And another weekend gone....

Wow. It's hard to believe how fast these things go by. I'm really not kidding. I go into Friday night all excited because I get to play racquetball and I have a whole weekend to rest. Then I lift my head again and it's Sunday evening. I don't know where it goes. Anyway, here's some random stuff that's grabbed my attention lately. Check it out if it grabs yours:

1. AICN has some reviews of X3 and some leaked picks of Famke Janssen. Check it out here. I'm not sure how I feel about the review. I really want to like this, but I'm getting nervous. Not sure how I feel about the Dark Phoenix outfit either.
2. Happy "Sweet Sixteen" Birthday to Liz. We ran into her yesterday and found out it was her birthday today. Then we found out she's sixteen. Gawd, I'm getting friggin old.
3. We ran into Liz while we were at a memorial service for a member of our prior church who had died recently. It was interesting see all his family and friends there and to find out some detail of his private life. I really got me thinking how little we ususally know about each other even though we're all members of the same church. The fact that this man played checkers in nationwide competitions was a total surprise to me. It's really got me thinking that within my new church we really need to take the time to get to know each other. Relationship is so much more than just saying hi to each other on Sunday.
4. Roy had forwarded me this article about the latest rumor in the saving of Arrested Development. Come on Showtime, pick it up. Surely someone must have the brains to see how funny this show is.
5. Julie and I finally finished Lost: Season 1. Arrrrrgh. Can ABC just go into immediately reruns so we can catch up with Season 2?

Ah well, time to move on. God bless 'all. See you later.

Rest

Finally the Tasha drama is over. Now I'm just kind of chilling again. But through it all, I think Roy had the best quote from the whole thing:

"Note to Tasha: What happens outside the condo, stays outside the condo"

It's kept me cracking up for a couple of days now.

Tashawatch - Day 7

The Princess has been recovered....repeat......The Princess has been recovered.

At 1830 hours the trap was deployed by Agent Jim. Agent Jim then returned to the house for dinner and Bible study. 2000 hours: Agent Jim goes downstairs to watch tv. 2030 hours: Agent Jim observes the trap from the window and sees potential bogey caught inside. Agent Jim donned gloves and exited the house. Confirmed identity of captured bogey as Natasha, aka Tasha, aka The Princess. Natasha was brought into the house, checked over for any immediate wounds and an attempted sponge bath was given. At this point love and petting were also administered. Agent Jim calls wife and family to inform of capture. At 2100 hours, Natash was secured for transport to Animal Emergency Clinic for checkup. After numerous tests (and one rather awkward temperature taking) it was determined that the Princess had bloodied her paw after splitting a claw and was a little dehydrated but was essentially ok. Fluids were administered and the Princess was secured for transport home. Instructions have been left for Agent Julie to continue care in the morning. Report was filed and the case was closed.

[Wednesday, January 11, 2006 (12:31 am)]

'night y'all. Somehow I have to get up for work in the morning.

Jim

Tashawatch - Day 6

We're getting closer. Here's the report:

A live trap was set out to apprehend Tasha (aka -the Princess). Agent Julie came home from a recruitment dinner around 2200 hours, saw Tasha on a neighbor's porch and attempted to follow and apprehend. In the darkness, the Princess spotted our agent and proceeded through a series of evasive manuevers, eventually leaving behind Agent Julie. Agent Julie returned to HQ and after a short debriefing, proceeded with an evening of R&R. Agent Jim took over survelience of the trap. At 2300 hours a final check of the trap was made. Trap was found to be empty. Agents Jim & Julie retired for the evening. At 0300 hours Agent Jim awoke via pre-set alarm to check on the trap. A review of the trap indicated the involatary confinement of a white long-haired cat with black patches along the body - it was not the Princess. Agent Jim proceeded to open the trap and release the detainee. Resetting the trap, Agent Jim returned to bed. At 0600 hours Agent Jim awoke and rechecked the trap. The trap was empty. Agent Jim proceeded through his morning routine and at 0700 hours, brought the trap in for the remainder of the day. Agent Jim then headed off to work. Agents Boris & Simone are conducting reviews of the trap to ensure that no detainees could escape the closed box. They appear most interested about the food that is found in the trap. Report is expected upon return to HQ.

"Operation Tasha-in-a-box" will recommence at 1900 hours.

Agent Jim

Tashawatch - Day 4

Ok, so now God and Tasha are playing a joke on me. I see that now.

So for the weekend Julie and I have placed some bowls of food outside where we can see them from the house. On Saturday Julie was out and I was on watch. Around 8:00 or so I look outside and see a fuzzy little butt with cute little white mitten paws trotting away. I rush around to grab my coat and a flashlight, but by the time I get out there...she's gone. However she has eaten the bowl of food so I guess we're doing ok.

On Sunday we get a different idea. The food is still outside, but we lock away the other two kitties upstairs and we sit in the house, in the dark, with the front door wide open. And we sit. And we watch. We see a couple of kitties, a couple of possums but no Tasha. Finally about 9:00 we give up. It's been two hours, we're cold, we're tired and we just want to rest. No problem. We watch an episode of Lost. After it's over I start to head upstairs. I stop to look out the observation window and what do I see? Tasha sitting there eating. I open up the door and Tasha bolts. So what do I do? I bolt after her. No coat. Jeans and a sweatshirt. In my bare feet. In the middle of winter. Unfortunately she was moving quick and was gone. I lost her around a corner. So, I have to think smarter, but at least we know she's ok and she must have a hidey hole somewhere. Sigh....she just needs to come home before it gets too cold.

Natasha

So somehow over the last day and a half, or so Tasha somehow got free and left the house. Can't find her, don't know where she went. I suppose God was taking care of her before we got her and He'll keep taking care of her now, but I miss my poor Tish-Tosh.

this sucks

Almost there

Happy New Year (almost)!!!!!

Ya know, for a “restful” holiday week I think I’m ready to get back to work just so I can take a break. This has been one of those weeks where just about everything I wanted to accomplish has not been done, but we’ve been coming up with interesting new challenges just to see how Jim would react. Frankly, it all started out so well. Nice holiday, lots of family time. But it seems that my life all fell apart thanks to an ornery dryer. You heard me; my appliances are rebelling against me. Ok, admittedly it is partly my fault. I was trying to fix a part of the dryer that I thought would be easy enough to open, take the old part out and pop in the new part. Heh…silly me. Little did I know that they design this stuff so you have to dismantle the entire dryer to replace one simple little part. So long story short, I got the thing back together but, cliché I know, it was never quite the same afterwards. A day later, after the high pitched whiney noise that indicated the end of the dryer I spent a day tracking down a new dryer/washer, transporting the silly thing home and getting it installed. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but trust me, it was an entire day. Then most of this day was dedicated to getting rid of the old machine. Two days of the five day vacation…….sigh…..

But I get to go to church tonight and then we’re having friends over for the evening to celebrate the new year.

Ah well, I know this is a bit rushed but I have to get ready for church. More to come tomorrow (the last day of this exciting day vacation).

And......cut!

And on the second day God said, “Give Jim a break!”

Ok, not really, but I’m ready for that break now. After three days of family and friends and church services it was nice to spend an afternoon just sitting around the house and not being social. The batteries are starting to recharge but it’s going to take a little while. As one of those introverts, being around people just tends to wear me out. The worst part is that people tend to interpret your actions as being rude, or not liking them when that’s really not the case. In my case it’s just that I’m a homebody. I recharge at home. Place me in a group of people or take me away from my home and I get drained. Just the way it is. But I did have a wonderful time with everyone I spent Christmas with. And I love my new church family. There was a wonderful service Christmas morning that was just so….worshipful. I love where I’ve moved to. Praise be to God for bringing me there. So enjoy your vacations, all. Time enough to work later ;)

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Ok, I know it's a day early, but I finally got two minutes to sit down here and I don't know how busy tomorrow will be. So to all, I hope the holiday is peaceful. Relax and enjoy the downtime.

Jim

Snow Fun!!!

And the snow has arrived!!!!!! We finally got our first good 8 inch snow and here I am in Flint. Ah well. I have a hotel room booked for the night so I think I'm going to go there, eat a nice dinner and sit around with my book for the evening. Hope everyone else is safe and warm. How in the heck will I sleep without the kitties on my feet? Hmm...cool. More bedspace for me. ;)

Miscellaneous news

Wow…two posts in one day??? Ok, so the first one was cheating a little bit. I actually wrote it a couple of days ago, but was having some problems with Blogger so I didn’t get it posted. Today I have the pleasure of sitting around the house with my first cold of the season. My throat hurts and my head’s congested. You really have to love this time of year.

So I’m getting plenty of quality time reading comic books, watching tv and catching up on novels. Since I don’t have much to write about, how’s about we see what’s going on out in cyberspace.

Here’s an article out of the Chicago Tribune about Willow Creek and the fact that they’re not holding Christmas services. I’ve read through the reasoning three or four times and it still doesn’t make sense to me. They’re equating a personal family celebration (the birth of a child) and equating it to corporate worship. Talk about a lesson in not getting it.

Just when you thought it would never happen, here is a link to an article that has pictures of the soon to come movie, “Rocky Balboa”. That’s right, Rocky VI. I’d try to come up with some witty, sarcastic remark about this movie, but come on, you know you’re going to go see it. How can you not see Rocky VI???

We’re at T-minus thirteen days until “Serenity” is released on dvd. I know the movie didn’t exactly break any box office records, but I still loved it. And now it appears that Joss Wheadon is going to continue the Buffyverse and Serenityverse with straight-to-dvd movies. So I’m happy.

Alright, I’m having trouble sitting up straight, so I’m going to go back to the couch. Happy Wednesday, all!!!

Here comes the cold

And winter has arrived…..yuck.

Actually it’s not so bad. I do tend to like winter, but the reason I really like winter is because I’m such a homebody I like any excuse to stay in and in bed. My biggest annoyance during the winter has to do with driving back and forth to work. Considering that I have an hour drive to work each day when the weather is good, I tend to get a little grouchy when the weather turns like this.

Julie and I had a nice weekend at my company Christmas Party. There’s nothing like taking Julie to meet all of the crazy souls I tell her I encounter during the day. Now she knows why I am the way I am when I get home.

My new toy arrived this weekend. That’s right, I now have a DVR!!! Woo-hoo! Ok, I had to give up HBO to get it, but frankly I wasn’t watching much HBO anyway.

For my fellow geeks out there, they’ve released a teaser trailer for X3. Don’t know if it’ll be any good or not, but I liked the first two so I’m willing to give this one the benefit of the doubt. Have to love the look of Kelsey Grammer as the Beast. And please, just let me look at that shot of Famke Janson walking out of the infirmary four or five times in slow motion and I’ll be perfectly happy.

Work Day Fun!!!

I hate budget season…

My brain is mush…

Argh…

Life goes on

Wow. Ok, it’s been a little while since I last sat down and wrote. I guess things have been a little busier than I thought. So what’s been going on?

• Well, Julie’s back on “mole” for a couple of weeks. Plenty of bed space for me, but it’s kind of quiet around the house again. Ah well….only a couple of weeks.

• Yesterday Julie and I took a day to babysit Iris again. She’s really my favorite 11 month old. Since Julie was sleeping for a while that morning, I got to go pick her up and bring her home. We took a detour by my folks house and let her socialize with my family for a while. Man, I think they’re all ready for grandchildren. Eh, I think we’re ready too. All I can say is we’re working on it, although it appears to be more difficult than one would think. I mean, at least the way we’re trying it, you both have to be in bed at the same time to make progress and….well….see bullet point one above….

• Well, it appears that Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson are cranking away on the final two books of the original Dune series. Sigh….I’m going to have to go back and re-read them just to get back to what in the heck is going on with the storyline. I love that series but man, it is dense. Ah well, looking forward to it.

• Just wrapped up another book, “Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal” by Christopher Moore. It was a gift and it was actually hilarious. One of those laugh out loud books. It’s also interesting to see how people with different perspectives view Christ and Christianity in general, but I think I’ve just read a very humanistic view of the supernatural. Now that I think about it, it’s actually quite amazing that he pulled that off. Oh well, now I’ll move on to “The Four Loves” by C.S. Lewis. I’m intrigued to read about love and relationships in general. Give me something to ponder about where I have gone wrong in my life and where I need to improve. (I know, I know….very narcissistic, all about me).

• So now that I own all six Star Wars movies how long will it be until a weekend Star Wars fest? Maybe over Christmas?

Yea....Thursday

Hmmm...what to do, what to do? Ok I know what to do.......more mental anguish to come, I suppose. Or maybe it will solve problems? Who knows....

Anyway, in other stuff:

Red Wings over St. Louis 5-1. Hockey is back and the city is fine.

Serenity was a coooooool movie. I loved it. I know there are some mixed reviews from those who weren't fans of the series, but for us serious geeks it was great.

Tigers got a new manager. Like it was the manager who wasn't scoring runs. I'm gonna miss Tram

Lions still suck. I can't wait until they're good again. (oh this is a long wait)

More Random Thoughts

So I’m sitting here watching one of the two shows that I must watch on a weekly basis, “Everwood” (the other, if you’re curious is “Arrested Development”, the funniest show ever made). I love this show. And for the season opener they are showing some of the funniest examples of relationships that I’ve ever seen. And I think I’ve witnessed one of the funniest examples of male/female communication “dysfunction” that I’ve ever witnessed. I know it’s all soap opera-y and scripted, but it’s so true. If men and women aren’t getting along it’s usually 48% the way he feels, 48% the way she feels and about 4% the actual facts of the situation. Live and learn, eh?

Tomorrow I get to see Serenity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What’s up with the new NHL? Am I the only one who misses the hooking and holding. I’ll give it some time of adjustment for the new rules….but damn! I mean….Detroit vs Dallas. 4-2 Detroit. 4-2?!? That’s not a hockey game. Dallas/Detroit should be 1-0. That’s a hockey game.

Tomorrow I get to see Serenity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another weekend gone....another birthday getting ready to go....

Writing doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m actually so far out of practice with any serious writing that it takes me quite a while to even get simple paragraphs down. In business you become trained to write short and sweet, totally antithetical to my personal style of verbal communication. That’s why writing here is a bit more fun, but also a bit more work. One day I do promise to document some of the changes that have occurred in my life the last year or so, but I really want to take the time to do it right. So for the moment why don’t we tackle some of the side thoughts I’ve been working through for the last few years…..

Relationships. For those who had the pleasure of sitting in while I was leading weeknight Bible studies at Livonia over the last few years I was there, you know that “relationships” was a point that I started to harp on over and over. Now as a Lutheran I do believe that Law and Gospel is a proper filter to be looking at Scripture through, but as a subset of “Gospel” I believe this idea of relationships takes some important precedence. When I spoke about them, I said that I believe that they are some of the most foundational, fundamental building blocks of Christianity….and I still feel that way. A little story of Jesus speaking about the most important commandments went like this:

Mark 12:28-33

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

32 "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
NIV

If you want to see how The Father intended for us to live, make sure your relationships are in order. There is no such thing as a “good” relationship with God and yet having bad relations with those around you. If anything, this is one of the things that really led me to question this whole idea of Baptist autonomy. To claim to love your neighbor, but then to state that you have no responsibility toward them seemed a little ridiculous to me. But that’s all a little off topic and really a whole essay in and of itself. But that’s another writing for another time.

As we got a little closer to my 31st birthday, I’ve had some chances to look at various relationships in my life. About three weeks ago Julie and I went back to LBC for my brother’s Deacon Ordination. It was a fun time to reconnect with people that I would still consider family even though we don’t attend the same church anymore. As a matter of fact I’d say there’s probably quite a bit we’d disagree about nowadays, but I still love them to death. It was a good chance to reconnect and catch up. That same day Julie and I also babysat her friend’s daughter. So I developed a new relationship with my little 9 month old friend. It’s amazing what a nap on the couch together can do for two people.

Last weekend I got sick, but I didn’t give up on my weekly racquetball game. Why? Well, Julie would probably attribute it to a lack of common sense but the chance to get out with my friends once a week is a hard tug to resist. Of course then I was sick the rest of the weekend and spent it on the couch. I couldn’t even get out to church. But you know what was weird about that? I really wanted to go worship. In the short time that we’ve been going to this church I have really come to love the place. I hated the chance to miss seeing God in action and in community. That’s a feeling I haven’t had in a while.

And just this weekend many of my friends came over just to hang out for the night to celebrate my birthday (Julie’s idea, not mine). But you know what? I loved every minute of it. And a buddy of mine even called me that day just to talk for an hour and catch up. That’s the best part about relationships (romantic or otherwise). Take it from a guy who did the whole long distance dating thing for way too long (including a couple of intercontinental trips), it’s never about the distance, it’s about the effort.

Ok, I’ve rambled on long enough. You’ve gotten an update on my life and a look at my thoughts. Poor you. Probably should go back and re-edit this thing for, oh, I don’t know, coherency. But I won’t. On nights when Julie is on call I just feel like rambling, so ramble it is. Despite every part of my introverted personality that screams for solitude, it was great having my friends around. Who knows? I may grow to be a social creature yet…

Just passing time...

Colds suck. There’s my deep revelation for the day. Heck, that might even cover it for the week. Somehow I’ve come down with a cold that’s just kicking my butt. Ok, granted playing racquetball last night probably didn’t help the situation, but what can I say? Can’t act mature and responsible all the time…

So instead of any deep thoughts, here is some more of the geeky wonderful news that keeps me going in my crazy way:

1. Arrested Development starts up again on Monday night. This is the funniest show on television. Ok, Scrubs could probably give it a run for its money, but I love them both. 8:00 pm Monday night….watch AD.


2. Petra is finally going to release a live CD/DVD combo as part of their Farewell Tour. In my own cold medicine, foggy headed kind of way I am totally geeked about this. And the best part? Special guest appearances by……..? Greg X Volz and John Lowry!!!!!! The original lead singer and the best keyboard player they ever had!!!!! They’re recording this thing on October 4 in Franklin, TN. Don’t think I wasn’t looking at my calendar to see if I could get away. Unfortunately no, but this does make up for me missing them when they were here in August. November 22 Petra: Farewell


3. I’ve spent most of today reading comic books attempting to catch myself up on some of the major storylines going on. DC’s Infinite Crisis is really getting my attention. I am so looking forward to this story. It may just be marketing, but I like the way they’re tying it back to the original Crisis on Infinite Earths. Marvel’s House of M storyline is interesting, but I don’t quite get the same feeling of giddy excitement that I get from DC right now. Both have major ramifications for the universes involved, but DC definitely has my interest right now.


4. T minus 13 days to the opening of Serenity. Firefly was only the coolest show that Joss Whedon had come up with. I can’t wait to see this in the theatre. Who wouldn’t want to see their favorite mechanic on the big screen? You must see this movie. There is no question. If you need to borrow the tv show, let me know. Julie and I are done rewatching the series. You must see it!!!!!

Ok, too much energy used up here. Must go back and sit down. Later.

Katrina

The topic of the week, it seems. It’s hard to go anywhere or do anything now that you don’t hear about the hurricane and its effect on those in Louisiana. Nor should we forget about what happened to them. As I ride to and from work every day I do a lot of channel switching and listen to talk shows (when I’m not cranking up the music) of all different types and varieties. As you might expect, I tend to listen to the two Christian stations I pick up on my ride home, the local Protestant station and the local Catholic station. It’s interesting to hear all the perspectives of the tragedy and God’s role in all of it. I think I’ve heard just about every explanation for this that could be out there. Opinions ranging from “This is God’s punishment to that decadent city of New Orleans” to “God would never use natural disasters to punish people, they’re just a consequence of the physical world and too cruel for God to use.” As usual, I believe scripture points to a position somewhere in between.

To those who would call this God’s punishment to the people of New Orleans I would point out a few things:

• If it is a specific punishment, then God’s aim sucks. There is so much “collateral damage” that will come from this that many, many “innocent” (or as innocent as any of us can be with original sin) people to whom N.O.’s sin cannot be applied were hurt.


• Scripture teaches us that “natural” disasters occur and that when we focus on the sin of the people involved, we’re really missing the big picture. Look at the Gospel of Luke, chapter 13. A natural disaster occurred when a tower fell and killed 18. Rather than feeling superior and safe in our sheltered worlds, perhaps we need to be looking around for our own disasters. God help us if we ever receive the due punishment for our sins. Reconcile with God now, listen to the calling of the Holy Spirit and repent while there is still time.


• One should always be cautious about speaking in the name of God. As a prophet, one is held to a high standard. And when one is speaking God’s wrath on a group of people, you darn well better know what you’re talking about. And claiming to know the secret will of God (unless he has specifically revealed it) is not somewhere I want to go carelessly.

To those who would say that this is just a “random” happening I would say the following:

• There is no such thing as a random happening. If you accept scripture, I would point you toward areas such as Hebrews 1:3 where it is testified that the world is sustained through the power of His Word. Or how about Matthew 10: 29 where we are told that even the falling of the sparrow does not occur apart from the will of the Father? If you do not accept scripture then I would pray that the Holy Spirit reveal himself and draw you close to Him as the Father wills. Please know that there is a loving God over all of this.


• God the Father has used natural disasters to punish his creation. Flood (Genesis 7), plague (Exodus 8-12, 32), stories of disasters to come in the book of Revelation. It’s His world to use and it will be used to His glory.

Look at the Gospel of John, Chapter 9. Tragedies occur, but they provide us the opportunity to show God’s love to people and to see God working through all our lives. Here is where faith is truly put to the test, but here is where faith is ultimately proven. God loves. God is love and He’s there grieving and strengthening the people that call on His name. I don’t know how many people are going to read this, but I am sure that those who are drawn to will read it with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Find opportunities to help. Many of us will not be able to go and assist, but at the very least make sacrifices and give sacrificially to organizations that are helping. Two that I would recommend are:

• Lutheran Church Missouri Synod World Relief and Human Care (click here to go to their site)

• American Red Cross (click here to go to their site)

Continue to pray for the survivors and refugees.

Jim

Mondays

Mondays are never simple in my life. Today was pretty good at work, but it seems like life hits me in one way or another whenever I'm not looking. Today's bit of irony came to me as I was sitting eating dinner at home. As is my custom I had the tv on (hey, Julie wasn't home yet) and was watching the BBC World News. As I was munching away I was looking at the devistation caused by Hurricane Katrina along the gulf coast. Just the strange juxtaposition of the sorrow and hardship these folks were going to have to go thorugh, and here I was feeding my face. Add to the irony the start of Monday Night Football and people jumping up and down like football was just the most important thing in the world yet here were others who seem to have lost everything. Isn't the world crazy???? Please God, show me how to reconnect to the world around me.....