I know I just posted, but I wanted to post again one more before I left.
This week is Trixie camp!!!!! And since I missed last years due to my appendix deciding to rupture, I'm really looking forward to it. Plus, I could use the chance to get away from everything going on here.
Even more exciting, I got a digital camera. That's right, I've bought another piece of modern technology. So I'll get to play around with it lots while I'm there.
And we're going to Niagara Falls. I've been there once, but it was seven years ago, so I'm looking forward to going.
What I'm not looking foward to is the plane ride there. I leave at midnight. At least I've got good company since I will be traveling with Angelique.
But right now, I need to finish work for the day, then head home and pack.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
And the Youth
This should finally catch you up on the big events on my life this month.
Two weeks ago, I was asked to step down from working with the youth. The reason I was given was that I was showing I wasn't as committed as I should have been. I was tired of doing it. And the youth weren't responding to me as well. So it was time for me to move on to another ministry.
Needless to say, that made for a very emotional week. Despite the fact that I was trying to submit to the leadership on this, my heart was crying out it wasn't true. I think I went through all the signs of mourning in the next couple days. Yes, that does include anger. And there were lots of almost tears. Heck, I lost it at one point because I couldn't find a bank statement. And I hadn't even finished searching yet.
When I told the kids that Sunday, they were shocked. I actually heard a couple gasps. And I've had lots of them tell me how much they will miss me. That and the hugs really help. Not that it's any easier.
I was beginning to get to the place where I was trusting God with the decision. I knew He would show me what I was to do next. And if this wasn't what He had for me, He'd show our youth pastor.
But then some other things started happening that have made me question what is really going on.
And I know this is horrid of me, but I am not going to get into the details. It would be speculation, gossip, and hearsay at this point. But my speculations have really hurt me. There are some people I will never view the same way after all this.
Needless to say, it has been a rough month. But you know what? God is still God. He has a purpose in all this, even if it is just to teach me to trust Him more. When will I learn this lesson?
Two weeks ago, I was asked to step down from working with the youth. The reason I was given was that I was showing I wasn't as committed as I should have been. I was tired of doing it. And the youth weren't responding to me as well. So it was time for me to move on to another ministry.
Needless to say, that made for a very emotional week. Despite the fact that I was trying to submit to the leadership on this, my heart was crying out it wasn't true. I think I went through all the signs of mourning in the next couple days. Yes, that does include anger. And there were lots of almost tears. Heck, I lost it at one point because I couldn't find a bank statement. And I hadn't even finished searching yet.
When I told the kids that Sunday, they were shocked. I actually heard a couple gasps. And I've had lots of them tell me how much they will miss me. That and the hugs really help. Not that it's any easier.
I was beginning to get to the place where I was trusting God with the decision. I knew He would show me what I was to do next. And if this wasn't what He had for me, He'd show our youth pastor.
But then some other things started happening that have made me question what is really going on.
And I know this is horrid of me, but I am not going to get into the details. It would be speculation, gossip, and hearsay at this point. But my speculations have really hurt me. There are some people I will never view the same way after all this.
Needless to say, it has been a rough month. But you know what? God is still God. He has a purpose in all this, even if it is just to teach me to trust Him more. When will I learn this lesson?
Monday, August 27, 2007
Parental Visit
Part two in my catch up posts.
Two weekends ago, my parents came for a visit. And we had a great time.
They actually arrived in town Thursday night, but they got here late and I went to youth group. However, they called me to get the phone number of the place they normally stay. They were at a trailer park they'd stayed at before. We remembered liking it, but they sure didn't like it this time.
Fortunately, they were able to get into the usual place after all, so they moved Friday.
And I took off work early Friday. Unfortunately, we spent some of that time setting up camp at the new park. But still.
Friday night, we went to see Beauty and the Beast. The local theater company was putting on the Disney Broadway version. I had managed to get us front row seats. They were great, and so was the play. I can't wait to see it next month with Angelique when Glendale Centre Theatre does it.
Saturday, I took them down to Santa Monica. I go down there all the time, but never with them. We walked around on the Boardwalk then down the path for a while. It was a tad too cold for Mom, but I thought it was a great day.
Sunday, we went to church in the morning. Then we took Jason and Kristen out for lunch. Who are they? My mom's counsin's grandson and his new wife. They go to my church. I don't know them too well, but it was a nice time. Then we went back to the condo and hung out for the rest of the day.
I gave Dad his birthday present while they were here. That was a mistake. I gave him a Mexican Train Dominoes set. And Mom keeps winning. She won almost every game we played, and we played lots. I keep saying I will find something to give Dad for Mom's birthday.
Two weekends ago, my parents came for a visit. And we had a great time.
They actually arrived in town Thursday night, but they got here late and I went to youth group. However, they called me to get the phone number of the place they normally stay. They were at a trailer park they'd stayed at before. We remembered liking it, but they sure didn't like it this time.
Fortunately, they were able to get into the usual place after all, so they moved Friday.
And I took off work early Friday. Unfortunately, we spent some of that time setting up camp at the new park. But still.
Friday night, we went to see Beauty and the Beast. The local theater company was putting on the Disney Broadway version. I had managed to get us front row seats. They were great, and so was the play. I can't wait to see it next month with Angelique when Glendale Centre Theatre does it.
Saturday, I took them down to Santa Monica. I go down there all the time, but never with them. We walked around on the Boardwalk then down the path for a while. It was a tad too cold for Mom, but I thought it was a great day.
Sunday, we went to church in the morning. Then we took Jason and Kristen out for lunch. Who are they? My mom's counsin's grandson and his new wife. They go to my church. I don't know them too well, but it was a nice time. Then we went back to the condo and hung out for the rest of the day.
I gave Dad his birthday present while they were here. That was a mistake. I gave him a Mexican Train Dominoes set. And Mom keeps winning. She won almost every game we played, and we played lots. I keep saying I will find something to give Dad for Mom's birthday.
Friday, August 24, 2007
End of Summer League
Fortunately, just for this year.
I am so far behind I think I'll take several posts to catch up. And the first of these will be devoted to the end of summer league for the year. Unfortunately, it wasn't pretty for team Tan.
We actually did win our game on the 7th. I don't remember the score, but I do remember it was close.
Our game the 13th was at a different park. This one was in Santa Monica, so it was a little further away. Unfortunately, we only had lights on half the field and a corner of one goal was in a baseball diamond.
The other team only had two women show up. According to league rules, that means they could only have six players on the field as opposed to our seven. Easy win, right? Wrong!
They played zone defense on us most of the night, so that advantage was pretty much squashed. We started out behind and never really caught up. Finaly score was 11-15.
On the plus side, I did score a goal, which was something I wanted to do this year.
On the down side, I learned just how much I hate the new pick rule. See, in ultimate, if a defender is blocked from keeping up with their man, they call "pick" and play is supposed to stop so they can catch up. However, they've changed the rules so that, if the disc is thrown, play stops where disc is caught instead of going back to the thrower. Guess who was picked right before a score? Yep. Even though it wasn't my guy who scored, when the thrower said "I heard him call pick before I threw it" that kinda means who violated the spirit of the new rule, you know?
Last Saturday was the tournament. Because of our loss Monday, we had to show up for a 9 AM game. The tourney was down in San Pedro, about an hour south. And near the coast by Long Beach. I had hopes it would be cooler then the tournament usually is. It wasn't. In fact, it was just as hot as normal.
Our first game was against team black, the team that hadn't won a thing all year. We barely beat them.
Then game a fight against team purple. We made them work for it, but we got elemenated when they beat us. The upside of that game? I got a solid D. Not the wimpy thing like early in the season. They threw it long to the man I was guarding. I was close enough that I had time to get into position and swat it down before it got to him. I was so happy with that. Of course, I threw it away twice later in the game, but still.
We then fought Team Yellow again in the consolation round. Since we lost to them Monday night, we were out for blood. Or some of us were. Most of the team really didn't seem to care. I played hard, but we lost big time to them.
I debated leaving at this point. It was mid afternoon. But I decided to stay and watch the finals and go to the party. The finals was actually rather boring. Team Green beat Team Brown without much effort. I think it was 15-5 or something like that.
But the party was nice. It was at an Acapulco restaurant at the harbor. We were on the patio right on the water. Granted, it's a shipping harbor, so the view wasn't spectacular, but it was still nice. And the food was delicious. Better then we've had the last few years.
I stayed later then I planned. Not that I let that stop me from a little detour to Downtown Disney to buy more pins. I've got to stop this. Maybe after next month's releases....
I got home around midnight completely exhausted and sunburned. But it was a great day. I was just glad the Dodger's game went into overtime since I would have been driving right by Dodger Statum about the time it got out otherwise. And yes, I listened to the game on the radio. Shocking, isn't it?
I am so far behind I think I'll take several posts to catch up. And the first of these will be devoted to the end of summer league for the year. Unfortunately, it wasn't pretty for team Tan.
We actually did win our game on the 7th. I don't remember the score, but I do remember it was close.
Our game the 13th was at a different park. This one was in Santa Monica, so it was a little further away. Unfortunately, we only had lights on half the field and a corner of one goal was in a baseball diamond.
The other team only had two women show up. According to league rules, that means they could only have six players on the field as opposed to our seven. Easy win, right? Wrong!
They played zone defense on us most of the night, so that advantage was pretty much squashed. We started out behind and never really caught up. Finaly score was 11-15.
On the plus side, I did score a goal, which was something I wanted to do this year.
On the down side, I learned just how much I hate the new pick rule. See, in ultimate, if a defender is blocked from keeping up with their man, they call "pick" and play is supposed to stop so they can catch up. However, they've changed the rules so that, if the disc is thrown, play stops where disc is caught instead of going back to the thrower. Guess who was picked right before a score? Yep. Even though it wasn't my guy who scored, when the thrower said "I heard him call pick before I threw it" that kinda means who violated the spirit of the new rule, you know?
Last Saturday was the tournament. Because of our loss Monday, we had to show up for a 9 AM game. The tourney was down in San Pedro, about an hour south. And near the coast by Long Beach. I had hopes it would be cooler then the tournament usually is. It wasn't. In fact, it was just as hot as normal.
Our first game was against team black, the team that hadn't won a thing all year. We barely beat them.
Then game a fight against team purple. We made them work for it, but we got elemenated when they beat us. The upside of that game? I got a solid D. Not the wimpy thing like early in the season. They threw it long to the man I was guarding. I was close enough that I had time to get into position and swat it down before it got to him. I was so happy with that. Of course, I threw it away twice later in the game, but still.
We then fought Team Yellow again in the consolation round. Since we lost to them Monday night, we were out for blood. Or some of us were. Most of the team really didn't seem to care. I played hard, but we lost big time to them.
I debated leaving at this point. It was mid afternoon. But I decided to stay and watch the finals and go to the party. The finals was actually rather boring. Team Green beat Team Brown without much effort. I think it was 15-5 or something like that.
But the party was nice. It was at an Acapulco restaurant at the harbor. We were on the patio right on the water. Granted, it's a shipping harbor, so the view wasn't spectacular, but it was still nice. And the food was delicious. Better then we've had the last few years.
I stayed later then I planned. Not that I let that stop me from a little detour to Downtown Disney to buy more pins. I've got to stop this. Maybe after next month's releases....
I got home around midnight completely exhausted and sunburned. But it was a great day. I was just glad the Dodger's game went into overtime since I would have been driving right by Dodger Statum about the time it got out otherwise. And yes, I listened to the game on the radio. Shocking, isn't it?
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Thursday Threesome for August 23rd
Another week, another TT.
Brought to us this week by Math teachers (good ones in lower math classes anyway) and The Back Porch.
Onesome: Calculators-- and such: are you good with numbers? Do you have a calculator built in? ...or does the presence of a second column demand some help from something electronic?
I can't add stuff in my head. Never have and probably never will. I am pretty good if I have pencil and paper to do it manually. And, of course, I can use a calculator or adding machine like nobody's business. I am an accountant after all.
Twosome: may not be-- where you left them. Hmmm... What have you misplaced lately? You know: the item you are flat positive you left in one spot but somehow mysteriously migrated to another!
The only thing mysteriously missing at the moment is a book I loaned my boss. He thinks he gave it back, but I can't find it.
Threesome: Used-- cars? When you buy, do you buy new? ...or do you go for those with a few thousand miles on them?
I was given two used cars before I bought one new. I don't know what I'd do next. Depends on finances, offers, things like that.
Brought to us this week by Math teachers (good ones in lower math classes anyway) and The Back Porch.
Onesome: Calculators-- and such: are you good with numbers? Do you have a calculator built in? ...or does the presence of a second column demand some help from something electronic?
I can't add stuff in my head. Never have and probably never will. I am pretty good if I have pencil and paper to do it manually. And, of course, I can use a calculator or adding machine like nobody's business. I am an accountant after all.
Twosome: may not be-- where you left them. Hmmm... What have you misplaced lately? You know: the item you are flat positive you left in one spot but somehow mysteriously migrated to another!
The only thing mysteriously missing at the moment is a book I loaned my boss. He thinks he gave it back, but I can't find it.
Threesome: Used-- cars? When you buy, do you buy new? ...or do you go for those with a few thousand miles on them?
I was given two used cars before I bought one new. I don't know what I'd do next. Depends on finances, offers, things like that.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Thursday Threesome for August 16th
This week's edition is brought to us by restaurants and The Back Porch.
Onesome: Going out-- means what? Deal with this and plan that and...? ...or can you just leave and hit it ... where? Hmmm... Where is "out" for you?
Well, going out usually means planning and work. I am very seldom spontaneous. Even when I am, I usually have to grab something or finish something first.
Where is out? Anywhere outside the condo complex, really.
Twosome: "...to-- the dogs?" Is that just a strange expression? ...or do you 'get' it? What's the most curious expression you've heard or you use and others don't 'get'?
Honestly, I think I get that expression, but I'm not sure. There are lots of things I say people don't get. They're family sayings that, even having lived away from them for so long, I say without thinking. I either explain or just deal with the strange looks.
Threesome: Dinner-- bells and chuck wagon triangles: what sound means food to you? Okay, okay, sure, the ice cream truck counts!
I really don't have a sound that means food to me, not even the microwave. However, I've got a great story about the ice cream man.
When I was really young, I thought that it was the music man. He'd come through the neighborhood and play music. My parents didn't correct me because they didn't want to deal with me begging for ice cream. One evening, a nieghbor my age spilled the beans. However, to this day, I have never bought ice cream from the ice cream man.
Onesome: Going out-- means what? Deal with this and plan that and...? ...or can you just leave and hit it ... where? Hmmm... Where is "out" for you?
Well, going out usually means planning and work. I am very seldom spontaneous. Even when I am, I usually have to grab something or finish something first.
Where is out? Anywhere outside the condo complex, really.
Twosome: "...to-- the dogs?" Is that just a strange expression? ...or do you 'get' it? What's the most curious expression you've heard or you use and others don't 'get'?
Honestly, I think I get that expression, but I'm not sure. There are lots of things I say people don't get. They're family sayings that, even having lived away from them for so long, I say without thinking. I either explain or just deal with the strange looks.
Threesome: Dinner-- bells and chuck wagon triangles: what sound means food to you? Okay, okay, sure, the ice cream truck counts
I really don't have a sound that means food to me, not even the microwave. However, I've got a great story about the ice cream man.
When I was really young, I thought that it was the music man. He'd come through the neighborhood and play music. My parents didn't correct me because they didn't want to deal with me begging for ice cream. One evening, a nieghbor my age spilled the beans. However, to this day, I have never bought ice cream from the ice cream man.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Thursday Threesome for August 9th
Welcome to this week's edition, brought to us by pool supply stores and The Back Porch.
Onesome: Swimming-- along? Do you swim? Can you swim? Do you like to swim? Do you have a place to swim? I'm drowning in questions here!
Then let me throw you a lifeline by answer some of them. I swim. In fact, I love to swim. And I love the fact that my condo complex has five pools. The fact that I couldn't swim last year killed me. But Clint and I have made up for it this year.
Twosome: Pool--? ...or billiards? Have you played either one? ...or would you like to learn?
I've played pool but never billiards. Not that I'm good at pool. Still, I wouldn't mind learning billiards. Seems like it could be fun.
Threesome: Pump--ing iron: is that in your reps? ...or does the thought of that style of working out just do you in? Inquiring minds and all that...
At times I have worked out in the fitness center at work, but I haven't really done that for the better part of a year.
Onesome: Swimming-- along? Do you swim? Can you swim? Do you like to swim? Do you have a place to swim? I'm drowning in questions here
Then let me throw you a lifeline by answer some of them. I swim. In fact, I love to swim. And I love the fact that my condo complex has five pools. The fact that I couldn't swim last year killed me. But Clint and I have made up for it this year.
Twosome: Pool--? ...or billiards? Have you played either one? ...or would you like to learn?
I've played pool but never billiards. Not that I'm good at pool. Still, I wouldn't mind learning billiards. Seems like it could be fun.
Threesome: Pump--ing iron: is that in your reps? ...or does the thought of that style of working out just do you in? Inquiring minds and all that...
At times I have worked out in the fitness center at work, but I haven't really done that for the better part of a year.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Playing Catch Up Again
Wow, can't believe I've let two weeks slide between life blogs.
Especially since not that much exciting is happening right now.
Let's see, I've finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I thought it had some flaws, mainly the same as the previous books, ie. the length. But overall I enjoyed it.
A week and a half ago, I went to a book signing for Her Royal Spyness, the first in a new series by Rhys Bowen. I finished the book yesterday and really enjoyed it.
And I went to see two movies this weekend, Bourne Ultimatum and Underdog.
First up was Bourne Ultimatum Friday night. I went to the late show with both my roommates. We all enjoyed it, they more then me. I let the shakey camera work get in the way of completely loving it, but that was really the only flaw. Made it worth watching the first two to get to see that one.
Then Saturday, I went to a matinee of Underdog. I couldn't decide if I would enjoy it or not based on the previews. One time I thought I would, the next I wouldn't. Which means the movie pretty much met my expectations I guess. I was okay, but nothing that great.
And as long as we're talking about pop culture (which pretty much seems to be all I am talking about right now), I also watched the new Babylon 5: Lost Tales DVD. I really enjoyed it, too. It was nice to be back in that universe. Yes, I wish that more of the characters had been there. But considering how disappointing the movies often were, this one was quite good.
So what else has been going on.
Last week's Bible study was different. We were low on staff and youth, so we took them to Starbucks, hung out, and played a game. We would have a group of three were one person would tell a true story about themselves and the other two would have to lie. I was the truth teller, and no one believed my story, either.
Then there was my ultimate game last night. We lost again, although this time we managed to get 7 points before they got 15. Tonight's this week's game.
And speaking of ultimate, I went down to play on the beach in Santa Monica Sunday. Clint came along, too, and I think he regretted that because he was ready to go long before I was. By the time I took a quick dip afterward, we were there for three hours. It was a little windy, but the temperature was very pleasant.
Speaking of which, it's cooled off here. Only in the high 80's or low 90's. While I like hot weather in the summer, my electric bill was so high this month I'm not really complaining.
Especially since not that much exciting is happening right now.
Let's see, I've finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I thought it had some flaws, mainly the same as the previous books, ie. the length. But overall I enjoyed it.
A week and a half ago, I went to a book signing for Her Royal Spyness, the first in a new series by Rhys Bowen. I finished the book yesterday and really enjoyed it.
And I went to see two movies this weekend, Bourne Ultimatum and Underdog.
First up was Bourne Ultimatum Friday night. I went to the late show with both my roommates. We all enjoyed it, they more then me. I let the shakey camera work get in the way of completely loving it, but that was really the only flaw. Made it worth watching the first two to get to see that one.
Then Saturday, I went to a matinee of Underdog. I couldn't decide if I would enjoy it or not based on the previews. One time I thought I would, the next I wouldn't. Which means the movie pretty much met my expectations I guess. I was okay, but nothing that great.
And as long as we're talking about pop culture (which pretty much seems to be all I am talking about right now), I also watched the new Babylon 5: Lost Tales DVD. I really enjoyed it, too. It was nice to be back in that universe. Yes, I wish that more of the characters had been there. But considering how disappointing the movies often were, this one was quite good.
So what else has been going on.
Last week's Bible study was different. We were low on staff and youth, so we took them to Starbucks, hung out, and played a game. We would have a group of three were one person would tell a true story about themselves and the other two would have to lie. I was the truth teller, and no one believed my story, either.
Then there was my ultimate game last night. We lost again, although this time we managed to get 7 points before they got 15. Tonight's this week's game.
And speaking of ultimate, I went down to play on the beach in Santa Monica Sunday. Clint came along, too, and I think he regretted that because he was ready to go long before I was. By the time I took a quick dip afterward, we were there for three hours. It was a little windy, but the temperature was very pleasant.
Speaking of which, it's cooled off here. Only in the high 80's or low 90's. While I like hot weather in the summer, my electric bill was so high this month I'm not really complaining.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Thursday Threesome for August 2nd
This week's Thursday Threesome is brought to us by something I don't do consistantly and The Back Porch.
Onesome: Writing-- on the web: Do you consider yourself a writer, in that you provide a narrative of some sort? ...or a responder, wherein you primarily work the meme circuit?
This is about the only meme I do anymore. At least consistantly. Yet I seem to be becoming a sporatic blogger as well. So both, but not as often as I used to.
Twosome: your-- place: did you do your own design? ...or did you pick out something from the established templates?
I'm just using one of Blogger's templates. I can't code to save my life, so I wouldn't try one on my own. But I like this one, so it's not a big deal.
Threesome: Blog-- this! What's your favorite type of thing to run across that you just can't wait to get to the computer to post? Photos count, but for the photobloggers (like Laurie and me), what is it that you just know you won't be able to hold on to for even a day?
Some major good news of some kind.
Onesome: Writing-- on the web: Do you consider yourself a writer, in that you provide a narrative of some sort? ...or a responder, wherein you primarily work the meme circuit?
This is about the only meme I do anymore. At least consistantly. Yet I seem to be becoming a sporatic blogger as well. So both, but not as often as I used to.
Twosome: your-- place: did you do your own design? ...or did you pick out something from the established templates?
I'm just using one of Blogger's templates. I can't code to save my life, so I wouldn't try one on my own. But I like this one, so it's not a big deal.
Threesome: Blog-- this! What's your favorite type of thing to run across that you just can't wait to get to the computer to post? Photos count, but for the photobloggers (like Laurie and me), what is it that you just know you won't be able to hold on to for even a day?
Some major good news of some kind.
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