The Time Pit

Hullo

2007-10-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hey all! This will be short, but just wanted to say howdy if anyone happens across this. Bri and I are doing well, we have settled into our apartment and have some good friends here, so that has been great. We just got the first new member of our branch of the family going over here in St. Louis (No, no Russ Jr. yet)

We got a great little guy, a 2 year old pug named Cosmo. Actually, his full name is Cosmo Newbigin Brown. If you don't know who Cosmo Brown is, shame on you, go watch Singing in the Rain! Lesslie Newbigin is the name of a late English bishop and theologian I was reading for one of my classes. Actually, I was a little critical of Newbigin in a paper I wrote, but over all, he's a jolly chap and the name is so much fun to say!

When we first picked Cosmo up from the rescue folks, he was wearing a little Catholic medallion for St. Francis (the patron saint of animals). Cosmo has taken the conversion to Presbyterianism quiet well thus far, stating that he feels it addresses many issues which had long been on his heart. I haven't been able to find a John Calvin medallion for him yet though.

Isn't he absolutely adorable?

Precious says it best I think...
This is his rascally face.

Greek is really my nemesis right now. I greatly enjoy the idea of Greek, and will absolutely love to be able to use it in understanding the New Testament better. Unfortunately, Greek hasn't taken a great liking to me yet, and never seems to want to stay with me. It's always going off somewhere else when I have a quiz or exam :S Oh well, I will just keep on being friendly and spending time with it, and eventually I'm sure it will warm up to me.

Hope you are all well, talk to you soon!

Up from the grave the blog arose...

2007-05-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! (If anyone even sees this) You probably thought you would never see another post on this site, but here we go!

So much has happened since the last time I wrote, I think we almost need to just time warp, as there is no way to list it all. So, I will just give you the big ones, in chronological sequence:

1. I graduated!!!
2. I got engaged to the most wonderful girl in the world!!!! (No offence to other girls in the world)
3. I'm going to seminary in August, right after Brianna and I get married in July!!!
4. I got a sweet, beat, beastie motorcycle!!!
5. My mom is having another baby!!! - I am so excited, but this one is also kinda sad for me, since my new little sister is due at the end of August, after Bri and I have moved across the country. I'm still trying to figure out how to be a good big brother to someone I'll never even share the same roof with. I guess maybe I will have to try and pull off the "cool uncle" sort of act. :)

Here, Bri and I are enjoying our very own yacht.

My new motorcycle!!

Here, Bri is looking a little unsure on the motorcycle, but she is smiling!

I also have a few pics of Seattle lights that I snapped the other night on the ferry. I think they turned out pretty cool so I will try to upload those in the near future.

Until then, fare thee well!

Hello down there, this is us up here...

2006-03-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you thought this was a new post. Ha! It was merely trickery to lure you into a fleeting moment of anticipation and expectation, soon to be followed by a disconsolate sense of loss and tragedy! I currently have no time to say anything beyond "AHH!!" perhaps followed by a nice heartrending groan. I love finals:)

I have interesting doings and sayings to record for posterity, but I'm afraid they will be forced to bide their time until perhaps Wednesday, at which point life becomes infinitely better. For now, I just wanted to say hello world, I'm alive, and I miss everybody! Can't wait to see everyone, hopefully in the near future.

Catch you on the flip side....

I Got Soul, But I'm Not a Soldier

2005-11-10T17:27:00.000-08:00

Wow, hello world! How is everyone? I have found it extremely difficult to post this quarter, Derek and I don't have internet access in the ol' flat at this point (we just got a phone line hooked up, w00t). Every time I'm in the library, I'm supposed to be doing other things, such as finishing up papers due in the next few minutes and so on. I would like to thank James for his excellent explanation on our carjacker's motivations in the previous post, and to all the other people who are probably more than a little sick of seeing the same old blog title every time they visit. In fact, I shouldn't be surprised if you have completely stopped visiting the Time Pit. But just on the off hand chance that their are a few of the old faithful still out their, I dedicate this new post to you, the reader of this blog!

If this post lacks coherence, it is probably due to the fact that I went to bed at 5:45 this morning, and got up just before 7:00. Needless to say, it has been a rather long day. That being said, this should be the last time you hear me writing a post on my irresponsible, unhealthy, and caffeine medicated ways. Tomorrow is Veterans day, which means no school. Therefore, I am utilizing this fact, in conjunction with the weekend, to dedicate a new holiday, which shall hence forth be known as "Russ Organization and Get Rear in Gear Day." I'm frankly fed up with mediocrity in my own life, and have determined to put an end to it:)

Also, you should realize that I am writing this from a rather less than happy with self, very tired perspective. Overall, things have actually been really great, I would never want to give anyone the wrong impression! School is going alright, and I have been having a great time playing guitar for RUF as of late. I have never been overly confident in my own musical abilities, and it has been awesome to be forced to go into a session, have less than an hour to learn a bunch of new songs, and then have it turn out really well. Sure, they're pretty simple songs, but I feel like I'm bumping over a little musical plateau that I've been on for a few years now, just in growing comfortable with playing in front of people. And really, I can't think of a time when I'm happier than in mid chorus with the whole RUF group, raising up voices to God's glory. It makes me happy:)

Ok, I have to run off to my Jackson School Student Association (JSSA) meeting, for which I am secretary. After that, I may go shoot some guns with Derek ( our newest hobby!), and then head to bed. Or, maybe I'll just head to bed, we'll see:) Anyways, hope everyone is well and hunky dory, and that I can see most of you over Thanksgiving break! Au revoir!

Snorkle 2.0... to gone in 60 seconds.

2005-09-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

Because I said I would Bruce!

Well, it's been forever since I updated last, so my Improvathon reference has lost it's timeliness, but I'm finally being forced to take the time for a post by events out of my control. When Derek and I went to leave the office after work today, we found a slightly unexpected situation - an empty parking spot where Derek's car should have been! Yep, that's right. We've been living in Seattle for one week now, and we've already had one car stolen. It is a pretty weird feeling, believe me. It drives me nuts too, there is absolutely nothing you can do about it! We called the police, and they have checked with all the towing companies. Besides, it was taken from our own firm's lot, so that wouldn't have made sense anyways. So, here I am, just sitting here blogging in the office, where we have been waiting for the last 2.5 hours for an officer to come check things out. It is pretty frustrating - I know no one is dying over here, but I just might if I have to wait very much longer for dinner! However, despite this rotten bit of luck, there is also an aspect of complete providence in the situation. Just by random chance, Derek and I both drove our cars into work today, something we never do! This means that instead of us being marooned car-less in downtown Seattle tonight, we at least have a ride home! (At least we did the last time I checked... maybe I should be keeping watch in the parking lot:S) Well, I hope someone just took it out for a joyride, and they will end up finding it fairly intact, but so far the person seems to have done a pretty professional job of it, the car was locked and there isn't any broken glass or anything around. Also, the car was right outside someone's office, and they did notice someone out there, but only for a few minutes. Who knows, as we speak the poor little camry may be gettin' hacked up and parted out in some chop shop. I wish the police would hurry...
Well more on life later maybe, I hope to get around to a more usual post eventually. Please pray for the whole car situation! Derek and I would appreciate it. See ya!

Not a post post

2005-08-12T00:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I really don't have the time for a post tonight, but I'm sure everyone, including myself, is getting tired of seeing my creepy picture every time they visit, so excelsior! Time for a new post!

This summer is going by far too quickly for this little mind to keep up with, what ever happened to July!? There have been so many great things packed into this summer, sandwiched in between work responsibilities, I keep wanting to write about them, but there simply isn't any time! The other day I was almost thinking that I was ready to get back to school, when I found an old paper I wrote last quarter. How did I stand that stuff? Jeez, and it actually sounded like I knew what I was talking about too...
We went to an M's game last night, which they lost in the 14th inning... what a disappointment! We could only stay until the 12th inning, since we had to make a 10:55 ferry. I guess we were holding the whole thing together, and it came apart when we left! It was a really fun time though, with all of the clan but a sick Nathan out for the game. We also had a great bunch of folks from church there, including Grandpa and the fantastic Mr. H, two very knowledgeable gentleman on the subject of baseball. Like I said, disappointing loss, but hey, I'm an M's fan, I'm used to these things:S
Work has been going well lately, despite the usual tedium involved in working in an office for eight hours. I had a fabulous day the other day, when I found my favourite staple puller! That's right folks, it may not sound like a big deal to you, but I was ecstatic! It had been missing for days, and I had begun to fear the worst, but low and behold, the sneaky little bugger had merely slipped back in behind the rubberband tray and the paperclip bin. Oh frabjous day!
So much other great stuff to mention, what with resthome singing, a crazy trip to the airport, an ice skating party for everybody's favourite, and of course great frisbee, but I can hear my own little bed is calling me... Have to work again tomorrow - another day, another dollar, etc. Night!

Self Portrait in Black and White

2005-07-26T23:10:00.000-07:00

This was a picture I took of myself with the old "hold the camera out in front of yourself and click" technique that I learned in film school. Afterwards, I tinted it black and white, added a slightly grainy texture, and called it good. Mom calls this my Charles Manson picture. For the full effect, make sure you click the picture, and then expand that one too.

Dog Tired...

2005-07-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

This is my fine dog Sam, looking quite noble and dignified. Actually, he looks completely ridiculous and silly, doesn't he? There's a reason his most commonly used name is "Dumb" or "Samdumb":) Actually, he's pretty much got things figured out really. Unlike any other dog I've met, he's usually the last one out of bed in the morning. He always looks so smug, rolling over and nuzzling deeper into the blankets with his snout while I get ready for work in the morning. When on rare occasion I do get a chance to get a little sleep, then it's of course a matter of dire necessity that he get up at the crack of dawn to do his doggy things (breakfast, bathroom, and barking).

Today is a busy day, with all sorts of studying for Sunday school and the delivery of my first short message at M&M. Must be why I am posting, I needed something to put off! I just pray that God would fill the gaps in my own abilities with his grace, and plant, feed, and germinate the seeds of His word where my own city-slicker planting fails. I'm so glad to have a great bunch of people in my class, and at church too! At least I don't have to do the hymns this time. Leading the hymns a few weeks back had me oh so nervous, but I finally realized that I was only being conceited and self absorbed in my worries! Just had to get back into the right mindset of singing praises to God, not performing for the congregation, and things were A-ok. In fact, when it was all said and done, I really enjoyed it! (After all, it wasn't me that had to listen to my singing:)
Ok, back to work with me!

Post for Post's sake

2005-06-28T00:07:00.000-07:00

I'm stuck here for the next 15 minutes or so, icing my pulled hamstring, courtesy of ultimate frisbee today:) Is there anything more frustrating than an injury! So annoying really... There is nothing I hate more than being less than 100% on the field. I was just starting to feel so good again too, finally getting back into the frisbee groove. I kept saying how lame the whole situation was... then I realized the full applicability of that statement. Oh well, it is good to be young:) I will be recovered in no time flat, ready to hurt something else I'm sure.

I have a busy summer ahead of me, and I can't believe how the time is already flying. I am still working my job in the law office about 25 hours a week, and then doing my "Pastoral internship" at church to round things out with about 15 hours a week. My job in Seattle is still great, but the three days a week I head over there are really long with the commute, up at 5:30 and not home until 7:00 ish (more like 11:30 after resthome singing Tuesdays).
Besides work, I have a 25 page paper that is in need of writing. It was supposed to be done last quarter, but my prof who is advising me in my research was traveling a lot last quarter, and asked for an extension... I was more than happy to oblige:)
I am also in drastic need of refreshing when it comes to my French! I have to start the second year series at the U in the fall, and am shaking in my boots, since it sometimes seems I can't remember even the simplest things! Bleah, before french, I was blissfully ignorant of the existence of conjugations - or that you did them to verbs. I am trying to figure out a good time when I can sit down with my textbook and get back to a little bit of home schooling for review:)
I am really enjoying getting a chance to do some good reading this summer, though the time is still somehow hard to find! Right now I am working through our text for Sunday school, prepping for Bible study through Philippians, and reading the Confessions of Saint Augustine and the Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. Very interesting books all thus far, but I may need to find some pieces of a lighter nature too, to round things out! I also need to get some guitar playing and song writing squeezed in here somewhere, where has all the time gone!:)
Welp, it is high time that I hit the hay, 5:30 comes early these days!

My legs feel like Jello- strawberry jello?

2005-06-20T23:26:00.000-07:00

I am tired and lazy right now, but felt that something needed posting here, so I am going to take advantage of this opportunity to share one of my most favourite bits of verse ever, the Cameelious Hump!:)

The Camel's hump is an ugly lump
Which well you may see at the Zoo;
But uglier yet is the hump we get
From having too little to do.

Kiddies and grown-ups too-oo-oo,
If we haven't enough to do-oo-oo,
We get the hump --
Cameelious hump --
The hump that is black and blue!

We climb out of bed with a frouzly head,
And a snarly-yarly voice.
We shiver and scowl and we grunt and we growl
At our bath and our boots and our toys;

And there ought to be a corner for me
(And I know' there is one for you)
When we get the hump --
Cameelious hump --
The hump that is black and blue!

The cure for this ill is not to sit still,
Or frowst with a book by the fire;
But to take a large hoe and a shovel also,
And dig till you gently perspire;

And then you will find that the sun and the wind,
And the Djinn of the Garden too,
Have lifted the hump --
The horrible hump --
The hump that is black and blue!

I get it as well as you-oo-oo --
If I haven't enough to do-oo-oo!
We all get hump --
Cameelious hump --
Kiddies and grown-ups too!

~Rudyard Kipling~ How the Camel Got His Hump

Hope you all enjoyed, no cameelious hump here right now, but it has a way of sneaking up on you;) I think for the poem to have its full wonderful affect, mom would have to read it to you, right when you are soft and squeaky clean out of the tub, with your clean PJ's on, all tucked in and ready for bed. We used to have a book with the best picture of a rotten little kid who had "the hump", and then it showed his transformation into a cute little jolly fellow with a hoe in his hand, and a smile on his face! All a part of the sneaky plan of adults to get kids to work... amazing how true it is though:) I don't think I have to worry about "the hump" this summer, there is going to be more than enough work to keep me very busy well into September.
Ok, its up at 5:30 tomorrow, and off to Seattle for work, and then Edmonds for resthome singing, so I need to get some sleep. Au bientôt j'espère!

Lets get ready to rumble!!

2005-06-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are, it's go time on finals! My wrists are all set for in class essay cramping, and the good ol' brain is ready for some last drop squeezing. I think perhaps I won't shave as a personal treat... or perhaps I will as an expression of self-discipline and dedication? Either way, for the next two days, life will be a miserable blur, followed by an inexplicable, absolute bliss! Okay, enough pre-cramming procrastination. Finals, you gotta ask yourself a question: "do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya PUNK?

Fight the apathy!

2005-05-18T00:07:00.000-07:00

It is about that time folks, the time when we are all ready to throw the books, papers, computers, and all other relics of academia out the window, right on top of the nearest unsuspecting passerby! Some of you have heard my own inner fantasies for the complete destruction of every paper mill in the nation... It's times like these that I get fired up to go hop that tanker ship to Bombay, or make off for a rusty old fishing boat, running somewhere off the Aleutians! 22 year old men weren't intended to live lives quagmired in never ending circles of perpetual paper pushing! (I'm sure that the female audience of this blog is also similarly disenchanted with the current state of affairs).

Oh, but we must learn to love it my fellow suffering souls! With a little push, that second wind is bound to hit us, and with it the euphoric, out of body experience of the Academian high (Also helped along dramatically by going with little sleep repetitively, and high dosages of caffeine) People, right now our job is to learn to think! That is beautiful. Everywhere else in society, this capacity is either implicitly expected in ones duties, or else completely neglected. Let us delve, penetrate, and illuminate the dark caverns of our minds, let truth dawn in the heart of the ignorant savage! And the next time I complain about school, feel free to rub this in my face:)

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether we "eat or drink", or are simply racking our brains for the next exam! Wow, papers to glorify God- and I thought some of my profs had tough standards...

2005-05-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

My academy roomate Alex and I, gettin' serious. This is one of the few pictures I have of me in the ol' uniform (and the ol' flat-top!)

Post traumatic stress disorder

2005-05-02T23:53:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't posted in ages, and there is no real excuse for it other than a lack of motivation on my part. I'm perfectly happy to just lazily bum off of everyone else's blogs; yes I am a social leach:) However, it does take two to tango as they say, and while I am may not be at the top of the game when it comes to cuttin' the rug, I'll keep the rhythm and hope for the best!

I had a great time back home this weekend, with some pretty sweet bruises on my toes and shins reminding me that I am still alive, and of just why I love sock hockey. The weather was absolutely beautiful Saturday afternoon, and I raced World's Best Dog Sam down through the grass to the water, and looked out across the bay at World's Best Town Poulsbo, and thanked God for the blessings that I so constantly forget. It must be the spring in the air, but my limbs feel as though they are propelled with steel springs, my lungs breathing in the air in mighty gulps of pure sweet air! I don't know if it is just that I am finally old enough to appreciate it, or if this year is especially fragrant, but I can't believe the wonderful smorgasbord of tantalizing scents wafting about on the backs of the breezes. I might just have to pull a Ferdinand the Bull, and refuse to go to class, instead just reclining in a soft grassy field smelling the flowers... Sometimes oh so tempting!

Classes are even more insanely busy, if that is possible, but I think I am starting to derive some sort of perverse pleasure in the mastery of mind over body... Not that the mind is in that great of shape by the second sleepless night, but I think it all relates to some sort of feelings of control... Hmmm, just listen to me psycho analyze myself:) Really though, it is like the thrill seeking side of me just has to see how close I can get to that flame before I get totally burninated! Must be that Thanatos kicking in:) I think a change, a change, would do me good. In fact, I aim to turn over a new leaf, and am taking on the world of academics with a new and fresh resolve! So on that note, it is time for me to hit the hay. In closing, a quote from the most excellent Winston Churchill - "If you are going through Hell, keep going." Simple wisdom...

Dieu Merci C'est Vendredi!

2005-04-15T23:58:00.000-07:00

Well, none of the usual brilliance or bright wit you've all come to expect flowing from my keyboard this evening. I am about zonked out! The rain that fell in the Land of the North yesterday seems to have been the same rain that dropped through the Sun's rays and beaded up on my sweater in Pike Place Market yesterday. I didn't dance, but I did have a spring in my step, and when no one was looking, I just may have skipped through some puddles... It was raining again today, but this time it was a cold rain driven by a bitter wind. I stood outside with a friend and listened to an entirely random brass ensemble we passed, with our hands numb and cold soaked hair hanging in the eyes. It was one of those moments that stays as a snapshot in your mind forever. So entirely out of the blue, the patter of droplets falling concurrently on chilled ears with the smooth warm tones of brass... it was a true thing of beauty! Everything lately has felt like a series of movie scenes starring yours truly:) I may be the only one in the audience, but I must say I find the plot to be most intriguing! Have I made myself truly insufferable yet?:)
P.S. All of my stunts are so done by me...

Lambs Are Cute, Especially On Gyros!

2005-04-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

Oh what a day, what a day! Friends, I'm afraid that already this poor little blog is being neglected, only in its infancy, left to fend for itself! This is my craziest quarter yet, it is a good thing I've already lost my sanity, it gives me one less thing to misplace! So, I added up my course work the other night, and put it all on my calendar (hear that mom? Yes, I'm using my calendar:) It looks like I have about 85 pages of paper writing this quarter, including one 25 page independent research "qualifying paper," required for graduation from the Jackson School. Thrown on top of that are about 500 pages of reading a week, adding up to overall good times for Russ! Last night I got a lovely total of 2 hours of sleep, labouring away on a paper due this morning for Global Interactions. There is no worse imaginable torture! I drained five cups of coffee and a grande mocha today, all in an effort to remain awake while driving and at work. I ended up in that caffeine zombie state, where you are neither fully living, nor fully dead, but are instead entranced in a schizophrenic state of paranoid stupor, lacking full muscular control, and overall feeling as though you are about to die, or perhaps wish you would:) Before everyone starts telling me that I really ought to be doing my work earlier, A. I know you are right, but won't admit it, and B, I wish to remind you all that this is the very beginning of week 3 of the quarter, and already in the last two days I have had two quizes, two papers, and about 300 pages of closely read text. There hasn't really been much of an earlier to get started! Besides, what fun would that be?
I am always amazed at my ability to survive, it is clearly an act of God and his provision that keeps my heart beating and the GPA high! I realized the other day that it is going to take a truly amazing and wonderful girl to put up with me some day. Luckily for her, she can be sure that no man has ever loved a woman more than I will her in return! I have been putting up with myself for 22 years, I know what she has to deal with:)
Anways, somehow, today has been really awesome, I had a great day! At work, I got away with using the Boss's Bullwinkle the Moose mug, a daring and I must say gallant act. I also had lunch at Mr. D's in Pike Place market, and that is enough to make any day good. (Thanks Moi and Bruce!) I got a new sustain pedal for my keyboard, turned in my paper on time, got back a quize I did well on, sang at the rest home, read ahead for class tomorrow, and am currently updating my blog. Not bad for two hours of sleep.

2005-04-05T23:24:00.000-07:00

Me and ex-Coast Guard roomie Josh, reporting for duty sir:)

With One Headlight...

2005-03-31T11:52:00.000-08:00

That's how I've been driving lately, since poor Mr Toad lost an eye the other day. I swear, I never saw a cop in town until I was slinking home after singing, and I managed to cross paths with five! Luckily, it seems they had bigger fish to catch, or just weren't interested in Toads that night, so I made it home without having to break out the license and registration.
I knocked back a grande mocha after dinner last night, in honor of everyone's favourite Barista. It was poor substitute for flesh and bone (not that I would be knocking any of that back - just say no to cannibalism) But we were thinking of you. And with Bam temporarily out of action, the fun seems so much...shorter. With the "shorter is better" canuck off in canuckistan, that didn't do us any good... it's a good thing I had Kasey around to keep me in my place. Wherever you are in this world, I'll see you "next year in Poulsbo."
I tend to introspect, which leads me to extrospect (is that a word? it should be) and my intro/extro-spection has led me to a conclusion about people. In this world, there are those who stand at the shore of the sea, look out, and see the pretty water. Then there are those who look out at the sea, survey all of its raging beauty and power, and cannot control the wonder and longing to know what lies beyond the vanishing point, past the horizon, at the ends of the earth. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it also brought George out of the jungle, to the Man in the Yellow Hat:) I think we are called to be not only a peculiar, but a curious people! Think beyond the surface, into the depths of creation. If you have ever tried to walk through the back of your closet into another world (and secretly believed that maybe, just maybe it would work); if you have ever wondered if there might be a real and magical Secret Garden on the other side of that old knarled fence, or searched for secret passages in your Grandma's living room, leading to who knows what adventures; if you have ever dreamt of wearing a turban or an eagle's feather, or the pith helmet of a british officer battling zulus while you were in math class, of finding deep true love that binds two spirits into one - then may I call you my friend, and fellow sojourner?
I suppose you could call me a romantic, and so I shall remain. But we are spiritual beings, isn't that all a romantic is? There is so much more to life than meets the eye, what fun to find it!

Up From the Grave He Arose!

2005-03-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

So the new quarter dawneth on the morrow! My metaphorical sleeves are rolled up (I don't have a shirt on) and I'm ready to deal out some mega hits to the world of academia. School has been going really well lately, and I'm actually looking forward to my next quarter - despite the usual foot-dragging my lazy nature puts up. I won't lie and say things have been easy. In fact, I don't know that I've ever felt my heart and soul squeezed so many ways before in my life. It's always a bitter feeling when you feel that you have been serving God, and then things don't turn out the way you expected them to (Insert reliance on God's vs Russ's plan verse here). But I know that God is using every bit of pain to mold me into the man he desires. It's always so easy to say that- it's another to actually believe it, and live it out! Sometimes I feel that I'm just saying a useless mantra over again and again... But my soul knows the truth of it, and I praise God for that! Then sings my soul... what a beautiful expression of the feeling, I can't sing it anymore without goosebumps! (thanks rest home gang:)
Well, this was a somewhat less than entertaining post I know, but life has many layers- like an ogre, or a parfait. I just follow my muse... It's time for me to hit the rack, there are great things things to be done in the morning!

The Odd Couple

2005-03-24T22:44:00.000-08:00

So, the brother and I are getting settled into our new place quiet nicely. We got our cable internet hooked up today, with a wireless network setup. Hurrray!! The dark ages with no connections to the outside world are finally at an end, let the LAN wars begin!
We also went shopping for some of the bare necessities we have been missing; items of vital importance such as a new set of pots and pans, cooking utensils, a chair for Derek's desk, and cookie dough ice cream. Derek and I make a pretty good shopping couple, I must say, as our differences seem to balance against each other well. We were walking along when we simultaneously stopped at the same aisle. As I enthusiastically began looking at the scented candles, I realized Derek was looking at the "cool" filing drawers on the end shelf.
I love to cook, but I really must say it gets old when it's every meal, and you are just cooking for yourself. Despite our best intentions for a grand spaghetti dinner tonight, we were too tired after our shopping journey, and decided to hit up Jack in the Box for some quadruple fat cheeseburgers. If you're gonna be a bachelor, you might as well eat like it right?

Tonight, I close with a brief IM conversation between Derek and I (from our adjacent rooms). We were celebrating the hookup of our internet.
Derek: Alright, it's working!
Russ: indeed, no more need for me to ever come out of my room and actually converse again! You can bring me my food
Derek: Maybe we can alternate nights
Russ: I suppose that would be fair
Derek: Or, we could get one of those Woman things we were talking about earlier, and she could cook AND bring food
Russ: lol
Russ: sounds good
Russ: this goes straight to the ol' blog:-)

Beautiful Ladies everywhere, applications will be rushing in fast, so get yours out ASAP!

2005-03-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

The King of Town

This is my town...

2005-03-21T23:47:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken shortly after my coronation as the king of Poulsbo. I rule all of my subjects with a just and gracious hand, remembering the humble weed-whacking roots from which I have risen.

Ok, so it was really taken after I was declared "King Watermelon Seed Spitter" this 4th of July, or speed sitter as I kept inadvertantly saying aftewards. Seriously, try saying it a few times fast. Apparently I can spit seeds, but not words.

With my golden sceptre, I command the melon fields. The end of world hunger will shortly ensue. The charm of the melon that hangs about my neck is a talisman of protection. It shields me from the dark minions of squash that quietly haunt the darkness of Scandia, only waiting for the right moment to glop onto a plate, or sludge into a casserole. And with an effective range of over 45 feet, I puff a black lethal projectile that would make Trogdor shake in his consummate V's! The love and affection which the people hold for me is evident in the flowers and bounty bestowed upon me.

Hmm, I guess being a blow hard is good for something at least:)

I'll be with you in cherry blossom time...

2005-03-18T11:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it's supposed to be apple blossom time, but I couldn't help singing it with new lyrics on my way to the library through the quad:)
Spring break thus far has been somewhat bizzare, in a new home, away from my real home, and further away from friends! I'm stuck around here, because I have to work 3 days a week, but I'd really like to spend the time back home in good ol' Poulsbo. Yes, I want to travel the world, and have great adventures. But I really don't think I'll ever be able to go away for too long, before I feel Liberty Bay and the Olympic mountains calling me back home:) I can't wait until this summer, when we have a good crowd of the old crew thundering around, kicking up a cloud of dust on the sunbaked Frisbee field of Raab Park!
Yesterday I spent most of the day with myself, ran some errands, and steam cleaned my room. I fell asleep at about 8:30, reading through an old favourite of mine by Thackeray, the history of Henry Esmond. It was almost a really lonely day, but fortunetely my brother woke me up as he came in the door from his night class. We ended up going for a late night run to Denny's, to celebrate the end of the quarter for both of us. I haven't had so much fun in a long time! We ate our second dinners, swilled down cup after cup of wonderfully strong, semi burnt coffee, and had a good brotherly chat late into the night. I really thank God for my bro! God always manages to see when our hearts are low, and provides a balm when we least expect (and most doubt) it.
Alright, I'm off to work, and then to Poulsbo for the weekend!

Hotel Rwanda

2005-03-15T22:35:00.000-08:00

Hey all, I just saw the movie this afternoon, wow, intense is all I can say. I knew about some of the atrocities comitted over there from one of my classes, and about the word game of terminology between "acts of genocide" as opposed to "genocide" which kept the U.N. from doing anything of real help. But visuals are always so powerful, and this was a real gut wrenching tear jerker. If you can sit through that movie without feeling awful and having your eyes at least water, I hope you don't know where I live, and I'm not turning my back on you for even a minute! You would probably sell your granny for a dime for the gumball machine. For the rest of you with hearts, this is a very moving picture, though not one to see for an uplifting experience. How can anyone commit such hideous acts against other human beings? The thought of anyone in the least bit of pain makes me feel terrible, how can human beings sing songs and cheer as they commit the machette mutilations of terrified innocent little kids? The world is sick with sin. Seeing things like Hotel Rwanda really makes my heart ache as a Christian. How can we see, and not act? And yet, the world is so big, how do you really make a change? And we get caught up in the little things... like the reporter says, we see it on the news, say it's horrible, and then go back to eating our dinner. Besides, some people have to be working day to day, as carpenters, lawyers, architects, teachers, and everything else, vital in creating the industry and strong nations like the U.S. that are actually capable of providing help! What does God want us to do? The problems just seem so immense, and we are so small. That, I guess, is where God comes in, and gives us guidance and direction. And thanks be for the beauty and good that does still exist in this world, or it might be too much to bear.
Welp, that's it for this one (holy cow I can ramble!) if you see the movie, let me know what you thought! (or even if you haven't)

What's your frequency Kenneth?

2005-03-15T13:10:00.000-08:00

The title means nothing, besides being a good song. As my first post, this should reflect the nature of the monster I intend to create! I was trying to decide if this should be a funny, meaningless blog, or a serious, intellectually stimulating one. Since I am neither of those two things, it will most likely be a failed attempt at both. I have been waiting to start a blog until finals were through....(FINALS ARE THROUGH!!) so here goes nothing, into the wild blue yonder. Stay close, things may get dangeresque!