tanked. We made a pit stop at the gas station for a six pack of Leinenkugel, 2 bags of chips, 2 40's of Bud Light, and 2 bottles of Champagne. We changed out of our monkey suits and went over to Tom and Deb's room for a while. We played a game that I don't know the name of but Bri and I apparently rock at it. If you can guess Geneva Convention in 5 words then you may be worthy of competing with us. Otherwise just stay home.
This morning I had to wake up Jason. This is worth mentioning because if you've ever tried to wake up a 360 pound man with a hangover you know where I'm coming from. I threw pillows, turned on the tv and the radio, made coffee, opened the curtains, made sure the balcony door was open to get the cold air in and I still had to jump on him and given the amount that boy sweats it was probably not the best idea I've ever had. Gross... We finally got out of the hotel, grabbed some lunch at 'The Rusty Bucket' where they have Hoegarden and deep fried pickles. I love food that is bad for me... We proceeded to get his pictures developed which will be on face book at any moment and then he dropped me off at the airport.
All in all it was a great weekend. Sorry for the length of the blog but there are a lot of things that I want to be able to remember down the line. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Sam Selvage!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
it's kinda late...
So It's 3:45 am and I'm about to go to bed here in Ohio. Chubbo and I just went out for a Micky d's run where we ordered 60 chicken nuggets and the lady behind the counter while exasperated by our order decided that instead of asking us if we wanted sauce, she would just put the tubs on the counter and let put what we needed in a separate bag. Oh how I love adventure!
The rehearsal went well... Sam's brother was about an hour late and I think Bridezilla was about to explode when the place cards were out of place at the dinner but so far everyone still has a head. I am reminded once more of how glad I am to be a man... Plus the women folk have to be at the hair salon at 9 while we only have to be at the place to eat wings at 11:30. Life is good.
More to come tomorrow night. Scratch that, I'll probably be drunk tomorrow night so I'll write again on Monday.
The rehearsal went well... Sam's brother was about an hour late and I think Bridezilla was about to explode when the place cards were out of place at the dinner but so far everyone still has a head. I am reminded once more of how glad I am to be a man... Plus the women folk have to be at the hair salon at 9 while we only have to be at the place to eat wings at 11:30. Life is good.
More to come tomorrow night. Scratch that, I'll probably be drunk tomorrow night so I'll write again on Monday.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
short note that got a little longer
So it turns out that my last blog is going to be published in LTSP's student publication, 'The Seminarian' so look for it in print and on-line ;o) It really is a sad day when a goofy representation of a Tetris tournament is worthy of replication with ink and paper. Yes, for all of you Mitch Hedberg fans, I equate my last post with buying a donut.
In other news... Emily and I went to Grandmom's house for dinner last night. It was Emily's first time meeting Dad, Diane, and Grandmom and it went as well as could be expected. Everyone seems to like each other so that's a step in the right direction. Dad called today and told me that he really likes Emily and he could tell that I like her a lot too. It's nice to hear things like that from dad as he can be difficult sometimes... Really, I don't give him enough credit for being a great guy.
One thing that still has me a little steamed is the prospect of Thanksgiving coming around the corner. Our family is certainly enduring some changes as of late and it seems that they are all hitting the fan this year on November 22nd. My father decided all by himself that he wanted to have thanksgiving at his house this year. At the same time my cousin Jen decided that she would also have it at her house. Herein lies the problem. Jen's husband, Lance's, parents are coming to her house for dinner. Diane, my dad's fiance, has her mother and aunt coming to my dad's house for dinner. These two houses are no more than 100 yards apart. Neither of these 2 groups of people will go to the other's house for dinner. I know that they're not doing it on purpose but these people are ruining my favorite food holiday.
Here's how it should go:
Thanksgiving morning I wake up, dad makes breakfast and we slowly drink some mediocre coffee while watching the various parades (note: some years are a little more adventurous and I actually go to see the parade in person). Whenever the mood strikes me I'll get up and shower and then sit immediately right back down on the couch because it's thanksgiving and that's what you do. Eventually the whole family gets together, and I mean the WHOLE family. We sit around and watch football, drink beer and get ready for the feast. Finally it comes time for dinner and we use the holiday as an excuse to eat too much food. top it off with some dessert and some more beer and coffee and the day is complete.
Why is this so hard?
I started writing this yesterday and didn't finish because I was in a bad mood. Too many things annoying me combined with too little sleep made for a grumpy Ian. Today is a better day. Actually, yesterday got better as the day went on. Emily really helped me cheer up, she's pretty great. Kate and Chris came over around 9 and we got pizza. Kate, as much as I say that she's like the little sister I never wanted, is one of the best friends I could ever ask for. I'm pretty sure she would rob a bank with me if I asked her to. I'm pretty sure I would do the same for her :oP
Next blog will be about Sam and Krista's Wedding and it should be more entertaining than this post...
Peace out!
In other news... Emily and I went to Grandmom's house for dinner last night. It was Emily's first time meeting Dad, Diane, and Grandmom and it went as well as could be expected. Everyone seems to like each other so that's a step in the right direction. Dad called today and told me that he really likes Emily and he could tell that I like her a lot too. It's nice to hear things like that from dad as he can be difficult sometimes... Really, I don't give him enough credit for being a great guy.
One thing that still has me a little steamed is the prospect of Thanksgiving coming around the corner. Our family is certainly enduring some changes as of late and it seems that they are all hitting the fan this year on November 22nd. My father decided all by himself that he wanted to have thanksgiving at his house this year. At the same time my cousin Jen decided that she would also have it at her house. Herein lies the problem. Jen's husband, Lance's, parents are coming to her house for dinner. Diane, my dad's fiance, has her mother and aunt coming to my dad's house for dinner. These two houses are no more than 100 yards apart. Neither of these 2 groups of people will go to the other's house for dinner. I know that they're not doing it on purpose but these people are ruining my favorite food holiday.
Here's how it should go:
Thanksgiving morning I wake up, dad makes breakfast and we slowly drink some mediocre coffee while watching the various parades (note: some years are a little more adventurous and I actually go to see the parade in person). Whenever the mood strikes me I'll get up and shower and then sit immediately right back down on the couch because it's thanksgiving and that's what you do. Eventually the whole family gets together, and I mean the WHOLE family. We sit around and watch football, drink beer and get ready for the feast. Finally it comes time for dinner and we use the holiday as an excuse to eat too much food. top it off with some dessert and some more beer and coffee and the day is complete.
Why is this so hard?
I started writing this yesterday and didn't finish because I was in a bad mood. Too many things annoying me combined with too little sleep made for a grumpy Ian. Today is a better day. Actually, yesterday got better as the day went on. Emily really helped me cheer up, she's pretty great. Kate and Chris came over around 9 and we got pizza. Kate, as much as I say that she's like the little sister I never wanted, is one of the best friends I could ever ask for. I'm pretty sure she would rob a bank with me if I asked her to. I'm pretty sure I would do the same for her :oP
Next blog will be about Sam and Krista's Wedding and it should be more entertaining than this post...
Peace out!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Tetris anyone?
So last night I did something that lands on the list of the top ten dorkiest things I've ever done. Yes, that's right, a Tetris tournament. I know what you're thinking and believe me I thought the same thing. Tetris is a one player game.... how could you possibly have a tournament??? (ok, so maybe you were thinking, 'what kind of special person does it take to play in a Tetris tournament, but I chose to take the high road on this one.)
I did not know that there were people in the world who had devoted their lives to these geometric shapes and the ability to stack them neatly but last night I saw in Ben Krey the desire to be a Tetris Grand Master.
Here's how it works:
Each participant plays one warm up game for a high score to determine their bracket position in the tournament. After all of the scores are collected, the bracket is made where the worst person (me) goes 'head to head' with the best person (Ben) and so on. An important thing to note here is that score is not the whole deal. You must also have a high 'line count' in order to win. If you beat your opponent in score and not lines then you must have a 'play-off' in which you start at a higher level for expediency's sake. (technical jumbo, try to follow me.)
Now, how often could you possibly need to have a playoff in a Tetris tournament? This was the thought I had when the rules were being explained to me. Well, it just so happens that Miss Emily Kuhn and Mr. Steve Meyer, two worthy opponents, ran into just this scenario. It was a grueling battle to the 90 degree death, but Mr. Meyer finally triumphed and moved on to the final round.
The final bout between Mr.'s Meyer and Krey was an outstanding display of button tapping agility. It was so intense that I thought the controller might buckle under the pressure. At the end of the day Ben Krey proved that he is indeed a Tetris Grand Master as he gave the proverbial line spank to Steve.
As the match was breaking up I think I heard words of revenge coming out of the mouth of Charles Plummer... More on that next time.
For now I'll retire my NES controller and move on to Wii Bowling, a game at which I excel, and if anyone wanted to have a tournament on that, well, let's just say this would be a very different article.
I did not know that there were people in the world who had devoted their lives to these geometric shapes and the ability to stack them neatly but last night I saw in Ben Krey the desire to be a Tetris Grand Master.
Here's how it works:
Each participant plays one warm up game for a high score to determine their bracket position in the tournament. After all of the scores are collected, the bracket is made where the worst person (me) goes 'head to head' with the best person (Ben) and so on. An important thing to note here is that score is not the whole deal. You must also have a high 'line count' in order to win. If you beat your opponent in score and not lines then you must have a 'play-off' in which you start at a higher level for expediency's sake. (technical jumbo, try to follow me.)
Now, how often could you possibly need to have a playoff in a Tetris tournament? This was the thought I had when the rules were being explained to me. Well, it just so happens that Miss Emily Kuhn and Mr. Steve Meyer, two worthy opponents, ran into just this scenario. It was a grueling battle to the 90 degree death, but Mr. Meyer finally triumphed and moved on to the final round.
The final bout between Mr.'s Meyer and Krey was an outstanding display of button tapping agility. It was so intense that I thought the controller might buckle under the pressure. At the end of the day Ben Krey proved that he is indeed a Tetris Grand Master as he gave the proverbial line spank to Steve.
As the match was breaking up I think I heard words of revenge coming out of the mouth of Charles Plummer... More on that next time.
For now I'll retire my NES controller and move on to Wii Bowling, a game at which I excel, and if anyone wanted to have a tournament on that, well, let's just say this would be a very different article.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
This Past Weekend
So the weekend isn't over yet but I'd like to tell you about it anyway...
Friday night was the junior high lock-in at the church. we had twelve kids show up and let me tell you, junior high girls can scream.... loudly.... We talked a little about dreams ate some junk food and played a game of 'Christian' (if you haven't played, you definitely should try it) in which I almost killed a 7th grader by throwing her into a door, I swear it was an accident...
The thing about this retreat that made it all worth it for me was the service we did around candles in the sanctuary. It was all about dreams and sleep and God's presence with us at night.
We ended the service with a circle prayer in which we go around the circle and everyone adds a petition. I was struck first by the fact that every single person in the circle, not only prayed but prayed out loud for everyone to hear. I was moved by the depth of their caring for their friends and their families. So often I'll do this type of prayer with other groups and I'll start off and I'll be the only one to say something, but there I was in a circle with 7th and 8th graders listening to their concerns brought forth before God. Real concerns that they and I prayed faithfully for.
I guess the moral of this story is to be bold in faith and pray as if someone else's life depends on it. Oh, and don't underestimate the depth of a screaming junior high schooler. There's more there than meets the ear ;0)
Friday night was the junior high lock-in at the church. we had twelve kids show up and let me tell you, junior high girls can scream.... loudly.... We talked a little about dreams ate some junk food and played a game of 'Christian' (if you haven't played, you definitely should try it) in which I almost killed a 7th grader by throwing her into a door, I swear it was an accident...
The thing about this retreat that made it all worth it for me was the service we did around candles in the sanctuary. It was all about dreams and sleep and God's presence with us at night.
We ended the service with a circle prayer in which we go around the circle and everyone adds a petition. I was struck first by the fact that every single person in the circle, not only prayed but prayed out loud for everyone to hear. I was moved by the depth of their caring for their friends and their families. So often I'll do this type of prayer with other groups and I'll start off and I'll be the only one to say something, but there I was in a circle with 7th and 8th graders listening to their concerns brought forth before God. Real concerns that they and I prayed faithfully for.
I guess the moral of this story is to be bold in faith and pray as if someone else's life depends on it. Oh, and don't underestimate the depth of a screaming junior high schooler. There's more there than meets the ear ;0)
Friday, October 26, 2007
First Blog Ever!
I've always thought that the idea of blogging was a good one. It's taken me a while to get to this point and maybe sometime in the future I'll have something interesting to say. So why Blog? There are a lot of you that I don't get to see anymore and I think this is a great way for us all to keep up on each other.
General Update on the life of Ian...
After moving back to the Garden State from the land of Buckeyes I started working for Disc Makers, which is a company that manufactures cd's and dvd's for independent artists. I met tons of cool people there and worked with very few famous people if any at all...
about 18 months later I realized that if one more religious nut musician yelled at me over the phone I was going to lose it. I couldn't deal with any more pimps or ho's being walked by their dogs or walking into work to find 1000 condoms on my desk for a new cd called 'Sex Wit U.'
So at some point during this time I was going through a period of discernment. I finally decided to quit my job and go back to school at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. I'm currently working towards a Master of Arts in Religion degree in Administration and Theology. So far I'm the only one in this particular program as it is a brand new offering. The admissions department and I are hoping to have a few more signed up by next fall so we can get some of the courses going.
I'm also working as the Youth and Family Ministries Coordinator at the church where I grew up in Marlton, NJ. My work there is rewarding and important. The biggest challenge is trying to help teenagers find their faith in a world that says it's not important. Just like adults, teenagers often make faith their last priority.
So enough about education and work. I was living in a tiny little apartment in Collingswood, NJ for a while which I loved. Collingswood is a great town and I lived right on the main drag, Haddon Avenue. I've since moved to the seminary in Mt. Airy, PA and I am loving it here as well. I've met a lot of great people here as well, friends that will be life-long. I also met my girlfriend Emily here. If today is the 26th of October then we've been together for almost 4 weeks. I know what you're all thinking... Wow she's still with him after 4 weeks? She must be blind or deaf. Well, doubting fellows, she is neither of those things and to my constant surprise she still likes me!
Ok, This class is about over so I leave you with no promise that I will ever blog again but I will say that this has proved to be enjoyable so far and I hope to keep it up.
Soli Deo Gloria! (yes, I stole that from Bach :-p)
General Update on the life of Ian...
After moving back to the Garden State from the land of Buckeyes I started working for Disc Makers, which is a company that manufactures cd's and dvd's for independent artists. I met tons of cool people there and worked with very few famous people if any at all...
about 18 months later I realized that if one more religious nut musician yelled at me over the phone I was going to lose it. I couldn't deal with any more pimps or ho's being walked by their dogs or walking into work to find 1000 condoms on my desk for a new cd called 'Sex Wit U.'
So at some point during this time I was going through a period of discernment. I finally decided to quit my job and go back to school at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. I'm currently working towards a Master of Arts in Religion degree in Administration and Theology. So far I'm the only one in this particular program as it is a brand new offering. The admissions department and I are hoping to have a few more signed up by next fall so we can get some of the courses going.
I'm also working as the Youth and Family Ministries Coordinator at the church where I grew up in Marlton, NJ. My work there is rewarding and important. The biggest challenge is trying to help teenagers find their faith in a world that says it's not important. Just like adults, teenagers often make faith their last priority.
So enough about education and work. I was living in a tiny little apartment in Collingswood, NJ for a while which I loved. Collingswood is a great town and I lived right on the main drag, Haddon Avenue. I've since moved to the seminary in Mt. Airy, PA and I am loving it here as well. I've met a lot of great people here as well, friends that will be life-long. I also met my girlfriend Emily here. If today is the 26th of October then we've been together for almost 4 weeks. I know what you're all thinking... Wow she's still with him after 4 weeks? She must be blind or deaf. Well, doubting fellows, she is neither of those things and to my constant surprise she still likes me!
Ok, This class is about over so I leave you with no promise that I will ever blog again but I will say that this has proved to be enjoyable so far and I hope to keep it up.
Soli Deo Gloria! (yes, I stole that from Bach :-p)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
