Traaaaditiooooooon!

Traditions... every family has them: Some good, some bad, some intentional, some habitual. Nonetheless everyone has them, including my family.

The best Thanksgiving ever.
This year was the best thanksgiving ever. All the hard work that was put into decorating, baking, cooking and everything else that transformed my grandparent's house into the Thanksgiving feast I remember from my childhood. The whole family came over and we had turkey and all the fixings. This was without doubt the best thanksgiving ever. Great food, good conversation. Just taking an afternoon to enjoy family, and be thankful for everything we have, from health, to employment, to education and almost countless others. As I sat reflecting on the day's events, all the fine food and my extended family. I realized that this was not the best thanksgiving ever, not in the slightest. There is no one best thanksgiving. Thinking back to all the thanksgivings I've celebrated with my family... I've come to see that each one was and is the best thanksgiving, practicing the old traditions and incorporating the new ones.

The ghost of Christmas past.
I'm not sure when this tradition started, but this one's been around for a while too. Our family will collectively trek out to Glendale to the Glendale Central Theater to see a performance of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". It's a great production, very well done every year. Every year there's a new cast with exception of the actor portraying Ebeneezer Scrooge, who has been there for as long as I can remember.  Afterward we all go out to dinner, either in Glendale or once we've returned home. This time we went out to Lupe's Mexican Restaurant, one of the best local restaurants around, especially for quality Mexican food.


And that's the latest from this fiddler on the roof!

More Than A Feeling

Well, this week has been great! It's definitely more than a feeling!

My new job is fantastic, my boss is of Indian descent, and accordingly we drink tea at four every day!
 There's always something new every day: new customers, new orders, new tasks! I truly am blessed to have been hired at this humble Copy/Print shop!

School is progressing normally. Got some great grades in Art Appreciation the other day, not that that's saying much. But I'll take every "A" I can get. Math was cancelled Tuesday and Thursday, which was a nice bonus. On monday night, I registered for my classes next semester and I'm all signed up to take: Intro to Macro Econ, English Comp, Western Civ II, Statistics and last but not least Natural Disasters.

Sunday night,(12th) the youth group at church had an all nighter! we went to Sky High to bounce around on trampolines (in the process of which I terribly bruised the smallest toe on my right foot). We then invaded Denny's (the Loaded Chorizo Burrito is very tasty!) We returned to church to watch "MegaMind" which I found to be very entertaining after a few rounds of "silent chair ball". Most everyone had fallen asleep by 2:30 ish when the film concluded. Those of us still remaining awake played Yahtzee. I tossed in the towel and got some sleep at 04:00.

On Saturday night (11th) I had the great good fortune of seeing Mumford & Sons Live at the Hollywood Bowl with some dear friends! It was cold as Valley Forge, but the entire bowl was belting out every song at the top of our lungs! it was so so great!

On Friday night (the 10th), I slept over at my friend Mikey R.'s house. Its funny, he and I have lived in practically the same neighborhood our entire lives, and even went to the same elementary school! He's been a great friend to me this semester!

That's the Latest and Greatest!

Feeling The Change Of The Guard

Amazing, the first full week of November has already come and past.

This week was good, all in all. I had my last day at the Mall on Friday the 2nd. I'm so glad to be out of there. Not that I don't value the friends I've made and the experience gained but it was definitely high time for me to move on. The 3rd found me and Luke in Lancaster painting for the R. family, which was good fun! Luke and I both bought straight razors this week and I just used mine for the first time this morning.
I started at my new job on Wednesday, which was fantastic! Not only is my new boss a nice guy, but easy to get along with and we have a similar sense of humor which makes work very enjoyable! I really look forward to work next week!
Last thursday, by random chance I met a fellow Political Science major at school and we got into talking about graduating and transferring to other schools. He mentioned University of California Davis (UC Davis), which I had previously never considered. I failed to realize that UC Davis and California State University Sacramento (CSUS) were so close to each other. Cal State Sac had been my hypothetical first choice. As it stands I am scheduled to return to Switzerland in May of 2013 to complete my 5 months of boot camp and basic training. The plan so far thereafter consisted of me attending the University of Zurich for three years and achieving my Bachelors degree in Political Science. UC Davis on the other hand offers a Bachelors program in International Relations. University in Europe would be cheaper however.... Current plan, write a book that pays for University!

Rocktober Fest

The title of this post is a synthesis of two of my favorite things, Rock n Roll, and Beer!
Also a not so subtle reference to my favorite Radio station.
In any case October was just as busy as September.

-There was an interesting bout of friend drama, which I'm not so sure is entirely resolved.
-Made some more progress with the world-building.
-I wrote a poem: A Voyage Darkly
-I had to serve jury duty, which is just about the most pointless and mind-numbing experience I have ever had to endure.
-I got more of my future planned out, specifically what classes I still need to take to graduate with my associates degree in May.
-Started a daily Music Blog: The Eagle's Music
-Made new friends at school (side not:, I love the friends I have there, couldn't say why, maybe its the sensation of "communitas" we have due to a common experience, e.g. Community College)
-Heard for the first time the fantastic song "Whisper" by Rhyal Knight and Siler Thomas Head.
-Put in my two weeks notice at the Mall (where I work)
-Finally having the sensation of having some influence over the direction my life is going (which stems more from having to deal with an inordinate number of extraneous circumstances and influences over a prolonged period of time)
-Getting some of the best grades in my entire academic career


In other news, I can recommend:
-the TV shows: "Hell on Wheels", "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "Last Resort"
-The Book: "City of Thieves" (David Benioff)
I also read "Something Wicked This Way Comes" (Bradbury) it was alright, hard to get into, though I attribute most of that to not being familiar with Bradbury's style.

Wake Me Up When September Ends

AH! The end of August and all of September seemed to have flown by at break neck speed.

In September:
-I got all of my classes and school stuff squared away. I'm taking 18 units at the local Community College, working towards my Associate's Degree.
-I celebrated my 20th Birthday.
-We (the whole family) celebrated one of my uncle's 50th Birthday.
-I designed a tattoo I might get.
-I head some progress world-building for the book series I'm working on writing
-I met Brendan Constantine and heard him speak
-I read one of my short stories for the first time to an audience at an Open Mic event
-We got a new manager at work
-I'm not getting promoted after all...
-I rediscovered my love for the public Library

I think that mostly sums up all the important bits...

Getting the Heck out of Dodge

After spending the night at Kathleen's. We got breakfast together in the early morning light. It was calm. There was an unfamiliar tranquility in the air. It was nice to just sit and muse about time long gone and the impending future. In my musings it occurred to me how much I value her friendship and hospitality. After we had both finished our breakfast, we said our goodbyes and parted ways.

From Temecula I made my way north. Up I-15 till old 395. My constant companion 95.5 KLOS (Southern California's Best Rock) around the middle of Inyo County the signal strength of my favorite radio station finally gave out and I then was entertained by the other great work of George Orwell: 1984

I arrived at the house of my friend Heidi K and her family! How blessed I was by their hospitality the 5 days I spent there. We laughed, played cards, sang, danced and just hung out! My words can only describe a quantum of my gratitude as well as how good it was for my soul and psyche to have a change of scenery and be among friends. Of friends I might add, I made a few new ones.

I returned on Wednesday, the 15th of August... School begins the 16th...

5 and Forever

Summer school was finally finished! What remained before me were the last vestiges of summer. Exactly a week of unadulterated, unencumbered, unparalleled free time.

Friday the 10th of August. What excitement, what endless possibility awaited me as I left my house and made my way south to Temecula. I do enjoy driving quite a deal, especially when able to listen to quality stories or music. In this case I was accompanied by the expolits of Napoleon, Snowball and all the other inhabitants of Animal Farm. The story is an amzing one, well told and very relevant especially considering it is an analysis and retelling of the rise of russian revolution and the Soviet Union. The Old Major is Karl Marx, Snowball is Vladimir Lenin and Napoleon is Josef Stalin.

By mid afternoon I arrived at the residence of Kathleen D. It was good to see her again and catch up. In the evening we went to the house of Christina L. for one final GBTV party before many of us go our separate ways off to College. Mrs. L out did her self yet again with another delicious dinner. We laughed and sang and played games. There was a over all "Avengers" theme. What can I say, some people really really loved the movie. (For the record, I find Tony Stark supreme). It was good to see and talk to all my GBT friends whom I havent seen since the Fling. For now though we go forth to all points of the compass, to college, to work, toward the next great chapter, to glory. I will miss them all. This 5 year marathon we have endured, the friendships and bonds of brotherhood forged, will forever hold a special place in my heart and soul.

"Surely the bravest are those, who see clearly what lies before them, Glory or Danger alike, and yet notwithstanding go forth to meet it." (Thucydides)

When the Saints go Marching In

On July 15th the Lord took a dear friend of mine home. Dr. Lyle V. Sladek was born in October of 1923 in South Dakota. He led a fruitful and productive life. The best part of his life as a boy and young man was documented and recorded by his youngest daughter in the book: "Lucky Stars and Gold Bars" which I highly recommend. It shows a different side of WWII, from the perspective of a young cryptologist, all collected form the various letters he wrote home during his service.

I had the great opportunity to get to know Lyle this past year as we attended the same church though I had first met him may years ago in my early youth, when I was given his book for my birthday and I had him sign it. Of all the countries he visited, Lyle said he loved Switzerland most.

On August 4th his family and friends gathered at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church to remember and celebrate Lyle's life. As we gathered in the sanctuary, the tones of "Ave Maria" and "America the Beautiful" filled the warm summer air. The last of the mourners trickled in and Pastor Frank began the service.

The Congregation then sang "How Great Thou Art", a hymn which reflects a simple yet wonderful trait that Lyle had, namely a straight-forward fascination with everything on God's great earth. After we had finished singing, Lisa M, one of Lyle's niece's read an excerpt from C.W. Leadbeater's "To Those Who Mourn". Thereafter the congregation gave thanks for Lyle's baptism in the Body of Christ in accordance with Lutheran Liturgy.

Jim W, a tenor in the choir and quite an accomplished soloist sang an adaptation of the 23rd Psalm, which incidentally is one of my favorite and could not have been more fitting. As Jim's words echoed out through the church, Pastor read out the 13th Chapter of Corinthians, reminding us all of the Nature of Love.

All in attendance Sang "Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound" and we read John 14:1-6. Now the time had come to share their remembrances and reflections on Lyle's life. Dr. Allen Leland, Lyle's four daughters and one of his son-in-laws shared, all of which gave testimony to a different aspect of Lyle's character and wit. There were tears of joy and laughter of fond remembrance throughout

As the final songs were sung, the Lord's prayer prayed by all, two US Army Officers presented to Pat, Lyle's wife, the star spangled banner. They then asked all members of the Armed Forces, past and present to salute as Taps was played out upon the bugle. The rest of us put our hands over our hearts.

The last song sung by the whole body present was "When the Saints go Marching In", which Pat and Lyle had heard at Joyous Funeral Processional in the Bahamas. With a tear in my eye I bade farewell to my dear friend.

May God keep in eternal tender care

 this life which we shall hold in blessed memory.

Dogs Days of Southern California

The month of July was quite an eclectic one. Summer school progressed well. French was a breeze as expected, almost painfully so. It was quite a test of endurance day in and day out to survive terrible accents, the over exuberance of the teacher and all around disdain for summer school. Having friends is a great thing though, and makes the whole experience quite a bit more bearable. American Government and Politics was really quite intriguing and has inspired me to write a series of editorials in the autumn concerning the basic foundations of the American political system.


Shortly after returning home from the Fling I had the opportunity to spend an evening with a long lost friend. Matthew S. and I attended the same Spanish class before I moved to Switzerland and he and his family moved up to Washington. We got some Mongolian Barbeque (which he had never had before) and then went long boarding in my old neighborhood. We finished off the evening with chocolate shake from In N Out. It was good to catch up with him and just being able to hang out and skate.


Through out the course of July Matt W and Luke H frequented my back patio in evenings of discussion and comradery. Matt and I have begun to make a habit of buying those delicious hand-rolled cigars from one of the Local tobacco shops, returning to the patio and discussing all manner of topics from faith and religion to politics and society as far as women and relationships, all amidst the silky veils of that fine tobacco.  We then have also added to our tradition a stop at In N Out to finish off the night. A most memorable moment the first time we all gathered there, having ordered and received our food we sat down. Matt, having examined the bounty that lay before for him, promptly exclaimed: "I can't believe $9.22 can get you so much food!"


Around the end of the month I was afforded the opportunity to aid a friend in moving. Don J and his family (who I know from church and working at the Mall) moved cross country. Don had given me some labor in January before I was formally employed, and I figured I owe him the favor as well as applying the principles or reciprocity and neighborliness. I gained from this labor, much like one of the Labors of Hercules, a pair of nice Aviator shades


The month was not all good though. Lyle Sladek, a World War II veteran, Math genius and a few other things besides, passed away. I first met him at a young age, during the hay day of my fascination with the Second World War. His daughter wrote a book, "Lucky Stars and Gold Bars" about his experiences leading up to and during his service as a US Army cryptologist in the Pacific and European theaters of the war.


I also got to visit Chloe R and her family out in Lancaster in an attempt to help them renovate a house that they own there. The day and a half spent there was well worth it and very much enjoyable.


I believe that covers the best part of my July. Ah I almost quite forgot! I was able to spend copious amounts of time watching television series of all manner in July. Breaking Bad, first and foremost of which was and still is really very well done, very dramatic, rather graphic and very very intense. The Big Bang Theory is very funny, though the bulk of the scientifically humorous jokes are to be found in the first two seasons. Tim Allen's Last Man Standing is a good natured, well rounded family Sitcom in which Tim is the face of "Outdoor Man" a fictional outdoor gear shop. He is married, and has three daughters. It is very reminiscent of "Home Improvement" but is more focused on his family and their interactions with each other and the rest of the world. Lastly I had begun watching "Falling Skies" a post apocalyptic drama follwing a group of rebel survivors after an alien race has invaded the planet, killed 90% of the population and begun "harnassing" children and teenagers, and using the harnassed kids to do their bidding. All around well executed and a Sci Fi show one can really get immersed in. That then encompasses my "Dog Days" of summer!

The Fantastic Finale (Part 5)

Saturday June 23rd, we all arrived bleary eyed and terribly tired, bright and early to listen to the last three papers. It began with Ms Allison H and her exploration of Life and Death. Next was Ms Teal S and her Divine Drama. Lastly, was Ms Abigail J's The Journey which described as a whole the experiences, life and times of a GBT student, following his/her journey through the wonderful world of the Great Books, one year at a time.

Lunch again, a plentiful feast of a potluck. And for one last time I was able to cut my way through the line on account of the theatrical production that was to be performed later in the evening. We did a complete run through of the play and thankfully I had 95% of my lines down cold. It was great fun being able to a part of this great production.

After play practice was choir practice, thereafter was the Recital and Choir Performance. I however was in no mood, mind nor state to attend this performances though by all accounts the were quite delightful and well executed. I caught some much needed sleep and then returned to the Great Hall to prepare for the play. The picture from the previous night were laid out on tables in the hall and thus began the tradition of having everyone signing each others pictures and leaving notes and memories form the past 4 epic days.

Rector in the Play

This particular piece of theater was penned by Alyssa and Ashley C, and Annabel C (The first two are sisters, all three are classmates). It is entitled "A Shadowing" and tells the story of a village in which the church has recently been burned to the ground. All of the key figures and inhabitants of the village are meant to represent certain characters and authors within/of the Great Books. I had the high honor to portray "Mr. Wizard" who was really the Rector of the parish church in disguise. He was the catalyst in the search for the arsonist "Flesyth Wonk". The Rector though is based of Blaise Pascal, French Mathematician and Philosopher. The play was great fun and performed well, without any major calamity (that is, as far as I know). The three authors then took questions from the crowd.

Top of Lid

When all was said and done, the moment we had all been anticipating. Our graduation. Mr H read then a blessing from the book of Proverbs and then prayed for us. As is ETS tradition we were bestowed with a token of our achievement, a round box. Carved in the lid is a geometric pattern of particular beauty. On the inside of the lid 4 words are engraved: "Love, Mercy, Truth, Justice". Love and Justice are on opposite sides as are Love and Truth, which is a reflection of the nature of the 2 pairs. Within the box itself is a half moon shaped extra storage area with two compartments. The bottom of the box is engraved with "GBT V 2012". In the middle is a small brass plaque bearing the ETS logo. Comic relief was provided when at a loss of words and struck with emotion Mr. H said simply: "Its tradition to give the graduating V-ers a box. So.... here's a box, we've never quite figured out what you should or could do with it, but here it is" Mr H then congratulated each one of us down the line, and gave us each a box. Just when he thought the emotional part was done, we bade Mr H. wait as we had some gifts for him. Mr C (Ashley and Alyssa's father) had a big brass circle made. I also was of a geometric figure spotted by both Mr H. and Mr. C in Italy two years ago. On the lines of the figure are engraved our favorite quotes from each year of GBT I through V. Christina L. had also organized a book in which all of us V-ers who wanted to could write a letter or make a collage of our GBT experience to give to Mr. H. Mr. H was awestruck, at a loss for words and teary eyed. With this we ended the evening and the Fling with a final bout of song including the Marines hymn, the National Anthem, and Mozart's "Dies Irae" (a personal favorite). We then milled about, said our good-byes and went on our separate ways.

Lid and inside of Box

 There had been previously some talk of going to the local In N Out, which we promptly did, well that is, Brandon P. and I met up with Cassie A., Danny I. and Teal S. waiting for some others to arrive. They took their time in coming which gave me an excellent opportunity to get to know Brandon better. We finally parted ways and I returned to the Welk Resort thoroughly exhausted.

Me and Mr H

The Penultimate Paean (Part 4)

Friday morning heralded an air of excitement that is second to none at the fling, for Friday is the day of the Great Ball. The morning was like the rest with paper presentations beginning with Ms Alyssa C. and her captivating narrative "The Altar". Next up was Ms Cassie A. and her persuasive paper "Putting Christ Back on the Throne". Finally was Ms Anne W. and her paper "The Extremity of Good".
    Midday signified lunch as it always had, and yet again us play people were called center stage to practice practice practice. During all these rehearsals I got to know Reed B better. He and I had two critical scenes together. Reed is a III-er and quite the accomplished Hipster. It is truly a pleasure to number him among my friends. The part he portrayed is that of a young, idealistic Architect who envisions creating a new, flawless mode of architecture. My part is that of the Rector of the village parish who knows more then he lets on.
   After play practice was a free afternoon in which I retired to the Welk resort and took a much needed and very relaxing swim, and then got ready for the moment everyone had been waiting for, the great ball.
    First though, was the family and student photo session, in which each family and each student received a photo of themselves all dressed up nice and neat.

Fling picture 2012

    Before the dance all the family's were obliged to introduce themselves. The Dance began as it always does (these things are deeply rooted in a longstanding tradition) with the Grand March. Music is provided by on hand talent form the student body as well as much of the Host's family. I had the pleasure of dancing with Rachelle, with was great fun and full of laughter.
Next was my favorite, the Virginia Reel, followed by the Saint Andrews Cross Reel. At this point I made my way to the patio to take a break as I felt disinclined to participate the Postee's jig or the Greek dancing, not that my terpsichorean abilities are in need of improvement nor am I incapable of dancing either, I felt no desire to do so. There were many other dances as the night progressed including the Waltz and Swing. At 22:00 the official part of the evening drew to a close, but the night was far from over.

Wesley and I

   By around 22:30 everyone had assembled at the local Denny's. Yes, this is the infamous post Ball Denny's invasion. If our Host Mr. H actually knew just how many of us go to Denny's, he'd be quite shocked to say the least. It was great fun as the exhaustion of the past 3 days came to a head. Breakfast food at midnight really is the best way to go! I don' think anyone got to bed before 01:00.
'Twas a night to be remembered!

The Captivating Continuation (Part 3)

Arriving fashionably late seems to be my Modus Operandi. In the morning we were all present and accounted for, all dressed in our Sunday best, if not better. We are after all GBT V-ers and must not only set an example to those poor III-ers and I-ers but also as a show of respect and support for each other as we faced this final trial, one-by-one. First up was Ms Christina L, and her paper "Greatness in the Looking Glass". Next up, Ms Ashley C who explored "The Paradox of Lordship and Bondage". and the last paper of the morning was Ms Chloé R with her examination of "The Beautiful Soul".  All the papers were presented and defended well and by 12:00 we were all quite ready for lunch.
    Again the theater people had a get food first pass, though I had left my all important Greek card in my vest which was at the time slung over a chair in my bedroom. I had however befriended many of the "Greek Checkers" who were to check one's Greek skills before one could eat. The food, which was a potluck every day was always fantastic. Having persuaded one of the Greek checkers to let me through so I might eat before play practice began, I piled my plate high with all manner of deliciousness and proceeded to the front of the hall where the practices were held. Mrs H, (with whom Wesley was staying) was directing the play and has a lot of experience in the theater arts. After a two hour play practice, I must confess I still hadn't had my lines down completely. Nevertheless play practice went well and I really love the part I was to portray.
     After play practice various GBT Alumni presented what they had been doing academically and other wise since graduating GBT, and how GBT has shaped their lives in the "real world". All the presentations were interesting. I can't wait to see where all of my Graduating class winds up, call me an Idealist, but I feel we'll all go far, I see such great potential.
    We then sang and contemplated gratitude for the best part of an hour until 15:30 arrived when the legendary Septathalon was at hand. All the men then assembled on one side of the driveway while the women arranged themselves from youngest to oldest and beginning with the youngest had their choice of male partner for the up coming games. Now I had the fortune of making ms Hannah B's acquaintance back in April at the Full Moon Dance. We had since caught up within the past few days or so and I had the conspicuous honor of being her companion during the up coming herculean challenges. There was a medley of  activities from Soccer to Speed Chess, Interpretive Dancing to Croquet. After an exhausting hour and a half, we came to the end of the games. due to the way the points were added and subtracted based on performance, Ms Hannah and I ended up with only one point, though there were many other groups that were many a point into the negative. Wesley in fact one with some 56 odd points.

Wesley and I being picked for the Septathlon

    After dinner at the local Chipotle, we watched and discussed the Italian dramedy (dramatic comedy) "La Vita E Bella" (Life Is Beautiful). During this time I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Ms Rachelle K, a GBT III-er who shares much of the same sense of humor as I.
After the film Wesley and I went back to our lodgings.
    Yet another wholly successful and wholly exhausting day of fun and fellowship.

The Beautiful Beginning (Part 2)

The official first day of the Fling. There was the buzz of excitement in the air. By 09:00 one was supposed to have registered and received a Greek card with ones name on it! Mr. H then gave all in attendance a full run down of the rules and regulations to be upheld during the Fling. Next was the traditional walk around the property to clearly demonstrate the boundaries. Lastly Mr. H presented his prowess as a model plane pilot by promptly crashing the model Cessna after a failed Loop-De-Loop.
    Ms Jessie S I met about two and half years ago in Italy. Its been a great pleasure and honor getting to know her since and be able to be numbered among her friends. She presented her final paper at 11:00. It was entitled "When There Is No Answer". She did a marvelous job in presenting as well as defending the topic she chose.
    Midday marked lunch break for us all. Before anyone can eat, we were required to say one of the Greek phrases on the card given to us earlier. I however had volunteered to be a part of the annual play. The Thesbians were given carte-blanche that we might prepare ourselves and eat in a timely manner so that we could get as much practicing in in the 2 hours allotted to us to do so. After Lunch was the official baking contest in which Kathleen D. entered an "Eye of Sauron" cake, despite her valiant efforts and impressive design skills which rival those of Peeta Mellark, she was awarded no place (*ding*).
    Though Academia is a key part of the Fling so too is Song. From 14:00 to 15:00 we tuned our voices to that of the old piano and sang from the likes of Mozart, Handel, Vivaldi and Bach. We then returned to the world of academia in the "Informal Debate". The topic: "Whether or not Creon's actions regarding the body of Polynices were wholly unjust and indicative of the tyrannical abuse of his office". (As recorded in the Theban play "Antigone" by Sophocles). As V-ers we were to act as jury as both sides of the argument were pleaded by the I-ers and III-ers. This topic has however in my opinion been thoroughly exhausted by generations previous to us, and made the whole ordeal a labor of love. I personally felt, as did many others that the Con side of the argument (that Creon's actions were not wholly unjust nor indicative of tyrannical abuse of his office) made the better presentation and points. After breaking the record for longest deliberating jury we finally came to a semi concise consensus in the interest of time and other plans.
    The 18th of June is the birthday of one of the V-ers. Anne W., whom I also met in Italy, turned 18. We had planned for her a surprise party in a near by park. The surprise was a great success! We had pizza, lemonade and lemon cake. (Anne has a strange and inexplicable fixation on lemons)
    Finally we returned to the Hall to the dance practice in anticipation for the great Ball on Friday night. Dancing is also an integral part of the GBT Experience. My favorite dance remains the Virginia Reel! Wesley again was in need of a lift home which I afforded him free of charge. We ended up have a lengthy and rather deep discussion till the early morning. Exhausted I returned to my family and fell into bed.

Das Flingen (Part 1)

Tuesday the 19th of June.... well first off, a lot of important events seem to happen on Tuesdays, this one notwithstanding. Tuesday morning we all got up and made sure we had everything packed. I had planned on going to French class but thought better of it. My father and I then proceeded to drive down to the Welk Resort in Escondido. It was good to have some one on one time with him. We got checked in and began to unpack. My mother was to follow us a half hour later , and yet after having been in the room for almost an hour no sign off my mother. After some minor confusion we met at one of the restaurants on the property, to find my mother had brought my grandparents down too!
    Ah! I almost quite forgot to describe the occasion which warrants our travels. The 19th through 23rd of June was the ETS Spring Fling (though June is summer if you ask me). ETS (Escondido Tutorial Service) is the over arching "incorporation" through which I have studied the Great Books (GBT) these past 7 odd years. As a 5th year student (I took a 2 year break in between years II and III), we are required to write, present and defend our final 2 papers. The first of which I presented in January. I wrote on the nature of governments and a brief history of western government. My most recent paper was a case for history, why studying history is important.
     After a brief lunch, I returned to the room and took a much needed shower and began to "suit up" as I was scheduled to present and defend at 16:00. As a side note, no matter how much I enjoy wearing naught but cargo shorts and graphic tees, I do love dressing up nice and proper.
    At 14:15 I arrived at the great hall where the presentations take place. Now at 14:00 my dear friend Wesley N began his presentation on "The Means to Believe". Wesley and I have been friends for a little over 2.5 years now and see eye to eye on many a thing. In any case he had expressed to me a certain uncertainty and nervousness about presenting his paper before so many people and his peers. I then and there promised him I would be there for his presentation, a plant in the audience per se.
   At 15:00 everyone moved from the Hall to the lawn outside. Miss Jenny R then presented quite a moving and confident presentation entitled "Confident in Christ". As Jenny defended her paper, I went to the parking lot and my car to get my suit jacket and go over my paper one last time. Finally H-hour had arrived, as had my parents and grand-parents. My presentation went well, though I am positive I spoke too fast at some areas. I then was subject to the questions of my professor and all those present. All went well though and it was over before I knew it.

Defending my paper

    Next on the docket was the GBT V Graduation picture in which we all brought with us an item that represented to an extent our lives outside of GBT, though my item of choice would have been a Guinness bottle, it was wholly unsuited for the occasion. The next best solution was my Robert August Longboard. After much hemming, hawing and posing the pictures were finally taken and we made our way back into the hall which had been set up for the GBT V graduation feast. We were served by the GBT III-ers and I-ers. Dinner was exquisite and the five course meal was not only tasty be quite healthy was well. It began with Appetizers. The normal fare to be found at most dinners of this sort, namely "Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Cherries and Rosemary", "Assorted Cheeses" and "Handcrafted Rosemary Crackers". The Salad was a refreshing "Mixed Greens with Fresh Blueberries, Feta, Praline Pecans, Mint and Balsamic Vinaigrette". The Main Course blew us away. It consisted of "Sautéed Vegetables locally grown", "Potatoes with Pesto" and the Pièce de la Résistance: "Burgundy-Pepper Tri-Tip". The Palette Cleanser was a delicious "Blackberry Sorbet" that hinted vaguely at a red wine. Dessert consist of Tiramisu adorned with frozen dark chocolate "V" (Roman Numeral 5) and Coffee. (No matter how often I try it, I still can't seem to appreciate or enjoy the taste of coffee) While we dined there were speeches, quotes and gifts given. Memories were forged as we approached the beginning of the end of this great marathon we had all ran and finished together. After this fantastic feast we returned to the lawn and sat around a fire to fill the night air with music and friendly debate.

Myself and Mr H, my professor

     At 22:00 when we were encouraged to leave the premises, Wesley was in need of a ride, as he hails from NorCal, and was staying with the H family (not Mr H as seen above), who coincidentally live off the same freeway exit as the Welk Resort. We decided to seize the moment and make a brief stop off at the local In N Out. Shakes and burgers in hand we sat down at a booth and talked about life the universe and everything. That day, was the first time we had met each other in person and we had much to discuss. As we drove to his lodgings we wound up just sitting in the drive way entrenched in conversation until the early morning. All in All a great first day!

"...And I'll Die with a Hammer in my Hand"

Friday the 13th of June, lucky or unlucky as some seem to believe, was neither of these for me. I was afforded the opportunity to drive out to Lancaster to help with the remodeling of a house. Now I have recounted of Chloe R and her family before. It was the R family that afforded me this opportunity. I know not in what manner or fashion that the R's had acquired the quaint green abode in Lancaster, they have however for two and half years now made it their labor to refurbish and remodel this dwelling.
   Mr R was busy beneath the floors  rewiring much of the circuitry. Mrs R was occupied repainting and refurbishing cabinets doors and the like. That left Chloe and I to her room which was in desperate need of some demolition work. With sledgehammer in hand, I went to work. I removed two whole cabinet fixtures and a built in counter installation.
    Work went quickly, despite the heat that is to be expected with being in the Antelope Valley. After a 1.5 break for lunch and a power nap, we began to tear out the dry wall and insulation as well as continue to clear the floor of residual tile. After a shower the R's invited me out to the movies to see the new "Amazing Spiderman". I enjoyed the film, though I had had some doubts and prejudices going in as I had heard mixed reports. Andrew Garfield does a good job of portraying Peter Parker and the Spiderman origin story. He will, I feel, bring an interesting dynamic to the Avengers, (provided that is the route they plan on taking) I anticipate the next installment as there clearly will be another one given various elements in the movie and the Easter egg half way through the credits at the end. We then did some shopping, got dinner, went home, ate and were off to bed in a jiffy. I slept poorly much of he night as my hands and arms were quite sore from the demolition all that day.
    In the morning we ate breakfast and worked some more. At 12 we stopped for lunch. I packed up all my gear and made my way back to my beloved home.

All in all I had a great time being a part of this grand project and having lovely conversations and time spent with the lovely R family.

Chloe and I after work

"Well John Henry said to the captain,
Oh a man ain't nothin' but a man
'Fore I'd let your steam drill beat me down,
I'd die with my hammer in my hand"

Carry on my Wayward son...

Tuesday, the 12th of June my parents flew in from Switzerland to come visit. As previously mentioned I haven't seen my parents since Christmas, and having not seen them developed a mode of homesickness. I greatly enjoyed seeing them again, especially my father. The first week there after was spent in seeing people and friends and going out to eat. I find a lack of words to describe the euphoria and nostalgia of being in my hometown with my parents for the first time in nearly 4 years. Its quite an unusual sensation, a cold yet comforting chill that originates at the base of the spine and ripples out across your entire body. My father and I share a love for beers of all way shapes and forms.

We went on Sunday the 17th to the Ladyface Brasserie, a local craft brewery and restaurant. Picture City Porter for my self and the Chesebro IPA for Papa. He then hate the Fish N Chips whereas I partook of the Ladyface Burger. If you the reader, (and I realize it is poor form to address the reader directly, but bare with me), should ever find yourself in the vicinity of the Ladyface, it is well worth the visit. It is a pinnacle of culinary goodness in the area sporting many craft beers and local wines. Aside from the normal set up of tables and things, the restaurant is home to a large community table, situated in the middle of the main room where perfect strangers can sit down and eat lunch with each other, swaps stories and discuss thoughts, tastes and all manner of other topics. During our lunch I noticed a man who had just walked in with his family and was waiting to be seated. the shirt he was wearing bore the name and several insignie from a book I read last summer, shortly after arriving in California. Upon questioning it turns out that in about a years time, the movie "Ender's Game" will be released for general viewing to the public. With a star studded cast I greatly anticipate the film version of one of the greatest Sci-Fi books I have ever read.

Summer school began for me on the 18th. I am taking Elementary French 1 and American Government and Politics. French is in a word, a joke, after having had 5 years of French in Swizterland, however, the group of people there seem good and the teacher, despite her quirks seems to like me, maybe its just my comparatively impeccable pronunciation. American Pol. & Gov't seems easy enough. Having completed my first day of summer school, I was all set to go forth to the victory mile of a 5 year marathon.