Currently Listening to: Jesus Paid It All::Passion
Tonight is my final night at Know Sweat. It's Wednesday which means its my favorite night. Afterwards our staff is going out for our weekly hangout for ice cream. This week I am voting for non-ice cream--a trip to Starbucks. I may even break away from the new status quo of Cafe Con Leche and go straight for the Frappucino.
Tomorrow morning I fly back to Springfield, travel back to Joplin, do a bunch of things, repack and fly out of Springfield the following morning. It will soon be Diego rock time.
I guess I have mixed emotions about tonight. It's been fun and I feel lame for bailing midway on a week. I'm excited for the unknown of Mexico as those experiences challenge me and I always love them (sometimes I admit it takes an after the fact reevaluation).
I realized I haven't posted much about the past few weeks of projects or anything. I am not quite sure why that is. It's not as though there aren't great things happening. I hope it's not a numb thing--I think its just a processing thing. I realized I should have been posting some pictures of stuff, that is my plan for next year. I think that will be a good idea.
Okay, so this post went nowhere. I had a plan when I sat down and I wimped out so you get a waste of time that even I acknowledge as such. I need to pack and head to a leader meeting. Then its worship where I am quite curious to see where things go.
Now Listening to: Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
One final request-wish me luck on the flight. When I packed I didn't really think about the whole having to get it on a plane thing. i think each of my bags is over 50 lbs. Not sure what's in there but its heavy. Oh, but I did get new sandals when I'm not wearing the chaco's. The flip style of crocs. They are as comfortable as Rector said they were. Hooray for comfort. Now its dinner time.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
What Exactly Did I Do Today?
Currently Listening To: Snow Patrol--Chasing Cars
I'm living with priests this week.
We're on a catholic campus and the housing got screwed up but I'm living with some priests--I think they are in another part of the building but it is old school over here. So old school they have internet. But seriously, my lamp has a plug that probably is older than at least me.
I spent 5 hours at the hospital today. Not because of anything bad. One of our interns dislocated her knee when we were in St. Louis and today we were trying to get her a new brace and crutches so she can make it through the last week. We were successful.
I also had a first time experience. I had to walk through a metal detector on my way into the Emergency room. When we first got in there were almost as many cops as people waiting. I think that's usually bad.
On the good side we only had to wait a little over 3 hours before we got called in. Then it was only almost 2 hours before the doctor came in. Other than that it was stellar. Stellar I say.
So this is the final week of the summer for this crew. They have done very well. I haven't said much about them but I personally couldn't ask for anything better from them. They have been very, very good people. I admire them because they're in a place I never was. I don't regret any of my life but man, its cool to see them at this point so young. I'm hoping at least one of them comes back again next summer. That would rock my face off.
So I guess that's it. I had some spiritual thoughts but I'm tired and I'll end up screwing them up which in and of itself isn't anything new, I'm just not in the mood to do it tonight.
One final note, I'm reading an amazing book borrowed from my bud bford--Flyboys. it's about WWII which is my favorite historical time period. It's a can't put down kind of thing. I highly recommmend it. So much so I put 3 m's in that word and am too lazy to go back and delete on. Dixie Chicks just came on my ipod so I need to go beat my head against the door in punishment and then I'm going to go find a priest and talk Da Vinci Code. Peace.
I'm living with priests this week.
We're on a catholic campus and the housing got screwed up but I'm living with some priests--I think they are in another part of the building but it is old school over here. So old school they have internet. But seriously, my lamp has a plug that probably is older than at least me.
I spent 5 hours at the hospital today. Not because of anything bad. One of our interns dislocated her knee when we were in St. Louis and today we were trying to get her a new brace and crutches so she can make it through the last week. We were successful.
I also had a first time experience. I had to walk through a metal detector on my way into the Emergency room. When we first got in there were almost as many cops as people waiting. I think that's usually bad.
On the good side we only had to wait a little over 3 hours before we got called in. Then it was only almost 2 hours before the doctor came in. Other than that it was stellar. Stellar I say.
So this is the final week of the summer for this crew. They have done very well. I haven't said much about them but I personally couldn't ask for anything better from them. They have been very, very good people. I admire them because they're in a place I never was. I don't regret any of my life but man, its cool to see them at this point so young. I'm hoping at least one of them comes back again next summer. That would rock my face off.
So I guess that's it. I had some spiritual thoughts but I'm tired and I'll end up screwing them up which in and of itself isn't anything new, I'm just not in the mood to do it tonight.
One final note, I'm reading an amazing book borrowed from my bud bford--Flyboys. it's about WWII which is my favorite historical time period. It's a can't put down kind of thing. I highly recommmend it. So much so I put 3 m's in that word and am too lazy to go back and delete on. Dixie Chicks just came on my ipod so I need to go beat my head against the door in punishment and then I'm going to go find a priest and talk Da Vinci Code. Peace.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Being Bald Is To My Advantage
It's Sunday.
This might be my favorite day of the summer (not including any when I was with my family).
It started with church. Since we're in Memphis we went and worshipped with a church we've been working with for the past few years. I've talked about them before and I don't remember what I've said but it was my first time to be there on Sunday morning. Their pastor-Pastor Jim-is a great man. So cool, so sharp and the church just gives me chills. Inner city, doing everything it can to reflect the city in which it has been placed and in my opinion, being blessed by God because it didn't run to the suburbs. It is the kind of church I'd want to work at if I ever went back to that kind of thing.
It took me a minute to figure out why I liked it so well and then I realized it was the smell. Let me explain...
On our way in from the parking lot I again realized that this was a different place. Since they are trying to reach the city and since they have/do preach a message of come as you are there was a group of guys out front getting their last smoke before heading in for worship. One of them I remembered from spring break. His name is Danny and he guarded the door for us. He's rough looking. Looks like a hell's angel dude but like so many of them has a soft heart. His story includes some major back pain and so he can't work like he could but wants to be a part of the Community and so he helps out any way he can. During greeting time, I went and re introduced myself to him and it was after that as we were singing some Waterdeep I realized my hand reaked, of cigarette. And it was beautiful. The place looks like a cross section of Memphis. Inter racial, suburban, urban, tattoo, a little old lady playing a hymn on the piano for offering, a dude in a suit, a dude that looks like a skinny Jerry Garcia, men hugging its beautiful. To me, it looked a little like heaven only here. Its just cool. I am sure they have their issues, the church isn't perfect becuase none of us is but its just refreshing to see.
After that was brunch as a restaurant called the Blue Monkey. I did a greek omelete which was a delight.
We did some preparation work in the afternoon and then headed to, in my opinion, the finest restaurant in Memphis. Celtic Crossing. It's an irish place with a.m.a.z.i.n.g food. I did the fish and chips but since I don't do fries anymore I did spuds and the salad with their house vinagrette loaded with feta. Did I mention the food is amazing? It is.
After that we headed to Starbucks for, yes, my new favorite Coffee con Leche with sugar in the raw. I've converted a couple more to the CCL faith. It's good stuff and worth the $2.35 for a grande. It was cold in Starbucks and nice outside so we sat in the bed of the truck and talked about this coming week. In the midst of that 2 different guys came up looking for change. Those moments are sacred to me for some reason. One story was solid, one was not but we gave some money to both. I like those moments like when I gave money to the guy in St. Louis on the 4th. I think those moments have God written all over them and I was proud of our crew for how they responded and the second one--his name was Star--had a funny assesment of everybody in our group. Some were right on, mine was not. I can't really post it here because it had a racially insensitive assesment in it but it was good for a laugh nonetheless.
So that is my Sunday. On Thursday I'll be back in Joplin for less that 24 hours to see my family. It will be good. Until then, I'll think about this day here. Hope your weekend was good.
Oh, and you should listen to Open My Eyes by Jeff Anderson. It is very good.
This might be my favorite day of the summer (not including any when I was with my family).
It started with church. Since we're in Memphis we went and worshipped with a church we've been working with for the past few years. I've talked about them before and I don't remember what I've said but it was my first time to be there on Sunday morning. Their pastor-Pastor Jim-is a great man. So cool, so sharp and the church just gives me chills. Inner city, doing everything it can to reflect the city in which it has been placed and in my opinion, being blessed by God because it didn't run to the suburbs. It is the kind of church I'd want to work at if I ever went back to that kind of thing.
It took me a minute to figure out why I liked it so well and then I realized it was the smell. Let me explain...
On our way in from the parking lot I again realized that this was a different place. Since they are trying to reach the city and since they have/do preach a message of come as you are there was a group of guys out front getting their last smoke before heading in for worship. One of them I remembered from spring break. His name is Danny and he guarded the door for us. He's rough looking. Looks like a hell's angel dude but like so many of them has a soft heart. His story includes some major back pain and so he can't work like he could but wants to be a part of the Community and so he helps out any way he can. During greeting time, I went and re introduced myself to him and it was after that as we were singing some Waterdeep I realized my hand reaked, of cigarette. And it was beautiful. The place looks like a cross section of Memphis. Inter racial, suburban, urban, tattoo, a little old lady playing a hymn on the piano for offering, a dude in a suit, a dude that looks like a skinny Jerry Garcia, men hugging its beautiful. To me, it looked a little like heaven only here. Its just cool. I am sure they have their issues, the church isn't perfect becuase none of us is but its just refreshing to see.
After that was brunch as a restaurant called the Blue Monkey. I did a greek omelete which was a delight.
We did some preparation work in the afternoon and then headed to, in my opinion, the finest restaurant in Memphis. Celtic Crossing. It's an irish place with a.m.a.z.i.n.g food. I did the fish and chips but since I don't do fries anymore I did spuds and the salad with their house vinagrette loaded with feta. Did I mention the food is amazing? It is.
After that we headed to Starbucks for, yes, my new favorite Coffee con Leche with sugar in the raw. I've converted a couple more to the CCL faith. It's good stuff and worth the $2.35 for a grande. It was cold in Starbucks and nice outside so we sat in the bed of the truck and talked about this coming week. In the midst of that 2 different guys came up looking for change. Those moments are sacred to me for some reason. One story was solid, one was not but we gave some money to both. I like those moments like when I gave money to the guy in St. Louis on the 4th. I think those moments have God written all over them and I was proud of our crew for how they responded and the second one--his name was Star--had a funny assesment of everybody in our group. Some were right on, mine was not. I can't really post it here because it had a racially insensitive assesment in it but it was good for a laugh nonetheless.
So that is my Sunday. On Thursday I'll be back in Joplin for less that 24 hours to see my family. It will be good. Until then, I'll think about this day here. Hope your weekend was good.
Oh, and you should listen to Open My Eyes by Jeff Anderson. It is very good.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Hooray
It's a Saturday night in Memphis.
I'm currently listening to: Snow Patrol
Yesterday we drove across the entire state of Tennessee. It takes forever. You should look at it on a map, its actually depressing you can drive that long and never leave the same state.
My observation: Almost half the cars broken down on the side of the road in Tennessee are Dodge Neons.
We had a good work day, saw some cool stuff, had a good talk with the interns and enjoyed Interstate BBQ-voted the #2 BBQ in the nation by People magazine. It was amazing. I've had it before but its always good--even better because they have amazing sweet tea.
Tonight we chilled at the mall-I bought a new wallet-then we got money orders at WalMart and finally topped the evening off with a trip to Starbucks where I beat one of the interns in checkers and enjoyed a conversation with my boy and Ang who went and saw Cars today.
The assessment from Carter about Cars: "It's really, really funny."
I also enjoyed my new favorite Starbucks drink: Iced Coffee Con Leche (with 3 sugars in the raw). It is really amazing and I think I may be the only person ordering it since the barista always stands frozen and confused for a moment.
I guess that's about it. About the only bad thing of the day was when we were leaving lunch and I watched a dad take his kid out of Interstate and proceed to beat the sin out of him with a belt. It was honestly one of those moments where you get angry and then sick to your stomach. I was grateful to go look at some projects and get our thoughts on something else. On a good note we are going to have some great projects this week. It's my final week stateside for the summer and I'll be flying back to Joplin on Thursday to change gears and head to San Diego on Friday.
On the agenda: In N Out
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Do You Ever Wonder If Anyone Reads Your Blog?
Another good day of work. It is pretty hot here but honestly doesn't feel that bad and no I wasn't riding around in an air conditioned truck all day today--I had the windows down.
I do think I'm beginning to go through a mid life crisis or something though. I've been extremely bothered lately that my arms are incredibly hairy. I also have added more to my list of things I won't touch this year (no pop for a year). I will now finish the year with no chips and no fries.
On another side note I am again consumed with my weight.
I think I have a brain blockage or something. I can't speak right half the time, I'm beginning to forget things and right now I'm sitting here trying to figure out if I sent an email last night or not. I know, your email tells you these things but mine doesn't when I'm on the road.
I have poision oak. for the second time this summer. Only 2 spots and they are small so let's hope it doesn't spread.
I saw the coolest shirt today. A girl was wearing it at breakfast and I immediately wanted one. It was red and in bold letters simply said TREEHUGGER There was a website but the shirt is not currently for sale. My day was ruined.
On a side note I tried sweet tea at Pal's today-a place Ang loved when she was here. It was delicious. To be honest I actually got the peach tea becuase I heard the normal tasted like urine. Sweet urine is actually how it was described to me.I also drank a Starbucks double shot today. The peach tea is actually called Peachie Tea but I refused to compromise my manhood and call it that. I simply called it peach tea and the lady said "you mean peachie tea" and I responded with a Christlike "whatever". It was 32 oz of bliss that cost me 78 cents. It tasted a lot like peachie O's which is my favorite gummy candy so it was a win.
I guess that's all for today. Enjoy your wednesday which, don't forget dear faithful reader, is my favorite day of the Renovate theme.
One final side note, I was told that bojangles chicken is better that popeyes. I have only had popeyes but had to disagree. Hooray for greaazy jicken and bizcuts. Peace and I am out.
I do think I'm beginning to go through a mid life crisis or something though. I've been extremely bothered lately that my arms are incredibly hairy. I also have added more to my list of things I won't touch this year (no pop for a year). I will now finish the year with no chips and no fries.
On another side note I am again consumed with my weight.
I think I have a brain blockage or something. I can't speak right half the time, I'm beginning to forget things and right now I'm sitting here trying to figure out if I sent an email last night or not. I know, your email tells you these things but mine doesn't when I'm on the road.
I have poision oak. for the second time this summer. Only 2 spots and they are small so let's hope it doesn't spread.
I saw the coolest shirt today. A girl was wearing it at breakfast and I immediately wanted one. It was red and in bold letters simply said TREEHUGGER There was a website but the shirt is not currently for sale. My day was ruined.
On a side note I tried sweet tea at Pal's today-a place Ang loved when she was here. It was delicious. To be honest I actually got the peach tea becuase I heard the normal tasted like urine. Sweet urine is actually how it was described to me.I also drank a Starbucks double shot today. The peach tea is actually called Peachie Tea but I refused to compromise my manhood and call it that. I simply called it peach tea and the lady said "you mean peachie tea" and I responded with a Christlike "whatever". It was 32 oz of bliss that cost me 78 cents. It tasted a lot like peachie O's which is my favorite gummy candy so it was a win.
I guess that's all for today. Enjoy your wednesday which, don't forget dear faithful reader, is my favorite day of the Renovate theme.
One final side note, I was told that bojangles chicken is better that popeyes. I have only had popeyes but had to disagree. Hooray for greaazy jicken and bizcuts. Peace and I am out.
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