Well, my sister, mother and brother made it home, safe and sound. We're all here again, and that's pretty cool! Mom and Meg were waiting for Dad and I when we got home from work... on Friday's, that's around noon! I work four 9 hour days, and then only 4 hours on Friday... I love Fridays.
The rest of Friday was spent hangin' with Meg. We love going to Half-price books together... it's sort of our mutual downfall. But at least it's fun to find cheap books and movies. I found this 4 part dvd set about Edward R. Murrow. It included a biography, stuff from the McCarthy Era, the "best of See it Now" and finally, part of "harvest of shame". I'm way excited to start watching that whenever we all get the time. My other weak spot, besides history, is CS Lewis books (I found a new one!) and books of marine photography (I found another one of those too! It was mostly Macro [close up] pictures, which I adore)
Saturday was spent picking, cleaning and packaging up strawberries. The 4 of us picked 45 lbs of them. My mom makes some killer jam and then, of course, there's strawberry shortcake. Our supply had been all used up, so we went out to Carnation, WA, and worked in the blistering sun for an hour or so. I chatted with my wenn friends in the evening, and my brother came home from Mexico. What a day!
Sunday, wonderful Sunday! After another awesome expository sermon (we're going though First Thessalonians at the present time), Meg, my friend Becky and I came home to a lovely lunch with the family to celebrate my oldest sister's birthday. We then proceeded to gobble up large quantities of shortcake with strawberries, which was wonderful. After playing with my niece and nephew and Meg's hamster and my other sister's baby rabbits (it was a full house), Becky, Meg and I went to see WALL-E! What a riot! The opening short was particularly clever.
Then, back at home, I introduced Becky to Remember WENN, the first two episodes. Instictively, the family all sat down and watched as well. All I can say is, "Well, there's a lot more on the way!" :)
Until Next Time,
Jp
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
What a Heart is Beating For
By Chris Rice
Leave it alone; don't analyze, 'cause love can be your lullaby, but love can be your hurricane too. And love can take your breath away, but love can leave you lonely and blue. Oh, what's a heart to do? Oh, what's a heart to do?
Why be afraid? No reason to hide! Take the chance, put it all on the line. Draw in a deep breath and throw open the door, 'cause that's what a heart is beating for. Yeah, that's what a heart is beating for, beating for, beating for.
Brace yourselves, take a good look around. We've all been thinking upside-down that love's about what life can bring our way. Oh, but love isn't love unless someone pays, and so with love, the only way to gain is give it all away, is give it all away!
Why be afraid? No reason to hide! Take the chance, put it all on the line. Draw in a deep breath and throw open the door, 'cause that's what a heart is beating for. Yeah, that's what a heart is beating for, beating for, beating for.
From the album: What a Heart is Beating For
Copyright 2007, Chris Rice, Clumsy Fly Music
Leave it alone; don't analyze, 'cause love can be your lullaby, but love can be your hurricane too. And love can take your breath away, but love can leave you lonely and blue. Oh, what's a heart to do? Oh, what's a heart to do?
Why be afraid? No reason to hide! Take the chance, put it all on the line. Draw in a deep breath and throw open the door, 'cause that's what a heart is beating for. Yeah, that's what a heart is beating for, beating for, beating for.
Brace yourselves, take a good look around. We've all been thinking upside-down that love's about what life can bring our way. Oh, but love isn't love unless someone pays, and so with love, the only way to gain is give it all away, is give it all away!
Why be afraid? No reason to hide! Take the chance, put it all on the line. Draw in a deep breath and throw open the door, 'cause that's what a heart is beating for. Yeah, that's what a heart is beating for, beating for, beating for.
From the album: What a Heart is Beating For
Copyright 2007, Chris Rice, Clumsy Fly Music
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Anticipation and a Situation
My anticipation stems from my sister returning home tomorrow!
She's coming home to stay after 7 or 8 years of living all over the country, going to schools. It's not that she hasn't come home from time to time,
it's just that now she's coming home.
I really did like this last week of living by myself at home, however. The situation, is that I was given responsibility for the whole household; making sure everything went on schedule, that the dog stayed fed and loved, and that everything was kept safe and clean. I like that responsibility. And even though it's relatively petty, and pretty dorky, I'm proud of it.
I think I might be becoming addicted to this blogging thing.
Oh, well.
We've had some sunny and pleasant days this week! Last night I finished up reading a Sherlock Holmes story while laying on the grass in the front yard. It was probably about 65 degrees; my dog was by my side, and the sun was casting its golden, evening light through our tall fir trees.
It's one version of peace, at least.
Until next time,
Jp
She's coming home to stay after 7 or 8 years of living all over the country, going to schools. It's not that she hasn't come home from time to time,
it's just that now she's coming home.
I really did like this last week of living by myself at home, however. The situation, is that I was given responsibility for the whole household; making sure everything went on schedule, that the dog stayed fed and loved, and that everything was kept safe and clean. I like that responsibility. And even though it's relatively petty, and pretty dorky, I'm proud of it.
I think I might be becoming addicted to this blogging thing.
Oh, well.
We've had some sunny and pleasant days this week! Last night I finished up reading a Sherlock Holmes story while laying on the grass in the front yard. It was probably about 65 degrees; my dog was by my side, and the sun was casting its golden, evening light through our tall fir trees.
It's one version of peace, at least.
Until next time,
Jp
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
A Random Rant
I received an email today from a stranger, because of my blog!
For whatever purpose, this person went into an unprovoked outline and defense of Theistic Evolution. This person was probably trying to impress me... I think.
Now, Theistic Evolution (the idea that God used macro-evolution to create the world) is one of those "certain topics" that I'm loud spoken about. So in case this person sees this, and also to make more clearly known what I believe... I will try and say it clearly. Where to start.... hmm.
Let's just say that the theories of Creation and Evolution are in no way compatible. The Bible clearly says that God created the world in six, regular, 24-hour days; and it was perfect. Man, then given his own choice, decided to disobey God and caused the world to be cursed with death and disease. This is because the punishment for sin is death.
If God used macro-evolution to create the world, he would have had to use billions of years of death and disease, as is found in the fossil record. God would be pretty horrible to call death and cancer "good" or "perfect". Not only that, but there would be no reason for Jesus to die on the cross for our sins if death (the punishment for sin) was already a part of the natural "good" world that God made - before anyone sinned. No! Death is something that God had to save us from, because we are stuck in it. We have each chosen to go our own way, rejecting what God says. But God, in his mercy, provides a way out from our just punishment for our rebellion if we just believe him.
I have wandered from my original plan. I just get so excited about this! LOL!
As far as I can tell, it seems ridiculous to believe that God used evolution. There is an astronomical amount of evidence against this idea.
It seems to me that this theory was brought about by people who want to believe the Bible, but also don't want to consider the consequences of doing so, which would lead them to challenge the current paradigm in the scientific community.
I guess you gotta either believe what God said he did, or not.
That said, I believe that a thinking, scientifically-minded person can look at the evidence before them and believe either theory. I think that the Bible's account makes more sense and requires less faith.
Please believe what you want; but it would be wise to pick either one or the other.
For whatever purpose, this person went into an unprovoked outline and defense of Theistic Evolution. This person was probably trying to impress me... I think.
Now, Theistic Evolution (the idea that God used macro-evolution to create the world) is one of those "certain topics" that I'm loud spoken about. So in case this person sees this, and also to make more clearly known what I believe... I will try and say it clearly. Where to start.... hmm.
Let's just say that the theories of Creation and Evolution are in no way compatible. The Bible clearly says that God created the world in six, regular, 24-hour days; and it was perfect. Man, then given his own choice, decided to disobey God and caused the world to be cursed with death and disease. This is because the punishment for sin is death.
If God used macro-evolution to create the world, he would have had to use billions of years of death and disease, as is found in the fossil record. God would be pretty horrible to call death and cancer "good" or "perfect". Not only that, but there would be no reason for Jesus to die on the cross for our sins if death (the punishment for sin) was already a part of the natural "good" world that God made - before anyone sinned. No! Death is something that God had to save us from, because we are stuck in it. We have each chosen to go our own way, rejecting what God says. But God, in his mercy, provides a way out from our just punishment for our rebellion if we just believe him.
I have wandered from my original plan. I just get so excited about this! LOL!
As far as I can tell, it seems ridiculous to believe that God used evolution. There is an astronomical amount of evidence against this idea.
It seems to me that this theory was brought about by people who want to believe the Bible, but also don't want to consider the consequences of doing so, which would lead them to challenge the current paradigm in the scientific community.
I guess you gotta either believe what God said he did, or not.
That said, I believe that a thinking, scientifically-minded person can look at the evidence before them and believe either theory. I think that the Bible's account makes more sense and requires less faith.
Please believe what you want; but it would be wise to pick either one or the other.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
What's ahead.
Well, besides having a ton of fun my first time in an internet chat room last night, I haven't done much. This week is going to be fun, though, because my dad's going on a business trip, my brother has gone to Mexico for the week, and my sister and my mom are driving across the country, moving my sister back here from Florida (long trip). So I get some rare time to myself at home.
What I mean by the title, really, though, is my big trip coming up in, oh, would you look at the time... a little over one month! I am an Alumnus of the University of Washington Husky Marching Band. [http://www.huskymarchingband.com/]
My director was invited by the Chinese to lead the American portion of the Beijing Olympic Orchestra, a part of the 2,008 member ensemble.
Needless to say, he invited members from the Husky Band, and I am going! We have a mini band camp the last week in July, and then we fly to China and stay in Beijing and Shanghai for 14 days.
I do not know the details of our schedule, but we will be involved somehow in the Opening Ceremony. We'll be performing throughout our stay, but will get time to be tourists, and of course go to sporting events. I'm pretty excited and grateful for this once in a lifetime chance!
Speaking of that, I need to go practice my music. We have this 8 page piece that has to be memorized... and I'm not very good at memorizing music. So, um, what am I doing on the internet?
I started my musical career on piano at age 8, but didn't like it very much. In the fall of 1997, I went to school for the first time to take band (I was home-schooled) and started on the Cornet. I then switched to trumpet and then, finally to French horn in 2000. After community college, I took up the Mellophone in order to join the Husky Band. I graduated in 2006, but continued in the band for 2 more seasons because the first two were not enough. I've since had enough, and I am now just a band alumnus.
Hope my musical history was interesting...
So ends my post for today.
Until next time,
Jp
What I mean by the title, really, though, is my big trip coming up in, oh, would you look at the time... a little over one month! I am an Alumnus of the University of Washington Husky Marching Band. [http://www.huskymarchingband.com/]
My director was invited by the Chinese to lead the American portion of the Beijing Olympic Orchestra, a part of the 2,008 member ensemble.
Needless to say, he invited members from the Husky Band, and I am going! We have a mini band camp the last week in July, and then we fly to China and stay in Beijing and Shanghai for 14 days.
I do not know the details of our schedule, but we will be involved somehow in the Opening Ceremony. We'll be performing throughout our stay, but will get time to be tourists, and of course go to sporting events. I'm pretty excited and grateful for this once in a lifetime chance!
Speaking of that, I need to go practice my music. We have this 8 page piece that has to be memorized... and I'm not very good at memorizing music. So, um, what am I doing on the internet?
In case the question arises in anybody's mind: I play the Mellophone.
And the next answer is: it's a marching French horn.
It is shaped like a trumpet, but is much bigger.
And the next answer is: it's a marching French horn.
It is shaped like a trumpet, but is much bigger.
I started my musical career on piano at age 8, but didn't like it very much. In the fall of 1997, I went to school for the first time to take band (I was home-schooled) and started on the Cornet. I then switched to trumpet and then, finally to French horn in 2000. After community college, I took up the Mellophone in order to join the Husky Band. I graduated in 2006, but continued in the band for 2 more seasons because the first two were not enough. I've since had enough, and I am now just a band alumnus.
Hope my musical history was interesting...
So ends my post for today.
Until next time,
Jp
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Comin' off a high
Well, after over two days of excited bliss from going to Kentucky, I have finally calmed down a little bit. I ate some bad broccoli yesterday and had to heave-ho, and then missed a good bit of sleep. There's nothing like a little bit of stomach sickness to calm one down.
If you're wondering what I did in Kentucky, then you haven't talked to me recently. LOL! I've been talking about nothing else these last few days... these last few weeks.I met some fans of 'Remember WENN' in Owensboro, KY, for dinner, before going with them to a LIVE radio performance of 'Armchair Detectives: A Remember WENN Mystery/Musical'. I had the time of my life. I met the creator of www.rememberwenn.org and other very cool people. We talked, laughed and quoted to our heart's content. Other aspects that made the trip so awesome were the wonderful hotel I had two pit-stops in, the long, beautiful drive from Louisville to Owensboro, my time alone with God, and being able to drive really fast. Renting a car for the first time is an exciting experience. Hoo-rah for being 25!
So now, I am back to work and regular life. Ah, well. It was bound to happen... I just wasn't expecting to throw up after coming off of a high like that. I guess I was a little excited.Signing off until next time,
Jp
[the hotel in Louisville - with my first rental car... the silver Pontiac on the left :) 12/13/09]
Click on the 'WENN Mystery Festival' link for more details, written by one of those "other very cool people". LOL
Sunday, June 15, 2008
I'm Giving It a Try...
We'll see how long I can keep this up. The only 'blogging' I've done before is on Facebook, and that's pretty different, because... because... well, probably you know why already.
Although, nobody will even read this, I shouldn't wonder, so, why bother? Because I do lots of silly things with uncommon regularity.
Oh, well, this is really just an experiment. I think I'll mainly stick to quoting things, and on the rare occasion that something happens to me, maybe try to describe it. As my sister knows all too well, I have a tendency to describe things as 'Fantastic!' or 'Awesome', without getting into much more detail than that. I'll try and be more grandiliquent. (giggle! I like that word)
I have this sneaking suspicion that most of what I say will be quoting the TV show that maybe 6 other people have heard of as well, which would be Remember WENN. (sigh) And unfortunately, a lot of it will probably be misspelled. Just laugh at me if I do.
Although, nobody will even read this, I shouldn't wonder, so, why bother? Because I do lots of silly things with uncommon regularity.
Oh, well, this is really just an experiment. I think I'll mainly stick to quoting things, and on the rare occasion that something happens to me, maybe try to describe it. As my sister knows all too well, I have a tendency to describe things as 'Fantastic!' or 'Awesome', without getting into much more detail than that. I'll try and be more grandiliquent. (giggle! I like that word)
I have this sneaking suspicion that most of what I say will be quoting the TV show that maybe 6 other people have heard of as well, which would be Remember WENN. (sigh) And unfortunately, a lot of it will probably be misspelled. Just laugh at me if I do.
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