The Rocky Mountains are like that really attractive girl from junior high school: She is beautiful, she knows she’s beautiful, and, because of that, she is going to make the developmental stage in your life a living hell.
After a day duller than a 156 game Wimbledon match, today’s uphill ride proved to be a welcome relief from the absence of excitement. Although our team has handled days much more challenging than today’s 3000 ft climb/ill-designed shoulder treads/stand still traffic, the miniscule annoyances made today’s 80 mile journey a drawn out affair.
The morning began with a beat, as Shane’s tonsils clearly still felt the after-effects of his accident and his painkillers and kept the entire team awake with his snoring. Through Shane’s air horn, our tireless riders somehow managed to wake up at 6:00 AM to begin the day. Mike and Kirsten left first, continuing in their tradition of being perhaps the only riders who truly appreciate the scenery we pass by. It seems as though the two of them always manage to point out some important landmark missed by the fitness freaks that are Zane, Sanford, and Jason (ha ha, okay… you got me… Jason is still a wana-be fitness freak). As the sun rose higher, the rest of the group managed to navigate its way out of the Mesa State College campus, putting all five riders on the road at about 7:30 AM.
Smooth sailing carried our riders through to the fifty-mile marker and Zane’s wonderful turkey and mayonnaise sandwiches stripped the championship belt off of Claire’s waste and gave him the esteemed position of “best sandwich maker.” During lunch, each rider slowly began to realize that there were splendid hotel rooms awaiting them at the Glenwood Springs Hotel (courtesy of an anonymous and very generous alum), and we all chose to push hard to the spa, cutting lunch short. Despite the repaving of the roads, all five riders arrived in Glenwood by 2:00 PM, leaving just enough time for a dip in the Hot Springs next to the hotel.
Realizing that they would not be sharing beds for the first time in over a week, Shane and Jason chose to do whatever it took to continue their budding friendship. Due to Jason’s o-so-hilarious sense of humor, the answer to this was in a couples’ hot stone massage at the Glenwood Springs Spa –it should be noted that Jason made the reservation, while Shane had no idea it was a couples message until his name card read “Shane Lupatkin.” As Sanford, Zane, Claire and the gang laughed from the pool, the two Lupatkins enjoyed one another’s company and the finest touch Colorado has to offer.
Post rub down, the A-Team reassembled to head out for a large steak dinner at Juicy Lucy's, courtesy of another very generous alum. Today’s anonymous donations to our ride really hit home as our group dressed up, ate well, and enjoyed one another’s company at our family dinner. We each bike at least 4 hours a day, and have way to much time on our hands to think about the definition of service, but it truly has been the helping hands along the way that have taught us the most about giving back.
Tomorrow, we will pedal another 4,000 ft up the Rockies to Vail, CO to stay with the Garton Family. We have a tent, we have more than enough canned food, but because of the many acts of kindness we have received so far on our journey, none of the above have been needed.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
1st Sheet Cake Experience...
Made this full sheet cake for a graduate of Shaler High School who is going to College at Duquesne University in the fall. The cake had to be baked in pieces (home oven's don't accommodate full sheets) so it was interesting. The cake is chocolate chocolate chip with vanilla buttercream. It was surprisingly challenging to make a cake without fondant and even more challenging dealing with the humidity- caused my buttercream to separate and do weird things. It still tasted good though!
Searching for a Church Home
Also, I have an opportunity to be a part of a new church start in the area. I met with the pastor last Saturday and he shared with me a some about the church's vision and focus. I also have read the pastor's vision and core values document and it sounds like a really neat opportunity. I feel like I have gifts to share with this new congregation that is yet to be born. I could be a part of helping to shape the DNA of this new community of faith. Having tried to launch a new church a few years ago in Indiana, I feel as if I could be helpful to this pastor and this new ministry.
So, as you can see, I have a bit of a dilemma. I feel a bit torn. While it's great to have choices, I don't always do well with choices. I like to have a clear path before me. For example, when I was looking for an apartment it took me months of searching before I found a place that felt right. While most people find an apartment complex in their price range and sign the lease, I need to be sure that I like the people working in the office, I have a good feeling about the community, and I am able to walk through the apartment I will rent in order to get a feeling for the space. It's exhausting but that's who I am. It all has to feel right before I will sign the lease.
So, in another sign that God has a sense of humor, I now have two wonderful choices for a church home. While I recognize that I can always change if the church I choose doesn't work out for me, I would like to get connected soon with a faith community and stick with it if at all possible. The only people I know in Cincinnati right now are the people I work with and my family. I am ready to connect to friends who will help me grow in my faith and hold me accountable. I am ready to be a bit more rooted than I feel I am right now. I am ready to invest my gifts and my life in a community along side fellow Christians.
So, I ask for your prayers. I know whatever I choose God will lead me and guide me. I know that I am blessed to have such wonderful choices. I guess I would like some assurance that I am taking the path that God wants for my life and not what Kevin wants. I want to make sure that it feels right before I sign the lease.
Thanks for your prayers and for being a part of my journey!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Day 16: A Sepia Day in "The Colorful State"
After more than two weeks of travel, it's funny how a 40 mile cycling day can seem like a simple ride through the neighborhood to a friend's house.
Opening our eyelids at separate times, the gang formerly known as Mystery Inc. had many different plans for the morning. Kirsten and Mike woke up at 7:30 am to roll into Arches National Park to capture some final pictures of the Delicate Arch. Sanford and Zane broke into the kitchen at an undisclosed time to read the New York Times and sip coffee before work, discussing whatever the two of them talk about. Claire jumped out of bed with her newfound energy to paint her nails a very awkward teal color. And, most importantly, Shane and Jason cuddled in bed until 11:30, when Momma' Claire rolled in to tell them that they had overslept the 11:00 AM checkout time.
By 12:30 our confused and discombobulated bunch had reassembled and arranged Jason’s Muscle Milk, Sanford’s Twilight books, and all of our bikes, suitcases, and sleeping bags into the car. With just enough room to pack in some of our limbs, our car departed Moab in pursuit of the point on I-70 where Jason and Zane ended their ride on Sunday.
As hard as we can try, there is no way to beautify today to make it sound interesting. We biked an up and down 40 miles, with the last 10 along the hardly impressive Colorado River. Jason and Zane both popped their tires and needed to be picked up by Claire. Perhaps the most exciting part of the day came at the City Market when Claire rode in the children’s shopping cart and Jason mistakenly purchased toilet paper instead of paper towels.
Arriving in Grand Junction, CO around 5, we set up camp at our spacious housing at Mesa State University (a big thank you to Chuck Thomas and Stuart Kuhn for getting us two huge dorm rooms with more than enough beds) and scavenged through the van to find a cheap dinner. The Carnies in Moab had conned us out of hundreds, and for some reason, it was nice to just sit back and crack open some free canned food.
Tomorrow, with luck, will be some interesting riding as we take our first few pedals into the infamous Rocky Mountains. With 87 miles and 3000 ft uphill on the agenda, we are all hunkering down for a good nights rest before our 7:30am departure. Toodles.
*Jason insists that we start Trivia on the blog, so the 2010 FACE AIDS Ride Against Aids' first trivia question is: Name this man
Opening our eyelids at separate times, the gang formerly known as Mystery Inc. had many different plans for the morning. Kirsten and Mike woke up at 7:30 am to roll into Arches National Park to capture some final pictures of the Delicate Arch. Sanford and Zane broke into the kitchen at an undisclosed time to read the New York Times and sip coffee before work, discussing whatever the two of them talk about. Claire jumped out of bed with her newfound energy to paint her nails a very awkward teal color. And, most importantly, Shane and Jason cuddled in bed until 11:30, when Momma' Claire rolled in to tell them that they had overslept the 11:00 AM checkout time.
By 12:30 our confused and discombobulated bunch had reassembled and arranged Jason’s Muscle Milk, Sanford’s Twilight books, and all of our bikes, suitcases, and sleeping bags into the car. With just enough room to pack in some of our limbs, our car departed Moab in pursuit of the point on I-70 where Jason and Zane ended their ride on Sunday. As hard as we can try, there is no way to beautify today to make it sound interesting. We biked an up and down 40 miles, with the last 10 along the hardly impressive Colorado River. Jason and Zane both popped their tires and needed to be picked up by Claire. Perhaps the most exciting part of the day came at the City Market when Claire rode in the children’s shopping cart and Jason mistakenly purchased toilet paper instead of paper towels.
Arriving in Grand Junction, CO around 5, we set up camp at our spacious housing at Mesa State University (a big thank you to Chuck Thomas and Stuart Kuhn for getting us two huge dorm rooms with more than enough beds) and scavenged through the van to find a cheap dinner. The Carnies in Moab had conned us out of hundreds, and for some reason, it was nice to just sit back and crack open some free canned food. Tomorrow, with luck, will be some interesting riding as we take our first few pedals into the infamous Rocky Mountains. With 87 miles and 3000 ft uphill on the agenda, we are all hunkering down for a good nights rest before our 7:30am departure. Toodles.
*Jason insists that we start Trivia on the blog, so the 2010 FACE AIDS Ride Against Aids' first trivia question is: Name this man
24
I'm deep into season 6 of the television series 24. I'm watching via my Netflix subscription. It continues to entertain me and keep me on the edge of my seat. I sometimes have to stop the DVD and take a break because I really get wrapped up in the suspense and drama. This is one of the best written shows I've ever seen when it comes to action and suspense.
I am in awe of Jack Bauer and his patriotism that drives him forward in the face of impending disaster. They lock him up, torture him, shoot at him, and still Jack keeps on going. He never gives up. Even when it gets personal and his family members are involved. If it comes down to saving his family members (who aren't the nicest people in the world) or the country, Jack will always choose the greater good of saving the nation.
I know that the series ends this year. I hope that the series ends with Jack getting a day of rest. His non-stop action and heroism deserves at least one day off before he has to go out and save the world again.
I hope you are having a great week. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
I am in awe of Jack Bauer and his patriotism that drives him forward in the face of impending disaster. They lock him up, torture him, shoot at him, and still Jack keeps on going. He never gives up. Even when it gets personal and his family members are involved. If it comes down to saving his family members (who aren't the nicest people in the world) or the country, Jack will always choose the greater good of saving the nation.
I know that the series ends this year. I hope that the series ends with Jack getting a day of rest. His non-stop action and heroism deserves at least one day off before he has to go out and save the world again.
I hope you are having a great week. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
What will I do?
Week one of "HAIR" is done. Recharging, resting my voice until thursday now. Three weeks left. That's it. Do you know how fast that will go by? I rarely get caught up in the "what will I do post show" anymore. But this time is different. I have a feeling I'm gonna be a little blue. Sure there will be other shows. Things already look *potentially* good. But it's my "HAIR". I want to do it forever. I want to do it for a month after. Two months after. A year! Everything about the show is truly kismet and I am so in love with it I don't know how long it will take me to get over it.
So. I've checked nearly all my dream roles off my to do list. Almost all of them. Let's put some wishes out into the universe, shall we?
1.) Gypsy
I've wanted to play Gypsy for years. Come on, it's perfect. Will someone put this on already?
2.) The Donkey Show
I was THISCLOSE to getting it Off Broadway in NYC. Now it's playing through 2010 at American Rep.
Let's do this here. I'd love to play Tatania, but I'll take about anything.
3.) Romeo & Juliet
Juliet. I'm a chick, what can I say.
4.) Chicago
I'll take Velma or Roxy
5.) Summer and Smoke
Alma. It's been one of my favorite plays since I was in high school.
And...let's throw in a Urinetown, a Jekyll and Hyde, a King and I, I'm sure there's a few more.
Okay universe, work your magic!
Deena Marie xo
So. I've checked nearly all my dream roles off my to do list. Almost all of them. Let's put some wishes out into the universe, shall we?
1.) Gypsy
I've wanted to play Gypsy for years. Come on, it's perfect. Will someone put this on already?
2.) The Donkey Show
I was THISCLOSE to getting it Off Broadway in NYC. Now it's playing through 2010 at American Rep.
Let's do this here. I'd love to play Tatania, but I'll take about anything.
3.) Romeo & Juliet
Juliet. I'm a chick, what can I say.
4.) Chicago
I'll take Velma or Roxy
5.) Summer and Smoke
Alma. It's been one of my favorite plays since I was in high school.
And...let's throw in a Urinetown, a Jekyll and Hyde, a King and I, I'm sure there's a few more.
Okay universe, work your magic!
Deena Marie xo
fossil of the weekend #74
a nice plesiosaur tooth from vancouver island, at the royal british columbia museum in victoria.
Day 15: A Day of Rest?
With some of this country's most beautiful national parks in our backyard, Moab, Utah proved to be the perfect oasis. We had narrowly escaped the senile drivers of Nevada and sprinted through the state of Utah in a fashion second only to the great Usain Bolt; finally, our tenacious cycling had provided us with a beautiful summer day to waste away.
With our next stop within a stones throw, we arrived in Moab on Sunday with a childlike fervor. Even Zane’s goldilocks began to bounce in the wind as we drove into town and headed toward our beautiful 5-bedroom condo that we had been graciously given to us for two nights at a discounted price. Taking advantage of the close proximity of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, our group quickly divided for a couple hours to check out the tourism-centered town, reconvening later to watch the sunset on the enormous sandstone canyons surrounding us. Even the great Sanford Roberts felt small as our group hiked in, out, and around the towering rock structures. In true Peter Parker fashion, Jason decided that the 400 ft tall, free standing rock structures were nothing compared to his city skyscrapers, and a true Kodak moment was flashed as he ascended and perched himself high above the clouds to watch the sunset. After watching a sunset rivaled only in the Lion King, our group went to bed early in the hopes of waking up before the crack of dawn to see the sunrise. With a 4am wake up call planned, we all tucked in Saturday night looking more excited and much cuter than the kids in the Disney commercials.
As Shane took the motherly reigns from Claire, a 4am wake up call snoozed to a 4:45 breakfast bell and the smell of overcooked cinnamon rolls wafted from the kitchen, waking up Zane, Claire, and Jason. Jumping into the Mystery Machine, the group of four headed to Dead Horse Point to witness the widely acclaimed sunrise onto Canyonlands National Park. As the Stanford Rowing team knows, it takes a lot to silence Jason, and I am glad to say that the suns rays peaking over the canyons and across the Colorado River did just that.
Recovering from Shane's awful cooking (Note to group: Claire's sandwiches trump all), the riders all napped until their 9:30 death wish at Moab Skydiving. After signing away their lives, the Boys ft. Kirsten minus Mike, told each other their darkest secrets (Sanford loves Gossip Girl) and sent "I love you" texts to their mothers (Mrs.Silver: we know you did not receive one, but we did not want to ruin your birthday by telling you that your son was jumping 10,000 feet out of a airplane). Jason and Zane were the first to step up to the plane, as they felt their idolization of Vin Diesel aka XXX was enough to calm their nerves.
“You guys were up so high! You just looked like to white dots falling toward us!” exclaimed Sanford after the dynamic duo had successfully landed their parachutes.
“Well, if it makes you feel better, you and Shane looked like to little brown dots from up there?” replied an always witty Zane.
Next, Kirsten hopped into the plane and it was a true sight to see her ear-to-ear smile after she nailed a landing that would even impress Shawn Johnson. Last, but not least, Sanford and Shane strapped up for their dive. During the fall, Shane’s motion sickness got the best of him and he would proudly later place his name on the asphalt of shame with Jason for post-skydiving sickness.
Overall, the day was young and had already been quite a success as Claire and Mike had also triumphed in thrift shopping around town. After some more catnaps and a quick lunch, the A-team took off for one last hurrah at High Point Hummer, to off-road through the dunes of Moab, Utah. The ride took our team up and around rocky slopes and valleys, and, at times, only two wheels of our Costco sized vehicle were on the ground. The highlight of this tourist trap/gimmick/con came in a 45-degree ascent to the top of one of the dunes, where we parked and sat out to watch the sun go down across Arches National Park and the La Sal Mountains.
With a successful, rejuvenating rest day underneath our belts, tomorrow will bring a “short” 40-mile bike ride to Grand Junction – picking back up on the ride where Jason and Zane finished on Sunday. By Tuesday night the 2010 Face Aids Ride will have traveled across 3 states and is still awaiting its first presentation. It has been amazing to see the everyday American react to our journey, and we have been graced with many favors, beds, and meals as those we meet take hold of our mission. FACE AIDS began as a grassroots organization, and, likewise, our Ride Against Aids has taken root in our everyday interactions with the citizens of this amazing land.
With our next stop within a stones throw, we arrived in Moab on Sunday with a childlike fervor. Even Zane’s goldilocks began to bounce in the wind as we drove into town and headed toward our beautiful 5-bedroom condo that we had been graciously given to us for two nights at a discounted price. Taking advantage of the close proximity of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, our group quickly divided for a couple hours to check out the tourism-centered town, reconvening later to watch the sunset on the enormous sandstone canyons surrounding us. Even the great Sanford Roberts felt small as our group hiked in, out, and around the towering rock structures. In true Peter Parker fashion, Jason decided that the 400 ft tall, free standing rock structures were nothing compared to his city skyscrapers, and a true Kodak moment was flashed as he ascended and perched himself high above the clouds to watch the sunset. After watching a sunset rivaled only in the Lion King, our group went to bed early in the hopes of waking up before the crack of dawn to see the sunrise. With a 4am wake up call planned, we all tucked in Saturday night looking more excited and much cuter than the kids in the Disney commercials. 
As Shane took the motherly reigns from Claire, a 4am wake up call snoozed to a 4:45 breakfast bell and the smell of overcooked cinnamon rolls wafted from the kitchen, waking up Zane, Claire, and Jason. Jumping into the Mystery Machine, the group of four headed to Dead Horse Point to witness the widely acclaimed sunrise onto Canyonlands National Park. As the Stanford Rowing team knows, it takes a lot to silence Jason, and I am glad to say that the suns rays peaking over the canyons and across the Colorado River did just that.Recovering from Shane's awful cooking (Note to group: Claire's sandwiches trump all), the riders all napped until their 9:30 death wish at Moab Skydiving. After signing away their lives, the Boys ft. Kirsten minus Mike, told each other their darkest secrets (Sanford loves Gossip Girl) and sent "I love you" texts to their mothers (Mrs.Silver: we know you did not receive one, but we did not want to ruin your birthday by telling you that your son was jumping 10,000 feet out of a airplane). Jason and Zane were the first to step up to the plane, as they felt their idolization of Vin Diesel aka XXX was enough to calm their nerves.
“You guys were up so high! You just looked like to white dots falling toward us!” exclaimed Sanford after the dynamic duo had successfully landed their parachutes.
“Well, if it makes you feel better, you and Shane looked like to little brown dots from up there?” replied an always witty Zane.
Next, Kirsten hopped into the plane and it was a true sight to see her ear-to-ear smile after she nailed a landing that would even impress Shawn Johnson. Last, but not least, Sanford and Shane strapped up for their dive. During the fall, Shane’s motion sickness got the best of him and he would proudly later place his name on the asphalt of shame with Jason for post-skydiving sickness. 
Overall, the day was young and had already been quite a success as Claire and Mike had also triumphed in thrift shopping around town. After some more catnaps and a quick lunch, the A-team took off for one last hurrah at High Point Hummer, to off-road through the dunes of Moab, Utah. The ride took our team up and around rocky slopes and valleys, and, at times, only two wheels of our Costco sized vehicle were on the ground. The highlight of this tourist trap/gimmick/con came in a 45-degree ascent to the top of one of the dunes, where we parked and sat out to watch the sun go down across Arches National Park and the La Sal Mountains. With a successful, rejuvenating rest day underneath our belts, tomorrow will bring a “short” 40-mile bike ride to Grand Junction – picking back up on the ride where Jason and Zane finished on Sunday. By Tuesday night the 2010 Face Aids Ride will have traveled across 3 states and is still awaiting its first presentation. It has been amazing to see the everyday American react to our journey, and we have been graced with many favors, beds, and meals as those we meet take hold of our mission. FACE AIDS began as a grassroots organization, and, likewise, our Ride Against Aids has taken root in our everyday interactions with the citizens of this amazing land.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Plyers Clipart
In yet another entry to our tools clipart theme, today I decided to add a small collection of plyers clipart images. I hope these are useful for your home improvement, handy work, or other wesbite. Anyone who has done any handy work or repair work has most certainly used plyers, as they are one of the handiest of all tools. You can use this simple little tool to manipulate the shape of wires, pieces of metal, snails, and more. Their uses really are endless.
But it does take a lot of practice to learn how to use them effectively. I still don`t have very good plyers technique, but it`s something I work on regularly as I do a lot of handy work.
Here are the plyers clipart images mentioned above:
But it does take a lot of practice to learn how to use them effectively. I still don`t have very good plyers technique, but it`s something I work on regularly as I do a lot of handy work.
Here are the plyers clipart images mentioned above:
Slothful Day
I have been a sloth today. I did manage to shower and make it out to the grocery store. However, other than that, I didn't leave my apartment. I spent most of the day watching Netflix streaming movies online. I should clarify. They weren't really movies they were documentaries. I have been in a documentary kick lately. The great thing about Netflix is that nearly all of the PBS documentaries are available to stream over the Internet. This is why I love Netflix so much!
I watched a three-part documentary on the history of the ancient Greeks. It was truly amazing. I had studied this amazing civilization in history classes, but I guess I had either forgotten what I learned for I didn't learn as much as I thought I did. Either way, the documentary series focused on the city of Athens and how that city-state and its culture influenced so much of its world and continues to influence our world today. I particularly enjoyed the detailed explanation of Athenian democracy and how it came to be. It was a world-changing concept that would have a lasting legacy.
I also watched a four-part documentary entitled Kingdom of David: The Saga of the Israelites. What I liked about this documentary series is that it looked at the Israelites from an historical perspective. The documentary helped me to learn more about the development of modern Judaism. I learned more about the schism that took place between Judaism and Christianity and some of the roots for that schism. I also learned more about the development of the Talmud. It was really enlightening to me.
So, while I was a sloth today. I guess I am now a slightly more educated sloth.
I hope you had a great start to your week. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
I watched a three-part documentary on the history of the ancient Greeks. It was truly amazing. I had studied this amazing civilization in history classes, but I guess I had either forgotten what I learned for I didn't learn as much as I thought I did. Either way, the documentary series focused on the city of Athens and how that city-state and its culture influenced so much of its world and continues to influence our world today. I particularly enjoyed the detailed explanation of Athenian democracy and how it came to be. It was a world-changing concept that would have a lasting legacy.
I also watched a four-part documentary entitled Kingdom of David: The Saga of the Israelites. What I liked about this documentary series is that it looked at the Israelites from an historical perspective. The documentary helped me to learn more about the development of modern Judaism. I learned more about the schism that took place between Judaism and Christianity and some of the roots for that schism. I also learned more about the development of the Talmud. It was really enlightening to me.
So, while I was a sloth today. I guess I am now a slightly more educated sloth.
I hope you had a great start to your week. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Happy 4th of July in 2010!
Happy 4th of July in 2010!
How will you celebrate the 4th of July this summer?
Will you attend a 4th of July barbecue, host a 4th of July party, march in a 4th of July parade or view 4th of July fireworks?
Enjoy the 4th of July - and be safe!
(Public domain image courtesy of Webweaver Clip Art.)
Related Items of Interest:
Equestrians highlight 4th of July parades in Wisconsin in 2010
How will you celebrate the 4th of July this summer?
Will you attend a 4th of July barbecue, host a 4th of July party, march in a 4th of July parade or view 4th of July fireworks?
Enjoy the 4th of July - and be safe!
(Public domain image courtesy of Webweaver Clip Art.)
Related Items of Interest:
Equestrians highlight 4th of July parades in Wisconsin in 2010
Day 14: Jinkies!!
It’s difficult to distinguish what’s more difficult: falling asleep in a cramped Motel 6 bed or waking up to bike sixty miles after a 100+ day. On Sunday, clearly, the latter proved to be our greatest challenge. After Saturday’s extravagant dinner at Green River’s most prestigious eatery, Burger King, our riders comfortably passed out in the freshly washed and bacteria-free linens that have become the staple of motels everywhere. Finding a love for the texture of the sandpaper bed sheeting, it was only fitting that our riders would then choose to spend an extra hour in the proverbial hay, pushing Sunday morning’s departure to a late 9:15.
Besides the sleep-in, the morning ride was somewhat uneventful. Mike, eager to make it to our unknown destination before the local bookshops closed, left about thirty minutes before the rest of the riders. Zane, Sanford, and Jason decided to ride together but, instead of drafting, chose to ride side-by-side, accomplishing nearly nothing. With Kirsten behind the wheel, Claire on her deathbed, and Shane on his drugs, the Mystery Machine took off in hot pursuit, hoping to find monsters to be unmasked.
Those who grew up with the Hanna-Barbera toons of yesteryear are apt to remember that splitting up, even in big groups, never turns out well. Attempting to catch Mike, Zane and Jason spun their wheels a la frightened Scooby and Shaggy, while Sanford, in true Velma fashion, chose to investigate the inner workings of his tires. Upon finding his glasses on the shoulder with the help of two Hells Angels, Sanford discovered the nearly-unreparable damage to his bike and let out a shriek of “Jinkies!!” to alert the rest of the group.
A leader on the road, Mike, unfortunately, does not wear an ascot nor have the keen sense of danger possessed by the flirtatious Fred. Eventually, falling victim to the same villain that felled Sanford/Velma, Mike was plagued by tire problems in the desert heat. This strange coincidence lends credence to this particular writer’s ever-present-through-childhood theory that Fred and Velma carried on an affair behind the back of the bootylicious Daphne. Regardless, Zane and Jason soon outran all the David Bowie songs ever put in an episode of Scooby Doo, forcing the Mystery Machine to come retrieve them for the night’s job. Unbeknownst to our riders, Shane, Claire, and Kirsten had set up a job for our modern Mystery Inc.ers—in the beautiful town of Moab, set between Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, lies the spooky Bowen Inn.
With some smooth talking and Daphne-esque charm, our driving team found us a home to stay at in exchange for a promise to rid the motel of its paranormal activity. Ahead of schedule by a full day, the meddling kids known as the FACE AIDS team will hopefully solve this mystery in between skydiving, ATVing, and touring the beautiful landscape by Tuesday night, when they are due in Grand Junction, CO. We can only hope that they will be successful and this quaint town of 4000 can grow back to its once bustling 4321.
Besides the sleep-in, the morning ride was somewhat uneventful. Mike, eager to make it to our unknown destination before the local bookshops closed, left about thirty minutes before the rest of the riders. Zane, Sanford, and Jason decided to ride together but, instead of drafting, chose to ride side-by-side, accomplishing nearly nothing. With Kirsten behind the wheel, Claire on her deathbed, and Shane on his drugs, the Mystery Machine took off in hot pursuit, hoping to find monsters to be unmasked. Those who grew up with the Hanna-Barbera toons of yesteryear are apt to remember that splitting up, even in big groups, never turns out well. Attempting to catch Mike, Zane and Jason spun their wheels a la frightened Scooby and Shaggy, while Sanford, in true Velma fashion, chose to investigate the inner workings of his tires. Upon finding his glasses on the shoulder with the help of two Hells Angels, Sanford discovered the nearly-unreparable damage to his bike and let out a shriek of “Jinkies!!” to alert the rest of the group.
A leader on the road, Mike, unfortunately, does not wear an ascot nor have the keen sense of danger possessed by the flirtatious Fred. Eventually, falling victim to the same villain that felled Sanford/Velma, Mike was plagued by tire problems in the desert heat. This strange coincidence lends credence to this particular writer’s ever-present-through-childhood theory that Fred and Velma carried on an affair behind the back of the bootylicious Daphne. Regardless, Zane and Jason soon outran all the David Bowie songs ever put in an episode of Scooby Doo, forcing the Mystery Machine to come retrieve them for the night’s job. Unbeknownst to our riders, Shane, Claire, and Kirsten had set up a job for our modern Mystery Inc.ers—in the beautiful town of Moab, set between Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, lies the spooky Bowen Inn. 
With some smooth talking and Daphne-esque charm, our driving team found us a home to stay at in exchange for a promise to rid the motel of its paranormal activity. Ahead of schedule by a full day, the meddling kids known as the FACE AIDS team will hopefully solve this mystery in between skydiving, ATVing, and touring the beautiful landscape by Tuesday night, when they are due in Grand Junction, CO. We can only hope that they will be successful and this quaint town of 4000 can grow back to its once bustling 4321.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Lead Me On
I've been praying that God would lead me to a congregation in which I could use my gifts and grow in my faith. As I've been checking out the church's website, I feel that there are lots of places for me to plug in and to be able to share my gifts. I have also been impressed by the pastor's preaching and have found myself thinking about last week's sermon throughout this past week. I'm guessing I will do the same in response to this week's sermon.
I was praying on the drive to worship this morning that God would give me a sign if this is the community with which I'm supposed to connect. During the worship service this morning, a soloist provided special music. One of the songs she sang was Lead Me On that was originally sung by Amy Grant. If you remember, this is the song from which I used the phrase Where the River Runs to name this blog. As I heard the woman singing, I felt as if God was speaking to me. Of all the songs that could have been offered as special music, this Amy Grant song from the 1980's was the one chosen as an offering to God. As I listened to the soloist sing, I felt as if God had definitely heard my prayer and was affirming me in my search for a new church home.
I don't know if this church is where God is leading me yet. I still have a few more churches that I would like to check out. However, this church is definitely in the running. In any case, I am offering praise and thanks to the God Who answers prayer and speaks into my life and my heart.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Day 13: Our A-Team
Today's journey was memorable for its stunning presentation of the many different hues and colors in the visible spectrum of light. Utah’s canyons provided an increasingly beautify scenery with each coming mile, and each butte and mesa contrasted wonderfully with Claire’s ever paler skin.
All was not lost, though, as the homely Miss Fisher was able to update her JDate profile with a picture of her making delicious matzoh sandwiches for her yeshiva bound boys. The day’s ride pushed our group 110 miles across Utah’s I-70 to the bustling city of Green River. Long in distance, the day was made more enjoyable by amazing acts of teamwork and unity by our FACE AIDS riders. From Claire’s cooking, to Zane’s backseat driving, and Mike’s sun-burns, we learned today that each of us possess a unique skill set which can prove useful towards maintaing our sanity throughout this summer. Today, we discovered that The 2010 FACE AIDS team is no hodge-podge of riders; rather, we are a highly selective unit, tearing our way across this land in A-team fashion.
With regard to today's biking, the climb was quite difficult as the group took on 6000 feet of elevation in the beating sun. Rewarded every so often with long, winding downhill passes through the stunning canyons of Utah, our riders felt that today was one of, if not the best days of riding. "The six miles of downhill with the perfect view of the sandstone canyons was the only thing that got me through the day," exclaimed rider Kirsten Pufahl. Originally planning to stop halfway to Green River, drive to the Grand Canyon, and drive back to our finishing point, the riders truly performed outside of themselves in making the journey a day's trek. Now a day ahead of schedule, our ambitious team considers, once more, meshing two days of riding into one as they head off for Grand Junction, CO tomorrow.
It will truly be with heavy hearts that we wave goodbye to the great state of Utah and its continuing power outtages as we enter the more difficult terrain of the Rockie Mountains and Colorado. We would like to thank our readers for giving us the motivation to write on, our supporters for fueling us mentally and emotionally each day, the Fisher family for both allowing us to mock Claire and for calling her regularly to remind her that she is loved, and the only supermarket in Salina, UT for giving us access to their large sink to fill the water cooler. Motel 6, you get no credit for your bland room designs and lack of wi-fi. Jerks.
Note: Some of you may have noticed that this blog post lacks both comedic energy and commentary about the World Cup, but after today's trials and tribulations we had no heart for either. On that note, we will now let you get back to realizing that you never cared about soccer, wondering why Furby didn't make it into Toy Story 3 (mine is still locked in my closet in hopes that he will shut up), and googling "yeshiva."
Waka Waka, this time for Africa.
All was not lost, though, as the homely Miss Fisher was able to update her JDate profile with a picture of her making delicious matzoh sandwiches for her yeshiva bound boys. The day’s ride pushed our group 110 miles across Utah’s I-70 to the bustling city of Green River. Long in distance, the day was made more enjoyable by amazing acts of teamwork and unity by our FACE AIDS riders. From Claire’s cooking, to Zane’s backseat driving, and Mike’s sun-burns, we learned today that each of us possess a unique skill set which can prove useful towards maintaing our sanity throughout this summer. Today, we discovered that The 2010 FACE AIDS team is no hodge-podge of riders; rather, we are a highly selective unit, tearing our way across this land in A-team fashion. 
With regard to today's biking, the climb was quite difficult as the group took on 6000 feet of elevation in the beating sun. Rewarded every so often with long, winding downhill passes through the stunning canyons of Utah, our riders felt that today was one of, if not the best days of riding. "The six miles of downhill with the perfect view of the sandstone canyons was the only thing that got me through the day," exclaimed rider Kirsten Pufahl. Originally planning to stop halfway to Green River, drive to the Grand Canyon, and drive back to our finishing point, the riders truly performed outside of themselves in making the journey a day's trek. Now a day ahead of schedule, our ambitious team considers, once more, meshing two days of riding into one as they head off for Grand Junction, CO tomorrow.It will truly be with heavy hearts that we wave goodbye to the great state of Utah and its continuing power outtages as we enter the more difficult terrain of the Rockie Mountains and Colorado. We would like to thank our readers for giving us the motivation to write on, our supporters for fueling us mentally and emotionally each day, the Fisher family for both allowing us to mock Claire and for calling her regularly to remind her that she is loved, and the only supermarket in Salina, UT for giving us access to their large sink to fill the water cooler. Motel 6, you get no credit for your bland room designs and lack of wi-fi. Jerks.
Note: Some of you may have noticed that this blog post lacks both comedic energy and commentary about the World Cup, but after today's trials and tribulations we had no heart for either. On that note, we will now let you get back to realizing that you never cared about soccer, wondering why Furby didn't make it into Toy Story 3 (mine is still locked in my closet in hopes that he will shut up), and googling "yeshiva." Waka Waka, this time for Africa.
House Dedication
Prayers were prayed. The house was blessed. Volunteers and donors were thanked. God was praised. As I stood there in that home, I said my own prayer of thanks for the honor and privilege I have to be a part of such a powerful mission and ministry. I can't begin to thank God enough for leading me to this place at this time in history. God is certainly up to good things.
I hope you are having a great weekend. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
"HAIR" opening night!
Last night was the opening night of "HAIR".
What a surreal day. It was THE day. The day I'd waited for for years. I just wanted it to go well. To be special.
It was. It was maybe my favorite opening night yet. It felt fun. It felt right. It felt magical.
It was a rare moment in life where everyone and everything was as it should be. These people, this building, this night.
During the last song was when I could feel it sweep over me at it's strongest. I felt more than ever I was living in THAT MOMENT. Right now. Letting it in, feeling so much. Almost unexplainable. AND we got a standing ovation!
I've done this a LONG time. I've done some absolutely amazing things in my career this far. But I don't know that it will ever feel quite like THAT again.
Wow.
That's when you know there is a higher power, energy, whatever it is that creates good. That does look out for you at times and for whatever reason gives you something truly special .
I'm so grateful for this experience I could burst.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Day 12: Mom, Please Bring Me Back to Salt Lake
It’s hard to slip out of the grip of a loving mother, only to jump into a van engulfed with the sweet aroma of Claire’s black plague and rotten fruit.The scene was the one road town of Nephi, Utah, and as Shane stepped out of his vehicle, he hoped that the land his mother had driven to was far away from the state of Arizona. Mike and Claire had parked just a few feet from his vehicle, but Shane quickly hobbled toward the vans protection in fear of an outsiders demand for his “card de verde.” You see, over the last few weeks, Shane’s face skipped the sights of a razor, and at first glace he looked like a mix between Zoro, Pedro, and Elian Gonzalez.
Anywho, as the story goes, with a wish of luck and a kiss goodbye, Mrs. Hegde drove away from the Mystery Machine unaware of the fate she had just left to her son. It had been just three days since Shane had left the group, but already the dynamic had corroded. Time seemed to tick slower than a commercial free episode of 24, and each group member was at the brink of hallucination from the nothingness of Nevada. Today’s ride, the first through Utah, provided some hope, but after looking at the following images Shane’s optimism receded faster than Sanford’s hairline.
***Viewer Discretion Advised***
While driving to the day’s destination of Salina, Utah, I flipped through Claire’s camera and came upon a grouping of 58 solo pictures taken by Zane and Jason. The following photography may be disturbing to the elderly and some small children. The pictures trace two men’s journey from normalcy, to the brink of humanity. Please use caution while scrolling through the below photo journal.
Jason and Zane begin to separate themselves from the group.
Pulling into Salina, the only chance Shane had to survive was to find a hotel room where he could save himself from camping with the wana-be Heath Ledger-Jake Gyllenhaal duo. And, lucky enough, the only motel in town was owned by fellow Indians who decided to give the group two rooms for free. Hours later, as the group rode into Salina, they recounted the day’s journey: Beautiful mountainsides, miserable headwinds, and constant waits for the mining towns “wide load” moving vehicles.
Now that Shane is done attempting to be a part of the ride from the comforts of the van and hotel room, we can move on to our story at hand. Although this writer is proud to have the sheer muscular strength and ability to hold himself as shown in the train photo above, serious matters must be addressed. First, we begin with a recap of today's ride: Beginning with our team's departure from Delta as a cohesive unit, we all knew that today would be a straightforward, fairly easy ride. Filled with spaced out climbing and long, enjoyable descents, today's scenic route introduced us to the scenic hills of Utah that will be our home for the next week. After splitting up for the first 40 miles of the ride, our four healthy riders (Zane, Sanford, Kirsten, and Jason) met up in the bustling town of Scipio for lunch. While Mike and an under-the-weather Claire dealt with the five year-old formerly known as Shane, our riders munched on Subway sandwiches prepared in a timely, efficient manner reminiscent of that of the Subway in Tressider Union at Stanford.
Mounting their bikes once more at approximately 2 pm, the riders spent the next two hours climbing against the wind. Finally the team reached the lovely city of Salina, truly a diamond in the rough that is Utah's open country.
Other than rest, recovery, and relaxation, the day’s highlight was a trip to Salina’s widely known and locally respected eatery: Mom’s Café. The environment of the dinner was everything homey, and the old woman that served us (Mom?) clearly drizzled some of TLC on our ribs. The restaurants scones, a local staple food, was to-die-for after submerged in “Honey Butter” (which we recommend you purchase at here).
Tomorrow’s schedule lists an 80-mile trek through southern Utah and an afternoon trip to the Grandest of all Canyons. Though it seems like rough sailing, we are all glad to have our group back on track and can’t wait to spend the next four days in the Land of Joseph Smith.
Zane sells his soul to the Sun God, Ra.
Jason can’t stand Zane having a cooler Facebook profile picture than he does.
Zane becomes Hindu
Jason’s inhumane consumption of Muscle Milk allows him to hang off the train with one arm
Zane models for Gap
Jason attempts to recreate his thug-life upbringing. And fails.
Seriously?
Pulling into Salina, the only chance Shane had to survive was to find a hotel room where he could save himself from camping with the wana-be Heath Ledger-Jake Gyllenhaal duo. And, lucky enough, the only motel in town was owned by fellow Indians who decided to give the group two rooms for free. Hours later, as the group rode into Salina, they recounted the day’s journey: Beautiful mountainsides, miserable headwinds, and constant waits for the mining towns “wide load” moving vehicles.Now that Shane is done attempting to be a part of the ride from the comforts of the van and hotel room, we can move on to our story at hand. Although this writer is proud to have the sheer muscular strength and ability to hold himself as shown in the train photo above, serious matters must be addressed. First, we begin with a recap of today's ride: Beginning with our team's departure from Delta as a cohesive unit, we all knew that today would be a straightforward, fairly easy ride. Filled with spaced out climbing and long, enjoyable descents, today's scenic route introduced us to the scenic hills of Utah that will be our home for the next week. After splitting up for the first 40 miles of the ride, our four healthy riders (Zane, Sanford, Kirsten, and Jason) met up in the bustling town of Scipio for lunch. While Mike and an under-the-weather Claire dealt with the five year-old formerly known as Shane, our riders munched on Subway sandwiches prepared in a timely, efficient manner reminiscent of that of the Subway in Tressider Union at Stanford.
Mounting their bikes once more at approximately 2 pm, the riders spent the next two hours climbing against the wind. Finally the team reached the lovely city of Salina, truly a diamond in the rough that is Utah's open country.
Other than rest, recovery, and relaxation, the day’s highlight was a trip to Salina’s widely known and locally respected eatery: Mom’s Café. The environment of the dinner was everything homey, and the old woman that served us (Mom?) clearly drizzled some of TLC on our ribs. The restaurants scones, a local staple food, was to-die-for after submerged in “Honey Butter” (which we recommend you purchase at here).Tomorrow’s schedule lists an 80-mile trek through southern Utah and an afternoon trip to the Grandest of all Canyons. Though it seems like rough sailing, we are all glad to have our group back on track and can’t wait to spend the next four days in the Land of Joseph Smith.
TGIF
This week seemed to fly by. I can't believe the weekend is here. However, I am really glad that it is. I think the heat has been getting to me. I haven't been sleeping as well this week and I've been having lots of sinus trouble. I hope that some rest and relaxation this weekend will help me to recharge.
I am planning to attend a house dedication in Lebanon, Ohio tomorrow morning and then I am meeting a friend for a Diet Coke (since I don't drink coffee) in the afternoon.
I feel like I am getting closer to settling on a church home. I attended a church last Sunday that I really liked. I had attended once before and wanted to go back because the first time I attended the pastor was on vacation. I really enjoyed the service. I also appreciate the mission and ministry of the church. It seems to fit with my passion. They do a lot of urban ministry and mission work with the poor in Cincinnati. I think this is a church that I would fit into and could call home. However, I feel like I still want to check out a few more churches before I make a final decision. I will let you know how my search goes as I come closer to a decision.
I hope you have a great weekend. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
I am planning to attend a house dedication in Lebanon, Ohio tomorrow morning and then I am meeting a friend for a Diet Coke (since I don't drink coffee) in the afternoon.
I feel like I am getting closer to settling on a church home. I attended a church last Sunday that I really liked. I had attended once before and wanted to go back because the first time I attended the pastor was on vacation. I really enjoyed the service. I also appreciate the mission and ministry of the church. It seems to fit with my passion. They do a lot of urban ministry and mission work with the poor in Cincinnati. I think this is a church that I would fit into and could call home. However, I feel like I still want to check out a few more churches before I make a final decision. I will let you know how my search goes as I come closer to a decision.
I hope you have a great weekend. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Days 9, 10, and 11: Utah, Finally.
Now that we are back in cellphone reception in Delta, UT, texts have been pouring in--except on Jason's phone, no one seems to care how he is faring. From the important (Parents wondering where we are), meaningful (Friends checking up on us), and plain dumb (Shane attempting to stay involved in the ride from the comforts of a bed in Salt Lake City where he didn't have to endure any hardship in the past two days), the flood of messages has run the gamut from necessary to useless.
Parents--we are fine.
Friends--we miss you too and will not be home at least until August 19th so stop asking us twelve times a day.
Shane--re-watch Slumdog, find some inspiration, and stop faking it.
Now, onto our story. After waving goodbye to Shane and his mother in Reno, our troop of six made the six hour drive to Ely, NV, to stay on on schedule. Already sick of casinos, brothels, and deserts, we arose early on Tuesday morning to make the 62 mile trek to Baker, NV. A word, for any of those interested in visiting Nevada: Don't do it. We have spent the last week as nomads along Highway 50, truly suffering on the road. Yes, Nevada Tourism Agency, we get it. It is the loneliest road in America. That fact is neither appealing nor romantic. Put simply, we are all extremely happy to have left the "Silver State" for the comfort of the "Beehive State."
Sanford for the second time on our trip was almost bitten by a snake. After attempting to do push-ups in the Nevada desert he was unpleasantly surprised by an unhappy rattle snake about 6in from his head. Words for the wise: save the push-ups for the hotel room.
Our night in Baker was anything but fun. Due to illness, most notably migraines, our numbers on the road were small yesterday, allowing those in the support vehicle to make the decision to spend the night at the Border Inn, quite literally on the border of Utah and Nevada. Although this was an amazing experience because we were given the opportunity to experience true silence, we wonder why anybody would be interested in taking an off day there. While Mike and Kirsten went to explore the nearby Lehman Caves, Sanford read Twilight shamelessly (if that's even possible), Zane and Jason tended to a wounded Claire, who apparently reminded the aggressive ranchers of Kate Barfield from Holes fame. Little did these men know that Kate Barfield and Stanley Yelnats are mere characters of fiction--nonetheless, Claire was left maimed, resting in a random motel room with the company of seven stallions (bikes).
Today, our numbers were once more whittled away by disease (Read: You have died of dysentery a la Oregon Trail), leaving only a few to make the 80 mile journey to Delta, UT. Upon arrival in this quaint town, our riders were met with the present surprise of a community center, containing showers and gymnasium as lodgings. Jason, immediately in touch with his street basketball roots, proceeded to talk up a show. Causing spectators to watch in laughter when he suggested that he should be chosen first in today's NBA Draft. Meanwhile, Claire made sandwiches and Zane purchased an authentic cowboy hat. Now, as the group prepares for dinner and MIKE'S 21st BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION (I hope you all RSVPed on Facebook), we are reflecting on the past three days, deciding on these three simple truths:
1) We never want to visit Nevada again.
2) Lynne Davis and her daughter Jazz are incredible people for providing us with food and amazing quarters for the night
3) Zane actually looks good in a cowboy hat. Impressive.
We look forward tomorrow to the return of Mr. Hegde and recovery of Mr. Stewart.
Parents--we are fine.
Friends--we miss you too and will not be home at least until August 19th so stop asking us twelve times a day.
Shane--re-watch Slumdog, find some inspiration, and stop faking it.
Now, onto our story. After waving goodbye to Shane and his mother in Reno, our troop of six made the six hour drive to Ely, NV, to stay on on schedule. Already sick of casinos, brothels, and deserts, we arose early on Tuesday morning to make the 62 mile trek to Baker, NV. A word, for any of those interested in visiting Nevada: Don't do it. We have spent the last week as nomads along Highway 50, truly suffering on the road. Yes, Nevada Tourism Agency, we get it. It is the loneliest road in America. That fact is neither appealing nor romantic. Put simply, we are all extremely happy to have left the "Silver State" for the comfort of the "Beehive State."
Sanford for the second time on our trip was almost bitten by a snake. After attempting to do push-ups in the Nevada desert he was unpleasantly surprised by an unhappy rattle snake about 6in from his head. Words for the wise: save the push-ups for the hotel room.
Our night in Baker was anything but fun. Due to illness, most notably migraines, our numbers on the road were small yesterday, allowing those in the support vehicle to make the decision to spend the night at the Border Inn, quite literally on the border of Utah and Nevada. Although this was an amazing experience because we were given the opportunity to experience true silence, we wonder why anybody would be interested in taking an off day there. While Mike and Kirsten went to explore the nearby Lehman Caves, Sanford read Twilight shamelessly (if that's even possible), Zane and Jason tended to a wounded Claire, who apparently reminded the aggressive ranchers of Kate Barfield from Holes fame. Little did these men know that Kate Barfield and Stanley Yelnats are mere characters of fiction--nonetheless, Claire was left maimed, resting in a random motel room with the company of seven stallions (bikes).
Today, our numbers were once more whittled away by disease (Read: You have died of dysentery a la Oregon Trail), leaving only a few to make the 80 mile journey to Delta, UT. Upon arrival in this quaint town, our riders were met with the present surprise of a community center, containing showers and gymnasium as lodgings. Jason, immediately in touch with his street basketball roots, proceeded to talk up a show. Causing spectators to watch in laughter when he suggested that he should be chosen first in today's NBA Draft. Meanwhile, Claire made sandwiches and Zane purchased an authentic cowboy hat. Now, as the group prepares for dinner and MIKE'S 21st BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION (I hope you all RSVPed on Facebook), we are reflecting on the past three days, deciding on these three simple truths:
1) We never want to visit Nevada again.
2) Lynne Davis and her daughter Jazz are incredible people for providing us with food and amazing quarters for the night
3) Zane actually looks good in a cowboy hat. Impressive.
We look forward tomorrow to the return of Mr. Hegde and recovery of Mr. Stewart.
Exciting News
We received word at my office yesterday that our Habitat for Humanity affiliate has been selected to participate in a pilot Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative being launched by Habitat for Humanity International. This will include programs such as A Brush with Kindness through which we can improve the exterior appearance of homes owned by low income families. There will also be opportunities for us to possibly offer zero interest micro-loans to homeowners so that we can make repairs to their homes and then use those funds as we are paid back to help other families.
I am excited that Habitat for Humanity International understands that Habitat affiliates need to serve more families than we have been able to serve through new home construction. Through the Neighborhood Revitalization Program we will be able to help eliminate the substandard conditions of entire neighborhoods.
I am really looking forward to the launch of this new program. I am excited about the possibility of serving more families in need. I am honored to be a part of helping to blaze new trails for other Habitat for Humanity affiliates. I also am praying that God will give us wisdom and guidance as we discover new ways to eliminate poverty housing from the face of the earth.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
I am excited that Habitat for Humanity International understands that Habitat affiliates need to serve more families than we have been able to serve through new home construction. Through the Neighborhood Revitalization Program we will be able to help eliminate the substandard conditions of entire neighborhoods.
I am really looking forward to the launch of this new program. I am excited about the possibility of serving more families in need. I am honored to be a part of helping to blaze new trails for other Habitat for Humanity affiliates. I also am praying that God will give us wisdom and guidance as we discover new ways to eliminate poverty housing from the face of the earth.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
In Bulk Mail Purgatory
I went to the USPS bulk mail center a few miles from my office. I went with fear and trembling because I had never been to this bulk mail center before and my past experience of bulk mail centers have not been very positive. I usually get scolded by some of the most unfriendly people in the world (this is not an exaggeration, I think these people are required to attend classes on how to be mean to people) for not having the forms filled out correctly or not having my mailing formatted properly. The excel in belittling people and causing most people to think twice before bringing another bulk mailing into their presence.
I was told by a USPS employee what entrance I should use at this particular bulk mail center. He told me not to go into the first gate because that is where all the semi-trucks go. I needed to enter the second driveway and take my bulk mailing into that part of the building. This sounded pretty straight forward to me. However, I was in no way prepared for what was to happen.
I entered the second driveway of the bulk mail center as instructed. The drive wound around and I followed the signs directing me to the visitors parking lot. I pulled into the visitors parking lot and realized that there was not a door anywhere near this parking lot. The closest door was half-way down the building. I saw someone go in this door and so I figured this is where I needed to enter. I trekked down to the door and then enter the door into the building. When I entered the building it was very dark. There was a window that was closed and all of the lights were off in the room behind the window. The entry area was also very dark and there were no signs that directed me as to where I might drop off my bulk mailing. I did see some sliding doors in front of me that looked like it went to the mail sorting area. I could hear machines running but it was hard to make out what was going on behind them because the glass was very dark. There were also things that looked like metal detectors in front of each door. I stood there for a while and then thought I would try to enter through one of the sliding doors hoping that someone would notice me and help me. As soon as I started walking towards of the dark windowed doors, I heard a buzzing alarm go off. Evidently you have to swipe a badge on these metal detector things in order to enter the doors. I didn't have a badge and the alarms were blaring. However, the strange thing was that no one seemed to care. The door didn't open but the alarm kept going off.
Finally, I was able to get some one's attention. I guess he heard the alarm or saw me looking lost. A postal employee came out of the dark room that had the window. I told the man that I was there to drop off my bulk mailing. He looked at me and told me that I was in the wrong place. I asked him where I was supposed to go and he told me he really didn't know for sure. He thought that I was supposed to go through the other entrance (the entrance I was told not to enter) and find a door someplace over there to take my mailing. I walked out of the building wondering how in the world the postal service has made it as long as it has. Customer service is not a part of their culture or even really on their radar screen.
So, I drove back to the other entrance where all the signs said I should not enter because I am not a semi truck. I drove up to the guard house. Of course, the guard house widow is designed to accommodate someone driving an eighteen wheeler not a Volkswagen Beetle. So, I rolled down the window and hollered up at the man in the guard booth to tell him that I was looking for the place to take my bulk mailing. I held up my tiny box of postcards as a kind of offering to the mailing gods. He scowled down at me and told me to pull over next to a white car with a yellow flashing light on it and a supervisor would lead me over to the entrance to the bulk mail drop off place. I thought this was a little weird that I needed an escort, but if it enabled me to get my bulk mailing sent, I would do whatever they told me to do.
Shortly after I pulled beside the white car, a minivan pulled up on the other side of the white car. A few minutes later, the supervisor came out and got in the white car. He led us through a parking lot designed for the parking and maneuvering of semi trucks. It was huge. I understood why I needed an escort. One wrong turn and my Beetle could have been squashed by a semi truck on the pavement. I pulled up to a huge loading dock and got out with my one little box of mail. It seemed rather absurd when I realized that there were tractor trailers full of mail out on the vast parking lot.
The supervisor disappeared to supposed look for a person to help us. The woman from the city parks department and I got acquainted. We introduced ourselves and traded bulk mail horror stories. She told me that we needed to pray that we got the man to wait on us and not the woman who works there. She said the man was very helpful and nice. She said the woman was very rude and would find something with our bulk mailings and may not allow us to mail them. So, I began praying. After a while a woman walked in the room and I started panicking. She asked us if we had been helped and we told her that the supervisor guy was off someplace looking for someone to help us. She walked behind the desk and dialed the phone. She said that she would find someone to help us. I then realized that this was not the rude woman that I had been warned to fear. She then looked through the window on the door to the room where we were and said that the guy that needed to help us was on the other side of the door. She pounded on the glass and got his attention. Then she left the room and a few minutes later the man came in to help us.
I thought that since the "nice man" was helping us we were home free. Not so. He was nice however, he told me that in the future I needed to have my mailing organized in numeric order by zip code. He said this made it easier to process. I wondered to myself if this process got any harder on the customers bringing the mailing and easier on the postal service employees whose job it is to sort and deliver the mail, eventually, they would require us to deliver the mail too. They would just collect our money and be totally unhelpful.
After my mailing passed inspection by the skin of my teeth, I was done. The supervisor magically resurfaced and got in his white car with the yellow flashing light and led me to the gate. He waved at me and I rolled down the window. He asked me to turn in my badge. I told him I didn't have a badge. I asked him if I needed a badge and he told me that sometimes they give bulk mailers a badge to wear while in the bulk mail zone. I guess the guy in the guard booth couldn't reach down to give me a badge. I could have opened my sun roof and he could have thrown one down to me. Maybe next time.
So, I after nearly an hour at the bulk mail center and lots of lost productivity for Habitat, I returned to the office to share the story of the bulk mail drama with my co-workers. The Office Manager told me that next time we would use the bulk mail center in downtown Cincinnati. I'll let you know how that goes. My suggestion is that you avoid the bulk mail center in your town if at all possible.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Hypocrisy, Forgiveness & Perfection
On my mind...
The definition of Forgiveness:
To excuse for a fault or an offense; pardon.
To renounce anger or resentment against.
I never thought I'd be one to forgive. How can you forgive when you can't forget? And when I've been wronged, I'm an elephant. I held onto grudge like nobody's business.
A great blog on Holding a grudge:
http://drjoelwade.blogspot.com/2005/03/dont-hold-grudge.html
An excerpt: "To hold a grudge is to keep yourself in a Mercurial orbit about whatever has hurt you. To accept what has happened, to forgive when and as you genuinely can, and to will yourself to look around at the larger context within which that solar event is but a point of light, is to give yourself the gift of a continuing journey."
I've learned (I'm still learning) that it's okay to change your mind and ideals. I've recently forgiven something big and I couldn't be happier about it. Consider forgiveness for each fall-out you may have. Time and reflection make a difference. Honor the guts it must take someone to come back with an apology. Especially if it's something you couldn't have done yourself. I thought that forgiving would make me a hypocrite (next section below) but I no longer believe that to be true.
A quote: "If you are at war with others you cannot be at peace with yourself".
* * * * *
Definition of a Hypocrite: a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue and religion.
a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings.
Definition of Hypocrisy: the act of persistently professing beliefs, opinions, virtues, feelings, qualities or standards that are inconsistent with ones actions. Hypocrisy is thus a kind of lie.
Hypocrisy scares the bejesus out of me. I know we all do it. Now if we mean to or not, is another story. I am who I am. I've always been myself and true to what I believe to be right, right for me. I don't worry about what people think, or people pleasing. I could care less. I think everyone should be that way, and stand up for themselves and their beliefs. What I can't get past are people that blatantly tell one person of their hatred for someone or something, then go to that very person or place and shower them with compliments. Who are you lying to? What's true? How can there be any kind of trust in friendship when you live your life that way? When done in such a calculated manner, it's something I'll never understand.
A quote: "Every man alone is sincere. At the entrance of a second person, hypocrisy begins. We parry and fend the approach of our fellow-man by compliments, by gossip, by amusements, by affairs. We cover up our thought from him under a hundred folds."
On my mind...
* * * * *
The definition of Perfection:
freedom from fault or defect.
An unsurpassable degree of accuracy or excellence.
Just googling and reading the definitions alone makes me laugh. Freedom from fault or defect? Unsurpassable excellence or accuracy? Well, that's impossible so that should make perfectionists breathe a little sigh of relief. I used to be the queen of the perfectionists. This manifested itself over the years in different ways. Too personal to get into now. But physically, mentally, emotionally, you name it. I used to beat myself up over my "lack of perfection" like you wouldn't believe. It was enough to ruin a day, a week, an entire experience. With time and growing up I've naturally chilled out. I've learned to savor and enjoy much more than I ever would have thought possible. But every now and then I'll get hit with it. Maybe it won't last as long, but that feeling can come up out of nowhere to bite me again. Maybe it's something I'll always struggle with at various times in my life. Maybe when I have a handle on one aspect it will sneak into another. I currently know where it's living, so I'm keeping an eye on it.
A quote: "Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing"
xo DMM
The definition of Forgiveness:
To excuse for a fault or an offense; pardon.
To renounce anger or resentment against.
I never thought I'd be one to forgive. How can you forgive when you can't forget? And when I've been wronged, I'm an elephant. I held onto grudge like nobody's business.
A great blog on Holding a grudge:
http://drjoelwade.blogspot.com/2005/03/dont-hold-grudge.html
An excerpt: "To hold a grudge is to keep yourself in a Mercurial orbit about whatever has hurt you. To accept what has happened, to forgive when and as you genuinely can, and to will yourself to look around at the larger context within which that solar event is but a point of light, is to give yourself the gift of a continuing journey."
I've learned (I'm still learning) that it's okay to change your mind and ideals. I've recently forgiven something big and I couldn't be happier about it. Consider forgiveness for each fall-out you may have. Time and reflection make a difference. Honor the guts it must take someone to come back with an apology. Especially if it's something you couldn't have done yourself. I thought that forgiving would make me a hypocrite (next section below) but I no longer believe that to be true.
A quote: "If you are at war with others you cannot be at peace with yourself".
* * * * *
Definition of a Hypocrite: a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue and religion.
a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings.
Definition of Hypocrisy: the act of persistently professing beliefs, opinions, virtues, feelings, qualities or standards that are inconsistent with ones actions. Hypocrisy is thus a kind of lie.
Hypocrisy scares the bejesus out of me. I know we all do it. Now if we mean to or not, is another story. I am who I am. I've always been myself and true to what I believe to be right, right for me. I don't worry about what people think, or people pleasing. I could care less. I think everyone should be that way, and stand up for themselves and their beliefs. What I can't get past are people that blatantly tell one person of their hatred for someone or something, then go to that very person or place and shower them with compliments. Who are you lying to? What's true? How can there be any kind of trust in friendship when you live your life that way? When done in such a calculated manner, it's something I'll never understand.
A quote: "Every man alone is sincere. At the entrance of a second person, hypocrisy begins. We parry and fend the approach of our fellow-man by compliments, by gossip, by amusements, by affairs. We cover up our thought from him under a hundred folds."
On my mind...
* * * * *
The definition of Perfection:
freedom from fault or defect.
An unsurpassable degree of accuracy or excellence.
Just googling and reading the definitions alone makes me laugh. Freedom from fault or defect? Unsurpassable excellence or accuracy? Well, that's impossible so that should make perfectionists breathe a little sigh of relief. I used to be the queen of the perfectionists. This manifested itself over the years in different ways. Too personal to get into now. But physically, mentally, emotionally, you name it. I used to beat myself up over my "lack of perfection" like you wouldn't believe. It was enough to ruin a day, a week, an entire experience. With time and growing up I've naturally chilled out. I've learned to savor and enjoy much more than I ever would have thought possible. But every now and then I'll get hit with it. Maybe it won't last as long, but that feeling can come up out of nowhere to bite me again. Maybe it's something I'll always struggle with at various times in my life. Maybe when I have a handle on one aspect it will sneak into another. I currently know where it's living, so I'm keeping an eye on it.
A quote: "Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing"
xo DMM
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
The Shootist
I learned later by watching the "making of" documentary on the DVD that it was John Wayne's last movie. He would die two years after making the movie and his health was not good throughout the shooting of the film. Ironically, Wayne suffered from cancer just as J. B. Books, "the Shootist" does. It also stars huge Hollywood giants: Jimmy Stewart, Ron Howard, Lauren Bacall, and Harry Morgan.
I've never been a big fan of Westerns. It's not a genre of movies that I identified with or much enjoyed. However, I do like stories about the West and set in the West. For me, The Shootist is more this kind of "Western". It's set in 1901. The days of the wild west are fading fast. A new century has dawned and the town of Carson City, Nevada is becoming more civilized. It will get electrified street cars the next year. The town marshal (Harry Morgan) is not just a law man who keeps peace by shooting the gunslingers. He is accountable to a town council. He even worries if his wife will get a pension from the town council if he is killed by Books.
It's a wonderfully entertaining movie. Bacall is wonderful. Ron Howard is in his prime during his Happy Days years. Jimmy Stewart is wonderful as the aging doctor who talks straight to the dying Books and even encourages him to avoid the painful death ahead of him by taking his own life. However, this is not Books' "way out". He does it on his own terms. In the few days he spends in the small western town, he impacts lives. He confronts his past. He unapologetically makes peace with himself and his life in his own way. Yet, he also make it known that he is scared. The man who killed so many becomes "a dying man, scared of the dark."
So, if you've never seen The Shootist, I highly recommend it. It is full of wonderful performances. Also, it still has me thinking about its themes and underlying message. I like that most of all in a movie.
I hope you are having a wonderful week. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Days 7-8: And Then There Were Six...
Mothers please hang up on John Walsh, and could someone please let the University of California Rowing team know that the celebration is over? We are all alive and kicking.
The last two days have flown by, and I would like to first apologize to all of our daily readers (all 2 of you) for leaving you alone throughout these unbearable 48 hours of suspense.
Sunday began with a lot of promise. Our team of bikers left the holy land in Fallon around o’dark thirty with a determination to complete the 111-mile trip before lunch. Along our route, we came across “Push America,” a group traveling from San Francisco to Washington to raise money for the American Disabilities Association. This slightly larger and less attractive group of riders (just kidding, we have Claire), had some great advice for us, and we learned a lot from their route planning and daily-ride structure.
From sand dunes to a shoe-tree, the day’s journey took us through the diverse landscape of deserts, deserts, and more deserts that is the state of Nevada. Ten miles out of the city, however, this shroud of monotony broke, and highway 50 opened up to reveal a valley bordered by snow dipped mountains and the vivacious city of Austin, Nevada. Jason led the charge into Austin, while Shane and Claire battled for the “who's the stronger girl” award, and Mike and Kirsten rode miles back continuing on their sightseeing tour. Beating Momma’ Fish to the site, Shane was just feet from the finish line when there was an accident.
The last two days have flown by, and I would like to first apologize to all of our daily readers (all 2 of you) for leaving you alone throughout these unbearable 48 hours of suspense.
Sunday began with a lot of promise. Our team of bikers left the holy land in Fallon around o’dark thirty with a determination to complete the 111-mile trip before lunch. Along our route, we came across “Push America,” a group traveling from San Francisco to Washington to raise money for the American Disabilities Association. This slightly larger and less attractive group of riders (just kidding, we have Claire), had some great advice for us, and we learned a lot from their route planning and daily-ride structure.
From sand dunes to a shoe-tree, the day’s journey took us through the diverse landscape of deserts, deserts, and more deserts that is the state of Nevada. Ten miles out of the city, however, this shroud of monotony broke, and highway 50 opened up to reveal a valley bordered by snow dipped mountains and the vivacious city of Austin, Nevada. Jason led the charge into Austin, while Shane and Claire battled for the “who's the stronger girl” award, and Mike and Kirsten rode miles back continuing on their sightseeing tour. Beating Momma’ Fish to the site, Shane was just feet from the finish line when there was an accident.Riding in the right biking lane, Shane was uprooted from his cycle when a driver crossed into the biking lane and hit him. To spare you from the heart attack, Shane is okay and, thankfully, is receiving wonderful treatment for his injuries. After being hit, he was life-flighted to Reno, Nevada so that he could visit someone who had a more official degree than the local medicine man in Austin.
Due to all of this drama, our entire group has relocated in Reno, Nevada and took a day of rest today with the Monga family, Shane’s family friends. Continuing our hospitality luck, we were taken aback by the selflessness, caring, and overall loving attitude of the Mongas--without their help and generosity, we really don't know where we would be today. As Shane recuperated, we were lucky enough to have visits from Johnny Dorsey, co-founder of Face Aids, Brenda Freiberg, the Chairman of the Board of Face Aids, and Su Hegde, esteemed mother figure of the legend that is Shane Hegde. The surprise company assisted us in hammering out the final details for our new route and helped us rediscover the motivations for our commitment to the ride.
Tomorrow, Shane will fly to Salt Lake City to stay with his grandmother and take a few days of rest while our group goes on, easily, without him. We will continue the ride on Wednesday, and tomorrow the six remaining members of the group will drive to Ely, Nevada – where we would have been if it weren’t for the Golden Girl. The plan is for Shane to meet up with the group again in Utah, and we wish him the best of luck in his recovery process.
Mr. Monga, a mechanical engineer, framed it best at dinner tonight in his final words to us, “I know you are all thankful for being in this home, but I want to thank you. You have brought life to this house. And I want you all to remember that it is the people, the humans, that matter in this world.”
(ps. Mrs. Fisher, I know that you are the real, amazingly wonderful Momma‘ Fish, but your daughter is giving you a run for your money – she even made us all sandwiches! And included a slice of love underneath the cheese)
Due to all of this drama, our entire group has relocated in Reno, Nevada and took a day of rest today with the Monga family, Shane’s family friends. Continuing our hospitality luck, we were taken aback by the selflessness, caring, and overall loving attitude of the Mongas--without their help and generosity, we really don't know where we would be today. As Shane recuperated, we were lucky enough to have visits from Johnny Dorsey, co-founder of Face Aids, Brenda Freiberg, the Chairman of the Board of Face Aids, and Su Hegde, esteemed mother figure of the legend that is Shane Hegde. The surprise company assisted us in hammering out the final details for our new route and helped us rediscover the motivations for our commitment to the ride.
Tomorrow, Shane will fly to Salt Lake City to stay with his grandmother and take a few days of rest while our group goes on, easily, without him. We will continue the ride on Wednesday, and tomorrow the six remaining members of the group will drive to Ely, Nevada – where we would have been if it weren’t for the Golden Girl. The plan is for Shane to meet up with the group again in Utah, and we wish him the best of luck in his recovery process.Mr. Monga, a mechanical engineer, framed it best at dinner tonight in his final words to us, “I know you are all thankful for being in this home, but I want to thank you. You have brought life to this house. And I want you all to remember that it is the people, the humans, that matter in this world.”
(ps. Mrs. Fisher, I know that you are the real, amazingly wonderful Momma‘ Fish, but your daughter is giving you a run for your money – she even made us all sandwiches! And included a slice of love underneath the cheese)
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