Since today, Thursday, is one of those days where I don't have a single thing to say, I'll share this YouTube video with you. Yes, I know, it's YouTube, blah, blah, blah. But this one is rather intriguing. More so than the rest of YT's greatest hits.
First things, first. Yes, the song, in itself, is not my type of music. Far from it. Actually, I don't really like the song at all. But, as you watch it, you'll know it's not really about how good the music is. It's about how the music was written.
Ever heard of the Fibonacci Sequence?? It's a mathematical term, describing the sequence of a certain set of numbers. It's hard to explain, so I'll let the video do the talking.
Yes, it's a long video...but you'll soon realize that's intentional...and really, within the first minute, I was hooked. You'll enjoy it. Just stick it out, and learn a little something. As opposed to all other days....
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
BEDA - April 22nd
One thing about playing soccer in Mexico is...you have two explanations to choose from. And only two. And it has to be one of them.
1) They ask you to play with them because they think you're good, see some hope in you, and think you're on the way to playing soccer like a Mexican.
2) They ask you to play with them because they see that you're no good, play like an American, and they only want you to play so they can display just how much better they are, have someone on the other team they can demolish with their eyes closed, and know that you will just be fun to have around, cause they can do whatever and not have to worry about what you're doing and where you are. You're American. You don't play soccer. Especially like a Mexican.
Hello Wednesday: Day of getting pwned by Mexicans. Even the old ones. But only in the second half. The first half, we held our own quite well.
So, after work every Mon/Tue/Thurs/Fri, the Casa 7 boys, some college-aged kids from town, and I play soccer for a few hours. Whether it's on the grass or the basketball court depends on the weather, who is there, where the goals were left from the previous day, and what mood we're in. Grass is more slow paced but a lot more running. A trot. Concrete is uber-fast paced, but less running. A sprint.
Last night, after soccer, two of the college kids came up to me and asked me if I wanted to play soccer with them at this big get-together in Las Cardenas (half an hour south) after church tomorrow night. Heck freaking yes. I was in immediately...and slightly flattered they'd even asked me to play with them, considering how I usually play around them. Anywho, so they said to meet them at Globitos (the mom and pop store down the street), and we'd drive down together. Also included was this little disclaimer: "We don't know if you're even allowed to play cause...well, you don't really look like us at all, but if they ask, just say you're Canadian. We don't want any fights breaking out." Hahaha...that's reassuring. Makes me want to go soooo bad! No, really, I still really wanted to go. My chance to show that not all Americans don't love soccer as much as them.
My neighbor, Edgardo, ended up coming as well, so that was awesome. Sadly, he won't be my neighbor anymore cause he's getting married on Saturday. Sad life. For me, not him. I'll miss him. He was great. But anywho, back to soccer. So my neighbor, the two guy guys who originally asked me, and one other guy (who we picked up on the way) headed out for Las Cardenas.
When we arrived, I noticed that the Mexicans have a very unique, clever way of playing soccer. Fast paced, small teams, high scoring. They take a normal soccer field (normal being dirt), split it in half (where the center line is), and put the goals on the sides of the field (where the teams usually sit). So you've now got two separate fields, with goals on the sides, and a shorter, but still wide, field. It's almost the perfect little field. Throw in some grass, maybe some line judges, and a couple real goals, and you've got yourself the perfect field. But then again...I'm getting more used to the dirt (and I happen to like more than our Pothole-ville, which happens to be adjacent to Break-Your-Ankleton. Yeah...as much as I like our "grass" field, it really screws with your footwork and the general flow of the game. Dirt it is. Nice, flat, fast-paced dirt. 'Twas a blast.
We started off great, went down 1-nil. Then quickly came back and tied at 1 all. Then we scored again, up 2-1. They came back with the equalizer shortly after. 2 all. We scored yet again, which they followed up again soon after. That was the first half. Second half, again, started off on the right foot...then they scored. And again. And again. 6-3. We got worked in the second half. They worked us harder than Donald Trump works his hair every morning...EVEN on those occasional bad hair days. Or, in his case, every day.
Overall, the whole thing was a learning process. Experiencing playing with college kids and older men, instead of my usual Jr. high/high school friends. It's good to get out a little and play with men who will seriously push you around, and bruise you, and create ball imprints on your thighs. That's always fun. Battle wounds. Like I need anymore of those...
In other news, I have come to believe that though this billboard statement made be statistically true, at least the first one, the second one is not quite so true. There are definitely other ways besides the American way...just depends on what you're going for. I'm led to believe, at least for me, a more fulfilling lifestyle is lived outside those 50 grand states of ours. And for the time being, I'm finding that right here.
1) They ask you to play with them because they think you're good, see some hope in you, and think you're on the way to playing soccer like a Mexican.
2) They ask you to play with them because they see that you're no good, play like an American, and they only want you to play so they can display just how much better they are, have someone on the other team they can demolish with their eyes closed, and know that you will just be fun to have around, cause they can do whatever and not have to worry about what you're doing and where you are. You're American. You don't play soccer. Especially like a Mexican.
Hello Wednesday: Day of getting pwned by Mexicans. Even the old ones. But only in the second half. The first half, we held our own quite well.
So, after work every Mon/Tue/Thurs/Fri, the Casa 7 boys, some college-aged kids from town, and I play soccer for a few hours. Whether it's on the grass or the basketball court depends on the weather, who is there, where the goals were left from the previous day, and what mood we're in. Grass is more slow paced but a lot more running. A trot. Concrete is uber-fast paced, but less running. A sprint.
Last night, after soccer, two of the college kids came up to me and asked me if I wanted to play soccer with them at this big get-together in Las Cardenas (half an hour south) after church tomorrow night. Heck freaking yes. I was in immediately...and slightly flattered they'd even asked me to play with them, considering how I usually play around them. Anywho, so they said to meet them at Globitos (the mom and pop store down the street), and we'd drive down together. Also included was this little disclaimer: "We don't know if you're even allowed to play cause...well, you don't really look like us at all, but if they ask, just say you're Canadian. We don't want any fights breaking out." Hahaha...that's reassuring. Makes me want to go soooo bad! No, really, I still really wanted to go. My chance to show that not all Americans don't love soccer as much as them.
My neighbor, Edgardo, ended up coming as well, so that was awesome. Sadly, he won't be my neighbor anymore cause he's getting married on Saturday. Sad life. For me, not him. I'll miss him. He was great. But anywho, back to soccer. So my neighbor, the two guy guys who originally asked me, and one other guy (who we picked up on the way) headed out for Las Cardenas.
When we arrived, I noticed that the Mexicans have a very unique, clever way of playing soccer. Fast paced, small teams, high scoring. They take a normal soccer field (normal being dirt), split it in half (where the center line is), and put the goals on the sides of the field (where the teams usually sit). So you've now got two separate fields, with goals on the sides, and a shorter, but still wide, field. It's almost the perfect little field. Throw in some grass, maybe some line judges, and a couple real goals, and you've got yourself the perfect field. But then again...I'm getting more used to the dirt (and I happen to like more than our Pothole-ville, which happens to be adjacent to Break-Your-Ankleton. Yeah...as much as I like our "grass" field, it really screws with your footwork and the general flow of the game. Dirt it is. Nice, flat, fast-paced dirt. 'Twas a blast.
We started off great, went down 1-nil. Then quickly came back and tied at 1 all. Then we scored again, up 2-1. They came back with the equalizer shortly after. 2 all. We scored yet again, which they followed up again soon after. That was the first half. Second half, again, started off on the right foot...then they scored. And again. And again. 6-3. We got worked in the second half. They worked us harder than Donald Trump works his hair every morning...EVEN on those occasional bad hair days. Or, in his case, every day.
Overall, the whole thing was a learning process. Experiencing playing with college kids and older men, instead of my usual Jr. high/high school friends. It's good to get out a little and play with men who will seriously push you around, and bruise you, and create ball imprints on your thighs. That's always fun. Battle wounds. Like I need anymore of those...
In other news, I have come to believe that though this billboard statement made be statistically true, at least the first one, the second one is not quite so true. There are definitely other ways besides the American way...just depends on what you're going for. I'm led to believe, at least for me, a more fulfilling lifestyle is lived outside those 50 grand states of ours. And for the time being, I'm finding that right here.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
BEDA - April 21st
Yesterday, walllofweird posted a video about typing your name into Urban Dictionary and seeing what you come up as. So I thought I'd give it a try, cause Urban dictionary is quite entertaining.
Tobin
1) A cool and talented person.
2) An extremely slow person. Describes someone who does something clueless or irrational, especially of high school age. (origin: Tobin Learning Center for mentally deficient students)
3) To be lazy, slow, sometimes anti-social, or not wanting to do anything but sleep, eat, and drink.
4) To have your face rubbed by a fat guy's bum hole.
To be honest...oddly enough, Deborah, this is one of those times where I wish I was a 1. Heck, the higher I go, the suckier my life gets. I'd much rather be doing the 4 than getting the 4.
I'm just going to have to gain some weight. And a lot of it.
I stood on a scale today for the first time in 6 months. 160 baby. I want the days of 130 back....waaaaahhhhh
Tobin
1) A cool and talented person.
2) An extremely slow person. Describes someone who does something clueless or irrational, especially of high school age. (origin: Tobin Learning Center for mentally deficient students)
3) To be lazy, slow, sometimes anti-social, or not wanting to do anything but sleep, eat, and drink.
4) To have your face rubbed by a fat guy's bum hole.
To be honest...oddly enough, Deborah, this is one of those times where I wish I was a 1. Heck, the higher I go, the suckier my life gets. I'd much rather be doing the 4 than getting the 4.
I'm just going to have to gain some weight. And a lot of it.
I stood on a scale today for the first time in 6 months. 160 baby. I want the days of 130 back....waaaaahhhhh
Monday, April 20, 2009
BEDA - April 20th
Good day to you, Monday, nice to see you.
This morning, the garbage run was actually quite a blast, cause Jorge got out of bed this morning and came with me. I love that kid, he cracks me up. His theory, for me at least, is that I actually don't understand, nor speak, any Spanish. So when he talks to me, he mixes around using Spanish words and English words, together in the same sentence. And on top of that, he won't conjugate any of the Spanish verbs into their correct conjugation. He'll just use the infinitive form of each verb. Like, when talking to me, instead of saying estas, he'll just use estar for everything. And to be honest, I can understand a lot of Spanish, and him doing that only makes it harder for me to understand. I've got to pick out which words are English, which are Spanish, and change the conjugations in my head of the words he's using, back into their infinitive version for it to make sense. It's all just a big hassle, but it's fine I guess, cause it really makes for an amusing sounding sentence. IN other garbage run news, it was 90 degrees when we did it, and yes, I stuck to my seat over and over and over again. It was nasty. Then my back would start sticking, and I couldn't get out. Just a lovely day altogether. Sooooooo bloody hot though. Man.
But, since it was so nice and warm, after work, we got to play soccer on the real field, instead of the concrete. We had a blast out there. I scored two goals, one of which made Salvador slip and fall in the mud. That was my personal favorite. We haven't played out in the real field since like...Oh... I don't know, before Christmas? I think? Something like that. The grass is always fun to play in...except for when they forget to cut it. It was really long grass, made it quite hard do dribble through, but whatever, it's grass, and that was exciting. Yeah, that was really all that happened on Monday. Well...anything of importance, or worth telling. Unless you want to hear about my.
P.S. I'm loving the VEDA part of this, cause some people are so amazing at making vlogs everyday, or are just so amazing in general that they should be making vlogs everyday no matter what month it is. Particularly, nerimon and walllofwierd.
They're the best of the best.
Congratulations to @imgonnabeatree for 4/20! You're ridiculous.
<3
This morning, the garbage run was actually quite a blast, cause Jorge got out of bed this morning and came with me. I love that kid, he cracks me up. His theory, for me at least, is that I actually don't understand, nor speak, any Spanish. So when he talks to me, he mixes around using Spanish words and English words, together in the same sentence. And on top of that, he won't conjugate any of the Spanish verbs into their correct conjugation. He'll just use the infinitive form of each verb. Like, when talking to me, instead of saying estas, he'll just use estar for everything. And to be honest, I can understand a lot of Spanish, and him doing that only makes it harder for me to understand. I've got to pick out which words are English, which are Spanish, and change the conjugations in my head of the words he's using, back into their infinitive version for it to make sense. It's all just a big hassle, but it's fine I guess, cause it really makes for an amusing sounding sentence. IN other garbage run news, it was 90 degrees when we did it, and yes, I stuck to my seat over and over and over again. It was nasty. Then my back would start sticking, and I couldn't get out. Just a lovely day altogether. Sooooooo bloody hot though. Man.
But, since it was so nice and warm, after work, we got to play soccer on the real field, instead of the concrete. We had a blast out there. I scored two goals, one of which made Salvador slip and fall in the mud. That was my personal favorite. We haven't played out in the real field since like...Oh... I don't know, before Christmas? I think? Something like that. The grass is always fun to play in...except for when they forget to cut it. It was really long grass, made it quite hard do dribble through, but whatever, it's grass, and that was exciting. Yeah, that was really all that happened on Monday. Well...anything of importance, or worth telling. Unless you want to hear about my.
P.S. I'm loving the VEDA part of this, cause some people are so amazing at making vlogs everyday, or are just so amazing in general that they should be making vlogs everyday no matter what month it is. Particularly, nerimon and walllofwierd.
They're the best of the best.
Congratulations to @imgonnabeatree for 4/20! You're ridiculous.
<3
Sunday, April 19, 2009
BEDA - April 19th
Today was hooooooooooottttttt. I woke up late...again...like 1-ish. Didn't go outside or even see a ray of sunlight till about 5. I stepped out the door and bam...it was still uber hot. I couldn't believe just how hot it was though, seriously...I walked to my trailer, and it was sooooooooooo hot in there. Then Kelcie came over and we just hung out and talked for awhile. Totally unmotivated to anything whatsoever, least of which would be get up and walk all the way to church. What a chore that turns out to be when it's this hot.
Really...the only news I have for today is something I just thought was funny from yesterday. Cultural thing...growing up at the mission thing...being young thing...I'm not sure. But yesterday, I was walking over to the soccer field, and this girl from Casa 6 stopped and reminded me that I was supposed to show her my family photos. so i stopped, turned around, and retrieved my pictures and computer so I could show her what I had. Not a whole lot of pictures, just a couple of my brothers, and some of my friends. After we'd gone through them all, she explained that "she wanted to ask me something, but didn't know how."
So she's start..."I was wondering, and only if you want to..." and then she start nervously laughing, and stop. And then say she's really nervous. And not finish the question. And then start up again, and then not finish. Again. "I'm too nervous," she'd say. And then I started getting nervous! What could possibly be so big that she was getting nervous just by starting to talk about it?? And she hadn't even gotten to the point yet! So I waited...and waited...and she can jumping back and forth between about to say something, and too nervous to say anything more. Finally...she made me hold up my computer in between us so I couldn't see her while she asked it (finally). Eventually, she said, "I was wondering, and ONLY if you want to, and ONLY if you're fine with it, but it's fine of you don't want to, but I was wondering if you would give me your email address."
I was like....phew!! I thought she'd lit my trailer on fire, or was asking to marry my brother (who she's in love with). Something extreme. But nope...my email. I twas so strange to me to see someone struggle that hard to ask for an email address. I could see if it was like a social security number. Maybe a personal phone number that only the president used. But that struck me as intriguing. At how mainstream and global email is to me, where I readily post my email address on the Internet (look to your right) without a second thought. And down here...it's still a big deal (at least at the mission), cause Internet here at the mission is relatively new, within the past few years at least. Anywho...it was just so funny watching her build it up to that. An email address. I told her, well, I have like 4, which one do you want? That's how bad it's getting haha. Whatevers...I don't really know where I'm going with this. i just thought it was hilarious. And I definitely had a laugh over it. And maybe I'm just looking for anything to blog about. Probably. Sounds like a plan. but TJ next week. that should be a fun-filled week, with video cameras, video updates, and too much time reformatting and fixing computers.
Can't wait!!
Really...the only news I have for today is something I just thought was funny from yesterday. Cultural thing...growing up at the mission thing...being young thing...I'm not sure. But yesterday, I was walking over to the soccer field, and this girl from Casa 6 stopped and reminded me that I was supposed to show her my family photos. so i stopped, turned around, and retrieved my pictures and computer so I could show her what I had. Not a whole lot of pictures, just a couple of my brothers, and some of my friends. After we'd gone through them all, she explained that "she wanted to ask me something, but didn't know how."
So she's start..."I was wondering, and only if you want to..." and then she start nervously laughing, and stop. And then say she's really nervous. And not finish the question. And then start up again, and then not finish. Again. "I'm too nervous," she'd say. And then I started getting nervous! What could possibly be so big that she was getting nervous just by starting to talk about it?? And she hadn't even gotten to the point yet! So I waited...and waited...and she can jumping back and forth between about to say something, and too nervous to say anything more. Finally...she made me hold up my computer in between us so I couldn't see her while she asked it (finally). Eventually, she said, "I was wondering, and ONLY if you want to, and ONLY if you're fine with it, but it's fine of you don't want to, but I was wondering if you would give me your email address."
I was like....phew!! I thought she'd lit my trailer on fire, or was asking to marry my brother (who she's in love with). Something extreme. But nope...my email. I twas so strange to me to see someone struggle that hard to ask for an email address. I could see if it was like a social security number. Maybe a personal phone number that only the president used. But that struck me as intriguing. At how mainstream and global email is to me, where I readily post my email address on the Internet (look to your right) without a second thought. And down here...it's still a big deal (at least at the mission), cause Internet here at the mission is relatively new, within the past few years at least. Anywho...it was just so funny watching her build it up to that. An email address. I told her, well, I have like 4, which one do you want? That's how bad it's getting haha. Whatevers...I don't really know where I'm going with this. i just thought it was hilarious. And I definitely had a laugh over it. And maybe I'm just looking for anything to blog about. Probably. Sounds like a plan. but TJ next week. that should be a fun-filled week, with video cameras, video updates, and too much time reformatting and fixing computers.
Can't wait!!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
BEDA - April 18th
Today, I got up at 2pm...and I have a perfectly good reason for that. So now bashing it. Yesterday, after the soccer tournament, we went to get food, and I'm not sure what the exact time was, but I would say somewhere around 6 or 6:30. It was still plenty light out, and it was still hot. SO I'm going to go with somewhere right around 6-ish. The drive from Ensenada back to Vicente Guerrero is somewhere between a 2 to 2.5 hours drive. Not any more. So let's do the math, shall we??
Estimated Departure time: 6:30
Estimated Trip Duration: 2.5 hours
Estimated Time Arrival: 9:00 PM
Actual Time Arrival: 12:15 AM
Actual Time Arrival Repeated: 12:15 AM WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED?!?!?!?!?!?! WHY SO LATE?!?!?!
I'll tell you. First, between Ensenada and Vicente Guerrero, there is this huge mountain range. Which essentially is...in the middle of nowhere. Every once in awhile, you'll see a little village, and occasionally, a bigger town. But up in the mountain part of the 2 hour drive, there's generally nothing. And guess what happened when we were on that part of the road? We broke down. Our big yellow bus full of kids broke down. It was great, stuck on the side of the road, in the pitch blackness of night. All the little younglings (younger than you, Karissa) were utterly freaking out. i was trying to sleep on the way home, so I was comfortably in my seat, and every 20 seconds, a new little kid would come bang on me and try to get me to help fix the bus. Like I know anything about fixing a bus. All the other kids were out on the road trying to wave cars down (which proved highly unsuccessful, considering that after about an hour, not a single car stopped). It was quite amusing though, watching the difference in reactions from the older kids to the younger ones. The older ones were having a blast with it, standing out by the road trying to wave down semis easily going 80 MPH. The bus would shake every time one went by. Who knows why, but for some reason, a little after we'd been sitting there for an hour, a police car drove by, turned around, and talked with our driver for awhile. Of course, in epic Mexican style, all 20 of us kids outside get the policeman in the passenger seat to get out and pose for a picture with everyone in front of his flashing vehicle. To say the least, he did not look excited at all. Apparently that's not part of their job description here. Whatevs. He liked it. Now he's famous. So that policeman called a mechanic and left, so we waited for awhile longer to wait for the mechanic to get there. Finally, he showed up, did a little tinkering with who knows what. It started up, and we followed him back to his shop. Once there, we waited awhile longer while he did what mechanics do best. We got back on the road, and fro there on, stopped every 20 minutes or so. I still have yet to figure out why. We just pulled over for a few minutes, and then started driving again.
Come 12:15 AM we finally parked back at the mission. I don't know where all the time went...but it was a freakishly long drive. And I was sunburned. And tired. And sore. Aaaaand I got a huge cramp right at the end of our last game. It was not pleasant. Iw as so ready to be home. It was just great.
Great day in Ensenada, but I was happy to be home.
Estimated Departure time: 6:30
Estimated Trip Duration: 2.5 hours
Estimated Time Arrival: 9:00 PM
Actual Time Arrival: 12:15 AM
Actual Time Arrival Repeated: 12:15 AM WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED?!?!?!?!?!?! WHY SO LATE?!?!?!
I'll tell you. First, between Ensenada and Vicente Guerrero, there is this huge mountain range. Which essentially is...in the middle of nowhere. Every once in awhile, you'll see a little village, and occasionally, a bigger town. But up in the mountain part of the 2 hour drive, there's generally nothing. And guess what happened when we were on that part of the road? We broke down. Our big yellow bus full of kids broke down. It was great, stuck on the side of the road, in the pitch blackness of night. All the little younglings (younger than you, Karissa) were utterly freaking out. i was trying to sleep on the way home, so I was comfortably in my seat, and every 20 seconds, a new little kid would come bang on me and try to get me to help fix the bus. Like I know anything about fixing a bus. All the other kids were out on the road trying to wave cars down (which proved highly unsuccessful, considering that after about an hour, not a single car stopped). It was quite amusing though, watching the difference in reactions from the older kids to the younger ones. The older ones were having a blast with it, standing out by the road trying to wave down semis easily going 80 MPH. The bus would shake every time one went by. Who knows why, but for some reason, a little after we'd been sitting there for an hour, a police car drove by, turned around, and talked with our driver for awhile. Of course, in epic Mexican style, all 20 of us kids outside get the policeman in the passenger seat to get out and pose for a picture with everyone in front of his flashing vehicle. To say the least, he did not look excited at all. Apparently that's not part of their job description here. Whatevs. He liked it. Now he's famous. So that policeman called a mechanic and left, so we waited for awhile longer to wait for the mechanic to get there. Finally, he showed up, did a little tinkering with who knows what. It started up, and we followed him back to his shop. Once there, we waited awhile longer while he did what mechanics do best. We got back on the road, and fro there on, stopped every 20 minutes or so. I still have yet to figure out why. We just pulled over for a few minutes, and then started driving again.
Come 12:15 AM we finally parked back at the mission. I don't know where all the time went...but it was a freakishly long drive. And I was sunburned. And tired. And sore. Aaaaand I got a huge cramp right at the end of our last game. It was not pleasant. Iw as so ready to be home. It was just great.
Great day in Ensenada, but I was happy to be home.
Friday, April 17, 2009
BEDA - April 17th
So today was our big soccer tournament in Ensenada. And boy, what a tournament it was. OK, well, to start off with this update of the tourny, I'm going to give you a backstory, cause well, it demands a backstory. So here goes:
First things first, my first real trip to Mexico was four years ago ("real" meaning I came once with my grandparents when I was 5 for vacation...hardly remember much of it. And also, Mexico for vacation is exponentially different than Mexico for missions trips, which is also exponentially different than Mexico for living.) So, four years ago, I went to Mexico with all my home schooled friends (Eli, Wes, Colby, Brandon) and a group of about 30 or so. We went to this little orphanage north of Ensenada called Miracle Ranch, up in the mountains, and yeah, just really small. Like 30-40 kids I'd say. They get groups there during the summer, and before I was old enough, our church's high school youth would send a group down there during the summer. My oldest brother actually spent a couple months there after he graduated.
Anyways, so we were there for a week, and it was just such an amazing week. They were addicted to soccer, and they were the first real representation of what I've just known for years, and most people do: "Mexicans are just amazing soccer players from the day they're born." I just had that mindset, they're good, I'm not. They're Mexican, I'm American. I really looked up to them. And the kids just really impacted me. I loved them. I got to know this kid named Alberto really well, and he was the king soccer player of the orphanage. We were great friends, and when it came time for us to leave, I was so sad. I was going to miss this kid, and everyone else. And they were happy, despite their living conditions. I was hardly happy in my living conditions, and I had so much. It was ridiculous.
Anywho, so we left, and I went back pretty changed. Couldn't wait for the next summer, when we planned on going back again. Fast forward. The next summer, we get there, and I'm so excited to see Alberto again, I basically run in there, cruise around everyone looking all over for him. No where to be seen. Turns out, he got sent away, to an all-boys orphanage in Tijuana (I was told it had to do with him bringing back pornographic material from school and showing it to the young ones). I was sooooooo upset. But I got over it. All the other kids were still there, and I got to know them really well. A lot of them. They were all just so amazing. We played soccer together ALL THE TIME! These two kids, brothers, played with me every second they could. They were small, like 12 or 13, but they were so good. When I had to leave at the end of the week, obviously, it was heart-breaking. Thinking I'd see them again though, next summer, made it seem a little better. I still didn't want to leave. Those kids really have an impact on anyone who goes in there. But, as fate would have it, sometime after we left, the head guy at the orphanage got involved in some sort of embezzlement or something. He needed money to change the title of the mission, and he got it, but didn't use it on that. So he asked again and didn't use it on that again, and yeah. Big scandal of sorts. I don't really know what went down, that's all just stuff I've heard since it happened. So we didn't go back. Eli's mom, Carol (the leader of our mission groups), didn't want to be involved with that sort of thing, and we didn't feel it be right to go work at an orphanage who's leaders were getting into this kind of stuff. I don't know what it all turned out to be, but we didn't go back. And to this day, still haven't. Also, to get to where I am now, in Vicente Guerrero, you have to drive by Miracle Ranch. It's about half an hour of the highway I take to get here, but I still haven't been able to head out there. After that scandal, it's just kinda had a bad feel about it. But those kids...still loved them to death. They were stuck in my mind forever, as being the first Mexicans I'd met, loved, and missed. When I thought of stylish, mind-blowing Mexican soccer, I thought of them. They were anything and everything I knew of "Mexico." You can understand then how upset I was that I wouldn't be going back there again.
Two Decembers ago, I came here (where I am now, FFHM...three hours south), drove by Miracle Ranch, and fell in love with this place...not so much because of the kids this time, but that's changed now. They're most of the reason I'm staying now. Anywho, so I kinda accepted the fact I'd never see my Miracle Ranch buddies again, and that these kids here are my new Mexican friends, and well, living with them for so long, they've kinda become my Mexicans haha. Before, when I thought of anything Mexican, I immediately thought of them, the Miracle Ranchers. Now it's these people here. But not like it's a bad thing, I've just spent so much more time here. That's why.
Zoom forward to yesterday. The child services/orphanage department of the Mexican government put together this big soccer tournament for all the orphanages in the surrounding areas of Ensensada. We're over two hours away, so you can imagine that can include a lot of orphanages. Before going, I didn't even know what it was I was participating in. All I was told is that there was a soccer tournament on Friday, wanna come? Of course. All I needed to hear was "soccer" and I was in. I just thought it was some random tournament for anyone invited. Not so. We got there, and they told me it was just for orphanage kids and stuff. Orphanage tournament. And boy, there were TONS of kids there. A good 150-200. And, since I didn't know that this was just for orphanages, the fact that Miracle Ranch kids would be there never even so much as hinted at crossing my mind. Also, after being here in Vicente Guerrero so long...sadly, those kids had started to fade from my mind, being replaced by the kids here. I'd figured I'd never seen them again, so I guess I let them fade. But as we were standing in line at the beginning of the tournament, they announced all the teams that were present. I don't know what I heard, maybe my hearing is screwed up, maybe the sound waves were messed up at the position I was standing, or, maybe God made me hear it. I don't know, but somehow, I thought I heard the announcer say Miracle Ranch. And I started freaking out. The thought that they were here first crossed my mind. Orphanages. Soccer. Ensenada. It all made sense. They COULD be here. But I didn't want to just get my hopes up. I immediately went around to all my friends, Spanish speakers, to ask them what he just said. Did he say Miracle Ranch? What did he say a minute ago? Everyone I asked said no. No, he didn't say that. Then what did he say? I don't know. No one knew what he said. But now the thought that they might be here started boiling around in my mind. Could this be true? I started looking around at everyone. I didn't recognize anyone. Also, they'd be three years older, who know what they look like now. The day went on.
We sat around for awhile, watching soccer, waiting for our first game. We were sitting on the stands, watching the game right before ours, and this group of kids came over and waited with us. And I'm watching them, still on the lookout for a familiar face...and I spotted a kid that maybe could be someone I know. Looked familiar enough, even if I had taken into account the fact they'd be three years older. Then again, most Mexicans look alike as it is, trying to imagine how one would look after three years is a little difficult. But I had my eyes on him, watching him all over the place. The leader guy with their group came walking in front of us, and on his way back, I told one of the guys with us to ask him which orphanage he was from. He said Casa de Paz. House of Peace. And that made me sad, not peaceful. I was so set on that kid being from Miracle Ranch. Deep down, I was still kinda set on him being the kid I was looking for, from the orphanage I was looking for, anything. Maybe he got sent away like Alberto, and was now living at Casa de Paz. Maybe...I don't know, anything. I was just thinking up ways that explained how he could be from Miracle Ranch, how I knew him, how I had played soccer with him, how I'd loved him, and how I'd missed him. I watched him as he went back to his group of kids, and I saw this other kid who looked vaguely familiar. Could it be? Still no assurance. And then I saw this kid who finalized it for me. He hadn't changed a bit. Looked exactly the same. I knew it was him. His name was Brandon. And I knew that because at one of the meals three years ago at Miracle Ranch, he had got down on his knees and imitated my friend Colby proposing to one of the girls there. It was the funniest thing. We were talking about it for ages. And when I saw him there at the soccer game, I knew it was him the instant I saw him. I walked over to the group standing there, and asked the leader if he spoke English. He said yes, and I go, "Is this kid's name Brandon?"
.....
"Yes."
And I asked if they were from Miracle Ranch. He said yes. But they'd changed their name to Casa de Paz. It all made sense now. And I pointed out everyone who looked familiar to me, kept seeing more and more now that I knew they were there and he confirmed them all, then told me everyone else that was from there. It was...difficult. My heart was melting. I was shaking. He was just like...who are you, creepo, and why do you know my kids? Not quite, but I'm sure he was thinking it. So I told him my story and how I knew these kids. And he seemed thoroughly unimpressed. Didn't really have anything to say, or ask. Obviously this wasn't as big a deal to him as it was to me. Our conversation ended, and I went back and explained to my group. They were amazed. More so than their group leader guy at least. And guess what?? Who were we poised up against to play first? My Miracle Ranch buddies (we won). After that, one of the kids yelled my name, and came and talked to me for awhile. He spoke English really well, and went through a bunch of names and asked if I remembered them. Esmeralda? Yep. Omar? Yep. And....Alberto...(awwwww). YEP! And yeah, I told him I remembered him, and he said he remembered me as well. It was amazing. Totally unexpected.
I didn't go there with the slightest hint I'd see them. I went to play soccer with my FFHM buddies. But seeing Miracle Ranch there really, basically, made my year. Or, really, made my last three years.
As for the rest of the tournament, we ended up tying for first. But at the same time...placing second. In soccer, points are allotted like so: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, 0 points for a loss. Team with the most points at the end wins. We won 3 games, and tied one, giving us 10 points. Turns out, another team ended up with 10 points as well, making the tie for first place. So, when that happens, you go to goal differentials. You're tied on the points scale, so now you duke it out over goals scored. Whoever scored more goals vs. goals scored on them, takes the crown. The other team had a better goal differential - scored more goals/had less goals scored on them. So they took first place. We argued and argued with them to let us play a tiebreaker with them (essentially stopping at our 10-points-a-piece tie, and not go to goal differential. So, saying we're tied at 10 points, and playing a tiebreaking game to decide the winner, instead of the goals). But they wouldn't have any of it. They just wanted to take their crown and leave. Whatever...we were first in our hearts hahaha. Is that a saying? I don't think so. But I just made it one. Is that selfish? Yeah, probably.
Anywhoozles.
That is just about it...I have some pictures of the tournament though, courtesy of Deborah. Thanks a ton! And thanks for coming to watch, and dealing with weirdo fans/moms!
Schoolin' him in his backyard.
My little Oscar.
Juancita and Chew-Chew
I taught them our Summer Breeze game called Stand In A Circle And Try To Get The Ball In The Garbage Can While Juggling With Only Two Touches. I'm pretty proud of that name.
Our team awaiting a kickoff.
Discussing intense strategies of how we can demolish our enemies. After much debate, we decided it would be best to do that by scoring lots of goals. And we did.
My Miracle Ranch buddies and me. And Giovani (orange).
More Miracle Ranch buddies.
Teaching Jorge my game.
First things first, my first real trip to Mexico was four years ago ("real" meaning I came once with my grandparents when I was 5 for vacation...hardly remember much of it. And also, Mexico for vacation is exponentially different than Mexico for missions trips, which is also exponentially different than Mexico for living.) So, four years ago, I went to Mexico with all my home schooled friends (Eli, Wes, Colby, Brandon) and a group of about 30 or so. We went to this little orphanage north of Ensenada called Miracle Ranch, up in the mountains, and yeah, just really small. Like 30-40 kids I'd say. They get groups there during the summer, and before I was old enough, our church's high school youth would send a group down there during the summer. My oldest brother actually spent a couple months there after he graduated.
Anyways, so we were there for a week, and it was just such an amazing week. They were addicted to soccer, and they were the first real representation of what I've just known for years, and most people do: "Mexicans are just amazing soccer players from the day they're born." I just had that mindset, they're good, I'm not. They're Mexican, I'm American. I really looked up to them. And the kids just really impacted me. I loved them. I got to know this kid named Alberto really well, and he was the king soccer player of the orphanage. We were great friends, and when it came time for us to leave, I was so sad. I was going to miss this kid, and everyone else. And they were happy, despite their living conditions. I was hardly happy in my living conditions, and I had so much. It was ridiculous.
Anywho, so we left, and I went back pretty changed. Couldn't wait for the next summer, when we planned on going back again. Fast forward. The next summer, we get there, and I'm so excited to see Alberto again, I basically run in there, cruise around everyone looking all over for him. No where to be seen. Turns out, he got sent away, to an all-boys orphanage in Tijuana (I was told it had to do with him bringing back pornographic material from school and showing it to the young ones). I was sooooooo upset. But I got over it. All the other kids were still there, and I got to know them really well. A lot of them. They were all just so amazing. We played soccer together ALL THE TIME! These two kids, brothers, played with me every second they could. They were small, like 12 or 13, but they were so good. When I had to leave at the end of the week, obviously, it was heart-breaking. Thinking I'd see them again though, next summer, made it seem a little better. I still didn't want to leave. Those kids really have an impact on anyone who goes in there. But, as fate would have it, sometime after we left, the head guy at the orphanage got involved in some sort of embezzlement or something. He needed money to change the title of the mission, and he got it, but didn't use it on that. So he asked again and didn't use it on that again, and yeah. Big scandal of sorts. I don't really know what went down, that's all just stuff I've heard since it happened. So we didn't go back. Eli's mom, Carol (the leader of our mission groups), didn't want to be involved with that sort of thing, and we didn't feel it be right to go work at an orphanage who's leaders were getting into this kind of stuff. I don't know what it all turned out to be, but we didn't go back. And to this day, still haven't. Also, to get to where I am now, in Vicente Guerrero, you have to drive by Miracle Ranch. It's about half an hour of the highway I take to get here, but I still haven't been able to head out there. After that scandal, it's just kinda had a bad feel about it. But those kids...still loved them to death. They were stuck in my mind forever, as being the first Mexicans I'd met, loved, and missed. When I thought of stylish, mind-blowing Mexican soccer, I thought of them. They were anything and everything I knew of "Mexico." You can understand then how upset I was that I wouldn't be going back there again.
Two Decembers ago, I came here (where I am now, FFHM...three hours south), drove by Miracle Ranch, and fell in love with this place...not so much because of the kids this time, but that's changed now. They're most of the reason I'm staying now. Anywho, so I kinda accepted the fact I'd never see my Miracle Ranch buddies again, and that these kids here are my new Mexican friends, and well, living with them for so long, they've kinda become my Mexicans haha. Before, when I thought of anything Mexican, I immediately thought of them, the Miracle Ranchers. Now it's these people here. But not like it's a bad thing, I've just spent so much more time here. That's why.
Zoom forward to yesterday. The child services/orphanage department of the Mexican government put together this big soccer tournament for all the orphanages in the surrounding areas of Ensensada. We're over two hours away, so you can imagine that can include a lot of orphanages. Before going, I didn't even know what it was I was participating in. All I was told is that there was a soccer tournament on Friday, wanna come? Of course. All I needed to hear was "soccer" and I was in. I just thought it was some random tournament for anyone invited. Not so. We got there, and they told me it was just for orphanage kids and stuff. Orphanage tournament. And boy, there were TONS of kids there. A good 150-200. And, since I didn't know that this was just for orphanages, the fact that Miracle Ranch kids would be there never even so much as hinted at crossing my mind. Also, after being here in Vicente Guerrero so long...sadly, those kids had started to fade from my mind, being replaced by the kids here. I'd figured I'd never seen them again, so I guess I let them fade. But as we were standing in line at the beginning of the tournament, they announced all the teams that were present. I don't know what I heard, maybe my hearing is screwed up, maybe the sound waves were messed up at the position I was standing, or, maybe God made me hear it. I don't know, but somehow, I thought I heard the announcer say Miracle Ranch. And I started freaking out. The thought that they were here first crossed my mind. Orphanages. Soccer. Ensenada. It all made sense. They COULD be here. But I didn't want to just get my hopes up. I immediately went around to all my friends, Spanish speakers, to ask them what he just said. Did he say Miracle Ranch? What did he say a minute ago? Everyone I asked said no. No, he didn't say that. Then what did he say? I don't know. No one knew what he said. But now the thought that they might be here started boiling around in my mind. Could this be true? I started looking around at everyone. I didn't recognize anyone. Also, they'd be three years older, who know what they look like now. The day went on.
We sat around for awhile, watching soccer, waiting for our first game. We were sitting on the stands, watching the game right before ours, and this group of kids came over and waited with us. And I'm watching them, still on the lookout for a familiar face...and I spotted a kid that maybe could be someone I know. Looked familiar enough, even if I had taken into account the fact they'd be three years older. Then again, most Mexicans look alike as it is, trying to imagine how one would look after three years is a little difficult. But I had my eyes on him, watching him all over the place. The leader guy with their group came walking in front of us, and on his way back, I told one of the guys with us to ask him which orphanage he was from. He said Casa de Paz. House of Peace. And that made me sad, not peaceful. I was so set on that kid being from Miracle Ranch. Deep down, I was still kinda set on him being the kid I was looking for, from the orphanage I was looking for, anything. Maybe he got sent away like Alberto, and was now living at Casa de Paz. Maybe...I don't know, anything. I was just thinking up ways that explained how he could be from Miracle Ranch, how I knew him, how I had played soccer with him, how I'd loved him, and how I'd missed him. I watched him as he went back to his group of kids, and I saw this other kid who looked vaguely familiar. Could it be? Still no assurance. And then I saw this kid who finalized it for me. He hadn't changed a bit. Looked exactly the same. I knew it was him. His name was Brandon. And I knew that because at one of the meals three years ago at Miracle Ranch, he had got down on his knees and imitated my friend Colby proposing to one of the girls there. It was the funniest thing. We were talking about it for ages. And when I saw him there at the soccer game, I knew it was him the instant I saw him. I walked over to the group standing there, and asked the leader if he spoke English. He said yes, and I go, "Is this kid's name Brandon?"
.....
"Yes."
And I asked if they were from Miracle Ranch. He said yes. But they'd changed their name to Casa de Paz. It all made sense now. And I pointed out everyone who looked familiar to me, kept seeing more and more now that I knew they were there and he confirmed them all, then told me everyone else that was from there. It was...difficult. My heart was melting. I was shaking. He was just like...who are you, creepo, and why do you know my kids? Not quite, but I'm sure he was thinking it. So I told him my story and how I knew these kids. And he seemed thoroughly unimpressed. Didn't really have anything to say, or ask. Obviously this wasn't as big a deal to him as it was to me. Our conversation ended, and I went back and explained to my group. They were amazed. More so than their group leader guy at least. And guess what?? Who were we poised up against to play first? My Miracle Ranch buddies (we won). After that, one of the kids yelled my name, and came and talked to me for awhile. He spoke English really well, and went through a bunch of names and asked if I remembered them. Esmeralda? Yep. Omar? Yep. And....Alberto...(awwwww). YEP! And yeah, I told him I remembered him, and he said he remembered me as well. It was amazing. Totally unexpected.
I didn't go there with the slightest hint I'd see them. I went to play soccer with my FFHM buddies. But seeing Miracle Ranch there really, basically, made my year. Or, really, made my last three years.
As for the rest of the tournament, we ended up tying for first. But at the same time...placing second. In soccer, points are allotted like so: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, 0 points for a loss. Team with the most points at the end wins. We won 3 games, and tied one, giving us 10 points. Turns out, another team ended up with 10 points as well, making the tie for first place. So, when that happens, you go to goal differentials. You're tied on the points scale, so now you duke it out over goals scored. Whoever scored more goals vs. goals scored on them, takes the crown. The other team had a better goal differential - scored more goals/had less goals scored on them. So they took first place. We argued and argued with them to let us play a tiebreaker with them (essentially stopping at our 10-points-a-piece tie, and not go to goal differential. So, saying we're tied at 10 points, and playing a tiebreaking game to decide the winner, instead of the goals). But they wouldn't have any of it. They just wanted to take their crown and leave. Whatever...we were first in our hearts hahaha. Is that a saying? I don't think so. But I just made it one. Is that selfish? Yeah, probably.
Anywhoozles.
That is just about it...I have some pictures of the tournament though, courtesy of Deborah. Thanks a ton! And thanks for coming to watch, and dealing with weirdo fans/moms!
Schoolin' him in his backyard.
My little Oscar.
Juancita and Chew-Chew
I taught them our Summer Breeze game called Stand In A Circle And Try To Get The Ball In The Garbage Can While Juggling With Only Two Touches. I'm pretty proud of that name.
Our team awaiting a kickoff.
Discussing intense strategies of how we can demolish our enemies. After much debate, we decided it would be best to do that by scoring lots of goals. And we did.
My Miracle Ranch buddies and me. And Giovani (orange).
More Miracle Ranch buddies.
Teaching Jorge my game.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
BEDA - April 16th
Ahhh, hello Thursday.
Quite a relaxing day overall.
Kevin got back late last night, so we weren't really in the mood for jumping right back into the everyday work schedule. I worked for awhile on cleaning up my hard drive. I'm still running Windows 7 Ultimate on Kevin's 160 GB hard drive, while my 250GB drive sits unused...oh, poor Vista. But, I've had Kevin's drive too long, I'm running dangerously low on drive space, and I'll be getting my camera this week (and HD video takes up quite a bit of hard drive space). I spent most of the morning cleaning it, got all my files/videos/pictures off it, and now it's ready for formatting. Then, I have to Ghost my current drive (Ghosting is basically taking the exact configuration of my hard drive, copying it, and then putting it on a new hard drive). In short, taking everything I have on Kevin's drive and putting it on my drive, so I can give his drive back to him. Pretty extreme process though...cause last time I checked, copying 158GB of data takes a LONG TIME! I don't look forward to that. but it must be done. And I've heard rumors of Ghost corrupting the files, which makes me uncomfortable. I have a very VERY customized computer, I'm scared it won't turn out exactly the way I have it now. Scary stuff. Also kinda wrong that that's the most worrying thing of my week haha. Uh oh. Well, I guess that will be the end of my hard drive update. Save all you non-nerds from leaving right away.
The rest of the day, Kevin and I discussed everything from old school PC games to...new school PC games. Our conclusions? SimCity 2000. Most epic old school game. And then I really missed paying that, cause that was like THE GAME of my generation. I remember the day my dad brought that home for us. Totally surprised us. What was that, like 1997? 1998? We were addicted. that game was a revelation. There was nothing else like it at the time, so futuristic. I miss the days of 50 MB games that loaded in a minute and didn't require CD keys and serial numbers. You just loaded the CD, clicked install, and it did as it was told. You were playing in a matter of a couple minutes. Now you've got 4, 5, even 8 GB games that take hours to load, require four CD keys, and then once it starts installing, it lets you know that you need a new computer to run the game. Ahhh, thanks hi-tech.
So later that night, I (quickly) downloaded and installed SimCity 2000. I swore to myself that I'd write my blog and play the piano before I started playing the game. I went back to my trailer to eat first...then...played SimCity for four hours. So much for the blog and piano idea. Once I started playing, I couldn't stop. Oh how I missed that game. It's so simple and sleek. The most important thing though is that even to this day, it's still an amazing game. In the midst of Crysis and Half Life and Portal and Battlefield, SimCity 2000 is still owning. Not to mention Total Annihilation. Still, as always, my all-time most favorite game. I remember the day my cousin showed that to me at his house. He was working for Cavedog at the time (the company producing that game), and was discussing the system requirements for the game. From what it looked like, our current computer couldn't handle the game. Which made me sad. And my cousin convinced my dad that it wasn't deadly and violent, cause it's just robots blowing up robots. Nothing else. And man, watching him play that game made me want it so bad. Back in when it was first released, it was the 1997 Game of the Year (whoever gave it that is smart). That Christmas, my cousin surprised us with a big box under our tree. What was it? Total Annihilation? Almost. It was total Annihilation AND not one, but two expansion packs. We played that for years. Even up through high school, we'd still pull it out every once in awhile and go through little spurts of Total Annihilation. So, of course, I'm downloading that right now. I need a fix of Total Annihilation. It's been awhile.
To end my Thursday, I played soccer for quite awhile, cause tomorrow, I am going up to Ensenada to play in a soccer tournament. Should be a blast. Soccer always is. And with Mexicans? No doubt. Hopefully we'll come back with a trophy.
It's time to go eat now though, so I'll leave you with this uber nerdy, slightly PC game-saturated update. Until tomorrow!
Thobinator
Quite a relaxing day overall.
Kevin got back late last night, so we weren't really in the mood for jumping right back into the everyday work schedule. I worked for awhile on cleaning up my hard drive. I'm still running Windows 7 Ultimate on Kevin's 160 GB hard drive, while my 250GB drive sits unused...oh, poor Vista. But, I've had Kevin's drive too long, I'm running dangerously low on drive space, and I'll be getting my camera this week (and HD video takes up quite a bit of hard drive space). I spent most of the morning cleaning it, got all my files/videos/pictures off it, and now it's ready for formatting. Then, I have to Ghost my current drive (Ghosting is basically taking the exact configuration of my hard drive, copying it, and then putting it on a new hard drive). In short, taking everything I have on Kevin's drive and putting it on my drive, so I can give his drive back to him. Pretty extreme process though...cause last time I checked, copying 158GB of data takes a LONG TIME! I don't look forward to that. but it must be done. And I've heard rumors of Ghost corrupting the files, which makes me uncomfortable. I have a very VERY customized computer, I'm scared it won't turn out exactly the way I have it now. Scary stuff. Also kinda wrong that that's the most worrying thing of my week haha. Uh oh. Well, I guess that will be the end of my hard drive update. Save all you non-nerds from leaving right away.
The rest of the day, Kevin and I discussed everything from old school PC games to...new school PC games. Our conclusions? SimCity 2000. Most epic old school game. And then I really missed paying that, cause that was like THE GAME of my generation. I remember the day my dad brought that home for us. Totally surprised us. What was that, like 1997? 1998? We were addicted. that game was a revelation. There was nothing else like it at the time, so futuristic. I miss the days of 50 MB games that loaded in a minute and didn't require CD keys and serial numbers. You just loaded the CD, clicked install, and it did as it was told. You were playing in a matter of a couple minutes. Now you've got 4, 5, even 8 GB games that take hours to load, require four CD keys, and then once it starts installing, it lets you know that you need a new computer to run the game. Ahhh, thanks hi-tech.
So later that night, I (quickly) downloaded and installed SimCity 2000. I swore to myself that I'd write my blog and play the piano before I started playing the game. I went back to my trailer to eat first...then...played SimCity for four hours. So much for the blog and piano idea. Once I started playing, I couldn't stop. Oh how I missed that game. It's so simple and sleek. The most important thing though is that even to this day, it's still an amazing game. In the midst of Crysis and Half Life and Portal and Battlefield, SimCity 2000 is still owning. Not to mention Total Annihilation. Still, as always, my all-time most favorite game. I remember the day my cousin showed that to me at his house. He was working for Cavedog at the time (the company producing that game), and was discussing the system requirements for the game. From what it looked like, our current computer couldn't handle the game. Which made me sad. And my cousin convinced my dad that it wasn't deadly and violent, cause it's just robots blowing up robots. Nothing else. And man, watching him play that game made me want it so bad. Back in when it was first released, it was the 1997 Game of the Year (whoever gave it that is smart). That Christmas, my cousin surprised us with a big box under our tree. What was it? Total Annihilation? Almost. It was total Annihilation AND not one, but two expansion packs. We played that for years. Even up through high school, we'd still pull it out every once in awhile and go through little spurts of Total Annihilation. So, of course, I'm downloading that right now. I need a fix of Total Annihilation. It's been awhile.
To end my Thursday, I played soccer for quite awhile, cause tomorrow, I am going up to Ensenada to play in a soccer tournament. Should be a blast. Soccer always is. And with Mexicans? No doubt. Hopefully we'll come back with a trophy.
It's time to go eat now though, so I'll leave you with this uber nerdy, slightly PC game-saturated update. Until tomorrow!
Thobinator
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
BEDA - April 15th
Basically....this is going to be uber darn short.
Today's exciting event was the garbage run. And getting stuck there. First, the House 7 boys have school off this week, so 4 of them came with me. Obviously, a blast. We can see the dump from the mission actually, up on the hill behind us, and all morning, smoke was just billowing out of it like I've never seen. When we got there, they had us drive to the top of the dump...right through the smoke, and right TOWARDS the smoke. Couldn't see a bloody thing going through it. Once we got up there, I backed into position where the guy told me to go, and we all got out to start unloading our garbage.
Then, just like in the movies, this other guy who works there comes out of nowhere, walking through the smoke in some epically dramatic entrance. Walking out of the flames. It was quite cool. But it didn't stay quite cool, cause he was the one that came and told us that we couldn't dump there and that we needed to go back down the hill clear to the other side of the dump. Yeah, whatever, not that far. Except, very far when you've got a huge plume of smoke in your way. We tried for like 20 minutes, there was no way we were getting through. I made a couple attempts, nothing. Couldn't see a foot in front of me. And to add to that, the truck would quickly fill up with un-breathable smoke. Not normal fire smoke. This was a month's worth of trash from an entire city they were burning. Who knows what could've gone in there. Heck, we could've been breathing in a former body, no one knows. That's kind of a nasty thought though..I hope that's not true.
So...we waited...and waited...and waited. Eventually the wind blew the smoke to one side for no more than a couple seconds, giving us enough time to see where the road was, and the truck waiting in front of us gunned it. I had to follow them within a foot or so the whole way down just to see his tail lights. I was hoping he knew where the rest of the road went, cause I couldn't see a darned thing, let alone his own truck. It was pretty epic indeed. Can't say I've seen that amount of concentrated smoke in quite awhile. Maybe 9/11? That might have been the last time...I don't know. It was bad though.
The waiting at the dump was fine though, having the House 7 boys there was well worth it..so entertaining. As always.
Lastly, I've picked out my camera, just need to give my parentals the OK, and it'll be ordered. Hopefully get it before I leave for Tijuana. I really want some awesome footage of Tijuana. To be perfectly honest, I don't think many people are getting any footage of Tijuana these days, what with random beheadings and bodies in barrels of acid. But man, I'd be the star of YouTube if I got some of that on camera.
Not that I'd feel like a total jerk for filming that and putting it on the Internet though...
To end with my Internet findings of the day, here is one witty picture, and one mind-blowing picture, which may just give you a whole new perspective on your life.
Today's exciting event was the garbage run. And getting stuck there. First, the House 7 boys have school off this week, so 4 of them came with me. Obviously, a blast. We can see the dump from the mission actually, up on the hill behind us, and all morning, smoke was just billowing out of it like I've never seen. When we got there, they had us drive to the top of the dump...right through the smoke, and right TOWARDS the smoke. Couldn't see a bloody thing going through it. Once we got up there, I backed into position where the guy told me to go, and we all got out to start unloading our garbage.
Then, just like in the movies, this other guy who works there comes out of nowhere, walking through the smoke in some epically dramatic entrance. Walking out of the flames. It was quite cool. But it didn't stay quite cool, cause he was the one that came and told us that we couldn't dump there and that we needed to go back down the hill clear to the other side of the dump. Yeah, whatever, not that far. Except, very far when you've got a huge plume of smoke in your way. We tried for like 20 minutes, there was no way we were getting through. I made a couple attempts, nothing. Couldn't see a foot in front of me. And to add to that, the truck would quickly fill up with un-breathable smoke. Not normal fire smoke. This was a month's worth of trash from an entire city they were burning. Who knows what could've gone in there. Heck, we could've been breathing in a former body, no one knows. That's kind of a nasty thought though..I hope that's not true.
So...we waited...and waited...and waited. Eventually the wind blew the smoke to one side for no more than a couple seconds, giving us enough time to see where the road was, and the truck waiting in front of us gunned it. I had to follow them within a foot or so the whole way down just to see his tail lights. I was hoping he knew where the rest of the road went, cause I couldn't see a darned thing, let alone his own truck. It was pretty epic indeed. Can't say I've seen that amount of concentrated smoke in quite awhile. Maybe 9/11? That might have been the last time...I don't know. It was bad though.
The waiting at the dump was fine though, having the House 7 boys there was well worth it..so entertaining. As always.
Lastly, I've picked out my camera, just need to give my parentals the OK, and it'll be ordered. Hopefully get it before I leave for Tijuana. I really want some awesome footage of Tijuana. To be perfectly honest, I don't think many people are getting any footage of Tijuana these days, what with random beheadings and bodies in barrels of acid. But man, I'd be the star of YouTube if I got some of that on camera.
Not that I'd feel like a total jerk for filming that and putting it on the Internet though...
To end with my Internet findings of the day, here is one witty picture, and one mind-blowing picture, which may just give you a whole new perspective on your life.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
BEDA - April 14th
Today was a fairly relaxing day. Kevin is still In Tijuana, doing what he does best to those computers up there, preparing for our week of working at the TJ House. I spent the day finishing up the necessary cleaning in our new room. Now we have room to build our computer/soldering work bench, and also the server room. It's actually a fairly large project, which is going to include building four new walls, putting in two windows, a fan on the ceiling of the server room, and other little doo-dahs, little finishing touches that will make it homey. Like...say, the two full size couches. Or, maybe the projector. I mean...umm, tables, tool racks, storage shelves, and other work related things. That's all we have in there, I promise. Work stuff.
Anywho...tomorrow night, Blair, Kelcie, and I went for tacos and good ole Smokey's (yes, that says tomorrow night, that's not a typo. And if that makes sense to you, then you are very precise and observant). And Blair said something about this Mexican guy that he and Warehouse Dave ran into a couple times at the local taco stands., and how he'd be asking them for a taco or two. That part is not necessary to my story. It just made me remember something I had planned on writing up on here, cause I thought it was interesting.
So, this specific guy, is one of those people most would consider a "social outcast" or whatever that has come to mean these days. I first saw this guy in church (ironically enough) as walked by me down the aisle, stopped, turned around, and casually walked back. On his way back, I got a glimpse of him. He had the body of a small teenager. Skinny, short legs, small chest, just a small body over all. He even had that teenager walk down. But as I followed his body up from his feet (I scan people starting at their feet...cause, I don't know about you, but I remember people by their shoes. Not their faces, or clothes. Shoes.) I noticed that he had the face of a rather elderly man. 60s? 70s? I'm not sure. But it didn't match his body. At all. Which is funny, after saying I don't remember people by their faces really but by their shoes. This guy was definitely an exception to that rule (although, I do in fact, remember was wearing brown baggy pants, skater shoes, and a beanie). I have this guys face engraved in my mind for quite awhile. Just that one in a lifetime you don't ever forget.
Anywhoozles...then my natural brain cycles started, the ones that just go without me saying so. I thought, "Awww, poor guy. His life must be so hard just to simply BE like that. I can't even imagine. Does he have friends? Where is his family? Exactly how old is he? Is his age the age of how his body looks? Or how his face looks? How has he made it this far in life (however far that might be), when so much in this life is based off looks and initial appearance. What are the chances that people are just going to walk up to him and simply ask how he is? What are the odds people will go out of their way to get to know him, or even acknowledge he exists? Being a "social outcast," aren't most people going to initially see him and be afraid of approaching him?" And then I noticed I was doing just that...I was totally judging him on his initial appearance, of how he looked to me. I was just as guilty as anyone else who'd ever come in contact with him. I was doing what I, myself, was questioning.
But it kept on going...
I continued thinking, "Wow, I'm so glad I'm not him. I don't know if I could live like that. Thank you God, for making me who I am. I am so thankful for the life I have." It's like one of those things where North Americans go on a missions trip to, say, Mexico, and feel so blessed, and go home and are so thankful for everything they have, because they personally witnessed the conditions others are living in at that very moment. It's kinda the same thing with this man I saw in church. I was so thankful that God showed this man to me, cause it really made me realize the blessings that I have, if only physical blessings. Even though to most of the world, we call it normal. But to this guy, all us "normal" people are so blessed. We don't have to worry about something as basic as looking normal on an everyday basis (unless you look like Ron Weasley...then life is really tough). We get up and walk out the door every morning, without so much as a thought of, "I wonder if people are going to point and stare today?" That's just not in us. Sometimes, it's actually just the opposite. "I wonder people are going to point and stare at this brand new jacket I got, or new shiny shoes, or, heck, and fancy dancy soccer ball? Look at how special it looks on me. I hope people notice." Whereas this guy's probably hoping people skip right over him, and don't take a second glance. Which, really is a low point. If you're going through your day HOPING and PRAYING that not a single person notices you, something is either wrong you, or something is wrong with the way society treats/acts towards you. I claim that it's the latter. This guy, for one is still a guy, and God still created him just as he is. Heck, maybe the point of his life is to help the rest of us with "normal" lives realize what we have, and to not take advantage of it. It's not my place to say, that's up to God. Maybe he's happy with the way he is, which would be the coolest thing in the world. I don't know what's going through his mind, nor will I ever. But I couldn't help thinking about him, and just thanking God for using him to help me realize how blessed I am.
It's like our Day Home here at the mission. Our day home has like 18 or so disabled kids in it. They come here every week day; picked up at home in the morning, they're here throughout the day, then they're brought home at 3:30. It's like they're just another example of this: God using others to show us how blessed we are.
And then I got to thinking.
What if...?? What if...we were being used by God to show others how blessed they were? What if us "normal" people were here for the purpose of showing others just how fortunate they are? What if I was one of God's examples that other people saw and went, "Wow, I'm glad I'm like me and not him. I have a blessed life." How would that make me feel? I'm pretty darn sure that would make me feel vastly inferior. but who am I to say that I'm not? I see other people and realize the blessings I have, why can't others look at me and see how blessed they are? We all here for the purpose of spreading God's glory, what if I'm part of that to show the blessings God's given to others?
Would I act differently if I knew someone was watching me because they were coming to the realization of their blessings? I'm sure I would. If I was the guy walking down the aisle at church, and I stopped, turned around, and stared myself in the eye (which would be creepy in itself), what would I see? Would I see myself sitting in that chair thinking I have life figured out, and then watch as I glanced down at the shoes and slowly progressed up my body? When I saw my face, what would my reaction be? I bet, if anything, I'd notice a change in facial expression as I saw my face on that body.
All I'm wondering is, every single one of us goes through our everyday lives, witnessing and seeing people who, to us, seem like God revealed them to us for the purpose showing himself to us. By using them, we see God, and all that he's done for us. But do we ever think that we can actually be one of those people? Being God's servant, unknowingly? Of course, we're always supposed to be being his servant, but maybe we're not consciously thinking of it. I'm not.
But maybe I will now that I know there is a good possibility someone is watching me, looking at my shoes, and glancing up to see not me, but God, and the blessings he's bestowed upon them in their "abnormal" lives.
Anywho...tomorrow night, Blair, Kelcie, and I went for tacos and good ole Smokey's (yes, that says tomorrow night, that's not a typo. And if that makes sense to you, then you are very precise and observant). And Blair said something about this Mexican guy that he and Warehouse Dave ran into a couple times at the local taco stands., and how he'd be asking them for a taco or two. That part is not necessary to my story. It just made me remember something I had planned on writing up on here, cause I thought it was interesting.
So, this specific guy, is one of those people most would consider a "social outcast" or whatever that has come to mean these days. I first saw this guy in church (ironically enough) as walked by me down the aisle, stopped, turned around, and casually walked back. On his way back, I got a glimpse of him. He had the body of a small teenager. Skinny, short legs, small chest, just a small body over all. He even had that teenager walk down. But as I followed his body up from his feet (I scan people starting at their feet...cause, I don't know about you, but I remember people by their shoes. Not their faces, or clothes. Shoes.) I noticed that he had the face of a rather elderly man. 60s? 70s? I'm not sure. But it didn't match his body. At all. Which is funny, after saying I don't remember people by their faces really but by their shoes. This guy was definitely an exception to that rule (although, I do in fact, remember was wearing brown baggy pants, skater shoes, and a beanie). I have this guys face engraved in my mind for quite awhile. Just that one in a lifetime you don't ever forget.
Anywhoozles...then my natural brain cycles started, the ones that just go without me saying so. I thought, "Awww, poor guy. His life must be so hard just to simply BE like that. I can't even imagine. Does he have friends? Where is his family? Exactly how old is he? Is his age the age of how his body looks? Or how his face looks? How has he made it this far in life (however far that might be), when so much in this life is based off looks and initial appearance. What are the chances that people are just going to walk up to him and simply ask how he is? What are the odds people will go out of their way to get to know him, or even acknowledge he exists? Being a "social outcast," aren't most people going to initially see him and be afraid of approaching him?" And then I noticed I was doing just that...I was totally judging him on his initial appearance, of how he looked to me. I was just as guilty as anyone else who'd ever come in contact with him. I was doing what I, myself, was questioning.
But it kept on going...
I continued thinking, "Wow, I'm so glad I'm not him. I don't know if I could live like that. Thank you God, for making me who I am. I am so thankful for the life I have." It's like one of those things where North Americans go on a missions trip to, say, Mexico, and feel so blessed, and go home and are so thankful for everything they have, because they personally witnessed the conditions others are living in at that very moment. It's kinda the same thing with this man I saw in church. I was so thankful that God showed this man to me, cause it really made me realize the blessings that I have, if only physical blessings. Even though to most of the world, we call it normal. But to this guy, all us "normal" people are so blessed. We don't have to worry about something as basic as looking normal on an everyday basis (unless you look like Ron Weasley...then life is really tough). We get up and walk out the door every morning, without so much as a thought of, "I wonder if people are going to point and stare today?" That's just not in us. Sometimes, it's actually just the opposite. "I wonder people are going to point and stare at this brand new jacket I got, or new shiny shoes, or, heck, and fancy dancy soccer ball? Look at how special it looks on me. I hope people notice." Whereas this guy's probably hoping people skip right over him, and don't take a second glance. Which, really is a low point. If you're going through your day HOPING and PRAYING that not a single person notices you, something is either wrong you, or something is wrong with the way society treats/acts towards you. I claim that it's the latter. This guy, for one is still a guy, and God still created him just as he is. Heck, maybe the point of his life is to help the rest of us with "normal" lives realize what we have, and to not take advantage of it. It's not my place to say, that's up to God. Maybe he's happy with the way he is, which would be the coolest thing in the world. I don't know what's going through his mind, nor will I ever. But I couldn't help thinking about him, and just thanking God for using him to help me realize how blessed I am.
It's like our Day Home here at the mission. Our day home has like 18 or so disabled kids in it. They come here every week day; picked up at home in the morning, they're here throughout the day, then they're brought home at 3:30. It's like they're just another example of this: God using others to show us how blessed we are.
And then I got to thinking.
What if...?? What if...we were being used by God to show others how blessed they were? What if us "normal" people were here for the purpose of showing others just how fortunate they are? What if I was one of God's examples that other people saw and went, "Wow, I'm glad I'm like me and not him. I have a blessed life." How would that make me feel? I'm pretty darn sure that would make me feel vastly inferior. but who am I to say that I'm not? I see other people and realize the blessings I have, why can't others look at me and see how blessed they are? We all here for the purpose of spreading God's glory, what if I'm part of that to show the blessings God's given to others?
Would I act differently if I knew someone was watching me because they were coming to the realization of their blessings? I'm sure I would. If I was the guy walking down the aisle at church, and I stopped, turned around, and stared myself in the eye (which would be creepy in itself), what would I see? Would I see myself sitting in that chair thinking I have life figured out, and then watch as I glanced down at the shoes and slowly progressed up my body? When I saw my face, what would my reaction be? I bet, if anything, I'd notice a change in facial expression as I saw my face on that body.
All I'm wondering is, every single one of us goes through our everyday lives, witnessing and seeing people who, to us, seem like God revealed them to us for the purpose showing himself to us. By using them, we see God, and all that he's done for us. But do we ever think that we can actually be one of those people? Being God's servant, unknowingly? Of course, we're always supposed to be being his servant, but maybe we're not consciously thinking of it. I'm not.
But maybe I will now that I know there is a good possibility someone is watching me, looking at my shoes, and glancing up to see not me, but God, and the blessings he's bestowed upon them in their "abnormal" lives.
Monday, April 13, 2009
BEDA - April 13th
Today, Kevin, my supervisor left for Tijuana. The mission has a "house" there, called the TJ House (Tijuana House), and kids from the orphanage here can go there and attend college in Tijuana. He went up to stay there for three days and check out the computer situation. Then, he's going to come back here on Wednesday and assess what we need to do there, and on the 26th, we're both heading up and staying at the TJ House for a week to do a big renovation project on their computers. Yes, I am fully aware that in 2008, 6000 people were killed in Tijuana alone. But what most people don't know, and that the media don't tell them, is that the vast majority of those deaths have been gang and drug related deaths, hence the "drug war." They're not going after tourists...although, I guess after being here this long, I can hardly call myself a tourist...but they don't know any better by looking at me. Anywho, tourists are at far less risk than citizens, cause well, we're not exactly participating in their drug war, are we? Not so much..unless you still don't know about my side business. In that case, I guess I am at risk. Hmmm...maybe I shouldn't go. No, just kidding. I know there are some of you who will actually believe me if I said that...so no, not true. But anywho, I'm hoping to have my video camera by then...(but probably won't), so I'll try and get some footage if I can. Anywho, I'm pretty excited to go...I haven't been to the TJ House yet, and I hear it's pretty cool. And recently the family living there moved out, and Jorge and Gina (who used to work here) moved up there to take their place. And they're uber cool, as well as their two sons, so I'm looking forward to it. Deborah said there are between 10-20 college age kids staying their at any given time, so what's not to like. So many kids my age. And finally some guys to hang out with! (Hahahah...just kidding Kelcie/Deborah. You know you'd go crazy if you didn't have another girl for 6 months)
Anywho, yep, that's my plan in a couple weeks. This Friday (the 17th), I'm leaving at 6am to go play in a soccer tournament in Ensenada with the House 7 boys and some of our friends from town. I hope we get back in time to get the Friday blog in. I know I'll have lots to say. We're playing in a stadium with grass and everything. Haven't done that since high school, back in the days when we were really good (0-14-2). good thing I brought my cleats though, I'll finally get to really use them for realsies.
Ok, so Saturday, I donwloaded an episode of How Stuff Works, the Discovery channel show that well...explains how things work. This particular episode was was highlighting anatomical models, tortilla chips, spark plugs, jukeboxes. I watched it Sunday afternoon, with a special interest int eh tortilla chips and jukeboxes. Tortilla chips just seemed interesting cause it's food we eat, and it's mass produced on a ridiculous, and they still seem to get every chip perfect (and every bag half filled). I think they must have all their scales programmed wrong or something. "Hey, I know it says "There's a crunch in every bag" on the front, but it really only means "There's half as much crunch as there appears to be," so set this scale to stop filling the bag at "angry customer" instead of "satisfied and returning customer."
That wasn't even the issue though. the tortilla chip segment was actually quite interesting. Learned lots. It's the jukebox I had a huge problem with. In the pre-show example, that little 10 second clip showing what they were looking at in this episode, it showed this wicked sweet mechanical arm going around grabbing CDs and neatly placing them in the optical drive to be read and played. I was getting all pumped up about seeing how this machine works, picking out the user-selected song from it's library of hundred's of CDs, and playing it within like 10 seconds or whatever. That's cool right? Apparently not to the Discovery Channel. It started out like this:
1. Queue the replay of said 10 second clip featuring the CD-based jukebox.
2. Play said clip with voice overlay saying, "this is how jukeboxes used to be."
3. Change clips, and say, "but this is how they work nowadays, in more modern times. We don't have time on this show to explain things that went out of style last week."
4. Start playing video about modern jukeboxes...which, surprise surprise, run on MP3s.
5. This 10 minute clip (yes, they managed to get 10 full minutes of footage out of building a MP3 jukebox) consisted of about 10 modular parts, and lots of screws.
6. Ever want to build your own jukebox? Easy. Just follow the Discovery Channel's example, like this:
7. Start off by making the glass faceplate with that spare window you have sitting out back. And while you're back there, take that pinball machine apart and use that cardboard/plastic as the border to go around your glass window. Screw those together.
8. That old refrigerator that you don't use anymore can be used to house all the components, and you can cut a hole in the top part of it where you'll insert your screen and faceplate. Screw your faceplate into the square hole you cut.
9. Clean out your fridge. If necessary, leave it open for 10 or more days to get that oyster smell out of it. After 12 days, give up. It's not going anywhere. And you knew that.
10. Grab the computer your brother-in-law picked up for you at the dump and use that as your server to hold all your MP3 files. Screw that in on the bottom of your fridge.
11. Those speakers in your living room that your wife specifically said you didn't need and shouldn't buy will work perfectly for audio output. Place them standing upright next to the screen. Screw them in.
12. You're also going to need that old power supply that you stole from office computer right before your boss declared a company-wide computer upgrade. Screw that in.
13. That transformer that you never noticed sitting in your garage when you bought the house from the previous owner is a perfect match for the job. Hook that up between the computer and the power supply, and connect all necessary cables. We know you have them. Finally, screw that in.
14. Do you remember awhile back when you went to borrow a few eggs from your neighbor (after preparing everything for omelets, only to realize you don't have any eggs), discovered he wasn't home, and walked out with his audio mixer from his recording studio? Yes, you told him you didn't have it, and didn't seen anyone go in his house that day, but for the purposes here, there's nothing better. This project calls for that audio mixer, and it can go right beside the power supply. Connect to transformer and computer, again, with the necessary cables we know you've been stocking up. Lastly, screw that in.
15. The brand new router your bought for your son and his family...well, yep, you guessed it, son never saw it, son never got it. Son never knew it, son won't use it. Jukebox....or son.....JUKEBOX! Install that near the top, as to get better reception, and hey, guess what??? Screw that in!!
16. The only other thing we need is a cash machine/bill reader/change machine. Hmmm. Wait! Good thing you saved all those parts from your days of working as a Coke vending-machine repairer. Oh, the days of college. Get that old cash reader out of that machine you have in your garage and install that in the ice dispenser of your fridge. And no, you want your bills whole, not crushed. And you guessed it, SCREW THAT IN!
17. Now, obviously, the only step left is to plug it in. Of course, no worries there, cause if you followed our directions, it will work flawlessly, not a single error. No setup required. Just plug it in, and you've got your jukebox. Start making money!!
This entire episode just made me angry! First, they fool you into thinking you're going to see how these sweet jukeboxes worked back in the 70s and 80s, or, maybe if you're lucky, get to see a CD-based one in action. Nope, on the contrary, for ten whole minutes, you watch this guy grab modular piece after modular piece and screw it in, screw it in, screw it in. The narrator said "screw that in" at least 12 different times. Good thing my knowledge of screwing things in increased so much after watching that, or I'd NEVER be able to build my own jukebox. It wasn't the special power supply, the transformer, the audio mixer, OR the router I was worried about getting and hooking up correctly. It was the screws. Just think of the consequences if I hadn't had a screwdriver nearby!!!!
What a crisis.
Thanks, Discovery, for enlightening me in the ways of screwing in pre-manufactured parts. Now I can practically build a jukebox with my eyes closed! What would I have done without you??
Good thing I already know how to build wireless routers at the 54GHz wavelength, write software to properly run my MP3 server, code my laser-scanning cash reader to accept real money and spit out fake money (or anything with so much as a minute nano-crease on it...and just for kicks, randomly spit out perfectly good money just to piss customers off. And by customers, I mean my wife and kids, and increasingly, myself), solder my own power supply together, and correctly hook it up to the transformer I threw together on my way home from work that effectively distributes the power evenly amongst all the components.
You're a lifesaver, Discovery.
Thanks again!
Yours sincerely,
Screwed Yet Again
Anywho, yep, that's my plan in a couple weeks. This Friday (the 17th), I'm leaving at 6am to go play in a soccer tournament in Ensenada with the House 7 boys and some of our friends from town. I hope we get back in time to get the Friday blog in. I know I'll have lots to say. We're playing in a stadium with grass and everything. Haven't done that since high school, back in the days when we were really good (0-14-2). good thing I brought my cleats though, I'll finally get to really use them for realsies.
Ok, so Saturday, I donwloaded an episode of How Stuff Works, the Discovery channel show that well...explains how things work. This particular episode was was highlighting anatomical models, tortilla chips, spark plugs, jukeboxes. I watched it Sunday afternoon, with a special interest int eh tortilla chips and jukeboxes. Tortilla chips just seemed interesting cause it's food we eat, and it's mass produced on a ridiculous, and they still seem to get every chip perfect (and every bag half filled). I think they must have all their scales programmed wrong or something. "Hey, I know it says "There's a crunch in every bag" on the front, but it really only means "There's half as much crunch as there appears to be," so set this scale to stop filling the bag at "angry customer" instead of "satisfied and returning customer."
That wasn't even the issue though. the tortilla chip segment was actually quite interesting. Learned lots. It's the jukebox I had a huge problem with. In the pre-show example, that little 10 second clip showing what they were looking at in this episode, it showed this wicked sweet mechanical arm going around grabbing CDs and neatly placing them in the optical drive to be read and played. I was getting all pumped up about seeing how this machine works, picking out the user-selected song from it's library of hundred's of CDs, and playing it within like 10 seconds or whatever. That's cool right? Apparently not to the Discovery Channel. It started out like this:
1. Queue the replay of said 10 second clip featuring the CD-based jukebox.
2. Play said clip with voice overlay saying, "this is how jukeboxes used to be."
3. Change clips, and say, "but this is how they work nowadays, in more modern times. We don't have time on this show to explain things that went out of style last week."
4. Start playing video about modern jukeboxes...which, surprise surprise, run on MP3s.
5. This 10 minute clip (yes, they managed to get 10 full minutes of footage out of building a MP3 jukebox) consisted of about 10 modular parts, and lots of screws.
6. Ever want to build your own jukebox? Easy. Just follow the Discovery Channel's example, like this:
7. Start off by making the glass faceplate with that spare window you have sitting out back. And while you're back there, take that pinball machine apart and use that cardboard/plastic as the border to go around your glass window. Screw those together.
8. That old refrigerator that you don't use anymore can be used to house all the components, and you can cut a hole in the top part of it where you'll insert your screen and faceplate. Screw your faceplate into the square hole you cut.
9. Clean out your fridge. If necessary, leave it open for 10 or more days to get that oyster smell out of it. After 12 days, give up. It's not going anywhere. And you knew that.
10. Grab the computer your brother-in-law picked up for you at the dump and use that as your server to hold all your MP3 files. Screw that in on the bottom of your fridge.
11. Those speakers in your living room that your wife specifically said you didn't need and shouldn't buy will work perfectly for audio output. Place them standing upright next to the screen. Screw them in.
12. You're also going to need that old power supply that you stole from office computer right before your boss declared a company-wide computer upgrade. Screw that in.
13. That transformer that you never noticed sitting in your garage when you bought the house from the previous owner is a perfect match for the job. Hook that up between the computer and the power supply, and connect all necessary cables. We know you have them. Finally, screw that in.
14. Do you remember awhile back when you went to borrow a few eggs from your neighbor (after preparing everything for omelets, only to realize you don't have any eggs), discovered he wasn't home, and walked out with his audio mixer from his recording studio? Yes, you told him you didn't have it, and didn't seen anyone go in his house that day, but for the purposes here, there's nothing better. This project calls for that audio mixer, and it can go right beside the power supply. Connect to transformer and computer, again, with the necessary cables we know you've been stocking up. Lastly, screw that in.
15. The brand new router your bought for your son and his family...well, yep, you guessed it, son never saw it, son never got it. Son never knew it, son won't use it. Jukebox....or son.....JUKEBOX! Install that near the top, as to get better reception, and hey, guess what??? Screw that in!!
16. The only other thing we need is a cash machine/bill reader/change machine. Hmmm. Wait! Good thing you saved all those parts from your days of working as a Coke vending-machine repairer. Oh, the days of college. Get that old cash reader out of that machine you have in your garage and install that in the ice dispenser of your fridge. And no, you want your bills whole, not crushed. And you guessed it, SCREW THAT IN!
17. Now, obviously, the only step left is to plug it in. Of course, no worries there, cause if you followed our directions, it will work flawlessly, not a single error. No setup required. Just plug it in, and you've got your jukebox. Start making money!!
This entire episode just made me angry! First, they fool you into thinking you're going to see how these sweet jukeboxes worked back in the 70s and 80s, or, maybe if you're lucky, get to see a CD-based one in action. Nope, on the contrary, for ten whole minutes, you watch this guy grab modular piece after modular piece and screw it in, screw it in, screw it in. The narrator said "screw that in" at least 12 different times. Good thing my knowledge of screwing things in increased so much after watching that, or I'd NEVER be able to build my own jukebox. It wasn't the special power supply, the transformer, the audio mixer, OR the router I was worried about getting and hooking up correctly. It was the screws. Just think of the consequences if I hadn't had a screwdriver nearby!!!!
What a crisis.
Thanks, Discovery, for enlightening me in the ways of screwing in pre-manufactured parts. Now I can practically build a jukebox with my eyes closed! What would I have done without you??
Good thing I already know how to build wireless routers at the 54GHz wavelength, write software to properly run my MP3 server, code my laser-scanning cash reader to accept real money and spit out fake money (or anything with so much as a minute nano-crease on it...and just for kicks, randomly spit out perfectly good money just to piss customers off. And by customers, I mean my wife and kids, and increasingly, myself), solder my own power supply together, and correctly hook it up to the transformer I threw together on my way home from work that effectively distributes the power evenly amongst all the components.
You're a lifesaver, Discovery.
Thanks again!
Yours sincerely,
Screwed Yet Again
Sunday, April 12, 2009
BEDA - April 12th
Well, in short, today was so un-eventful, there's really nothing to say.
And, speaking of nothing to say, today was Easter (duh) and the mission church moved their service to outside, a the foot of the mountains (HR Rock), and...6AM. Yep, you guessed it! I was not present. But Kelcie and Deborah went! Brave souls. I did go to the evening service tonight. Things started off great...and by great, I mean that Jose's little son walked right into a pole. Definitely the highlight of my evening. The kid was totally fine, just re-gained his balance and kept walking. But it was sure funny.
I had no one to sit with during the service, so I went to Sunday school with the kids. That was interesting.
This afternoon, I watched TWiT Live, with my buddy Leo Laporte. Good show today, good show. My online soccer site was down for maintenance, so I missed whatever matches were on yesterday and today. Sad life, I know.
Also, I worked on my brother's songs some more. I've figured out one all the way through, called How We Rise. Amazing song. Still waiting to here back from him about whether I can send them to people or not, or if I can use them in my videos.
Videos?? What videos?? yep, that's right. I just got the ok to get a video camera so I can better document my time here for all you peeps out there. I'll get some great soccer videos for sure. Who knows what else. The options are never-ending. Oh what you can do with a camera and editing software. I'm looking forward to it!
Yeah...such an boring day. My buddy Deborah left today to go back to school. Sad...but 18 more days! Her spring break was up, so she returned to Ensenada...and, well, not the most welcoming of all welcomes.
But! In rather good news! The internet has provided content in place of me writing more blabber! Yay! Go Internet! Thanks!
Mildly impressive video. Or, instead of mildly, freaking amazing will suffice.
Rather humorous shortened version of one of the most popular books on the planet. :)
A 360° view of Paris at night. Let it all load (it will be really skinny...kinda looks like the picture stopped loading..and then click on it to zoom in. It's epic.
Time to go to bed, and start the week off on a good note by going to bed before 5am. That's usually advised. Brand new week, brand new bedtime.
And, speaking of nothing to say, today was Easter (duh) and the mission church moved their service to outside, a the foot of the mountains (HR Rock), and...6AM. Yep, you guessed it! I was not present. But Kelcie and Deborah went! Brave souls. I did go to the evening service tonight. Things started off great...and by great, I mean that Jose's little son walked right into a pole. Definitely the highlight of my evening. The kid was totally fine, just re-gained his balance and kept walking. But it was sure funny.
I had no one to sit with during the service, so I went to Sunday school with the kids. That was interesting.
This afternoon, I watched TWiT Live, with my buddy Leo Laporte. Good show today, good show. My online soccer site was down for maintenance, so I missed whatever matches were on yesterday and today. Sad life, I know.
Also, I worked on my brother's songs some more. I've figured out one all the way through, called How We Rise. Amazing song. Still waiting to here back from him about whether I can send them to people or not, or if I can use them in my videos.
Videos?? What videos?? yep, that's right. I just got the ok to get a video camera so I can better document my time here for all you peeps out there. I'll get some great soccer videos for sure. Who knows what else. The options are never-ending. Oh what you can do with a camera and editing software. I'm looking forward to it!
Yeah...such an boring day. My buddy Deborah left today to go back to school. Sad...but 18 more days! Her spring break was up, so she returned to Ensenada...and, well, not the most welcoming of all welcomes.
But! In rather good news! The internet has provided content in place of me writing more blabber! Yay! Go Internet! Thanks!
Mildly impressive video. Or, instead of mildly, freaking amazing will suffice.
Rather humorous shortened version of one of the most popular books on the planet. :)
A 360° view of Paris at night. Let it all load (it will be really skinny...kinda looks like the picture stopped loading..and then click on it to zoom in. It's epic.
Time to go to bed, and start the week off on a good note by going to bed before 5am. That's usually advised. Brand new week, brand new bedtime.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
BEDA - April 11th
Might as well start this day off with a little humor
Today was especially a great day to be alive! Weddings, creepy staring, and roommates leaving.
This morning was Robert's wedding. He's been here at the mission for who knows how long. Quite awhile. He married the house mom of Casa 6, Theresa, and she had the cutest little wedding party/bridal party/whatever you call the bride's group of people. It was NOT the bridesmaids cause it was her little boys too, not just the girls, so I don't think they would appreciate being called bridesmaids. Anywho...they all had their little tuxes, slick hair, and shiny shoes. It was great. I did sound, everything went fine. Avitia did have the mic most of the time, but he didn't try and sing his usual solo or anything. Just a great little wedding all around. Short and sweet. Robert asked Theresa's 8 year old son to accept him into their family, and said he could call him whatever he wanted, but I can't remember the options he gave him. I just remember it being rather adorable and Robert was funny as usual. Theresa was tearing up...as well as Robert, which just doesn't happen.
After the wedding, we went down to the Bible Institute kitchen for the reception. Surprisingly lacking on the food, but whatever, we found ways to have fun. Deborah and I just picked out random people to stare at until they'd feel our presence and turn around and look at us. Then we'd bust out laughing, and they'd give us the "Wow, you're retarded" face. Every time. I have no idea why. Easily the best was when we picked out Pedro from the Bible Institute. So we start staring at him, and he's completely oblivious of us while he's stuffing his face with food. Very quickly, we discovered that standing behind was Edith, one of the "bridesmaids"/"daughters" of the Casa 6 mom, Theresa, the one getting married. From her point of view, it looked like were staring right at her. In a very creepy manner. Even better, Robert the Groom was standing right next to her, and she turns to him and tells him about us by pointing at us and stuff. Smiling, trying to act like it's funny and normal to be stared at. It was kind of an awkward process trying to explain to him with hand motions that we weren't staring at his "daughter" but in fact were checking out the 50 year old man sitting in front of Edith. Hopefully he interpreted our hand signals correctly. If not, I'm soooo dead on Monday. I totally looked like a creeper. Deborah, not so much. She doesn't normally participate in girl-staring activities. Soon enough, Pedro saw us and gave us a great reaction, so we quickly moved on to someone else. Bonnie. She also gave us a great reaction. Like..."They do look familiar, but I'm SURE I've never seen them before."
Oh! I almost forgot! Most interesting part of the wedding. Probably one of the most random things I've seen at a wedding actually. So we're all sitting in this crammed kitchen, I'd say a hundred or so people, probably a little more, and every seat is taken. People are standing, some sitting on the window sills, everywhere. The wedding party shows up last and sits at their reserved table, and then has the privilege of starting in line first. So they get up and go get all the good food before it's gone. We sit in our chairs watching them...jealousy spread across our faces, cause we know full well there's not going to be much left for us. We're barely surviving on our room temperature pop, and heck, we'd already had a fight over that. We've still got three tables to go till we get food. Right before it's our turn to get in line, this Mexican family (the bride's family, from Cabo San Lucas) from the wedding party, at the head table that got to go first, shows up with a large, hot pizza, included with a crisp, chilled 3 liter Coke. They place it on the table in front of them, and start chowing down. Really????? Really?!?! We all sit here waiting for you guys in line, and you get your food, then go out and get a pizza and cold drinks?? Really? No pues wow. Seriously. That just cracked me up that they did that. But...I guess I can't complain too much...my neighbor scored me a piece. We made a deal..I would get him a piece of the wedding cake if he got me a piece of pizza. So I kept up my end of the deal, and before I was even back, my pizza was sitting at my seat. When I asked him what he had to do to get it, he said he pointed to me and said I don't know Spanish and I'm too shy to come ask for it. And it worked. Like a charm.
Lastly, my roommate of all of one week (for spring break) left this evening at midnight, to go back to LA. 7 hour drive...leaving at midnight. Great planning on his part. Whatever, his choice. Anywho, Kelcie, Deborah, Chris, and I were sitting in their trailer, and our movie ended, and Chris got up to leave. Literally, from the point the movie was over, 2 minutes later he was gone. He jumped up from his seat, said see you later,m and out the door he went.
OK.......
Really epic goodbye, I must say. He'll work on that, I'm sure.
And it's officially time for bed. My buddies are threatening to get me up at 5:30 for sunrise Easter service. I've already graciously declined their warm welcome, and picked the later, more humane service. But who knows, it's Kelcie and Deborah...nothing will stop them from still coming in and bashing my head in till I'm awake. Wouldn't be the first time.
And to leave you this evening, I depart on a musical note and a heart-warming, tear-inducing, loving note.
Until tomorrow....
Today was especially a great day to be alive! Weddings, creepy staring, and roommates leaving.
This morning was Robert's wedding. He's been here at the mission for who knows how long. Quite awhile. He married the house mom of Casa 6, Theresa, and she had the cutest little wedding party/bridal party/whatever you call the bride's group of people. It was NOT the bridesmaids cause it was her little boys too, not just the girls, so I don't think they would appreciate being called bridesmaids. Anywho...they all had their little tuxes, slick hair, and shiny shoes. It was great. I did sound, everything went fine. Avitia did have the mic most of the time, but he didn't try and sing his usual solo or anything. Just a great little wedding all around. Short and sweet. Robert asked Theresa's 8 year old son to accept him into their family, and said he could call him whatever he wanted, but I can't remember the options he gave him. I just remember it being rather adorable and Robert was funny as usual. Theresa was tearing up...as well as Robert, which just doesn't happen.
After the wedding, we went down to the Bible Institute kitchen for the reception. Surprisingly lacking on the food, but whatever, we found ways to have fun. Deborah and I just picked out random people to stare at until they'd feel our presence and turn around and look at us. Then we'd bust out laughing, and they'd give us the "Wow, you're retarded" face. Every time. I have no idea why. Easily the best was when we picked out Pedro from the Bible Institute. So we start staring at him, and he's completely oblivious of us while he's stuffing his face with food. Very quickly, we discovered that standing behind was Edith, one of the "bridesmaids"/"daughters" of the Casa 6 mom, Theresa, the one getting married. From her point of view, it looked like were staring right at her. In a very creepy manner. Even better, Robert the Groom was standing right next to her, and she turns to him and tells him about us by pointing at us and stuff. Smiling, trying to act like it's funny and normal to be stared at. It was kind of an awkward process trying to explain to him with hand motions that we weren't staring at his "daughter" but in fact were checking out the 50 year old man sitting in front of Edith. Hopefully he interpreted our hand signals correctly. If not, I'm soooo dead on Monday. I totally looked like a creeper. Deborah, not so much. She doesn't normally participate in girl-staring activities. Soon enough, Pedro saw us and gave us a great reaction, so we quickly moved on to someone else. Bonnie. She also gave us a great reaction. Like..."They do look familiar, but I'm SURE I've never seen them before."
Oh! I almost forgot! Most interesting part of the wedding. Probably one of the most random things I've seen at a wedding actually. So we're all sitting in this crammed kitchen, I'd say a hundred or so people, probably a little more, and every seat is taken. People are standing, some sitting on the window sills, everywhere. The wedding party shows up last and sits at their reserved table, and then has the privilege of starting in line first. So they get up and go get all the good food before it's gone. We sit in our chairs watching them...jealousy spread across our faces, cause we know full well there's not going to be much left for us. We're barely surviving on our room temperature pop, and heck, we'd already had a fight over that. We've still got three tables to go till we get food. Right before it's our turn to get in line, this Mexican family (the bride's family, from Cabo San Lucas) from the wedding party, at the head table that got to go first, shows up with a large, hot pizza, included with a crisp, chilled 3 liter Coke. They place it on the table in front of them, and start chowing down. Really????? Really?!?! We all sit here waiting for you guys in line, and you get your food, then go out and get a pizza and cold drinks?? Really? No pues wow. Seriously. That just cracked me up that they did that. But...I guess I can't complain too much...my neighbor scored me a piece. We made a deal..I would get him a piece of the wedding cake if he got me a piece of pizza. So I kept up my end of the deal, and before I was even back, my pizza was sitting at my seat. When I asked him what he had to do to get it, he said he pointed to me and said I don't know Spanish and I'm too shy to come ask for it. And it worked. Like a charm.
Lastly, my roommate of all of one week (for spring break) left this evening at midnight, to go back to LA. 7 hour drive...leaving at midnight. Great planning on his part. Whatever, his choice. Anywho, Kelcie, Deborah, Chris, and I were sitting in their trailer, and our movie ended, and Chris got up to leave. Literally, from the point the movie was over, 2 minutes later he was gone. He jumped up from his seat, said see you later,m and out the door he went.
OK.......
Really epic goodbye, I must say. He'll work on that, I'm sure.
And it's officially time for bed. My buddies are threatening to get me up at 5:30 for sunrise Easter service. I've already graciously declined their warm welcome, and picked the later, more humane service. But who knows, it's Kelcie and Deborah...nothing will stop them from still coming in and bashing my head in till I'm awake. Wouldn't be the first time.
And to leave you this evening, I depart on a musical note and a heart-warming, tear-inducing, loving note.
Until tomorrow....
Friday, April 10, 2009
BEDA - April 10th
So........................................................
Big news from yesterday???
This mission, FFHM, is now free.
Without being too happy and jumpy about it, basically, our administrator (NOT the good one, the "other" one) was, well, released of his, ummm, responsibilities here. How/Why he had them in the first place is up to the people who put him there, and I would've loved to have been in that meeting where it was decided. Oh, that would have been epic, knowing everything I do now. Obviously, when he was appointed, I wasn't here at the mission yet, and didn't even know the guy existed. Still...it's a huge relief to the staff here. Spirits are up/returned. The staff that were asked to leave can now come back, and boy are they missed. All in all, things are looking up, that's for sure. We don't even have a clue who's going to fill his spot. To be perfectly honest though, I don't think many people actually care about that now. Everyone's just happy the board actually came down and listened, and also, stayed longer than they planned just so they could hear everyone out. At the meeting yesterday, it was said that three of the board members heard from God, assuring them they'd made the right decision. My assumption was that they were the three that came down here to hear the staff out, but I could be wrong. Just assuming. I'm so curious as to what it was they heard. That would be an interesting story. Maybe someday. I don't really know what else to say about it...we're all just over the moon about it. (And the dish ran away with the spoon.)
Today...wow, was just a great day to be alive! We (Kelcie, Deborah, Chris and I) went to the San Quintin Bay or whatever it is called. Basically, just drive to San Quintin, and go west. Stop when you hit the ocean, but preferably a bit earlier, cause they don't appreciate cars in their ocean. Makes it look messy. So, we're loading up in the car, just about to leave the mission, when I look up at the incoming clouds and say, "Hey, I think it's going to rain." Good ole optimistic Kelcie replies with an assuring "No, those clouds are going the other way." Ahhh, phew. Good. Cause Chris and I are sitting in the bed of the truck, wouldn't want it to rain. One hour later, as we arrived at the beach, our lovely rookie Meteorologist Kelcie Gibson, 21, of B.C. was performing just as well as any other meteorologist: it was raining. Not just raining, though, raining harder than I've seen in months. Which might be attributed to the fact that I actually haven't seen rain in the past few months. But nonetheless, it's still true.
We played around on the beach for like 20-30 minutes. Already being soaked, it didn't really matter to us if we got more wet. But boy were we in for a treat on the way home. I wish I had the pictures from Kelcie to display this to you visually. I must admit, it was quite epic indeed. We drove out there with Deborah and Kelcie in the cab, and Chris and me laying down in the bed. Naturally, it was only a two seater. What other options did we have?? There's no way you can fit 4 people in a two seater.
Not so.
The way home, we defied the rules of two seaters. We almost defied the rules of gravity as well, going over so many massive bumps and holes, but we were to squished to be able to bounce in the air. Four people in about 6 feet of horizontal space. Chris driving, Deborah and Kelcie somehow sharing the the other seat, and me no where to be seen in between. I think it's safe to say that the concept of personal bubbles were abolished for this particular ride home. Yay for personal-bubble popping.
Tomorrow is Saturday...and wedding day! Robert and Theresa are getting married. Robert asked me to do sound, so I'm running the sound for the actual ceremony...and I presume will be moving right on to Head Food Eater at the reception, but he never mentioned that. I'm sure it was implied though. He's a nice guy.
Finally, I heard this great quote yesterday from Andrea's dad, Keith. We were sitting there talking about electricity, which sparked (yes, sparked) a conversation about his work, where he's constantly bringing up Jesus in their work. And his quote was as follows:
"Jesus did not come to bring people together, (What??? Run that by me again?!?) he came to separate them. Believers and non-believers."
And I just thought that was so profound. I was a little shocked at first when he said "He didn't come to bring people together." I just automatically thought, what, yes, of course he came to bring us all together, to gather in His name, all that. How can you say that wasn't his purpose. But then he finished it...and I was astounded. I thought it was great. Loved it. Yep! thanks Keith!
(He's hilarious as well)
That seems to be about it for this evening. I need to get some real sleep before I start being in charge of the sound at this wedding. I have to be fully awake and prepared in case someone starts singing alone who really shouldn't be (COUGH! Mr. Avitia COUGH!).
Buenas Noches!
DFTBA!
Thobinator
(1\3 of the way done! Maureen, you're evil.)
P.S. Maureen's featured blog today is from this guy named Tobias, which is significant in itself. But he also explains how Google's PageRank works, using some intense mathematics. Oh, how much I love him right now. Very good blog post. (Hey Deborah, go check it out. I saw a ton of ½ and ¼ all over the place!)
But still not done with the awesomeness! On this epic blog post, after Google Search has been explained, this girl left a comment saying:
"Oh my, you had me scared at me at MATH in the title. But I followed along! It's very interesting. Wow.
Also, I love any name that starts with Tob, so I like your name."
Hmmm...where has she been all my life???????
Big news from yesterday???
This mission, FFHM, is now free.
Without being too happy and jumpy about it, basically, our administrator (NOT the good one, the "other" one) was, well, released of his, ummm, responsibilities here. How/Why he had them in the first place is up to the people who put him there, and I would've loved to have been in that meeting where it was decided. Oh, that would have been epic, knowing everything I do now. Obviously, when he was appointed, I wasn't here at the mission yet, and didn't even know the guy existed. Still...it's a huge relief to the staff here. Spirits are up/returned. The staff that were asked to leave can now come back, and boy are they missed. All in all, things are looking up, that's for sure. We don't even have a clue who's going to fill his spot. To be perfectly honest though, I don't think many people actually care about that now. Everyone's just happy the board actually came down and listened, and also, stayed longer than they planned just so they could hear everyone out. At the meeting yesterday, it was said that three of the board members heard from God, assuring them they'd made the right decision. My assumption was that they were the three that came down here to hear the staff out, but I could be wrong. Just assuming. I'm so curious as to what it was they heard. That would be an interesting story. Maybe someday. I don't really know what else to say about it...we're all just over the moon about it. (And the dish ran away with the spoon.)
Today...wow, was just a great day to be alive! We (Kelcie, Deborah, Chris and I) went to the San Quintin Bay or whatever it is called. Basically, just drive to San Quintin, and go west. Stop when you hit the ocean, but preferably a bit earlier, cause they don't appreciate cars in their ocean. Makes it look messy. So, we're loading up in the car, just about to leave the mission, when I look up at the incoming clouds and say, "Hey, I think it's going to rain." Good ole optimistic Kelcie replies with an assuring "No, those clouds are going the other way." Ahhh, phew. Good. Cause Chris and I are sitting in the bed of the truck, wouldn't want it to rain. One hour later, as we arrived at the beach, our lovely rookie Meteorologist Kelcie Gibson, 21, of B.C. was performing just as well as any other meteorologist: it was raining. Not just raining, though, raining harder than I've seen in months. Which might be attributed to the fact that I actually haven't seen rain in the past few months. But nonetheless, it's still true.
We played around on the beach for like 20-30 minutes. Already being soaked, it didn't really matter to us if we got more wet. But boy were we in for a treat on the way home. I wish I had the pictures from Kelcie to display this to you visually. I must admit, it was quite epic indeed. We drove out there with Deborah and Kelcie in the cab, and Chris and me laying down in the bed. Naturally, it was only a two seater. What other options did we have?? There's no way you can fit 4 people in a two seater.
Not so.
The way home, we defied the rules of two seaters. We almost defied the rules of gravity as well, going over so many massive bumps and holes, but we were to squished to be able to bounce in the air. Four people in about 6 feet of horizontal space. Chris driving, Deborah and Kelcie somehow sharing the the other seat, and me no where to be seen in between. I think it's safe to say that the concept of personal bubbles were abolished for this particular ride home. Yay for personal-bubble popping.
Tomorrow is Saturday...and wedding day! Robert and Theresa are getting married. Robert asked me to do sound, so I'm running the sound for the actual ceremony...and I presume will be moving right on to Head Food Eater at the reception, but he never mentioned that. I'm sure it was implied though. He's a nice guy.
Finally, I heard this great quote yesterday from Andrea's dad, Keith. We were sitting there talking about electricity, which sparked (yes, sparked) a conversation about his work, where he's constantly bringing up Jesus in their work. And his quote was as follows:
"Jesus did not come to bring people together, (What??? Run that by me again?!?) he came to separate them. Believers and non-believers."
And I just thought that was so profound. I was a little shocked at first when he said "He didn't come to bring people together." I just automatically thought, what, yes, of course he came to bring us all together, to gather in His name, all that. How can you say that wasn't his purpose. But then he finished it...and I was astounded. I thought it was great. Loved it. Yep! thanks Keith!
(He's hilarious as well)
That seems to be about it for this evening. I need to get some real sleep before I start being in charge of the sound at this wedding. I have to be fully awake and prepared in case someone starts singing alone who really shouldn't be (COUGH! Mr. Avitia COUGH!).
Buenas Noches!
DFTBA!
Thobinator
(1\3 of the way done! Maureen, you're evil.)
P.S. Maureen's featured blog today is from this guy named Tobias, which is significant in itself. But he also explains how Google's PageRank works, using some intense mathematics. Oh, how much I love him right now. Very good blog post. (Hey Deborah, go check it out. I saw a ton of ½ and ¼ all over the place!)
But still not done with the awesomeness! On this epic blog post, after Google Search has been explained, this girl left a comment saying:
"Oh my, you had me scared at me at MATH in the title. But I followed along! It's very interesting. Wow.
Also, I love any name that starts with Tob, so I like your name."
Hmmm...where has she been all my life???????
Thursday, April 9, 2009
BEDA - April 9th
As many of you know...today has been utterly fantastic. I would easily say that it's up there in one of the best days since being here. The month of December still owns when my friends from Canada came again, and then two weeks later my fam fam came to visit, but this is definitely next. But...look at the time, it's 3 in the morning already, and I'm not about to start typing up some epicness at this ridiculous hour. I've already fallen asleep twice this evening, one five hours ago, and one an hour ago. I'm done with falling asleep and then having to wake up again. It sucks. So I refuse. I'm REALLY going to sleep now. BEDA is not/never was/never will be, be exciting, informative, and epic every single day. Awesome, yes. But long and intense stories, no.
I can give you a couple things though, just to keep up the awesome. DFTBA!
My oldest broseph, Derek, sent me two of his new songs on Tuesday night..and I have yet to listen to any other songs since then. Yesterday alone I listened to each song over 50 times. It's addicting. I'm not sure about his rules on sending them out, or whatever, with all that cool stuff. But if you're interested, I'm sure he'd love to let as many people listen to them as possible. If not...well, he can tell me, and I'll edit this, no one will ever notice, and it will be like I never said anything. But as of now...the songs are mind-blowing (hence the 50 times in each in one day).
Also, great surprise today. First, the garbage truck broke down, which made us really late. We got back a few minutes before lunch...and I was sitting in the courtyard, just like usual, and I looked over and saw Hayden and Hillary standing by the door. I freaked. Ran and gave them a big hug. Hayden was THE "awesome" one in one of the "awesome" groups my first month here. I loved that kid. He was amazing at soccer, loved playing ALMOST as much as me, and, well, he was just awesome. I had no idea he was coming back. SO it was wonderful to finally see him again. We played soccer for an hour after lunch with about 8 or 9 of the little kids out in front of the New Staff Housing. Andrea's parents got some pictures, so when I get those from her, I'll add them on here. And Hillary was just here about three weeks ago? A month? I think it was a month ago. She had this great group, from the same city as Hayden, just different people. Lots of coolios. Hillary was the best though. And she's back. So yep...that was a great surprise. Not to mention that Deborah and Chris are already here, and Abby was here this week as well (she left today). So yeah, it's been a hectic week. Yay for three hours of sleep a night!! I love it. Probably the best part of my day, waking up and going, "Man, sleep sucks, I'm so glad I NEVER get the chance to enjoy it. Then I might start liking it."
And it's creeping right up on 4 now...and I am going to see the whales tomorrow. Woot woot!! They better be entertaining, or I'm going to fall asleep on them.
Not literally. That'd be awkward. And deadly.
Goodnight!
Sorry this was so epically rushed and boring...(twss) but I really have to go to bed. I promise a better update on why today was awesome. And no, it's not because Alex Day is 20 and a day.
Oh goodness, I'm so done and going to sleeeeeeeeeep.
toodaloo, caribou.
I can give you a couple things though, just to keep up the awesome. DFTBA!
My oldest broseph, Derek, sent me two of his new songs on Tuesday night..and I have yet to listen to any other songs since then. Yesterday alone I listened to each song over 50 times. It's addicting. I'm not sure about his rules on sending them out, or whatever, with all that cool stuff. But if you're interested, I'm sure he'd love to let as many people listen to them as possible. If not...well, he can tell me, and I'll edit this, no one will ever notice, and it will be like I never said anything. But as of now...the songs are mind-blowing (hence the 50 times in each in one day).
Also, great surprise today. First, the garbage truck broke down, which made us really late. We got back a few minutes before lunch...and I was sitting in the courtyard, just like usual, and I looked over and saw Hayden and Hillary standing by the door. I freaked. Ran and gave them a big hug. Hayden was THE "awesome" one in one of the "awesome" groups my first month here. I loved that kid. He was amazing at soccer, loved playing ALMOST as much as me, and, well, he was just awesome. I had no idea he was coming back. SO it was wonderful to finally see him again. We played soccer for an hour after lunch with about 8 or 9 of the little kids out in front of the New Staff Housing. Andrea's parents got some pictures, so when I get those from her, I'll add them on here. And Hillary was just here about three weeks ago? A month? I think it was a month ago. She had this great group, from the same city as Hayden, just different people. Lots of coolios. Hillary was the best though. And she's back. So yep...that was a great surprise. Not to mention that Deborah and Chris are already here, and Abby was here this week as well (she left today). So yeah, it's been a hectic week. Yay for three hours of sleep a night!! I love it. Probably the best part of my day, waking up and going, "Man, sleep sucks, I'm so glad I NEVER get the chance to enjoy it. Then I might start liking it."
And it's creeping right up on 4 now...and I am going to see the whales tomorrow. Woot woot!! They better be entertaining, or I'm going to fall asleep on them.
Not literally. That'd be awkward. And deadly.
Goodnight!
Sorry this was so epically rushed and boring...(twss) but I really have to go to bed. I promise a better update on why today was awesome. And no, it's not because Alex Day is 20 and a day.
Oh goodness, I'm so done and going to sleeeeeeeeeep.
toodaloo, caribou.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
BEDA - April 8th
This lovely Wednesday has been....well, fairly fantastic. We have Friday off because of Easter, so we didn't do the garbage run today. We're doing it tomorrow instead, then taking a well-needed break on Friday. Mhmmmm, sleeping in.
My story for today is from a couple weeks ago...from my trip up to San Diego to hang out with Eli. I'm not even entirely sure if I'm allowed to tell this, but it seems like a good idea. What story isn't a good idea? Especially when it involves naked people? Don't worry...no pictures or other visual aid. Hahaha, which is ironic...and you'll find out why soon enough. Also, if you're not familiar with my trip to San Diego, scroll down, and read the other posts.
On the 19th of April, Eli and I met at the airport around 6, met my uncle and cousin, and then went out to dinner with them. We got done with dinner around 7:30-8:00-ish, and then headed to Point Loma (where we were staying) just after 8.
Once we got to my cousin's dorm, we started getting settled in, lovely stuff like that. My cousin's roommate has "storytime" at 10, so we were all getting ready for that. It's a huge deal on their floor. Like...they video tape it, they all settle around and intently listen to this guy, Gibbons, make up and tell a story right on the spot. Literally plans it out in his head while standing on the bed in front of us, and shares this multi-character, science-fiction drama/shooter/I-stopped-paying-attention-after-that-because-of-something-else. Why such a short attention span for an impressive, on-the-spot, story? Nakedness.
So, in this dorm hall, since it's all guys, they're very "open" about their...bodies, I guess? The guys just walk around naked all the time. One guy in particular. For privacy reasons, and so he doesn't come kill me, we'll just say his name is "Brendan" and he's famous on their floor for being, well, naked, as much as possible. And this night of Gibbon's story telling, he was as naked as ever. Comfortably sitting in the chair in front of us, gazing upon Gibbon's, taking in his story. My cousin had the great idea of grabbing his phone and taking a picture of Brendan. Brendan saw it, laughed, and asked him to delete it (which finally resulted in a little wrestling match), just in case, just to be safe. You know how fast those kind of things can get around these days. Literally, around the world in seconds. He's majoring in...well, something that can't be interrupted by leaked photos of him. Completely understandable. So, just to be awesome, my friend Eli quietly pulls out his own phone, and secretly takes a couple photos on Brendan, in all his glorious nakedness. No one noticed, he had the pictures, we were good to go.
Never did Eli plan on doing anything with them. It's just one of those times where we saw how he reacted to the first time, the first picture, so you do it again just to be awesome. To prove that you can without him noticing. I don't know, there is some recognition in that. And it was impressive, cause Eli was all sneaky like, pretending to be texting...but actually practicing for his photography class. Putting what he learned in class to work out int he real world. And come on, how many times have you heard about photography class dealing with naked models? Same thing. Brendan was basically asking for it by walking around naked, geez.
So, story time ends (thank goodness! We had some living to get back to), and the night goes on. It's like 11 by now, and we're all just chillaxin' around the dorm hanging out. Then my cousin, Eli, and I went down stairs to play ping-pong in the lounge. We played for quite awhile, talked about everything between the moon and BBQ sauce. Hanging out with Eli is bound to provide good talks daily. It's just going to happen, you can't help it. It's wonderful.
Midnight goes right by...1am comes around...and we're sitting in the lounge, half asleep, still discussing world peace and time travel. Suddenly, Brendan comes storming down he stairs, followed by an RD of the floor, AKA the man in charge. We figured he brought him with him so that it would be a peaceful exchange and that Eli would do as Brendan said. And Brendan was NOT happy. This guy is the happy-go-lucky guy of the floor, always smiling, being funny, telling jokes. When he's not happy...something's wrong. But, fortunately, when he came down the stairs, fuming, he was fully clothed. If he hadn't been, it would have quickly easily turned into a laughingfest.
Yes, you guessed it, Brendan had somehow heard about this picture Eli had of him and decided to get out of bed and come downstairs to yell at us. Let's just say, he was not a happy camper. After listening to Brendan's speech about how immature we were for taking that picture of him, he stood there while Eli deleted the pictures. He was just about in tears about the pictures. You could tell he was shaking. It was just so weird how he treated the whole situation, like we came to visit so we could get pictures of him and take over the Internet with them. No no. That was just a perk. No, just kidding, seriously, we were there to visit my cousin, and him waling around naked just so happened to be hilarious.
The next morning, we discovered that that the RD that came down with Brendan was actually there took keep Brendan from beating the crap out of Eli, to keep him from taking it farther than he'd already taken it. And, the night before, when Brendan first found out, he was going to call the cops on Eli. This RD had to convince him that he shouldn't do that. Brendan wasn't kidding around, he was literally going to call the cops at 1am on a stranger who took a picture of him while he willingly walked around. Really, Brendan? Really?
And, in case this didn't come across, this whole thing was just downright hilarious. We definitely had some good laughs over it. Just watching it all unfold was epic. The way Brendan handled it all. I guess you kinda had to be there. But, since you weren't, I thought I'd share it with you.
I don't know about you, but managing to get the cops on you within 5 hours of arriving somewhere is just utterly impressive, no matter how bad it is. How many people get the cops called on them in one lifetime?? What about within 5 hours of arriving at a Christian school?c Yeah? Not so much.
Again, it's tired out. The sun was surprisingly inaccurate most of today. Kevin was sick, so I worked with him later at the Bible Institute.
And last night, my brother sent me a couple of his songs...I'll give you an update on those when I'm not asleep. Sounds like a grand plan!
Adios!
My story for today is from a couple weeks ago...from my trip up to San Diego to hang out with Eli. I'm not even entirely sure if I'm allowed to tell this, but it seems like a good idea. What story isn't a good idea? Especially when it involves naked people? Don't worry...no pictures or other visual aid. Hahaha, which is ironic...and you'll find out why soon enough. Also, if you're not familiar with my trip to San Diego, scroll down, and read the other posts.
On the 19th of April, Eli and I met at the airport around 6, met my uncle and cousin, and then went out to dinner with them. We got done with dinner around 7:30-8:00-ish, and then headed to Point Loma (where we were staying) just after 8.
Once we got to my cousin's dorm, we started getting settled in, lovely stuff like that. My cousin's roommate has "storytime" at 10, so we were all getting ready for that. It's a huge deal on their floor. Like...they video tape it, they all settle around and intently listen to this guy, Gibbons, make up and tell a story right on the spot. Literally plans it out in his head while standing on the bed in front of us, and shares this multi-character, science-fiction drama/shooter/I-stopped-paying-attention-after-that-because-of-something-else. Why such a short attention span for an impressive, on-the-spot, story? Nakedness.
So, in this dorm hall, since it's all guys, they're very "open" about their...bodies, I guess? The guys just walk around naked all the time. One guy in particular. For privacy reasons, and so he doesn't come kill me, we'll just say his name is "Brendan" and he's famous on their floor for being, well, naked, as much as possible. And this night of Gibbon's story telling, he was as naked as ever. Comfortably sitting in the chair in front of us, gazing upon Gibbon's, taking in his story. My cousin had the great idea of grabbing his phone and taking a picture of Brendan. Brendan saw it, laughed, and asked him to delete it (which finally resulted in a little wrestling match), just in case, just to be safe. You know how fast those kind of things can get around these days. Literally, around the world in seconds. He's majoring in...well, something that can't be interrupted by leaked photos of him. Completely understandable. So, just to be awesome, my friend Eli quietly pulls out his own phone, and secretly takes a couple photos on Brendan, in all his glorious nakedness. No one noticed, he had the pictures, we were good to go.
Never did Eli plan on doing anything with them. It's just one of those times where we saw how he reacted to the first time, the first picture, so you do it again just to be awesome. To prove that you can without him noticing. I don't know, there is some recognition in that. And it was impressive, cause Eli was all sneaky like, pretending to be texting...but actually practicing for his photography class. Putting what he learned in class to work out int he real world. And come on, how many times have you heard about photography class dealing with naked models? Same thing. Brendan was basically asking for it by walking around naked, geez.
So, story time ends (thank goodness! We had some living to get back to), and the night goes on. It's like 11 by now, and we're all just chillaxin' around the dorm hanging out. Then my cousin, Eli, and I went down stairs to play ping-pong in the lounge. We played for quite awhile, talked about everything between the moon and BBQ sauce. Hanging out with Eli is bound to provide good talks daily. It's just going to happen, you can't help it. It's wonderful.
Midnight goes right by...1am comes around...and we're sitting in the lounge, half asleep, still discussing world peace and time travel. Suddenly, Brendan comes storming down he stairs, followed by an RD of the floor, AKA the man in charge. We figured he brought him with him so that it would be a peaceful exchange and that Eli would do as Brendan said. And Brendan was NOT happy. This guy is the happy-go-lucky guy of the floor, always smiling, being funny, telling jokes. When he's not happy...something's wrong. But, fortunately, when he came down the stairs, fuming, he was fully clothed. If he hadn't been, it would have quickly easily turned into a laughingfest.
Yes, you guessed it, Brendan had somehow heard about this picture Eli had of him and decided to get out of bed and come downstairs to yell at us. Let's just say, he was not a happy camper. After listening to Brendan's speech about how immature we were for taking that picture of him, he stood there while Eli deleted the pictures. He was just about in tears about the pictures. You could tell he was shaking. It was just so weird how he treated the whole situation, like we came to visit so we could get pictures of him and take over the Internet with them. No no. That was just a perk. No, just kidding, seriously, we were there to visit my cousin, and him waling around naked just so happened to be hilarious.
The next morning, we discovered that that the RD that came down with Brendan was actually there took keep Brendan from beating the crap out of Eli, to keep him from taking it farther than he'd already taken it. And, the night before, when Brendan first found out, he was going to call the cops on Eli. This RD had to convince him that he shouldn't do that. Brendan wasn't kidding around, he was literally going to call the cops at 1am on a stranger who took a picture of him while he willingly walked around. Really, Brendan? Really?
And, in case this didn't come across, this whole thing was just downright hilarious. We definitely had some good laughs over it. Just watching it all unfold was epic. The way Brendan handled it all. I guess you kinda had to be there. But, since you weren't, I thought I'd share it with you.
I don't know about you, but managing to get the cops on you within 5 hours of arriving somewhere is just utterly impressive, no matter how bad it is. How many people get the cops called on them in one lifetime?? What about within 5 hours of arriving at a Christian school?c Yeah? Not so much.
Again, it's tired out. The sun was surprisingly inaccurate most of today. Kevin was sick, so I worked with him later at the Bible Institute.
And last night, my brother sent me a couple of his songs...I'll give you an update on those when I'm not asleep. Sounds like a grand plan!
Adios!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
BEDA - April 7th
Good evening to all, and to all...go to bed. It's late. Ohhh, what to write, what to write.
Today has been mostly uneventful...except for the Portal fest. Portal is this physics/logic/puzzle computer game that requires a LOT of thought. Hurts your brain actually. But in a good, thought-provoking way (my roommate is snoring up a tornado next to me...see what I go through for you guys?!?!). Anywho, so my supervisor, for starters, was sick today, so I was alone. Didn't get a whole lot done, but sure learned a lot about Command Prompt. Man, that's fun to play with. Then Deborah's roommate came here for spring break, and she wanted me to take a look at her laptop, cause it had been giving her some troubles (Vista haha). But this was a strange one, it just randomly beeped on boot up. Not a single beep....like a full on Window's parade. Both Kevin and I couldn't figure out what was up with it. All I got was that by pressing the Print Screen key, it stopped the beeping. Hardly a fix, but better than that wretched beeping for now. Anywho, after work was finished, Kevin showed up, and I gave him my laptop, and he played Portal on the projector for about 4 hours straight. What a great, addicting, game. He really enjoyed it, but had a little trouble at times. But seriously, you try playing that game without getting stuck...the lady (yes, woman) who created that game is a genius. Besides it being a totally, epically funny game. The dialogue is just priceless.
Secondly, while still on the topic of Kevin, we were sitting up in our room about a month ago, and I said something about David Beckham - I can't remember what - and he kinda laughs, and goes..."Who's that?"
...........
..................
........................
..............................
On the return trip from the hospital, I explained to him that it is a federal crime to not know who David Beckham is. That's a global sin. Not only is it that, it's hardly even possible to not know him, he's only on the news in LA (6 hours from here) every other day. I honestly couldn't fathom it. I was so beside myself, I was practically yelling at him. How does someone not know him, or even hear his name mentioned, online, or TV?? How does that happen? I'm not being sarcastic at all...After I learned this, I tried thinking what life would be like if I didn't know who David Beckham was...and I thought of this England vs. Greece video. I've always said if there's one thing I wished I could've been alive for, and personally witnessed,
#1 is to have witnessed to the computer evolve from the '50s and '60s onward to now.
#2 is to be at that game. Just think of the circumstances (even if you are American and don't understand/love/care about/care to get soccer). Just put yourself in the boots of David Beckham (I wish!!!).
First, you're the most sought after footballer in the world at this time...you've got just an eensy weensy bit of pressure on you.
Second, soccer games last 90 minutes, plus whatever the ref decides for injury time, usually a minute or two. It's currently running on the 93rd minute. The game is ending at ANY moment. More like 20 seconds ago.
Third, this is a World Cup qualifier game, meaning, basically, that whoever wins, goes to the World Cup. And, outside the US, that's a big deal. And for England, possessing the most talented league in football, that's as big as it gets. They ARE the soccer powerhouse. If they don't go to the World Cup, the country will be in riots for weeks.
Fourth, It's being played at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, The Field of Dreams - the most popular stadium in Europe, possibly the world.
Fifth, Beckham plays for Manchester United...and their home field is the Field of Dreams. Old Trafford. It's his hometown, his first pro team, he got his fame there, from that same crowd, same stadium, same everything. He's at home. And his family, 60,000 strong, are there for him. But more importantly, with him. I'm getting the chills just think about this
sixth, the score is 2-1, Greece - 2, England - 1. World Cup qualifiers are two-legged matches (the previous leg was held in Greece the week before), one game at each team's home country. Based on the score of the previous match in Greece, England needed AT LEAST a tie to go to the World Cup (Since England scored more away at the Greece game, (on aggragate, pointage wise, they don't have to win at home. They can still get the win even if they tie, becuase of the previous game's score). So we have 2-1, but in need of at least one goal to get the tie, and therefore, the win.
To set this up, in an American way, this is like the 14th inning of the MLB World Series Championships, last game, series tied at 3 games a piece. They're tied at 7 runs, in the bottom of the 14th inning, home team up for bat, bases loaded. Next batter comes up, and whips out the grand slam. Inside the park grand slam.
Or even the Super Bowl. AFC championship game tied at 21 in sudden death. First one to score, wins. No throw in everything else, and you've got maybe a quarter of David Beckham. I could never explain it well enough, almost just because I wasn't there, but also because it would surpass anything.
Now, throw the weight of the entire country on his shoulders. At this point, he's the only one that can change the outcome of the game. The whistle would've been blown seconds after that/ But David steps up, commits, and executes. Perfectly.
And that is the second thing that I wished I could've been personally present for. The atmosphere just in the video gives me the hardcore chills every time. I can't even imagine the atmosphere that was in and around England that day. The feeling of just being there would've sent me over the edge. Yep...
And just yesterday, I was wearing my Manchester United t-shirt, and again, he goes, who's that??? Grrrrrr.....
Anywho, that's all I had to say now, cause I'm so bloody tired
It's really early...and my eyes are hurting like crazy. And I've fallen asleep like 6 times already. Goodnight!! And hopefully I'll have something a little more profound next time. I'm just too tired to think of anything else. And, well, David Beckham deserves his own page. Sure thing!!!
Bye bye!!
Talk to you all soon!
Today has been mostly uneventful...except for the Portal fest. Portal is this physics/logic/puzzle computer game that requires a LOT of thought. Hurts your brain actually. But in a good, thought-provoking way (my roommate is snoring up a tornado next to me...see what I go through for you guys?!?!). Anywho, so my supervisor, for starters, was sick today, so I was alone. Didn't get a whole lot done, but sure learned a lot about Command Prompt. Man, that's fun to play with. Then Deborah's roommate came here for spring break, and she wanted me to take a look at her laptop, cause it had been giving her some troubles (Vista haha). But this was a strange one, it just randomly beeped on boot up. Not a single beep....like a full on Window's parade. Both Kevin and I couldn't figure out what was up with it. All I got was that by pressing the Print Screen key, it stopped the beeping. Hardly a fix, but better than that wretched beeping for now. Anywho, after work was finished, Kevin showed up, and I gave him my laptop, and he played Portal on the projector for about 4 hours straight. What a great, addicting, game. He really enjoyed it, but had a little trouble at times. But seriously, you try playing that game without getting stuck...the lady (yes, woman) who created that game is a genius. Besides it being a totally, epically funny game. The dialogue is just priceless.
Secondly, while still on the topic of Kevin, we were sitting up in our room about a month ago, and I said something about David Beckham - I can't remember what - and he kinda laughs, and goes..."Who's that?"
...........
..................
........................
..............................
On the return trip from the hospital, I explained to him that it is a federal crime to not know who David Beckham is. That's a global sin. Not only is it that, it's hardly even possible to not know him, he's only on the news in LA (6 hours from here) every other day. I honestly couldn't fathom it. I was so beside myself, I was practically yelling at him. How does someone not know him, or even hear his name mentioned, online, or TV?? How does that happen? I'm not being sarcastic at all...After I learned this, I tried thinking what life would be like if I didn't know who David Beckham was...and I thought of this England vs. Greece video. I've always said if there's one thing I wished I could've been alive for, and personally witnessed,
#1 is to have witnessed to the computer evolve from the '50s and '60s onward to now.
#2 is to be at that game. Just think of the circumstances (even if you are American and don't understand/love/care about/care to get soccer). Just put yourself in the boots of David Beckham (I wish!!!).
First, you're the most sought after footballer in the world at this time...you've got just an eensy weensy bit of pressure on you.
Second, soccer games last 90 minutes, plus whatever the ref decides for injury time, usually a minute or two. It's currently running on the 93rd minute. The game is ending at ANY moment. More like 20 seconds ago.
Third, this is a World Cup qualifier game, meaning, basically, that whoever wins, goes to the World Cup. And, outside the US, that's a big deal. And for England, possessing the most talented league in football, that's as big as it gets. They ARE the soccer powerhouse. If they don't go to the World Cup, the country will be in riots for weeks.
Fourth, It's being played at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, The Field of Dreams - the most popular stadium in Europe, possibly the world.
Fifth, Beckham plays for Manchester United...and their home field is the Field of Dreams. Old Trafford. It's his hometown, his first pro team, he got his fame there, from that same crowd, same stadium, same everything. He's at home. And his family, 60,000 strong, are there for him. But more importantly, with him. I'm getting the chills just think about this
sixth, the score is 2-1, Greece - 2, England - 1. World Cup qualifiers are two-legged matches (the previous leg was held in Greece the week before), one game at each team's home country. Based on the score of the previous match in Greece, England needed AT LEAST a tie to go to the World Cup (Since England scored more away at the Greece game, (on aggragate, pointage wise, they don't have to win at home. They can still get the win even if they tie, becuase of the previous game's score). So we have 2-1, but in need of at least one goal to get the tie, and therefore, the win.
To set this up, in an American way, this is like the 14th inning of the MLB World Series Championships, last game, series tied at 3 games a piece. They're tied at 7 runs, in the bottom of the 14th inning, home team up for bat, bases loaded. Next batter comes up, and whips out the grand slam. Inside the park grand slam.
Or even the Super Bowl. AFC championship game tied at 21 in sudden death. First one to score, wins. No throw in everything else, and you've got maybe a quarter of David Beckham. I could never explain it well enough, almost just because I wasn't there, but also because it would surpass anything.
Now, throw the weight of the entire country on his shoulders. At this point, he's the only one that can change the outcome of the game. The whistle would've been blown seconds after that/ But David steps up, commits, and executes. Perfectly.
And that is the second thing that I wished I could've been personally present for. The atmosphere just in the video gives me the hardcore chills every time. I can't even imagine the atmosphere that was in and around England that day. The feeling of just being there would've sent me over the edge. Yep...
And just yesterday, I was wearing my Manchester United t-shirt, and again, he goes, who's that??? Grrrrrr.....
Anywho, that's all I had to say now, cause I'm so bloody tired
It's really early...and my eyes are hurting like crazy. And I've fallen asleep like 6 times already. Goodnight!! And hopefully I'll have something a little more profound next time. I'm just too tired to think of anything else. And, well, David Beckham deserves his own page. Sure thing!!!
Bye bye!!
Talk to you all soon!
Monday, April 6, 2009
BEDA - April 6th
Starting things off today is a wonderful anagram, provided by my buddy/teacher Heather. If you didn't see, the phrase is
"What a piece of work is man"
and here is what I got:
- I am with: a fork, snow, peace.
- Chinese! Wait for a wok map!
- I, a man, seekith wrap of cow.
- Ah, we primates cook iFawn.
- Wam!! A spike of war hit once.
There you go Heather, and thanks a bunches of bunches. That was uber blastful. Soooo enjoyable. I wonder why I never tried that before, missed out on a whole decade of anagraming. It's so exciting when you finally get the last letters into a word, and everything fits. Even if it doesn't make complete sense...it's great fun. Such a successful feeling. Anywho! Yeah....thanks. Always up for more! :)
And, I have some great stories from church last night. My, what a night. Obviously, nothing quite like that last time, with flags, forehead-slapfests, and whatnot. No no, this time, it was the Attack of the Childish Children. (That's ACC. No, not AAC - the file format of iTunes for those that were wondering). The ACC last night started off with Row 2 Boy (we're in Row 0, 1 is directly in front of us, 2 is in front of that...3 in front of that).
Row 2: Little kid of 8-ish, wearing the orange jacket (Yeah, you buddy!!! I'm calling you out!) would be sitting there...then turn around and stare at me. For a good amount of time. I'd look at him and smile...then look back at the stage, and he'd still being staring. So I'd look back and make a funny face at him. That was the only way to get him to turn around. I was really doing quite well on practicing my funny faces. Good thing there were no cameras nearby, or you'd never read another day of this. So, throughout the service, this kid is peering into my soul, all the while Row 1 Boy starts, well, losing control of his own soul.
Well, to be perfectly honest, I don't remember seeing a point that reflected him having control of his soul. First, he had his mom's key ring (decked out in like 10 keys), a little plastic soldier thing, and two pesos. He sat on the ground, facing his chair, and dropped the keys - over and over and over - onto his chair. I've heard planes take off quieter. And he keeps that up, while his mom sits next to him, somehow paying attention to the sermon.
Next, Deborah's foot is sitting in the space between Row 1 By's chair and the chair next to it. So this kid starts playing the drums; hitting his knee, then Deborah's foot, his knee, her foot. Again, and again. He never showed any notion that he knew who's foot that was. Never looked back at us during it, nothing. Just hit it every other beat. I even put my foot on top of hers for a beat or two, and he just kept it right up. So we laughedat with him.
While laughing, Row 3 Boy, like 11 or so, starts pretending that it's snowing INSIDE our church in MEXICO and points his head up in the air, sticks out his tongue, seemingly attempting to catch snowflakes. Last time I checked, it didn't snow in Vicente Guerrero in April...or ever. Especially not indoors. But no matter to Row 3 Boy. You know you've done that before, the typical stick your tongue out as far as possible, creating the largest surface area for catching things. This kid had that pat down for sure...now he needs to jump on getting the snowflakes inside. But his ability to act normal in church definitely hit home with our funny bone. We just cracked up. Now, finally add in Row 2 Girl, all of 3 or so, randomly screaming at what seemed to be the same pitch as my microwave. Nothing long, no never-ending scream. Just quick short bursts interfering with the wireless mics.
We thought everything was over then. How mistaken we were.
Row 1 Boy doesn't want to feel out-done by all these other kids, so what does he do? He grabs his mom's sweatshirt, places it in his mouth (full on biting it), and starts shaking his head. The sweatshirt swinging back and forth, back and forth. Faster...faster...and he keeps going. He kept at it for at least a couple minutes, putting that sweatshirt through torture. He eventually put the sweatshirt down...but kept going with the head-shaking. Apparently that was fun at that age. I was too busy putting snakes in my mailbox for the mail lady to worry about shaking my head around. It was closer to getting beat around like the Atkins spokesperson touring the Willy Wonka factory.
To finish off the night, the sign language guy to the right of us was always looking at us, smiling, waving, lifting his eyebrows, giving us the thumbs up. Who knows, maybe thumbs up is something different to us than it is to him. Maybe in sign language, he was smiling, waving, lifting his eyebrows, and saying he was getting ready to eat us. Maybe the thumbs up is, prepare to be eaten. He very well could have been visualizing our roasted thighs, failing to communicate that small fact to us. Now I'm scared to see him again...he'll probably whip out his sign language grilling skills on us.
Last but not least, towards the end of the sermon (we're sitting upstairs again), this guy gets up and goes to the small window in the back, hangs out of it, and starts yelling. Who knows what...hope it wasn't too important, cause the good majority of the upstairs turned and looked at him. He didn't seem to care that he was pleasantly yelling, interrupting, AND providing for our entertainment all at the same time.
And that was church for the weekend. Always something new going on, something funny and worth blogging about when I otherwise might be running low on ideas. And it's only the 6th. Ewwww. More topics! Oh, I could do why the sky is blue! II got to explain that this evening. I always love getting the chance to share that, cause there is ALWAYS someone who says "cause it reflects off the ocean." (cough!) No, that is not the reason. Far from it. Why is the sky in Kansas just as blue as in Washington. Theory = SHOT DOWN! No, it has to do with the wavelengths of lights. And, I won't plagiarize someone else with explaining it all. The link to the explanation can be found here: Why the Sky is Blue.
This is Kelcie's funny drawing during church. Yes, it was followed by more and more laughing. And yes, we're very mature and respectful in church. This Sunday wasn't our best representation of that though.
We went to the beach tonight to have a bonfire. We found this old Christmas tree out in the back of the mission, and decided it was great wood. So we brought it...and burnt it all at once. Great flames, almost too much heat. But so worth it.
Myself, flying on my personal Firebolt.
Kelcie and Deborah came with me on the garbage run today! :)
This lamesaucy dog followed us home all the way from Smokey's. It would NOT leave, not matter what. TWO days later...it was sitting under my truck I used everyday, apparently just waiting for me to come and grab the truck. Somehow it knew I ws coming to that truck. Traced my scent from the day before? I don't know, but the dog was annoying.
"What a piece of work is man"
and here is what I got:
- I am with: a fork, snow, peace.
- Chinese! Wait for a wok map!
- I, a man, seekith wrap of cow.
- Ah, we primates cook iFawn.
- Wam!! A spike of war hit once.
There you go Heather, and thanks a bunches of bunches. That was uber blastful. Soooo enjoyable. I wonder why I never tried that before, missed out on a whole decade of anagraming. It's so exciting when you finally get the last letters into a word, and everything fits. Even if it doesn't make complete sense...it's great fun. Such a successful feeling. Anywho! Yeah....thanks. Always up for more! :)
And, I have some great stories from church last night. My, what a night. Obviously, nothing quite like that last time, with flags, forehead-slapfests, and whatnot. No no, this time, it was the Attack of the Childish Children. (That's ACC. No, not AAC - the file format of iTunes for those that were wondering). The ACC last night started off with Row 2 Boy (we're in Row 0, 1 is directly in front of us, 2 is in front of that...3 in front of that).
Row 2: Little kid of 8-ish, wearing the orange jacket (Yeah, you buddy!!! I'm calling you out!) would be sitting there...then turn around and stare at me. For a good amount of time. I'd look at him and smile...then look back at the stage, and he'd still being staring. So I'd look back and make a funny face at him. That was the only way to get him to turn around. I was really doing quite well on practicing my funny faces. Good thing there were no cameras nearby, or you'd never read another day of this. So, throughout the service, this kid is peering into my soul, all the while Row 1 Boy starts, well, losing control of his own soul.
Well, to be perfectly honest, I don't remember seeing a point that reflected him having control of his soul. First, he had his mom's key ring (decked out in like 10 keys), a little plastic soldier thing, and two pesos. He sat on the ground, facing his chair, and dropped the keys - over and over and over - onto his chair. I've heard planes take off quieter. And he keeps that up, while his mom sits next to him, somehow paying attention to the sermon.
Next, Deborah's foot is sitting in the space between Row 1 By's chair and the chair next to it. So this kid starts playing the drums; hitting his knee, then Deborah's foot, his knee, her foot. Again, and again. He never showed any notion that he knew who's foot that was. Never looked back at us during it, nothing. Just hit it every other beat. I even put my foot on top of hers for a beat or two, and he just kept it right up. So we laughed
While laughing, Row 3 Boy, like 11 or so, starts pretending that it's snowing INSIDE our church in MEXICO and points his head up in the air, sticks out his tongue, seemingly attempting to catch snowflakes. Last time I checked, it didn't snow in Vicente Guerrero in April...or ever. Especially not indoors. But no matter to Row 3 Boy. You know you've done that before, the typical stick your tongue out as far as possible, creating the largest surface area for catching things. This kid had that pat down for sure...now he needs to jump on getting the snowflakes inside. But his ability to act normal in church definitely hit home with our funny bone. We just cracked up. Now, finally add in Row 2 Girl, all of 3 or so, randomly screaming at what seemed to be the same pitch as my microwave. Nothing long, no never-ending scream. Just quick short bursts interfering with the wireless mics.
We thought everything was over then. How mistaken we were.
Row 1 Boy doesn't want to feel out-done by all these other kids, so what does he do? He grabs his mom's sweatshirt, places it in his mouth (full on biting it), and starts shaking his head. The sweatshirt swinging back and forth, back and forth. Faster...faster...and he keeps going. He kept at it for at least a couple minutes, putting that sweatshirt through torture. He eventually put the sweatshirt down...but kept going with the head-shaking. Apparently that was fun at that age. I was too busy putting snakes in my mailbox for the mail lady to worry about shaking my head around. It was closer to getting beat around like the Atkins spokesperson touring the Willy Wonka factory.
To finish off the night, the sign language guy to the right of us was always looking at us, smiling, waving, lifting his eyebrows, giving us the thumbs up. Who knows, maybe thumbs up is something different to us than it is to him. Maybe in sign language, he was smiling, waving, lifting his eyebrows, and saying he was getting ready to eat us. Maybe the thumbs up is, prepare to be eaten. He very well could have been visualizing our roasted thighs, failing to communicate that small fact to us. Now I'm scared to see him again...he'll probably whip out his sign language grilling skills on us.
Last but not least, towards the end of the sermon (we're sitting upstairs again), this guy gets up and goes to the small window in the back, hangs out of it, and starts yelling. Who knows what...hope it wasn't too important, cause the good majority of the upstairs turned and looked at him. He didn't seem to care that he was pleasantly yelling, interrupting, AND providing for our entertainment all at the same time.
And that was church for the weekend. Always something new going on, something funny and worth blogging about when I otherwise might be running low on ideas. And it's only the 6th. Ewwww. More topics! Oh, I could do why the sky is blue! II got to explain that this evening. I always love getting the chance to share that, cause there is ALWAYS someone who says "cause it reflects off the ocean." (cough!) No, that is not the reason. Far from it. Why is the sky in Kansas just as blue as in Washington. Theory = SHOT DOWN! No, it has to do with the wavelengths of lights. And, I won't plagiarize someone else with explaining it all. The link to the explanation can be found here: Why the Sky is Blue.
This is Kelcie's funny drawing during church. Yes, it was followed by more and more laughing. And yes, we're very mature and respectful in church. This Sunday wasn't our best representation of that though.
We went to the beach tonight to have a bonfire. We found this old Christmas tree out in the back of the mission, and decided it was great wood. So we brought it...and burnt it all at once. Great flames, almost too much heat. But so worth it.
Myself, flying on my personal Firebolt.
Kelcie and Deborah came with me on the garbage run today! :)
This lamesaucy dog followed us home all the way from Smokey's. It would NOT leave, not matter what. TWO days later...it was sitting under my truck I used everyday, apparently just waiting for me to come and grab the truck. Somehow it knew I ws coming to that truck. Traced my scent from the day before? I don't know, but the dog was annoying.
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