Patty Flowers! 

Evan "E-Do" Donovan 

My boys from 1st Belz (from left): John Lamb, (the top of the head of) Ben Hubbard, John Gregor Macdougal, Dave Gambrell, John Krueger, Ben Mitchell, Tyson Turner 

Aaron Johnson and Megan DeMaster (soon to be Johnson) 

Eric "E-Large" Largent 

Beerman and Alan (hiding under the bed with the glowing comfort of the computer) 

Nathan Hall (scotsman of all scotsmen) 

Jujyfruit

Well, the title is just because that's the open box of nasties that lies before me (I had a few back when I got them last winter, but now they just sit and rot their rotty rot).

After glancing at the blogs of several others (namely, those in my linkeroos), I figured "Hey, why not post."

First, my weekend (and week) have been good. My 'sister' was home from school, as was my very good friend (with a bit of a pond seperating us). I must say, every time I see them back home, it reminds me just how much I actually did miss them. I suppose while they're gone, I just kind of focus on myself and those present. I do admit that I miss them, but I just don't really comprehend how much until they get back (you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone).

Second, I've grown in my faith lately.
True, this should be an ever on-going thing, but well, it's not (truth!? human!? what!?). Yes, I'm willing to admit it. 12 step program, you might say, and the first step is admitting I'm wrong (wha!?). Anyways, there have been so many little things in my life (both in the past and lately) that I never saw. But it seems just this weekend I finally realized it was God. Perhaps His way of always having my back. Perhaps His way of showing me he's watching.
Either way, I've grown. I would say I'm proud to say that, but I don't like saying I'm proud of anything being that pridefulness can be bad.

"Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall."
-Proverbs 16:18 NIV

Summary: I've grown in my faith, amen.

Next up is life in general. Well, I suppose this kind of contradicts my previous statements, but so be it (since when am I one to worry about congruence).
I've been struggling a lot lately in life. I feel so much like I have no direction, don't know where to go. I was once walking in darkness, but have found the light, and now walk with Him personally. So, it is not that I'm lost, but perhaps that I am being tried. At least, that's what I like to think it is.
I've felt so much temptation lately. Many times I am able to fight it, or at least most of it. My human nature tends to be the root of it, and so there are so many small things that I give in to say "what will it hurt?" But they do add up. I always see just how much I am giving in as I look back every now and again.
The best way I can try to describe how I feel (to use imagery, if you will): is like a plain, and I can see a plateau above, my destination. But between me lies a dark forest, or really a dark anything. Whatever it is, I can see where I need to get, but the trail there is a difficult, confusing, winding, I-don't-know-what-other-adjectives-I-can-use path.
But, nobody ever said that being Christian makes life a cake-walk (in fact, most believe quite the opposite).

Anyhow, I suppose that'll be my rant for today. Hope anyone enjoys this. Comments are always good.

I guess I should finish up that Photoshop for Brodie so he can have it tomorrow...
Duty calls!

Rantings of a Madman.

Life is just on loan, not ours to keep.

Four's a crowd. Three's company. Two's tango.

You've got to fight for your right to party.

Don't let the man bring you down.

Don't let the world decide how you should live your life.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Eat breakfast, it's the most important meal of the day.

Eat lunch, or you'll go hungry until dinner.

Eat dinner.

"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the wise words of someone short:
"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it in front of an adult."

In the wise words of someone tall:
"Everybody move!"

In the wise words of someone dead and risen:
"I am the way and the truth and the life."

Pray.

Myself and Christie on the way to the formal.
Why she's half dead? I know not.

After the night is over, Tash, Me, Sarah and Christie on the beautiful stairs.

Roomie Tash and myself.

Nicole, Me, Christie and Sarah before they let us in.

The Dreaded V-Day

Earlier this week I was told by a good male friend that this Valentine's Day I should curl up in a blanket on a couch, with some kleenex and chocolate and watch a sappy movie. He was saying this because I'm not the type to normally do that sort of thing. Kind of a change of pace sort of suggestion. I don't know if I could handle that. I suppose it would have to depend on the movie. To me, V-day has become waaay too commercialized. Someday, I shall propose to my husband that we change the date to somewhere in September or something. Maybe switch April Fools to February or something. I don't know. I love flowers and chocolate, but I hate the idea of receiving a forced gift. Call me a dreamer, but I hope my husband won't need a day where every other husband is reminded (as well) to get his wife flowers. Is that too much to ask? To be different? Or should I just expect that to come from having a different anniversary as everyone else?? I don't know, just a thought. Enough of this- Two blogs in one day?! No good. I must have Some homework I should be doing!
cheers!

Spring Formal at TWU

On Friday night, February 11, I encounted my first formal event ever. Shocked? Don't be. For this little home-schooler, formal events were scarce growing up. The first time I got to really dress up was for a waltzing party my friends and I held over Christmas Break back in December. Now, the natural progression in place, it was time to move up in the world and on to the school formal. Decked out in what I would say, elegant attire, my suite and another good friend piled (crinoline abounding) into a car and were on our way. We enjoyed a delicious buffet meal - definitely not what we've all become accustomed to in our own wonderful cafeteria. The band that played was akin to Maroon 5 (not too shabby). I'm hoping if I get a hold of some photos, I might be able to send them over to the BAM himself and post them. It is not that I'm technologically challenged (well, I'll always be more so than B...), I just don't want to download the program necessary to upload these things. My computer is, well, it's lacking to say the least. I fear if I put much more on it, it won't wake up in the morning -if you catch my drift. Anyway, that was a major tangent. About the pictures, I'll see what I can do...

RUF Scavenger Hunt. Here is our team (from left to right): Luke, myself and Dan. Clearly, we had the most awesomest team. Technically, we got fourth place overall (out of four teams), but we won best team name (Team One Stop) and funniest picture (a series of 10 photos of a Starbucks Barista). However, I will also add that we had the sweetest music to go with our slideshow, and I also feel people were laughing the longest and hardiest when our pictures were presented.
Game. Set. Match.

The Dan with his mentor, The Donald. 

We had to get a picture of all but one of our team members with the Fremont Troll. Long lost cousins? 

Rock on, Dan! 

Totem poles are A-OK! 

Another picture from Huckfest. It looks like Nate back there is throwing a pass and I'm knocking it down, but that's not how it is. That leg off on the left threw to this big guy here, and I'm severely thwarting their efforts (I'm pretty sure we beat that team). Long live the disc! 

This was our starting line up for Huckfest 2004. Our school's (Covenant College) team was the CCCP (Covenant College Club Phrisbee). From left to right are Nate Hall (the Scotsman of Scotsmen), um, what's his name, that's me behind him. Crouched there with the blue butt is Kristine Brangwin (very fun to play with, but she probably still can't throw a normal flick :), in front of her is Commissar Sean himself, and the Micheal Jackson wannabe in the back is my main man Damien. As D and I clearly demonstrate, soccer socks rule. We had wicked soccer tans by the end of the weekend (soccer tan is only tan from where your shorts end and your socks begin). Phrisbee dya naroda!

Woo! limp noodle (L- remind you of anyone else with scoliosis? :)! I just felt like putting a random pic from my computer online, so there you have it! Everyone who reads this: hope school is going well for you. 

Visual Assault!

After reading my shortest bestest friends post just below, I came to the conclusion that she was on to something. So, for all to revel and behold, I give you my life's work: Visual Assault! Ok, so it took five minutes. But here are pictures from the last (just less than a-) week. M- Enjoy, and feel free to email or whatever any other pictures you would like to see on here (or rather, would like other people to see on here). See you in five!
Chris taking Kasey captive after she stole two loaves of bread from the market and stepped on my foot.
Ok, not really, but she did try awfully hard to avoid being in pictures, so Sir Chris decided to take matter into his own hands (literally).
That's right little one, you're headed to the slammer now (err, I mean the digital memory card...)!

The one and only me, trying to read what's written on Kasey's camera whilst being shot in the face. Apparently this is a popular picture of a popular guy (or something).

The first of two from the car ride home. We have here (from left to right): Chris "I'm so good with directions" B, Kasey "Too forward for anyone's own good" W, and Melissa "The magic child-magnet" J.

Due to overwhelming complaints from ONE person, I have been so kind as to remove an incriminating picture of Kasey from this space. She insists that her pain from that picture is not worth the worlds happiness, so I've pulled it. However, it is still on my computer, so whatever happens, the memory will live on...

White Elephant at the Carlson's last night. True, an elephant isn't exactly spectacular when there are only eight people, and all of them know each other. But, there was some element of surprise since none of us knew what the other brought.
Lyd, in all her inifinite wisdom, ended up with -among other things- a door stop.
A big, wooden, triangular door stop... Woo.

It's been a while

Turkey day has long since passed and the season of yule draws near. I've just finished a paper and am looking forward? to my exams come Monday afternoon. I have the whole weekend to study which is not very helpful on the motivation front. As soon as I dive into it, there's no going back. A few borrowed cds here and some eggnog there will help us through I am certain. I still have a bag or two of goldfish to devour before the week is over, so that's handy.
Looks like Europe for me is a no-go. That's alright, God knows what he's doing.
Who reads these anyway? B- someone should really put some pictures or something. It's definitely lacking. I just don't know what exactly.
Welp. That's me. I'm out.

Long Reigneth The Turkey!

Happy Turkey Day, world!
Despite mishaps, detours, turn-arounds, up-side down anythings and whatever else was thrown at us, I thoroughly enjoyed my (pre- and) Turkey Day.
I can't really think of much to say, but what I can think of would take forever to 'splain. So, drop a line if you'd like more info.

Eat and be merry!


...and festively plump...

Anybody Out There?

I think I'm lost.

Did anyone bring a map?

Sacrifice...

Trust me, it's worth the read...

There was a certain professor of THEOLOGY named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the Western United States. Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his or her freshman year regardless of his or her major.

Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel to his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, and he was studying with the intent of going into seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing specimen. He was the starting center on the school football team, and the best student in the professor's class.

One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. "How many push-ups can you do?"

Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."

"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"

Steve replied, "I don't know - I've never done 300 at a time."

"Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson.

"Well, I can try, "said Steve.

"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of 10 for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor.

Steve said, "Well...I think I can...yeah, I can do it."

Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. Now, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls.

Everyone was excited it was Friday, the last class of the day and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?"

Cynthia said, "Yes."

Dr. Christianson went to Steve and asked, "Steve, you do 10 push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?"

Steve said, "Sure, "and jumped down from his desk to do a quick 10. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.

Dr Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?"
Joe said, "Yes."

Dr Christianson asked, "Steve, would you do 10 push-ups so that Joe can have a donut?"
And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did 10 push-ups for every person before they got their donut. And down the second aisle, until Dr. Christianson came to Scott.

Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good of a condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship. When the professor asked, "Scott, do you want a donut?" Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?"

Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them."

Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then."

Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do 10 push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?"

With perfect obedience Steve started to do 10 push-ups. Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"

Dr. Christianson said, "Look, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.

Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"

Sternly, Jenny said, "NO."

Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do 10 more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?"

Steve did 10; Jenny got a donut.

By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say, "No" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve also had to put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push-up to make sure he did the full 10 push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely.

Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from the other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that there were now 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it
Dr. Christianson went on to the next person, the next, and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set. Steve asked Dr. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"

Dr. Christianson thought a moment. "Well, they're your push-ups. You can do them any way you want." And Dr. Christianson went on.

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!"

Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No let him come."
Dr Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do 10 push-ups for him?"

Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut."

Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?"

Jason, new to the room hardly knew what was going on. "Yes, "he said, "Give me a donut."
"Steve, would you do 10 push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?"

Steve did 10 push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Dr. Christianson finished the forth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. Sweat was profusely dripping off his face and, by this time, there was no sound except his heavy breathing. There was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second-to-last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a donut?"

Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."

Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do 10 push-ups so that Linda can have a donut that she doesn't want?"

Grunting from the effort, Steve did 10 very slow push-ups for Linda. Then, Dr.Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?"

Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?"
Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone. I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve, here, is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped a class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push-ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes. Steve, would you do 10 push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"

As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into They hands I commend my Spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life...And like some of you in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. "Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding, "Not all sermons are preached in words."

Turning to his class the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Christ."

Freeeeedooooooom!

A recent discover in my backyard; a thistle! The emblem of Scotland, and of my not-so-Alma Mater, Covenant College. Who ever knew such history grew right next to our deck? Perhaps a sign of just how much Scot runs in me...

WWJD?

The question on my mind recently. What would Jesus do? At the moment I feel somewhat reluctant to put myself to the test, whether due to current lack of willpower, commitment, or just apathy. But some day I do hope I will have the courage to live my life- even if just a week- always with that question in mind. Act accordingly, do what I can. Obviously, I can't be Jesus. I can't be sinless, always pure, always putting others exclusively before myself, but I hope I will try.
If you're in e-town, drop me a line. I always like hearing from people (even if I just get to read a blurb of a thought for a moment). Leave a question, a comment, a wise crack, anything will satisfy my curiosity.
Some day, I will Do.

The Striker Cometh.

The weekend in short:

Slept like the dickens Friday night, woke up around 9:30 Saturday.

Nothing very spectacular during the day.

Strummed a little guitar, surfed a little internet.

Saturday night, we went bowling once more. The three on my lane (two fellas and myself) did awesome all night. We all three rolled up our pant legs as if to say "yes, we are from the fifties!" Our team name was "Testosterone," and we tried to act as "macho" as we could while we bowled, grunting and growling at strikes and spares, bumping arms and cheering each other (we didn't get a chance to bust out the classic chest-bump). I put up all the names for people that were there. They were all Catholic sounding names, such as Brother this, Sister that, Friar so-and-so, Pope whats-his-face. Because of the macho/Catholic combo, the testosterone boys thought it would be really funny if we actually acted like that and we really were Catholic. Imagine it, three nice boys show up in their black and whites, acting humble and then BAM!, they start grunting and hurrah-ing and being as macho as possible. Yes, we did think it was funny. On Saturday they have Midnight Bowling, and colored pins in the right place can earn you some change (.50 cents plus depending on where they lie) if you get a strike. I got $4.50 from those. Also, they sell lucky strike tickets. Five tickets, two dollars. Your ticket is called, you write your lane number on the back, and they announce you on your next approach. $20 for a strike, $10 for a nine-count. I proceeded to get a strike. So, the two-some hour visit to the lanes netted me $7.50 total after accounting for buying my lucky strike tickets and paying to bowl and for shoes. I would call it a good night.

Sunday: church, lunch with mom at [censored] (you didn't think I would give it away, did you shortie? :P), picked up a couple records on the cheap (Visqueen and Presidents of the United States of America) from Easy Street Records. Great store, greater people.

40 Days small group at six. Enchiladas courtesy of Sheryl Lerin for dinner with chocolate chip cookie chasers.

Wow, I think that turned out longer than I thought it was.
Go team, go :).
Oh yeah, and I developed another roll of film today in photography, so tomorrow I may print me up a proof sheet if the spirit moves me.

Rock and roll, kids.

A Taste of Things to Come.

My first enlargement from Photography class. The photo is better quality in real life (as should be expected). In theory, there is more to come (not of the same photo, but from class). I should be getting more done, I just have to put more time in at the lab. If I actually go in on a day that isn't a class day, I should be able to get stuff done, and maybe get another enlargement online next week.

The Bitter Cold of...Autumn.

Yes, bitter cold. How it is. Weather report says 52 degrees. I'm not sure how cold that's supposed to feel, but it's pretty cold. I busted out my new winter jacket today (hoodies just don't cut it in the wind). Earlier I was wearing my wool/fleece ear/headband thing in the house just to keep from freezing. I doubt it will get better as the season goes on. One upside is that although it's cold and windy, it at least looks nice. We're still getting some sun, occasional rain and persistent clouds.
Saturday we went bowling, my arm is still sore. My high was 146 I believe. Near the end of the night I was definitely getting into my groove for throwing some strikes. Last frame of the last game I almost pulled out my Turkey Tenth, but threw a poor third ball and only took six pins.
Tonight I will be trying to keep myself warm and comfortable at home while watching Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars mini-series. Part one aired last night, part two tonight, but luckily for me they are re-airing one just before two starts. So, I'll get me a sweet four hours of Farscape action. Now, I'm against tv, but this show has kept me interested. It has excellent characters, smooth plot developement, and even a love story for those so inclined. Reality tv sucks.
Perhaps I'll be on the phone a bit with some friends, catching up with some, keeping up with others.

Live long and prosper.

Bible Battle Pity the Fool Bout X!

Look how lazy I am. I don't even know how long it's been since I posted, and I don't feel like looking. So, today we have the first ever double post!
Hoopa-dee-doo.
For the upper diddle of do, we have the Bible Battle verse of the day:
Even if Babylon reaches the sky
and fortifies her lofty stronghold,
I will send destroyers against her,"
declares the LORD.
- Jeremiah 51:53


Now up to bat is Daily Jibba-Jabba. Once again going back to the old international travel hoopla (as I may very well be this spring, yessssss), I bring you a website for finding tickets. I suppose it's already pretty well known, so this is only news for some. But the site of choice is Student Universe, which can find you some wicked cheap tickets for where you want to go. For example, I found a ticket to London from Seattle for $397 (which I may purchase in order to have myself one dilly-bar of a spring break). They seem to have pretty good prices, you just have to find the right time to travel. There are also some other resources on the site for your travel needs (national or inter-).
Go forth, travel and rejoice (I plan to).

Ca-ching, ca-ching.

Bible Battle Bout 9

Bible Battle verse of the day:
Four things on the earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:
-Proverbs 30:24

Daily Jibba-Jabba (I Pity the Fool!).

Um, UW Sports.
Go Dawgs.