It's Alive!

Fan Move
Originally uploaded by bruceofjericho.

Ok, so this is the closest you'll get to seeing The Fan in motion. But hey, I think this picture is a much better one than the still. Yay for The Fan!
Oh yeah, and be sure you look down to read the important stuff on my blog past all the aesthetic beauty of these pictures...

The Fan

The Fan
Originally uploaded by bruceofjericho.

So we get to our house. It turns out the "garage" is more like a big automatic door. It's not enclosed. It's basically a wall with a really big door. But it's ok, because it's like a free back patio with lots of shade (and this is Arizona...).
Anyways, most of our house fans are just regular type, but our living room fan is so sweet! Check it out, yo. It's all got leaf-type blades and whatnot. It' looks really cool when you see it spin (which you probably won't ever).
Unloading the truck was a Lot easier than loading it up. It hardly took any time to get the thing empty. Maybe two hours or something. We had to take the door off again to get the couch in (but this time we took out the pins instead of the whole hinges). All in all, a pretty good move. Oh, except that I have to be away from all my friends for over a week! But we don't count that...right?

Fixed.

Ok, I finally figured out a few important things about this mac-amajig of mine. Important things.
Time for lunch. I can post pictures now. Go read my serious post then czech out the pics. BYE!

Bridge Over Calm Waters.

BridgeView
Originally uploaded by bruceofjericho.

I had a really nice view out of my window when I was approaching and passing over this random bridge in CA. So, while I was driving I got out my camera phone and snapped a couple shots. The first one didn't turn out so hot, but I'm actually surprised and how good this one did. Yay for views!

Covenant Transport.

CovenantTransport
Originally uploaded by bruceofjericho.

I only saw two of these trucks the whole trip, but I was happy when I saw the first one at a gas stop. Did we ever figure it out?
Classic.

Just Czechin!

Czechin
Originally uploaded by bruceofjericho.

Saturday during our stop for dinner (where I picked up the Mulan soundtrack on tape for listening to in the truck!) our stop was next door to the General Patton museum )or something to that effect). Outside they had this here assault vehicle from the Czech Republic, and so I decided to take a picture of it and post it with an appropriate title.

A Girl Worth Fighting For!

First, the serious part. After my Ecclesiastical rampage last Wednesday (packing up the odds and ends of our house into the truck we were running out of time, so I just started throwing everything into a pile for goodwill, all the time my brain screaming "meaningless! meaningless! everything is meaningless!") my brain kind of got into that mind set. Let me tell you all, it is not a fun way to have your brain but at the same time, it's exactly how we should think (it gets a lot better after the first day). I suppose this is where the title makes a little more sense (besides the fact that I got the Mulan soundtrack on cassette and have been listening to it in the truck) because this same view got into the - for lack of a better term - sex-drive in my brain :S. Sounds weird, yes, but still very relevant. You see, it has gotten through my thick skull that although I really, really want a girlfriend (so as to have a place to vent my romantic lunacies) that it's, well, Meaningless! I have come to the conclusion that since I intend on 'dating' with the intent of marriage, no manner or extent of worrying, struggling or otherwise making a fuss with myself will matter. It's all Meaningless (my new favorite word)! Since I'm not there yet, none of this matters a bit (except for my own sanity) until the very day that I am ready to ask Ashley (as Em has dubbed her) to marry me. So that front is quite taken care of for the moment (hoorah!). M- feel free to remind me of anything important I forgot to mention :).
Now for the rest.
I was going to download Hello so as to post pictures I've been taking onto my blog, but they haven't made Hello for Macs yet! So unless I can find another way to get them up, you'll just have to wait! Today we made it to Phoenix! I'm in our hotel room now typing all this. Day one was home down to Tigard, OR. Day two was computers, Rob and driving from Tigard down to Yreka, CA. Day three was Yreka, In'n'Out for lunch in Redding and on down to Kettleman, CA. Today was Kettleman all the way to Phoenix, AZ! Thus endeth our road trip! Tomorrow we're going to meet up with my mom's cousins somewhere around. Monday or Tuesday we move my mom into her place and Thursday we move my sister into her dorm and then I fly home! Speaking of home, apparently my mom's friend's company desperately wants me to work for them! So after I get back, I'll have an easy breezy steady job for the two weeks before I (almost 100%!) head to Sambica on Sept. 1. God provides (and abundantly)! I'm going to see if I can convince my mom to rent a convertible some time this week (Meaningless!)...Or perhaps one of her cousins has one (that would be too handy)...
Ok next is towns that I've driven past! Hopefully I can remember all the really important ones. Such as:
[Darth] Vader, Los Banos [The Bathrooms], Battle Ground [I'm sure someone during camp was from there...], Palm Springs, and a few others that I totally knew I wouldn't remember long enough to get to my computer! Anyways, it was fun seeing some places I'd only heard of on signs as I drove by.
Oh, to whom it applies: I think we're getting my plane ticket some time tomorrow or something to that effect, so I should know when I'm flying home soon enough. Who's ready for a house-warming party!? For some reason I feel like it's already a lot later in the week than it is (it's not even Sunday yet!). But that's ok, it shall be as so soon enough! See you all when I see you, if not sooner or later.

Ecclesliasticles.

Hooray! Here I sit, in room 116 of the Best Western Miner's Inn in Yreka, CA. How might I be posting from there, you may ask? Well, well, let me tell you. Whilst in Tigard, OR visiting my man Rob, we went to the Apple Store in the mall and my mom got herself a 14" iBook for her computer at her home-to-be, my sister got a 14" iBook for school at ASU and I myself recieved a 12" iBook for keeping in touch for the next however long. In my case, I asked if they sold the display models of computers and they do (some times). But, our helper informed me that the 12" iBook just got revamped two weeks prior with bluetooth and touchpad scrolling and that I could get the "older" model if I could do without those two options (which I most certainly can!) and got a discount on it.
So as it happens, I shall be posting periodically on this road trip of ours to update everyone on life and whatnot. Oh yeah! Major update to boot: I called Mike McCorkle (of Sambica) today and guess what! He said he has a few things left to finalize and then I'll be an intern! Woohooooooo! I have to call him back Monday to get final word on it, but yippy-skippy I say! So in theory, I may go stay with a certain Crozier clan for a few days or some, then head my little self on over to Lake Sammamish for nine months! I'm so excited!
Everyone please feel free to email with whatever you feel the need to tell me (mycityofpalms@hotmail.com) no matter how big or small. I'll be checking when I can.

Good night, friends!

Detroit, What A Silly Place

Welp kids, this is my last post until who-knows-when. Tomorrow we leave for Oregon to go visit my good man Rob! That's a super bonus prize. Unfortunately, that's the only one. Packing the truck was completely not fun to start. It was cloudy, boring and like I was digging my own grave. Then Scott showed up! Then Marlae came! And moments later drove Mel! So that made everything automatically fun. Plus the sun came out to join us! If you haven't heard, I'm like Superman and I get my powers from the sun (powers? chyeah). So packing the truck turned from depressing to fun, which is good. We all went for Taco Del Mar for lunch, and after we were done for the day we went out for some Jamba Juice.
Life is entirely confusing. On one side, nothing makes sense and it seems like everything is going downhill. But on the other end I always come back to remembering that my god is for me not against me (Happy Song). It's quite the cycle and I am quite tired of it. It stinks, because when I'm all by me onesies is when I start thinking downhill and can't get out of it, but then when I get around all my good friends I forget about all that and am reminded of God's goodness and plan for me. If you want to hear more about my messed up life, please feel free to call (you never know when both of us will have a couple hours to kill at the same time), I'll have my phone on during the trip (we have good coverage).
Adios mi amigos, yo quiero dormir! ö
Some day I shall post again. When that day comes is something else...

This is the mighty stained glass window in the chapel of Covenant College! It's great. This post isn't very important, it's just putting up this picture. Scroll down for the good stuff. This post size doesn't do it justice, so you have to click on it to get a little closer to full size (but even that isn't the real deal. email me if you want the real deal).

Ladder Of Life.

I figured I would post an update of life while I still had the chance.
As far as camps go, I'm done at Lake Retreat (did I already say that?). I applied at Qwanoes, but the staff assistant they had last year is coming back this year, so no Canada for me. I turned in my application at Sambica yesterday and got to sit down with Mike McCorkle for a quick interview of sorts. It sounds like a really good way to learn about camping (it's a way to get a look at what the off-season offers without going in all the way and regretting it). I'm optimistic about getting this intern position and from what I got talking with Mike, there's a good chance for it! I'm really, really, Really, really, really, hoping I get this internship there. I found out one of the guys that came to Lake Retreat last year is also doing this internship, so I'm glad if I do it that I already know somebody.
I also sent an email to Craig Piefer at Black Lacke Bible Camp (down south of Olympia on Black Lake), but no word back from him yet. But I don't care, I'm just praying that I get to go to Sambica. I'm so pumped up for it I can't contain myself! Perhaps that just means I'm setting myself up for a big letdown but meh, I think I have a good possibility of getting it.
Tomorrow morning we're packing up our truck for the move to AZ. Speaking of, if any of you aren't busy tomorrow morning, please come help! I'm the only guy here, and we need a few more strong arms to help lift big things (like the couch and such), so I hope some of you read this soon enough and can make it (Jacob?...). We're leaving Wednesday morning and stopping down in OR to visit Rob for a bit. I guess I'm staying down there until about next thursday or friday? My sister moves into her dorm on the 18th, and hopefully I can get a late flight out on that night so I can be back for the weekend!
I need lots of prayer for my life coming ahead. Travel, work, home, life...everything really. This is the craziest thing ever, and I'm really not looking forward to it. Well, I'm looking forward to Sambica (hopefully) but none of the rest. Hopefully I won't die... Or lose my funny ;).
Catch y'all on the other side...some time...ever...I think...yeah...

Prayer Is The Key In...

First, I would like to apologize to everyone I've hurt this summer. I've been thoroughly informed of (and have thoroughly regretted) things I've said or done. Don't you hate it when you turn into exactly what you don't want to be, but don't even notice? Let me tell you, it sucks (hindsight is 20/20). I love you all and I've realized things I should've figured out a long time ago (on my own or with the help of another...). For example, I value my friendships too much to let camp get in the way (I've been waiting and waiting for the end of this week when I could come home. I didn't want to go back after Creation). I suppose in ways camp was an answer to a prayer or two, but now that the end has come, I have realized that it may have only been an answer to prayer so that God could say to me "see what you wanted? sucks doesn't it?". Yes, it does. It seems that happens each summer from camp. Some big prayer is answered, but only so God can say "there you go. Now come my way." A wise man once told me "you can be who you want to be at camp, because nobody really Knows you. But here, you're Bruce." I'm Bruce, not camp. If I'm going full-time camp, I need to put Bruce in camp, not put camp in Bruce.
Anyways, on with the rest of business.
I have been blinded recently by camp and my circumstances (crazy as they are) and I've been trying too hard to accomplish things on my own and take care of myself (forgetting who is in control). Basically, I'm realizing I need to turn to God rather than rely on myself (or anyone for that matter). So I'm asking for prayer. Just today I discovered a possible opportunity at Sambica (on Lake Sammamish) for an internship team! A team! That makes me so much more excited than the Staff Assistant position at Qwanoes (sorry, Canada). So I ask for prayer that this might be the opportunity I'm looking for, that I can figure things out for my life (in many areas) and see God's plan for me (but who doesn't want that one?).
For now I need to get to packing and go drop off this Sambica application!

So I decided to take a random picture while I was chillin out at the Gorge during Creation (Lyd and Mel were working, so I was "chillin with my bad self" as some put it). I like how it looks like I have somebody's arm stuck under me. Captured! But lo and behold, I come home and check blogs, and none other than the Russtafarian himself has also put a B&W pic of himself upon the intarnet. So yeah, we're cool. 

Victory In Jesus!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the ruler, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the spirit on all occassions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me that I may be able to fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
- Ephesians 6:10-20

There you have my memory section of the bible for the summer. Took about two and a half weeks :). I was actually surprised because I never thought I would be good at memorizing things, but I just went to it and now you see the fruits of my labor. I'm pretty sure I may have a couple parts off a notch, and I don't know where the line breaks are. But hey, that's ok.
Got memory?

Oh snap! L- Maybe that's what happened, I was just remembering the better things :D.

Zing! Look forward to seeing you all soon. I'm not "working" next week, just Creation Wed-Sat, but I may be here at camp for staff activities Monday and/or Tuesday (about time we got some of those). Hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Hitchmans, give me a call when you need help taping your house.
Oh yeah! This just in: I may be able to train here at camp to be a lifeguard, and to "pay" for it, I would be able to stay out here and work a couple more weeks! God provides.
Thanks friends. Zort!

Phil the CiT. He was the first one asleep (I soon followed). He and I were the first two up this morning (8am), so we had brefast and hung out with Ingy. Go team! 

Mike, with quite the look on his face. I think he's got kind of an old-man look (is he trying too hard?). 

That's me! Boys will be boys (hope this makes at least one person laugh). 

Rob (with Aaron in the window!), pondering lifes mysteries and...other stuff. 

John, the middlest Crozier. He has been working at LR since the beginning of el summer. Good man, glad he's there. "I wonder what's going down in Fallujah..." 

Scotty, the littlest Crozier. He worked at camp this last week (and boy did he have a rough cabin). Go Scotty, go! 

The Boys Are Back In Town.

Yay for the end of the camp week. This is the first time it's felt like I'm actually going to have a real weekend. Usually Friday disappears, then Saturday comes and goes and before I know it I'm back there. But this time, Friday took it's time and I enjoyed it.
Last night, 12 of us came back to John's from camp (Rob, John, Scott, Marlae, Mike, Erica, Terri, Bronwyn, Phil, Aaron, Jessica and myself) for dinner, hanging out, then Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy at the Crest followed by sleep! Girls went to Erica's place, guys are at John's. We boys had some fun with photos last night, but I have to wait to get to my own computer to post those on here. Oh yeah, I got a raise at camp! That's cool. God provides, you know.
Oh, and I added vs. 16 and 17 to memory.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
- Ephesians 6:16-17

So yeah, fun times. And Ingy says it's time to eat. Bye!

PS- Where are all your posts? I even posted at camp, and still squid from the rest of ya... Oh, and thanks for the letters, they're gret!

Sneaky Man!

So I'm at camp on the boss's computer (I'm working on getting the design done for our summer staff shirts), and I checked my email (that's legit though, because I'm waiting for a response from Mcduck about said staff shirts) and decided to be extra sneaky and check my blog comments. Then I figured while I was at it, why not post :O.
All I'm going to say is that Sunday I got to church a few minutes early, so I memorized Ephesians 6:13, then yesterday (and sorta Sunday too) I memorized 14 and 15 so now I have:

Finally, be strong in the LORD and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes with the gospel of peace.
- Ephesians 6:10-15

Only five more verses to go (until 20), then I think I may just try the whole book of Ephesians! I'm excited!

Thanks for your prayers. I do still pray for you all. Oh yeah, and I got letters yesterday from a couple of sisters (and John from Wiebe). M- As a matter of fact, the Only picture I did bring to camp is that very one :D. But, A for Affort.
Remember kids, I write back when I get mail ; ). [wink, wink, nudge, nudge]

Wicked Cool.

Ok, so I figured I would post about camp before I went to bed, church and back to it. Wednesday night camp fire is the chapel camp fire; serious skits, big devo, all that. It just so happens that this past Wed. at camp fire was totally Captain Insano for the junior high camp. By the end of camp fire, every camper was out of their seat and down by the fire, singing, praying, whatnot. After camp fire, the kids went back to their cabins. When I arrived back at their cabins however long later, they were all still outside, all standing in one big circle, holding hands. So we moved the party into the chapel and played Holy is the Lord (gret song) and Blessed Be Your Name (because those were the two sheets of music on the stand on stage). Then we prayed more. At the time, one of the campers had symptoms of pnemonia and was getting cold. We prayed for him specifically (he was in the nurses station at the time). As we were exiting the chapel and Actually going to our cabins (now 11pm, quite past lights out), someone came up and said that the camper who we were praying for said he was feeling something inside him and feeling better (and approximately the time we were praying). Crazy beans!
All that to say that I put camp on a prayer request card two weeks ago at church (I figured "hey, why not?"). Last week at church, I was surprised to see my name in the prayer list, with my request beside it. Coincidence? Me thinkest not! I'm not saying Esperance is praying Lake Retreat to glory by itself, I'm just saying God is good (all the time. all the time, God is good), and life is worth the living.

And if that isn't already encouragement enough for y'all, I'll just be blunt and say it: keep praying for us!

Holy is the Lord God almighty...

The Armor of God.

After reading Mr. Tedrow's blog, I remembered something I could post. My co- at camp, a one Bronwyn Miller (I won't give her full name, so that no certain persons can scare her off if they meet her...) is going on a mission to Mexico in mid-August. For said trip, she has to memorize Ephesians 6:10-20. In an effort to assist her (as well as grow myself), I have begun doing the same. On Wed-Thur this week, I memorized 10-12 (she's got 10-11 so far, 12 is a bit longer than the prior), and it's quite fun. I never thought I would be much of a memorizer, but apparently I'm not so bad.

Finally, be strong in the LORD and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggles are not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms.
- Ephesians 6:10-12

More to come.

Humble

hum·ble adj
1. Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.
2. Showing deferential or submissive respect: a humble apology.
3. Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly: a humble cottage.

It is very hard to see that the things you want so badly, God does not give you to take. Perhaps now is not the time or perhaps there will never be a time. Anyways, I'm old, tired and it's late; I think I've quite run out of things to say.

Pray. Thank you.

Samsung.

Amazing what difference a week makes. This past week was the first that we had campers, so it was good to finally put into action what was before only theory. This was both good and bad. The upside is that Bronwyn and I are basically the ones 'running' camp and getting things done. The downside is that Bronwyn and I are basically the ones 'running' camp and getting things done. Neither B or I get much free time at camp, what with our responsibilities and whatnot, but I did find a minute or two for a payphone call once during the week (did you know it's stinkin $1 for a four minute "long distance" call [aka from LR to here]!) which was most good. My job at camp is basically to run all over the place all day (8am-11:30pm), checking on activities, rounding up cabins, sending groups to their activities, making announcements and the such. It's quite tiring. However, it is satisfying because when a predicament arises, I can fix it - as opposed to being a counselor, in which case I would just sit idly with my cabin and wait for it to get fixed.
My bed is too small for me, so I have to sleep crooked-like (not very comfortable) and on top of that, my 'matress' is so thin, I can basically feel the springs underneath me that I'm sleeping on. So as it stands, my back isn't top-notch, my neck and shoulders are quite sore, and I only get one night a week to sleep at home (two max). But, that is neither here nor there.
The second note to be brought to attention is home. I miss it dearly whilst at camp. This week I got my first letter (from the littlest one. PS- M, same day I got yours, John got a letter with a par avion sticker on it, and I was like 'what the I know where that's from'), so that was quite nice. The rest of you feel free to follow suit (anyone who reads this blog, really). Oh yeah M, I took what you said to heart and have been asking myself each day at camp "why shouldn't I be crazy," because I'm always tired and I I'm not terribly in the mood for doing so without provocation, but I'm like "yeah, why not?" and I do. So there.
Prayers have once again been answered (well, what I was praying for, and what I'm hoping to be prayed for) and my mind is getting more focused on camp and less on...other things (don't worry, it's not sketch) as each week at camp progresses.
Thank you friends, family, friend's family and family friends.

I believe a wise old man once said "don't fray the fish too far, or you'll be too 'fraid and have no fish to fry."

In conclusion: heart.

Father Abraham Had Many Sons...

First, I would like to state that for dinner tonight I consumed one Kingburger, one Fatburger, an order of Fat Fries and a drink and a halfish. Mmmmm, fullness (and not from camp food!).

Review of this week:
Freedom toast eating contest (I won with 10, had an 11th for a victory piece), as well as a cantaloupe eating contest (which I also won). That same day, I continued to a breastick eating contest at lunch (tied for victory at 10, but only because we ate all they had :D).
I am so much more tired this week, which is Quite unfortunate, because I have little room for rest this weekend (tonight at home, errands in the morning, doc appt at noon fifteen tomorrow, followed by going straight to LR to work the dock, followed by going to Dustin's for friends and food, then going back to camp again for the night). Hopefully some of my prayers will be answered, and I will lose all will to be tired and shall rise above the nations like a phoenix taking flight, and enjoy my pants off (but I'll really keep them on). I finished reading Life of Pi, good ending. Next up is War of the Worlds, so that we can go see it in the theater when it releases (Rob, Liz and I are all reading buffs, so we've been reading during down-time this past week, and we're all going to read War and watch the movie).
I miss my friends e'er so much. I was so disappointed I couldn't make the work day. I was totally psyched about it last weekend when I heard of it, but as this weekend approached, I decided to let life get the better of me (which is likely a step in the right direction, as I won't Always be able to play when I want to and I'll just have to suck it up). But I do want you all to know I dearly miss you and eagerly await seeing all y'all.
As for blogging, the M's did good :). Plus I got an email back from L, which I was hoping for but not expecting (yay!). Boy/girl, let me tell you, life makes you appreciate what you've got. From my experience, camp in particular. I'm now beginning to realize what my hopes of full-time camping ministry may turn into, but I'm willing to take that and get'er done.

For now friends, I bid you adieu (oh yeah, Liz the lifguard at camp knows fluent French!), and hope for more from everyone next week (my hopes were somewhat dashed with what limitedness I saw - no offense. I just really need to see happyness on my breaks when I get back from camp each week. You have No idea).

HEART!

Ah yes, PS- Thank you for prayers (whoever may do so). They were somewhat answered this week. My mind was getting more into full blown camp mode, and less of homesick mode. I do still fight bouts of 'wants' and 'wish-I-weres', but I have realized what I'm here for, and must press on with all the strength I can muster (and then some, because I'll need it).
Pray friends. I will. Oh yeah, and pray for our ministry at camp (I suggest daily ;), we need all the defense we can against Satan, and all the offense we can for getting our work done. Love.

"Black Hole in the Sun." Edited for intended content (there was a little bit on the bottom I couldn't see on my phone that I took off). 

Bad Is Bad - Good Is Good!

Quote from Thumb Wars.
Amazing what (little) difference a week makes! I was hoping to come home to emails, blog posts, wild stories from Timbuktu. Instead, I come to three new posts, an email from Hotmail Staff and not-a-one story yet (though I did just get here). I need to bathe, then get spiffed up for my sister's dance recital tonight.
Rob is coming to camp tomorrow! Hallelujah! Anybody know the origin of Hallelujah? It's particular definition? Thanks.)
On the upside, I did get to talk to a few people during breaks at camp (though I forgot my charger, so I had to be frugal with my phone). It was good hearing a mom laugh last night, too (better than talking to Moi...? : O ).
So, here's to more posts, more emails, and snail mail to boot!

Bruce McLeod
c/o Lake Retreat
27850 Retreat-Kanaskat Rd. SE
Ravensdale, WA 98051

Write STAFF in the bottom left corner of whatever it may be to expediate the delivery process once it gets to camp :). I'll do my best to reply to return addresses as I see them (since I don't have everbody's).

Everyone enjoy life, be encouraging and go camping!

Post Script - Thanks for prayers. Camp helped distract me from myself (as I thought it would) most of the time, but I still could not forget that which I think. I ask for continued prayer and I will be praying for all of you!

To Bee, Or Not To Be A Bee? What A Silly Question.

Hello friends.
Tonight I post, for I may not for a small while. Tomorrow, as of 3pm, I will officially be at camp! This is going to be some kinda summer for me, but I know that I am working for God, He has a plan for me and that it will be worked out. In other, very mixed news: Rob Steinkamp didn't raise enough money to go to Italy, which is totally lame, because that would have been awesome. However, on the very opposite upside of things, that means we're back together for the summer! Havoc shall ensue! I SO look forward to seeing him again, and seeing what work the Lord has for us (a cord of three strands is not easily broken...).
In other news, I sincerely ask for prayer for me. It's something very hard in my life right now, and I've already spilled too many beans about it (somewhat regretfully, but very comfortingly), so I leave it at this quote:
"Never explain--your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway."
- Elbert Hubbard
So I say to you, I shall not explain myself, but trust that you (you? yoo-hoo? har har) will know what to do.
"Houses and wealth are inherited from parents,
but a prudent wife is from the LORD."
- Proverbs 19:14

From Chipotle on The Ave. I liked it. 

My most recent phone photo (or foto). This was taken live at Ikea in Renton. They have these lamps there. Their brand is called NOT. It's funny. 

Tribute

Because it needs to be done, a tribute to Luke and Luke (not necessarily in that order).
I must confess, I will be most gloomed to see these two fellows no longer a part of RUF. My experience (though somewhat limited) there was because of their welcoming spirits and serving hearts. Without their openness and willingness to welcome new students (UW or no), they helped make RUF what I knew it to be. If there were someway to express my appreciation of these two, I may try to convey it over what limited means I am allowed on my blog. However, I'm not sure what said means would be, and all I can say is - as they do every week - "go in peace."
Lukes: live long and prosper. I will be praying for you. Hopefully some time I can come down south to visit ;), but that's just being hopeful optimistic (as I tend to be).
Brodie: I'll keep practicing, and I hope that someday (besides any we may have between now and soon) we can jam like those that jam like there will be no tomorrow.
Mortie...?: Thank you for welcoming me to RUF, without you I may not have gotten to know much of anyone there (present company discluded - which just happens to be me, myself and I at the moment).

Second late comether: Don! Please take careful note of the awkward lighting, appearing to make him look Completely bald on the right side of his head. This is not so. Yay, now everyone got a spot! Right...? Except Adam! I don't have a picture of him, so I'm off the hook. But thanks, and keep the bald alive! 

Oh man! So, last minute addition. It was just brought to my realization that one sir Jacob was not included in my few pictures (and I thought I had everyone. now that I think of it, Don needs a spot too!). Here cometh the late comethers! 

Wewt

Best.
Day.
Ever.
Yesterday was an official Hitchman House workday (currently 1 of - I hope - many)! It was gret (not a typo). A good day of hard labor is always wonderful, especially when enjoyed with such a flock of friends (and family...ish). Basically, it felt like a mission trip, but it was in the back yard! Enjoy a small selection of photos taken (more can be seen on Forgetful's blog).

This is the one and only E, L&M's Mom! Don't let the nonchalance fool you, the picture was taken during a union break. She's totally freakin cool (we made shishkabobs for dinner!), and I wouldn't give a hoot if she didn't lay a hand in helping, as her delectable delights were more than enough of an offering for us with the young backs :). But, she did put her hand in helping (duh, it's her house!). Thanks for being awesome! 

The third of the three A-S's on our team (see the below post, since you should be reading this from bottom to top anyway). She was one of the tarsistants. She did good. 

Two of the three "hardest working Anglo-Saxon girls this side of the Mississippi." As you can see, some work harder than others...(heart!) 

Chris and I working on tarring the garage (followed by the rest of the house). This is just when we started, but we totally did the whole thing (with a little help from a couple other people). Go tarboys! 

This one comes on last in the order, just because it's already on Lyd's blog (but I still get to post it because it's awesome). This was right after Chris and I put on our ninja headbands made from a ripped up white T. Go ninjas! 

Let's Go Exorcising!

Well, nobody is updating as of late (I see a recurring theme), so I figure I'd break the ice with a completely random picture, courtesy of RUF! This is the day the three boys wore our Trogdor shirts (the picture of the three of us is already on here somewhere). I just decided to do some random happy/victorious-type pose right as Brodie started taking the picture, so this is what came out. Enjoy!

PS- I forgot to note that a one E, L&M's Mom none other than sent me TWO - not just one, but TWO - replacement Belfair Hose pens! Life is good again!

I Know How Much Is In There! I Want That Back After The Show!

Concerning those to whom this concerns:
Yesterday was another one of those days. I went outside and there was a good amount of sun, with the lightest sprinkling of rain (solid, not a mist) for a very refreshing coolness. So, as is the commonplace, I shaved my head :).
On the very much other end of the spectrum, my hose pen is gone! GRR! This was my bestest favoritest pen ever, and I always keep in the exact same spot. However, no matter my constant reminders to my mom and sister not to use it, they always do. And now, lo and behold, neither of them knows to where it has gone! Growlbacks I say! Growlbacks!

PS- Since nobody knows why I'm saying that, I shall inform you all that it is my new exclamation, usually used in frustration (grr into grrowlbacks, or just growlbacks). Thank you.

PPS- L: I was right, my postcard is that same building. Go team!

My first artsy-fartsy picture (they are that because it's black and white). This was on the ferry (Puyallup) from Edmonds to Kingston. I just liked the way this hose station looked, so I decided to take a B&W of it, and here it be. More to come. 

My mom and I were in Claire's Pantry in Edmonds today, and you walk in, and there are two steps taking you down from the entry to the restaurant level. I found this sign somewhat silly. 

Voluntas.

So from the way things are sounding like they are shaping up to be for Memorial Day, some things I wasn't expecting I would be able to do, may be doable. This is mostly two big things, 1) visit Rob Steinkamp before he leaves for Italy and 2) volunteer at this year's UPA College finals (last year they were up near Burlington, so that was easy to do). Now, El Rob-o is in Ptown, OR and the finals are in Corvalis, OR, these are only an hour apart. The trick was, we types around here were thinking about going camping that weekend. However, several things deterred that (availability of camp grounds, work schedules, etc).
So now it seems, I may get to big wants all in one weekend (woot). The trick is the details. Where to stay, how to get down yonder, all that jazz. But, I consider those mere hindrances to a greater plan.

In the wise words of me, who just came up with this:
Diligo lingua.

May 10.

Hey, it's still Tuesday in my time zone. And, since I've been thinking about it all day (I don't know where you are or who to call to contact you), I would like to take this opportunity to say:

Happy Birthday Rachel!

Surely you didn't think I would have forgotten this wonderful day, my dear? True, it's been a year since your last, but I don't easily forget :). Just ask Erin!
Anyways, hope your 21st was as exciting as mine (or more so). The next step is just finding a way to get you to look at my blog... Perhaps a comment on yours shall suffice?

Onward, lass!

And Ninja Takes The Gold!

So we played Apples to Apples tonight, and I came to the conclusion that Ninja - if played - would win every round, hands down. Seriously, what beats a ninja in anything? The only remote chance of ninja not winning everything, is if the judge denies the ninja out of spite.

On a more serious note, I recently read a post by a fellow blogger (she, however, is a blogette). It got me thinking about how I see, treat and think about other people. Her post brought me to realize how much my personal standards mean in my views of other people (something I already knew, but was reinforced). One example of this is spelling and/or grammar. I tend to be quite the stickler for the former more than the latter, but both none the less. However, my sticklerness goes without, rather than staying within. Now, there are times when I really am just trying to help people out (with spelling, for instance); but other times, my view of people can be e'er so slightly dinged due to their personal grammatical and lexiconical tastes and abilities. I suppose it will be something I'll have to work on (more so in other ways, the spelling bit is only a minor case, just an example).

In other news,

Oh The Wonderful Cross

(Please don't pay much attention to the first second or three, it sounds horrible, as the recording starts just after the beginning of the song, so it's in the middle area. it gets better! a lot!)

So it sounds pretty bad (or not at all) most of the time, but I tried. This was a song we sang around camp fire friday at the RUF bbq. There are a few good spots where it comes in clear (and doesn't sound too shabby). So stick with it, there are some good sounding parts (and if you were there, good memories).
Enjoy!

The Good Guys Win One!

Make with the clicky.