If you don't like exciting and engaging and suspensful plots, don't bother seeing it. If you prefer seeing subpar acting and characters that are not well developed, spend your five bucks elsewhere. If you'd rather see poor camera work, slow-paced drama, or unrealistic action scenes, watch something else.
The latest film chapter in the Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) series is getting terrific reviews from all over the country, and add mine to the list.
I know several couples who made a point to watch the first movie (The Bourne Identity) before going to see The Bourne Supremacy. I highly recommend that, because the sequel plays off the first movie a lot. You can fully understand and enjoy either movie on its own, but they are very well connected.
In the first movie, Bourne is some sort of high-ranking, super-intelligent one-man weapon for the CIA. He suffers from strong case of amnesia, and completely forgets who he is and what he is doing.
The sequel shows him on a mission to not only find out more about his life and CIA exploits, but to also chase down the CIA operatives who are actually out to kill him.
Since this is my first movie review that you people are reading, I don't want to give any of the major plot events or surprises away. Let's just say that there are many twists and surprises.
Matt Damon does a great job of playing an intense, focused, and sometimes compassionate Jason Bourne. We get more glimpses of Bourne's personality and emotional life, which are almost as memorable as his incredible driving skills.
One thing you'll notice about the movie is the choppy camerawork. Several people have criticized the film for the too-rapid, too-diverse, too-small angles taken by the camera. I'll admit, my eyes needed a rest after the movie, because there was a lot of action shown in a more "rushed" way. Maybe you'll like that about the film - I guess the director said something like, "When the characters are in a hurry, we want the audience to feel rushed like they are." So true.
In contrast to a lot of the recent action films, this movie is very realistic. Bourne appeals to audiences as a modern-day, real-life hero - not some pimple-faced geek who shoots spider webs out of his wrists. This movie is filmed in real-life places that are fun to visit on the big screen - like Moscow, Berlin, India, and Italy. It's worth watching just for the scenery.
If you liked the first movie, I think you'll love the second, and I highly recommend seeing it in the theater. If you don't like action, international intrigue, great escapes and fight scenes, it's maybe not for you.
On a side note, I remember the movie as being very "clean." I didn't have to look away from the screen, and I can't remember any foul language. I'm sure it was in there, but not much (if any).
Would I go out of my way to see it again? Probably.
RATING: 3.5 stars. I want to give it 4 stars, and maybe it deserves that. If I see it again, maybe it will get a better grade, but I like it better than Spiderman 2 or I, Robot.
Other ratings:
The Terminal (Tom Hanks) 2.9 stars
Dodgeball (Ben Stiller) 2.9 stars
I, Robot (Will Smith) 3.25 stars
Spiderman 2 (Tobey Maguire) 3.3 stars
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Allie's Day Out
As Jennie tries to rock Allison to sleep, I thought I'd write you a few blurbs about Allie's adventures in North Canton today.
Let me start by explaining that now, when you click on "mutterings" at our homepage, you arrive at a blogger/journal site which gets you the same fun updates, at no cost to me. In fact, because blogger.com allows me to journal on their site, I can post more pictures on our website. If you haven't checked the photos from today, you're missing out on some VERY cute events.
Tom, Christie and Turner Burns were in town. They are our great friends from Hilliard, Ohio. Tom was my best man, and I was his. They came up this morning, and spent the day with us here in Green.
We went to lunch at... (can you guess) RED ROBIN!!! Yep, it has been one of our favorite non-Mexican restaurants over the last six months. Sadly, their prices went up, and I paid about $8 for their "5-Alarm Burger." The "5-Alarm" burger is their attempt at heat, including a couple of jalapenos and some pepperjack cheese. While the burger was very good, and the fries were... bottomless? Uh, I don't think that burger was hot enough to set off any alarms, per se. Then again, I'd eat Jalapenos and Tabasco on my oatmeal every morning if I thought of it.
Anyhow, Turner Burns is a real treat. He chased me around the house, kissed my daughter (without asking), and let me play with his toys. At about 2.25 years old, Turner is extremely cute, adventuresome, and articulate. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. It was great to see Honus, and spend a lazy-fun day together.
It is funny how, now that we have kids... a day together means "let's get together and watch our kids!" A few months ago, I would have thought that might be boring... but it was a terrific time. I guess we are indeed growing up around here.
I mentioned that Turner is smart, but this kid is off the charts. Somehow, this post-toddler suggested that we should all go to ice cream after Red Robin. He must have known that we were only a few hundred feet from Coldstone Creamery.
I really shouldn't have had ice cream. About 10 minutes after eating our cheesecake-flavored ice cream with Reese's and Cookie Dough, my mouth lost the good taste and my stomach felt horrible. Is Ice Cream really worth it?
I confess that I sometimes fall pray to the "instant gratification" thing.
Jennie notes that I like to see movies on opening night. Even if that was a criticism, we're still planning on seeing "The Bourne Supremacy" as it opens tomorrow night.
Oh yeah, Allison slept through our lunch and our Coldstone trip. She's asleep already - Jennie has the magic touch. Guess it's our turn to turn in.
Enjoy the pics on our site, and don't give in to ice cream urge.
Let me start by explaining that now, when you click on "mutterings" at our homepage, you arrive at a blogger/journal site which gets you the same fun updates, at no cost to me. In fact, because blogger.com allows me to journal on their site, I can post more pictures on our website. If you haven't checked the photos from today, you're missing out on some VERY cute events.
Tom, Christie and Turner Burns were in town. They are our great friends from Hilliard, Ohio. Tom was my best man, and I was his. They came up this morning, and spent the day with us here in Green.
We went to lunch at... (can you guess) RED ROBIN!!! Yep, it has been one of our favorite non-Mexican restaurants over the last six months. Sadly, their prices went up, and I paid about $8 for their "5-Alarm Burger." The "5-Alarm" burger is their attempt at heat, including a couple of jalapenos and some pepperjack cheese. While the burger was very good, and the fries were... bottomless? Uh, I don't think that burger was hot enough to set off any alarms, per se. Then again, I'd eat Jalapenos and Tabasco on my oatmeal every morning if I thought of it.
Anyhow, Turner Burns is a real treat. He chased me around the house, kissed my daughter (without asking), and let me play with his toys. At about 2.25 years old, Turner is extremely cute, adventuresome, and articulate. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. It was great to see Honus, and spend a lazy-fun day together.
It is funny how, now that we have kids... a day together means "let's get together and watch our kids!" A few months ago, I would have thought that might be boring... but it was a terrific time. I guess we are indeed growing up around here.
I mentioned that Turner is smart, but this kid is off the charts. Somehow, this post-toddler suggested that we should all go to ice cream after Red Robin. He must have known that we were only a few hundred feet from Coldstone Creamery.
I really shouldn't have had ice cream. About 10 minutes after eating our cheesecake-flavored ice cream with Reese's and Cookie Dough, my mouth lost the good taste and my stomach felt horrible. Is Ice Cream really worth it?
I confess that I sometimes fall pray to the "instant gratification" thing.
Jennie notes that I like to see movies on opening night. Even if that was a criticism, we're still planning on seeing "The Bourne Supremacy" as it opens tomorrow night.
Oh yeah, Allison slept through our lunch and our Coldstone trip. She's asleep already - Jennie has the magic touch. Guess it's our turn to turn in.
Enjoy the pics on our site, and don't give in to ice cream urge.
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Sickness?
Yeah, right now Jennie is sick, and has been for a few days now. I guess she can't take anything for it - except Tylenol for the headache - because it would affect the breastfeeding scenario.
Notice how, in the above paragraph, I explained that Tylenol is a drug that is used to cure headaches. And you didn't think reading my blogger would be educational.
Uh, speaking of education, I guess I am going after some. Because I wanted some sort of challenge, discipline, and further training in leadership, preaching, and ministry, I have applied for (and been accepted into) the Doctor of Ministry degree program at Denver Seminary.
I suppose it doesn't hurt that our friends Tim & Suzanne Cooper are moving to Denver as well, in less than two weeks. I can't believe it - less than two weeks! Major props to you guys for "taking the plunge" and heading towards full-time ministry. I wouldn't trade my on-campus seminary experience for anything, and I know you guys will be challenged and encouraged more than ever before.
So, I like Denver because it has the Coopers, some terrific professors (like Haddon Robinson and Erwin McManus), and incredible scenery (mountains). Jennie and I might try to sandwich a vacation around one of my classes there in the next 3-4 years. You know what they say, "When in Denver..."
My first class is January 10-14, 2004 - but the reading and research starts now. I have been getting books on eBay, and have almost finished two books already.
If you haven't guessed, I do love to read, and I am on kind of a roll right now. Books I am currently actually trying to finish right now include...
- Sacred Parenting - by Gary Thomas - a great book for parents about how God uses the parenting process to build your own character, faith, and attitude in many ways. I'm currently on chapter 4, and reading through this with a small group of guys.
- The Search to Belong - by Joe Myers - after seeing this book several times in stores and thinking I should read it some day, this book wound up as required reading material in my first class with Denver. I got it today, and am already on page 90. A thought-provoking book so far, that I'll probably post more thoughts on in the future.
- Angels and Demons - by Dan Brown - the prequel to Da Vinci Code, and I'm a third of the way through this one. This one deals with an ancient society of scientists called the "Illuminati" and their long-time vendetta against the Catholic church. So far, this book is just as exciting and engaging as The Da Vinci Code, but with fewer characters and fewer secret codes or mysteries.
- The Journey Toward Relevance - by Kary Oberbrunner - just a few chapters left, I just keep forgetting to bring it with me to the YCMA. I like to read as I ride the bike. Kary's book gives us a good framework for thinking about how we interact with culture today.
Yikes - I guess that's enough for now. I also read the Bible, and am studying James and some of the Old Testament prophets.
Notice how, in the above paragraph, I explained that Tylenol is a drug that is used to cure headaches. And you didn't think reading my blogger would be educational.
Uh, speaking of education, I guess I am going after some. Because I wanted some sort of challenge, discipline, and further training in leadership, preaching, and ministry, I have applied for (and been accepted into) the Doctor of Ministry degree program at Denver Seminary.
I suppose it doesn't hurt that our friends Tim & Suzanne Cooper are moving to Denver as well, in less than two weeks. I can't believe it - less than two weeks! Major props to you guys for "taking the plunge" and heading towards full-time ministry. I wouldn't trade my on-campus seminary experience for anything, and I know you guys will be challenged and encouraged more than ever before.
So, I like Denver because it has the Coopers, some terrific professors (like Haddon Robinson and Erwin McManus), and incredible scenery (mountains). Jennie and I might try to sandwich a vacation around one of my classes there in the next 3-4 years. You know what they say, "When in Denver..."
My first class is January 10-14, 2004 - but the reading and research starts now. I have been getting books on eBay, and have almost finished two books already.
If you haven't guessed, I do love to read, and I am on kind of a roll right now. Books I am currently actually trying to finish right now include...
- Sacred Parenting - by Gary Thomas - a great book for parents about how God uses the parenting process to build your own character, faith, and attitude in many ways. I'm currently on chapter 4, and reading through this with a small group of guys.
- The Search to Belong - by Joe Myers - after seeing this book several times in stores and thinking I should read it some day, this book wound up as required reading material in my first class with Denver. I got it today, and am already on page 90. A thought-provoking book so far, that I'll probably post more thoughts on in the future.
- Angels and Demons - by Dan Brown - the prequel to Da Vinci Code, and I'm a third of the way through this one. This one deals with an ancient society of scientists called the "Illuminati" and their long-time vendetta against the Catholic church. So far, this book is just as exciting and engaging as The Da Vinci Code, but with fewer characters and fewer secret codes or mysteries.
- The Journey Toward Relevance - by Kary Oberbrunner - just a few chapters left, I just keep forgetting to bring it with me to the YCMA. I like to read as I ride the bike. Kary's book gives us a good framework for thinking about how we interact with culture today.
Yikes - I guess that's enough for now. I also read the Bible, and am studying James and some of the Old Testament prophets.
Saturday, July 17, 2004
Highs and Lows... The Story of Us
I remember "The Story of Us" starring Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer. Jennie and I rented it because it looked like a good movie about marriage and all of the ups and downs a couple goes through.
Well, there's several scenes in the movie where they show the family at the dinner table, and each one shares their "highs" and "lows" for the day. It seems like a very cool tradition.
Before I share a few highs and lows, I'll just put this sort of disclaimer - that movie isn't very good, and has a fair amount of language. If you do choose to watch it, it is (I think) a realistic look at a non-christian marriage.
So, I guess here are a few of the "highs" from this past week....
- Tom & Marcia Bennardo and their daughters Lauren and Lindsey were here this afternoon. Tom is a long-time friend and pastor of mine, and they have been in Hilliard (NW Columbus) for about 8-9 years, planting and leading Life Community Church. We had Subway with them, gave them a tour of The Chapel's Green Campus, and - oh yeah - introduced them to Allie. Allie rules.
- Allie is one of the "highs" from every day. Right now Jennie has her in a bright-white outfit that actually looks like she's some angel (and she is). Strangely, it looks like she's dressed for a wedding, but we hope that's a few decades off. Allie still cannot smile on purpose yet, but is incredibly cute and has no need for such petty facial expressions. She is an awesome gift from God, and we are grateful and having a terrific time with her. I actually enjoy changing diapers. Who would have thought? Even the noise she makes when she poops is cute.
- I saw "I, Robot" yesterday, starring Will Smith. Jennie points out that I like to see movies when they open, as I always have to be the first to know. I plea guilty to that, and I'll add that "I, Robot" was really a great time for me. I love sci-fi-future-tech movies, but only if they are well developed and seem somewhat realistic. This movie was all that and more, with Will Smith doing a great job as the lead.
- Apparently Terry Pluto and his terrific wife, Roberta, are going to be our guests for a Young Marrieds event at The Chapel on Friday, September 24th. Terry is a sportswriter and author at The Akron Beacon Journal, and has a very strong faith as well. He and Roberta do jail ministry together.
- My friends Matthew & Kristi Harrelson had their baby, Kendra Nicole, last week. It was awesome to see them at City Hospital with their new daughter and her older sister, Kaitlyn. Matthew is in a men's small group with me, and I've enjoyed getting to know them over the last year or so. He is also a strong Michigan fan, having grown up in that state up north. Pray about that for me, will you?
Some of the "lows"?
- Well, Cleveland is in uproar over Carlos Boozer's breaking his word with the Cleveland Cavs and signing with Utah. This is a huge loss for the Cavs and for the NBA. We fans still like to think of our team and players as "good guys," but very few of them really are. It's all about the money - it's a business - as much as we "purists" like to delude ourselves. I am still a fan, but I don't expect these guys to behave as examples for the rest of us. As Terry wrote this week, "Don't let the millionaires ruin your day."
- Another "low" for me might just be a "high" for Jennie. Our beloved Sony PlayStation 2 is out of commission. Apparently, it skips now, pauses and gets stuck, and may have ruined a few of our games. (Don't worry, I only play one game really, and I don't even play it that much). The PS2 is also a DVD player that we use a lot. The good news is that the Sony corporation is going to repair it for FREE. I don't have a warranty, I don't have a receipt. They don't care. They are going to repair it for free, and send it back to me in 15-20 days. So, the "low" is that I can't play my game, but for Jennie, that is a possible "high."
- I am having another "low" as I try to get back into a consistent workout regiment. I went to the YMCA five times this week, in an attempt to jumpstart some sort of physical improvement. However, I am realizing it is going to take weeks and weeks of consistency to get back to where I want to be. It's all about self-discipline, and this is only the beginning... again. Jennie said today she can already see a difference, which is nice.
- I usually feel "low" when Allison cries for no apparent reason. Babies do that sometimes, you know. And about 47 people have told me things like "all babies need to cry - it builds up their lung strength." Fine, but it still stinks to see your little daughter cry. No, I don't pick her up just to stop her from crying, but it still is hard. That's all I'm saying. Hearing her cry is definitely not one of my day's happier moments. Sometimes it is pretty funny, though. You can tell when she's crying for attention. The term "crybaby" is a lot more meaningful these days."
Well, there's several scenes in the movie where they show the family at the dinner table, and each one shares their "highs" and "lows" for the day. It seems like a very cool tradition.
Before I share a few highs and lows, I'll just put this sort of disclaimer - that movie isn't very good, and has a fair amount of language. If you do choose to watch it, it is (I think) a realistic look at a non-christian marriage.
So, I guess here are a few of the "highs" from this past week....
- Tom & Marcia Bennardo and their daughters Lauren and Lindsey were here this afternoon. Tom is a long-time friend and pastor of mine, and they have been in Hilliard (NW Columbus) for about 8-9 years, planting and leading Life Community Church. We had Subway with them, gave them a tour of The Chapel's Green Campus, and - oh yeah - introduced them to Allie. Allie rules.
- Allie is one of the "highs" from every day. Right now Jennie has her in a bright-white outfit that actually looks like she's some angel (and she is). Strangely, it looks like she's dressed for a wedding, but we hope that's a few decades off. Allie still cannot smile on purpose yet, but is incredibly cute and has no need for such petty facial expressions. She is an awesome gift from God, and we are grateful and having a terrific time with her. I actually enjoy changing diapers. Who would have thought? Even the noise she makes when she poops is cute.
- I saw "I, Robot" yesterday, starring Will Smith. Jennie points out that I like to see movies when they open, as I always have to be the first to know. I plea guilty to that, and I'll add that "I, Robot" was really a great time for me. I love sci-fi-future-tech movies, but only if they are well developed and seem somewhat realistic. This movie was all that and more, with Will Smith doing a great job as the lead.
- Apparently Terry Pluto and his terrific wife, Roberta, are going to be our guests for a Young Marrieds event at The Chapel on Friday, September 24th. Terry is a sportswriter and author at The Akron Beacon Journal, and has a very strong faith as well. He and Roberta do jail ministry together.
- My friends Matthew & Kristi Harrelson had their baby, Kendra Nicole, last week. It was awesome to see them at City Hospital with their new daughter and her older sister, Kaitlyn. Matthew is in a men's small group with me, and I've enjoyed getting to know them over the last year or so. He is also a strong Michigan fan, having grown up in that state up north. Pray about that for me, will you?
Some of the "lows"?
- Well, Cleveland is in uproar over Carlos Boozer's breaking his word with the Cleveland Cavs and signing with Utah. This is a huge loss for the Cavs and for the NBA. We fans still like to think of our team and players as "good guys," but very few of them really are. It's all about the money - it's a business - as much as we "purists" like to delude ourselves. I am still a fan, but I don't expect these guys to behave as examples for the rest of us. As Terry wrote this week, "Don't let the millionaires ruin your day."
- Another "low" for me might just be a "high" for Jennie. Our beloved Sony PlayStation 2 is out of commission. Apparently, it skips now, pauses and gets stuck, and may have ruined a few of our games. (Don't worry, I only play one game really, and I don't even play it that much). The PS2 is also a DVD player that we use a lot. The good news is that the Sony corporation is going to repair it for FREE. I don't have a warranty, I don't have a receipt. They don't care. They are going to repair it for free, and send it back to me in 15-20 days. So, the "low" is that I can't play my game, but for Jennie, that is a possible "high."
- I am having another "low" as I try to get back into a consistent workout regiment. I went to the YMCA five times this week, in an attempt to jumpstart some sort of physical improvement. However, I am realizing it is going to take weeks and weeks of consistency to get back to where I want to be. It's all about self-discipline, and this is only the beginning... again. Jennie said today she can already see a difference, which is nice.
- I usually feel "low" when Allison cries for no apparent reason. Babies do that sometimes, you know. And about 47 people have told me things like "all babies need to cry - it builds up their lung strength." Fine, but it still stinks to see your little daughter cry. No, I don't pick her up just to stop her from crying, but it still is hard. That's all I'm saying. Hearing her cry is definitely not one of my day's happier moments. Sometimes it is pretty funny, though. You can tell when she's crying for attention. The term "crybaby" is a lot more meaningful these days."
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
The All-Star Game?
I don't really watch it anymore. Some friends of mine went to Quaker Steak and had wings while watching the game. That's a worthwhile event.
During last night's midsummer "classic," Jennie and I took Allie on her first trip to a Mexican restaurant. This was quite a moment, and all our friends at Pancho's restaurant loved finally meeting our daughter. We were hoping Allie would actually sleep through the whole ordeal, like she did our trip to the mall and shopping at Kohl's.
No such luck.
For the first 45 minutes or so, Allie was really awake, cute, and looking at the funny pictures of Jalapenos on the wall. Smart girl.
After that, it was clear she was "too tired" yet again. Allison sometimes forgets to sleep, you see, and so for the next half-hour or so, Jennie had a baby in one hand, and a guacamole-beef nacho in the other hand.
Some of you are reading this going, "Gary, don't you know you're supposed to hold Allison then so Jennie can relax and eat her nachos for once after having Allie with her all day?"
Right. You try taking a crying 3-week old from her mother at dinnertime! (ha ha)
Jennie loves holding her, as do I. I also think Jennie wanted to show off the fact that she can calm Allie down while calming her own appetite as well. My wife is quite talented.
Anyhow, Pancho's has great food, and I love going there with family and friends.
Overall, I can't believe it has been three weeks and things are so smooth in parenting so far. I am in NO RUSH for her to grow up, as much as I'd like to see her start smiling when she's AWAKE.
Let's take this Daddy business one page at a time, and enjoy every moment. I love Jennie and Allie to pieces. That sounds like a destructive type of love. "Love them to pieces."
You know what I meant.
During last night's midsummer "classic," Jennie and I took Allie on her first trip to a Mexican restaurant. This was quite a moment, and all our friends at Pancho's restaurant loved finally meeting our daughter. We were hoping Allie would actually sleep through the whole ordeal, like she did our trip to the mall and shopping at Kohl's.
No such luck.
For the first 45 minutes or so, Allie was really awake, cute, and looking at the funny pictures of Jalapenos on the wall. Smart girl.
After that, it was clear she was "too tired" yet again. Allison sometimes forgets to sleep, you see, and so for the next half-hour or so, Jennie had a baby in one hand, and a guacamole-beef nacho in the other hand.
Some of you are reading this going, "Gary, don't you know you're supposed to hold Allison then so Jennie can relax and eat her nachos for once after having Allie with her all day?"
Right. You try taking a crying 3-week old from her mother at dinnertime! (ha ha)
Jennie loves holding her, as do I. I also think Jennie wanted to show off the fact that she can calm Allie down while calming her own appetite as well. My wife is quite talented.
Anyhow, Pancho's has great food, and I love going there with family and friends.
Overall, I can't believe it has been three weeks and things are so smooth in parenting so far. I am in NO RUSH for her to grow up, as much as I'd like to see her start smiling when she's AWAKE.
Let's take this Daddy business one page at a time, and enjoy every moment. I love Jennie and Allie to pieces. That sounds like a destructive type of love. "Love them to pieces."
You know what I meant.
Monday, July 05, 2004
Sometimes I wonder...
I wonder if people are reading this blogger/journal, or if they are still hoping I'll update the mutterings on our homepage. This really is the best option, and I hope people find it.
I wonder if people will get sick of me talking about my daughter Allison, either online or in person. Not that I'll stop, though.
I wonder if I should quit doing fantasy football this year. I love the guys in my league, but I'd rather not spend my Sunday afternoons hoping Domanick Davis gets into the end zone.
I wonder why Christians are so bothered by The Da Vinci Code. It is an excellent book that is obviously fiction. If the biblical controversies raised by the author cause more people to test their faith, that should be a huge positive. Of course there are already three Christian authors out with books that offer all the answers.
Meanwhile, The Da Vinci Code is an excellent and entertaining work that I read and finished last week. I couldn't put the thing down. Chapters were short, engaging, and suspenseful from start to finish. Characters were extremely well-developed, and the plot-twists were surprising.
I also wonder when we'll stop getting upset at non-Christians for their views. The author of said "Code" offers a plot that challenges traditional Christianity and Catholicism in a subtle, memorable way. Why not embrace the challenge and enter the discussion? A friend of mine got the audiobook (unabridged) from the library, and listened to it while driving around town on the job. It inspired him to study the origins of our modern Bible, how the text was protected and preserved by the Church, and become more solid in what he already believed. I confess I've had the same response to reading The Da Vinci Code. I got out some of my seminary notebooks, read a bunch of the Old Testament, and feel a much-renewed desire to study (and yes, defend) what I believe.
I wonder if Allison will like to read as much as Jennie and I do. I know you all think she's going to be a Buckeye-watching, fantasy-sport playing, movie-critiquing fiend just to win dad's approval. (ha ha). That couldn't be further from the truth. Last week, in one of our few quiet moments, Allie and I read the first few chapters of Proverbs and the book of Ruth. She was thoroughly engaged.
I can end this rant by saying... it seems like people who don't read, don't grow. That sounds simplistic and strong, but it's pretty true. I could take it one step further and say it really helps to read about things and people that view life differently than you do, as I described in The Da Vinci Code.
On a personal note, I think the timing of Allison's arrival, coupled with the stuff I've been reading lately, is pretty interesting. This is the time of year when I barely watch TV, because there are no sports on that I like. The Indians are getting better and have four all-stars, but I'm just not interested.
Usually this time of year is a downer for a sports fan like me, but maybe this time it's an eye-opener. In other words, life has been incredible these last two weeks, and I haven't missed it.
Uh, Allison is waking up now... I guess I'll talk at you later. Thanks for reading - post comments below if you want, especially on the Da Vinci thoughts or reading...
I wonder if people will get sick of me talking about my daughter Allison, either online or in person. Not that I'll stop, though.
I wonder if I should quit doing fantasy football this year. I love the guys in my league, but I'd rather not spend my Sunday afternoons hoping Domanick Davis gets into the end zone.
I wonder why Christians are so bothered by The Da Vinci Code. It is an excellent book that is obviously fiction. If the biblical controversies raised by the author cause more people to test their faith, that should be a huge positive. Of course there are already three Christian authors out with books that offer all the answers.
Meanwhile, The Da Vinci Code is an excellent and entertaining work that I read and finished last week. I couldn't put the thing down. Chapters were short, engaging, and suspenseful from start to finish. Characters were extremely well-developed, and the plot-twists were surprising.
I also wonder when we'll stop getting upset at non-Christians for their views. The author of said "Code" offers a plot that challenges traditional Christianity and Catholicism in a subtle, memorable way. Why not embrace the challenge and enter the discussion? A friend of mine got the audiobook (unabridged) from the library, and listened to it while driving around town on the job. It inspired him to study the origins of our modern Bible, how the text was protected and preserved by the Church, and become more solid in what he already believed. I confess I've had the same response to reading The Da Vinci Code. I got out some of my seminary notebooks, read a bunch of the Old Testament, and feel a much-renewed desire to study (and yes, defend) what I believe.
I wonder if Allison will like to read as much as Jennie and I do. I know you all think she's going to be a Buckeye-watching, fantasy-sport playing, movie-critiquing fiend just to win dad's approval. (ha ha). That couldn't be further from the truth. Last week, in one of our few quiet moments, Allie and I read the first few chapters of Proverbs and the book of Ruth. She was thoroughly engaged.
I can end this rant by saying... it seems like people who don't read, don't grow. That sounds simplistic and strong, but it's pretty true. I could take it one step further and say it really helps to read about things and people that view life differently than you do, as I described in The Da Vinci Code.
On a personal note, I think the timing of Allison's arrival, coupled with the stuff I've been reading lately, is pretty interesting. This is the time of year when I barely watch TV, because there are no sports on that I like. The Indians are getting better and have four all-stars, but I'm just not interested.
Usually this time of year is a downer for a sports fan like me, but maybe this time it's an eye-opener. In other words, life has been incredible these last two weeks, and I haven't missed it.
Uh, Allison is waking up now... I guess I'll talk at you later. Thanks for reading - post comments below if you want, especially on the Da Vinci thoughts or reading...
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Allison, Jennie, and Leonardo.
Before I start, I must apologize for the website lately. Many of you logged on to find the kind words "BANDWIDTH LIMIT EXCEEDED" and at the worst possible time! I have contacted my host for our website, and plan to up the bandwidth. A couple of weeks ago, I saw a bumper sticker on a dude's car that said "Tekkie: Will work for bandwidth" - and now I know why.
Well, I can't believe how fast the first NINE days of my daughter's life have gone. Time flies too fast these days. She is doing great, and already loves Ohio State. I'll have to add a couple of her pics to our website.
Allison is doing great, and she's regained the weight that she lost. She looks so much different or older than her pictures from the hospital. If you want to see the actual hospital pics, they're at www.growingfamily.com, click on their "WebNursery."
I will probably do a few mutterings on the homepage until I figure out how to post pics to this blogger. This is a lot easier.
Jennie and I have slept pretty well at night, but overall she is exhausted. I don't know how she has done it, and I am amazed and blessed to have such a great wife and now a great mother for my kids. Allison is so incredibly cute to hold, snuggle with, and play with already. Any time I know we are going to get visitors at our house, I sing her a song with their names in it. She seemed to like the "Chadd and Cory song" that I did two days ago.
On Tuesday, Bill & Kim Underwood (my cousins) stopped by with their three kids - Jacob, Bryn, and Reagan. That was a whirling dervish of a visit. We love Bill & Kim, and I dearly love their kids too. But I realized how "orderly" and "protective" I am of my own stuff - or Allison's stuff, for that matter. Maybe I'll grow out of that. Jennie and I would love to have more children someday, but right now we are overjoyed and loving the one God has given us now.
Our friends have been tremendous - bringing food, mowing our lawn, trimming our grass, and visiting to say hello and love on Allie. God has really blessed Jennie and me beyond our ability to recognize. We are grateful and honored in so many ways!
Some things I used to do in my free time will now have to die. Rest assured, the webpage is not one of them. I am talking about some of my sports hobby. Let's rip away the chaff of watching sports on TV. If it's not Ohio State football, then I don't have to see it. Even if it is Ohio State football, you'd think I'd have my fix by now with two Fiesta Bowl victories and one national championship in the last two years.
Leonardo? Yes, I'm almost finished reading the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Maybe I'll do a review of it on our website or on this blogger. Right now, it is a thrilling book to read, and it's obvious why it's become a bestseller. I bought the book on eBay, and I plan to sell it next week on eBay. Anyone interested?
Got to start the college fund somehow!
Well, I can't believe how fast the first NINE days of my daughter's life have gone. Time flies too fast these days. She is doing great, and already loves Ohio State. I'll have to add a couple of her pics to our website.
Allison is doing great, and she's regained the weight that she lost. She looks so much different or older than her pictures from the hospital. If you want to see the actual hospital pics, they're at www.growingfamily.com, click on their "WebNursery."
I will probably do a few mutterings on the homepage until I figure out how to post pics to this blogger. This is a lot easier.
Jennie and I have slept pretty well at night, but overall she is exhausted. I don't know how she has done it, and I am amazed and blessed to have such a great wife and now a great mother for my kids. Allison is so incredibly cute to hold, snuggle with, and play with already. Any time I know we are going to get visitors at our house, I sing her a song with their names in it. She seemed to like the "Chadd and Cory song" that I did two days ago.
On Tuesday, Bill & Kim Underwood (my cousins) stopped by with their three kids - Jacob, Bryn, and Reagan. That was a whirling dervish of a visit. We love Bill & Kim, and I dearly love their kids too. But I realized how "orderly" and "protective" I am of my own stuff - or Allison's stuff, for that matter. Maybe I'll grow out of that. Jennie and I would love to have more children someday, but right now we are overjoyed and loving the one God has given us now.
Our friends have been tremendous - bringing food, mowing our lawn, trimming our grass, and visiting to say hello and love on Allie. God has really blessed Jennie and me beyond our ability to recognize. We are grateful and honored in so many ways!
Some things I used to do in my free time will now have to die. Rest assured, the webpage is not one of them. I am talking about some of my sports hobby. Let's rip away the chaff of watching sports on TV. If it's not Ohio State football, then I don't have to see it. Even if it is Ohio State football, you'd think I'd have my fix by now with two Fiesta Bowl victories and one national championship in the last two years.
Leonardo? Yes, I'm almost finished reading the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Maybe I'll do a review of it on our website or on this blogger. Right now, it is a thrilling book to read, and it's obvious why it's become a bestseller. I bought the book on eBay, and I plan to sell it next week on eBay. Anyone interested?
Got to start the college fund somehow!
Friday, June 25, 2004
Allison's Arrival...
I am actually writing this three days after the fact - on Friday, June 25th - the first time I can really sit down and journal like I mean it...
So, we've had a wonderful experience in these first four days with Allison, but we'll always want to remember that surprise trip to the hospital...
So, we've had a wonderful experience in these first four days with Allison, but we'll always want to remember that surprise trip to the hospital...
MONDAY, JUNE 21ST
11:00 PM - Continuing to enjoy our last days before Allison's arrival, Jennie and I were up a little too late once again. Jennie, fortunately, goes to sleep just around midnight, but Gary is still awake. I had just started finally reading The Da Vinci Code, and it is very, very interesting. Since she can't sleep while I'm awake, I went downstairs to read Dan Brown's heresies and watch a little SportsCenter. For whatever reason, I cannot sleep, probably my unconscious grasping at a few last moments of "freedom" before being dominated by babyworld...
TUESDAY, JUNE 22ND, 2004
After falling asleep for about fifteen minutes downstairs, Gary finally returns to bed and is ready to sleep for real. As I got back to bed, Jennie was slightly awake, just enough to hear me say, "Man, it's a good thing Allison didn't come tonight, because I totally couldn't sleep..."
3:27 AM - I wake up to a lighted bedroom and a noisy hallway, and ask Jennie how she's doing. Response: "Ummmm... I think my water broke." I sigh and roll over, as if I'd heard that one before. We were both mentally and emotionally prepared for our baby to be born two weeks late, and acted sometimes like she'd never come at all. That was getting easier to do, instead of acting like every minute or every phone call might be "THE CALL!"
Anyhow, on her way back from the bathroom, Jennie exclaimed, "Yep - that's my water breaking -" as more water escaped. Pretty shocking moment at 3:30 in the morning, and the excitement woke both of us up, at least as much as possible... Once we realized it was actaully happening, we both cried and were fully awake with anticipation and joy.
4:00 AM - We call the nurse on-call at our Paragon Health Services, and she gives the following diagnosis - "Congrats, guys - you're going to have a baby today!" Apparently, once the water breaks, the clock starts ticking, and the baby should be born in no less than 24 hours. She also added that, unless Jennie feels strong contractions around 5 minutes apart, that we are in no rush. "You guys get some sleep, you're going to have a big day tomorrow. Call us if you need to." Gotcha.
4:13 AM - "Whoa.... CONTRACTION!" And this not just your average pressure-filled, breathe it out, early labor contraction, this was the strongest Jennie had felt in six months. And this was only the beginning. Over the next 45 minutes, contractions came, and about every five minutes, Jennie was hunched over, saying something like "Ohhhh!" - or - "Can you rub my back?" - or "Whoaaa!" In other words, it's time to call the doctor again. I took a shower, started packing my bags (of course I put that off till the last minute, and made Jennie some toast.) Jennie also got a shower, made sure the bags were ready, and didn't eat the toast.
5:30 AM - Contractions coming fast and furious, and we called our parents to let them know what's going down.
5:49 AM -
(more later, as I get time to finish... hate to leave you hanging... =)
Monday, June 21, 2004
New Home for Mutterings?
That's right, I found this terrific site called Blogger.com. Well, I didn't find it, Josh Smith found it. Josh has a site called www.Gitgan.com, and he uses Blogger.com for his online journals. If you haven't heard of a "blog," it is the term for "web log" or "journal" online. Just like the mutterings I have been writing and will continue to do.
I'd like to eventually move all the mutterings files to this site, because, well, it's FREE! Our garyandjennie.com is at a good price, but I'd like to use most of that space for pictures and videos, if you couldn't tell. Plus, I really like the look of this blogger.com thing. IT also sorts and archives my journal entries for me - saving me time and yes, money!
I think this blogger.com journal actually works FASTER than the program I currently use, so I will probably be able to update the MUTTERINGS more often, and from anywhere I can get online. Currently, I have to have my iBook (MAC) with me to do it, and be online to upload the file to my server.
(Whatever, Gary, just say something funny! Don't you know that's why we read this stupid journal blog or whatever in the first place?)
I'll get to the funny stuff later, I promise. Jennie and I had a great time at Giant Eagle tonight. You know you married the right girl when you laugh for 45 minutes straight at the stinking grocery store.
Kudos to Juicy Juice - that stuff rocks!
I'd like to eventually move all the mutterings files to this site, because, well, it's FREE! Our garyandjennie.com is at a good price, but I'd like to use most of that space for pictures and videos, if you couldn't tell. Plus, I really like the look of this blogger.com thing. IT also sorts and archives my journal entries for me - saving me time and yes, money!
I think this blogger.com journal actually works FASTER than the program I currently use, so I will probably be able to update the MUTTERINGS more often, and from anywhere I can get online. Currently, I have to have my iBook (MAC) with me to do it, and be online to upload the file to my server.
(Whatever, Gary, just say something funny! Don't you know that's why we read this stupid journal blog or whatever in the first place?)
I'll get to the funny stuff later, I promise. Jennie and I had a great time at Giant Eagle tonight. You know you married the right girl when you laugh for 45 minutes straight at the stinking grocery store.
Kudos to Juicy Juice - that stuff rocks!
NBA Draft Preview...
I wonder what the Cavs will do this Thursday. Our baby could be born any day of the week, but I hope it is not Thursday.
My ideal Cavs' draft would probably be for 6-7 high school PG Shaun Livingston to fall to the Cavs at #10. We'll see - many people have Livingston going in the top four. The Cavs are not going to trade up, that's for sure. If they did, it would be with Charlotte at 4.
Then again, who can believe any of the rumors you read.
I also like Ben Gordon, Devin Harris, or Jameer Nelson for the Cavs at 10. Jameer Nelson, underrated again, will probably turn out to be a very solid NBA point guard.
My ideal Cavs' draft would probably be for 6-7 high school PG Shaun Livingston to fall to the Cavs at #10. We'll see - many people have Livingston going in the top four. The Cavs are not going to trade up, that's for sure. If they did, it would be with Charlotte at 4.
Then again, who can believe any of the rumors you read.
I also like Ben Gordon, Devin Harris, or Jameer Nelson for the Cavs at 10. Jameer Nelson, underrated again, will probably turn out to be a very solid NBA point guard.
Sunday, June 20, 2004
No, Not Yet
Sunday, June 20th - "No, not yet..."
Jennie is feeling some contractions, but not enough of them to mean labor. In other words, we're going "late" - or at least past the due-date with Allison. I am all about being patient, and think that patience is a valuable sign of one's personal maturity. But patience is currently in short supply at the Underwood household.
Of course, we heard all the "Allison will come in God's time" comments today - and that is so true. Meanwhile, I'm going to be honest here on-line, and say we'd be glad if "God's time" would hurry up. Just because patience is a virtue, doesn't make it easy.
Last week, I got to hold a two-month old baby boy. I am getting better at actually holding a baby, and I'm starting to like that idea a lot. When I locked eyes with that 2-month old, I honestly felt goosebumps! I cannot even imagine that moment when we meet Allison face-to-face.
Guaranteed, though, that there WILL be some sort of CLEAR announcement on this webpage about the birth and all the details. I plan to have our camera and camcorder on hand. We are also the kind of people who love to have friends over, or have people visit at the hospital. Not a bad idea to call ahead or hear from us first, though, but we'd love to see you guys!
Jennie is really enjoying the break from work. Let's just say it's really good for her (and the baby) to have more time to rest, prepare, and not strain her back and lungs by working all day. Her workplace and friends have been very encouraging, and everyone is telling her and me to "get sleep now" - consider it done!
We saw "The Terminal" with Tom Hanks on Friday. Very good movie. I had read that it was a good statement by director Steven Spielberg on a lot about American society, and about people that are stuck in a certain place or situation in life. Tom Hanks is awesome, in case you didn't already know. Sometime, I'll do a top-ten list of movies or something. I probably wouldn't have any Tom Hanks movies on my top ten list, but he is a fantastic actor, and The Terminal is one of this year's best, at least that I've seen.
Zac & Hilary Derr were over last week, and they brought shish-kabobs. Not even sure if I spelled that right, but it was my first time doing shish-kebabs (note alternate spelling) on the grill. VERY good stuff. Zac is interning at The Chapel with Pastor Knute Larson, and looks great in a baseball helmet. Hilary is currently helping lead a youth missions trip to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh, as we all know, is a town that really needs God and also more Browns fans.
Speaking of Browns fans, Dan & Jill Bahry are huge C-town crazies. Dan's basement has more orange and brown than Cleveland Stadium itself. He has Browns bobbleheads, jerseys, mugs, football cards, newspapers, programs, and autographed helmets. Dude is sold out, and actually used to work in Berea for the Browns.
Okay, now it seems like I'm name-dropping. "I know this guy who used to work for the Browns, so I am actually pretty cool myself." Ever wish that Butch Davis did NOT work for the Browns?
Anyhow, Dan & Jill are proud graduates of Green High School, and have the yearbooks to prove it. They also introduced us to "Juicy Juice" (an all-natural juice that is now half-price at Giant Eagle), and entertained us with Green High yearbooks from '92 to '95. Funny how much the hairstyles have changed since then. Especially the girls' hair. If you didn't have the "poof" in front, might as well not be in the yearbook.
Every few days, Jennie and I sit down and share some thoughts that might be good to "mutter" about. Anything else exciting this week?
Jennie is feeling some contractions, but not enough of them to mean labor. In other words, we're going "late" - or at least past the due-date with Allison. I am all about being patient, and think that patience is a valuable sign of one's personal maturity. But patience is currently in short supply at the Underwood household.
Of course, we heard all the "Allison will come in God's time" comments today - and that is so true. Meanwhile, I'm going to be honest here on-line, and say we'd be glad if "God's time" would hurry up. Just because patience is a virtue, doesn't make it easy.
Last week, I got to hold a two-month old baby boy. I am getting better at actually holding a baby, and I'm starting to like that idea a lot. When I locked eyes with that 2-month old, I honestly felt goosebumps! I cannot even imagine that moment when we meet Allison face-to-face.
Guaranteed, though, that there WILL be some sort of CLEAR announcement on this webpage about the birth and all the details. I plan to have our camera and camcorder on hand. We are also the kind of people who love to have friends over, or have people visit at the hospital. Not a bad idea to call ahead or hear from us first, though, but we'd love to see you guys!
Jennie is really enjoying the break from work. Let's just say it's really good for her (and the baby) to have more time to rest, prepare, and not strain her back and lungs by working all day. Her workplace and friends have been very encouraging, and everyone is telling her and me to "get sleep now" - consider it done!
We saw "The Terminal" with Tom Hanks on Friday. Very good movie. I had read that it was a good statement by director Steven Spielberg on a lot about American society, and about people that are stuck in a certain place or situation in life. Tom Hanks is awesome, in case you didn't already know. Sometime, I'll do a top-ten list of movies or something. I probably wouldn't have any Tom Hanks movies on my top ten list, but he is a fantastic actor, and The Terminal is one of this year's best, at least that I've seen.
Zac & Hilary Derr were over last week, and they brought shish-kabobs. Not even sure if I spelled that right, but it was my first time doing shish-kebabs (note alternate spelling) on the grill. VERY good stuff. Zac is interning at The Chapel with Pastor Knute Larson, and looks great in a baseball helmet. Hilary is currently helping lead a youth missions trip to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh, as we all know, is a town that really needs God and also more Browns fans.
Speaking of Browns fans, Dan & Jill Bahry are huge C-town crazies. Dan's basement has more orange and brown than Cleveland Stadium itself. He has Browns bobbleheads, jerseys, mugs, football cards, newspapers, programs, and autographed helmets. Dude is sold out, and actually used to work in Berea for the Browns.
Okay, now it seems like I'm name-dropping. "I know this guy who used to work for the Browns, so I am actually pretty cool myself." Ever wish that Butch Davis did NOT work for the Browns?
Anyhow, Dan & Jill are proud graduates of Green High School, and have the yearbooks to prove it. They also introduced us to "Juicy Juice" (an all-natural juice that is now half-price at Giant Eagle), and entertained us with Green High yearbooks from '92 to '95. Funny how much the hairstyles have changed since then. Especially the girls' hair. If you didn't have the "poof" in front, might as well not be in the yearbook.
Every few days, Jennie and I sit down and share some thoughts that might be good to "mutter" about. Anything else exciting this week?
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Protecting my family...
Nine months can feel like a long time. We would be the last people to complain, for Jennie has had a pretty healthy pregnancy, and we know every day with Allison is a true gift from God.
If reading our website has ever made you ask, "I wonder what it would be like to be a fly on the wall in the Underwood household, and hear what they really talk about in there?" Let the following story be both a reality check and an answer to your insect-on-our-walls inquiries.
Today I mentioned the 10 Commandments in our young marrieds class at The Chapel. Many of you know that "Thou shalt not kill" is indeed one of God's ten commandments, and is thankfully a part of our legal system today. We are also grateful that such a commandment does not extend to other species of biological life. Take, for example, members of the insect world.
At left, you see a picture of a wasp that invaded our home about a half hour ago. Jennie, in the midst of a conversation with her mom, blurted out, "Honey, there's a huge insect that just got in!" (Click to enlarge)
Naturally, the protector-hunter-defender-of-my-home instinct overcame me. As you can see, the photographer tendency in me was also at its artistic peak. For a few brief moments, this wily invader hid behind the blinds in an attempt to plan his clandestine appraisal of the Underwood kitchen.
Eventually he resurfaced, just long enough to get a pose on the internet, and now you are benefactors of his foolishness. With my "capture the image" appetite satisfied, I went in for the kill. For a brief moment, I thought back to the book of Exodus, chapter 20, and the immortal words of God and Moses, "Thou shalt not kill."
As I looked at the newspaper clenched in my fist, the guilt almost overcame me, before the fact. At just the right moment, the thought occured to me that in Genesis chapter 1-2, God called Adam (and essentially all of humanity) to take charge and rule over all the other species of living things on the earth. Since part of my God-given responsibility as a human being is to exert leadership over other living species - and my responsibility to protect my family... I introduced that black-winged stranger to the Business section of the Akron Beacon Journal.
About now, you could be wondering about the sanity of a guy who posts his wasp-killing exploits on the internet. Quite frankly, I would question if you have ever been stung by a bee or wasp. See, these insect-attackers not only sting you - they ruin picnics, poison sandwiches, drink your soda, and embarrass whoever or whatever is in their path. I not only killed this one, but I now subject him to public humiliation on the World Wide Web. Dude deserves it.
(As I read this, I am wondering, "Now, who all knows about this website? They might think less of me after they read this. I mean, I not only posted an article about killing a wasp, but I tried to make it a moral issue, quoting parts of the Old Testament and such. Are they thinking "this Gary guy really does have some issues" or "I'm not sure Gary's really ready to be a father - he can't even do a webpage worth reading. If he's the kind of person who puts pictures of dead wasps online, I'm not sure I'm going to return to this website or even sign his guestbook." Then again, maybe you're not thinking that. )
Maybe you're quite thrilled for me and Jennie now that our house is pest-free. Like I said, nine months can be a long time. I promise that the next month will include cute articles, updates, and pictures of Jennie and Allison. But I want to remind you that God has called me to protect them against even the smallest of foes. Needless to say, I am ready to protect my family.
If reading our website has ever made you ask, "I wonder what it would be like to be a fly on the wall in the Underwood household, and hear what they really talk about in there?" Let the following story be both a reality check and an answer to your insect-on-our-walls inquiries.
Today I mentioned the 10 Commandments in our young marrieds class at The Chapel. Many of you know that "Thou shalt not kill" is indeed one of God's ten commandments, and is thankfully a part of our legal system today. We are also grateful that such a commandment does not extend to other species of biological life. Take, for example, members of the insect world.
At left, you see a picture of a wasp that invaded our home about a half hour ago. Jennie, in the midst of a conversation with her mom, blurted out, "Honey, there's a huge insect that just got in!" (Click to enlarge)
Naturally, the protector-hunter-defender-of-my-home instinct overcame me. As you can see, the photographer tendency in me was also at its artistic peak. For a few brief moments, this wily invader hid behind the blinds in an attempt to plan his clandestine appraisal of the Underwood kitchen.
Eventually he resurfaced, just long enough to get a pose on the internet, and now you are benefactors of his foolishness. With my "capture the image" appetite satisfied, I went in for the kill. For a brief moment, I thought back to the book of Exodus, chapter 20, and the immortal words of God and Moses, "Thou shalt not kill."
As I looked at the newspaper clenched in my fist, the guilt almost overcame me, before the fact. At just the right moment, the thought occured to me that in Genesis chapter 1-2, God called Adam (and essentially all of humanity) to take charge and rule over all the other species of living things on the earth. Since part of my God-given responsibility as a human being is to exert leadership over other living species - and my responsibility to protect my family... I introduced that black-winged stranger to the Business section of the Akron Beacon Journal.
About now, you could be wondering about the sanity of a guy who posts his wasp-killing exploits on the internet. Quite frankly, I would question if you have ever been stung by a bee or wasp. See, these insect-attackers not only sting you - they ruin picnics, poison sandwiches, drink your soda, and embarrass whoever or whatever is in their path. I not only killed this one, but I now subject him to public humiliation on the World Wide Web. Dude deserves it.
(As I read this, I am wondering, "Now, who all knows about this website? They might think less of me after they read this. I mean, I not only posted an article about killing a wasp, but I tried to make it a moral issue, quoting parts of the Old Testament and such. Are they thinking "this Gary guy really does have some issues" or "I'm not sure Gary's really ready to be a father - he can't even do a webpage worth reading. If he's the kind of person who puts pictures of dead wasps online, I'm not sure I'm going to return to this website or even sign his guestbook." Then again, maybe you're not thinking that. )
Maybe you're quite thrilled for me and Jennie now that our house is pest-free. Like I said, nine months can be a long time. I promise that the next month will include cute articles, updates, and pictures of Jennie and Allison. But I want to remind you that God has called me to protect them against even the smallest of foes. Needless to say, I am ready to protect my family.
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
What's up?
Tuesday, June 8th, 2004 - "What's up?"
Hey, how's it going? For so long, this has been a one-way conversation, and for that - I apologize. I hope you know that we'd love to hear from you on email sometime, and hear your side of the story. If the idea of doing your own online journal intrigues you, you can do one for free at Blogger.com. A "blogger" is what you are reading now - an online journal that other people can read if they feel like it.
Did you hear about Smarty Jones? He was supposed to be another Seabiscuit - a triple-crown winner in horseracing. If you didn't see Seabiscuit, you should. I kept putting it off, cause I was like, "uh, it's a movie about a horse - don't we all have better things to do with our time?"
Actually, no, "we" don't. Especially when you watch television on a weeknight. Seabiscuit is better than that. Quality time with your spouse or a good friend is better than that.
I loved Ronald Reagan, and think our nation and our world is a much better place because of his leadership, personality, and love for people of the U.S. He's pretty much the first president I knew much about and grew up with. I heard the news of his death last week at a party where there were a bunch of kids, and thought, most of them don't even know who he is. But they benefit from his leadership decades later...
For those of you following the "countdown to Allison," there's just 12 days till Jennie is due, and of course I'm already dreaming up her next video. I did a web-search of songs with the name "Allison" in them, and let's just say Allie will have a "greatest hits" DVD by the time she enters pre-school. One of our friends recently wrote that "Allison is going to be one well-received child!"
So true, unless she begins to root for Michigan someday. But maybe that will be God's way of teaching me unconditional love. Love without conditions, requirements, bias, or expectations. I already love her like that.
But true, selfless "love" also implies that you want the best for someone. In other words, while I realize that good parenting involves more than just helping your children root for the correct team, I promise not to neglect proper guidance in that area. The total number of Ohio State outfits currently in Allie's closet? NINE. NINE!!!
We do have family members who inquire, "When is she going to get a Packers or Badgers outfit?"
Answer - "when you buy one for her."
We'll be glad to let her wear these things, of course, but so far the gifts are a plus-9 in favor of the Buckeyes.
(Note: this is the end of today's "blogger." I hope you enjoyed our "mutterings" as much as we enjoyed writing them. Meanwhile, the Lakers stink, and it's fun to watch.)
Hey, how's it going? For so long, this has been a one-way conversation, and for that - I apologize. I hope you know that we'd love to hear from you on email sometime, and hear your side of the story. If the idea of doing your own online journal intrigues you, you can do one for free at Blogger.com. A "blogger" is what you are reading now - an online journal that other people can read if they feel like it.
Did you hear about Smarty Jones? He was supposed to be another Seabiscuit - a triple-crown winner in horseracing. If you didn't see Seabiscuit, you should. I kept putting it off, cause I was like, "uh, it's a movie about a horse - don't we all have better things to do with our time?"
Actually, no, "we" don't. Especially when you watch television on a weeknight. Seabiscuit is better than that. Quality time with your spouse or a good friend is better than that.
I loved Ronald Reagan, and think our nation and our world is a much better place because of his leadership, personality, and love for people of the U.S. He's pretty much the first president I knew much about and grew up with. I heard the news of his death last week at a party where there were a bunch of kids, and thought, most of them don't even know who he is. But they benefit from his leadership decades later...
For those of you following the "countdown to Allison," there's just 12 days till Jennie is due, and of course I'm already dreaming up her next video. I did a web-search of songs with the name "Allison" in them, and let's just say Allie will have a "greatest hits" DVD by the time she enters pre-school. One of our friends recently wrote that "Allison is going to be one well-received child!"
So true, unless she begins to root for Michigan someday. But maybe that will be God's way of teaching me unconditional love. Love without conditions, requirements, bias, or expectations. I already love her like that.
But true, selfless "love" also implies that you want the best for someone. In other words, while I realize that good parenting involves more than just helping your children root for the correct team, I promise not to neglect proper guidance in that area. The total number of Ohio State outfits currently in Allie's closet? NINE. NINE!!!
We do have family members who inquire, "When is she going to get a Packers or Badgers outfit?"
Answer - "when you buy one for her."
We'll be glad to let her wear these things, of course, but so far the gifts are a plus-9 in favor of the Buckeyes.
(Note: this is the end of today's "blogger." I hope you enjoyed our "mutterings" as much as we enjoyed writing them. Meanwhile, the Lakers stink, and it's fun to watch.)
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Meander
So I took the week off. I wanted one last breath of life as a mere guy with a wife. I know that in approximately 2.3 weeks, life will change exponentially. I suppose we have heard our fair share of cliche's, and how "you can't really be prepared," and "enjoy your time together while you still have it," and "(insert whatever cliche' is coming to your mind right now, cause we've probably heard it)."
I am tired of cliche's. Why do we say all the same things to each other? Are we trying to put people in our little box of how the world is supposed to work?
Several women that Jennie met yesterday INSISTED that she is "too tiny" to be almost 38 weeks. Let me get this straight: Every woman is different. Every body is different. Every baby is different. Every pregnancy is probably different too. And yet these "ladies" get to INSIST on the proper size of a 38-weeks-pregnant Jennie, who they barely know.
I would love to be there, just once, to speak up for my wife and tell them to mind their own business. I think she's just the right size, and can you tell I'm willing to defend that?!
Yeah, she's 37 weeks-plus, and 1 centimeter dilated.
We're pretty excited, and waiting in suspense. This is not one of those things I can schedule or plan in advance for. "Hey honey, why don't we go ahead and have that baby Friday night? We don't have any plans for Friday - that would work great. We could do dinner at Applebees, maybe relax at Barnes and Nobles for a while, and then drive on over to City Hospital and settle in for the main event!"
Wouldn't that be nice.
Actually, all we care about is a healthy baby. That's what we're praying and hoping for. Jennie adds, "We feel like we know her already, but we can't wait to meet her face to face." Then, after seeing that I'm typing what she's saying, she says, "No, I don't want it to be me (talking)."
"Seriously, can you erase that?" added Jennie.
"Sure, honey!" I responded without delay.
Meanwhile, it is nice to have a few days off to reflect on the world as I know it. I've relaxed a lot, cleaned out the garage (finally), and helped Jennie with the garden. You'd be proud to know I didn't see a movie this week, but I did eat at Red Robin again. The A-1 Peppercorn burger is a huge hit. Add Tabasco and you're in for a whole nuther world of fun.
So I'm writing out my personal journal at Red Robin, steak fries and all. It began something like this, "I'm thirty years old. What ten things am I most proud of about my life?"
Of course, I had to follow that up with "what things am I least proud of about my life?" It was a very revealing exercise. I dare you to do that about your own life. Usually, when you read the mutterings, it's all about getting a few updates and maybe laugh at something silly Gary says. But maybe this time you're supposed to learn something about yourself, and do a self-evaluation like I did. So rarely do we come face to face with reality, and I dare you to consider those questions.
I think it was Socrates who said that "the unexamined life is not worth living." It is hard to imagine Socrates "examining" his life while downing a peppercorn burger with steak fries and onion straws, but that's what I did.
I also dare you to eat at Red Robin. Did you hear that story?
I have other friends who do an online journal like this, and they usually say things about how it's such good "therapy" to get their thoughts out like this. Sometimes, though, it's just fun to let your thoughts meander for a while and have friends bring them up on the phone a few days later. For example, I bet one of you will say, "I can't believe you used the word "meander" in mutterings the other day." Call me crazy, but I bet one of you will bring it up.
I am running out of things to sell on eBay. It can be quite a hassle, but fun if you can buy something cheap at a neighbor's garage sale and then auction it off to the world. However, if your neighbors only peddle their junk, you're toast.
We miss Becks and Lee in Oregon. Then again, who doesn't. Wish they'd visit again and we could do Friday's or something.
I am tired of cliche's. Why do we say all the same things to each other? Are we trying to put people in our little box of how the world is supposed to work?
Several women that Jennie met yesterday INSISTED that she is "too tiny" to be almost 38 weeks. Let me get this straight: Every woman is different. Every body is different. Every baby is different. Every pregnancy is probably different too. And yet these "ladies" get to INSIST on the proper size of a 38-weeks-pregnant Jennie, who they barely know.
I would love to be there, just once, to speak up for my wife and tell them to mind their own business. I think she's just the right size, and can you tell I'm willing to defend that?!
Yeah, she's 37 weeks-plus, and 1 centimeter dilated.
We're pretty excited, and waiting in suspense. This is not one of those things I can schedule or plan in advance for. "Hey honey, why don't we go ahead and have that baby Friday night? We don't have any plans for Friday - that would work great. We could do dinner at Applebees, maybe relax at Barnes and Nobles for a while, and then drive on over to City Hospital and settle in for the main event!"
Wouldn't that be nice.
Actually, all we care about is a healthy baby. That's what we're praying and hoping for. Jennie adds, "We feel like we know her already, but we can't wait to meet her face to face." Then, after seeing that I'm typing what she's saying, she says, "No, I don't want it to be me (talking)."
"Seriously, can you erase that?" added Jennie.
"Sure, honey!" I responded without delay.
Meanwhile, it is nice to have a few days off to reflect on the world as I know it. I've relaxed a lot, cleaned out the garage (finally), and helped Jennie with the garden. You'd be proud to know I didn't see a movie this week, but I did eat at Red Robin again. The A-1 Peppercorn burger is a huge hit. Add Tabasco and you're in for a whole nuther world of fun.
So I'm writing out my personal journal at Red Robin, steak fries and all. It began something like this, "I'm thirty years old. What ten things am I most proud of about my life?"
Of course, I had to follow that up with "what things am I least proud of about my life?" It was a very revealing exercise. I dare you to do that about your own life. Usually, when you read the mutterings, it's all about getting a few updates and maybe laugh at something silly Gary says. But maybe this time you're supposed to learn something about yourself, and do a self-evaluation like I did. So rarely do we come face to face with reality, and I dare you to consider those questions.
I think it was Socrates who said that "the unexamined life is not worth living." It is hard to imagine Socrates "examining" his life while downing a peppercorn burger with steak fries and onion straws, but that's what I did.
I also dare you to eat at Red Robin. Did you hear that story?
I have other friends who do an online journal like this, and they usually say things about how it's such good "therapy" to get their thoughts out like this. Sometimes, though, it's just fun to let your thoughts meander for a while and have friends bring them up on the phone a few days later. For example, I bet one of you will say, "I can't believe you used the word "meander" in mutterings the other day." Call me crazy, but I bet one of you will bring it up.
I am running out of things to sell on eBay. It can be quite a hassle, but fun if you can buy something cheap at a neighbor's garage sale and then auction it off to the world. However, if your neighbors only peddle their junk, you're toast.
We miss Becks and Lee in Oregon. Then again, who doesn't. Wish they'd visit again and we could do Friday's or something.
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
The Usual Random Stuff
Memorial Day is this Monday, and we'll probably work on the garden (or see family and friends, which is my vote!). Sometime you should try my salsa. In my youth, I used to do "top ten lists" for a variety of reasons. One I wrote in college was about "top ten things to do in Winona Lake on a Friday night," and they were all pretty boring things. Winona Lake has gotten much better in the last 10 years.
I used to write a top ten list about my top ten favorite Taco Salads. It was my goal - wherever I traveled or ate - to try as many Taco Salads as possible. One of the best Taco Salads I've had was in downtown Moscow (yes, the one in Russia). Another was at the Sears Tower. For a long time, Don Pablo's had a chicken taco salad that topped the list. Right now, I can't say what the top salad is. I think that would be a complete waste of my time. I've grown out of that immature phase.
But if you MUST know, I love just going to Pancho's, getting a chicken taco salad SHELL, and dipping it in Italian dressing. Life is much simpler now.
We saw Troy on Friday night. Everybody's really talking about Shrek 2, but Jennie and I can't get excited about seeing cartoons. Maybe we think we've grown out of that phase too. Or maybe we are facing the reality that we'll be watching cartoons for the next 15 years of our lives!
I confess: I like movies. Sometimes I feel immature about it, and then I talk with pastors who are twice my age and have seen more movies than me over the last year, and I don't feel so bad. I do think that my "taste" or "preference" in movies has really changed over the last two years. I no longer like movies for the action, the effects, or the bravado of main characters. I am developing a dislike for movies that are "cookie cutter," or movies that do not clearly develop plot, characters, or conflict. All that stuff Mrs. Bee talked about in high school is starting to matter to me. If I wasn't a pastor, I'd probably consider being a professional writer of some sort, probably a movie critic or sports writer. I guess my ideal job is to write critiques of sports movies for pastors to read (while eating Taco Salads).
After saying all that about being a discerning movie critic, I'm really excited to see The Day after Tomorrow. I guess I am still somewhat intrigued by special effects and movies with Tornoadoes in them. Jennie and I had our first kiss after watching the movie "Twister."
'nuff said.
I used to write a top ten list about my top ten favorite Taco Salads. It was my goal - wherever I traveled or ate - to try as many Taco Salads as possible. One of the best Taco Salads I've had was in downtown Moscow (yes, the one in Russia). Another was at the Sears Tower. For a long time, Don Pablo's had a chicken taco salad that topped the list. Right now, I can't say what the top salad is. I think that would be a complete waste of my time. I've grown out of that immature phase.
But if you MUST know, I love just going to Pancho's, getting a chicken taco salad SHELL, and dipping it in Italian dressing. Life is much simpler now.
We saw Troy on Friday night. Everybody's really talking about Shrek 2, but Jennie and I can't get excited about seeing cartoons. Maybe we think we've grown out of that phase too. Or maybe we are facing the reality that we'll be watching cartoons for the next 15 years of our lives!
I confess: I like movies. Sometimes I feel immature about it, and then I talk with pastors who are twice my age and have seen more movies than me over the last year, and I don't feel so bad. I do think that my "taste" or "preference" in movies has really changed over the last two years. I no longer like movies for the action, the effects, or the bravado of main characters. I am developing a dislike for movies that are "cookie cutter," or movies that do not clearly develop plot, characters, or conflict. All that stuff Mrs. Bee talked about in high school is starting to matter to me. If I wasn't a pastor, I'd probably consider being a professional writer of some sort, probably a movie critic or sports writer. I guess my ideal job is to write critiques of sports movies for pastors to read (while eating Taco Salads).
After saying all that about being a discerning movie critic, I'm really excited to see The Day after Tomorrow. I guess I am still somewhat intrigued by special effects and movies with Tornoadoes in them. Jennie and I had our first kiss after watching the movie "Twister."
'nuff said.
Friday, May 14, 2004
Inside the cutting room
Yeah, I procrastinate sometimes. I even wrote an article about procrastination once. I was thrilled to finish the video about Allison and her latest ultrasound. If you haven't seen it, you really should. Personally, I can't get enough of it.
Kevin Delaney, formerly the pastor of Campus Focus here at The Chapel, is now associate pastor at Mountain Brook Community Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Jody Bowser is currently the Senior Pastor of Moses Lake Alliance Church in the great state of Washington. Click on their names to e-mail them, but only if you already know them. That would be somewhat rude to just e-mail somebody you don't know out of the blue. You could say, "Yeah, I saw your name on that famous website garyandjennie.com, and it says you're like a pastor somewhere - in what state?" Please don't do that. Our website doesn't require much effort, but it does require that you not send junky anonymous e-mails to people you don't know in states far, far away.
I like to give updates like that once in a while. As if I were some monthly alumni magazine that gives updates on people you used to know. That's one reason I'm glad I didn't go to Ohio State. Cause if you get an alumni magazine with updates, you don't know any of those people, unless they are Orlando Pace, Eddie George, or - of course - Pepe Pearson. I don't mean to brag, but I saw Pepe Pearson play when he was a senior at Euclid High School.
I hate it when people say, "I don't mean to brag," and then they brag like crazy. Of course I meant to brag!
Then again, nobody knows who Pepe Pearson is. Nobody is impressed. So I guess it wasn't officially "bragging."
Yes, I am selling and buying things on eBay still. So I can tell my wife that I'm not spending our own money on things like the John Grisham book I just bought (The Last Juror, have you read it?), I am also selling a few things as a way of "trading." I remember when Pull, Hartley, Brunker and I would go to the Hartville Flea Market to buy and sell baseball cards.
Man, were we stupid. Just kidding, but it does occur to me that nobody collects baseball cards anymore, so I cannot make a killing on eBay. In high school, I put those cards to good use, selling them to the local card store to pay for dates and homecoming dances and such.
I think part of doing an online journal well is knowing when you've run out of interesting things to say.
Kevin Delaney, formerly the pastor of Campus Focus here at The Chapel, is now associate pastor at Mountain Brook Community Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Jody Bowser is currently the Senior Pastor of Moses Lake Alliance Church in the great state of Washington. Click on their names to e-mail them, but only if you already know them. That would be somewhat rude to just e-mail somebody you don't know out of the blue. You could say, "Yeah, I saw your name on that famous website garyandjennie.com, and it says you're like a pastor somewhere - in what state?" Please don't do that. Our website doesn't require much effort, but it does require that you not send junky anonymous e-mails to people you don't know in states far, far away.
I like to give updates like that once in a while. As if I were some monthly alumni magazine that gives updates on people you used to know. That's one reason I'm glad I didn't go to Ohio State. Cause if you get an alumni magazine with updates, you don't know any of those people, unless they are Orlando Pace, Eddie George, or - of course - Pepe Pearson. I don't mean to brag, but I saw Pepe Pearson play when he was a senior at Euclid High School.
I hate it when people say, "I don't mean to brag," and then they brag like crazy. Of course I meant to brag!
Then again, nobody knows who Pepe Pearson is. Nobody is impressed. So I guess it wasn't officially "bragging."
Yes, I am selling and buying things on eBay still. So I can tell my wife that I'm not spending our own money on things like the John Grisham book I just bought (The Last Juror, have you read it?), I am also selling a few things as a way of "trading." I remember when Pull, Hartley, Brunker and I would go to the Hartville Flea Market to buy and sell baseball cards.
Man, were we stupid. Just kidding, but it does occur to me that nobody collects baseball cards anymore, so I cannot make a killing on eBay. In high school, I put those cards to good use, selling them to the local card store to pay for dates and homecoming dances and such.
I think part of doing an online journal well is knowing when you've run out of interesting things to say.
Sunday, May 09, 2004
Mother's Day, Baby!
Yeah, I procrastinate sometimes. I even wrote an article about procrastination once. I was thrilled to finish the video about Allison and her latest ultrasound. If you haven't seen it, you really should. Personally, I can't get enough of it.
Kevin Delaney, formerly the pastor of Campus Focus here at The Chapel, is now associate pastor at Mountain Brook Community Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Jody Bowser is currently the Senior Pastor of Moses Lake Alliance Church in the great state of Washington. Click on their names to e-mail them, but only if you already know them. That would be somewhat rude to just e-mail somebody you don't know out of the blue. You could say, "Yeah, I saw your name on that famous website garyandjennie.com, and it says you're like a pastor somewhere - in what state?" Please don't do that. Our website doesn't require much effort, but it does require that you not send junky anonymous e-mails to people you don't know in states far, far away.
I like to give updates like that once in a while. As if I were some monthly alumni magazine that gives updates on people you used to know. That's one reason I'm glad I didn't go to Ohio State. Cause if you get an alumni magazine with updates, you don't know any of those people, unless they are Orlando Pace, Eddie George, or - of course - Pepe Pearson. I don't mean to brag, but I saw Pepe Pearson play when he was a senior at Euclid High School.
I hate it when people say, "I don't mean to brag," and then they brag like crazy. Of course I meant to brag!
Then again, nobody knows who Pepe Pearson is. Nobody is impressed. So I guess it wasn't officially "bragging."
Yes, I am selling and buying things on eBay still. So I can tell my wife that I'm not spending our own money on things like the John Grisham book I just bought (The Last Juror, have you read it?), I am also selling a few things as a way of "trading." I remember when Pull, Hartley, Brunker and I would go to the Hartville Flea Market to buy and sell baseball cards.
Man, were we stupid. Just kidding, but it does occur to me that nobody collects baseball cards anymore, so I cannot make a killing on eBay. In high school, I put those cards to good use, selling them to the local card store to pay for dates and homecoming dances and such.
I think part of doing an online journal well is knowing when you've run out of interesting things to say.
Kevin Delaney, formerly the pastor of Campus Focus here at The Chapel, is now associate pastor at Mountain Brook Community Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Jody Bowser is currently the Senior Pastor of Moses Lake Alliance Church in the great state of Washington. Click on their names to e-mail them, but only if you already know them. That would be somewhat rude to just e-mail somebody you don't know out of the blue. You could say, "Yeah, I saw your name on that famous website garyandjennie.com, and it says you're like a pastor somewhere - in what state?" Please don't do that. Our website doesn't require much effort, but it does require that you not send junky anonymous e-mails to people you don't know in states far, far away.
I like to give updates like that once in a while. As if I were some monthly alumni magazine that gives updates on people you used to know. That's one reason I'm glad I didn't go to Ohio State. Cause if you get an alumni magazine with updates, you don't know any of those people, unless they are Orlando Pace, Eddie George, or - of course - Pepe Pearson. I don't mean to brag, but I saw Pepe Pearson play when he was a senior at Euclid High School.
I hate it when people say, "I don't mean to brag," and then they brag like crazy. Of course I meant to brag!
Then again, nobody knows who Pepe Pearson is. Nobody is impressed. So I guess it wasn't officially "bragging."
Yes, I am selling and buying things on eBay still. So I can tell my wife that I'm not spending our own money on things like the John Grisham book I just bought (The Last Juror, have you read it?), I am also selling a few things as a way of "trading." I remember when Pull, Hartley, Brunker and I would go to the Hartville Flea Market to buy and sell baseball cards.
Man, were we stupid. Just kidding, but it does occur to me that nobody collects baseball cards anymore, so I cannot make a killing on eBay. In high school, I put those cards to good use, selling them to the local card store to pay for dates and homecoming dances and such.
I think part of doing an online journal well is knowing when you've run out of interesting things to say.
Friday, May 07, 2004
Soccer? Not MY Kid!
Life is a mysterious thing. Yesterday, I looked at Jennie's stomach, and could clearly feel a foot kicking powerfully against it from inside, trying to get out. Jennie and I aren't big soccer fans, but it seems like our daughter is headed in this direction. Hopefully my connection with soccer lovers like Tim Cooper, Kyle Milligan, Jamie Kozick, and David Ward will serve us well.
Speaking of Tim Cooper, he's a friend of mine who actually cancelled his Cable (or Dish) permanently, so he and his wife wouldn't waste so much time watching TV. Think about how much our relationships, our physical fitness, our priorities, and everything else gets distracted by whatever's on must-see TV that night. Huge props to the Coopers for getting a grip on the situation, and it's a challenge to all of us not to just tune in and channelsurf for 5 hours a day or whatever the latest statistic says.
I can't really figure out why I don't like soccer. I went to Cleveland Force (MSL) games as a kid, and they were pretty exciting. I guess I can't understand a game that won't let you use your hands. In basketball, you obviously shoot or pass or dribble the ball with your hands. In baseball, you grip a ball, a glove, or a bat if you're on the field. In football, of course you use your hands to tackle, throw, or hold the other guy's jersey illegally. But in soccer, the ball can't even touch your hands without play coming to a screeching halt.
I think it all boils down to this - I am not good with my feet. I have never been accused of being "fleet-footed" or anything like that. So I play other sports.
I probably kicked in the womb too. Just because Allie kicks, doesn't make her a soccer player. We will see to that. I think when she starts to kick a basketball instead of bounce it, she'll be grounded.
Jennie has been sick off and on this week, but just a cold or flu-type thing.
Am I going to become one of those Dads who can't talk about anything else but his baby child? I do hear from everyone about how your life changes, and how you'll be so in love with this little person who depends on you. True - and bring it on!
But I hope that we can both keep up our "rep" and connection with the grown-up world as well. Time will tell.
Speaking of Tim Cooper, he's a friend of mine who actually cancelled his Cable (or Dish) permanently, so he and his wife wouldn't waste so much time watching TV. Think about how much our relationships, our physical fitness, our priorities, and everything else gets distracted by whatever's on must-see TV that night. Huge props to the Coopers for getting a grip on the situation, and it's a challenge to all of us not to just tune in and channelsurf for 5 hours a day or whatever the latest statistic says.
I can't really figure out why I don't like soccer. I went to Cleveland Force (MSL) games as a kid, and they were pretty exciting. I guess I can't understand a game that won't let you use your hands. In basketball, you obviously shoot or pass or dribble the ball with your hands. In baseball, you grip a ball, a glove, or a bat if you're on the field. In football, of course you use your hands to tackle, throw, or hold the other guy's jersey illegally. But in soccer, the ball can't even touch your hands without play coming to a screeching halt.
I think it all boils down to this - I am not good with my feet. I have never been accused of being "fleet-footed" or anything like that. So I play other sports.
I probably kicked in the womb too. Just because Allie kicks, doesn't make her a soccer player. We will see to that. I think when she starts to kick a basketball instead of bounce it, she'll be grounded.
Jennie has been sick off and on this week, but just a cold or flu-type thing.
Am I going to become one of those Dads who can't talk about anything else but his baby child? I do hear from everyone about how your life changes, and how you'll be so in love with this little person who depends on you. True - and bring it on!
But I hope that we can both keep up our "rep" and connection with the grown-up world as well. Time will tell.
Monday, May 03, 2004
Lots of random thoughts
Sometimes it feels weird writing stuff about our lives online. Time permitting, I'd rather talk to everyone in person. Then again, I also love to write, and this doesn't take very long to update.
Another "whirling dervish" of a weekend, involving birthdays, baby showers, parties, mexican food, and old roommates.
My roommate and good friend from Grace Seminary, Kary Oberbrunner, stayed overnight last night. Here's a recent photo of him, which, if clicked on, would get you to his website...
Kary recently wrote a book - The Journey Toward Relevance -that has been published by Relevant Books. His book is very insightful about the various types of Christians out there today. Some are "separatists" - choosing to remain totally separate from the world and setting up more boundaries from the world and culture. Others are "conformists" who want so desperately to connect the Christian message in a way that will be heard today that they conform too much to the patterns, tastses, and expectations of secular culture.
Kary's book challenges and equips people who are interested in becoming "transformists" - Christians who live a strong and distinctly-Christian lifestyle in such away that it is relevant to the world we live in. His book is personal, entertaining, and frankly makes me jealous. You can order it through Kary's website.
The guy to your left has a huge heart for God and others and tremendous gifts, passion, and commitment to living life to the fullest. I hope Allison marries a guy like this Kary. Jennie actually knew Kary before I did, cause dude is from Wisconsin. He wasn't here that long, but we worked out, shared some Mexican food, talked a lot, and had some of our legendary Tekken battles.
I had two terrific roommates in Seminary. Kary Oberbrunner (read the above paragraphs again), and Kelly Larned.
Kelly Larned and I have great history as well. We became friends during my senior year at Grace. I was his RA, and Kelly was the crazy frosh who was setting off fireworks in the hall when I'd least expect it. Of course, being such a good friend, I would let him off the hook for pretty much anything. Good friends look out for each other.
Anyhow, Kelly "mad bomber" Larned, was also a roommate for the summer when I lived on 704 Chestnut Street. He threw a tremendous graduation party, one of only TWO times that I witnessed dancing (light, fun, rated G-dancing) at Grace.
Well, I'm writing to tell you that Kelly is engaged! Maybe you already knew this... but he met his wife, Keri, at the end of last year on eharmony.com! I have met more people lately that have met their lifelong love on this website/cupid service! Check it out (if you're single).
-----
Thanks to all of you who wished me a happy birthday in one form or another. 30 is a good one so far, but I was definitely "sentimental" about it. I am off now to The Chapel for a meeting, and Jennie is headed to Babies R Us, our second home now. I'll have a video with lots of footage of baby shower "oohs" and "aahs" sometime soon. Thanks for reading!! Have a great day!
Another "whirling dervish" of a weekend, involving birthdays, baby showers, parties, mexican food, and old roommates.
My roommate and good friend from Grace Seminary, Kary Oberbrunner, stayed overnight last night. Here's a recent photo of him, which, if clicked on, would get you to his website...
Kary recently wrote a book - The Journey Toward Relevance -that has been published by Relevant Books. His book is very insightful about the various types of Christians out there today. Some are "separatists" - choosing to remain totally separate from the world and setting up more boundaries from the world and culture. Others are "conformists" who want so desperately to connect the Christian message in a way that will be heard today that they conform too much to the patterns, tastses, and expectations of secular culture.
Kary's book challenges and equips people who are interested in becoming "transformists" - Christians who live a strong and distinctly-Christian lifestyle in such away that it is relevant to the world we live in. His book is personal, entertaining, and frankly makes me jealous. You can order it through Kary's website.
The guy to your left has a huge heart for God and others and tremendous gifts, passion, and commitment to living life to the fullest. I hope Allison marries a guy like this Kary. Jennie actually knew Kary before I did, cause dude is from Wisconsin. He wasn't here that long, but we worked out, shared some Mexican food, talked a lot, and had some of our legendary Tekken battles.
I had two terrific roommates in Seminary. Kary Oberbrunner (read the above paragraphs again), and Kelly Larned.
Kelly Larned and I have great history as well. We became friends during my senior year at Grace. I was his RA, and Kelly was the crazy frosh who was setting off fireworks in the hall when I'd least expect it. Of course, being such a good friend, I would let him off the hook for pretty much anything. Good friends look out for each other.
Anyhow, Kelly "mad bomber" Larned, was also a roommate for the summer when I lived on 704 Chestnut Street. He threw a tremendous graduation party, one of only TWO times that I witnessed dancing (light, fun, rated G-dancing) at Grace.
Well, I'm writing to tell you that Kelly is engaged! Maybe you already knew this... but he met his wife, Keri, at the end of last year on eharmony.com! I have met more people lately that have met their lifelong love on this website/cupid service! Check it out (if you're single).
-----
Thanks to all of you who wished me a happy birthday in one form or another. 30 is a good one so far, but I was definitely "sentimental" about it. I am off now to The Chapel for a meeting, and Jennie is headed to Babies R Us, our second home now. I'll have a video with lots of footage of baby shower "oohs" and "aahs" sometime soon. Thanks for reading!! Have a great day!
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Almost 30
Well, tomorrow I turn 30 years old. It feels strange, and that's about all. I guess I sometimes get in these deep thought sessions and reflect on life. What did I accomplish over the last decade? Am I where I thought I'd be? Am I being faithful to God, and all the opportunities He's given me?
Turning 30 has gotten varying reactions. Yesterday, at the YMCA, the topic came up on the sauna. The sauna! It was two high schooler's, and older guy, and me. Here's the scene:
OLDER GUY (turning to high school kids): What high school do you guys go to?
KID #1: Green.
OLDER GUY (looking around the room, wiping sweat off his forehead, turns to me and says): Are you in high school?
ME: You are awesome!
KID #1 (turning to me, with a huge smile) : How old ARE you then?
ME: I'm twenty-nine (not mentioning that I'm only 29 for about 40 more hours).
KID #1: Man, that's not bad at all. my cousin, man - he's THIRTY!
To a High Schooler, 30 is ancient.
But I have found that everyone else thinks I have a lot of life ahead of me.
Since I'm getting sentimental, here's a brief review of the last 30 years...
- No Cleveland team has won a sports championship. Not in my lifetime. The 1995 and 1997 Indians at least made it to the World Series, and the '86, '87, and '89 Browns made it to the AFC Championship those years. But nobody remembers second place. We Clevelanders cope by pretending like there are more important things in life (like getting married, having a kid, and talking to God personally).
- A few weeks ago, I saw a yearbook from our church in 1974. That's right, 30 years ago. My picture is in it, and I am barely a couple months old. I have spent about 2/3 of my life attending or serving or being involved with The Chapel. God has really blessed me and my family with so many friendships, memories, and important moments in life.
- As I mentioned in a previous blogger, marrying Jennie was quite a coup - an enormous gift from God. One of the purposes inherent in a man's soul is that he has to rescue the beauty - he has to find a great woman who stirs his heart and complements him. If you haven't read Wild at Heart, you need to check out some of the stuff John Eldredge has written. Anyhow, I am grateful everyday for the terrific, loving, intelligent, giving, forgiving, hilarious, strong Christian woman God has blessed me with.
- I'm still proud to be a Lake High grad (1992). It's amazing how much of your life, personality, and relationships are shaped by those younger and adolescent years. I do hope we have a 15-year reunion. Unbelievable how fast those 12 years went. I remember the torment I went through as a 6-year old, hating to leave Cuyahoga Falls, but it was a great move. I think being in a public high school and making so many friends there helped strengthen my Christian faith even more, and love people who are different than me too.
- In high school, I adopted a life-mission to live a "no-regrets" life. I wanted to give my life to God and others in such a way that I wouldn't pass up opportunities, I would do the things I know are right, and never give God or others anything less than my best. Well, I still have that passion or heart inside me, but I have regrets about lots of things. I think we all miss opportunities, and we all fall short of our goals at times. However, those that keep fighting... that keep the faith... that persevere... I want to be one of those.
- Can't believe I went to Grace. I was excited about Taylor and the great people and beautiful campus there... I was accepted at Miami (Ohio), and really wondered if I should pursue a "tougher" degree at a more acclaimed university.... but then I visited Grace. And loved it. I spent 7 years of my life in Indiana - College and Seminary - and wouldn't trade it for anything. Jennie and I will secretly hope that Allison (our daughter) falls in love with Grace, and it wouldn't surprise me if we lived out there again someday.
- You know, maybe I should have started this list with the ones who got it started. Now that Jennie and I are parents, I know I'll gain a much greater respect, admiration, and awe at the job my parents did. I am eternally grateful to Jack & Rita for their amazing love, faithfulness to each other, encouragement to me, commitment to teaching me right & wrong, allowing me to be independent, and for changing all those diapers. "Thanks" will never do - and it's amazing how much parents do - it is an awesome task.
- If you're still reading, thanks! I know this mutterings has gotten more "personal" than "funny." Early tomorrow morning, I'll be 30 years old. I am excited and curious as to what the next 30 years will hold, let alone the next 3 months.
- I wonder what sort of legacy I'll leave.
Turning 30 has gotten varying reactions. Yesterday, at the YMCA, the topic came up on the sauna. The sauna! It was two high schooler's, and older guy, and me. Here's the scene:
OLDER GUY (turning to high school kids): What high school do you guys go to?
KID #1: Green.
OLDER GUY (looking around the room, wiping sweat off his forehead, turns to me and says): Are you in high school?
ME: You are awesome!
KID #1 (turning to me, with a huge smile) : How old ARE you then?
ME: I'm twenty-nine (not mentioning that I'm only 29 for about 40 more hours).
KID #1: Man, that's not bad at all. my cousin, man - he's THIRTY!
To a High Schooler, 30 is ancient.
But I have found that everyone else thinks I have a lot of life ahead of me.
Since I'm getting sentimental, here's a brief review of the last 30 years...
- No Cleveland team has won a sports championship. Not in my lifetime. The 1995 and 1997 Indians at least made it to the World Series, and the '86, '87, and '89 Browns made it to the AFC Championship those years. But nobody remembers second place. We Clevelanders cope by pretending like there are more important things in life (like getting married, having a kid, and talking to God personally).
- A few weeks ago, I saw a yearbook from our church in 1974. That's right, 30 years ago. My picture is in it, and I am barely a couple months old. I have spent about 2/3 of my life attending or serving or being involved with The Chapel. God has really blessed me and my family with so many friendships, memories, and important moments in life.
- As I mentioned in a previous blogger, marrying Jennie was quite a coup - an enormous gift from God. One of the purposes inherent in a man's soul is that he has to rescue the beauty - he has to find a great woman who stirs his heart and complements him. If you haven't read Wild at Heart, you need to check out some of the stuff John Eldredge has written. Anyhow, I am grateful everyday for the terrific, loving, intelligent, giving, forgiving, hilarious, strong Christian woman God has blessed me with.
- I'm still proud to be a Lake High grad (1992). It's amazing how much of your life, personality, and relationships are shaped by those younger and adolescent years. I do hope we have a 15-year reunion. Unbelievable how fast those 12 years went. I remember the torment I went through as a 6-year old, hating to leave Cuyahoga Falls, but it was a great move. I think being in a public high school and making so many friends there helped strengthen my Christian faith even more, and love people who are different than me too.
- In high school, I adopted a life-mission to live a "no-regrets" life. I wanted to give my life to God and others in such a way that I wouldn't pass up opportunities, I would do the things I know are right, and never give God or others anything less than my best. Well, I still have that passion or heart inside me, but I have regrets about lots of things. I think we all miss opportunities, and we all fall short of our goals at times. However, those that keep fighting... that keep the faith... that persevere... I want to be one of those.
- Can't believe I went to Grace. I was excited about Taylor and the great people and beautiful campus there... I was accepted at Miami (Ohio), and really wondered if I should pursue a "tougher" degree at a more acclaimed university.... but then I visited Grace. And loved it. I spent 7 years of my life in Indiana - College and Seminary - and wouldn't trade it for anything. Jennie and I will secretly hope that Allison (our daughter) falls in love with Grace, and it wouldn't surprise me if we lived out there again someday.
- You know, maybe I should have started this list with the ones who got it started. Now that Jennie and I are parents, I know I'll gain a much greater respect, admiration, and awe at the job my parents did. I am eternally grateful to Jack & Rita for their amazing love, faithfulness to each other, encouragement to me, commitment to teaching me right & wrong, allowing me to be independent, and for changing all those diapers. "Thanks" will never do - and it's amazing how much parents do - it is an awesome task.
- If you're still reading, thanks! I know this mutterings has gotten more "personal" than "funny." Early tomorrow morning, I'll be 30 years old. I am excited and curious as to what the next 30 years will hold, let alone the next 3 months.
- I wonder what sort of legacy I'll leave.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
