I'm sitting here in my bedroom/office with the radio playing college basketball, the East Tennessee State Buccaneers and the Wofford Terriers playing for the Southern Conference championship. Rags is sitting here beside me, occasionally editing and sometimes interrupting to get pets. Tortoiseshell cats are demanding assistants.
Just about finished reading a collection of sports journalism, an unpleasantly battered ARC copy from Thriftbooks' sale last week. There's some good stuff in there, though overall it was disappointing. Among them a 2002 Bill Plaschke column from the Los Angeles Times titled "Her Blue Haven." It's about a semi-paralyzed woman with cerebral palsy who can't talk and lives in the sticks of central Texas, yet who obsessively kept a Dodgers team blog that had only a handful of readers. One of those well-written features that leaves you staring into space for a while afterwards.
Only watched two movies so far this year, one a documentary about the Oklahoma City bombing (very informative and complicated), the other a dreadfully dull Harrison Ford spy movie called Patriot Games. Finally canceled my Netflix this morning - didn't seem like it was worthwhile any longer.
I might reactivate it for a bit when the second half of the final season of Fuller House drops, or maybe just borrow someone else's. It's been really nice to go through Full House from beginning to end - the Tanner household is a calming one well worth visiting more often.
The final trailer for Black Widow dropped this morning, and it looks fantastic. Mentally prepping a reaction piece for Bam Smack Pow.at the moment while procrastinating. (I needed to get back into blogging anyway.)
I'm not quite sure where it will go, but it definitely has to do with the concept of improvised family. Natasha Romanoff needs that more than anyone else in the MCU not named the Guardians of the Galaxy. And doesn't everyone, when you stop and think about it?
Without Jessica and Amanda I'm not sure I'd have been able to get through college. They say the same for me about high school and college. They're pretty great adopted sisters, and I'm lucky I met them.
Heard from Ashland the other day, it was great to catch up. Still trying to figure out a way to get up to Springfield for her graduation.
This keyboard doesn't quite work as well as the previous one, and the laptop is on its last legs, but for now it's still working, which is a very good thing.
Thinking of getting a Nintendo Switch Lite, which is about four generations more advanced than the Game Boy Advance. I've heard good things about the Animal Crossing series, the newest of which drops next week or so. Supposed to be kind of like Webkinz, which is a very important role that needs to be filled. Another game I've heard good things about is Rocket League, which is soccer played by cars. That sounds just ridiculous enough to be amazing. And there's Mario Kart, of course.
The Terriers Wofford is nicknamed after are Boston Terriers, the guy who founded the small private school in the western part of South Carolina used to breed them or something.
Things are going well right now in the world of dog writing - decided to leap into covering Crufts, England's premiere dog event of the year, and that's gone well so far with pageviews. Several in-depth stories in the works for later this week at Dog O'Day, and a few days ago we broke the airdate times of the Beverly Hills Dog Show telecast in early April.
Will it matter next November which of these teams won this game? For almost everyone, no. I'll forget who won the NCAA Tournament by June. But for some of those students at ETSU and Wofford, this season will always have a special place in their memories. because of the personal associations, and there's probably some fans with special needs out there that keep up with the teams because it inspires them to keep going through the day.
That's why sports can be so important sometimes, their cathedrals of play so magical. It's easy to forget that. On the other hand, it can also be easy to get sucked in and assume that they're everything, which is why I could never make a living writing about them all the time - I don't care enough. Yeah, I have the knowledge to be decent at it, but burnout hits hard when you're working on empty.
The 2020 NASCAR season is about a month old, and my mental health has been a lot better not covering it. Sure, I miss working with everyone at Frontstretch, but it's been nice to step away for a while.
Ryan Newman's wreck in the Daytona 500 was terrifying. I thought I was watching the first fatality since Dale Earnhardt hit the wall in 2001. (I was watching in Grandpa's living room, and in the same place five months later on 9/11.)
It's unbelievable that Newman is still alive and left the hospital 48 hours later, and further proof that racers are insane.
Caleb's still in Mexico, things have been awfully quiet around the house without him. Courtney's really busy with clinicals. Trevor's prepping for his competitions this summer, and Amy's learning how to read and write some. Thus ends the sibling update.
East Tennessee State won the game. Peaceful nights are welcome.
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Monday, March 9, 2020
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Today's Events
According to Facebook, six years ago on this day I X-rayed Robbie's elderly cat Tigger after the dogs roughed her up. That was a strange night.
Two years ago on this day in Pop Market we wrote inclass flashfiction plays and cold-read our way through them. In mine, a couple finally had to put down their sick dog. In another, I played a grandmother with dementia. (That was kinda fun.)
Last year on this day, my play Texaco Mornings was being performed by RSU Theater, and Ashland came down to see it. That was a good weekend.
Today Mom and I went to go see Captain Marvel, which was very good. Maybe the best origin story the MCU has had, Carol Danvers is now one of my favorite MCU characters.
Two years ago on this day in Pop Market we wrote inclass flashfiction plays and cold-read our way through them. In mine, a couple finally had to put down their sick dog. In another, I played a grandmother with dementia. (That was kinda fun.)
Last year on this day, my play Texaco Mornings was being performed by RSU Theater, and Ashland came down to see it. That was a good weekend.
Today Mom and I went to go see Captain Marvel, which was very good. Maybe the best origin story the MCU has had, Carol Danvers is now one of my favorite MCU characters.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
December Monday
Yesterday didn't go very well.
It was a typical weekend, and then Sunday night the power shut off unexpectedly, which of course kind of freaked me out a little (I don't like darkness all that much). Then it flipped back on about half an hour later, but, being December, we were a little wary of the surge melting everything again. So I didn't get but about four hours sleep, and that was interrupted by bolting awake for no reason.
All the inside cats and outside dogs were fighting all morning long.
There was a problem with WordPress that locked about half the Frontstretch writing staff out, including me, and I had a thousand-word review of Kurt Busch's season due that night .So after trying for most of the day to get into WP, I finally just started writing it as a Word doc and emailed it to the editors.
Still, it got better - Jessica was bored one day and decided to mail a letter, which was nice, as it came in yesterday's mail. And then we went to the library, hadn't been for a couple months, so it was good to be back. Saw Mrs. Jackson, as her theater troupe was performing at the Christmas Open House event in the basement.
It was a typical weekend, and then Sunday night the power shut off unexpectedly, which of course kind of freaked me out a little (I don't like darkness all that much). Then it flipped back on about half an hour later, but, being December, we were a little wary of the surge melting everything again. So I didn't get but about four hours sleep, and that was interrupted by bolting awake for no reason.
All the inside cats and outside dogs were fighting all morning long.
There was a problem with WordPress that locked about half the Frontstretch writing staff out, including me, and I had a thousand-word review of Kurt Busch's season due that night .So after trying for most of the day to get into WP, I finally just started writing it as a Word doc and emailed it to the editors.
Still, it got better - Jessica was bored one day and decided to mail a letter, which was nice, as it came in yesterday's mail. And then we went to the library, hadn't been for a couple months, so it was good to be back. Saw Mrs. Jackson, as her theater troupe was performing at the Christmas Open House event in the basement.
Saturday, November 24, 2018
An Appreciation of Friends Post
Over the last couple days it's struck me again that friendships are something to be treasured. Part of that is probably because Courtney was home for Thanksgiving, and your siblings can be friends, too, right?
Also Caleb just got back from Mexico, seeing people he knows down there, and then Mattie shot his senior pictures this afternoon, which turned out really well.
Daniel's daughter Grace arrived safely yesterday morning, really happy for him and Chrissy, they'll be fantastic parents. His sister Emily also just announced that she's pregnant, which is also cool. And Amanda's son Hayden was born last month, meaning that I now have a nephew.
According to Facebook, it was nine years ago today that Ashland and I became FB friends, so it was neat to see the video that they compiled for the "friendaversary" (which is a stupid made-up non-word). "It feels like we've known each other for forever," she said, and it really does.
It was a little over ten years ago that I met them at camp the first time.
Mini Parks and Rec marathon tonight with Caleb and Courtney, which was sort of like visiting friends again; not sure how I would've gotten through that first semester at RSU without the folks from Pawnee. Also, it was a way to keep in touch with NSU BCM friends.
The first teaser trailers for Toy Story 4 released earlier this week/late last week, and of course Woody, Buzz and the rest were movie-friends I've known basically my entire life. I'm not sure whether I like the idea of a fourth movie, the trilogy wrapped things up so nicely, but I'll watch it. Anyway, "You've Got a Friend in Me" has been stuck in my head all day today, which is always pleasant.
The sequel to Wreck-It Ralph, Ralph Breaks the Internet, opened a few days ago, it looks really good. Ralph and Vanellope make a great team.
Also Caleb just got back from Mexico, seeing people he knows down there, and then Mattie shot his senior pictures this afternoon, which turned out really well.
Daniel's daughter Grace arrived safely yesterday morning, really happy for him and Chrissy, they'll be fantastic parents. His sister Emily also just announced that she's pregnant, which is also cool. And Amanda's son Hayden was born last month, meaning that I now have a nephew.
According to Facebook, it was nine years ago today that Ashland and I became FB friends, so it was neat to see the video that they compiled for the "friendaversary" (which is a stupid made-up non-word). "It feels like we've known each other for forever," she said, and it really does.
It was a little over ten years ago that I met them at camp the first time.
Mini Parks and Rec marathon tonight with Caleb and Courtney, which was sort of like visiting friends again; not sure how I would've gotten through that first semester at RSU without the folks from Pawnee. Also, it was a way to keep in touch with NSU BCM friends.
The sequel to Wreck-It Ralph, Ralph Breaks the Internet, opened a few days ago, it looks really good. Ralph and Vanellope make a great team.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
August Update
Courtney is visiting for a bit soon before the new semester, it'll be good to see her. Hopefully she can get some rest.
Added a bit more to my freelance writing - Bam Smack Pow is part of a much larger company called FanSided, and they needed a co-editor for their dog website Dog O'Day, which has been near the bottom of all the rankings in the entertainment division, and the site itself was basically nonexistent in terms of traffic and posts published.
Also, I'm pretty sure that I'm the only person who applied. But anyway, it's something. And dogs are cool. Been doing that for about two weeks now. Hoping to find some new writers so I don't have to write everything myself.
Have now written or been part of slightly more than 100 posts on Frontstretch since late October.
High school and college football season will be here soon. That's strange.
Jessica's wedding is in a couple weeks, and so is Elizabeth's. Happy for them.
Added a bit more to my freelance writing - Bam Smack Pow is part of a much larger company called FanSided, and they needed a co-editor for their dog website Dog O'Day, which has been near the bottom of all the rankings in the entertainment division, and the site itself was basically nonexistent in terms of traffic and posts published.
Also, I'm pretty sure that I'm the only person who applied. But anyway, it's something. And dogs are cool. Been doing that for about two weeks now. Hoping to find some new writers so I don't have to write everything myself.
Have now written or been part of slightly more than 100 posts on Frontstretch since late October.
High school and college football season will be here soon. That's strange.
Jessica's wedding is in a couple weeks, and so is Elizabeth's. Happy for them.
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Ten Years of SGYC
This morning ten years ago, somehow I forced myself to leap into the Great Unknown. Where I actually leapt into was Mr. Gundersen's van. It was a new adventure for nearly all of us - Grace Bible-Tulsa hadn't sent anyone to this church camp before, though a few of the girls had been before with friends from other churches.
See, Marie had talked Josh and I into going with her, and then she backed out at the last second. (I want to say her family went on vacation two weeks before camp started, but I'm not sure.) FFH's "I'll Join the Rocks" was one of the songs stuck in my head on the way to southwest Missouri.
What happened? I met my teammate Daniel the first night - he'd been here before, showed me the ropes. The next day I met a guy named Matt, who had also never been there. As the week progressed, I met twins Marshall and Madelyn, and a lot of other people, including Taylor, Shari, Jojo, Jake and Ashton. I met counselors like Terry, Tim, Brother Larry, Robin and Janet C. I learned how to square dance, and while doing so met Ashland. I also learned how to play volleyball. 2008
The next year the fire-remodeling was happening, and SGYC was a relief from the stress. Daniel and I had started emailing each other regularly, and his advice and encouragement was something I benefited greatly from. It rained often, and I learned how to play ping pong and met Jed, Jon Jessica and Amanda. 2009
Sam and Dylan had joined the GBC youth group by our next trip. Tim wasn't there because of his brain tumor, which made for an odd week. It was a strange year of camp in general. I taught Dylan how to throw a Frisbee, and this was the first time that Ashland and I were teammates, on Black (the Panthers). 2010
2011 was eventful. The White Cubs were terrible at the Tournament Challenge sports, but we worked really well together (mostly our team was composed of Tulsans and Hankinses). Sam and I did a duet of Carrie Underwood's "Temporary Home" for Talent Share, and that didn't go so well. Bennett kept the guys cabin in stitches.
2012 was also eventful. It was just at the end of senior year, Jeff Johnson was the camp pastor (he wasn't great). Miss Kathy led the singing, which was amazing. Our Blue Bison team won the Tournament Challenge. Jessica and Amanda came back for one more year of camp. Ashland and I made Mrs. Boyer a sympathy card (her dad had just died).
I was a counselor in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. I've helped with archery, Bible Jeopardy, and volleyball, and led softball. I've made friends with most of the counselors, but the past two times I've felt like things were just too routine, something was off. I don't know what, exactly, but I hope that it can be fixed.
What happened? I met my teammate Daniel the first night - he'd been here before, showed me the ropes. The next day I met a guy named Matt, who had also never been there. As the week progressed, I met twins Marshall and Madelyn, and a lot of other people, including Taylor, Shari, Jojo, Jake and Ashton. I met counselors like Terry, Tim, Brother Larry, Robin and Janet C. I learned how to square dance, and while doing so met Ashland. I also learned how to play volleyball. 2008
The next year the fire-remodeling was happening, and SGYC was a relief from the stress. Daniel and I had started emailing each other regularly, and his advice and encouragement was something I benefited greatly from. It rained often, and I learned how to play ping pong and met Jed, Jon Jessica and Amanda. 2009
Sam and Dylan had joined the GBC youth group by our next trip. Tim wasn't there because of his brain tumor, which made for an odd week. It was a strange year of camp in general. I taught Dylan how to throw a Frisbee, and this was the first time that Ashland and I were teammates, on Black (the Panthers). 2010
2011 was eventful. The White Cubs were terrible at the Tournament Challenge sports, but we worked really well together (mostly our team was composed of Tulsans and Hankinses). Sam and I did a duet of Carrie Underwood's "Temporary Home" for Talent Share, and that didn't go so well. Bennett kept the guys cabin in stitches.
2012 was also eventful. It was just at the end of senior year, Jeff Johnson was the camp pastor (he wasn't great). Miss Kathy led the singing, which was amazing. Our Blue Bison team won the Tournament Challenge. Jessica and Amanda came back for one more year of camp. Ashland and I made Mrs. Boyer a sympathy card (her dad had just died).
I was a counselor in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. I've helped with archery, Bible Jeopardy, and volleyball, and led softball. I've made friends with most of the counselors, but the past two times I've felt like things were just too routine, something was off. I don't know what, exactly, but I hope that it can be fixed.
Saturday, May 12, 2018
May Musings
The Jets and Knights are playing each other in the Western Conference semifinals on TV, my laptop's tracking the NASCAR race right now. Courtney comes home for a visit tonight, it'll be good to see her. Most of today I've been thoroughly cleaning the garage, which is useful.
Graduated from high school six years ago today, and from college a year ago tomorrow. That's odd.
Trevor was in San Antonio last week for a competition, which he enjoyed a ton. Caleb's all set to go to Mexico soonish, and I had lunch with Susan last week, it was really good to catch up.
Infinity War was gigantic and epic.
Heard from Ashland, Daniel, and Amanda recently, which is good.
Graduated from high school six years ago today, and from college a year ago tomorrow. That's odd.
Trevor was in San Antonio last week for a competition, which he enjoyed a ton. Caleb's all set to go to Mexico soonish, and I had lunch with Susan last week, it was really good to catch up.
Infinity War was gigantic and epic.
Heard from Ashland, Daniel, and Amanda recently, which is good.
Sunday, March 11, 2018
A Good Weekend
This week started out with the tension of anticipating the RSU Theatre Program's production of Texaco Mornings, to go along with the nervousness of phantom midterms. So there was a lot of anxious cleaning.
And then Tuesday morning I heard back from a job-application email the week before, which is rare and stressful, because A: you're talking to a stranger, B: on the phone, C: about yourself, and D: trying to make a good impression. I was basically hung up on, which is how that usually ends, but at least I heard back.
"Hey, I think I can actually make it! Like maybe Friday night." Ashland texts me somewhere early in the week.
Wednesday Caleb was supposed to start his first day working for Justin, except he couldn't get there because the truck broke down. (It's since been sort-of-fixed, I think.)
Crashed the youth group because I hadn't heard the end of David Platt's sermon series on "Angels, Demons and Spiritual Warfare" because my freshman year at NSU had already started. The sermon was interesting. And also, it was DC Talk Night in the Throwback Christian Music series, and I'm like the resident DC Talk expert.
Thursday night Caleb had a MEND fundraiser he was volunteering for, along with Hope, Mattie, Seth and Laura. That seemed to go well. Trevor and Amy had swimming, so everybody was happily busy. Wasn't able to make it to the opening night, but it's one of those things that couldn't be helped. The quiet house was nice;; read through a book of Billy Collins poetry from the OKC book sale.
Andrew said there was a great crowd; I know Debra and Cody both made it. "Proud of you, man!" Cody said. Dr. Dial-Driver wasn't able to make it, but she sent me a nice message, and she had everyone give her a report. ("I told her that even if you didn't know Wes wrote it, you'd know Wes wrote it," Dr. Mackie said).
Friday morning was a good day for blasting Jars of Clay while cleaning.
I missed the landmark 100th episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. that night, but it was totally worth it. Not every day your play is produced. (But IT SHOWED FITZSIMMONS' WEDDING, which I would have loved almost as much as Andy and April's or Ben and Leslie's. Maybe I'm okay with weddings as long as they're fictional?)
"Looks like I'll be seeing you tonight," Ashland texts me. She tackle-hugged me as soon as I'd gotten both feet into Baird Hall, pretty much. "I told people I knew you, and it was like, I knew a celebrity or something!"
About eighteen to twenty people were in the audience, which was a decent size. It was great to see Andrew, David and Dr. Mackie again. I also recognized a couple classmates I knew by sight. The Ruscos came, which I wasn't expecting. It was weird seeing the script performed, but the audience seemed to like it. The acting wasn't the best, but it wasn't awful, either. The actors missed or mangled about twenty percent of the lines, mostly skipping the dramatic parts. "This is a lot funnier than it should be," was all my brain registered in the moment.
We stopped by Taco Bueno afterward, and were quickly reminded neither of us liked it. But late-night conversations are always good, even if the food isn't great. Mostly the topic was INFJ-ism in the workplace, and commiserating the general difficulties of college and young adulthood "I was like, 'You okay?' You were really tense," she grinned once we'd gotten into dissecting the performance. (This didn't register at all.) We both graded it a high C, mostly because the actors who played siblings were obviously strangers, which was a little awkward.
Since it was going to be rainy, and because it was cheap and indoors, we decided to go to the Gilcrease Art Museum Saturday morning. It was fun. We rummaged through Indian artifacts all National Treasure-y, roamed through pretty much everywhere, and wished our photography skills were better. Since the temporary Norman Rockwell exhibit was still there, of course we had to see that - I kept a lookout for security guards while she illegally snapped photos to show her grandma. We didn't get caught.
Since it was beautiful weather, we prowled around the grounds outside taking pictures of the flowers and tree buds. We got some good pictures, and we also got chased by wasps for our troubles. Ignoring tradition, we actually got a couple good selfies this time.
We only got minorly lost on the way home, Taylor Swift blasting on Pandora, and we had lunch at Whataburger since she wanted to try it. The food was greasy and delicious, the convo was good.
A huge crowd showed up for Saturday night's closing performance; probably thirty-five to forty people. Talked to Brandon, saw Brittany on the other side of the room. Only about five percent of the lines were missing, and different moments were seen as humorous. Andrew did a great job directing. It got a high B grade.
The premiere of the sixteenth season of American Idol was tonight on ABC; the editing was unfocused, but it has potential. Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie seem like they'll work well together.
And then Tuesday morning I heard back from a job-application email the week before, which is rare and stressful, because A: you're talking to a stranger, B: on the phone, C: about yourself, and D: trying to make a good impression. I was basically hung up on, which is how that usually ends, but at least I heard back.
"Hey, I think I can actually make it! Like maybe Friday night." Ashland texts me somewhere early in the week.
Wednesday Caleb was supposed to start his first day working for Justin, except he couldn't get there because the truck broke down. (It's since been sort-of-fixed, I think.)
Crashed the youth group because I hadn't heard the end of David Platt's sermon series on "Angels, Demons and Spiritual Warfare" because my freshman year at NSU had already started. The sermon was interesting. And also, it was DC Talk Night in the Throwback Christian Music series, and I'm like the resident DC Talk expert.
Thursday night Caleb had a MEND fundraiser he was volunteering for, along with Hope, Mattie, Seth and Laura. That seemed to go well. Trevor and Amy had swimming, so everybody was happily busy. Wasn't able to make it to the opening night, but it's one of those things that couldn't be helped. The quiet house was nice;; read through a book of Billy Collins poetry from the OKC book sale.
Andrew said there was a great crowd; I know Debra and Cody both made it. "Proud of you, man!" Cody said. Dr. Dial-Driver wasn't able to make it, but she sent me a nice message, and she had everyone give her a report. ("I told her that even if you didn't know Wes wrote it, you'd know Wes wrote it," Dr. Mackie said).
Friday morning was a good day for blasting Jars of Clay while cleaning.
I missed the landmark 100th episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. that night, but it was totally worth it. Not every day your play is produced. (But IT SHOWED FITZSIMMONS' WEDDING, which I would have loved almost as much as Andy and April's or Ben and Leslie's. Maybe I'm okay with weddings as long as they're fictional?)
"Looks like I'll be seeing you tonight," Ashland texts me. She tackle-hugged me as soon as I'd gotten both feet into Baird Hall, pretty much. "I told people I knew you, and it was like, I knew a celebrity or something!"
About eighteen to twenty people were in the audience, which was a decent size. It was great to see Andrew, David and Dr. Mackie again. I also recognized a couple classmates I knew by sight. The Ruscos came, which I wasn't expecting. It was weird seeing the script performed, but the audience seemed to like it. The acting wasn't the best, but it wasn't awful, either. The actors missed or mangled about twenty percent of the lines, mostly skipping the dramatic parts. "This is a lot funnier than it should be," was all my brain registered in the moment.
We stopped by Taco Bueno afterward, and were quickly reminded neither of us liked it. But late-night conversations are always good, even if the food isn't great. Mostly the topic was INFJ-ism in the workplace, and commiserating the general difficulties of college and young adulthood "I was like, 'You okay?' You were really tense," she grinned once we'd gotten into dissecting the performance. (This didn't register at all.) We both graded it a high C, mostly because the actors who played siblings were obviously strangers, which was a little awkward.
Since it was going to be rainy, and because it was cheap and indoors, we decided to go to the Gilcrease Art Museum Saturday morning. It was fun. We rummaged through Indian artifacts all National Treasure-y, roamed through pretty much everywhere, and wished our photography skills were better. Since the temporary Norman Rockwell exhibit was still there, of course we had to see that - I kept a lookout for security guards while she illegally snapped photos to show her grandma. We didn't get caught.Since it was beautiful weather, we prowled around the grounds outside taking pictures of the flowers and tree buds. We got some good pictures, and we also got chased by wasps for our troubles. Ignoring tradition, we actually got a couple good selfies this time.
A huge crowd showed up for Saturday night's closing performance; probably thirty-five to forty people. Talked to Brandon, saw Brittany on the other side of the room. Only about five percent of the lines were missing, and different moments were seen as humorous. Andrew did a great job directing. It got a high B grade.
The premiere of the sixteenth season of American Idol was tonight on ABC; the editing was unfocused, but it has potential. Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie seem like they'll work well together.
Monday, March 5, 2018
Remembering Will
The weather's been gray, cold, sullen and thoroughly wet for the last several weeks. That's usual weather in our part of Oklahoma for late February/early March. It's made me thankful I haven't had to walk through it back and forth from classes to my dorm. But it's made me wonder what Will is doing.
Will was the resident Jehovah's Witness missionary at NSU. He was a friendly, soft-spoken, obese, middle-aged guy who had to retire early because of severe back pain after thirty years of working in publishing/printing in Colorado. He has a grown daughter in Denver and several grown sons in Georgia. His wife ran the quilting supplies shop downtown just past Felt's Shoes, where he occasionally helped out when his back allowed. The rest of his time - probably three days a week, on average - was spent manning the table of JW fliers halfway between Seminary Hall and the Fine Arts Building.
Most of the time he was ignored, accepted as part of the scenery, except for the folks from CCF, who would aggressively attack his theology whenever they had a couple spare minutes. The BCM folks were kind of scared of him.
I would stop and talk with him for five or ten minutes if I had time; if I didn't I'd always wave and he'd holler a wisecrack about my speedwalking setting the pavement on fire.
We didn't talk about theology much. Sometimes we would ask each questions about various points about what the other believed, and then we'd try to answer those questions as best we could. I would occasionally take some of his literature to talk over it with him later, and he would occasionally read the online articles I mentioned. Since I was a MassComm major, and he'd worked in journalism, we would usually talk about those kinds of things. Local news, the merits of coffee, campus gossip, what we'd been reading lately, observations about people-watching. And sometimes we'd just sit and people-watch together, since a college campus is an excellent spot for doing that: one girl he always called Pirate Boots, because he didn't know her name and she wore boots that looked piratey nearly every day.
If I was running down to Morgan's Bakery, I'd once in a while ask if he wanted me to get anything for him. If his health was especially good for a few days in a row, he'd usually go on a baking spree, and sometimes would bring the extra cookies for me that he and his wife didn't eat the night before.
One day we were talking and he frowned in midsentence and gave me one of those curious, hard stares for a minute. "Y'know, Wes....you're different." I must have looked surprised, because he continued: "I know we don't believe the same things, but you don't try to ram it down my throat like those other people do. You just treat me like a person. I can't remember meeting a Christian who ever did that. Thank you."
That's always stuck in my head ever since, and often replayed itself while working on homework late at night. I didn't think of it as anything special; it was just something that needed to be done, so I did it, just like guiding my blind classmate Russell back and forth from Dr. Fuller's psych class freshman year. Will was discouraged, everyone ignoring him like that. It doesn't take much to brighten somebody's day.
Hope he's doing okay.
Will was the resident Jehovah's Witness missionary at NSU. He was a friendly, soft-spoken, obese, middle-aged guy who had to retire early because of severe back pain after thirty years of working in publishing/printing in Colorado. He has a grown daughter in Denver and several grown sons in Georgia. His wife ran the quilting supplies shop downtown just past Felt's Shoes, where he occasionally helped out when his back allowed. The rest of his time - probably three days a week, on average - was spent manning the table of JW fliers halfway between Seminary Hall and the Fine Arts Building.
Most of the time he was ignored, accepted as part of the scenery, except for the folks from CCF, who would aggressively attack his theology whenever they had a couple spare minutes. The BCM folks were kind of scared of him.
I would stop and talk with him for five or ten minutes if I had time; if I didn't I'd always wave and he'd holler a wisecrack about my speedwalking setting the pavement on fire.
We didn't talk about theology much. Sometimes we would ask each questions about various points about what the other believed, and then we'd try to answer those questions as best we could. I would occasionally take some of his literature to talk over it with him later, and he would occasionally read the online articles I mentioned. Since I was a MassComm major, and he'd worked in journalism, we would usually talk about those kinds of things. Local news, the merits of coffee, campus gossip, what we'd been reading lately, observations about people-watching. And sometimes we'd just sit and people-watch together, since a college campus is an excellent spot for doing that: one girl he always called Pirate Boots, because he didn't know her name and she wore boots that looked piratey nearly every day.
If I was running down to Morgan's Bakery, I'd once in a while ask if he wanted me to get anything for him. If his health was especially good for a few days in a row, he'd usually go on a baking spree, and sometimes would bring the extra cookies for me that he and his wife didn't eat the night before.
One day we were talking and he frowned in midsentence and gave me one of those curious, hard stares for a minute. "Y'know, Wes....you're different." I must have looked surprised, because he continued: "I know we don't believe the same things, but you don't try to ram it down my throat like those other people do. You just treat me like a person. I can't remember meeting a Christian who ever did that. Thank you."
That's always stuck in my head ever since, and often replayed itself while working on homework late at night. I didn't think of it as anything special; it was just something that needed to be done, so I did it, just like guiding my blind classmate Russell back and forth from Dr. Fuller's psych class freshman year. Will was discouraged, everyone ignoring him like that. It doesn't take much to brighten somebody's day.
Hope he's doing okay.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Happy Birthday, Blog
I created this blog on this day in 2012. I'd been thinking about it for a year or two, and it was the middle of a boring day in February with nothing else much to do. (Also, Facebook was going through one of its redesigns, and there was a rumor that the then-popular Notes section would be deleted, so I wanted to keep my favorites.) Mom was visiting with Trinnica, and everybody else was playing some kind of war game in the backyard with Jonathan.
Sometimes people wonder about how it got titled this way; so I put out an explanation of the title right up front. It's a Princess Bride quote, from the novel, not the movie.
The series finale of Parks and Rec, "One Last Ride," aired on this day in 2015. It's one of the most perfect series finales ever. I watched season 7 live, even though I hadn't really met anyone in Pawnee yet, because it was a way to stay connected with everybody at the NSU BCM. (Stephen, Elizabeth, Susan, Bucky and Daniel were especially fans of the show.) I'd just moved to Claremore and RSU, and the humor was a welcome distraction from the roughness of that semester. (There's good people there, but I'm not really a fan of the city of Claremore.) And it was good homework in studying camera angles and shot placement.
Speaking of NSU ministries, Tom Tucker finally completely retired from leading CCF a couple months ago. And Ryan Galdemez became the pastor of Grace Baptist after Geoff Brown left.
It's been raining and raining and raining some more all week - cold and gray and drenching weather is hard to be productive in. But at least there wasn't an ice storm, like it seemed there would be earlier in the week.
Mom, Amy, Trevor and I went to the Gilcrease Art Museum in Tulsa Friday night because there was a traveling exhibit of Norman Rockwell original art, behind-the-scenes photographs, sketches, and the actual Saturday Evening Post covers themselves. It was amazing.
The afternoon was spent running errands in Okmulgee, which was useful.
Being book hunters, once we heard about the Oklahoma City Library System's annual book sale at the state fairgrounds, Mom and I decided we needed to go. It was spectacular. I found some Faulkner, and a history of Broadway for Susan, and a handful of Shakespeare that matched good copies we already had. Mom found Peterson field guides and I don't know what all else. I found a lot of guides for writing different genres in the Fine Arts section; hopefully some of them will be helpful.
It was awesome. People were very polite; always apologizing after running into each other due to the intense focus of finding good titles. Going to Oklahoma City always feels a very long way away, when it's only about two hours west. Probably feels that way because the landscape changes a lot.
Caleb accidentally locked himself out of the truck while at a photoshoot with a friend, so we drove back home through Henryetta so he could get himself unstuck. That's the usual way to get to OKC, it seems like. Nice to drive through Henryetta again; felt like we should be driving back from a Knights ballgame. High school basketball playoffs started last week; it's a little weird to not be actively covering them.
Songs of the Day this week include Bowling for Soup's "1985" and Dustin Lynch's "Cowboys and Angels."
It's the final day of competition for the 2018 PeyongChang Winter Olympics. NBC's overage seemed a little lacking, mostly because there wasn't many of the inspirational stories shown, and because Bob Costas retired. Mike Tirico did better than I expected, but it still felt wrong. The Russian figure skaters had an epic battle in the ladies' event, and the Americans were all entirely without personality or talent. Snowboard cross was awesome, as usual, and snowboard halfpipe and the speed skating events. The commercials were amazingly inspirational. And the U.S. women's hockey team beat Canada in a shootout in the gold medal game, which is great.
The production of Texaco Mornings will be in two weeks. That's exciting, but also completely terrifying. It felt a little strange to write your own press release talking about your own play, though. But the Okmulgee Times people were happy to run it, and hopefully it will draw some more people to come see it.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will be back from the Olympic break this Friday, and it will air their 100th episode March 9. It's been fun to follow their Instagram and Twitter for memories. American Idol returns for its 16th season March 11; I'm predicting Luke Bryan will be my favorite judge this season.
Sometimes people wonder about how it got titled this way; so I put out an explanation of the title right up front. It's a Princess Bride quote, from the novel, not the movie.
The series finale of Parks and Rec, "One Last Ride," aired on this day in 2015. It's one of the most perfect series finales ever. I watched season 7 live, even though I hadn't really met anyone in Pawnee yet, because it was a way to stay connected with everybody at the NSU BCM. (Stephen, Elizabeth, Susan, Bucky and Daniel were especially fans of the show.) I'd just moved to Claremore and RSU, and the humor was a welcome distraction from the roughness of that semester. (There's good people there, but I'm not really a fan of the city of Claremore.) And it was good homework in studying camera angles and shot placement.
Speaking of NSU ministries, Tom Tucker finally completely retired from leading CCF a couple months ago. And Ryan Galdemez became the pastor of Grace Baptist after Geoff Brown left.
It's been raining and raining and raining some more all week - cold and gray and drenching weather is hard to be productive in. But at least there wasn't an ice storm, like it seemed there would be earlier in the week.
Mom, Amy, Trevor and I went to the Gilcrease Art Museum in Tulsa Friday night because there was a traveling exhibit of Norman Rockwell original art, behind-the-scenes photographs, sketches, and the actual Saturday Evening Post covers themselves. It was amazing.
The afternoon was spent running errands in Okmulgee, which was useful.
Being book hunters, once we heard about the Oklahoma City Library System's annual book sale at the state fairgrounds, Mom and I decided we needed to go. It was spectacular. I found some Faulkner, and a history of Broadway for Susan, and a handful of Shakespeare that matched good copies we already had. Mom found Peterson field guides and I don't know what all else. I found a lot of guides for writing different genres in the Fine Arts section; hopefully some of them will be helpful.
It was awesome. People were very polite; always apologizing after running into each other due to the intense focus of finding good titles. Going to Oklahoma City always feels a very long way away, when it's only about two hours west. Probably feels that way because the landscape changes a lot.
Caleb accidentally locked himself out of the truck while at a photoshoot with a friend, so we drove back home through Henryetta so he could get himself unstuck. That's the usual way to get to OKC, it seems like. Nice to drive through Henryetta again; felt like we should be driving back from a Knights ballgame. High school basketball playoffs started last week; it's a little weird to not be actively covering them.
Songs of the Day this week include Bowling for Soup's "1985" and Dustin Lynch's "Cowboys and Angels."
It's the final day of competition for the 2018 PeyongChang Winter Olympics. NBC's overage seemed a little lacking, mostly because there wasn't many of the inspirational stories shown, and because Bob Costas retired. Mike Tirico did better than I expected, but it still felt wrong. The Russian figure skaters had an epic battle in the ladies' event, and the Americans were all entirely without personality or talent. Snowboard cross was awesome, as usual, and snowboard halfpipe and the speed skating events. The commercials were amazingly inspirational. And the U.S. women's hockey team beat Canada in a shootout in the gold medal game, which is great.
The production of Texaco Mornings will be in two weeks. That's exciting, but also completely terrifying. It felt a little strange to write your own press release talking about your own play, though. But the Okmulgee Times people were happy to run it, and hopefully it will draw some more people to come see it.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will be back from the Olympic break this Friday, and it will air their 100th episode March 9. It's been fun to follow their Instagram and Twitter for memories. American Idol returns for its 16th season March 11; I'm predicting Luke Bryan will be my favorite judge this season.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Olympics and Life
The Winter Olympics begin tonight, which I'm thrilled about. Last time that happened I was in the middle of my sophomore year at NSU. Olympics, because they happen roughly every two years, are a good time to stop and reflect on life.
For my speech class that semester, I recounted a history of the Winter Olympics, because it sprang easily to mind. And also I could watch Cool Runnings as research. And the Arctic feel of Ross Hall made watching the events much more authentic.
The other day Jessica asked for help on picking a wedding dress. (I knew watching Say Yes to the Dress reruns would eventually pay off...not that I did that or anything. It's an unexpectedly enthralling show.) Sure, it felt like she was asking basically everyone she knew for advice, too, but still, that meant that she trusts me. And that means a lot.
Skyped with Courtney today, school's keeping her busy, but it's going all right.
Super Bowl LII was Sunday, and it was an amazing game. Philadelphia beat New England 41-33, and I think it was the first time I'd watched the entire game in ten years.
Budweiser won the commercials this year, which were especially lame. Bud's ad was, when you think about it, classy and yet self-aggrandizing at the same time, highlighting their water-donation efforts during the hurricanes last year. Also, for an NFL ad, Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr reenacted Dirty Dancing, which was pretty hysterical.
For my speech class that semester, I recounted a history of the Winter Olympics, because it sprang easily to mind. And also I could watch Cool Runnings as research. And the Arctic feel of Ross Hall made watching the events much more authentic.
The other day Jessica asked for help on picking a wedding dress. (I knew watching Say Yes to the Dress reruns would eventually pay off...not that I did that or anything. It's an unexpectedly enthralling show.) Sure, it felt like she was asking basically everyone she knew for advice, too, but still, that meant that she trusts me. And that means a lot.
Skyped with Courtney today, school's keeping her busy, but it's going all right.
Super Bowl LII was Sunday, and it was an amazing game. Philadelphia beat New England 41-33, and I think it was the first time I'd watched the entire game in ten years.
Friday, February 2, 2018
Good News
Last Friday was Amy's cheerleading night with a local Down Syndrome group at a Catholic high school nearby; which is one of the high points of her year. She did great, and had a fantastic time. The Comets were trounced in both games, though.
Yesterday I got an unexpected encouraging note from the editor-in-chief of Frontstretch.com, thanking me for merging smoothly into accelerated traffic late last season and drafting along well with the rest of the staff. And this morning I was promoted to doing a column for the upcoming season.
Caleb was raising money for a Special Olympics fundraiser tomorrow morning, and he reached the goal he was hoping for.
The folk music group the Spencer Family were visiting GBC Sunday night, so Mom and Amy have been listening to their songs all this week. And Mom got to visit with the Guenthers since they dropped by.
Ashland adopted a hedgehog earlier this week, which was worth celebrating. "Lol, I'm a mom!" she texted me excitedly. "By adoption, of course." Hedgehogs are maybe even cuter than coatimundis.
Yesterday I got an unexpected encouraging note from the editor-in-chief of Frontstretch.com, thanking me for merging smoothly into accelerated traffic late last season and drafting along well with the rest of the staff. And this morning I was promoted to doing a column for the upcoming season.
Caleb was raising money for a Special Olympics fundraiser tomorrow morning, and he reached the goal he was hoping for.
The folk music group the Spencer Family were visiting GBC Sunday night, so Mom and Amy have been listening to their songs all this week. And Mom got to visit with the Guenthers since they dropped by.
Ashland adopted a hedgehog earlier this week, which was worth celebrating. "Lol, I'm a mom!" she texted me excitedly. "By adoption, of course." Hedgehogs are maybe even cuter than coatimundis.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
INFJ-ness
Ashland finally took the MBTI last week. I suspected she was also an INFJ, or else a INFP, in part because Trevor said watching us talk, he halfway believed we could be twins.
(Plus we're both Type Six on the Enneagram; my wing is Five, hers is Seven.) Somebody once explained the difference the personality tests this way: the MBTI tries to explain how our mind works, and the Enneagram tries to explain the motivation behind our actions.
Whether it's square dancing, cowriting adventure stories, or creating sympathy cards for one of our favorite counselors, it's easy to work with her. She's of the Race of Joseph, sure, and so that's part of it. But it finally clicked; knowing that we're both INFJs. The percentage varies by which chart you're looking at, but it's the rarest MBTI type.
It explains why we're able to go from photography to country music duets to Greek mythology at the drop of a hat, or why on the rare occasions either of us will answer the phone, conversations can last an hour or more. Why we're trying to help others whenever possible, and able to deep-dive into subjects that seem interesting.
This is really. cool.
(Plus we're both Type Six on the Enneagram; my wing is Five, hers is Seven.) Somebody once explained the difference the personality tests this way: the MBTI tries to explain how our mind works, and the Enneagram tries to explain the motivation behind our actions.
Whether it's square dancing, cowriting adventure stories, or creating sympathy cards for one of our favorite counselors, it's easy to work with her. She's of the Race of Joseph, sure, and so that's part of it. But it finally clicked; knowing that we're both INFJs. The percentage varies by which chart you're looking at, but it's the rarest MBTI type.
It explains why we're able to go from photography to country music duets to Greek mythology at the drop of a hat, or why on the rare occasions either of us will answer the phone, conversations can last an hour or more. Why we're trying to help others whenever possible, and able to deep-dive into subjects that seem interesting.
This is really. cool.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Welcome, 2018
2018's looking kind of familiar so far.
Morning of January 1 - The dishwasher breaks down. Again.
Morning of January 2 - The freezer in the garage breaks down. Again.
Evening of January 7 - I thought I broke my toe running into one of the weights Trevor left in the middle of the floor. (I didn't actually, though, which is good.)
Also, we've all been somewhat sick.
On a happier note, Courtney left for C of O yesterday morning and she's loving it so far.
Jon and Delaney eloped over the holidays, which fits them. And I'm happy for them.
Lots of people have gotten engaged over the last month, too - Elizabeth, Jessica, Suzanna, Lisbeth from YT, and Matt from NSU MassComm classes. That's a little harder to pin down my reaction to all these things like engagements and weddings.
The Winter Classic was watched, since it's hockey. Though I took a nap near the end of the second period and missed an overtime finish; stupid sickness. Alabama beat Georgia in the college football national championship, I guess.
Counting down to the Winter Olympics.
On my "On This Day" feed on Facebook six years ago today Samara and I were having a conversation about Collin Raye's ballad "Love, Me," which is a really good one. I think the context was about learning to play it on our guitars. It's a good one for fingerpicking - which I learned from her.
And eight years ago yesterday was the Brad Paisley concert in Oklahoma City. Mom mentioned that it felt like a long time ago, and it does. That's like a third of my life. It was a great concert. (I really should finish reviewing his CD's, I stopped at 5th Gear.)
Mom, Caleb, me and Amy went on errands to Okmulgee this afternoon; Caleb's helping out with the state Special Olympics swim meet in Oklahoma City tomorrow.
Morning of January 1 - The dishwasher breaks down. Again.
Morning of January 2 - The freezer in the garage breaks down. Again.
Evening of January 7 - I thought I broke my toe running into one of the weights Trevor left in the middle of the floor. (I didn't actually, though, which is good.)
Also, we've all been somewhat sick.
On a happier note, Courtney left for C of O yesterday morning and she's loving it so far.
Jon and Delaney eloped over the holidays, which fits them. And I'm happy for them.
Lots of people have gotten engaged over the last month, too - Elizabeth, Jessica, Suzanna, Lisbeth from YT, and Matt from NSU MassComm classes. That's a little harder to pin down my reaction to all these things like engagements and weddings.
The Winter Classic was watched, since it's hockey. Though I took a nap near the end of the second period and missed an overtime finish; stupid sickness. Alabama beat Georgia in the college football national championship, I guess.
Counting down to the Winter Olympics.
On my "On This Day" feed on Facebook six years ago today Samara and I were having a conversation about Collin Raye's ballad "Love, Me," which is a really good one. I think the context was about learning to play it on our guitars. It's a good one for fingerpicking - which I learned from her.
And eight years ago yesterday was the Brad Paisley concert in Oklahoma City. Mom mentioned that it felt like a long time ago, and it does. That's like a third of my life. It was a great concert. (I really should finish reviewing his CD's, I stopped at 5th Gear.)
Mom, Caleb, me and Amy went on errands to Okmulgee this afternoon; Caleb's helping out with the state Special Olympics swim meet in Oklahoma City tomorrow.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Post-Christmas 2017
Christmas was pretty low-key this year. Lots of ping pong.
Pandora says I listened to 4,116 songs this year, for 15,753 minutes.
From what I heard the youth group ice skating was a little awkward, but went pretty well.
The church's annual music night was nice.
Went to the Steeleys on Christmas Eve after church, that was nice. Playing Monopoly with Dylan and Paige is a little like being on Shark Tank.
Caleb gave me awesome Parks and Rec coffee mugs; one with Tom grinning and the other Mouse Rat-themed, complete with their former names.
December has been a fairly horrible month, which is fitting, as it wasn't the greatest year ever.
Pandora says I listened to 4,116 songs this year, for 15,753 minutes.
From what I heard the youth group ice skating was a little awkward, but went pretty well.
The church's annual music night was nice.
Went to the Steeleys on Christmas Eve after church, that was nice. Playing Monopoly with Dylan and Paige is a little like being on Shark Tank.
Caleb gave me awesome Parks and Rec coffee mugs; one with Tom grinning and the other Mouse Rat-themed, complete with their former names.
December has been a fairly horrible month, which is fitting, as it wasn't the greatest year ever.
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Early December
Beggs played in the state championship game last night. They lost to Oklahoma City Marshall 14-7, but it was a good game, and not every team can get that far. Wish I could have done a better job writing about them occasionally.
Facebook/Twitter has been filled with "I'm so panicked it's finals time again!" posts, and it's been very strange not to have to worry about them.
It's been a stressful week. But on the plus side I've heard from Dylan, Susan and Jessica, so that's something. Pearl Harbor Day was Thursday, and Monday will be the ninth anniversary of the fire. Also I tried to reread R.J. Palacio's Wonder for third/fourth time, and still hated it. It feels too much like real life, and books are supposed to be an escape.
Yesterday in the Facebook "On This Day" section was a funny status about the time in high school from Mrs. Jackson's speech class. After it ended one day, me, Courtney, Brenna, Mariah and Kyle were all standing in companionable silence in the elevator for five minutes before Mariah realizes that nobody's pushed the "on" button.
Wonder what they're doing now. Julie's about the only person from the Okmulgee homeschool group I sometimes hear from, along with the Gastons.
Facebook/Twitter has been filled with "I'm so panicked it's finals time again!" posts, and it's been very strange not to have to worry about them.
It's been a stressful week. But on the plus side I've heard from Dylan, Susan and Jessica, so that's something. Pearl Harbor Day was Thursday, and Monday will be the ninth anniversary of the fire. Also I tried to reread R.J. Palacio's Wonder for third/fourth time, and still hated it. It feels too much like real life, and books are supposed to be an escape.
Yesterday in the Facebook "On This Day" section was a funny status about the time in high school from Mrs. Jackson's speech class. After it ended one day, me, Courtney, Brenna, Mariah and Kyle were all standing in companionable silence in the elevator for five minutes before Mariah realizes that nobody's pushed the "on" button.
Wonder what they're doing now. Julie's about the only person from the Okmulgee homeschool group I sometimes hear from, along with the Gastons.
Monday, July 17, 2017
CAMP: Part XI
This year, I don't really know what is happening at SGYC. I know there are about 52 campers, and I know that Steve Long is the pastor (which should be great), but beyond that, I'm not sure.
Why am I not sure? Because all the GBC youth bailed (though I can understand why), and so I didn't have a way to get up there. Which is frustrating, because Ashland and I had worked out that I would visit on the way back.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 has been stuck in my head recently.
So this week is much the same as any other this summer. Today's been filled with work, and the family went to visit the DeSpains. Today's articles are high school orientations and city fundraisers, and making PDF files of last week's stories. I Skyped with Amanda, Maya and Ellie for a bit this morning. They were "talking" to Uncle Wesley all the rest of the day, Manda said.
UPDATE 7-27:
From pictures and Facebook posts, it sounded like it went well.
Why am I not sure? Because all the GBC youth bailed (though I can understand why), and so I didn't have a way to get up there. Which is frustrating, because Ashland and I had worked out that I would visit on the way back.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 has been stuck in my head recently.
So this week is much the same as any other this summer. Today's been filled with work, and the family went to visit the DeSpains. Today's articles are high school orientations and city fundraisers, and making PDF files of last week's stories. I Skyped with Amanda, Maya and Ellie for a bit this morning. They were "talking" to Uncle Wesley all the rest of the day, Manda said.
UPDATE 7-27:
From pictures and Facebook posts, it sounded like it went well.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Visit From a Friend
Because of how hectic a month May was, there wasn't time to reassemble the volleyball net after its brief winter break. So Caleb hooked it back up Thursday night after chopping down a bunch of interfering tree branches hanging over the court, which we then hauled down to the trailer at the bottom of the driveway. So volleyball season was open, which is always a good thing.
Amy was typically excited about a grocery run to Sam's Friday morning, and other than that it seemed like an ordinary day - a little slow-starting, but that isn't too untypical. I was brushing my teeth when I hear somebody yelling for me to open the door, since someone was here. I see a fire-engine-red Chevy Cobalt parked in the driveway. "Ashland drives a red Cobalt, doesn't she?" I idly ask myself while twisting the doorknob.
Side notes - Someone in UV-B at RSU drove a red Cobalt, which drove me nuts, always catching sight of it at random times and then admonishing myself that it was crazy for wondering if she was visiting for some reason. The model she drives wedged into my memory because it was my favorite to drive from Need For Speed: Most Wanted.
Also, freshman year I was on my way to the post office in the UC basement to mail Ashland a birthday card when I lost the fight with the stairs. It's probably not significant, but it sure feels that way somehow - I got three scars on my left hand from that fall. I serve left-handed, and she wore No. 3 for the volleyball and basketball teams in high school.
The cats are meowing loudly on the porch, like always.
"HEY!!!!" a familiar glasses-wearing blonde grins.
My jaw drops. "WHAT THE HECK...?"
"Bet you weren't expecting to see me, huh?"
Well, no - and the last time we saw each other I had to swipe a wasp out of her hair.
She had the day off, and so she and Courtney had thought up the plan for her to come visit.
"Who is she?" Trevor hisses quietly. "Your voice cracked like it does when you get really excited about something." "Ashland - you've heard stories." "Oh, right....wasn't she the one you wrote the book with?" "Yep."
We hang out around the kitchen table with the family, discussing topics for several hours ranging from personality tests and superpowers to basic history, Greek mythology and special needs. Ashland's family is more Enneagram-based when it comes to personality tests, while we're Meyers-Briggs based. They're both useful tools. I'm an INFJ(ISFJ subtype), she can't remember her MBTI type, and we're both Enneagram Type Six, with wings (subtypes) of Five (me) and Seven (her).
Camp "do you remembers?" were traded back and forth, especially the memories of being Blue Bison teammates (the Black Panthers and White Cubs weren't the best teams, though they were fun, too). Lots of stories were told, because that's what we do, like Mrs. Boyer's sympathy card, or how we met our first year. Matt was dancing the Virginia Reel with Ashland, and I was dancing with Madelyn, then we swapped partners for the Gay Gordon. Since we figured out the steps almost instantly, and everyone else had a hard time getting them down, there was a lot of time to talk. And that led to all the other projects we've worked on together since.
Amy quickly decided that Ashland is her new favorite person in the world, though she couldn't remember her name. "I love Wesley's friend!" she said at one point.
Ashland was curious about the Broken Arrow Bass Pro, and Caleb loves going there, so we piled in and headed up 75. And of course there had to be a selfie commemorating the occasion:
It's not the greatest picture in the world, but taking bad pictures of each other is kind of what we do. Sometimes we even do it on purpose, like with this shot from our Bison days:
That was to ease the tension during an especially-nerve-wracking table tennis match, though. Jed didn't get the memo to look worried.
After dinner at Carl's Jr., we suggest roaming through Promenade Mall, but Caleb's like "Nah...." So we just decide to head back. Caleb falls asleep, waking up with a "Where am I?" It was funny. Ashland and I sing along to a country station (Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy," Dan + Shay's "From the Ground Up," can't remember the others). Conversation topics included good food ("Meatloaf is my weakness" she said), alcohol consumption (conclusion: don't get drunk, but once in a while is fine), Washington, D.C. (everyone would go there at least once, if we had our way), and family holiday traditions.
Some more volleyball once we got home, and we were going to get some food in the morning, but that didn't quite work out, because of wrong turns and impending storms. So we just hung out in the living room again, plotting revisions on Two For the Treasure. At one point as a parenthetical phrase to whatever we were talking about at the moment, she says in a Jane Foster-like tone, "Blue is a good color on you." We also sketched a rough outline of our next project, tentatively titled Winter's Grace, where a handful of college students are stranded on a mountain during winter break.
There was a lot of laughter. It was a good weekend.
Amy was typically excited about a grocery run to Sam's Friday morning, and other than that it seemed like an ordinary day - a little slow-starting, but that isn't too untypical. I was brushing my teeth when I hear somebody yelling for me to open the door, since someone was here. I see a fire-engine-red Chevy Cobalt parked in the driveway. "Ashland drives a red Cobalt, doesn't she?" I idly ask myself while twisting the doorknob.
Side notes - Someone in UV-B at RSU drove a red Cobalt, which drove me nuts, always catching sight of it at random times and then admonishing myself that it was crazy for wondering if she was visiting for some reason. The model she drives wedged into my memory because it was my favorite to drive from Need For Speed: Most Wanted.
Also, freshman year I was on my way to the post office in the UC basement to mail Ashland a birthday card when I lost the fight with the stairs. It's probably not significant, but it sure feels that way somehow - I got three scars on my left hand from that fall. I serve left-handed, and she wore No. 3 for the volleyball and basketball teams in high school.
The cats are meowing loudly on the porch, like always.
"HEY!!!!" a familiar glasses-wearing blonde grins.
My jaw drops. "WHAT THE HECK...?"
"Bet you weren't expecting to see me, huh?"
Well, no - and the last time we saw each other I had to swipe a wasp out of her hair.
She had the day off, and so she and Courtney had thought up the plan for her to come visit.
"Who is she?" Trevor hisses quietly. "Your voice cracked like it does when you get really excited about something." "Ashland - you've heard stories." "Oh, right....wasn't she the one you wrote the book with?" "Yep."
We hang out around the kitchen table with the family, discussing topics for several hours ranging from personality tests and superpowers to basic history, Greek mythology and special needs. Ashland's family is more Enneagram-based when it comes to personality tests, while we're Meyers-Briggs based. They're both useful tools. I'm an INFJ(ISFJ subtype), she can't remember her MBTI type, and we're both Enneagram Type Six, with wings (subtypes) of Five (me) and Seven (her).
Camp "do you remembers?" were traded back and forth, especially the memories of being Blue Bison teammates (the Black Panthers and White Cubs weren't the best teams, though they were fun, too). Lots of stories were told, because that's what we do, like Mrs. Boyer's sympathy card, or how we met our first year. Matt was dancing the Virginia Reel with Ashland, and I was dancing with Madelyn, then we swapped partners for the Gay Gordon. Since we figured out the steps almost instantly, and everyone else had a hard time getting them down, there was a lot of time to talk. And that led to all the other projects we've worked on together since.
Amy quickly decided that Ashland is her new favorite person in the world, though she couldn't remember her name. "I love Wesley's friend!" she said at one point.
Ashland was curious about the Broken Arrow Bass Pro, and Caleb loves going there, so we piled in and headed up 75. And of course there had to be a selfie commemorating the occasion:
After dinner at Carl's Jr., we suggest roaming through Promenade Mall, but Caleb's like "Nah...." So we just decide to head back. Caleb falls asleep, waking up with a "Where am I?" It was funny. Ashland and I sing along to a country station (Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy," Dan + Shay's "From the Ground Up," can't remember the others). Conversation topics included good food ("Meatloaf is my weakness" she said), alcohol consumption (conclusion: don't get drunk, but once in a while is fine), Washington, D.C. (everyone would go there at least once, if we had our way), and family holiday traditions.
There was a lot of laughter. It was a good weekend.
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Graduations
Courtney's graduation was yesterday, at First Baptist Broken Arrow. (That's where Elizabeth goes.) There were 23 graduates in total, including Laura, Callie, Marie K. and Carter Fox. A ton of GBC people showed up - Coxes, Mrs. Mix, Lees, Wilsons, Grahams, Buckmasters, DeSpains...probably more than I missed. Dayla and Ashley and their kids came, too. That went fine. Someone's dad looked exactly like Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World, which I thought was interesting.
It was a much more elaborate graduation than mine was. But they've been working on it for months, so it should be.
We went to the Fergusons' afterparty for Laura once it was over, and that was great. The Coxes and Wilsons were also there, along with Ferguson cousins and Josh and Sara. It felt a lot like Thanksgiving - which is how it always is when visiting them. A little chaotic, sure, simply because there's so many people, but a happy, pleasant chaos. They're just Race of Josephy people, and so they feel like family.. It was great.
The graduates were recognized at church this morning, and that went well. We briefly explained what our plans were, and mine are vague. So....yeah.
Mine was last Saturday, and it was about like the rest of college - panicking, not sure of where to go or what to do once I got there, and then waiting for eons for something to happen. We were arranged in blocks by the divisions the school set up, with no order beyond that. It was "latch onto someone you know" and hang on, moving/exit buddy-style. Since we got there late, I manage to find my line and crash into Jenny, so we stuck together. Cody was right behind me once everyone was situated, and Kinze and Lauren a couple rows back.
Andrew got a good picture of me walking off the stage, and I got a couple with Dr. Mackie on the way out. Also, I got straight A's this semester, the only time that ever happened at RSU. My total GPA was 3.79, so I graduated cum laude. About 300 people graduated overall.
It was a much more elaborate graduation than mine was. But they've been working on it for months, so it should be.
We went to the Fergusons' afterparty for Laura once it was over, and that was great. The Coxes and Wilsons were also there, along with Ferguson cousins and Josh and Sara. It felt a lot like Thanksgiving - which is how it always is when visiting them. A little chaotic, sure, simply because there's so many people, but a happy, pleasant chaos. They're just Race of Josephy people, and so they feel like family.. It was great.
The graduates were recognized at church this morning, and that went well. We briefly explained what our plans were, and mine are vague. So....yeah.
Mine was last Saturday, and it was about like the rest of college - panicking, not sure of where to go or what to do once I got there, and then waiting for eons for something to happen. We were arranged in blocks by the divisions the school set up, with no order beyond that. It was "latch onto someone you know" and hang on, moving/exit buddy-style. Since we got there late, I manage to find my line and crash into Jenny, so we stuck together. Cody was right behind me once everyone was situated, and Kinze and Lauren a couple rows back.
Andrew got a good picture of me walking off the stage, and I got a couple with Dr. Mackie on the way out. Also, I got straight A's this semester, the only time that ever happened at RSU. My total GPA was 3.79, so I graduated cum laude. About 300 people graduated overall.
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Thanks
The acknowledgements are one of the best overlooked parts of books, because while writing is a solitary act, the creation of a book involves a lot of time and a lot of people. So does getting through college. There are far more people who ought to be on this list, probably, but it's been a (very long) journey full of twists and turns and rocky places, so I can't remember everything.
First, thanks to Mom and Dad, Courtney, Caleb, Trevor and Amy. You guys are awesome. And thanks to Grandpa and Robbie for being there while I was in Tahlequah. And Harry and Louise, and Nano, for being themselves.
Thanks Ashland, Amanda, Daniel, Dylan, Jessica and Jon, for your friendship, prayers and encouragement throughout this whole process, for being there to listen when necessary, tease incessantly or trade insults or excited movie-news speculation with, get advice from or work with on projects.
First, thanks to Mom and Dad, Courtney, Caleb, Trevor and Amy. You guys are awesome. And thanks to Grandpa and Robbie for being there while I was in Tahlequah. And Harry and Louise, and Nano, for being themselves.
Thanks Ashland, Amanda, Daniel, Dylan, Jessica and Jon, for your friendship, prayers and encouragement throughout this whole process, for being there to listen when necessary, tease incessantly or trade insults or excited movie-news speculation with, get advice from or work with on projects.
Thanks to the GBC people who prayed for me throughout the journey, particularly Steven and Jamie, Scotty, the Gundersens, Fergusons, Steeleys, Wilsons and Dugas. I'm sure there are lots of others, too.
Thanks to fellow SGYC counselors like Brother Larry, Miss Kathy, Mrs. Boyer and Ryan, for their caring about the kids. Plus they're all good to work with. Grateful for friends made at camp that I still hear from once in a while, like Derek and Shari.
Thanks to Alton and Maddie for offering encouragement about life at key times, and outside-of-school writing pals Cassie, Julie, Mrs. Curtis and Mrs. Hollis.
Thanks to fellow SGYC counselors like Brother Larry, Miss Kathy, Mrs. Boyer and Ryan, for their caring about the kids. Plus they're all good to work with. Grateful for friends made at camp that I still hear from once in a while, like Derek and Shari.
Thanks to Alton and Maddie for offering encouragement about life at key times, and outside-of-school writing pals Cassie, Julie, Mrs. Curtis and Mrs. Hollis.
Thanks to Sport, Sunny and Copper, for being great dogs, and Sunny and Copper for helping me get through that first year. Thank you, Rags, for being a fantastic cat, and helping me get through the rest.
Thanks, Josh, for helping get through freshman year. Congrats to you and Sara on the wedding in a couple weeks!
Thanks, Sam, for helping me get through that first semester.
Thanks, Mallory and Cheyenne, for always being ready to joke about how awful Deiter's horrendous Comp I class was.
Thanks, Mallory and Cheyenne, for always being ready to joke about how awful Deiter's horrendous Comp I class was.
Thanks, Bob and Deb, for showing what following Christ looks like in your lives, in your marriage and in your ministry while leading the NSU BCM.
Thanks to the SWAT crew, particularly Samantha, Elizabeth, Susan, Jacob, Ja Li Si and James. It was fantastic to work with you guys, and I appreciate your friendship so much. Other BCM people who should go here: Daniel P., Annie, James Hoover, Stephen, Zach, Jocelyn, Bucky, Amber, Ashleigh, TJ and Drew. All of y'all also brightened up sophomore year quite a bit, whether that be working on the worship team, Bible studies, vollleyball/basketball, or planning miscellanous things like the Friday Lunch Bunch gatherings or Thunder watch parties. Finally, a special shoutout to Elizabeth, Stephen, Daniel P., Bucky, and Mom for introducing me to the residents of Pawnee, Indiana. (In other words, for getting me hooked on Parks and Recreation.)
Thanks, Randall and Lacey, for your efforts leading RSU Chi Alpha, and showing how a young couple can serve Christ through their marriage and ministry.
At NSU - Thanks to Cassie and Dr. Eversole for teaching in the MassComm/Media Studies department, and to Professor Semrow and Dr. Faulds in the English Department.
Thanks, Randall and Lacey, for your efforts leading RSU Chi Alpha, and showing how a young couple can serve Christ through their marriage and ministry.
At NSU - Thanks to Cassie and Dr. Eversole for teaching in the MassComm/Media Studies department, and to Professor Semrow and Dr. Faulds in the English Department.
Thanks to the Galdemezes and DeSpains for being there when needed, and allowing me to feel like part of y'all's families - including crashing the couch and raiding the library.
At RSU - Thanks to Dr. Mackie, Dr. Dial-Driver, Dr. Marrero, Mr. Williams, Tip and David for loving your subjects, and being amazing teachers. Thanks especially to Dr. Mackie for explaining how to write poetry, and to Dr. Mackie and Dr. Dial-Driver for trying to teach me how to use an academic tone in essays. Thanks to David for teaching scriptwriting and directing theater projects, and all three of them for encouraging me to keep writing.
Thanks, Brittany. It was great to work with you and spend time with you this semester
Thanks to Cody, Kinze, Lauren, Brian, Coale, Debra and Jenny for being frequent classmates/coworkers/friends. It's a privilege to work with you guys, whatever that work might entail - acting, writing stories/poetry/nonfiction/essays/stage plays/screenplays/radio copy, arguing with each other about edits in our work or about the merits of works studied, mutual panicking over deadlines, whatever. Hopefully our paths will cross again someday.
Thanks for Youth Tour pals for understanding what college life is like, and being willing to laugh along in gladness or sympathy with one another's triumphs and trials. Adam, Lorene, Ravi and Tauri immediately leap to mind, but I know there are others, too, from that trip. It's been really cool how most of us have kept in touch over the years.
In short....
Thanks, Brittany. It was great to work with you and spend time with you this semester
Thanks to Cody, Kinze, Lauren, Brian, Coale, Debra and Jenny for being frequent classmates/coworkers/friends. It's a privilege to work with you guys, whatever that work might entail - acting, writing stories/poetry/nonfiction/essays/stage plays/screenplays/radio copy, arguing with each other about edits in our work or about the merits of works studied, mutual panicking over deadlines, whatever. Hopefully our paths will cross again someday.
Thanks for Youth Tour pals for understanding what college life is like, and being willing to laugh along in gladness or sympathy with one another's triumphs and trials. Adam, Lorene, Ravi and Tauri immediately leap to mind, but I know there are others, too, from that trip. It's been really cool how most of us have kept in touch over the years.
In short....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)