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!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
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!
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.
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...
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...
Monday, October 22, 2012
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...
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...
Thursday, September 20, 2012
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)
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)
Sunday, September 9, 2012
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.
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.
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May God keep in eternal tender care
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