Shed Light On

Living a Wartime Lifestyle

2011-02-24T12:14:00.000-06:00

This morning as I was reading "The Dangerous Duty of Delight" by John Piper, I was intrigued by an explanation of how Christians should view money and lifestyle choices. I figured it was worth sharing.

Life is war. The casualties are millions, and the stakes are eternal. What we need today is not a call to simplicity, but a call to war. We need to think in terms of a "wartime lifestyle" rather than a "simple lifestyle." I have used the phrase "necessities of life" because Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:8, "If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content." But this idea of simple necessity can be misleading. I mean it to refer to a style of life that is unencumbered with nonessentials--and the criterion for "essential" should not be primitive simplicity, but wartime effectiveness.
Missionary visionary Ralph Winter illustrates this idea of a wartime lifestyle:

The Queen Mary, lying in repose in the harbor at Long Beach, California, is a fascinating museum of the past. Used both as a luxury liner in peacetime and a troop transport during the Second World War, its present status as a museum the length of three football fields affords a stunning contrast between the lifestyles appropriate in peace and war. On one side of a partition you see the dining room reconstructed to depict the peacetime table setting that was appropriate to the wealthy patrons of high culture for whom a dazzling array of knives and forks and spoons held no mysteries. On the other side of the partition the evidences of wartime austerities are in sharp contrast. One metal tray with indentations replaces fifteen plates and saucers. Bunks, not just double but eight tiers high, explain why the peacetime complement of 3000 gave way to 15,000 people on board in wartime. How repugnant to the peacetime masters this transformation must have been! To do it took a national emergency, of course. The survival of a nation depended upon it. The essence of the Great Commission today is that the survival of many millions of people depends on its fulfillment.

Life is war. All talk of a Christian's right to live luxuriously "as a child of the King" in this atmosphere sounds hollow--especially since the King Himself stripped for battle.

I've visited the Queen Mary myself, so it is very easy to see the difference that wartime makes. But what would this look like in my own life now? What are the nonessentials that might be encumbering me and the Great Commission? I don't know if there is a straight-forward answer to that, especially since there are so many varying circumstances to consider. However, I absolutely think its worth thinking about. If I and all Christians in the U.S. decided to assess our lifestyles and make a few changes, what difference would it make in the world? How many more would hear the gospel? How many more would be fed and clothed?

Love this Show!

2010-07-04T17:21:00.002-05:00

I'm a total nerd and absolutely love watching documentaries. I love learning about real people and places through story. And I'd rather see it than just read about it. I think that's why I'm so drawn to this genre. There are so many things in the world that I may never encounter personally, but these are real experiences for many others. Thankfully, there are people out there whose job it is to tell us all about it. So, since discovering hulu a couple of years ago, a whole new world of documentaries has opened up to me. We don't have cable (and didn't even own a tv until this year), so the internet is my only access to shows like Vanguard. You may recall about a year ago (or something like that) when 2 journalists were captured in North Korea. They were working for Vanguard. Anyway...it's not perfect. You may not agree with everything. It may be biased...we all are. If you are going to be a learner of people, you need to know where they are coming from and how they think. Watch and then think for yourself. I know I've learned a lot and been entertained. So now I'm encouraging you to do the same.

Here is one of my favorite episodes to start you off:

Nothing against Disney, but...

2010-07-04T00:13:00.000-05:00

there is some sad truth to this.

How rich are you?

2010-07-03T22:35:00.002-05:00

My guess is that you're richer than you think. Living in the consumer culture of the US, our view is easily skewed as to what it means to be rich. We've not only blurred the line between need and want...I think we've lost it all together. I can't even count the number of times I've heard the college students I lead, as well as the missionaries I work with (among many others), claim to be poor. I wish I could say that I've never had a similar thought, but my perspective has definitely been challenged and changed over the past several years. Me claiming to be poor is like Einstein claiming to be stupid. Granted, this website doesn't consider cost of living, but it doesn't take much to realize how much we have in comparison to most. I have never actually been in need. I may never be able to afford a house in Southern California, but I can afford rent on a pretty decent apartment. I can get food...whatever kind I want...whenever I want. Even if I lost everything I have right now, I have friends and family that I know would take care of me. I may make below the median US annual income, but I am rich.

See where you rank on the global rich list.

when a simple shower isn't enough

2009-07-05T23:55:00.002-05:00

try this

seriously?

2009-06-06T19:12:00.002-05:00

So, as mentioned in previous post, I've been frequenting Craigslist. As I've perused, an old childhood lesson has proven it's value.

Good posting: Ugly Sofa

Bad posting: Beautiful Sofa

Honesty IS the best policy.

Musee Mecanique

2009-06-06T17:19:00.004-05:00

Good, soothing music

AND

a very interesting place to visit.

If Only...

2009-06-05T17:36:00.003-05:00

If I was cool and had money, I'd shop here.

But I'm not, and I don't, so I'm trying to find some useful things here...and having no luck.

Back Again?

2009-06-05T01:37:00.001-05:00

not really. i just had to try out a new layout to see if i could make it work before i tried it on my other blog that i use more. but maybe i'll think of something good to say soon. i doubt it, but miracles happen.

more hard-earned lessons

2008-08-10T17:19:00.002-05:00

so i finally decided to take advantage of living near the coast and went to the beach with paul for the day on monday. i actually haven't really done this since moving here almost a year ago. not sure why, but whatever. so after spending a few hours of relaxation and fun, we came back home with sand in our shorts and a little bit wiser (hopefully). this is what i learned.

good idea:it's great to have some fun in the sun and surf...throwing around a football or a frisbee and even catching some waves on a boogie board

bad idea:

it's not so great to fall asleep in the sun without a thick, healthy layer of sunscreen

we are paying the price for our lesson learned. i wish i had some after shots, but i never remember to pull out my camera for the important moments. oh well. the pain has moved on to peeling and will hopefully end up in a nice even tan. but it wasn't worth it. sunscreen will be my new best beach buddy. i'm sure paul would agree.

2008-08-08T17:50:00.001-05:00

i just survived my first earthquake!

2008-07-29T13:54:00.003-05:00

so after 11 months living in california, i finally felt an earthquake. it wasn't huge or anything, but it was enough for me to notice something interesting going on. it did take me a few seconds to realize what it was. as i stood in the kitchen and noticed the things on top of the fridge wobbling around about to fall off, my first thought was "is the washing machine on?" you see, we have this not-so-new washing machine that tends to get off balance when spinning the water out. we also live in a very old, small house on a not-so-solid foundation. so usually when the washing machine is on, we have our own little mini earthquake until we run in the back room to readjust the clothes and make it stop. luckily i noticed this time that there were indeed no clothes being washed and i had 3 others in the house to confirm that it was in fact an actual earthquake. i don't know yet the magnitude or location of origin (actually, i just found out), but i can gladly confirm that i and my belongings are still intact. we are still just waiting for the big one to hit...you know, the one that makes california separate from the rest of north america.

the best place to live

2008-07-24T17:41:00.002-05:00

i just read an interesting article on the top 10 cities in the US. my beloved and missed Austin made #8. LA was a no show. shocking. now, i'm not sure exactly how they determine these things, but based on what i do know about the cities listed, there isn't much to argue. texas had 3 cities make the top 10. colorado, my childhood (and maybe staff) second home, had 2. california? zero. sorry to all you california lovers out there. oh, there are nice places in this state, they are just ridiculously overpriced.

i've learned 2 things this week

2008-07-18T17:43:00.002-05:00

1. i have much more time to blog when i'm not on campus or summer project
2. i am not good at cutting hair

i could have told you #2 before this week, but now more expereince proves it. a haircut that should take about 20 minutes takes me about an hour. you'd think with all that time perfecting it, it would at least look good. you'd be wrong. but it is free. and luckily paul is all about free.

I'm gonna be on TV!

2008-07-18T16:13:00.002-05:00

talking about tacos. maybe. so here's the story:

on wednesday i went to la taquiza with my friend halle for lunch. as i was sitting there, peacefully eating my mulitas, a woman approached me to ask if i would be willing to do an interview about the best tacos in los angeles. she handed me a flyer about the tv program it was for. a show called "the chicas project" on mun2...a latino youth channel. the interview was random, and i probably looked like an idiot. but what do i really care. i'm probably never going to see it...if it even makes it on the show. i don't even own a tv, much less have cable. it was an experience. it's all about the experience.

cool Over the Rhine video

2008-07-18T00:12:00.000-05:00

recommendation

2008-07-12T18:50:00.003-05:00

after checking out more of the music on noise trade, i would officially like to recommend apple tree by katie herzig.

pretty good stuff

FREE Music

2008-07-12T16:54:00.002-05:00

so, way back when...when i was in college and just starting to really use the internet, i signed up for a fan group. i was a fan of sixpence none the richer. yes, the "kiss me" people. but i was a fan way before that. and that song isn't the best representation of all there stuff. it's just what the masses liked i guess. anyway...so the band broke up a while ago and i had long since stopped reading the fan list emails. they were pointless. the band didn't even exist anymore! but for some reason, this past week, i decided to actually read one. i was curious as to what the heck these people could be writing about still. so instead of automatically deleting it, i opened it up and found this. free music and the news that the band is back together. so forget that "kiss me" song and any scenes from any teen chick flick you might associate it with and just give this a listen. "around" is my personal favorite for the moment.

there is much more where this came from, so check out noise trade for yourself.

What happened to blogging?

2008-07-11T11:57:00.003-05:00

Facebook. Facebook is what happened to blogging. At least that's my theory. But I'm going to fight the trend. Well, today I am. I may forget by tomorrow because I'll be too busy on Facebook. But right now I'm blogging. I don't know what I'll blog about, but I'm blogging. Blogging about blogging. It basically looks like I'm just trying to win a contest to see how many times I can use blogging and Facebook in a single paragraph. I think I'm doing alright. But that's about all I have to say right now. I guess I'm done blogging. Maybe I'll come back later...after I check up on all my friends on Facebook. They don't blog anymore either.

some perks

2007-10-16T21:49:00.000-05:00

so i guess there are some perks to working in southern california. we have our cru weekly meetings on wednesday nights. usually we meet in a fairly nice lecture hall on campus. it's always a good time. great worship...great teaching...stupid games...fun people. but this week, for some reason, the usual room is unavailable. so what do you do when you have no room in which to meet? you go to the beach! of course you do. so tomorrow night we're having our weekly meeting at dockweiler beach. not bad...not bad at all.

maybe this will help make up for all the bad air i'm breathing. but probably not. oh well.

Our Historic Saturday

2007-10-08T21:45:00.001-05:00

I witnessed an historic event on Saturday with my staff team. USC lost for the 1st time at home since September of '01 to Stanford. STANFORD! Stanford was ranked somewhere in the low 100s and USC was #2. How does that happen? We thought we were going to be watching a very boring game...one of the only games we could actually get tickets for...but we (along with everyone else) were wrong. It was one of the most exciting games I've ever seen. Up for grabs to the very last second. Crazy, unlikely plays. And a halftime show that was actually entertaining. (If you've seen Rice's marching band, you get some idea of what Stanford is like. Those crazy smart kids!) Anyway...after complaining about the price of the tickets and the not-so-great seats, I'm very glad I was there.

*note to any USC students or fans reading this--I still love you and feel very sorry for your loss. My enjoyment of the loss had nothing to do with you. It was just an exciting game. Plus, I love to see the underdog win...unless of course my team is the underdog. Please forgive me. I am not a Trojan. I'm simply a Horned Frog transplant.

Welcome to South Central

2007-09-26T19:08:00.000-05:00

so i think i got my official welcome to the neighborhood last week. i woke up friday morning and as we headed out for staff meeting paul asked, "where's you're bike?" he was confused because they are usually parked and locked on the side of the house to some pipes and mine wasn't there. but since they had been painting the house the previous day, i had decided to lock it to the fence on the other side. so i looked over to where my bike had been parked. no bike. hmm. "well, i guess it's gone." that's all i had to say. i was not really shocked at all to walk over only to see my shredded bike lock hanging on the fence. oh well. that's life in the hood i suppose. no big deal. except that bikes are our main means of daily transportation to and from campus. so, i guess i'll be walking to campus, right? wrong! we have target gift cards! just one of the great perks to getting married. so saturday we made a little trip to the store and bought myself a pretty sweet new ride...and it cost us absolutely nothing. it's a little different than my other bike, but it gets me around the neighborhood just fine. and i got a much better lock. i'm holding on to this one for a while...hopefully.

this is it...more or less. mine doesn't have the fancy fenders, but this little cruiser gets me around and is actually quite a comfortable ride (as long as i don't hit too many bumps).

miss the wedding?

2007-09-02T23:15:00.000-05:00

...or just want to relive the magic?

pics are here

Grief

2007-05-10T10:52:00.000-05:00

I just looked at the lineup for the Austin City Limits Festival. Wow. Now I must grieve the fact that my ACL days are over. I mean, I haven't gone for the last 2 years because I couldn't spend the money...but now I know it's not even an option, and that makes me sad. So to all my friends that will still be in Austin and will be able to attend: enjoy it for me...but don't share too much or I'll just get jealous. (Especially of you, Tracy, and your stinkin' $50 tickets.)

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Over And Over Again

2007-04-27T14:11:00.001-05:00

Danielson - Did I Step On Your Trumpet

2007-04-27T12:53:00.001-05:00

Regina Spektor - US

2007-04-27T12:50:00.001-05:00

On Your Way - The Album Leaf

2007-04-27T12:41:00.001-05:00

Feist - Mushaboom

2007-04-27T12:39:00.001-05:00

The Shins - New Slang

2007-04-27T12:37:00.001-05:00

Midlake - Young Bride

2007-04-27T12:35:00.001-05:00

sharing the love

2007-04-27T10:38:00.000-05:00

watch
listen
enjoy

Great Words from Great Men

2007-04-23T22:29:00.000-05:00

"Grace substitutes a full, childlike and delighted acceptance of our need, a joy in total dependence. The good man is sorry for the sins which have increased his need. He is not entirely sorry for the fresh need they have produced."

C.S. Lewis, "The Four Loves"

"Abiding in Christ is simply weakness entrusting itself to a Mighty One to be kept--the unfaithful one casting self on One who is altogether trustworthy and true."

Andrew Murray, "Abide in Christ"

"If Jesus ever gave us a command He could not enable us to fulfill, He would be a liar; and if we make our inability a barrier to obedience, it means we are telling God there is something He has not taken into account."

Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest"

L.A., here I come!

2007-04-20T11:21:00.000-05:00

Well, not quite yet. I will be moving there in August and starting a whole new life. Figuring out marriage, a new city and state, campus ministry...it might be a bit overwhelming. In the meantime, I have a lot of preparing to do. I really want to take advantage of the time I have left here in Austin (and Texas), so if you're reading this...want to go out to lunch sometime?

Wedding Stuff

2007-04-12T10:40:00.000-05:00

My Knot

I plan on updating this site with more info for those of you interested or coming to the wedding. Stay tuned.

Engagement Pics

Fun pictures taken by none other than our very own Julie Hurst. Check out her other stuff, too. It's good.

4x as much, seriously?

2007-04-09T19:46:00.000-05:00

I'm planning a wedding right now (which is totally NOT up my alley). I haven't been dreaming about this since i was 5 years old. It's more like I've been dreading it since I realized all that is involved. Don't get me wrong...I'm very excited to get married and I think the wedding can be fun. I just hate planning stuff, spending money, etc. And I'm learning to hate the wedding industry even more. There are plenty of examples of how people take advantage of brides by jacking up the prices on stuff, so I thought I'd share my most recent find from Candy Haven.

Regular Cake = $1.00 per person
Wedding Cake = $4.25 per person

Is the wedding cake really that much better or more difficult to make? I think not.

If you like music...

2007-02-07T14:31:00.000-06:00

you really should subscribe to the KEXP Song of the Day podcast. Actually, any of the KEXP podcasts--they are all excellent. I'm always hearing new and interesting bands. It's great stuff to listen to while working...or working out.

Yes. You read me right. I have actually been working out. It's a miracle, I know. This morning I ran for 1/2 hour, then used my nifty exercise ball and hand weights. I guess I just needed a little motivation. Thanks Paul.

How bad can it get?

2007-02-06T11:34:00.000-06:00

Tamara (date to save queen of hotness) is at it again. She has another update, another story. They just keep getting better...or worse. I found it quite entertaining regardless. So without further ado...

Date to Savers:
In my first full year in Holywood (proclaiming the name-change in faith!), I have met many beautiful people. Though not many of the women here are beautiful by birth as I am, plastic surgery holds up pretty well surprisingly. Nonetheless, it is still man trying in his own strength to be beautiful, instead of relying on God.
I met a plastic surgeon a few weeks ago while picketing outside his chop shop. He wasn't even that good looking, so I let him have it. "I wouldn't even date you after you performed surgery on yourself, which you need by the way! God made me hot, not you!"
He replied, "This is Hollywood and sometimes God needs a little help. Do you feel like you're helping God by picketing in front of my office?"
"HEY! I'm obeying God's Word, which is sharper than any two-edged sword. Look at you; you're only using blades that have one edge...which means I'm twice as good as you. And twice as hot."
He made me mad with the Lord's righteous anger, but alas I left the scene in sadness (just as the police officers came), knowing the truth of the matter: He will end up being twice as hot as me after all...when he comes into his resting place of burning Hellfire.
Love,
Tamara

Yep, this is my State

2006-10-31T10:27:00.000-06:00

Humor, Creativity, and maybe even a touch of Reality

2006-10-27T14:02:00.000-05:00

I found this pic randomly yesterday and ended up enjoying a whole gallery full of similarly "detouched" celeb photos. Very interesting. Some are better than others and some are just plain gross, but I'm always amazed at what people are able to do with photos these days. Makes me wonder how much of what we see is for real...or just how much reality is left.

Find this and a whole lot more interesting photoshopped pictures at Worth 1000.

Quite possibly the best show EVER!

2006-09-17T01:22:00.000-05:00

I just got back from watching Sufjan Stevens play at the Paramount Theater. Wow. This guy is amazing! I mean, I was impressed enough with his albums, but his show was spectacular. First of all, the theater itself is gorgeous--the perfect setting for a show like this. But then about 15 or so people walk out wearing butterfly wings and begin to play a symphonic version of "Sister" from Seven Swans. They played for a couple of minutes before Sufjan emerged from backstage with huge bird wings on his back. Odd as it sounds (and it did garner a few chuckles from the audience), it was actually kind of beautiful. In the background, a huge screen played reels from various old home movies and flashed random images that synced so well with the music, it just added to the grandeur of it all. It was like going to the symphony, the theater, and an indie rock show all at the same time. The set was a nice mix of tunes from his last 4 albums...all made much fuller with the mini-orchestra backing it up. Sufjan admitted to getting more nerdy with every show (and this is only #4 this tour), but the fact that they put on sunglasses anytime there was a "cool moment" in a song was awesome. One of the more endearing moments was when he began to sing "Abraham" and forgot the second line. He had to be reminded by an audience member before he could continue, but he made it through. It ended up being a very worshipful experience...one of a few I felt during the evening. Another highlight was his new song, "Majesty Snowbird". This doesn't really do it justice, but you can watch a clip here.

My Brightest Diamond (who also plays with Sufjan) was a nice warm-up as the opening act. Haunting and beautiful, it left me wanting to hear more. Get a taste yourself with the song "Something of an End."

All in all, I couldn't have asked for anything more from the show...except for more. I could have listened and watched for hours. I had been looking forward to seeing Sufjan live for so long. I was not disappointed.

Here She Goes Again

2006-09-15T10:09:00.000-05:00

DATE TO SAVE

A New Vision

Fellow workers for our Lord:

As I approach the two-year mark of my calling in Missionary Dating, I feel slight uncertainty in the fruits of my labors. Though I haven't brought in throngs of heathen men into the knowledge and acceptance of our Savior, I do feel I've been fortunate to date many hot guys and share with them the love that Jesus has for us all.

I had a vision last night, and God wants me to up the stakes in this ministry, uprooting me from my comforts. "Tamara," the Lord said, "I am calling you to a new work. Ripe is the harvest for cute heathen guys in the land of Hollywood. Take what I have given you and men will bow before you in desire for My Namesake, turning Hollywood into a true Holy Wood. Holy is the wood that burns for Me, and you are my faithful servant that will ignite that wood. Go in obedience and light their fires."

Hollywood, here I come!

Love,
Tamara

For a little background, check my previous posts about Tamara in August and December 2005. Or just check out her website.

Doing Better, Thank You

2006-09-05T17:24:00.000-05:00

So, if you're a regular around here, you may be aware of my embarrassing attempt to ride my bike to work this summer. I may have exaggerated the pain a little, but I still deserved your pity (and/or laughter). While I haven't attempted to ride to work again (I moved further away with no easy/safe route...and I don't want my stink to add to the already disgusting smell of our office environment), I have done some riding around my neighborhood recently. You should be proud of me. I rode approximately 8 miles yesterday and I felt great! Now, don't expect this to be a daily feat. I had yesterday off, so I had plenty of daylight without waking up before I absolutely had to. Plus, it was a bit cooler and cloudy yesterday, so I didn't die. One of the most helpful changes that made my comfortable ride possible: a new seat. That 2 inch wide torture device is gone...replaced with a nice, cushy, (almost) bum-width seat. It's perfect. Now if only the weather will cooperate and I don't waste the daylight, I just might get in shape. One day.

My New Fave

2006-08-29T21:36:00.000-05:00

Thanks Matt

2006-08-07T11:32:00.000-05:00

beautiful

2006-07-21T21:01:00.000-05:00

click pic to watch alexi murdoch perform on morning becomes eclectic

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

i realize i'm going a bit crazy today, with multiple posts and all, but i have more to add to this one. there are just so many interesting shows to watch from morning becomes eclectic. here are a few good ones keeping me entertained tonight:

psapp

juana molina

jose gonzalez

(yes, the three bands i saw last month in san fran)

the ditty bops

imogen heap

sufjan stevens

there are so many more in the archives, so check it out.

it's the engrish of christian retail

2006-07-21T16:03:00.000-05:00

just a few examples of some really rad jesus junk.

more winning designs

2006-07-21T12:33:00.000-05:00

Smoosh

these girls can actually rock...not bad for pre-teens. and who doesn't like claymation?

2006-07-13T13:54:00.000-05:00

just one of many ironic scenes from new orleans

Hallelujah!

2006-07-11T11:25:00.000-05:00

He's finally coming, and I'm finally going!

CAUTION: Ambition Can Cause Pain

2006-06-29T12:52:00.000-05:00

I had this genius idea last night, a rare moment of ambition: I was going to ride my bicycle to work today. I checked Google Earth to determine the best route and mileage. It didn't seem too bad...a little more than 3 miles. I packed my backpack with laptop, folders, and water. But I underestimated just how out of shape I am. I don't work out regularly. In fact, I'm a pretty lazy person in general, but I thought I could handle this no problem. It's not like I was going to run to work. Oh how naive I am. And how sad and pathetic. I wanted to lay down and die when I got here...or at least puke. I almost fell over when I got off the bike and attempted to walk.

But I made it here...sweat and all. I did have to stop for a rest or two along the way and I wasn't speedy by any means, but I made it. Though I still have to make it home. I know there is more pain to come.

We'll see if there is a second attempt in the future. Health and the environment? Maybe cars aren't so bad after all.

cheap t-shirts! hooray!

2006-06-23T12:43:00.000-05:00

i'm back.

2006-06-23T10:21:00.000-05:00

it's nice to be home. after a month and a half away, i was beginning to tire of living out of a suitcase. but the trip was good. i'm not much for giving lots of details freely, so i'll give you a brief look at my time.

5 weeks in new orleans: 3 different living situations. i now know the roads of new orleans better than austin...because i had to drive all over that city like crazy. 48 students joined us to help gut about 14 houses, paint, clean some dorms, move some matresses, and share the gospel with students on 4 campuses. i had one day off. on that day off, i got a great haircut for $12 at the aveda institute. some girls from my group had an amazing street performance. i had 148 unread emails when i got back...just from the ccc finance people. i still have some work to do to wrap up this project, but i will finish someday. eventually i'll have more details from the trip here.

week 6: southern california to northern california and back again. after a day off getting fried on my front side at the pool, i hopped on a plane to go see someone known as vitamin p (good luck getting rid of that one now, paul). i arrived on tuesday night, we had dinner, hung out, woke up wednesday, went on a hike, spent some time at the getty, watched the last movie on his top100 list, woke up on thursday and drove 5 1/2 hours north to the bay area to meet the fam. first it was dinner with the parents, then the grandparents as well, then joined by aunt, uncle, cousins, and brothers. it was great. the next day we headed up to lake berryessa...but not without some adventure. paul knew his car was on it's last leg...and that last leg broke halfway there. so we got to enjoy a tow truck ride back to daly city in traffic before we headed back up to the lake house. then it was dinner again, watched some old home movies, woke up on saturday and went out on the boat, attempted wakeboarding (i don't think i've ever before only been sore on one side of my body: it's strange), then we headed back to the bay area....but not before stopping in at the home of some family friends. so, running late, we rushed back to the house, showered, and headed to san fran to catch a show. psapp, juana molina, and jose gonzalez at bimbo's 365...it was a great show. then it was back to los angeles to hurry and move everything from old apartment to new. it was busy, and i was almost late for my flight on monday (thank God it was delayed), but it was much fun. now paul is on his way to tokyo for a few weeks to have his own suitcase adventures.

In The Big Easy

2006-05-19T21:26:00.000-05:00

living in a tent, showering in a trailer, using a port-a-pottie...but i have internet access...some. missing home. i'll be back soon.

just something to think about

2006-05-04T14:27:00.000-05:00

Quote of the Day

2006-04-13T13:25:00.000-05:00

"It just seems so strange to me that we're locking this poo in these bags, and it's going to be there forever," said one San Francisco dog walker. "The bags are never going to biodegrade, and a future alien civilization that comes here to check us out will wonder, 'Why did we save all this poop?' You know, what's so precious about the dog poop?"

See story for context.

Poor Richard

2006-04-12T12:16:00.000-05:00

This is what happens in the office. Just like on The Office (BBC version, season 1, episode 1), favored office supplies and such may end up in a jello mold. After spending a day searching for his beloved mug with broken handle, Richard pretty much gave up....which we were thankful for. Enough whining already! (Kidding Richard...we love you.) But lo and behold, the next day, Lafayette showed up again on our wonderful office lunch table. It took the rest of the day for the brave to eat the lemon goodness away to free the mug, but Richard ended up happy again.

Way to go Jesh and Justin (we know you did it). Well done.

chumscrubber

2006-04-10T18:03:00.000-05:00

I rented this rather interesting flick this weekend. I hadn't heard much about it...just in passing that it was good. At least I think I heard that. Regardless, my roomie and I spent a couple of hours watching with tilted heads and confused laughter. But despite the confusion, or maybe because of it, I was thoroughly entertained. It's an odd, dark, sad, funny, exaggerated look at suburbia. The film was full of well-knowns (Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Rita Wilson, + more), though the film itself never received much recognition. The acting was great, especially Jamie Bell (the kid from Billy Elliot). I thought he was just amazing. S0, if you like odd films, you should definitely check it out.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2006-03-17T10:52:00.000-06:00

Top o' the mornin' to ya! I hope you are fully celebrating and enjoying this most exciting holiday. I love it. I'm not exactly sure why. I like the color green. I like Irish things. I think Leprechauns are cute (and maybe a little creepy...like oompa loompas). But it's just a happy day. I am proudly wearing my green Ireland t-shirt, listening to my playlist of Irish tunes, and sending my green greetings. Now, I feel I must share my love of this Irish Holiday with you all.

Free Irish Tunes
All Things Irish Quiz
St. Patty's Central
Video History of St. Patrick's Day

Beautiful Ad

2006-03-08T11:27:00.000-06:00

Sony Bravia has created one of the most stunning ads I've ever seen...so I had to share.

Watch Video

I guess this is it...

2006-03-07T17:13:00.000-06:00

I'm finished.

about the new look...

2006-03-01T17:59:00.000-06:00

i just got bored with the old one, and there are only so many to choose from. i guess this is my mid-blog crisis or something. honestly...i have plenty of things to do. i do. give me a break...look who's reading!

World Premier at SXSW

2006-02-28T09:23:00.000-06:00

Danielson: A Family Movie

Tuesday March 14--4:30 pm @ Dobie
Wednesday March 15--5:00 pm @ Dobie

Anyone else curious?

the wierdness is here

2006-02-15T10:17:00.000-06:00

A few posts ago I told you a little about the Dallas Winter Conference and was hoping to have some fun videos for you. Well, my hopes (and yours I'm sure) have been fulfilled. Check out Lazy Outreach, The Winter Conference Gnome, and more. Enjoy!

(And if it's all a little too strange for you, don't blame me. Blame the guy on the left.)

Mission Aborted

2006-02-05T14:24:00.000-06:00

According to Asthmatic Kitty, Sufjan Stevens is already giving up on the ambitious goal of making an album for all 50 states. Here is what is says under the artist explanation section for the new compilation CD, Mews Too.
"Sufjan Stevens is not going to write a record for each
of the 50 states after all."

Well, that was to the point. I guess two was enough. Maybe he had some trouble finding anything interesting about Iowa, or there wasn't enough material for Rhode Island and Connecticut. I mean, what was he thinking in the first place? Dela-where?

Check out and buy the album.

Sufjan's contribution: Opie's Funeral Song

take my pictue by the pool...cause i'm the next big thing!

2006-01-30T21:58:00.000-06:00

So my last trip of this oh-so-busy month was the best. I went to Los Angeles for the first time. And I didn't just go to star-gaze or see the sights (though I did spot Hilary Swank at the Broadway Deli in Santa Monica). No, the reason for my trip was much more exciting...I went to visit a "special" friend, Paul (who, if you read this blog, you've probably already heard about).

My first activity of the weekend was a walking tour of the UCLA campus, where Paul is on staff with CCC. Nice campus, and the weather was great. (NOT cold Paul!)

On Saturday we got a little reminder of our childhood and went to Six Flags Magic Mountain. It was so much fun, and I agree with Paul that X was the best roller coster there. It was so nice to be at a park and not be dying of heat exhaustion, which was always my experience growing up going to Six Flags over Texas in the summer.

Following a full day of rides, we settled down and went to see Glen Phillips live at Largo. It was such an amazing show. I hadn't listened to Glen much before this, but Paul loves his stuff and said it would be a great show. The boy doesn't lie! Though, the chick that opened for Glen definitely created an awkward moment with one highly inappropriate song. That aside, it was a really fun evening. Thanks Paul!

I'm guessing that's about enough. I should be home in Austin for a while now. It's good to be back, not living out of a suitcase. So until the next post, I leave you with some commemorative music:

Weezer-Beverly Hills

Download the concert to share in my experience: Glen Phillips live at Largo 1/21/06

They Just Keep Coming!

2006-01-30T12:15:00.000-06:00

While I was away, yet another niece was added to my growing family. This time it was my brother and sister-in-law, who are entering parenthood for the first time. Alexa Claire was born on January 12 at a whoppin' 5 lbs. 3 oz. She definitely has my brother's chin (the "butt-chin" as we affectionately referred to it in our childhood), and she has some amazing hair. All are doing well. So, this brings the total for Aunt Trina to 9. And yet it never gets old.

NASCAR and Speedos

2006-01-29T21:56:00.000-06:00

After spending a week in Big D for the conference, I headed to the east coast for yet another conference. Location: Daytona Beach. The trip was mostly boring meetings and such, but I did get to see a nice storm from my balcony overlooking the Atlantic.

And I even saw the sunrise. (A rare occasion.)

Overall I guess Daytona was fun, but the trip left me with 2 questions:

1. What is so exciting about cars driving around in a circle for hours?
2. Why do old, overweight men insist on wearing speedos at public beaches?

Discuss.

The Dallas WHAT? Winter Conference

2006-01-29T21:12:00.000-06:00

January 1-7 was spent in Big D for the annual Dallas Winter Conference. It's always lots of fun, little sleep, and way too much fast food. I love the energy of the conference (not my own...I never have energy), and I love how lives can change through this week. But I must admit, one of the things I look forward to the most is the random videos. This year we even had a special mascot.

The garden gnome became the Rocky gnome. It was so wierd it was great. Nothing like looking over your shoulder to see a grown man in beard and gnome costume in a 5-star hotel. Man, it changed my life.

The video peak of the week, though, was the DWC version of the amazing lazy sunday. I really hope to get a copy of it to share with you soon...it's great. Of course, if you weren't there and don't know these crazy people, it probably won't be nearly as entertaining for you. But you have to at least appreciate the work that went into it and the perfect lyrics (way to go Paul).

So, until I get that video for you, enjoy this little promo: DWC on Demand

before i tell you about my travels...

2006-01-26T23:13:00.000-06:00

let me tell you about the best band website ever (or at least this week). before i tell you what it is, let me tell you why it's so great so that you will be sure to visit after you finish with my blog.

1. it's basically a virtual flannelgraph.
2. it has quirky fun music from an interesting band/man.
3. i think it's cool.
4. this dude is friends with sufjan and is an illinoisemaker.
5. it gives great advice to resist the devil.
6. it's a virtual flannelgraph...with jesus and a squirrel!

now that you have more than enough good reasons, it's time to visit the wonderful world of half-handed cloud.

and just so you have something to remember it by:

we're very greatly loved (mp3)
i got a letter (mp3)
from asthmatickitty.com

No, I did not die.

2006-01-23T18:35:00.000-06:00

I've just been traveling a bit. Dallas, East Coast, West Coast. Some things must trump the blogging from time to time. But I'm back now and I'm going to try to make up for it by bringing you up to date on my life since December 16. And in order to make it last and look like I work on my blog much more than I actually do, I'm going to split it up into several posts. This is the first. I know there really isn't any substance to this post, but deal. This is it. You'll have to come back later for more. That is if you even come here in the first place.

hOW bIZARRE

2005-12-16T16:21:00.000-06:00

Just some of the odd happenings of 2005

*read at your own risk

Letter from a hot girl still on a mission

2005-12-13T11:47:00.000-06:00

To my fellow followers:

There isn't ever snow in the Bay Area, so I thought going on a date with somebody from Tahoe (ski-resort heaven) would be challenging.

"Wanna go ice skating?" Raimo asked me one night on the phone. Of course, I forgot that there's ice skating at the Embarcadero now. So on my date with Raimo, a rugged hunk of a man with a God-sized hole in his heart, I posed several timely questions that God's spirit led me to ask.

"Raimo, though you're skating safely with me, do you realize that you're skating on thin ice with the Lord God? And if you don't submit to His Will for your life, you're going to eventually break through to the burning fires of Hell below that ice."

He responded, "Are you talking literally or metaphorically. If you're talking literally, then you're literally an idiot. Metaphorically speaking, I plan to grow my spiritually cold heart colder and colder to where that ice will never break."

Scrambling for Holy Spirit guidance, I shot back at him, "Well, I'm hotter than your icy heart could ever be, so as long as I'm around, I know that ice is going to melt and break someday, so REPENT!"

Raimo didn't come to know Christ that day, but God did remind me that a hot body will always be able to take on a cold, cold heart.

Love,
Tamara

*Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Amar!

i really want to post something

2005-12-12T20:41:00.000-06:00

but i can't think of anything good right now.

We Are Incapacitated!

2005-12-08T10:50:00.000-06:00

What is our problem? Why can't we handle a little ice and cold weather? Maybe a few folks from Wisconsin or Michigan, or any of about 30 or so other states, should come down and teach us how to do it. On the other hand, it's kind of nice that everything shuts down at the slightest sign of bad winter weather. Get out of school, get out of work, stay home in the warmth and sip hot tea...I can handle this. The one thing I apparently cannot handle is walking on ice. I totally busted my butt on the sidewalk outside my apartment this morning, phone, computer bag, and Dr. Pepper flying everywhere. I fell in pretty much the same exact position as this poloar bear. It was beautiful. Wish you could have been there to see it. So those of you who do know what your doing and think we are ridiculous, you're right. But just except it and enjoy the time off.

In the meantime, you should probably practice your ice-driving skills.

Trick or Treat, Smell My...

2005-11-09T17:31:00.000-06:00

Nephews!

I don't have any cute stories or anything about this yet, but I think the picture is cute enough on it's own...stinkin' cute. Only boys could have a smile on thier face while wearing a costume of one of God's nastiest smelling creatures. But, I'm sure they can pretty much match that smell themsleves from time to time.

Totally Missed My Chance...

2005-11-05T17:28:00.000-06:00

to relive and redeem my prom. The Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow is doing it up right in South Austin tonight. Now if only I liked to dress up and dance, and if only I had a date. Now I will never be prom queen. (Once again, Reba, I envy you.)

Prom & Quarterbacks

2005-10-27T15:15:00.000-05:00

ah, high school. years of utter stupidity. maybe some people had a good time. maybe for you prom wasn't one of the most unbearable nights of your life. maybe you got to wear some awesome gold sequin pumps. (reba, i envy you.) not so for me. i'd rather that one, actually 2 proms, be erased forever. eternal sunshine. and i never dated the quarterback. i wasn't that cool. instead i opted for the school loser whose only ambition was to make it to the weekend to get trashed with his friends. what was i thinking? i wasn't...i was in high school. i had a dream about him last night. he had finally decided to go to college. wow. anyway, enough about my saved by the bell years.

i'm hoping that these will make my memories of high school a little sweeter, or at least trick me into thinking fondly of that foggy time in life.

The Prom
a note on the kitchen table.mp3
the city gets lonely.mp3

All-Time Quarterback
plans get complex.mp3
sock hop.mp3

He's Back!

2005-10-23T20:14:00.000-05:00

At least he will be. Soon.

So what's the theory? Wedding? Dream? Heaven?

I have no theory. I'm way too grounded in reality to imagine how they might pull this one off. But whatever it is, I'm sure it will be happy. It can't get any worse, right?

Too much?

2005-10-17T20:56:00.000-05:00

Has Apple gone too far with the iPod? Have they crossed the line and done it to death? I think so.

I have proof.

The Cutest Kid Ever

2005-10-17T17:44:00.000-05:00

All for you, Kim.

interesting AND gross

2005-10-07T15:52:00.000-05:00

Oh, the tears I cry

2005-09-29T21:01:00.000-05:00

A little piece of me died tonight. J.J., when you kill Vaughn you kill me, too.

I had heard the rumors, but wasn't going to beleive it until I saw it. I saw it. Now the funeral has come and gone. Vaughn is no longer. Though I was releived that he wasn't a bad guy, how am I supposed to recover now? Haven't I,uh, I mean hasn't Sydney been through enough?

I still love you, Alias. But you cut me...you cut me real deep.

Woah...This is a BIG AD!

2005-09-20T16:08:00.000-05:00

It's freakin' huge!

Wanna Help?

2005-09-10T12:01:00.000-05:00

You can help some hurricane victims get back on their feet here in Austin. Some friends of mine have started finding houses for families and gathering stuff to help makes those houses into homes for these displaced families. The first family moved in this past week and today my roommate is baking birthday cupcakes for one of the little boys. It's very exciting to see everyone coming together to bring some hope and comfort to those who have been through so much. So if you want to be a part of it, just go to Houses to Homes and see what you can do. Anything helps!

Bob & Fred

2005-09-08T21:20:00.000-05:00

What a find! Rocky and Sunee actually picked this one up at a garage sale. Why in the world would anyone get rid of this gem! I'm so sad I missed out on the 70's.

Bob Harrington ("Chaplain of Bourbon Street") & Fred Roan (Layman-Auto Dealer)

REMEMBER "It's Fun Being Saved"

Other albums in the series include:

Bob's Marriage Repair Kit
Bob the Baptist
Bob & the Devil
Holy Happy Hour
Slop Bucket Repentance
God's Super Salesman

I personally would love the hear how to make happy hour holy. Who wouldn't?

2005-08-25T11:06:00.000-05:00

Which Office Moron Are You?
Rum and Monkey: jamming your photocopier one tray at a time.

Save People from Hell!

2005-08-18T14:39:00.000-05:00

Calling all hot women of the Lord!

If you're hot and have the gift of dating, like Tamara, you need to be using that gift to save the souls of hot men. Missionary dating is real and it's valid. Come on...flirt to convert!

*Disclaimer: I do not adhere to any of the aforementioned beliefs, nor do I personally practice missionary dating. I do however believe that Tamara is engaged in the mockery of the dating habits of some Christians and I find it very humorous. I also believe that Tamara could be Randy Choy's long-lost twin, or at least his female cyber-alias.

I have nothing interesting to say...

2005-08-16T18:29:00.000-05:00

so I'll just give you some pretty pictures for now.

You Can be a Ping Pong Pro!

2005-08-06T10:55:00.000-05:00

Last night I saw a goofy music video with Napoleon Dynamite dance moves and a catchy beat by the band OK Go. Chances are that if you're reading this you also watched that video. Well, I was searching for the video jewel and I ran across a few more on their website. This just may be the best of all, although it has nothing to do with the music. Watch and learn how to play ping-pong with this high quality instructional video.

By the way, these loonies will be at Stubb's on the 24th.

CAUTION: long road trips can be hazardous to your intelligence

2005-08-02T11:19:00.000-05:00

I just returned to Austin on Friday from Colorado. I was only on the road for about 4.5 hours on Friday, but Thursday I drove for about 15 hours straight. Now I don't claim to be that intelligent even on normal occasions, but I know this: that much driving can really mess you up. I definitely felt like a zombie when I got home...and I'm pretty sure zombies don't have it all together. I don't remember everything about the trip (I don't think zombies have good memories either), but I do remember a few less than impressive moments. To give you a little taste, here are a just a few things that came up in conversation between me and Erin: female horse man, travel gas, backwards panties & tiny hiney (AKA my niece and nephew), and an unknown town called Toast...or possibly Post.

At least we had good music!

Wonkalicious

2005-07-17T12:18:00.000-05:00

If you were a little creeped out by the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, you must go see the new one. I saw it Friday night and had little or no expectations of how it would be. Well, I was thouroughly entertained. It is perfectly quirky and creepy...quite an experience altogether. Johnny Depp was fantastic! Nobody else could do Willy Wonka the freakish justice he deserves. And if you thought the Oompa-Loompas were scary the first time around...just wait until you see the army of oompa-loompa clones (played by one Deep Roy) that have an amazing tallent for song and dance of all styles (even synchronized swimming). As a bonus not included in the original, we get to see flashbacks that shed a little light on Wonka's screwed up character. So, if you are ready for a freak show with some great quotable one-liners, go see this movie!

Visit the Factory

Bet you didn't know...

2005-07-08T22:40:00.000-05:00

I have my own drink. It comes in orange and apple flavors. I mostly sell in Spain, but you can learn more about it here. (better study up on that spanish)

boys + fireworks = danger

2005-07-05T23:13:00.000-05:00

Teenage boys and lots of fireworks do not mix well. Last night I experienced this first-hand. A watermelon was exploded, many fires started, and a few roman candle wars fought. Thankfully nobody was hurt and we ultimately got to enjoy a beautiful July 4th celebration.

cool shirts for a good cause

2005-06-29T23:47:00.000-05:00

What's the cause? Well...me. That's good enough, right? I love random t-shirts, as I'm pretty sure all other cool people do. Two of those cool people started a business to create random shirts and make money so they could help fund God's work in the world. I think that's a really rad idea, so I'm jumping on board. This means that I can actually get some moolah when my friends buy t-shirts! So go ahead and take a look and see if there is anything you like. Just click the RandomShirts.com link on the right side of my blog. Hey, they're only $10, and you can think of it as your way of supporting me. *wink wink

down at the swimming hole

2005-06-29T16:31:00.000-05:00

I went to Hamilton Pool this past Saturday with some friends. This place is amazing! If you haven't been there, you should go. It's beautiful (this pic doesn't even do it justice), relaxing, and refreshing. Even the hatred of bathing suits isn't enough to keep me from going back every year. Just be careful while throwing rocks...too many people in a small space (just ask Robert or Amar).

Melody, are you mad at me?

2005-06-24T17:21:00.000-05:00

2005-06-22T13:07:00.000-05:00

I went to my neice's 3rd birthday party this past weekend. It was a "strawberry" party...don't ask me why a 3 yr old would want a party themed after a fruit. There were lots of games and plenty of My Little Ponies unwrapped. But the real fun came post-party. I kept my niece and nephew overnight while my sister and brother-in-law went out to celebrate his birthday. After a long night of interrupted sleep, Halle wakes up at 7:30 to tell me her tummy is upset and she needs to "spit." I soon found out that she wasn't lying and "spit" is a nice 3-year-old way of saying puke. And to keep it interesting, the spit happened in several places in the house...hallway, living room, kitchen, couch, bathroom, leg. It was fantastic. But she felt better by late afternoon, so all is well. So I've been broken in to the realities of parenthood on a whole new level now. Despite the mess, I think it's worth it.

2005-06-20T17:12:00.000-05:00

This is the inspiration for my blog title...a t-shirt found in China. Does it all make sense now?