Monday, December 26, 2005

please pray


With my estimated departure date less than a month away (Jan. 22), I'm beginning to feel a bit nervous about everything that has to take shape in order for this to happen on time... well, mostly I'm just nervous about raising enough support. I know God will provide if he wants me there, but the thought of not being able to go if I don't have my support is really starting to eat away at me. Satan will put thoughts in my head and tell me that this will just be another failed attempt at something I've tried and that I don't have what it takes to do a good job out there anyway... He tells me that this is just a big waste of my time and I should be pursuing something that makes a little more sense... He tells me that I'll buckle when I'm faced with something seemingly insurmountable... He asks me 'How will you be able to lead others if you're so lost right now?'... He tells me I'm already a failure and to just give up...
God has revealed to me my journey and I take it very seriously... He has equipped me with His Word and has given me the authority to discard Satan's lies... I trust that He will give me wise cousel and discerning thoughts... He will carry me when I face the unthinkable... He will help me find my way... He is my way.

And can You be
The One who created me
To live and breathe just to praise You...
Eternal One, and to Your son,
May Your will be done
On this earth and in Heaven
Where we'll praise
Your Holy Name, every day
And I will sing forever...

Sunday, December 25, 2005

Christmas


...the buddies' first Christmas...

Saturday, December 24, 2005

you know what happens when you assume...

For all of my faithful blog readers out there, I've heard rumors that there is a bit of confusion about my 'status'...
I apologize for the unpleasantness this may have conceived... For the record, I am single as of Virginia's departure to Ethiopia. We still keep in touch, but we are not an item. I guess I didn't write anything about it earlier beacuse I didn't to waste anyone's time with my Jr. High drama.... but I figure I do owe you all an explanation.
On a lighter note, it's Christmas... so everyone please join me in raising your glass of eggnog and offer up a toast of peace and love on this glorious holiday season... God bless us, everyone! (single tear)

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Julia


This is my favorite thing to do when I'm at Nate and Lindsey's... I can't get enough!

tacky?


This is the most retarded thing I've ever seen... pine branches on the grill of your car... did you hit a tree? Are you okay? This is definately something I'm taking directly to Chris Christmas Rodriguez

....Merry Christmas

Monday, December 19, 2005

what a weekend


This past Saturday two of my dear friends, Brian and Shannon, were married... The Thursday before, my good buddies from the bachelor party started to arrive. Rocky, Landon and I met for lunch that afternoon and reconnected. It was awesome to see how God has been working in our lives and how out of the experience of the cruise we kindled some awesome bonds and relationships. Thursday night I met Landon at Brian's house to run some errands while Brian, Shannon and her family all celebrated their family Christmas. We met back at Brian's later that night to hang out with him, Shannon and two of her bridesmaids, Kristin and Emily. I was able to talk to both of these girls over the course of the weekend and was very impressed. Not only were they absolutely beautiful, but godly as well. As it turns out, Kristin is leaving for Ecuador in January for five months to work in an orphanage. We had an immediate connection as I shared about my upcoming trip to Africa to do the same thing! At the very least, it is just refreshing to know that there are still girls out there like this! An added bonus was that I mustered the guts to ask Kristin to dance at the reception and she obliged! All in all, Thursday was a fun day, but I was still missing the rest of the boys... they were on their way and were due in around 2 a.m.

Landon and I went over to my Church's 'Missionary House' where the guys from out of town would all be staying and were able to greet them as they arrived. We all pretty much crashed, but got up the next day and all had lunch together and went to the mall with Brian to help him find a last-minute wedding gift for Shannon. That night was the rehearsal dinner and afterwards all of us guys got together and played basketball at the YMCA. After this we all went back to the house and played Texas hold 'em until 4 a.m. It was a blast hanging with all these amazing guys again.


And finally the wedding... What a beautiful cerimony. My favorite part had to be the unity candle. While Brian and Shannon were lighting it, Jason Boyer, Travis DeWys, and Paul Cole sang 'Shine on Us' by Phillips, Craig and Dean and did an amazing job... While the song was going on and after they had lit the candle, the whole bridal party gathered around the couple and prayed over them... what an awesome picture of their love for Brian and Shannon!

The reception was so much fun... I've never danced so much in my life! I think I was on the dance floor for about 2 hours straight with very little breaks between!
Once again, this was a weekend that I wish didn't have to end... Nate Kingsbury and I were able to Drive Mark Liechty home this afternoon after church and had a an awesome time of sharing our struggles and dreams with each other... The bonds that were made with these guys have been so amazing... Since Nate lives so close, I've probably hung out with him the most and we have grown very close over the past couple of months... I would consider him one of my best friends with whom I can talk to about anything... I just feel that God is on the verge of doing something very big in all of our lives and it's so cool how we all keep in touch and are able to share all of this with each other! So, here's the end of another amazing chapter in my recent life... God continues to move and bless me with awesome friends and experiences! I know He is molding me, preparing me... I can't see exactly for what specifically, but I know that He has my best interest in mind... and for that I continue to praise Him!!!

Congratulations Brian and Shannon... I love you guys!!

Monday, December 12, 2005

my favorite

I learned something about myself tonight... something that I somehow knew was always there and available to me, but rarely had I tapped into it. If you can imagine what it's like to step into hot bath after a long day, or kiss someone for the first time... this couldn't compare to even a fraction of what I felt tonight. Something tangible... you know it's there and you know it can be had... and when you experience it, it becomes your favorite. I think I've had lots of 'favorites' throughout my life... basketball, music, a girlfriend, a new toy... but tonight was different... tonight was meaningful... tonight people took a step forward... tonight I 'got it'... it made sense... it was clear... tonight I felt something that was real... tonight I experienced grace... tonight I experienced conviction... tonight I experienced confession... tonight God met me where I was... tonight God moved in peoples lives... tonight God gave direction... God gave wisdom... discernment... sensitivity... compassion...

Tonight two buddies and I were together for a couple of hours and just prayed... tonight we were cleansed... tonight we were forgiven... tonight we were exposed... tonight we were emptied... tonight we gave everything... tonight we held nothing...

We poured our hearts out and gave what we had... tonight was special... tonight was my favorite.

Friday, December 09, 2005

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Monday, December 05, 2005

journey

It was so great to see these two little guys again when I got home. I didn't realize how much I missed them until I actually saw them look up and smile at me... These two little boys have taught me so much about love and how much more the Father's love is for us.

I remember so well just eight months ago Andrea and Daniel were going through such a quick transition and in a matter of four days they were holding these babies in their arms. It was through that situation that really turned my heart towards orphans and motherless children. I hope to someday adopt with my future wife whether or not we are able to have children of our own.

As I've told all of you who read my posts that I am looking forward to serving in Mexico this winter. As it turns out, God has shut that door, but opened up a new one for me at the same time. I was directed by some friends of mine to contact Bobby Hile who is serving in South Africa. He is involved in a church plant there, an AIDS orphanage and is also works in media production. When I contacted him he was immediately excited to have me come down and work with him. I can't wait to see what comes of this while we move forward with this particular journey. Please pray with me that God will prepare my heart for this awesome experience and that I will be able to show Christ's love to the people and children of Durban, South Africa. I also need to raise support very quickly. I know God will provide if He wants me to be there, but I would be so greatful if you kept that in your prayers as well!! Thanks friends.

Sunday, December 04, 2005

back to reality

What an adventure! Not only was the weather, food, entertainment, Key West, Playa Del Carma, people, food, dancing, casino, Miami Beach, food, and everything else unbelievably awesome, but the guys I went with were even better. There were 17 of us there for Brian Bradford's bachelor party. I think I knew five of them before we left, but by the time the cruise and road trip were over, I had made some incredible bonds with some incredible guys. Everyone on this trip added their own individual personality and I can honestly say that if we all did this again and even one guy wasn't able to be there something would definately be missing.

It was cool to see that all of the cruise workers were from different countries and were all so friendly. All the guests were very nice as well. You could just walk up to anyone and start a conversation like they were your neighbor that you see every day. Everyone had a different story and different experiences. By about the third day we were all as popular as rock stars because of the talent show that we all performed in. People would say: " hey it's the bachelor party guys!" It was great. This was definately the best vacation that I've ever had and I'm so glad I went. I didn't want it to be over.

I felt like I was in college again surrounded by all these crazy guys playing pranks on each other and just hanging out and sharing thoughts, struggles, and dreams with each other. I think 10 out of the 17 guys there were pastors of some sort and I often thought while we were together how awesome it would be to all be in ministry together. And then I had the thought that we already are. We all have the same passion for Christ and we all want to see the lost be reached. We are all doing this in different churches in different states, but with a common thread. What an awesome trip!!

Saturday, November 26, 2005

why I will not be posting for one week:


I will be here while all my friends in Michigan will be removing snow from their driveways and scraping ice from their vehicles. You gotta love it...

Thursday, November 24, 2005

law of diminishing returns

eat turkey... become satisfied.

want more satisfaction... eat more turkey... become generally uncomfortable.

wait an hour... want satisfaction... eat more turkey... become completely miserable.


**don't even waste time on the pie**

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

it's coming

Thursday... dinner at Grandma's
Friday... dinner at Mom and Dad's
Saturday... leftovers
Sunday... leftovers

...you can see where this is headed...

Forget Christmas... Thanksgiving gives the gift that keeps on giving! Yum.

Friday, November 18, 2005

slowly going the way of the buffalo




It's true... soon you'll be mine.
When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew...

Saturday, November 12, 2005

people know me




This squirrelly looking fellow on the left is David Crowder. I first heard of him when I was a freshman at Cornerstone University. I am proud of this because at this particular point in time, most of the world had not heard of him. He was a worship leader in Waco, Texas (if that sounds familiar it's because of this) and was little known for his song-writing and performing abilities. That year he and his band of merry men came to my humble college campus and put on a show for a couple hundred students (most who were there only because they got a chapel credit for it). I remember thinking: "if he wasn't such a funny looking little man, he may be what record labels are looking for." Little did I know.... The funny thing is that I found the church that he led worship at on-line and e-mailed him to tell him how much I appreciated his music. He e-mailed me back saying thanks. I didn't really think it was that big of a deal back then...

Now almost 8 years later, this funny looking little man sells out shows, is at the forefront of Christian music and has written many of the songs we sing in our churches today.

Tonight he put on a performance worth noting... and he emailed me once... YES!

The two gentlemen at the top are Shane Barnard and Shane Everett, or better known as Shane and Shane. They joined Crowder in this magical evening of music. These fine fellows visited Cornerstone and performed there all 4 years that I attended, and again, while they were hardly known. With these guys I had the opportunity to be an engineer for a demo they cut while they were on campus in our college recording studio... I still have those tracks if any of you want to hear them sometime.

Tonight they rocked... And I recorded them one time... YES!

So, now that I'm pretty much a staple in the music industry because of those two instances, I have a long list of people I'd like to thank.... 'eh-hem'...

First: David Crowder. Second: Shane and Shane....

(I later find out that these guys don't have any idea who I am and have me arrested for getting past their security gaurds. "Hey, I thought we were tight! Don't you remember? I'm that one guy!")

Seriously, one of the best shows I've been to in a long time.

there's no telling

How many times must something be done in order for it to become habitual?
How long must you go without it before the habit is broken?
Things that I do each day without thinking: such a blessing....
Things that I do each day without thinking: such a curse....
They mold you and make you.
They instill and instruct.
They define and destroy.
They are so difficult to form.
They are so difficult to break.
Through them I'm formed.
Through them I'm broken.
With them I feel deliverance.
With them I feel bondage.
They're where I find my joy.
I need to take them hostage.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

from Virginia

Here is the latest email I received from Virginia....


Hello to everyone,

Wow, what a week! It's been a full week of adventure to say the least. It all began last Tuesday, Nov. 2, when my roommate Matilda got a phone call from a friend of ours who told us to stay inside the house and close our blinds. The unrest was beginning to happen in the city. The political situation here is not good. The party that is the head of government was not who the people voted for (they skewed the votes of the people). Because of the dishonesty of the government and the unfair outcome, the people are angry.

Tuesday was when they decided to show their anger. After Matilda came into my room to close the blinds, we began to heargun shotss. That was the beginning of a day full of gunshots, grenades, people screaming, dogs barking, and me and Matilda sitting by the closed blinds, peering through the cracks, trying to hear what we could. I know standing by the window while gunshots are going off isn't the smartest thing, but my curiosity got the best of me. What a scary feeling though.

To save you from all the details, we spent a couple of days inside our house. The embassy advised us to stay inside and prepare to be in there for a couple of days (good thing we had enough bread and water to last us a few days). Friends of ours called us to see how we were because they heard we were in one of the most dangerous spots in the city where most of the unrest was going on. Eventually a couple of days later, while the unrest and violence was still going on in the city, our friend came to pick us up and we stayed at his house for the week. We finally came back home on Monday. It's good to be back home.

During the whole week, people went on strike, so none of the taxis or shops were open, they did this for two reasons: one- to show the government their disapproval, and two- if they did open their shops or drive their taxis people who were rioting in the streets would throw rocks through the windows of their shops or cars, or burn the cars. It was a crazy week to say the least. We have been told that more than 40 people have died, hundreds injured, and 10,000 people have been taken to prison.

The situation has died down now, but many people are expecting spontaneous rioting and unrest, so we will see. It's not fun being stuck in the house for days and knowing people are dying just around the corner. There are many other areas in Ethiopia that are fighting, so please keep this country and the people in your prayers.

On a lighter note, last night I was reading and God began to lay heavily on my heart that I should start a Bible Study. I don't know if it will be me actually leading the group or if a Christian couple that I know would, but I do think it is something that God is leading me to start, so please be praying about that, for wisdom, guidance and for people to be open to coming when I invite them. I'm so excited to see lives changed!!!! I will give you more updates on my life once it resumes back to normal. I would love to hear from each one of you and know how you are doing, so don't hesitate to write.

With love,

Virginia

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

I love my sister


Believe it or not this is a good hair day for both of us.

Friday, November 04, 2005

nick's pie


So, my brother works at Russ'. Yes, the land of home-made, Dutch goodness. He came home from work tonight and as he came through the door he seemed to be gaurding something wih his life (see fig. A). He could barely hold back his excitement about this fine delicacy as he placed it on the counter. It was a pumpkin pie. I asked him if I could have a piece. He said I'd know the answer to that question once I saw the note he was about to attatch to the box that held the pie. He strategically placed the threatening notice on the box, and as he did so, he non-chalantly said: "You can have a piece if ya want." He must really like me a lot, or really want to kill me... I can't figure out which.

Thursday, November 03, 2005

it's all about me, isn't it?

10 YEARS AGO I WAS:
-16 - learning the art of driving a '92 Grand Am
- Dating Rachel Holtzhouse, surely we would marry
- Collecting every Michael Jordan card I could get my hands on
- Not doing homework
- Learning how to play the guitar

5 YEARS AGO I WAS:
- 21 - a senior at Cornerstone University
- taking 27 credit hours in one semester
- Dating Emily Hoppe, surely we would marry
- getting 3 flat tires over the span of one month (thanks Lumina)
- creating the smooth sounds of Eric Grey

1 YEAR AGO I WAS:
- 25 - Living on my own
- Hoping someday to marry
- Not an uncle
- Managing Secondhand
- Wishing I was a rock star

YESTERDAY I:
- Slept in
- Kissed both of my nephews and told them I loved them
- Bought a camera
- Watched Death to Smoochy
- Paid bills (gag)

5 SNACKS I ENJOY:
- Left-overs in Rob's Fridge
- Soft Batch Cookies
- Salsa Verde Doritos
- Buffalo anything
- Turkish Delights

5 SONGS I KNOW ALL THE WORDS TO:
- Hootie and the Blowfish - pretty much anything on their first 3 albums
- Tom Waits- I hope that I don't fall in love with you
- Coldplay - fix you
- Mae - we're so far away
- Beck- loser

5 THINGS I WOULD DO WITH 100 MILLION DOLLARS:
- Give money for planting churches
- Pay off my debt
- Tour the world
- Buy the Detroit Lions and make them a super bowl team
- Buy a goat

5 PLACES I WOULD RUN AWAY TO:
- Colorado
- Front row seats to this
- Europe
- California
- Grandma's

5 THINGS I WOULD NEVER WEAR:
- A Karate Gee
- Man pri's
- Turtle necks
- Mock-turtle necks
- Danny Peas' class ring

5 FAVORITE TV SHOWS:
- Everybody Loves Raymond
- The Office (thanks Ryan)
- According to Jim
- Lost
- Sportscenter

5 BAD HABITS:
- Biting my nails
- Not making my bed
- Blogging
- Fidgeting when I'm nervous
- Eating

5 BIGGEST JOYS:
- Walking with God
- Lauging
- Knowing that I can physically dominate someone
- Isaac
- Will

5 FICTIONAL CHARACTERS I WOULD DATE:
- Lois Lane
- Mary Ann, not Ginger
- Denise Huxtable
- The Little Mermaid (human form preferable)
- Daisy Duke (T.V. version)

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

thoughts on worship: part one

Many people have different views and definitions of worship. I believe that the biggest mistake people make is thinking that worship is only associated with music. While ‘worship music’ is an emotional response in worship, it does not define it wholly. Worship is a lifestyle. It is a constant and consistent way of life knowing fully that our words, actions and thoughts would not only reflect Christ, but glorify Him as well. When we can grasp this concept and understand its full potential, we can experience God on a more personal level. One man in the Bible epitomized this truth, and that was Enoch. In Genesis chapter 5 we simply read that ‘Enoch walked with God’ (verse 24). He didn’t just pray to God, or talk to God, He walked with Him! This shows me exactly where I want to be and what I want to help others to understand about worship. Worship is not simply an experience. I worship while I am at work, on the phone with my friends, what I watch on television, how I treat my mother, my future wife, kids, etc. It is what I say. It is what occupies my mind and thoughts. It is my actions. Everything I do can be used to glorify God. This done with a pure heart is authentic worship.

I believe that scripture is at the foundation of living this authentic life. The scriptures teach us and mold our hearts to help fully understand our role in the church, our families, in our vocations, and in our lives. Scripture should be a vital part of a worship service in directing people’s hearts toward God and relevant teachings.

I have also learned that worship is not how good you are at something. Everyone has been gifted by God in different areas. In the body of Christ there are arms, feet, hands, toes and so on. As leaders in the church we need to help people discover what role they can serve in and what they can continue to function as. They should not be discouraged if they come to realize they are not a ‘hand’. We should help show them that they are an ‘arm’ and without the arm, the hand is useless. If within the church there is a fully-functioning ‘body’ of believers, sold on authentic worship, there is no telling what sort of radical revolution God may have in store!

Sunday, October 30, 2005

life happens


After reading through all of my friend's blogs I've been thinking about how everything is constantly moving, evolving, shaping... From new life to death, from rejoicing to mourning, from new homes to broken homes... It makes me think how some of the places in life that we end up in are a result of our own actions or doings... reaping what we sow. But for others, whether it's just a string of bad luck or just bad judgment they find themselves in these less than desirable places... In fact I think we all eventually end up there or have been there at some point or another. It's like a cycle that life cannot escape. There are joys and sorrows and sometimes it feels like we weren't built to handle it. I think about some of my friends and their situations and realize that I have no problems compared to them... Maybe I'm just not built to handle situations like those... Maybe God sees the strong and tests them to sharpen them... Maybe only those that suffer in their own unique ways can be used by God in such unique ways and in turn be blessed in such unique ways.

Maybe life happens for a reason.

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

viva la mexico


Well, it looks like I will be going to Mexico City from January through March to serve with ABWE as a missionary! I have been going through a rigorous application and interview process over the past month and have been accepted to go. The next step is finding out how much support I will need to raise. Please be in prayer that everything will fall into place smoothly as this process unfolds and also into the new year as I try to figure out if missions is going to be a full-time gig for me some day! I'll keep you all posted as to what specifically I will need and will be doing once I get there as I find out...

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

I wish I had a dollar for everytime a semi-truck going 51 mph passes a semi-truck going 50 mph on the highway... and I just happen to be right behind them. I'd have at least... well, a lot of money.

Sunday, October 23, 2005

looking good

Thanks to Jeff Garcia the Lions came away with a win today... I promise, my next post will not be sports-related.

Monday, October 17, 2005

Why I hate Michigan falls

Joey...
Please tell me he's done A.S.A.P

Sunday, October 16, 2005

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Happy Birthday Virginia


Today is Virginia's 24th birthday. I was able to call her last night (midnight her time) to wish her a happy birthday. It has been hard not being with this girl period let alone on her birthday! Maybe next year... Thank you all for your continued prayers for her safety! Ethiopia is a scary place to live right now. There are always terrorist threats, especially directed at foreigners... If you want to wish her a happy birthday or just say hi, ask me for her email address and I'll get it to you!

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

true


It's funny how when I was in college, I dreaded reading... probably because I had to do it. But now, 3-plus years removed from the university life, I am finally starting to enjoy it. I have read through 4 books in the last 3 months and I'm currently in the middle of 2 more.

The last book that I finished was Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker. In my opinion, if you are a male (or if you're married to one), you should read this book. There are so many immoral images that go through a man's mind that do not seem like they could be harmful, but they are... they affect you in your relationship with your wife and with God. This book clearly defines what those harmful traps are and how to elude them... and for the women that read this book, there are notes from a woman's perspective to help you understand what's going on with us males.

One book that I am in the middle of is Every Man's Marriage by the same authors. This is sort of a sequel to EMB and takes it a step further into investigating the desires of a woman as a partner. I know what you're all thining: "Eric, you're not married!!" To you I will say that I am aware of that, but that also I do plan on being a husband someday and I realize how much responsibility lies within that role. So I guess that you can't be 'over-prepared'. There is so much in this book that I know I'll have to read it again eventually to really grasp it all... here are a couple of big things I've learned so far:

Spiritual leadership begins with being a servant and that has everything to do with submission. Not submission to an individual necessarily, but a submission to 'oneness'. It's such a beautiful picture of marriage.

I also just started reading the book Captivating by Stasi and John Elderedge. This is pretty much the woman's version of Wild At Heart (which is one that I have recently finished). Virginia and I are both reading this book, journeying together and hopefully learning more about each other as we go through it. When we finish, we plan to start Wild At Heart. I think this will be a cool way of growing with each other while everything else in our relationship is seemingly at a stand-still. I know God will reveal some awesome things through this and I feel encouraged by that alone!

Sunday, October 09, 2005

look how they shine for you


Tonight the stars looked awesome... what a clear night. I got home this evening at about 11:15 and took a walk down to the baseball field where I used to play my little league games. I assumed my spot at second base, there was pitch black all around me except the stars that loomed above my head. I saw a shooting star. It left a beautiful trail in it's wake. I was reminded once again of God's majesty in that quick moment.

Thursday, October 06, 2005

time doesn't matter

So, I'm 26 years old now... 12 years ago I thought for sure that I'd be going into my 6th year as a professional basketball player by now. We all know how that worked out for me eh?

I can't believe it... It doesn't seem like that long ago I was turning 20... In fact I remember it well, which scares me because I know that the time between 26 and 30 is much shorter than the time between 20 and 26... So it's coming quick.

I also can't believe that my sweet little nephews are 6 months old already... It seems like last week I was going to visit them in the hospital. Sheesh.

There is definately not the excitement that there was when I was younger when it comes to birthdays... But my dad did buy my lunch today so that was cool... And there's always the spankings too... yeah, those are great.

Saturday, October 01, 2005

where I belong


As most of you already know, I love music and being involved in it. I have my own humble record label and manage a few bands/artists. This weekend I am in Columbus, OH acting as a producer/studio musician (electric guitars) in what we have come to call 'The Jason Holdridge Project'. Jason, myself, Brandon and Kevin (both from the band Secondhand) are here recording the very first full-length album that will be released by 153 Records. This is our third trip here in the last few months and we will be down at least one more time to finish the recording. This arena is so me. The environment, the music, the production, the ideas, the people... It's what I'm all about and something that I'm very proud of.

Sunday will be our last day in the studio this weekend and I am pumped to announce that Sparrow Records recording artist Bethany Dillon will be here to add featured vocal tracks on two of the songs for this album! Brandon and Kevin will surely be looking their best and acting their smoothest. (:

No doubt that having Beth involved in this project will give the album immediate credibility! I can't wait for the finished product! I'll keep you all posted on when it will be released...

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

some good news and some not-so-good news...

Good news: I talked to Virginia today.

Not-so-good news: She told me that there is going to be rioting this weekend in the city where she lives because of political unrest and she won't be able to leave her house... Please pray for her safety!

Thanks to all who have kept Virginia in your prayers, and please continue to do so!

Sunday, September 25, 2005

desperate television


housewives
Originally uploaded by ew153.
So, I watched the season premier of Desperate Housewives with some friends tonight... and it also marks the last time I'll watch it for the season (I did the same thing last year). I don't really know why I watched it... Maybe because that's where all my friends were at and I wanted to hang out with them.

At any rate, this has to be the most ridiculous show EVER. I think I have it pegged why people (women mostly) are drawn to this show... the same reason they're drawn to paper-back books with the same premises. Need I say more???

Friday, September 23, 2005

you did WHAT to your hair?!

So in keeping with the whole 'changing of the seasons' I decided to stay one step ahead of the trees (if you know what I mean). I don't really know what possessed me to do this, but at the time it sounded like a pretty sweet idea. Besides, my girlfriend's not around to tell me that she hates it!

On a more serious note, the Lions suck. This week they are on a bye and I think they're still 8 point under-dogs. In fact, I think the whole NFC north will have trouble when they face their bye week, which means the bye week just may make the playoffs.

I was able to talk to Virginia on the phone yesterday... She is adjusting well, but staying really busy... Her class is going well, but is very hectic. She says she misses everyone. The exciting news is that she has a plane ticket home for Christmas! I can't wait... I'm also planning on flying out to see her in April.

Okay, now that I have that out of the way feel free to leave your comments about my red hair... Or anything else you wish to comment on... Thank you, good night.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

hmm


Please tell me what you think this picture means... here's a witty take on it:

If you hear the Backstreet Boys, Michael Bolton or Yanni on the radio, cower in the corner or run like you're on fire.

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Sunday, September 18, 2005

one year to go

It is crazy to think that Virginia is in Ethiopia right now. I can no longer just pick up my cell phone and talk to her, or buzz 20 minutes down the road to see her. I don't even know how much access she'll have to a phone or e-mail over there.
Yesterday seeing her leave was hard. Just thinking that the image I have of her driving away is the last image I'll have of her for a while... There are of course other good images from previous times we have had together, but anyway, the most recent image.
Last night I was driving and saw how beautiful the moon looked. It reminded me that her and I are still under that same moon. I know God is bigger than this universe and not only does he hold it, but also everyone in it.

Saturday, September 17, 2005

time

Time is so precious. Tomorrow Virginia will be gone. I can't believe how quickly this day came. I'll have just a short time with her tomorrow and that will be it... Off to Ethiopia. There is so many thoughts racing through my mind. I wish I could be there with her through this.

Thanks to all of you who have (and continue to have) this in your prayers. They mean more to me than you can imagine.

One year... It seems like an eternity, but in reality I know it's like the blink of an eye.

Thursday, September 15, 2005

real-life tetris


A few weeks ago I was helping some friends move. We had to load all their 'stuff' into trucks and trailers, bring it all to their new home and then unload it all. I nominated myself to be the official 'loader'. People would bring me boxes and I would load them into the trucks strategically so that as many boxes as possible could fit. I took a great deal of pride from the superb job that I did. It made me think of how I was pretty sweet at the game Tetris. Fitting pieces just so, eliminating lines, saving the eliminations until you got a 'long 4' and could wipe out 4 lines of blocks... Loading trucks has the same basic concepts except the fact that they didn't disappear after I lined them all up perfectly. I wish I had a picture of these truck beds so you could better understand my thoughts here... Just imagine 3 pick-up trucks with boxes of all shapes and sizes in the beds of these trucks... Then imagine no gaps or spaces between these boxes, but perfection all the way around. They looked like mini, city sky-lines. I've been craving Tetris ever since...

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

ribs... I had ribs for lunch

Actually I had a beef and cheddar sandwich at Arby's, but whaddaya gunna do? Anchorman is always a good pick-me-up on those dreary days... Especially when you're a little fuzzy on the original translation of San Diego. I really have no reason for this picture, but I guess I am a random guy at times.

So, last night I was on my way home from Virginia's (*new ETD: Sat. 1:20pm, Chicago - O'hare) and I happenned to be driving behind someone who was either drunk or really tired because he was in and out of his lane on more than one occasion. As I continued to observe his fine driving skills, I saw him almost lose control of his vehicle as his back end slid and smacked the gaurd-rail, seriously damaging his truck. His spare tire also fell out and his muffler was hanging on by a thread, leaving nothing but sparks in his trail. Fearing for the lives of those who may have encountered this wreckless madman, I called 911 and reported him, fulfilling my duty as a fine citizen of this fine, fine city.

On a more serious note, let me leave you with this quote from Channel 4 lead anchor, Ron Burgundy: "I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal. People know me. I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."

Sunday, September 11, 2005

fix you


fireworks
Originally uploaded by ew153.
When you try your best but you don't succeed,
When you get what you want but not what you need,
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep,
Stuck in reverse.

And the tears come streaming down your face,
When you lose something you can't replace,
When you love someone but it goes to waste,
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home,
And ignite your bones,
And I will try to fix you.

And high up above or down below,
When you're too in love to let it go,
But if you never try you'll never know,
Just what you're worth.

Lights will guide you home,
And ignite your bones,
And I will try to fix you.

Tears stream down on your face
When you lose something you cannot replace.

Tears stream down on your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes.

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you.

-Coldplay

Saturday, September 10, 2005

here we go again


Ah yes, the cool breeze, the fall weather approaching... Saturday afternoons of watching the Wolverines lay the smack down on their opposition...

I love the fall and football is a big reason why... but here's the dilemma: I'm a Michigan Wolverines fan as well as a Detroit Lions fan... (I'll never be swayed so don't try). As far as the Lions go, you always come to accept humiliation, but U of M just breaks your heart... They start the season with a couple of wins and are usually ranked in the top 5 of the nation. Then they blow it with one loss. This loss drops their ranking to like 14th which means they have to try and claw their way back up to the top for the rest of the season. They usually make it back up to like 6 or 7 and maybe a bid to a respectable bowl, but no chance at a Title. This has been a pattern since their last championship in '97.

This afternoon my mighty Wolverines host the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. This was the first big game that they lost last year and hopes for a National Title went down the pooper. Even though they ought to win this game and probably will, this does not mean that they won't fall into the same routine as years past and break my heart. It really is a shame because of the talent that UM recruits. But I figure if they don't make an impact in college, they could hope to be drafted by the Lions.