Cigars, Karate and Confirmation of Faith

After a turbulent week of sickness, Math tests and challenges to my faith, I was able to enjoy a relaxing and most beneficial of weekends. Saturday morning heralded sleeping in and the second day in a new morning bible reading routine. Then at around 11, Matt W. who's birthday it was, came over and we made our way to the Olde Oaks Tobacco Shop to purchase some fine cigars in celebration of his legalization. While en route though we found ourselves short on gas, and having just passed a gas station, the decision was made to turn around. Now, we came to this realization at a red light vis-a-vis from one of the local community centers where in the days of my youth I had passed many a happy hour practicing the art of karate under the teaching of Sensei Gil.
   I had Matt let me out and arranged for him to pick me back up when he had finished filling up the car. I went to the Dojo to gain audience with my old Sensei. He was surprised to see me and we briefly caught up as I told an extremely brief summary of my time living in Switzerland until now. We exchanged email addresses as he needed to return to class and I to Matt and our mission.
   The tobacco store is located on one of the central boulevards and is a quaint little place with an adjacent smoking lounge. Matt and I stepped into the medium sized back room which doubled as a humidor. As he closed the door behind him we both inhaled deeply, the rich moist smell of dried tobacco filling our lungs. It is an aroma we both greatly enjoy. We beheld the awe inspiring room before us. Three walls of cigars of different makes, shapes, brands and colors. In the center of the room is an island comprised of a rollers desk and all the associated paraphernalia as well as a box in the center with around 10 different varieties of hand rolled no label cigars. The "Enigma" series, hand rolled in store and our local specialty. After much ado, we finally decided on "Anomaly" and made our way back to my house to have the best cigar I have had in the past year. So we were sat there, catching up making jokes and listening to righteous rock, most of which a blast from the past.
   The rest of Saturday was spent filling out job applications and the truest sense of the term R&R. Sunday bade warmly and the sun shone brightly through the cloudless sky. The choir performed "God be in my head" in accordance with the First Sunday in the Season of Lent. The most important event for me that iridescent Sunday morn, was witnessing the Confirmation of Faith of my cousin Sarah, who has attended by all accounts a grand total of 5 years of confirmation classes. It was endearing and invigorating to hear her testimony of Faith in Jesus Christ, our shared Lord and Savior. Her confirmation also served as a symbolic re-affirmation of what I believe, as I had been tested and prodded by various sources throughout the past few weeks. I find myself assured and even reassured in my convictions, overjoyed and blessed by the family of believers I have always had around me here, and hopeful in the Great Good Grace that is the sacrifice and resurrection of the one the oldest believers called Sovereign Lord.

V for Valentine

The weekend past was a good one. Friday began with a job interview at a Local Gelateria, which went well, I feel. The evening was spent making a stylistic improvement to the deck tape of one of my Longboards to the great sound of "Southern California's Best Rock".

Stylistic Improvement

    Saturday heralded a day of rest and relaxation. One of my cousins had a home basketball game and I went to cheer her on. Saturday evening was absolutely fantastic and by far one of my fondest memories of recent history. I received on that evening two chocolate hearts in lieu of Valentines Day.

The Sector9 "Luke"

"Chocolate Bock", "Black & Brew", Hearts and Card

    Sunday I sang in choir. We sang "Healer of our every Ill" in accordance with the service of healing in the Lutheran liturgy. Ron B, the bass who stands next to me, presented me with a gift as well. He and I have connected in our mutual love for water infused with hops, yeast and other herbs and spices. He has a lover for the porter while I am a Stout man myself. Samuel Adams (the patriot and brewer) has a special group of seasonal brews that are only temporarily sold, Ron, in discussing the qualities of fine brews, mentioned these and promptly went out and bought me the two he thought I would be most interested in. Much to my delight!

    Monday was just another Monday and in the evening during my arduously long typography class, I put the finishing touches on two of my projects, one of which was for valentines day. Which was only a few hours away.

    Tuesday was a long yet good day. Robert August II and I made our way around campus expediently with great style and ease. After laying to rest a forbidding essay about the styles and differences between the American and British political systems and breezing through my algebra homework I made my way home, but what really clinched the day was the Jamba Juice gift card received from my Grandmother for the occasion of the day. I am left grateful for the blessed life I lead, rich with great friends and many a gift.

Valentine's Project for Typography

Dooing da rite Fing!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Come one, come all and allow me to regale unto ye the events that transpired Saturday last! It was a most delightful evening that transpired in a manner far better than I could have ever hoped! My dear friends the Sisters L. had spent Friday and Saturday at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, as Christina (the elder of the twain) is a nominee for the prestigious Monroe Scholarship there. To my great fortune and delight their path of return to their native home lay directly through my hometown. We arranged a meeting for dinner. At 7:30 we met at the arranged point, in front of the Cheesecake factory in the Mall. It was an immense honor and joy to see Christina and Hannah again. I also had the great privilege for getting to know Mrs. L. Due to a certain normal level of indecision, I decided that we would partake of the Mongolian Barbeque as they had all never had it. Mrs. L opted for something else on account of her food allergies, unfortunately what she actually ate has slipped my memory. The evening was fraught with inside jokes ranging from Chinese accents to "tebowing", from over sized Sombreros to agnosticism.
The food was enjoyed by all and was an experience enjoyed, that is to have a minute dish laden to overflowing with meat, vegetables and other delights cooked before you on a Mongolian grill and then consumed by chop sticks!
We parted ways shortly after 9:00. But oh the memories made on that evening. It is a point in time that I will always remember for as long as I live. The endorphins and adrenaline were coursing through my veins which resulted in a euphoric high that abated sometime the next day. All in all a most wonderful time, arguably the best I have had in quite some time and definitely did the right thing by making time in my oh so busy schedule to have dinner with two very dear friends of mine! I cannot wait to see them again!

From Left to Right: Hannah, Myself and Christina

The Upside of a Downward Spiral

"Where did I go wrong? I thought I'd lost a friend somewhere along in the bitterness"
Yesterday, being a monday, I dealt with the normal bout of unemployment blues and cabin fever as I generaly do on most mondays. I spent the best part of the day catching up on reading and writing until typography class at 6:00 pm. At around 1:30ish there was a knock on the door and finding myself alone, went to answer it. As I opened the door I caught a glimse of the mail lady as she sped off down the street to the next house in her funny little mail truck (It is to be understood that I think all the mail trucks look kinda funny). Before me, on the porch was a 13.5 by 12 by 3.5 inch box, one I had not expected. It came from Mammoth Lakes, in northern California. A friend with whom I had not spoken in a long time. Furthermore, though when we last talked it was on amiable terms, I felt that a certain distance had settled in, and perhaps a bitterness or resentment. However, this package relieved any fears or doubts I may or may not have had.
    As to the Contents of the box: First it is to be understood that they are of great sentimental value as well as nothing short of awesome. They were a long overdue Christmas present from last year (2010/11) and as previously mentioned, quite unanticipated. Inside the box was a bag of skittles, a home burned CD of our songs and a Wood burned image of Ireland and its 4 Proud Provinces!

   This package single handedly saved my day from the blues I was facing and turned the start of what could have been a depressingly routine week. However, as the week continues to progress, I am more and more convinced that it will continue to be less and less ordinary!

Superbowl Sunday 2012

Superbowl Sunday, the most celebrated of Sundays in the United States. Two teams face each other in an epic confrontation of strategy, man power and will to win. This years competitors, The New England Patriots and the New York Giants, but more on that later.
   Sunday mornings in the past always signified going to church, a practice which my family and myself abide by. As of last week, I am the newest member in the Senior Choir at the local Lutheran Church. This also requires me to be at church by 7:30 to warm up before service at 8:15. This Sunday was also the first Sunday I sang with the choir. Funnily enough we sang "On Eagles' Wings" by Michael Joncas. After the service I made my way to the Presbyterian church where my family had gone before moving to Switzerland. I generally attend youth group but this Sunday Nancy the nursery lady needed help so I came to her aid. After church there was to be an impromptu pick up game of Football among the younger guys from church. I quickly drove home, changed into my sports attire and returned to the sporting field. The teams were more or less evenly matched up and I had a great time (though I see my self as little more than a novice to the sport). On returning home, I cleaned up and was out the door again to my Aunt & Uncle's house to celebrate this monumental sporting event. There were Chips & Salsa, my grandma's layered dip (Cheese, re-fried beans, guacamole, sour cream-mayonnaise-taco seasoning-mix, diced tomato, grated cheese and chopped green onions) and many more snacks and beverages.  The Evening Meal was nothing short of a feast, there were homemade buffalo wings, Ribs and Brisket, Macaroni and cheese, Caesar Salad, Fruit Salad and a mildly spicy Barbeque Sauce!

Buffalo Wings, Brisket & Ribs, Deviled Eggs, Layered Dip and Macaroni & Cheese

    As for the Sporting Event, it was intensely followed by some, less so by others, but was great entertainment and a great game. I would like to add, that no matter how loud you yell at the television (whether in support or frustration) those on the other end still cannot hear you. Being rather indifferent to the world of Football I was more interested in the food and company than the game, though as my mother and grandparents lived in the Boston area, I am inclined to support the Patriots. After the game  all the guests left one by one, including my self, and by 8:30 I was home. It was a great evening well spent with family and friends.

C&C Friend Factory

This past week I had the opportunity to reconnect with two old friends of mine. First, Pastor Craig, the pastor of the Lutheran church my family attended during the best part of my childhood. Craig had baptized multiple members of my family and is a family friend. The circumstances of my  reconnecting Craig were tragic, as he was officiating a funeral of a mutual friend, back in November. Now, in January, we both had time to go out to lunch and catch up. There is an Islands Burger Restaurant across the street, so there we went and swapped stories of our lives. After having discussed a little bit of everything over lunch we then walked in and around the new church building that his congregation had recently bought and moved into. It was good to see hm again and catch up. More over it is entertaining to me to see where people wind up ten or more years down the road.
    On Saturday night, I went over to my friend Charlie M's house. Now, Charlie and I had been close friends in the early days of our youth until I circumstances moved me to Switzerland. We kept in touch as best we could the first few years, indeed he even came to visit the first summer after having left. But as things go, we grew up and our lives got more and more hectic and we lost contact. Now though being back in my native town, we've finally found the time to hang out and catch up. The evening was great fun and riddled with comic relief, accounts of days long gone and reminiscing, of Wii play and fine tobacco on the back patio. All in all, a great week.

Of Presentations, Theatres and Visionaries (Part 4)

I woke up but decided to stay in bed until 9:00. I got dressed and strolled into the kitchen to find Mr. and Mrs. C making yet another fine breakfast. As breakfast was being prepared, I presented my collection of my own thoughts of the past year, totaling 34, which we then in turn discussed. The order of the day, to attend Benjamin's Birthday Party. Benjamin is the oldest of Fritz's children and celebrated his 10th birthday this past Sunday. After Breakfast, which was more of a brunch by the time the whole affair was said and done, I packed up all my belongings. As the girls made themselves ready, we began watching "Amazing Grace", the Story of William Wilberforce, the Slavery Abolitionist during the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th Century. A film, which I very much enjoyed, though we only got through about 3/4 of it.
   We then left for Fritz's abode. Alyssa, Ashley and Chloé were to play a significant role in the birthday bash of young Benjamin. The party was in the style of a dress up murder mystery dinner party. Benjamin portrayed Tam MacFinster, a detective of sorts, his friends, family and us, an assembly of other related characters stretching from Col. Heinz Ketchup to Harold Aberthwaite (the butler, Fritz) to Lord and Lady Bernardo (Fritz's Parents who live near by). The Apex of the evening was the presentation of how Detective MacFinster solved the case of the missing Nunuval Diamond as well as the how the dessert for the evening had been stolen and the host of invitees then needed to question the rest of the guests that evening what they may or may not have seen or their alibis for a given time period. Unfortunately,  though to no surprise, the host of 10 year olds lacked the attention span and will power to effectively interrogate the guests, Christy (Ben's Mother) then, after an uninspired round of guessing who might have pilfered the sweet last course of dinner, told the tale of the missing dessert which was subsequently served. Shortly there after, the evening drew to an end as presents were opened and parents began to arrive to take their children home.
    As for me, I was the Photographer for the "Irish Times" (my favorite Dublin Newspaper I might add), I mustered my best Irish accent and took as many pictures as I could. Dinner that evening consisted of deep fried Fish and Chips which were very, especially with Vinegar and Tartar Sauce.
The evening was quite fun indeed and I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to better acquaint my self with Addison, a fellow GBTer and Fritz's nephew, who portrayed Captain Carlisle, a Gentleman Pirate of sorts. At the terminus of the gathering, Chloé, Mr. R and I creatively packed the back of Mr. R's Camry with all our things and made our way back up north towards where I had left my Camry. The trip was low key Up the 5 to the 101 through downtown L.A. Up through Orange and into Encino. We listened to a medley of my music ranging from 70's-80's rock to more modern music including Mumford & Sons. I was home safe and sound and snug in bed by 10:30. High on life and completely content with a most wonderfully of weekends spent.

Of Presentations, Theatres and Visionaries (Part 3)

 Throughout the next hours, waves of relief and joy swept over me. I had successfully presented and defended my paper before my peers. This sudden loss of burdening resulted in a euphoria that lasted the rest of the day and into the next. After Chloé finished her presentation and defence, (her paper was on whether God is in us, because we are of him, or not) we all went out to lunch at the local Chipotle (mexican fast food establishment), which was great fun, again this euphoria was present in us all. The feeling of community and comradery was at its finest. Accompanying us were some of the local GBT I and GBT III students, who had also sat in on the paper presentations. After a Carne Asada Burrito and a Strawberry Surfrider from Jamba Juice we made our way back to the Estate of our benevolent leader as many of our company needed to prepare for the upcoming Choir & Theatre Showcase.
    Those of us who were not actively participating in the choir rehearsals milled about the grounds, whiling away the early afternoon with conversation, banter and plenty a humourous remark. At 4:00 the Showcase began, and thus ensued 3 hours of sitting on the hard wood floor of the great hall. The choir performance as admirable, however to me it was the theatre troop that took the cake that afternoon and evening. With many well performed monolog from both Oliver Wilde and Shakespeare and a handful of other writers. The most inspiring of monologs came from one Reed B, who performed Henry's monolog before the Battle of Agincourt, from Shakespeare's Henry V. It was, in a word, and inspiring performance, inspiring not only to my generation of GBT student, but also, to the generation yet to come. After a brief intermezzo, the second act began. Portrayed was a play about the German Concentration Camp of Theresienstadt, Terezín, in Czech. It was presented from the view of jewish children in the city and their experiences until their final deportation to the furnaces and gas chambers of Auschwitz. It was performed well, though was rather lengthy for my taste, the hard wood floors didn't help in the slightest.
    It finished at 7:00, which was when the next performance was due to start. So after a 10 minute respite, the whole thing was done again. My attention span and hind however couldn't make it through yet another presentation. Instead I opted to hang out with all of the cast of the theatre who weren't performing during the first half. We had a splendid time as this sense of euphoria and good humour reached its peak as weariness too began to take its toll. There are few words that would do justice to the great grande time I had that evening with many a new friend and reacquainting with old. As the second half began, I was instructed to play the minute part of a Red Cross Medic, which brought some excitement and variety to the affair. This glamourous evening reached its end at around 10:30, though it was 11:00 by the time we said our last good byes for the night and 11:30 by the time we arrived home. A burger, a glass of OJ and Bed!

Of Presentations, Theatres and Visionaries (Part 2)

I slept tranquilly, at least until 4:00 am, where a fitful sleep of anxiety began until 6:00. At 5:45, my friend Anne, as is her custom, texted me, wishing me good luck on my up coming paper presentation, and waking me from my troubled slumber. This paper presentation was indeed the primary reason for my trip down south. I am a student of the Great Books Tutorial (here after GBT). In the 5th year of this great course of philosophy, cognition and learning, one must not only write 2 Essays of epic proportions, but must also present them. Finding my self for the first time in nearly half a decade back in my native Southern California, I decided to capitalize upon the opportunity to present my paper locally.
    After a brief shower, during which I boosted my morale and confidence by listening to a selection of my favorite Irish Rebel fight songs, I suited up and sauntered out into the kitchen. There I found  my hosts and a generous breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausages, berries and potatoes. Furthermore, was a tall glass of orange juice, which was much appreciated and caused me to relax, if only for a little while.  I went over a few of the difficult passages in my paper and shortly there after we made our way from Murrieta to Escondido. We arrived shortly after 8:00, just in time for the beginning of the first paper presentation. This presentation was by Jessie, who did a wonderful job in explaining her findings about the nature of Evil in the world. She also did well in the defense of her paper by a bombardment of questions not only by our teacher, bu by the audience as well. All too quickly though, the bells of the clock chimed 9:00. As they did so, I knew that these bells tolled for me.

Presenting the paper

    I took the stage and stood behind the podium. Fritz, our glorious teacher, then introduced me and my paper topic. I began, and after the first paragraph, fell into that oh so important rhythm of reading, and in doing so my anxiety subsided. As I finished, I looked up to behold all of my fellow classmates and friends, this vista was quite a heart warming sight and yet further reassurance. I was asked many a question ranging from the Health care debate, to Abortion to Hitlers Germany and its influence on decision making today. As the bells tolled 10:00 I returned to my seat in the front row, relieved.

Answering Questions