Flash Cards?

Some of us were talking the other day, and the topic of number-color corralation was brought up. We all agreed that certain numbers are associated with certain colors. Is this because we all had the same flash cards as little kids? For instance...

1: white
2: blue
3: green
4: brown
5: red
7: yellow
8: orange

The question is...what color is associated with the number 6 and which one for 9? For some reason, we couldn't come up with the answer. Weird huh. I kind of think that we must have all had the same coloring books from the same company that were color by number. The reason is unknown.

Snow, Syrah, and Saddle Creek

While others decked the halls and climbed their Rose Suchak Ladders...I sat at home with T-wise on Christmas. Working in retail is a tough profession for various reasons. One of the biggest reasons is because of the phenonmenon known as the "Holiday Rush". Now, while most people are listening to Christmas music and hanging Christmas lights on their houses, we in retail are pushed to our last nerves. Between angry customers, crazy kids let loose in the mall, and working all hours, everyday...is there any reason why we wouldn't be in festive moods? Basically, on Christmas, all I wanted to do was sit back, eat, and relax. It ended up being so snowy, there was almost no way to get out of the house anyway. Granted, T-wise and I did go and see a movie, "Bedtime Stories" (kind of a cute family movie). After all of the lovey-dovey, happy endings from the movie...we rushed home and I had to put on a Saddle Creek vinyl. Listening to the humdrum of mandolins and piano put me right back into the right mood. All in all, my Christmas was anything but festive...and yet, everything I needed. At least as far as I can tell, all I needed was rest. But family and festivities definitely lacked, and if I dwell on their absence too long...I might sink into a melancholical haze.

"You're afraid of the dark, too, Marv."

Well, if you've been keeping up on my infrequent postings on this blog, you'll know that I have posted a few different times regarding my co-workers. Considering work truly is my life, it's really pretty much all that I have to talk about. But don't worry, I still have an arsenal of random ponderings that will soon surface on this blog again. But for today, I wanted to introduce to you one of our new managers at 589. Her name is Melissa. Now, I decided to start calling her "Mel" thinking that it would be funny (I don't know why), but it wasn't. She didn't even respond to the predictable nickname. Anyway, she is such a breath of fresh air at the 589. Our previous manager had many interpersonal issues, some of which I'd be happy to discuss with you over the phone. Then Melissa stepped in...instant fun.

Melissa hails from Port Orchard. Quite frankly, I don't know one thing about this place except that they had a delayed start of two hours in their school district this morning on the account of snow. Other than that, I know nothing about the joint. I envision it to be a lot like Port Angeles...but I think that's only because they are both port towns. Melissa graduated from WSU with a psychology degree early because she's a brain-iack, or because she got a lot of "extra credit" time with her professors. Who knows really. She brings the most random comments to work, and yet I love them all. Tyler frequently finds himself confused at why we're laughing. Over brunch the other day, we laughed and reminisced about various made-for-Disney-channel movies we'd both watched as youngsters. We also both love the movies Home Alone and Swiss Family Robinson. Oh Roberta. Oh Fritz. Melissa claims to not see movies that everyone else has, but random old movies she knows by heart (All of the Brat Pack movies are included). The other day, we were doing orientation for a group of newbs, and NSync Christmas came on over the sound system, we started singing and laughing at work...then she busted out the Kevin McCallister. Do you remember the scene in Home Alone when he's trying to fool the burglars into thinking that there's a party going on at his house so he's got string attached to his foot and two hands and he's waving them around to "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"? Well, that's the Kevin McCallister. Try it out...its a great move. Our newbs proceeded to let us know how weird they thought we were. Haha. But we're their bosses, so they can deal. Mel is nortorious for saying things that I haven't heard since I was a youngster in Pomeroy too (i.e. hot bombalottie, ahnah-hellnah, etc.). Cracks me up. I wish you could all know her. You'd probably pee your pants, at least a little if you knew her.

The Dark Reunion of Archibald and Humphrey

Well, as some of you may know, my old college roommate and I, Tyler Weisen have once again moved in together. I know...big surprise. Tyler and I have known each other since we were just little tykes. I remember at Family Camp at Pinelow, my family would rent out Lanman A and Lanman B. And the Weisens, along with the Herrings and Sterks would rent out Koinanea right next door. We were never really friends at that time, but we definitely knew that the kids next door were pretty cool with all of their fancy nerf guns and water pistols. Tyler and I didn't really become friends until junior high at junior high camp...back when we made out with the Grandview girls (and yes Geebs, this includes you from Prosser too). Despite our early friendship, T-wise and I did not see eye-to-eye in college. But all roads lead back to this untimely duo.


We are now living together in Olympia at this sweet little, shady, scary, apartment complex known as Holiday House. In case you're wondering, we live behind a McDonald's and across the street from Motel 6...classy I know. Anyway, we are getting a long so well. It's really quite entertaining. We had better be careful...this reunion could prove to be detrimental to all that is good...aka Global Warming, the hunt for Sasquatch in Western Washington (Kyle you're right, he/she does exist), and the gross ticket sales from the new Fast and Furious movie. Basically, life with T-wise is udderly unpredictable...and that's why I love it.

Late Bloomer

I admit, I have felt very apprehensive about posting anything too political on my blog. I just haven't wanted to sucumb to any cliches of posting something just to post it. Even after the results have been tallied and announced. It has been very interesting to hear the "fall out" from many people surrounding the election results. Despite my disagreements with some of Senator Obama's beliefs and morals, I do believe, in faith, that good things can come from his term. It is going to be a long, hard trek, but it would be for any man or woman stepping into office at this juncture. I hope that our response, as the American people, will not foreshadow the belief systems of Senator McCain and Senator Obama. Despite their imperatively opposite belief systems and campaigns, I hope that we, as Americans, can truly unite in prayer...in support. Let us continue to be the United States...the united people that pledge allegiance, with one voice. Although overused in the past eighteen months, let us "believe" in faith. Obama's win may perhaps really test our faith as believers, but let us step up to the challenge. No matter what our personal beliefs are of President Bush, America has seen better days; this position not laying on just the hands of the president and his administration, but on circumstance. Let's believe for better days...whatever those may be. Perhaps they'll come sooner than we think, or perhaps things will simply grow dimmer. Regardless, I take this election as a call to faith. Not simply a call for change, but one of belief. It might be foolish to believe that we can all join together as one entire country...but I have the faith to believe that we will overcome. We are a country ready to respond...ready to believe.



I am in prayer for you Senator Obama...and in doing so, I'm in prayer for our nation.

Go Bananas!

I have a question for you. Do you remember those crazy toys Bananas in Pajamas? They were stinkin' scary! But my question actually doesn't pertain to these scary toys. Okay...here's the question...

Are bananas the only non-juicey fruit?

I realize that fruit has to have seeds in it...and bananas do. But why is it that all other fruits are actually juicey. Sure, I know that you can get banana juice/nectar but when you bite into a banana, it's not juicey. Why is that? Am I forgetting another juice-less fruit?

Galaxies and Burbs

I was sitting outside on my back porch, and realized, that here, in the Burbs of Olympia stars and galaxies can be easily viewed. I was listening to my obsession, Conor Oberst's newest album. The fourth song on the cd, "Lenders in the Temple" seems to be the best description of where and what I feel right now. If you need an update on my life, here it is.

A short delay, the pair of blues
Little voices mimic you
It's not so hard to make that sound
So watch your back, the Ides of March
Cut your hair like Joan of Arc
Disguise your will, they'll find you out
And when they do
Look out

There's money lenders inside the temple
That circus tiger's gonna break your heart
Something so wild turned into paper
If I loved you, well that's my fault

A bitch in heat, the alpha male
Not something she'd ever tell
Except when she got deathly high
And out it came like summer rain
It washed the cars and everything
Felt clean for just a little while
A telephone
We drunk dialed

Those starving children, they ain't got no mother
There's pink flamingos living in the mall
I'd give a fortune to your infomercial
If somebody would just take my call
Take my call, Take my call

Hello
Patterns in my mind now moving slow
Sorrow all across the surface roads
Smoothing out the edges of the stone
The lights are out, where'd everybody go
Alone

Erase yourself and you'll be free
Mandela destroyed by the sea
All we are is colored sand
So pay to ride the ferris wheel
Smile, all that you can feel
Is gratitude for what has been
'Cause it did not
Happen

There's money lenders inside the temple
That circus tiger's gonna break my heart
Something so wild turned into paper
If you love me, then that's your fault

There's money lenders inside the temple
This crystal city's gonna fall apart
When all their power turns into vapor
If I miss you, well that's my fault

Love Without Reason

I know that this is a delayed post, but last weekend was easily the best weekend since the big move. I drove up to Seattle, and stayed with the hospitable 613...also known as Steve McMahan, Travis Gingrich, and some other dude named Wes. Anywho...I had the best Greek food I've probably ever had. It was phenomenal. I think I loved it more than words can express. Plus, any weekend is great when you get to spend time on the Ave.

But the greatest part of last weekend was my boy Adrian. I can't even express how amazing he truly is. It is a sad defecit for most of you readers because you haven't had the chance to meet him. Perhaps I should catch you up.

When I was a freshman in high school, I had the chance to go and play on a men's volleyball team in Lewiston, Idaho. A coach asked me if I would join the team, so I went to a practice with little to no expectations. I admit, I was a little cocky. But skepticism was trumped. My life was going to be changed. There I met a guy named Andrew, also playing volleyball. He took me under his wing. He was a senior at Lewiston High School (Go Bengals!). Andrew's entire family is the first family that I can easily recollect that took me in...and I could literally describe as a home away from home. Although my time in hours was not abundant at the Gomez house, it to this day remains invaluable to me. The things that Mike and Barbara taught me and opened me up to span from peppercinis, cold pasta salad, and Grapefruit Sobe to the importance of honesty, transparency, and faith. Adrian at that time was only 12. His viraciousness for life remains unprecedented. I can't describe his sincerity. So often, I remember thinking about the effects that Mike (Adrian's dad) has had on my life even to this day. The way that I practice my life has been influenced tremendously by this family.

So now you're caught up. Adrian is amazing. When I went up to Seattle, I got to see Adrian for the first time in about two and a half years. After his fantastic rookie year on the UW baseball team, he chose to go on his mission. He just got back from Guadalajara. Needless to say, he got back, re-started school, re-started baseball, and got engaged. There has been so much to talk about! We went to sushi, then B&N, then UW Bookstore, then his place on Capitol Hill. It was awesome to reconnect. He is the perfect example of love without reason. He genuinely loves people without any rhyme or reason. I have never witnessed a more charismatic guy. People are drawn to him...and he genuinely wants to seek people out...with thanks. I have greatly missed him. It's strange, but I feel a greater sense of stability with him. Its fantastic to be around someone that I can truly express myself with. Its been a long time since I had that person. All you need to know is that Adrian is joy and ambition rolled into charisma. You should know him.

Word, Keiks.

I want one of these. Let's pray hard for them. Haha. Any combination of boston terriers, french bulldogs, and boxers.

Smile! You're on Candid Camera...

Thought that I should post a few pictures from work...enjoy.



The only perk about closing some nights...is pranking the morning manager. Have fun Megz.



Lindsay and I representin'...



Alyssa, our crazy stockroom girl...sneaking up on Megan.

These are just a few of many pictures from work. Basically, things get out of control here. Hopefully, we'll survive the Christmas Season!

Seriously?

This Is Why I'm Hot

Number one, I had a boss that secretly liked this song, so this post is partially dedicated to him. (You know who you are). But the main reason for this post is a simple conundrum that you may or may not have experienced. Have you ever seen a person blow on cold food before? Clearly, when you're little, your mom blows on your steaming hot mac and cheese so that you don't burn your toddler, sensitive mouth. And we all have various degrees of sensitive teeth. But why on earth would you ever logically believe that blowing on a spoonful of ice cream is going to help at all. Have you seen this? The other day, I went to get pumpkin ice cream with oreos and whipped cream from Cold Stone (thought of you Keiks and Trace)...and saw a middle-aged woman blowing on her ice cream as if to "cool it down". Am I missing something here?

The Infamous Campbell's Brain Washing

Is it truly a naturally innate reaction to say "mmmm..." when we taste something that is pleasant/desireable to our pallet? Or do we do that because we've somewhere along the line been influenced to believe it's the proper reaction?

We're Not In Kansas Anymore...

I now understand what Sarah has been saying the passed couple years. When you work a ton, and you have certain clothes that you wear to work...the rest of your clothes just gather dust in your closet. For those of you that know me at all, this means a lot of clothes are gathering dust. At work we have all of these stipulations with our work clothes that we need to follow. This is all fine and dandy...and overall, very understandable, but sad nonetheless. I realized that I have been so spoiled with my last couple jobs. My clothing was not restricted much at all. And well, I miss wearing color. At work I have to wear jeans and a navy, white, or gray top. I'm tired of this. I wish I could wear color again. Needless to say, when I'm not working, my clothing looks like Silly Whim has thrown up all over me (that's for you Kylee). Too much color is not a good thing, but when you're going through withdrawls, its just what happens.

We Work Hard for the Money

This is a legitimate video that we use for training. You might wonder what I'm doing these days...well, here's a little glimpse.

Hogan left and it suddenly got trashy...

When I was little, before reality television, the exaggeration of familiar things was all the rage. The leader of this television movement was none other than the vogue sport, wrestling. Now, I'm not talking about the wrestling that many highschoolers still participate in, I'm talking about where many people got their great launches into stardom. Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, and Andre the Giant are just a few of the original stars of Wrestle Mania. After this came WWF Monday Night RAW, WWF Smackdown, and many others followed. In junior high, I don't remember why or how, but everyone had "NWO" t-shirts. It was a commodity. Then out of the blue, wrestling and all its theatrics fell from the rating charts. Few survived the great decent into the trashy realm. "The Rock" hung on with all he could and "successfully" filmed blockbusters such as, The Mummy Returns, Game Plan, and many other less than enjoyable films. But Coors Light, trailer parks, and mullets have been replaced with professional wrestling and Nascar. How did this happen? Did the American people just lose interest in folding chair concussions or back flips off the corner posts? We lost the insatiable desire to see spandexed men and women walk down a runway towards the rink with crazy smoke machines and lights. Sad to see Triple H fall, but I think it's a good thing for the futures of the upcoming generations.

Car Twins...Sike!

Here I am...in the lovely Evergreen State. My days consist of work and coffee, then coffee and work. You might wonder why my posts have been so infrequent, but that is because I have had little to no internet access at my current house. But guess where I am now...another coffee shop. Go figure. Mudbay Coffee. It brings me back to Flying M. I love it so much.

Anyway, ever since I traveled back to the City of "Trees" for the D-Baby/Squaw wedding, I have been seeing car twins everywhere I go. Its been a constant letdown. For instance, I thought that I saw Derek's car the other day, and Austin's car today...everytime, a letdown. But if I emphatically ponder the possibilities of this happening...I realize that this isn't probably going to ever happen. A friend from hours away all of a sudden shows up just to do a drive-by wave. Nonetheless, it would be nice. However, I surprisingly haven't been lonely over here, just busy.

Today, Megan and I have been blogging and facebooking (cool, I know) at Mudbay. Then we're probably going to go and see "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist". I'll let you know how it is. Anyway, it has gotten me longing for the Flicks. I'm pretty sure that a place like the Flicks would rack in the dough here in Oly. Also, we went out for dim sum and Nordstrom's last night...and she has never been to a Nordstrom's. Megan didn't even know what it was. She also doesn't know what Burberry is. North Dakota (Norda) has sheltered her for too long! Haha. In other news, my boy Adrian got back from his mission, engaged, and is living right by me! Its so good to have him home.

Hopefully, I'll get to see some people from home...yes I'm still calling Boise home...as soon as possible. If it wasn't for my car breaking down once again, I would've been able to see Char and Kern this weekend. But it turns out it is a no-go. Perhaps one day, I'll drive by you on the 101, and think, man that looks like Shane and Kiki's Murano, and it'll actually be you. Here's to hoping.

Ode to the BCC

For those of you that don't know, BCCs are better known as Banana Cake Cookies. Since I have moved, this is one of the many things that I have found myself missing. Obviously friends are the top of that list, but nonetheless the BCCs are missed, too. I knew that once I got here to Oly, if I could find a record store and a coffee shop, I could start to make this place home. Batdorf and Bronson's brings me great french press joy, and Rainy Day Records has the best low-priced vinyls anywhere. I have found myself reading books that have a little bit more intelligence than my passed fiction novels starring the Cullen family. Here I am reading Banker to the Poor in Batdorf's...(Stephanie, you must read this book! Jojo you too.)

Also, I have been working at Hollister Co. which is a very different atmosphere from my previous job, but not unfamiliar still. Here are a few of my co-workers...they are so much fun. Patrick
Sooyun
Bre
Lindsay
Mary
Gret
Tom
Brandy and Nicole
Shannon
Megan

Enclosed are a few things I've began to ponder since being back in Washington:

1. Why was Miley Cyrus wearing shovies? (Short ovies, short over-alls)
2. I miss the nights wear we all sat around in the North End cottage discussing important things like, "Sarah: 'Lay off my creamy!' Austin: 'Poke Sarah's creamy!'
3. I wonder what Moof looks like speaking Korean (on-yung, hah-say-oh)
4. How many times will I run into Pip over here.
5. Will we ever again have a family reunion? Perhaps in Tahoe, or Venice, or NNU 2016.

I will start posting again. Internet has been limited. Boise, you are missed. 2C, not so much.

Hit Me Baby One More Time

Today features the final member of the immediate family of friends. If you have been keeping up with my blog lately, you will have had a few different clues as to who the baby of the family is...she has just started dating this foreign guy from 2C, she is the "heart" of the family, and...she is Asian/Pacific Islander. It is our little sister, Jolleen! Ms. Quimba has this innate way of relating to people. Jolleen can walk down the street, see someone, and suddenly develop a heart for them. I don't think that I've ever met someone so full of blessings. Often times in church, we hear about this metaphor of being "over-flowing". I sometimes wonder if Jojo will ever run out of encouragement. When you see her, you are greeted with one of two faces--a big smile and a little giggle, or what I affectionately call her Filipino face (which is when she scrunches up her lips and turns her eyebrows down). Regardless, she is always full of emotion. Jojo is the baby of our family for many reasons. For instance, Jolleen always has to go to bed early (because of her job), she is sometimes unconsciously ignored when she makes comments, and she lives with Mom still. Plus she's mom's favorite, so clearly she is the baby.



Joey is an elementary school teacher, so she has many art supplies and is more crafty than she gives herself credit for. Just two Christmases ago, I got Jojo a Magnadoodle, and perhaps I'm biased, but I think it was an amazing gift! Growing up in this family (with a bunch of talkers) Jolleen has learned to be a great listener. If you have any concerns or stresses, our little sister is the remedy. I'm sure our tiny, little sister would be a huge blessing in anyone's life. Unfortunately, Uncle Marc is headin' to L.A. to try and make it as a musician, I'm moving for a job, Auntie Moof is traveling again, Dad has left mom and is pursuing other dreams, so we will be missing out on our blessing-refueling sibling. But good news for all of you--Joey will have more to go around. So look her up...and be encouraged.

Gibler's got nothin' on Zandaddy!

In our great family of friends, we have discovered that every family needs a neighbor boy. There's Rudy's chubby friend, Peter on the Cosby Show; Urkel need I say more; and Roger from Sister, Sister. Without a doubt, we all need a neighbor boy. Unfortunately, they are often portrayed as the annoying nuissance. Zandaddy is not this person in our lives. He was dubbed the "neighbor boy" because he didn't live with anyone from the family. But Austin is far from annoying. Zander approaches life from an angle of excitement and eagerness. It was quite a surprise when Kristen started dating the neighbor boy. Granted, I have like Austin for quite some time, so I didn't feel the need to be too protective of my little sister Kristen. Plus, she's a handful on her own. Kristen sometimes has a tendency to get bored quickly...and this is a perfect fit because Austin is one of the most talented people I've ever known. He's the type of guy that can try and anything once and be a pro at it. Kristen and Austin have this in common, which makes them a great fit. The neighbor boy has a natural ability to sense the mood of things. And if its too heavy, Austin can always be the comic relief. Zandaddy is incredibly sincere and thoughtful. He has always been more than understanding--and seeks out ways to think of other people and show it. His insight is also pretty impecable. It almost makes you feel like he's spying on you, because he seems to always know what's going on. Even when our little sister (she will be revealed tomorrow) started dating this foreign guy (from the land of 2C) Austin knew before Kristen. The neighbor boy may have aqua pony tendencies and cold ankles, but he is well informed, and thoughful beyond compare. We all just kind of ignore the ankles (similar to DJ ignoring Kimmi's stinky feet) and deal, because we wouldn't trade Zandaddy.

O-L-S-E-N...what does that spell?

The Twins! Today's post is dedicated to the family's twins. Kyle Rooks and Kristen Brewer may not be biologically related, but they sure act like they are. They don't act just like brother and sister, but they act like twins. Their interactions with each other are hilarious.


Kyle is so easy going.



Kristen is the twin that looks for adventure and isn't satisfied until she finds it.



Between the two of them, mischief is always at hand. Kristen is the idea girl; and Kyle is the persuasive one. They claim many of the same traits. For instance, they both claim to be the "bringer together of friends". Which I just realized isn't even a word..."bringer". Ha. They also both get a litte offended when you suggest that their idea(s) aren't good ones. And usually, they are good ideas...just not plausible ones. I'll never forget the time when the twins were just kids...and it was their birthday (and by birthday I mean, it was Kristen's birthday). There was a beautiful cake that mom made for Kristen, naturally...and we're all singing "Happy Birthday" as mom walks the cake to the table. Kristen is anxiously waiting. Right before she blows out the candles, she takes a deep breath (not to be out-done)...Kyle beats her to the task at hand and extinguishes the candles before Kristen can exhale. What a brother. The slight uproar that followed characterizes their relationship so well. These two are the two people that bring joy into our lives. Kyle and Kristen liven things up in the family. Sometimes, things can get to be a little too serious, but with the twins, there's always something to keep us on our toes. The twins represent the vigor of the family. Mom is the hands, Dad is the brains, little sister (who will rename nameless at this time) is the heart, and the Twins are the eyes. They're the creative ones of the family. The see and do without conviction. If Daniel and Ruth were twins...we'd have a great match. Kyle and Kristen might be a little upset that I posted just once for the two of them as opposed to two seperate posts, but c'mon now, they're twins, they should be used to it by now.

In a Van, Down by the River

How many of you remember that infamous, comedy sketch from SNL with the tag line, "...in a van down by the river"? Granted, Chris Farley is nothing like today's family member. Unlike Farley's character in this particular sketch, uncle Marc (Herring) is an optimist. He has taken this tagline, that was supposed to increase fear in the hearts of delinquent children, and transformed it into a lifelong dream. Uncle Marc (that guy from Covenant) truly does want to live in a van down by the river...preferably a VW bus. This in an odd way represents Marc to a "T". He is so uncoventional. Granted, his sisters growing up were Auntie Moof and Mom (Sarah Walker)...so its no surprise he marches to a beat of a different drum.
No matter how abnormal Marc is he excels in areas that need abnormality to be special. For instance, Marc remembers statistics from when he was in third grade; he has an incredible nack for remembering numbers. This comes in handy when you need to remember phone numbers, statistics, etc. He also listens extremely well. Which is why I get along with my uncle so well, he listens to me jabber on and on...I get my communication fervor from mom. I'm not sure why, but Uncle Marc is still single. He seems like such great marriage material, but I suppose since his music is such a high priority, it must make things pretty tough. His music is so close to his heart; it expresses him in a dimension that his words don't ever say. Aside from everything, Marc is a very loyal friend as well...just like dad. When I went away for college, I stayed with Uncle Marc. He really is not your typical bachelor. He always keeps a clean house, cooks regularly, and maintains a tip-top lifestyle, except for his shower habits of course. If you don't know my Uncle Marc, you need to. His humor is beyond abnormal...and that's what makes him so funny. His uniqueness makes him a person that you need to have in your life...otherwise, you're just missing out.

Root Juice, Sequence, and Almonds

I know that it has been a few days since I last posted, but the Olympics have been consuming most of my time. Today, I am posting about the infamous Moof. This is our affectionate name for our aunt, Stephanie Rooks. She is fantastic. Granted, Stephanie is our aunt because she's the girl that lives her life to the beat of a different drum. Auntie Moof (short for Mufasa) has many quirks that maker her who she is. Some of these things are: the constant insatiable desire to consume almonds, her bottle of root juice (a natural sweetner) that she constantly carries in her purse...speaking of purses, she also has a sequenced purse that leaves behind beads and sequence everywhere she goes. One of the things that I appreciate about Aunt Stephanie is her desire to be used. She lives a true servant's life. I am guessing that only true television fanatics will remember this, but on Home Improvement, Jill's sister comes to visit a few different episodes. Jill's sister travels the world, brings back crazy artifacts for the kids and Tim and is an adventure seeker. Moof is a dose of this concept, with a heavy ingredient of humanitarianism. In Acts, we see that we are called to go into all the world telling them about the Good News of God. This sums up Stephanie. She has this desire, and lives it out daily. Soon, our aunt will be leaving us again to go to Korea and serve. It'll be a sad day; our family is disbanning. Perhaps, Moof will bring us back tea, chopsticks, and other crazy things from her un-ending travels.

Who's Your Daddy?

Today is dedicated to DAD. Calvin (Vinny) Nicholas Arthur Mann. The voice of reason can generally be attributed to the father figure. However, in times of stress, at least in my family, the dad is the first to jump to conclusions. Vinny on the other hand is our father figure in our family of friends because of what he does in his maneurisms and anectdotes. Vinny is never short on information. We can all be sitting around talking about work or something...then Vinny chimes in with statistics from CNN or something he read in the NY Times. It is frequently mind boggling. Vinny has a specific stanse that includes a coffee mug as well. There's just something about his actions that make him "dad-like". I would venture to say that many of the girls in the family also would agree that Vinny is extremely protective. He's a guy that defends his friends, and in this case, family to the furthest extent. He is amazingly committed to his friends/family. You'll have a hard time finding a guy that is more loyal than Vinny. Our friend Cara called Vinny to have her come pick her up when her car broke down. Vinny is that type of dad. The one that bails you out. He's the dad that is on your side...and you know it. He's not the Danny Tanner dad that just lectures you with "dad talks", nor is he Tim Taylor who just doesn't get it. He's more like Tony Danza from "Who's the Boss" or the dad's from "My Two Dads". He's the good friend, dad-type. He's always got your back. Unfortunately, Vinny will soon be in Scotland. Hopefully we won't need bailed out from jail, or break down on the side of the road...farewell Vinny. Can't wait to see dad in a kilt.

A Tribute to the Family

I think that no matter what situation you're in; it is completely natural to create a family-type unit. From birth, most of us experience some sort of family atmosphere, and become accustomed to it. When you leave that traditional home, you surround yourself with a similar unit and take on roles whether you mean to or not. Post college, some of us have realized that we have all began to form this sort of family. We are known as the "Leftovers" because many of us didn't hang out while in college, but since we're out of college, live in the area, and have mutual friends--we are now "family". In honor of this family unit, I have decided to dedicate one person to each day, that way you can get to know them as well.


Today, I have decided to start with our mom. Because I am truly a mama's boy (I love my mom)...I thought it only appropriate to start with the mother figure in our new family unit. Sarah Walker. She is such a fantastic person. She is the type of person that bakes cookies for guests...or picks you up from work/school...and when you tell a sketchy joke, you look to see her reaction (you know, see how much you can get away with). Haha. Sarah is a woman that lives a life you can't help but respect. She has such charisma and is directed by an empathetic pull. When you're little, typically, you want to go to your mom for compassion and understanding. Many dads struggle with this concept a little. Which is exactly why Sarah is our mom. She deserves a day off...is there such thing as "Fake Mother's Day"? We should have one in her honor. She works her tail off. Hats off Sarah...we look up to you in more ways than you'll ever know.

The Hand-y Man

I have come to realize, that I have quite a few friends with two door cars. I know that this seems like a rather strange realization to have, but let me tell you why I have noticed. Between Stephanie, Kristen, Marc, Cortney, Keiks, etc., this little happening occurs quite often. What happening? The unexpected, hand-on-hand contact. How many of you know what I mean? One of two things happen...

A: You're the guy in the back...you wait to be let out from the back. The person in the front seat goes to let you out...but you are just a little too hastey and reach for the lever as well. Then what happens? Hand-on-hand. Or,
B: You're the person in the front. You hesitate for a second, and the over-zealous back-seater grabs the lever. Then you're just the guy standing outside trying to inter-digitate with you friend...aka: the hand-on-hand.

We have all learned from Zach Morris, that one bucket of popcorn is key on a date. Much more opportunity for the static hand-to-hand contact. This is desired on a date. But with you pal, buddy, bro...not so much. It is indeed one of those small happenings that no one in particular attributes much thought to. Should you grab with fervor? Or wait and shuffle your reach to see who actually grabs it? What is the correct ettiquette?

You Make Christopher's Heart Hurt...

I don't know if this is incredibly true, but it has proved to be true for me. You go to Seattle, and see tons of Asian symbolled tattoos; Portland-band tattoos; Florida-dolphins, dolphins, and more dolphins; and Idaho..."tramp stamps" and Superman tattoos. Now, I don't know why this is...but the fact that there are so many bros with Superman tattoos running around Boise, is reason enough to leave. Why would someone want to do this to themselves? Is it in memory of Dean Cain, Teri Hatcher, and the New Adventures of Superman? Is there a weird boy-to-boy infatuation with Jimmy Olson? I haven't been able to figure out the motivation.

Now, perhaps these bros (AKA: destroyed denim, Abercrombie shirt, frosted-gelled hair, and backwards cap with diamond earrings) are trying to say something to their egos or to the girls they hope to meet/date. Either way...the only word for these tattoos is...SAD. But for our purposes, they can put a smile on our face...and we can not be sad about these poor choices, but smile, and laugh. Here are a few pictures to brighten your day.


Smile...

Have a hoot...

Gut rollin' good times...

Have a nice day.

Friends are Friends Forever

Although it has only been a couple of years since I graduated college, I have realized that much of the memories are dimming. I however am fortunate, because I still live in the general vicinity of my school. Friends from college remain all over this area. Boe and Charla live just South of us...Kristen, Austin, and Stephanie live across the street from us...Josh, Hillary, and Taylor represent for Caldwell...and then there are copious amounts of friends that remain Nampons. Why is it so different from college still? Well, for one, we're all tired and in bed before midnight these days, whereas, in college we didn't even start homework till 1am or later. We also have to worry about jobs, money, and for many, spouses. College brings us all together.

Last night, I was pleasantly surprised to see the eclectic group of friends that gathered together at nothing less than the Canyon County Fair. First of all, Canyon County's fair is not the same as the Ada County fair, or the Hyde Park Street Fair. Secondly, like it or not, Kelly Pickler may be attractive (to say the least), but she can't write...all of her songs she had to say were "co-written". Nonetheless, as we were sitting there listening to Kelly Pickler, I saw friends...with friends...with friends...with spouses. It was a blast. After the highly anticipated fair, we went to Applebee's for 1/2 price appetizers. It was fantastic. All of those in attendance were:

Teri and Tony
Trista (Vote for Me-e-e)
Karen (welcome back from Seattle)
Marc Herring (the NNU Covenant legend)
Josh and Hil (the newlyweds)(http://joshandhil.blogspot.com)
Boe and Charla
Kristen and Austin
Me (token minority)
Taylor Lobb
Travis Green (the turtle)
...and the Moof.

No matter what...people may say it over and over again, but you must cherish those friends and memories. You never get it back.