I hope this works

Just when you thought this blog couldn't get any better...

Cheers!

p.s.- I apologize for the darkness of my face, but not for the darkness of my face...get it?

We're stickin' around

For those of you who were wondering, "Hey, I wonder what happened with this whole California thing that Theron mentioned?" Well, let me take a moment to catch you up. After a very successful trip to Manhattan Beach, we knew we would have a tough decision to make in the coming weeks. We could tell that they really liked Jessica and what she could bring to the congregation. We could also tell that this "interview" was really a meeting that consisted of them trying to pitch the church to us. Not that this is a bad thing at all...it was just a little odd since we figured it would be the other way around. The people were very nice and of course the area was incredible. The pastor gave us indication that there was a 90% chance that they were going to call her (I guess they still had to make sure she hadn't murdered anyone yet), so it was just a matter of when the official call would come. That day came the Sunday before Thanksgiving. He called Jessica on the phone and told her that they were going to call her and within a flash, this situation became very real. Well, it was probably already pretty real for her...I tried my best to not do too much talking because I wanted her to decide if she would want to do the job before we talked too much about whether or not I liked the idea. In the end, we realized two things. 1. We want to teach. 2. We want to go to a church where we feel comfortable. We realize that we are pretty spoiled by having St. John in our backyard, but the idea of not opening a hymnal for a number of years just didn't sit well with either of us. We decided to turn down the call and wait to see what else God decides to bring before us. We have full confidence that the Lord will provide. He already has by giving us such an amazing community here in Seward where we been able to grow together. That being said, we look forward to the adventure that awaits us. Thanks for all the prayers from both family and friends as we have gone through this process for the first time. Cheers

p.s.- It's the most wonderful time of the year

p.p.s.- 4 more days...

Stay Tuned

I'm not dead

There is much to tell you

I promise to do so very soon

I hope you like video

Cheers

California Dreamin'

I'm currently sitting in our hotel in Manhattan Beach, CA wondering, "What the devil am I doing here?". Jessica is off with the pastor practicing for tomorrow's worship while I attempt to get some lesson planning done before we go out for supper tonight. So far, our trip has been very enjoyable. Nebraska was just dreadful yesterday. You know how Nebraska can be when it decides that it hates you...cold, wet, mean...like a dog who is usually loyal and then has a pee all over your leather shoes. I could really get used to the consistent 75 degree temperature and having the ocean just two blocks away. We met a lot of really nice people so far, in fact, I think people from California are really funny. They are always talking about how they are so relaxed here and how easy livin' is the way to go. They should visit Seward. I would certainly never call myself a small town expert, but I feel as though we in Seward understand easy livin' and relaxing. Anywho, we are very excited about the possible opportunity that God might lay before us. I know it's early in the game, but so far things seem to be going well. We will have a better picture of how we may or may not fit in after we worship with them tomorrow.

All of this possible California talk leads me to the question, "Am I cool enough for California?". Do I have what it takes to be the Kobe Bryant of teaching? I'm going to pose that question to my students on Monday. This should lead to a very interesting discussion since they seem to think Mr. Jenkins spends his free time riding bikes, listening to Mozart, and reading history text books. Cheers!

p.s.- Remember the Toys R Us "Big Toy Book" that would come out around Thanksgiving? Those were the days...

p.p.s.- Google Fran Healy and listen to his solo release "Wreck Order". Quality

Hello World

Greetings. November is here already! Perhaps it is just me, but it seems as if October came and went like a flash in a pan. I really fancied everything that October had to offer. Educationally speaking, the month culminated with attending the Musical Arts Day concert last friday at Concordia. I had at least 30 or 40 of my students were involved in the concert and I was as proud as a mom watching her kids at the annual Christmas pageant. It was incredible to see them really enjoy a musical experience that they worked hard to produce. An added bonus was getting a chance to hang out with Chuck and Peter since a few of their students were also involved.

In other news, Jessica and I have received some great...well, news. Jessica found out that First Lutheran Church in MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIFORNIA is interested in possibly calling her to fulfill the position of church musician. They are so interested that they are flying both of us out next weekend to visit. Even if nothing else comes of it...we will surely enjoy a free weekend trip to California. Keep us in your prayers as we await and see what God has in store for our future. November promises to be an adventure indeed. Hope all is well for you all out there! Cheers!

p.s.- This Saturday night is my first ever chance to direct a high school choir in concert! That's right...it's OPENING NIGHT! If you find yourself in Seward on Saturday night, you should check out some choral-pop music. I'm directing "Haven't Met You Yet" by Michael Buble and "Life in a Northern Town" by Sugarland. Be there...

Worst Brother Ever=Me

Let's all wish my young brother, Taylor, a happy 20th birthday shall we? I forgot to give him a shout out on the 16th when it actually occurred. Here's to hoping he gives up his desire to be a rapper this year.

Cheers

Fall Break...

Fall break is the simple truth that God really loves me. I woke up at 9 am last Friday!!! Well, it was more like 8:15, but I forced myself to stay in bed till 9. It was a great weekend. My battery needed a nice recharge and I accomplished just that.

In other news, I traveled down to Kansas City wif my wife to see out dear friend Rachel Micheel and also to see Sufjan Stevens in concert. It was a a nice little holiday. Rachel is just as vibrant about little kids as I remember and she is doing very well at her school. If I were a first grader, I would want Ms. Micheel as a teacher. Sufjan was incredible...simply incredible. His new stuff is a bit of a divergence from what we usually expect from him, but Jessica and I both agreed that he pulled off the "new sound". I love the way we crafts a song lyrically. I always find myself wanting to have a piece of paper with the lyrics on it as I listen to him so I can try and figure out what he is saying. Very deep that Sufjan is.

Now I am back at school, commencing the Student Teaching II phase of this experience. I like the nice groove I have discovered and I look forward to doing big things over the next 7 or so weeks. Cheers to those of you have who traveled to other places for your experience. I hope you made it safe and sound...and that some sort of big time adventure takes place while you are there. Health is going to be ever important as we move towards colder temperatures. I am hoping to keep using my bike to get to school at least till the end of the month. We'll see, my wife is urging me to use the car...but I'm much too tough and ignorant to do something like that.

ALSO....Eric Whitacre's new album, Light & Gold, was released today!!! Jessica and I listened to it while enjoying supper this evening. It's stunning. There were many occasions when we both looked at each other and thought...wow, what did we just experience. I aspire to move people with the music that I write. Studying and listening to his work always makes me want to scratch that creative itch which I have had absolutely zero time to scratch. Soon. I promise myself to write something soon. I have a brilliant idea about a choral operetta based on the conversion of Saul. Once I get a chance to put pencil to paper, look out!

Cheers

p.s.- I love you (I wept like a baby during that film)

Don't Wait...

I just got back from having a great conversation with a buddy (Keegan Bloomfield) of mine as I was biking back from the music building. We both are currently applying our trade of teaching at Seward High School and each lunch together everyday. We were reflecting on how much of a blessing it has been to go through this experience together and share stories. We shared how we are both still unsure about teaching as a career. It's so easy to just get stuck in a routine and not actually feel like you are doing something that matters. We both talked about how important it will continue to be to have other like-minded teachers on staff when we get out first gigs teaching. Just having a mentor to keep you focused on WHY you are teaching in the first place would be monumental in terms of our growth in ministry. Because that's what it is right? Isn't teaching a ministry? Didn't we decide to go into this profession because we wanted to impact young lives? So what are we waiting for? How come we look forward to the final bell of the day just like the students? Are we becoming complacent? I think that's part of it. You see, as a student teacher, you are just trying to make it. We don't really know what we are doing half the time and we find ourselves clock-watching the other half. Keegan summed it all up tonight when he said, "The devil feeds off of complacency". It's so true. I found myself becoming complacent. I found myself just filling time instead of actually planning something meaningful. We both recalled out amazing experience meeting the team of teachers from Orange Lutheran and how passionate they were about their ministry. I think I need to be in that type of environment. Don't get me wrong, Seward is a great place...but it's tough when you can't talk about the very reason you got into the job in the first place. Without that daily reminder of WHY, I and many other teachers turn ministry into a 9-5. There is too much work to be done.

I feel better now. Perhaps rejuvenated is the correct word for it. Whatever it is...this is how I want to feel once the school day is over. Is teaching hard? Yes. Is it extremely exhausting? Yes. Do high school kids make me want to bang my head against a cement wall sometimes? Ya you betcha. Is it worth it? That's up to you.

Cheers

p.s.- The mixed chorus kids are making sounds they never thought possible

p.p.s.- I love the fact that they don't even realize it yet

Fortune favors the brave

Before I begin...get your arse to youtube and check out Daler Mahendi. The songs " Tunak Tunak Tun" and "Bolo ta ra ra" will consume your soul and force you to do ridiculous dances that you didn't even know were possible.

In other news, I'm scared my friends. I already feel as though I am reaching the doldrums of student teaching. This past week was incredible since it was a short week and I had a great workshop to look forward to (By the way, Orange Lutheran High School is still blowing my mind). This coming week as well as the one that follows will be full and will separate the men from the boys. I have a great deal of planning to do and I am just hoping that something meaningful comes out of it for these kids. I had my first setback last Thursday while I was grading tests for the first full chapter that I taught. So many of them failed! I felt like I failed as well. I'm not sure what I need to change for this coming chapter to make sure there is more success, but after giving my pre-assessment...it's gonna be a long road. Most of my students are under the impression that the system of checks and balances must have something to do with financial success. Wish me luck!

I do have something sweet to look forward to this week. First of all, FIFA 11 comes out on Tuesday. Secondly...GLEE! When the rigors of the work week become too much to bear, find a mind-numbing video game and or television show and remove yourself from reality for an hour or so.

This week, I'm gonna inspire my choir. They are gonna get some serious excitement from Mr. Jenkins. If they thought I was weird before...they have no idea. Cheers!

Sunday

First of all, I'm not ready for the cold weather. Jessica and I learned the hard way that living in a house made entirely of wood is not conducive to staying warm when the temperatures drop. It has been a steady 65-68 degrees all day long...which really isn't all that cold, but it certainly is not warm. Anywho, cold or not, it is still the weekend and I still have yet another day off before I go back into the zoo that is Seward High. Yes, tomorrow is a "professional work day" (aka. It's Homecoming week and nobody wants a full five days of that sort of madness) so I will not being teaching. Rather, I will make a trip to Lincoln and apply for my Nebraska teacher's license. Jessica and I are planning on making a day of it with lunch somewhere and perhaps a bit of shopping. I am currently writing lesson plans (slash watching football) and wondering how I can possibly make the Articles of Confederation remotely interesting for sophomores.

In other news, I am realizing more and more that I am much funnier than I am given credit for. I make jokes all the time in the classroom and those kids eat it up like candy. Take that Bethany Kuhnle, I told you so (I'm also destroying you in Fantasy Football).

By the way, for all you choral music enthusiasts out there, Eric Whitacre is just weeks away from releasing the first album with his newly formed Eric Whitacre Singers. The cd, Light and Gold will feature many of his classic works, but recorded for the first time under his direction. I for one and stoked beyond belief. I love having new cd's to look forward to and this new release will definitely break up the monotony of student teaching. I hope all is going well for all of you. Keep living the life. Cheers!

Questions my students like to ask

Kody: Mr. Jenkins, what's being married like?

Me: Now is not the time to talk about that, finish your test.

Trevor: Dude, can I call you Master Jenkins?

Me: Tomorrow

This next one occurred today while I was using my cellphone as a stopwatch for the activity

Curtis: Nice phone Mr. J (I let that one slide), is it an iphone?

Me: No

Curtis: Can I see it?

Me: Is your group done?

Curtis: No

Me: No

Curtis: Can I see what type it is?

Me: Can you tell me what the Stamp Act is?

Curtis: Touche

Mary and Curtis are laughing in the back of the classroom after I assigned a short reading for them to do.

Me: Is something funny in the reading?

Mary: Giggle...No...Giggle

Me: What's going on then?

Curtis: I asked Mary if she would kiss George Washington and she said no.

Me: Why is that funny?

Curtis: Then I asked her if she knew who George Washington was

Me: And?

Curtis: Think about it...

Me: Touche

These are all true stories

Cheers!

Happiness is...

Now that I am living life on the other side of the desk, I realize how important the weekend is to my overall well-being. The simply joy of waking up at 8 rather than 6:30, the countless time spent not standing, and of course...NO 10th GRADERS! I loved weekends before, but they are vital now. This one in particular is important because I start teaching for real tomorrow. I'm talking about making my own lesson plans and teaching from the start to end of the school day. It should be a gas. My main goal is to still have the desire to teach once this is all over. I have some great kids...and a few...well...children who could use some guidance. I guess that's why I got into this gig right? We'll see how it shakes out. I promise to do a better job at keeping you all updated. Cheers!

p.s.- Happiness is...homemade meatloaf from my wonderful wife

p.p.s.- Go Ravens!

It's been awhile hasn't it?

Friends, Romans, countrymen...lend me your eyes. A lot has happened since last we spoke. Most importantly, I now have a lifelong companion! About three weeks ago, Jessica and I made our vows in front of God and many loved ones. It was a wonderful day that capped off a truly wonderful week. And surprisingly, I didn't cry nearly as much as I anticipated. Don't get me wrong, I cried a ton...but that is why we have handkerchiefs. I think my wife and I would both agree that the ceremony was stunning. We were both surprised with music that was not planned by either of us. That Pastor Blanco is always scheming. It was brilliant, magical, worshipful, lovely...perfect. I won't forget that day for the rest of my life. The reception was an outright dance party, which was right up my alley. Special thanks to Nick Lee and Michael Palomaki for putting together the perfect dance mix. I guess there was even an after party once the reception was over.

In other news, Jessica and I went to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for our honeymoon. It was just what the doctor ordered after the wedding festivities. As a matter of fact, I think everyone who gets married owes it to themselves to go away somewhere for a week. There is nothing like waking up everyday at noon, going to the beach, and going out to dinner every night. Here's to you "inventor of the honeymoon". It was also nice to meet up with my uncle down there towards the end of the trip. He showed us many incredible sights and even took us down to Miami before we left. We look forward to a return trip at some point.

We eventually made our way back to Seward to begin "real life" as a married couple. It took a while to get completely settled (we still aren't totally finished), but the house is looking more and more like a home by the day. Our schedules are beginning fill as the weeks go on. I am student teaching now and Jessica is kindergarten aiding at St. John (and accompanying you choir, giving piano lessons, playing at a church in lincoln, and being a wonderful wife). I am very excited to start our life together here in Seward where we have such a strong support system. Hopefully a teaching call is extended out way in the coming year, but we will make the most of the opportunities that God presents to us here in this town. Here we go! This is gonna be a wild ride. Cheers!

p.s.- Thanks to everyone who made our wedding day so special. The prayers, well wishes, and everything else mean so much to us and we would not trade friends and family like you for anything. God bless

Change of scenery

Here I sit. The last Saturday in my current living quarters after the last Friday night as a bachelor. I went out with a couple of my mates to Lincoln. The night ended with a massive sandwich from Jimmy Johns...perfect. Rumor has it that Sunday will see the arrival of a few friends. It's not really a rumor though. Anywho, as I get ready to leave this house for good, I must warn that internet access will be gone for the next week or so. Due to the lack of internet connection and the overall craziness of the coming week, I will most likely be taking a break from blogging. Don't worry, I will return...with some pictures! I can't wait to see all of you who are coming into town this week, we are gonna have a wicked time. Cheers!

p.s.- Say a prayer or two for me this week. Heart, thy name is anxious.

I'm in the war of my life

Saturdays in Seward this summer mean one thing and one thing only...work...with the prospect of getting done early. Perhaps you noticed my status a few days ago in which I expressed my disdain with the current situation at work. Let me first take a moment to let everyone know that Michael Palomaki and I are just fine. I harbor no ill will toward him and he knows that. He also knows how it makes me feel when he ignores me at work because he is busy texting everyone in his phone book. But alas, I digress. Today was exponentially better in terms of how I was relating to our boss. She caught me reading the architecture magazine Dwell and asked if I had found anything interesting. Well in fact...I did. I showed her this really cool article about an architect in Poland who built a home that had a 7 inch layer of sod for a roof...I know, awesome right? I took the liberty of finding the article online for you all to check it out:

http://www.dwell.com/articles/highly-sod-after.html

Anyway, boss must have been impressed with my limited knowledge of architecture because she sat there next to me whilst I paged through the rest of the magazine, commenting here and there on various structural things that interested me. This is progress my friends. I guess the lesson learned is that the path to impressing your boss is getting really geeked about something that you aren't even an expert about. Hopefully the trend continues. The fight to gain boss's approval might be a long battle, but I can't just sit back and let Michael be the favorite because he knows how to get out of trouble better than me. Oh, and we did get out of work early...by two hours!

In other news, the house has carpet now! Let the furniture transfer begin!

Cheers!

p.s.- After a brief bout with Bieber Fever, I feel as though I am finally getting well again.

Movies of Myself

Do you ever play that really sweet game with yourself where you listen to music on your headphones while doing something else and pretend that you're in a movie? (Imagine that I just said that sentence with the voice of a 16 yr old girl). I played today at work and it was epic. The scene was as follows: A young man standing in his kitchen (which was an actual kitchen display at the furniture store), he stares aimlessly outside the window (which was really a mirror), wondering how things went so wrong with his relationship (Cue "All we ever do is say goodbye" by John Mayer). The movie clip didn't last too long, but needless to say...it was heartbreaking for all of the imaginary people who were watching. My favorite part about this scene were the flashbacks that my imagination created whilst the song played and I lamented the lover who left me once again. The most emotional part is during the chorus when the layered harmonies of John and himself singing "All we ever do is saaaaaaaaaay goodbye"....just painful. As a matter of fact, go listen to that song write now...I dare you to keep your heart from breaking.

In other news, I started moving things into the home where Jessica and I will be living in exactly two weeks from today. It's a cozy little spot the seems more like a scene from a pioneer movie than an apartment. Everything is wooden. I like it for the most part, minus the weird smells that we will have to eradicate as soon as. So far the bed is set up. Once I get some carpet laid down in the living room, then the real moving will begin. Exciting times indeed. I look forward to showing it off to those of you who will be in town in a fortnights time. Cheers!

Coincidence or Fate? You decide

Today at work, I found myself in the peculiar situation of being at work in the warehouse while Michael was running errands for our boss. I had my ipod with me so I decided to listen to some tunes while I swept and walked about the warehouse. I had a really cool moment when John Mayer's "Perfectly Lonely" came on while I was dancing around. I sort of had this weird "Hey, that's nuts" moment when I realized that I was perfectly lonely while listening to "Perfectly Lonely". On a slightly related note, I'm a sucker for a well written song. Anyone who knows me is well aware that words are the most important part to any song I listen to for the most part. I guess that explains why I love the clever songs of Jason Mraz and John Mayer to name a few. As I was listening to John Mayer's latest album, "Battle Studies", I found myself really listening to the lyrics of his songs and thinking, "This guy is an absolute genius!". Whether it's weaving together a painful love ballad or relating himself to an assassin, he has this amazing gift to wrap my attention with his use of words. I love it.

Anywho, Michael eventually showed up so I stopped listening to music for a while. However, the damage was done on my mind and I could not stop thinking about how great it would be to live as a song writer. Imagine making a living simply writing beautifully crafted songs? I for one would love it to the max. Now that I think of it, there are fewer things that bring me more joy than listening to a great song with great words and then listening to it over and over trying to figure out what the artist was thinking of or applying it to my own life.

Uh oh...it's time to go to the taste test for the wedding reception...I have to cut this post short!

Cheers!

On love in sadness

Sometimes in life...all you need to do is listen to Jason Mraz. You know you're really lucky when you also get to watch a dvd of him. You have hit the jackpot when you listen to him, watch him, and then read his blog. I have been fortunate enough to experience the jackpot more than once in my life. You can rest assured that I will call upon the jackpot once more before too long. If you too would like to experience the jackpot, listen to any of his albums (which I own), watch a dvd of him playing live (which I also own)/check out some live clips of him on youtube, and then go to freshnessfactorfivethousand.blogspot.com and read something that will make you think a little bit. That's all for now...hopefully Jason will come across this post and feel compelled to talk about me on his own blog. Wishful thinking? Maybe...but if he won't answer my fan mail, then I have to try something else right?

Cheers

The week that was...

What an incredible week! It feels like so much has happened in such a short time. The highlight was certainly watching my friend Peter get married and getting to debut a song that I wrote specifically for the occasion. It was a beautiful ceremony and I definitely did my fair share of crying (tears of joy of course!). The reception was awesome! I ate about 6 lbs of twice baked potatoes and danced my tail off all night long. It was my first wedding as a groomsman and I couldn't have imagined a better night to experience the whole thing. Thank you Peter and Charista Baye for letting me be part of your day. God bless you both.

This past week also included other wedding festivities...well, the bachelor party. We played paintball in Lincoln and it was AWESOME! It was the first time I have played since high school so I was pretty rusty, but I managed to light up a few of my friends at days end.

Last night was one to remember. I went to see "Inception" with a few friends last night after getting my first skateboard since high school (it must be a week for doing things for the first time since high school). The movie was awesome...minus the fact that I am now questioning if anything is real anymore or if I am constantly dreaming. Well done Leo. Despite the fact that Inception seemed similar to Shutter Island with all the flashbacks, I still sat at the edge of my seat (that might have been because of the score, Hans Zimmer does it again!). Go see it if you have a chance. I dare you to be disappointed.

T minus 19 days...

Cheers!

p.s.- Thanks for the birthday present Steph! I love the tie. However, make sure you pay postage next time, I had to pay the mailman 51 cents in order to get the package. I had a good bubble about that one.

SPAIN WINS

Congrats to La Furia Roja for winning their first ever World Cup Title yesterday! It was a thrilling match to watch. All the drama and exciting truly made for a great cup final to view on a lovely Sunday afternoon. This victory is personally satisfying for me because not only did I win 100 bucks from finishing second in my WC pool, but Arsenal's own Cesc Fabregas (on the right) provided the assist on the winning goal. A truly brilliant end to a wonderful month of football. I miss it already. I can't wait for 2014 in Brasil!

In other news, my good friend Peter Baye gets married this friday! I can't wait to witness the great moment for him and Charista. The best part is that I get to play paintball with a bunch of friends for the bachelor party and then eat lunch at the Old Country Buffet!

We are now less than four weeks till I also get hitched. Time is flying by it seems. I get to move into a new house (which looks more like a log cabin) and prepare for life as a married man. Jessica is getting pretty pumped to make the new place look like a comfy home rather than an abandoned lake house. Exciting times!

Well, it seems like my roommate Michael is ready to go grocery shopping so I must be off now. Go out and play some football in honor of the beautiful game. Congrats again Espana, you mesmerized us all with your brand of football. Cheers my friends. I love you all.

p.s.- Doesn't the guy on the left in the photo look like Michael Werner a little bit. We all thought so.

It's Canada day?

Who knew it was Canada Day? That's odd. In other news, I am currently celebrating life as a 24 year old. After having tea and biscuits for breakfast, Mother and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. The weather has been so nice today that we would be remiss if we did not take advantage. Later on, we made our way across town to a small sandwich shop for lunch. I figured it would be a good idea to get one last taste of crabcake before I head back to Nebraska. We then stopped for a visit at my grandparents house before picking my brother up from work. So far, it's been a very splendid birthday. Speaking of birthdays, you can say what you will about facebook...but I don't know if there is anything that humbles you more like seeing all the birthday wishes fill your wall all day long. I truly feel very loved and honored to have such wonderful friends around the world. Thanks to all of you for making me feel special today. I look forward to finishing out the day with one more family supper before I leave (STEAK) and then we'll head to the local theater to see a movie. All in all...a smashing good time. Cheers!

p.s.- A friend of mine from home thought it would be a good idea to start a Team Theron group on facebook. I'm not saying any of you need to join...but why not right?

p.p.s.- Thanks for your love

Birthday Eve

On this, the eve of my birthday, I have decided to spend some time pondering all of the many things that I am grateful for as I enter year 24 of life. I have made no secret about my disdain for turning 24 as it seems to mark the end of being a fun guy and the beginning of being a boring guy. I have decided that such thought is folly. Many people in my life have said things like, "Turning 24 doesn't mean the end of being fun or young". Usually, I rolled my eyes at those types of statements. However, there are a lot of things to look forward to in life. There are also a great deal of things to be grateful for. I am grateful for the chance to be home with my family for the final time as a bachelor. I am very blessed to have two wonderful parents who have made all manner of sacrifice for me. Even though I think he is rather absurd at times, I do cherish my brother Taylor a great deal. Watching him grow and mature (slowly) reminds me that the progression of life is...well, progress. I am also grateful for the vast number of friends (who are pretty much family anyway, minus the whole blood relation thing) whom I have had the opportunity to share life with over the year. Each one of you inspires me in some way and I love all of you dearly. Without friends like all of you, life would be so very bland. Thanks for adding brilliant color. I am grateful for so many other things as well (health, music, a job, etc.) and I trust that year 24 (or is it 25) of life will offer many more blessings for which to be grateful. That being said, bring it on age 24...let's see what you're made of. Cheers!

p.s.- In the words of Rufus Wainwright, "I truly loved, which is harder to do than to dream of"

p.p.s.- Happy 22nd Birthday Paul von Kampen...you're in Latvia right now. Have some Absinthe on me

How can they be so cruel?

It's been a lonely day. My parents and brother were at work all day long and I was left to die in the forest over and over as I imagined exploring the not so dangerous wooded areas behind my house. Imagine my joy when mother and brother finally come home and to my surprise, mother is holding a bottle of wine. Naturally, I become very excited. Fate had other things in mind. I take hold of the bottle to see what sort of delicious variety we would enjoy over supper...and beyond. However, my heart sank as I read the words: Alcohol REMOVED. Pain, thy name is Monday. Here's to hoping for a better Tuesday. Now if you'll excuse me, I must try to make it through the forest behind my house successfully...after tea of course. Cheers

p.s.- I have a brilliant idea for a musical...just brilliant. Details to follow

After a long hiatus

Greetings all! It has surely been a long time since last I wrote. Please accept my most sincere apologies for not keeping up with the blog. There is so much going on lately that I just haven't had a free moment to sit down, gather thoughts, and get them to the cyber world! Also, I regret to inform that after many failed attempts to post finished musical works, I had decided that it just won't be possible to share them with you...on the blog at least. I still plan on giving everything I write away for free. I figure it's the best way to get things heard right? Speaking of new music, since I have been home, I have been working on the Dermody Cycle as well as bits and pieces of Basho. I have finished a spiritual that I am more than willing to give away to any of you future and current church workers who might be looking for some new material to try with your ensemble.

In other news, the FIFA World Cup is well underway. What a tournament so far! Alas, our American lads fought hard and won their group for the first time in 80 years before going out in the round of 16. In the grand scheme of football, that is truly an amazing accomplishment considering it takes two years just to qualify for the World Cup itself. As a hard of USA football, I am very proud of what they did this year. The way I see it, we are just one world class forward and a few world class defenders away from really making a deep run next time around. Brasil 2014 should be a great one. As it stands with the Americans and the British out of the tournament, I will root for Spain to go all the way.

I am currently enjoying time at home for a week. It is nice to be back in Baltimore during the summer time for a change. I'm sure my family is looking forward to helping me celebrate my 24th birthday (ugh) in a few days. Crazy to think that I was in Spain a year ago!

Well my friends, I hope to return to regular blogging now that I have some time again. I forgot how fun it is to write a bunch of things and hope that someone out there actually reads them. Until next time...cheers!

p.s.- Congrats to the LA Lakers for their second NBA title in as many seasons. Lakeshow for life

It's almost here!

That's right people. Just when you thought this summer could not get anymore exciting than it already is...the FIFA WORLD CUP is coming to make certain that our viewing pleasure reaches new levels of awesomeness. Starting on June 11 and running till July 11 (that's a whole month!) there will be football (or soccer if you're reading this in America) matches on everyday! This is the world's game and we have the joy of seeing 32 nations from around the world get together every four years and compete for the World Cup trophy. If you are not a big fan of the sport, that is truly a shame. The drama and passion the go into this tournament are unrivaled by any other sporting event outside of the Olympic games. Why? Because there is national pride on the line! Besides, how many chances will you get to see the best of the best from every country (that qualifies) get together and play in a tournament of this magnitude? I encourage all of you to take some time and take in the glory that is the World Cup. I promise that you will not be disappointed. Feel free to contact yours truly if you are new to the beautiful game and need some guidance on how to watch a match.

In other news, it's the start of a new week. Let's all do our best to make this one epic! I know I have a great deal of epic things lined up for this week....and it all culminates with the USA vs. England match on saturday at 1:30 eastern time. Saturday also happens to be the 21st birthday of our dear friend Michael Palomaki...hahahahahahaha. As head of the party planning committee for 1211 Kolterman Ave, I have taken it upon myself to make sure that this is a day that he never forgets and a night that he wished had never happened.

Cheers! USA...USA...USA (such will be the battle cry for the next month)

p.s.- Happy Birthday to Jessica Werner (the love of my life). You are 23 today and I vow to make sure that this year is not as horrible as fate says it is supposed to be. You are a gem...an emerald gem to be exact. I love you very much.

Here we go

Life is taking shape and I love it. I am starting to settle into a nice summer rhythm now and the World Cup starts in less than a week. Wedding plans are going smoothly, post wedding plans are happening...somewhat (at least we might have a place to live), and I truly believe that one day we will get to teach. I have friends who have begun internships (Go Lindsey!), friends getting ready to start internships (Go Bethany!), friends leaving the country (Go Paul!), friends coming home from other countries (Go Ween!), friends turning 21 (Go Michael!), friends heading to Baltimore (Go Lindsey Auten...and Me!), friends are simply doing big things and i couldn't be happier. That being said, I hope everyone out there is living the dream these days. Whatever you are doing...do it BIG! I'm rooting for you. Cheers!

p.s- Happy Birthday Lindsey Auten...you're a wonderful person

America

I feel like that title fits with the spirit of Memorial Day Weekend 2010...and what a weekend it was. Good friends coming into town on Friday night...a solid day of work on Saturday...and a Sunday full of teaching 7th graders, watching Star Wars, and going to Lincoln. Needless to say, I'm proud to be an American where I know I will always have the right to have fun exactly the way I see fit...that's the American way. By the way, if you ever get the chance to teach 7th grade Sunday school, DO IT! I am so excited to get to know and work with these kids over the course of the summer. My housemate Jesse and I will be co-leading this venture and I think we both have some solid ideas on what we can do to help these younglings (Star Wars reference) grow in their faith. They seem to be eager to get to work and have some meaningful education.

In other news, the Dermody Cycle has begun. I started with the last poem and wrote the first few measures. It's gonna be epic...ish. Stay tuned for more updates on these musical ventures. Speaking of musical ventures, I am going through this phase where literally, "All the world is a stage". I sang Lady Gaga's Bad Romance in the middle of the candy aisle of Hy-Vee tonight. Was I embarrassed? Not at all. Thanks to some wonderful advice I received from a Miss Katie Krause this spring, I don't have to be embarrassed about something if I don't want to be. Whether or not this is good advice to tell someone who makes a fool of themselves on the daily is debatable to say the least, but it is definitely working so far. My confidence level couldn't be higher (and neither could me "weird looks from other people" level) and I appear to be destined for broadway; singing duets with Neil Patrick Harris.

Oh...by the way. I have a challenge for all of you out there in the world, but especially in the USA. I think we owe it to our men and women in the armed forces to have an ice cold Pabst Blue Ribbon in their honor. I personally will spend many minutes on the deck of the bar thinking about how much I appreciate their willingness to sacrifice and serve for our great country. There is no better way to honor them than by drinking a beer that sports the red, white, and blue with authority. Here's to you armed forces members and veterans of the armed forces. Cheers!

p.s.- The actor who plays the Sheriff of Nottingham in the latest Robin Hood movie is the one and only Matthew Macfadyen...better known as Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. Awesome? Of course it is

Victory

Tonight at approximately 10:30 pm, I defeated Lady Gaga in a best of 3 pool series. I decided to enter myself in the women's bracket this time around so I can hopefully meet up with the top-seeded Calista Flockhart and regain my dignity. Wish me luck. Cheers!

Don't worry...I'm still alive

This morning I received more validation that this blog matters to people. You the public have spoken up and I have heard you. Caledonia Gerth came into class this morning looking rather distraught. I aksed her, "Caledonia my dear, what puzzles you?" With a tear forming in the bottom left corner of her eye she replied, "How come you haven't posted lately?" My heart was broken. I have let you all down (all four of you who actually read this) with my negligence. But rest assured, I'm back and here to stay.

In other news, Last week a wonderful gift was bestowed upon me. May must be the month of acquiring new things. First, a new (at least to me) blue sport coat which I informed you of last week, and most recently, a set of poems by a friend. I shall give you some backstory on how I came to acquire these poems. Last year...correction, many moons ago (much more epic) I met a girl who was wearing green pants. I feel in love...with the pants. I bargained with the lass night and day just hoping that eventually she would get so sick of me that she would have to give those pants to me. Alas, she was far to strong willed for me. I decided to offer something in return. That's right...I would earn the pants. What resulted was the finest original, atonal piece of work ever written on Concordia's campus. It was centered around a musical style known as "sprechstimme". I wrote this atonal musical as a surprise for her in hopes that she would be moved to part with the pants. In the end...she was. I wore the green pants to school the next day...and then twice in my room over the next year and a half. Life was good...but then something magical happened.

Earlier this semester, the lady and I collided in the lunchroom. We got to chatting about a myriad of things and somehow we ended up on the topic of those pants. She asked if there was ever a chance that she could get them back because of the sentimental nature she had for them (and since I had only wore them once in public). I knew that those pants originally belonged to her father and how much they truly meant to her. Being the business man that I am, I decided to cut her a deal. It just so happens that I had been toying around with the idea of writing a song cycle. I'm talking straight up Schumann and Schubert. I needed some original poetry though. I asked the gal (eventually I will reveal her name) if she would write a set or original poems for me in exchange for the pants. She gave me that smirk she always gives and said, "You got it" (This quote may or may not be accurate). Anywho, Last week she made good on her end of the bargain and posted them works on my facebook wall. I encourage you to check them out. I can't wait to get started on setting them!

That being said, I now have three different pieces I will working on this summer (Basho, Psalm 139, and the Dermody Cycle).

Special thanks to Rachel Dermody who not only provided me with some loverly poetry, but also a great story to tell and an even sweeter memory. Here's to you pal. Cheers!

A coat for a coat

So it has been almost a week since my last post. Life after undergrad is so very new. I am taking a course here for the next few weeks as well as transitioning into the working class world. My buddy Mikey P and I just started a new job working at the local furniture store in Seward. At first, I was a bit intimidated by the prospect of working in such a place under a very "type A" boss. However, Mike and I soon realized that this job would not only be easy, but dare I say...too easy. For example, we spent the entire shift from 10am to 5pm doing absolutely nothing. Actually, I shouldn't say that. We did play a card game from about 1:30-5:00...it's a sweet game called Dominion. Needless to say, I am going to make a fair bit of money this summer doing a job that might be better categorized as play rather than work.

In other news, I went to Lincoln last night with a few mates of mine (PVK, Mikey P, Jesse, and Katie) to enjoy some of the nightlife. Jesse, Katie, and I started off at a bar downtown and then we all finished the night off at IHOP. This is where things get rather interesting. As is usually the case at midnight, there are not many sane people hanging out at this particular eating establishment. My friends we quite pleased to see that there were two young men sitting across the way from us, also enjoying a late night breakfast. However, these fine young gentlemen must have been enjoying a bit of the herb prior to coming because their eyes and overall demeanor were very...relaxed to say the least. Anywho, one of the guys was wearing a brilliant light blue sport coat (the kind that would drive a guy like me absolutely insane with envy...and it certainly did) that I admired greatly. I too was wearing one of my standard track jackets (red, white, and blue...sort of Captain America-ish) and thought it would be a good idea to make small talk with this young man about his outerwear. After expressing my desire to obtain a jacket like his own, he asked if I would like to do a straight up, no questions asked trade of coats. Of course I abided. We tried on each others coats and to my surprise, the baby blue beauty fit me like a glove. My jacket was a bit too small for him, but he was far too gone to even care. To give you a better idea of how far gone he was, I spent my time in his coat looking in the glass window to see how I liked it....he spent his time doing karate moves in my coat. In the end, we shook hands to solidify the deal and I am now the proud owner of a not so new, but still fresher than fresh sport coat. I even wore it to church today. All in all...a solid start to the summer. Cheers!

Certified

Well, it's official...sort of. This past Saturday, I completed my first of two college graduations. My dad came into town for the event and got a chance to finally see in person that his money did not go to waste. So what's next you might ask? Well today I began a Mayterm course which should prove to be very beneficial as I grow in my knowledge of doctrine and my ability to express that knowledge in the future. I am also transitioning into a new phase of life here in Seward. Some friends have moved out and back home, others are going to be heading to new places altogether in another month or so, there is still that wedding that I need to get set, and of course...it's time to get huge again. These days are truly going to be exciting. Different yes, but still very exciting. I mean, who ever would have guessed that Michael Palomaki would finally turn 21?!?! I know I am excited to help him celebrate while we watch the USA vs. England match. I've got another buddy o of mine, Peter Baye, who is also getting married this summer. Yesterday, I relived some of the wonderful memories from the summer of 2009 with some friends after church. Without a doubt, that was the best summer of my life to date. It's going to be tough living in Seward this summer under new conditions and with new people, but I think it will be great in its own way. Here's to you summer of 2010...please be kind. Cheers!

p.s.- The first few measures of I. A Pond (From Basho) are complete...I like it already

The Last Five Days

The beauty of finals week is that there seems to be a ton of time to use on things other than studying for finals. The horror of finals week as a senior is that there does not seem to be enough time to spend on the people you want to spend it on. My personal solution? Forget the finals...love the people.

In other news, I am getting pretty decent at billiards (at least compared to where I used to be). Since I open the bar on Mondays at 5 pm and usually don't see a customer until 6:30 pm at the earliest, I occupy my time by holding pool tournaments against celebrities. I have played against the likes of Martin Luther, Will Smith, Barrack Obama, etc. Some notable victories have come against Kobe Bryant, Batman (Christian Bale version), and Saul of Tarsus. Some utterly awful loses have come against Ray Charles and Calista Flockhart (aka Ally McBeal). Most recently, I defeated long time musical hero, Jason Mraz in a best of three series in which both of us won our first games by the other scratching on the 8 ball. Yes, we sort of suck. I now await the winner of next week's match between Bill Cosby and Kelly Ripa.

Take it easy friends...here's to you. Cheers!

Brave New World

As I prepare for a vast array of newness soon to come in my life, I have looked for different nuggets of wisdom to help quell the anxiety and fear that naturally comes along with change. This past Thursday, Pastor Jurchen gave a great sermon in chapel based on the text from Psalm 139. His explanation of how deeply God knows us and desires to be in conversation with us really helped me to remember that my life is part of something bigger. The same God that created the entire...well everything...is the same God who also is able to guide and prepare me for all that I will encounter in the coming months and years. Read Psalm 139, you won't regret it. I also encountered a couple of quotes from Jason Mraz that I originally placed on my facebook profile. After rereading them again today, I thought it would be prudent for me to share them with you:

Don’t let anyone get the best of you.
Another year is fast approaching. Go be that starving Artist you’re afraid to be. Open up that journal and get poetic finally. Volunteer. Suck it up and travel. You were not born here to work and pay taxes. You were put here to be part of a vast organism to explore and create. Stop putting it off. The world has much more to offer than what’s on 15 televisions at TGI Fridays. Take pictures. Scare people. Shake up the scene. Be the change you want to see in the world.
You’ll thank yourself for it.
-Jason Mraz

Though I always wish I were as brave or as wild or lost as everyone I read about. I want to explore every place and live in every era. Sometimes this delusion gets me down about the state of things, vaguely, the world. But candlelight inventory keeps me in check before bed. I'm happy to be me. Here and now. Not chasing likeableness as much anymore but choosing to do so within myself.
-Jason Mraz

After rereading them again today, I thought it would be prudent for me to share them with you: These words inspired me to step out of my box a little more. Now that college is coming to a close and "real life" is pounding at the door, it time that I truly start making some advancements and changes in how I look at life. Sure, change is very intimidating and there are so many unknown answers to some big time questions. The good news is...God is good! So very good! We don't deserve it at all...yet we are in his hands. I think I am ready to start letting go of the fear, knowing that the important things and people in my life are a blessing that I will intentionally work to keep around and that God has prepared me and is still preparing me for a life of ministry. It's a humbling thought ins't it? That God would give us the chance to do his work in the world. Here's to a new crop of witnesses; joining the large cloud that is waiting for us. Cheers!

p.s.- Happy Birthday Caledonia Gerth

The Simple Joys

There's a safe haven in the town of Seward. A place where one can go and truly remove himself/herself from the rigors of a fast paced, small town life. That place is the deck of the Gallery at approx. 5 pm on a warm spring evening. I mentioned in an earlier post about a place called Theronland. I believe this setting was where Theronland was first created. All it takes is an ice cold Corona, an extra chair to prop the feet up on, a daydream of sorts, and bingo....you've arrived. Today I was able to experience the perfect state of happiness with a couple of friends (Jesse and Emily) while we waited for Mr. Responsibility to drag us back into reality with its firm grip. It might have only been an hour or so, but it felt like we were there for the entire day; shooting the breeze (not to mention feeling the breeze...stupid Nebraska winds) and knocking back a few brews. Just thinking about it makes me want to get back there as soon as possible. Here's to you Mr. Deck, Mr. Beer, and Mr. Sunshine. It's never a bad day when the three amigos come to town for a visit. Until next time...cheers!

ps- Just when you thought the gummi bears couldn't get any more delicious than they already are...here come...the mini gummi bears. Look for them at a Wal-Mart near you

Dead Week

And here we are...the final dead week of my college career. The title is pretty fitting since the O's are currently 3-16, Arsenal have nothing but pride left to play for, and I am certain that I got a 12% on the World Music test that I took today. The good news is, the Orioles weren't going to the playoffs anyway, Arsenal are riddled with injuries (we'll be back next year), and seriously...World Music? I've got far bigger fish to fry these days. I am virtually less than 100 days till...the plunge...and there are so many uncertainties still left to figure out. I'm confident everything will get figured out soon. If not...well...let's just avoid that topic for now. In other news, I have this brilliant idea for a new composition once I get a free moment to work on it. It's going to be a three movement instrumental work based on a Japanese haiku by Matsuo Basho. The text is as follows:

An old pond

A frog leaps in

Splash

Each line will serve as an individual movement. This will be my first venture into solely instrumental writing, but I am excited to get some of these initial ideas down on paper soon. I have a good feeling about this. The work will be titled Basho and I will hopefully have something to show in the next couple of months...perhaps even sooner.

This just in...it's almost summer!

That's all for now...keep fighting the good fight. Cheers!

Zebulon

It is rare to build up so much excitement for an event and then have the event supersede expectations. I was fortunate enough to have one of those moments this week when I purchased Rufus Wainwrights latest album, All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu. Few people can sit at a piano and hold my attention the way he does. His haunting melodies that consume you more and more with each listen...the virtuosic nature of his piano playing, evoking so much more passion and pain than the words could ever convey by themselves. I think that is the beauty of vocal music. I have learned to appreciate both forms on their own; at times becoming consumed by them. There becomes this marriage between lyrics and melody and born from their union is a song. The truly great partnerships sacrifice for one another; each giving the other an opportunity to shine and each considering the other more important than themselves. Perhaps this is a gross over-personification of the matter, but the imagery helps me when I am analyzing the parts and pieces of songs. Anywho, back to Rufus. This new album is not nearly as orchestrated as prior albums. He seem to be hearkening back to more Romantic forms of writing. I think the connection I have to this new album also comes from having performed a senior recital just a couple of weeks ago. From the standpoint of a vocalist, I found that I was able to gain much more of an appreciation for a work when I spent time listening for how the piano accompaniment told the story along with the words that I sang. Rufus captures this interplay perfectly in this album with each song cradled by flourishing piano lines that are as free and breathtaking as his all too perfect voice. As I mentioned to a friend earlier today, I truly envy the way me almost appears to not even breathe when he is singing. As I listen, I sometimes have to remember to breathe myself. I am in the process of trying to expose as many people as I can to this album. In a day an age where layering and extraneous sounds are added to maintain interest, it is truly refreshing to see a contemporary artist use the bare minimum to create a cohesive work that stops time itself when listening to it. So please...go get it...or at least talk to me and obtain. I recommend finding a chair in a library or somewhere else secluded from distraction and soaking all in from start to finish. Brace yourself for the final song, Zebulon...it stopped me dead in my tracks as I was biking to work last night. Stunning...simple stunning. Cheers!

Strange things can happen if you go to a Female dorm alone

Rule #1: Don't ever...EVER go to David dorm alone if you are not totally certain that the people you want to visit are there. Tonight, I went to visit Caledonia Gerth to ask her how things we coming on our project that is due tomorrow. Little did I know that there were three utterly crazy girls waiting for some naive 23 year old man to come along so they could harass him...and harass they did. It is times like these when I realize that if there is one lesson that I need to learn and learn quick, it is the ability to say "No" when the time warrants it. I have always been the moron who would say yes to something even when every faint voice in my head (yes, there is more than one faint voice speaking to me at any given time) is saying "RUN YOU IDIOT!" My question is, "Where do you draw the line between being polite and self-preservation?" It's neither here nor there at this point, but eventually I need figure this whole thing out. Anyway, I sat there and was berated by a myriad of questions including, "What is your pants size?", "Have you ever thought about getting a mohawk?"...etc. I sat there for upwards to 45 minutes...really regretting sitting down after minute number 6. The good news is...it's over...for now.

In other news, I had a really cool daydream during lunch today. It had been raining all day long...AND THEN...out came the sun. I saw it. He began by poking his head out and saying to me, "I'm just not feeling it today." I beseeched him to stick around for a bit. Of course he abided. I then began imagining what it would be like if the sun had feelings. This all transpired during a lunch period in which nobody was doing much talking...so naturally, I ventured off into TheronLand...it's truly a lovely place.

Ok...over and out...cheers!

p.s.- My roomate thinks he's Shel Silverstein

p.p.s.- All of this was written in a flow of thought that was totally devoid of grammar and spell checking...please be kind

Disclaimer

If you do not enjoy humor, music, animals, and things that have little or nothing to do with reality...than this blog is not for you.

p.s.- If you long to be Mr. Darcy, wear male capri pants, and eat lemon rinds...than this blog is for you

Personal History Has Been Made

The intent of this blog is to give family and friends a chance to keep up with my incredibly busy life. Enjoy following all of my crazy adventures!