Stretch Armstrong

It seems like forever since i've visited the site but nary a week has passed before I doth putteth letters upon this page. A few winners and losers of the past week.

Dorks in a goofy looking hats scored a big win in WINTER STORM '09! You may laugh but as I stood at the bus stop for over an hour and a half my ears were completely toasty? How about yours? Oh... you were inside... dang you. Unfortunaltely for Brynn, Jack Frost forgot to inform her of his plans and she ended up freezing throughout a hellacious four attempt to leave downtown Portland and get home to the warm, warm, heater that I had turned on for her. I believe she got off at 5:00 and caught the 4:15 Sherwood Express which deposited her safely at the transit center around 10:00 pm. At least she wasn't the lady look forlorn when she learned that her bus was due at 6:00... AM! To paraphrase Brynn when the snow blows into Portland all bets are off as people turn into crazy aborigines, stabbing everyone looking to just get ahead.

Your tax dollars lost a big one this year as Portland proved that it is consistent in one thing... year in year out they are woefully unprepared for the frozen miracle from the sky. Let your votes do the talking.

What is it about money and losers. Unitus Credit Union who I allowed to protected by my banner of "they can do no wrong" screwed us over majorly as they told us we would not qualify for a loan or a credit card (no history) to pay for Brynn's education. If that wasn't bad, they were the same people who gave us the advice to wait until we really needed it to apply for said loan before leaving us scrambling on how to finance the term. Tom, the same guy who signed us up and called month after month reminding us that we could sign up for an unsecured credit card broke the news so this one's for you...
Finally we end on a positive note. Christmas. Always a winner was made even sweeter by spending time with two families this year. I wish there was enough time in the world to visit with each one of you during Christmas and New Years but suffice to say we love you all and may the new year bring many great treasures.

Fa la la la la

Happy Birthday Brynn! We took to the streets and hit our first karaoke joint just off Sandy last night, the very classy Ambassador lounge. These guys are serious about their karaoke with two lounges for singing, a computerized system in which you can reserve your spot online, and a huuuuuuuge neon sign right smack dab on the side of the building sporting a man and a woman singing their hearts out. Unfortunately we couldn't stay around long enough  to test our chops at singing our favorite BSB hits but hey it was late.Really fun to get out and see everyone and we are so grateful that the state has gone smoke free in bars. Now if only they would make a point of regulating the cost of drinks because no way in heck does a bottle of Henry Weinhard's finest Root Beer cost three and half dollars! They literally rob you blind right in front of with a flick of your signature. Oh well, it was all about the experience.

Found this video through Gizmodo as we closed the night and as we close upon the close of this first decade of the 00's this will easily make anyone from our generation feel instantly old.





Merry Christmas to all!

My Sister

We weren't twins. I am older by two years, she's the baby of the family. I am a boy and she is a girl. And remarkably to the discerning eye it is hard to tell we belong to the same family. The years have passed and we get older and older and beautiful things keep happening in our worlds. She is the mother of a beautiful boy. I am newly married. After the countless schemes and jobs she has finally become a CNA. I am going back to school to interpret. But all you have to do is to sit us on a couch and before long you will know over all the shouting that we are brother and sister. I love how often over the years she has tolerated my hair brained schemes and my dodgy dealings, I in fact still own 51% of the clubhouse, how's that RC Car treating you? She is the only one who I could ever turn to for advice about the girls I dated after a disastrous flirtation led me to putting a bag of candy in Ashley McCutchen's desk (nice idea mom!) only never to hear a word and have my hopes crushed by the girl of my third grade dreams. Audrey's the one who was always there to hone my backyard dominance of baseball, football, and soccer even if only lasted long enough for me to gloat. Always the cook I loved sneaking in the kitchen when her desserts were cooling and grabbing a piece only to later deny everything because maybe the boogeyman ate it. I believe she still owes me for the time that she came home and dropped on the couch after girls camp when I stuck a pen up her nose. I always admire at how everyone remembers such her indelible personality and how i've become "Audrey's brother", though it's not a big deal how I lay claim to some of that as she did listen to music and hung out my friends come over. I will never cease to be protective of her and always eye with suspicion anyone she is with but in reality I know how strong woman she has grown up to be. Everyday I am excited at the prospect of being an uncle to Michael because I know with a mother as cool as Audrey that he will be funny, relaxed, and a pure clever. I can always count on her to save me in fashion emergencies and always groan when I get preachy. I hope so much that one day we will be able to go to the temple together and that our family will be eternal. I know that her heart is gold and the Lord will see her through the storms, she will always be there for me and I will always be there for her. Because when you really are brother and sister your blood is thicker from all the love you have for each other.

My mom

I'm a mama's boy and happy to be one. I've never been left for wanting in her house and out of it. Neither have my friends or anyone who enters through her door. In fact years have gone and they know that the first place they can visit is the fridge of my mother's kitchen. For years I have had to learn to share her with the people who are in need of an angel in their lives. I've rarely seen her angry and too often disappointed by the things I have done. Nothing is as poignant as the guilt one feels as one who so weary lifts her hand to wash the dishes you said you would clean. A tender and watchful eye always accompanied the sickness that would ravage a young son's body and with great care would she nurse health back through the soul. Always attentive to her boy's worldly whims every birthday and holiday were but filled the frivolous joys that brings happiness for a moment. My Super Nintendo a present that took us to the far reaches of Mill City so that I could once again suit up as Mario and travel throughout the Mushroom Kingdom in search of my lost princess. It was my mom who sat on the couch and watched and my laughter, groans, and odd tittering filled the air at my approval of at her wisdom. Who knew my greatest gift would be the compassion she would bestow upon me and teach me to share with others, as love has a way of multiplying and adding a measure of true happiness to each of our lives. How she took care to instill me with a sense of family as she made sure each of their names would be etched into my heart as she lived far away from the land she called home. For all the dances and the music something that make my body quiver every time I hear music ring, the sheer love of traditions of a people who I can call brother and sister because we are all boricuas. The unknown in which she led us into which would bring my sister and I eternal joy as she became the pioneer in our family bringing the gospel into our home. The faithfulness that she has always demonstrated being always welcoming to home teachers and others into our home who would show us what it meant to server the Lord even when she had bratty teens who were into hearing another lesson from a prophet. The sacrifice she has put in which has helped me see what it means to put the Lord first in your life. In the quiet moments as she is on her knees I know she prays for each of us that the Lord will help lead us into our place in the eternities. I have been to edge where one sees the pain that death brings to one's soul, the separation that burns through the body, I have seen that on my mother's face as she buries brothers and sisters, a mother and father, uncles and aunts. One of the most haunting realities I have experienced was knowing that when we were in an car accident and she turned to me blood running down her face to comfort me or when I sat by her bedside coaxing her to drink some fluids someday that would be my pain. A boy without his mother. Yet as we walk the planes of eternity I know that her lasting legacy will be the fact that we will never be devoid of each other's company and that her love will shine through eternity.

My dad

Where to start? Well probably at my excitement when he came back from his cross country trip which took him to Texas, Mississippi, up to Ohio, through Wisconsin and the fact that this was all done in order to fix some houses. And that face that he will probably end up repeating it again sometime next spring.  Or how grateful I was when someone rung our doorbell (a rarity) and voila it be the one and only Captain Willy back from his voyage! How at times when our family struggled without him and my worries turned to my mom who was all alone I felt a real yearning for the steady presence he brings into our lives. The discussions that have occurred and my big head has gotten filled with opinions about what will be the next big thing in technology and going back and forth on it (Dad, i'm still a wannabe Apple man).  How I hated working for him outside when it was wet, when it was warm, when it was breezy, when it cold, on the roof, in the living room, somewhere in the country, at my grandma's house and how I wish everyday I had paid attention to all that was being taught about being your own handyman. The smell of wood and it was being chewed up by his table saw and the dust that reeked of dead trees. Knowing that Michael is the hands of the best Grandfather in the world. That I could every night walk up to the plate and know that my dad would be cheering me on and that after the game he never would berate me but hug me and take me out to eat a victory meal, win or lose. I remember the strict discipline that dad wasn't the one you messed with, early on he would beat your butt and later he would ground you from the North v. South basketball game that you had to listen to on the radio while I finished the dishes and I will never forget that one night how late we stayed up that one night while I wrote lines and until he was satisfied that I had learned my lesson. Newspapers had to be delivered in any condition but I was never left alone to gaze at the Big Dipper as the sun stole away it's shine. Never the one to forget fun my dad could always be counted on to pick up the controller to play a little NBA Jam before school and try to beat me at Risk after (sorry dad we cheated you that one game, we can have the rematch anytime you want). My pride at our father-son Vatican poker game as my dad cleaned out the competition and funded yet another pizza run with the winnings, my memories of the many late nights came flooding back of him cleaning out or meager pile of toothpicks as we sat around and were schooled by a master. The many preparations it took to finally move our big blue moving truck out of the state of New York and the nights we spent at Pizza Hut playing Tecmo Bowl while we got ready. How I have often wondered at the feelings one has being deaf. Times where I stood behind him talking a lot of nonsense and enjoying the benfits of playing my music as loud as I wanted. The gifts that he gave me of keen and inquisitve intellect. The blessing that it is to know how to sign. The words that never came out of his mouth, "you can't do it" and the words that I want him to know but will never reach his ears, "I love you".

Christmas time

I think one of the most exciting things about Christmas is giving presents. I love to see the face of the person I give the gift to, hoping that when I passed through the store weeks ago that I had indeed picked up just the right thing. To this end with Brynn I have been bugging her to open different presents throughout the month but as a staunch "it's supposed to be a surprise" advocate I've made little head way. Granted there has been some progress, such as taking her to the Spoon concert for her birthday (due to a lack of over 21 shows playing that would be worth going to) and that same night I was able to get her to relent to accepting her new pea coat (which was the worst because I felt so bad all this winter having bought it and she was going to work in thin little hoodies in sub freezing temperatures, but hey I tried)! Finally as a pseudo birthday present (her family came up on Wednesday) I got her to indulge in a playing little New Mario Bros Wii. To this end I think I can say that this Christmas so far, so good.
I got a raise this past week which buoys our spirits as this Christmas has brought the realities of  what poor college students should live like. We had been living fairly comfortably off the savings of a year of just plain hard work but as little expenses ate away our pile of Uncle Scrooge gold, budgeting and personal finance has really come front and center into our lives. Thankfully we have jobs in which we earn a healthy living and are doing the things we need to do (educating ourselves) in order to further our economic means. The Lord has been good to us. On the flip side with the added income I have been delegated new tasks to work on whilst under the employment of SoccerPlex, none which has me working with kids more than I do. It's a sad trade off as I think I understand that perhaps now is not the time for me to lead the Kids Play program but I will continue to develop my skills in order to illuminate the different qualities I have to offer and maybe it will lead me in a different direction. I owe a lot to my experiences to my jobs at the YMCA and Salem Indoor Soccer. When Jimmy took over the SoccerTots program I got an insiders look at what it is like to learn the ropes and take over a program, that in my opinion pretty successful considering some of the circumstances that hinder Salem Indoor. I think what I really got to see with Jimmy and Vernon (and really the whole staff there) was what the look of real dedication to their jobs and clientel. This is something that has rubbed off on me and has really allowed for me to rise so quickly in the eyes of Jessica and Trent at SoccerPlex. I know that everything will sort out in the end and I am so grateful for all that I have, especially a beautiful wife who I love so much. What a great season we are in where the yuletide cheer can bring us all a little more happiness in our lives. Merry Christmas.

Rotting my mind

I love television! Should I feel bad? Maybe, but last night we watched the season finale of Dexter and... wow! I can't believe it. What a great season finale. This is what amazes me about the television (and story tellers in general) is the ability to weave such intricate tales of happiness and woe and the satisfaction you feel reaching the end that road. Luckily for me there is another season to look forward to with each episode layering into a beautiful tapestry of television bliss. Yes, television rots your mind but oh how I love it, how I can't wait to vegetate a little more to Jon Hamm's John Ham and listening to twenty thousand selections that New Directions will choose for regionals (Brynn and I thought there was a little too much drama about the set list considering that before sectionals that they had sung about a million different songs). So here's to all the Dr. Horribles in the world, may the continue to drop truth bombs about bears, beets, and Battlestar Galactica.

PS I love movies... but that's another post..

Spoon me...

Well it will be a December to remember. We are poor, cold, and happy. School is coming up and we are realizing how much it will take to pay for it but luckily we have been blessed with financial aid and come January 1, FASFA time! Cold, well because it's fraking cold outside and though the temperature climbed some i'm still shaking my booty off outside. Had to bust out Mr. Trench Coat for some added warmth while waiting for those big steel beasts. But as always our happiness lies in the fact that we have each other. And with it so cold in our apartment we get to snuggle a little more closely in the shadow of our mighty Douglas Fir which stands majestically at the entrance of our newly decorated living room (I would say we are now officially moved in now that Brynn has had some womanly influence when it comes to decorating). Slowly but surely we will decorate it, maybe tonight with a one o'clock frenzy of Christmas Cheer or not, been kind of sick this past week. I got it off some old guy who has been selling trees for over thirty years from the house he built of Garden Home, back when it must have been the "country". Nice guy but I hadn't realized how expensive trees are especially Nobles, which must rake in the dough for those lots that pop up all over the place. However I am not looking back and am content with representing Oregon and it's state tree, woot!

Brynn and I swayed, pushed (well really we got pushed by the mob of sixteen year olds), and rocked out to the last of this year's 94/7's "December to Remember" shows. Headlining was Spoon and though I think the keyboardist looks mighty mournful as though he feels left out from the triangle of power, the band played a fantastic set. Black Joe Lewis provided a nice opening act full of sound that reminded me of James Brown meeting southern rock/blues (think Mississippi). Best part was the lively horn section which complemented the lead singer who looks (and sounds like) Dave Chappelle (is it a black thing, NO! Just stating the facts ma'm), and one of the the brothers from the Proclaimers playing the drums. I was glad to get out and parking was particularly easy to find though it mean that Brynn and I were early to a show which allowed us a prime position but it meant standing around for forty five minutes for the show to start. There was this other girl who played a two song set between the big acts, Anya Marina, not worth remembering, cue to start erasing her from my conscience now... done.
Just reading up on interwebs... one thing that I have always been jealous of is my friends musical talents. I'm sure with plenty of work I could someday plop down at the piano and play but I want that ability now. It's one of two superpowers that I wish for, to become a master composer/writer (of music) which is enhanced by the ability to pick up anything and play it (well), real life Music man (the other power would be to either fix anything I needed or speak any language so in part this is all the stuff you saw John Travolata pull in "Phenomenon" but i'll pass on the cancer.) This need continues to grow as I've succumbed to the Rock Band craze and my inner musician is frustrated by the fact that I am pressing five colored buttons which is all a ruse to make me believe I am making music. All this to bring me to this point... see some friends, who can play music, this Wednesday (16th of December) at the Hawthorne Theater at 8pm. The way I understand it Britt and Brett are forming a new band Johan and this will be their debut performance with three other bands for the low, low price of four bucks. And if you want some advice head over to Pepino's to grab a burrito before the show.
Finally as Christmas draws a little closer, even more music can be heard dancing in the air, why not warm yourself up with a nice hot chocolate this next Saturday the 19th at our house? We are getting together to watch a Christmas movie (or maybe play some games) and having a hot chocolate potluck where you either bring your favorite kind or the best mix ins you can find.

Nice run

It's only been seven months and I have to say I am still amazed at the fact that you get to be married to someone whom you love and the prospect only gets better because there is more time ahead. I wouldn't say seven months is the greatest of all achievements but ti's something that we share and do so happily and lovingly. As Brynn and I watch the new year approach we eagerly await as the seconds count down and we can claim 2009 as our own, one of many to come. I am so grateful that the Lord has allowed me to make the choices I have so that I can say with happiness that I was in the right place at the right time. With each passing moment we take another step into the blessings that we will share for eternity.

Glug, glug, glug

A sprinkler pipe burst at SoccerPlex due to this extreme cold snap and as the water cascaded down the stairs I wondered if I was seeing my future going down with it. Hopefully they have enough insurance to cover it and money won't be a problem because this is the type of problem that could burden a business, but since the indoor field and futsal court didn't get wet I think we will continue with business as usual. It was definitely a different atmosphere going into work today with water gushing through the ceiling and the fires alarms blaring.  I ended up canceling class which was a bummer because I had to see all the kids come in and one by one try to explain why there wouldn't be soccer today. Not to pleasant of a task (on top of the frantic race to suck up all the water creeping towards the field). But I continue to press on and I've started making plans to present the best case on why I should be in charge of developing our youth program. Started digging through they OYSA site which is full of fantastic stuff for aspiring soccer coaches which is something Trent and I have been talking about and getting nationally certified would be a tremendous step. Considering my journey into the world of soccer began in one of the Stott Center's gyms it wouldn't hurt to get some background in the game that I have grown to love. I only hope as I make the commitment to coaching that I will have to opportunity to again feel the experience the same passion I did when playing those rec teams. I have some trepidation moving forward as I've never really asked more of any of my superiors, not even a raise because I have always considered myself well paid but there is a certain point where you just want to be your own boss (or at least have some control in how things are done) in order to have to have a sense of ownership in the world.

Just about finished

One more final to go and what an awesome feeling. Life is peachy and all I have to do is work and sit back and relax until next term. Each of the finals went pretty well all that is left is my ASL final which should be good. Too bad it is conflicting with my sister's graduation from her CNA program. I wish her the best and I am very proud of her. It showed great resolve to do what it takes to get an education and do right by herself and for Michael. Now if only she would get an interpreter...
Been itching somewhat as I have started teaching on a weekly basis and had special circumstance to go down to Salem and get a few classes in. I want to move up. I have been teaching for about eight years now and I think I have what it would take to manage a program. What's exciting about SoccerPlex is that there isn't one but rather a smattering of classes. With what I learned down in Salem (thank you James, Jimmy, and Vern) I think I have the chops to do well. I won't lie in saying the motivation also dwells on money which has been on my mind a lot recently, mainly how we plan on paying for school for Brynn. Next fall it won't be much of problem because goodness knows we will be filling out the FASFA come the turn of the year but that still leaves two terms that we will have to take a loan out. Thankfully Brynn is a much more committed student that I and a loan for her is a good hands and will go over much better than my previous experience.
I love OPB music. One of the discoveries I have made aside from their fantastic Saturday evening programming is their in studio sessions that they post on the web. What is wonderful is that they include lots of local Portland bands that often bring the noise appearing in the Willamette Weekly and Portland Mercury but that I never get the chance to vet for because either I am too busy, too poor, or a combination of both.
Tree day is almost here. We had a little setback as the Boy Scout troop that was supposed to be selling trees at SoccerPlex never materialized on Saturday so we continue to be treeless to Brynn's chagrin. We have just about everything else ready to go including our first stand and I think Brynn has set her heart on a spot right by the couches just as you come in (displacing my stalwart drum set and guitars). I think tomorrow we will end up venturing to Swan Island but I was able to pick up a farm guide so we will see.
Cheap deal going on next Saturday the 19th, we are having a X-Treme Hot Chocolate Party at our house. We have some Stephen's and because of the recommendation of Britt and Brett we will pick up some more delicious drinks in addition to our wonderful flavor enhancers of hazelnut syrup, candy canes, and marshmallows. Feel free to come and to bring your favorites, we are going to have games and of course what would it be without a Christmas movie.

My battle...

I have spent the last fifteen minutes in a sort of bemused/bored battle with Facebook ads. You all of course have seen the "x" the adorns the upper right hand corner of any Facebook ad but the question is, have you clicked on it? It'll offer you some options as to why you don't want the ad to be shown, all pretty generic fare until you reach the selection for "other". The surprise that holds... how wonderful, wonderful enough to pass fifteen minutes of my life clicking on ad after ad so I could fill in the box and think of clever things (and less than clever things) to espouse my opinion about the ad. All because I know someone will read it and wonder, "What mental malfunction does this guy have?" Well i'll tell you. I have a job that is very cyclical in nature where for stretches I will think about gouging my eyes out just to have something to do and the next minute be slammed by five hundred people who want millions of different things and they wanted it five minutes ago. Anyway fun little exercise (especially after I scored three Pizza Schmizza ads, it's like playing the slot machines) and I am happy to have gone through it for you so that you can move onto bigger and better things.

PS I know this post will ironically show up on Facebook... so aware.

Things I like.

I've been looking around and there are things that I like, that are amazing, and just make a person happy.

* Walking around on your phone being unobtrusive and being able to kick piles of leaves (they hadn't been raked) and just hearing the sound of the leaves swishing, scrapping, and fluttering by your feet. Also not having my phone. The other day I couldn't find my phone (I had left it on silent and apprently it snuck under the couch) and it was glorious. Now Brynn and I have had this conversation over and over but, I do appreciate the convienence of the phone but it's good to know that there are times in which the world can't get at you.

* Holiday spirit. Admittedly I may be a grinch at sometimes (like when it comes to putting up decorations, I want to see nothing before December 1st) but I love the way Brynn gets so into the holiday. I did get my way but she has pressed forward and Father Time has aided her cause and she now flutters about in full Christmas mode. And I love semis with wreaths on their grills. Classic.

* Children having fun. I love when kids go to classes/practices (whether it may be my soccer class or a ballet class on campus) they are in it for the fun. Yes they may pick up a skill here and there but when a child tells their parents that their excited to go to _______, it is because they know they can be themselves and have fun. That why I love what I do.

We are free!

Happy December, Water Crisis 2009 is finally over and we've apparently go clean water running again (or so they say). The way I kind of understand it is that Portland stores it's waters in reservoirs around the city, the ones in Washington Park and Mt. Tabor Park being the ones I actually know of  and then pipes it from there to us. Both are open reservoirs which though they are gated, they are open, out in the air. In the past they have argued about closing them up but to that end I remain in the dark on what happened other than the fact they must have said no. Following the issue, I read that they may not know where the E. Coli came from but i'm sure the whole of Portland should be on the edge, as this serves as a nice reminder to everyone to keep extra food and water on hand. What was surprising was how many members (including us) were unprepared and had to boil water which would have been an easy problem to remedy had we been prepared with a few extra gallons of water. Lesson learned.
Thanksgiving was a hoot and am grateful our families lives so close. We have a few friends who have to travel back and forth to visit their families out of state (and who would want to leave this sweet land of Oregon)  I can only imagine how dreadful that on a regular basis (especially if you are poor newlyweds). Yay for Dallas and Salem, Oregon!

Interesting reads and flaccid television

It's one of my ambitions to butcher my own meat, at least once in my life. I want to run the whole gauntlet of meats; beef, pork, chicken, and venison (I stick to land animals because I have no taste for fish). The whole reason I want to do this is to understand where my meat comes from and up to this point I didn't know how to describe this desire. Part of the allure of this article is that I helps me to better form this line of thinking and perhaps peg a name for it, "Ethical butchering". In part this stems from my dad choosing not to eat meat (really he's a pescatarian) and the poring over the reasons why. Heck it also wouldn't hurt when things hit the fan and we're hunting down beasts for food, then I will know how to cut an nice t-bone. Check out the Ethical Butchers blog.


http://wweek.com/editorial/3552/13275/

One of the most important priorities I see in America is education. Bar none, the resources that we have in a person's mind is limitless and using education can help tap that marvelous resource. We have long seen minds go to waste due a lack of opportunity and this article inspired me to desire change. It's one of those things that in the scheme of things will require a lot of investment up front but will pay dividends for years to come.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/steve_duin/index.ssf/2009/11/greg_goodman_wants_hope_schola.html

What's up with Heroes? Brynn and I caught up with it all through our love of watching shows on Netflix but now I almost wished I hadn't. Spoiler alert, no one (important) ever dies! And the show drags on... and the plot is convoluted (and mind you I understand that going into it but I chose to ignore it because "Look! There are people with superpowers on tv!") Oh, did I mention no one ever dies? And Zachary Quinto you're so full of yourself. Just answer me why won't anyone die?

The weekend and pizza

I love Mississippi Pizza. They offer some of the best pizza in the city (though like a lot of the specialty shops they are grossly expensive, twenty one bucks for a pepperoni when you can get a cheese from Rovente's for a mere eight) and one of the most eclectic lineups for entertainment choices. I know that throughout the week they offer karaokee (at least they used to as I have some firsthand knowledge), quiz shows, and a spelling bee but every once and while bands sneak in there to play shows. This is is what (for me) Portland is about. Any night of the week is open (once Brynn has her birthday) to go out and enjoy the sounds of the city. What makes these dulcet tones better are when your friends are the ones producing them as you can take pride in their sublime skills (yes you do detect a hint of jealousy). On a night usually reserved for work, Brynn and I found ourselves with no commitments and at the Atlantis Lounge (part of Mississippi Pizza) listening to Canoe (or half of). I got to know Matt and Sofia back when (there were part of "If bears were bees")we were in the branch and with interest have been able to follow them (as much as one can with the whole mission thing, exile in Salem, etc) so it was good to reconnect with them and what they have been up to. They played a wonderful set, trying out a few new songs and I think that Brynn and I agree that Matt's voice is one that would lull you to a sweet dreamy sleep. So glad we went after a year of quiet (last concert was Mason Jennings in Eugene).
Speaking of returns to old haunts, Sunday saw a special event occur that may happen only once in a lifetime. A papal eclipse. While I was sharing my feelings of gratitude Frank (acting Pope) entered the Vatican creating the ultimate line of power during the Vatican's Thanksgiving. After years of plans, dreams, backstabbing, wars, and empty promises (roller coaster in the front yard, anyone?) it was good to be back among friends giving and receiveing a little love (also known as Marion Berry pie and just about every delicious food that I could stuff in my mouth), the Vatican will always have a special place in my heart.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving my peeps. Perhaps a leftovers potluck this weekend?

Odds and Ends

My life is pretty simple. Consisting of school, riding the bus, work, riding the bus, and home. Oh yeah and riding the bus. One of my favorite things about bus culture is the fact that you can almost always find a newspaper free on the bus. It's an unspoken code amongst readers that when you're done with it, get rid of it. Just the other day as I was waiting for the bus at Fred Meyer I decided to kill time by eating and reading, after I had plunked down Mr. Washington for a paper I approached the deli only to find some kind reader had left their paper for the next traveler. Dang it. But with the advent and implementation of new technologies such as e-readers and smart phones, where will the beloved tradition end up?
Our nephew Michael is so cute. Audrey has habit of sending me pictures and videos (I think because I am the only one who can receive them that actually cares about the whipper snapper, though my dad would be all over that i'm sure). I am very excited for Thanksgiving so we can go and hang out with the family. Oh yeah, and so I can eat my heart out. Mmmmm.... food.
Read an article in the paper yesterday (which I got for free) about the HOPE scholarship, a program in Georgia which guarantees that any graduating senior with at least a 3.0 would have a full ride to any one of the state schools. Meaning F-R-E-E. The author of the article was suggesting the Oregon do what it takes to implement a similar program like the twenty other states who modeled their program after Georgia's. In comparing spending (the money comes from state lottery dollars) they showed that Georgia spent nearly FIVE times as much on higher education than Oregon (nearly half a billion dollars). Now that's impressive but what was more impressive was the feeling I got when finishing the article the author mentioned that if we wanted to get involved that all we had to do was call his friend, who's number he listed. I had never felt as I did when I read this article, the newspaper is much for stirring feelings for me, but without I doubt this is the kind of vision I want for Oregon (and really the world). I believe everyone who works hard in High School (and really... a 3.0 isn't that hard) should have that opportunity. I knew at one time Philomath did this for it's graduating seniors thanks to a generous grant from some wealthy townspeople but I would love to see the barriers to education be lowered, that money shouldn't be the deciding factor if they are willing to put in the work. Anyway I think i'll be calling this guy up and trying to help any way I can.

The bubble

Brynn is sick, all I say is boooooooooooooo! It's our first real sick day and she had to call in which made her feel bad because she's not practically dying. I totally understand the desire to work but then again I am the stickler for trying to get others healthy. Always the double standard that i've lived by, hacking and sputtering around doing whatever needs to be done but it's pains me when others are ill because of the helplessness that it brings to me, not being able to fix the problem a feeling of impotence creeps through my system. Darn germs.
The bubble burst today as a guy talked to me on the bus, headphones and all. We boarded the bus and apparently i've ridden with him before because I was informed of a pretty extensive medical history including the stress that sitting down for prolonged periods of time puts upon your bladder. Go figure.

In God We Trust

The evolution of the country, of humanity in general is an interesting thing. Because in this day and age you never know what will be important or who will make an impact upon mankind, I've always wanted to be a time traveler so that I could experience what life had to offer when "giants walked the earth". We can only get so much from our daily intake of movies, television, music, and print and while I appreciate the outstanding efforts of Paul Giamatti, I can't help but ponder what was the real John Adams like? Which brings me to the point of the Founding Fathers and God.
It has been a concern of mine that as we progress further and the years roll away, mankind is losing their way. When I served a mission I went to Oklahoma which is firmly entrenched in the Bible Belt or so I thought. Though the great majority of people do belong to a church and the things I saw lead me to believe that on the whole they follow Christ, there was a surprising number of people who didn't believe in anything. And I feel that this a trend that continues to grow. I had one young man (when I was serving in Norman, OK) who told me at the doorstep that he was atheist and that unless we could show him proof from a book that he wanted no part of it (coincidentally missionaries love to share the Book of Mormon, just ask any of them). Now this was always one of the hardest arguments for me to accept because of my beliefs. I know there is a God. He is our Father and it is his plan for us to return to Him. That is something that I know. Obviously there is much confusion out there and people are allowed to make their own choice. But when I look out into this world and see the wonders of it I cannot help but feel there is something more to all of this. It is so spectacular the intricacies of the human body down to smallest molecule and the grandeur of the universe about us. God created this. When you sit down and think about what you have been through, the happiness and suffering that combine to form human existence, the mundane things you have to do to subsist and the titillating moments that bring you joy. This is part of God's plan. Our forefathers left their countries in search of something better. For freedom to pursue happiness. And then they were part of something bigger, helping to found a great country that allows this freedom to all of it's inhabitants. And that happiness, true happiness, can be found as we come to know who created to us and who loves us enough to give us His son. Our Father in Heaven has put us here on this earth to allow us to become as He is, to experience the spectrum of human emotions so that we can mature and know what He knows. A father who loves His children. Where the current trend might be to pursue freedom from religion, I know that coming to know God is true freedom. Not bound by religion often under the guise as the philosophy of man. It is the wholehearted pursuit of coming to know your creator and taking comfort that there is a purpose to life. I have no doubt about that. I only hope that others can find that answer in time.

Grumble, grumble, grumble.

I just don't like politics, talking heads, or politicos. I don't like CNN, Fox, MSNBC, or whatever other political channels dominate the airwaves today. Politics for a long time has made me sick to my stomach because I often see a disregard for the well being of Americans when important decisions are compromised by some representative who feels pressured by their constituency back home.
I have my own values, informed by my experiences, my goals, and my views. I may share one or two of them with my neighbor here in the city or with a rural cotton farmer in Oklahoma. But they are my own values. Belonging neither to the Democrat, Republican, or any other party that espouses to represent what the people want.
When I vote for the President of the United States, I go to the polls (in a manner of speaking, yay vote by mail!) with the desire to select the person best suited for the job of representing me to the world. Someone who can spear head initiatives that will allow me to pursue to the best of my abilities "The American Dream". They may serve one or two terms but in the end they will be successful by the measure of whether or not they left America better than they found it.
The reason I write this is because on the internet there is no shortage of vitriol to read. Now I won't go into my feelings about him but one thing that is bugging me is a incident (if it can be called that) in Japan where Obama choose to bow to the Emperor of Japan. My personal feelings are that you can never show enough respect to others. Previously representatives of our government have chosen not to bow but rather offer a handshake but the way I see it is that when you go into someone's home you abide by their rules. An example of this is the shoe policy. Some people have you take off your shoes when you come into their homes. Others let you choose. It's not a horrible thing to show respect and follow the custom of the household. You are not demonstrating weakness by choosing to do so. But what bugs me the most is that this is even an issue. A waste of time. Look even i'm posting on it. Anyway... grumble, grumble, grumble. Politics, who needs them?

Bus

I love the kids on the bus. They are just about the best thing ever invented as they provide the cutest moments imaginable riding good ole' Trimet. Just today a mom was reading out loud to her son (which would have proved very annoying had it been someone just reading) and it was just about the greatest. The last thing that could be heard coming from her son's mouth as we pulled away was "Thaaaaaaaaaaank you Mr. Bus Driver" to which driver said nothing and kept going (you can always count on the drivers being surly, in fact a nice one often prompts their fair share of suspicion) which then started a conversation between another boy and his father trying to decipher what the boy had yelled at the driver. Of Trimet, Brynn observed how it presents one of the most unique cultural arenas because everyone is equal but it is proper etiquette to sit next to a complete stranger (which I do frequently because i'm in no way proud enough to pass up a seat, so go ahead stand up if you want, sucker) and not have make eye contact nor do you have to utter a single sentence. Perhaps the perfect one ride stand. There are of course a surplus of stories of those uncomfortable rides where you get stuck with the crazy talking to you about the original design for the statue of liberty (ok that was actually at Rovente's but he totally was a bus guy).

Alas the mighty Zornanus has fallen!

My bad luck continues. No matter the cool event that I procure whether from the dark recesses of my mind or the shady corners of the web I just can't seem to get a cool adventure off the ground. Whether it's "mystery" soda at Safeway, a free show at the planetarium, or finding scaries at the Deaf school I think I can claim that I am the king of misadventure. Alas there was no screening Gentleman Broncos last night as the woman in the turquoise raincoat informed us that the studio had canceled it at the last minute. Darn, darn, darn! We did end up going to the most exquisite restaurant (to at least try one time, a bit on the expensive side but well worth the experience) the Claim Jumper. After bypassing the twenty minute wait by choosing to eat outside (not to bad considering the massive space heaters hanging over the table). Their food for the most part is anything to get excited about but the dessert... simply fantastic! We ordered the I declair eclair which is a massive eclair filled with custard, situated on a brick of ice cream, and surrounded by a fortress of whipped cream. Only ten dollars it's well worth the price (you are basically buying a cake) and definitely it's something you need a small army help to finish.

Worst of all as I typed post this morning I wandered over to Wilco's website to get info about their show in February at the Schnitz. SOLD the heck OUT! Which makes this day already rate a one. Maybe I shouldn't have even gotten out of bed. What makes me even more bitter (which I am prone to become) is the fact that other shows aren't sold out thus raising the sentiment that those cities don't deserve such a precious band. My message to Canada and the Midwest... a plague on both your houses.

A proposition about art

When we went to the Cox's house today we saw the most magnificent decoration in the world... HOMEMADE ART. What they had done was give some family members some canvases and asked them to paint. Now mind you the the family has something like six kids but what came out was so great because on one wall of their house are the "fruits" of their labor. Each of the kids and mom had painted a different piece of fruit on a piece of canvas including the great oranges that look like a) chili peppers or b) carrots. So here is our proposition, we only have two pieces of art hanging on our walls and we need your help to fill the wall. Heck I would love to go around and get different pieces of canvases to give to you if you want to help in this project since my artistic abilities are limited to my world renowned stick figures, will your painting be the next Mona Lisa?

Sunday dinner

Food is the quickest way to my heart. Bar none. One of the things that i've grown to love is spending Sunday with friends and having food, drinks, and games. This is a tradition that dates back to the days of Vatican I (ps very excited for the Vatican's Thanksgiving, Brynn and I are totally there) and one that remains dear to my heart. Hanging out around the firepit, kicking back a few, and relaxing. The week lying ahead never mattered because you were guaranteed to always be in good company. Now that tradition is revived in some form as we make our rounds in the Maplewood Ward, eating and greeting, getting to know the other couples of the ward. Granted the dynamics are a bit different with the odd kid thrown in here and there, negotiating bed times and shoe off rules, but it's just as great. The setting is reminiscent of the traditional American Sunday dinner, though admittedly growing up in my home we didn't have one, it was always guaranteed that we would be home to spend time with family because Sunday was usually a day that our busy bee activities didn't intrude to lure us away from the hive. I am so happy that we are in Portland, surrounded by so many friends and making new ones.

The face of sickness

My mom was in the hospital this weekend. It has been a long week, necessitating two trips down to Salem to care for are she literally wasn't herself. All week long the woman who called herself my mother lied in bed, lethargic and without any energy to care for herself. As our family buzzed about her trying to get her drink the smallest sip of water, to get something into a system that was failing and rejecting everything at time I felt the deep despair that comes as we witness the twilight of one's life. Too often I have been party to scenes revolving the extinguishing of life so young, undetermined in it's course only to see it end before it began but this is altogether different and disheartening. Time has applied the Balm of Gilead to a wounded heart, the airs of change bringing me much more to experience and relish, laying aside pain enough for a lifetime. But this is my mother, someone who gave birth to me, I've admired, learned from. Death comes to all. This is a possibility and part of Heavenly Father's plan. Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ WILL bring peace in time but that being said I do fall to the weakness of being selfish and wanting a way out, a way for my mom to persist in this temporal plane. I think we all do. That's ok because it gives me the motivation to cherish every moment of my association with her and to wait with excitement at the fullfillment of the Holy Temple, where each and every one of us can be sealed as a family for time and all eternity. My mom is better now, the doctor diagnosing her with the flu and patching her up for another go. I am grateful for every moment.

PS Take care of yourself this winter, the flu is everywhere and the ER was jam packed with well worn people fighting with this very infectious disease. Don't panic but be sure to watch yourself and wash yourself.

Pound for pound

Brynn's been a wee bit sick lately with the aches and pain but she's a fighter and you can call us Mr. Mover and Mrs. Shaker. After a weekend full of pumpkin patches and zoos, it's been game week. Personally I love games so much because it's a easy way to get a conversation going, putting everyone at ease (that is if you aren't playing Monopoly) and have fun all wrapped up in an activity. That and I like to win. Not that it matters, but I do. A lot. Win, win, win. And having fun.... winning. It's a funny psyche because when it comes to matters with kids this a dangerous mentality and one that I abhor. Having refereed and coach I have seen the desire to win be put before the welfare and enjoyment of the child. That's a big no no in my book but when it comes to personal matters as an adult it's ok to want to be the best. It doesn't preclude me from having fun or ruin my night if I lose (except at Boom Blox when the game cheats you). We've thoroughly enjoyed the week thus far really getting to know and enjoy the company of others and hope that we do this much more often (because we've have spent a little too much time letting Netflix and Hulu become our best friends) so invite us out. Also I think I have come to the conclusion Beatles Rockband is probably one of the top five video games, EVER. Yeah I said it, yet my heart always has a place for board games, especially Monopoly (because I WILL WIN).

This weekend

Maybe we're not the biggest lame-o's

Pretty busy weekend including a little trip to the Roloff farm home of the stars of the Discovery Channel's, "Little People, Big World" a show about a family of little people. Take about schlock fest and a little full of themselves. One of my first impressions was the price of dirt has gone dramatically up with a small mason jar of apparently Oregon's finest is $8.00 a pop. Other than that the pumpkin patch wasn't too bad you could definitely tell that some of the money from the show had trickled down to the patch which considering it only cost two bucks to park was nice. Most people were there of course hoping to gawk at the Roloff's who fluttered about the patch and farm giving tours (that cost six bucks a piece and each time the trailers went out they were full to the brim) and posing for pictures, Bill got a picture with Amy (the mom). Cameras were a constant presence with signs posted in prominent places stating that by stepping onto the grounds you were giving consent to be on television. Don't think we'll be showing up anytime soon as the cameras spent most of the time up by the house. Funny thing though was that as soon as we stepped out of the car Brynn spotted Matt (the father) sitting in a gator chatting it up with a camera crew and had a total celebrity moment including the infamous "point". It was all I could do to not laugh/be embarrassed as I walked away. I love her but I do not think i'll let her live it down. One of my favorite features was the pumpkin fun house, whoever put that together is quite talented and pretty funny. It was one of the many features that made it a really decent patch. Craziest thing was the along with the standard petting zoo (which Brynn left deeming it too stinky) they had an exotic flair with Leo the lion, a cub of five months. Other than that Halloween was pretty low key with my call to slave labor with my first day alone at Soccerplex. Went pretty well though it was kind of a drag trying to find everything. Worst thing was was cleaning the women's bathroom and their extra "garbage" Grooooooooossssssss! I really dig the facility and everyone seems pretty cool, I like the prospect of helping grow the kids programs which will bring me a greater satisfaction to going to work everyday. This won't be our last Halloween and though it ended anti-climatic it brought the promise of busier Sundays to come. Today I was called to serve a teacher in the Elders Quorum. I am so grateful to be able to serve in the church and understandably somewhat antsy after not being able to do anything for a couple of months. Not that we should aspire for any position or calling but I know that has been my experience to grow giving me opportunity to strengthen my testimony in Jesus Christ.

Goodbye Norma Jean...

What a sad, sad day. The little surprise that I brought home was short lived as we found out today that our apartment complex doesn't allow pets. It takes a few to ruin everything for others and our little kitty meow-meow (a name i'm partial to as it's very practical and descriptive) will need to find a new home. Odds on favorite is that she returns to Dallas but if you are looking for a cat who seems to enjoy getting in between your feet, climbing your neck as you play video games, or sleeping in your lap as you get hungry and want to check the fridge give us a call.

Fancy Pants

Not winning any prizes for art photography anytime soon but here are some pictures of our new pieces that we picked up today from the frame shop. Had a little moment of panic when the tree frame's backboard was upside down (as annoyance at the frame shop grew) and then the big "Doh!" moment, we could move it ourselves. We're so special. Apologize for the flash on the second one, it was that or without the flash you'd have the pleasure of seeing me hanging upside down from the tree. Your choice. I figured you'd get the gist of it.

Pictures and the such...

A few pictures of the past couple weeks, Fright Town (thanks Brittany) and Brynn after chopping her locks at Revolution.

Naming contest

No matter what Brynn says we are not calling her our baby. Today we (and by we I mean that after much deliberation and leaning upon her husband) got a cat today. She's and her brother got dropped off at Bill's clinic when they were just babies and ever since the Fullmer's have been taking care of the precocious two. She's the baby and runt but has really taken to Brynn and is really laid back (aside from biting me on the chin...). Brynn is looking through cat names and it's probably going to fall on a girls name but we'll give you a shot. Any ideas?

They are just cracked out!

It's amazing at what the cell phone companies DON'T get it. No matter how cool the phone I DO NOT want to pay for data plan on a phone. It's not really worth the thirty bucks a month (a 30% increase in our plan) to squint down at the screen to check my email. I admit there are other features and apps that are more rewarding in their use of the internet but when a device has wifi built in and I can grab it for free in a lot of places it makes shelling out that much money less attractive by the minute. And it's too bad because there are a number of times (and whole lot more coming this holiday season) that I would have happily forked over the money needed to upgrade a new phone before my contract ends. The world of smartphones and their consumers are changing and the phone companies need to get real with it. I guarantee you that if they would make their plans more attractive (ala T-Mobile is right now with Project Black) that I would have something that told me the time, made phone calls, and played a few games in my pocket right now. And they would have my dough but instead I will reward companies who work for my dollar with my hard earned cash... or save money for school, whatever comes first.

From the first day of ASL 103

I find it odd that the fourth row down, out of only six is where the first guy sits. Only a handful are here in a room dwarfed by a sea of women but my choice to si the furthest up necessitates the question as to the feeling of my brethren. I wish I had a private way to post, to keep record of what's inside. going into a higher class (ASL 103) I have many misgiving of what is expected of me. As a CODA I fear that my ill treatment of a language that I was given will lead to may different hardships brought on by my neglect. Through a lack of use and the circumstances I have been in I no longer have the confidence that my hand will be able to overcome the bad habits they have learned, the lethargic nature which lulls them to sleep, that the fluidity of sign will be foreign, a stranger in their eyes.

Music

It's been a long year when it comes to the world of music. I remember talking to a companion of my about how our love of music would change post mission. That in the scheme of things it would take less importance as we were blessed with other things in our lives. In some respects that has remained true but little by little the hunger for new music grows. It's not that in that in the days past i've loved music any less but I can't say that I have it playing all the time absorbing the intricate details of each song until it becomes a part of me. I've been making headway thanks in large part to OPB radio's Livewire and In House, Saturday night is a great time to listen to radio. In particular i've tried to expose myself to Portland bands a little more because Brynn and I want to go to more shows but i'm of the mind that I don't want an unknown quantity. I need to know at least one of the bands before venturing forth and buying tickets (being poo' college students and all). One thing i've been drawn to is more of a country/folk aspect, twanging guitars and all. I heard the band Blue Giant the other day and though i'm not completely enthralled with them I did really fall in love with down tempo, easy going guitars. Which reminds me that I need to pick up Monsters of Folk which includes Portland's old M. Ward long favorite of mine. Speaking of music I just posted a very long archive of my old blog, the Wonderful World O' Magic. It was about the time (2005) that I really got into a lot of the music that i'm into today forming the basis of my tastes today.

Feel like a reporter

Well update... cooler heads have prevailed (for now). As many of you know my connections run deep underground and one of those peeped yesterday that they actually knew someone who worked for HP and may in fact deal with customer service issues... so now I bide my time to see if we can get it resolved. All a brother wants is to get his computer fixed the first time.

Am I going to far?

Maybe. But in the end all I wanted to do was to get my computer fixed, to have no problems or worries whether or not i'd be able to get through with a session on the computer. Arrrghh. But I drew up the letter and will be sending it today. Much like the other guy's claim it's asking for a fair amount of money in order to restore the money we spent on this product. I think we know that machines fail, that is to be expected. But when under warranty we should hold companies accountable to their word, that in a year (or whatever the time frame) you have the warranty that aside from your own negligence things should be restored as is. No if, and, or but. Will keep you posted.


HARVEY BIRDMAN, my hotshot lawyer with AVENGER his legal secretary

I hate Hewlett Packard

Well somewhat ironic since i'm typing on an atrocity of an HP but consider this the last product I but from a company that outsources tech support to incompetent liars in India whose male managers call themselves Hilary, stick me on hold forever, and won't send me a stupid battery because I DO NOT WANT VISTA on my computer. That's right because all they want me to uninstall Windows 7, roll it back to Vista all so I can perform a battery check with their stupid program that crashes. Fact is that after spending a week in California this computer should have been running in tip top shape and there is no reason that I should have to run to Best Buy to fix a problem that still exists. After all the Geek squad even backed me up (writing me a little note for my records) and we know how much they know!
Ok that's the rant, onto happier things.
Started at SoccerPlex today and it's good to be working again. Just had too much time on my hands and I think it's going to be a nice fit. The owners having just taken over an established business seem to have a lot on their hands but from what i've seen things are real healthy and in fact growing which makes my previous experience valuable but also opens up possibilities for me to learn so much about the business side of things.
I think I may bring it to HP's attention though, with a nice little model letter I found on Gizmodo.

We made it our alright..... just barely

Muhahaha to our humble internet abode where we rest from our adventure at FRIGHTOWN the scariest place known (to reside in the Memorial Coliseum aside from Bill Walton's Locker.) It was a fun little excursion into Portland's darker side filled with wicked clowns, floor creepers, and giant cyclopes we made it out alive to give it a six skulls out of ten.
There were three haunted attractions. The first two were pretty freaky especially for Clifford who wet his pants almost :) Ok not really it was probably me who wet my pants. The scariest part was probably Clifford going through a curtain before me and the putting his hand out to grab me! Pretty freaky bowie.. The last attraction however was the lamest I've ever been too. It was very light and full of plastic, non moving monsters. It was very disappointing and made me wonder whose great idea it was and why no one told them it was LAME.
But on top of that they sucked us dry for twenty bones each (apparently their stupid coupons aren't valid on weekends) and made us wait in line for about an eternity and a half. The good thing was they did send people out through the line who would occasionally draw a shriek or two. As the Halloween season draws to a close (crazy!) I think we'll make plans to go to Milburn's Mansion next year (outside of Hubbard and winner of best old school website,) because they have Haunted Woods where my own creepy crawlies will make sure to take the spook out of me.

Clifford and Brynn

Good to be back

Got our laptop back... FINALLY! It was a bit of a surprise since it shipped the 21st we were counting on it getting here the 27th but we're not complaining. The computer still is carrying the little "consider replacing your battery" which merits concern (and a phone call on Monday) but one thing they seemed to repair was the jet engine that had become the exhaust fan. This thing ran so hot and blew so hard it must have been overheating but since I had seen laptop coolers for sale and had heard from others about HP's running hot I thought it was the norm. It's been an interesting experience buying my first laptop because i've always subscribed to the desktop power club but now that laptops have really closed the gap I thought it was time. Will I buy another HP? I don't know. Was not impressed with the customer service (especially since it was in India), I had a difficult time really communicating though we were speaking the same language.

They treated me as though I knew nothing and I had to call them out before repeating the same exercises over again (really doesn't anyone take notes there?)
We're going to a Haunted House tonight....so excited!

Deaf for a Day

I can’t say that in my wildest dreams I could have imagined what the loss of sound would mean to me. In some degree I have always had contact with the Deaf community ever since I was born because my father grew up Deaf. I’ve met many of his closest friends, been to potlucks, watch movies in closed captioning (and subsequently got in trouble for turning the off). My dad is my hero, someone I admire very much and not because he had to overcome very difficult challenges but because when it comes down to it, he is the best dad a son could ask for. In reality I never saw Deafness as a barrier between communicating with him though it provided many experiences unique to growing up as a child of a deaf adult (coda). There were times where I was able to enjoy the music as loud as I wanted, sneak up on him, and wonder what magical powers he possessed in order to catch me doing something I wasn’t supposed to (still in awe today). But from the perspective I gained in a short twenty four hours I can see what one might not have the opportunity to share in and at times it makes me sad. Not because one is limited in the ability to enjoy life even if they are Deaf but because there is so much I would want to share with them, to make them understand precious things that I value in my life. I don’t why it is that some people are called upon in this life to be Deaf or hearing, rich or poor, Caucasian or black but it the grand scheme of things it’s what we personally make of our lives that matters. Who we are and what we mean to others that will be remembered. It is up to each of us to make our mark upon this earth with the time we have upon this mortal plane. With that I would like to share a few of the observations I made while spending my day Deaf.

First and foremost one of the things I lost was the ability to easily communicate. This is the desire I think of every sentient being, to commune with others of a like mind, to share in thought and feeling the challenges that life present. A while back I was sharing with my dad a few of the things I had been learning in my Deaf Studies class when I asked him about his thoughts about his Deafness. One of the things he mentioned was that in his life he had not had much of a desire to hear things but that hearing would allow him to do some things better and that communicating was the most prominent thing that he wanted. Speech plays a big part of my daily life and in the lives of those around me. As soon as I wasn’t able to hear what my wife said I began to realize that I in fact had lost one of the tools that I needed to access the support of those around me. It became readily apparent in the car when again and again we couldn’t because of the barrier of Deafness share simple things. Because we haven’t had much time together my wife, Brynn, doesn’t know much American Sign Language (ASL), so as she dropped me off at school we were limited to a brief exchange of culminating in one of the few signs she has down (both in signing it and reading it), “I love you”. This would be one that we frequently came back to as we spent the many hours together trying to make sense of what one another’s gestures and body language. I could not bear it. I had chosen this particular day for many reasons and among them was that it would afford me time to spend at home with my wife and that we could share in the experience of being Deaf. This is something that my dad, along with millions of others have to deal with on a daily basis, it is their reality. Yet the strain of out not being able to bear our souls to one another was weighing down upon us and grew increasing frustrating and though we couldn’t talk, I could see. One exchange during dinner was particularly disheartening because we weren’t able to simply recount our days, something that has become a habit whenever we sit down to eat dinner. Now granted, being able to bless the food in ASL was really special because it reminded me of the very sacred experiences where I was called upon to interpret at church and being able to show that to Brynn was very special. As dinner progressed and I tried everything; finger spelling, sign, writing, gesturing, what would have taken maybe a minute or two progressed to a seemingly all night affair, through dinner and games communication crawled at a snails pace as we searched for the best way to bond. Ultimately we gave in and watched a favorite TV program of ours, “Flight of the Conchords”, because even though we subscribe to Netflix and are able to stream thousands of movies through our television very few of the movies are subtitled (typically foreign movies). In fact a while back when in ASL class, we had been shown the website for the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), I noted that one of the posts linked to a letter that the NAD had sent the company in hopes of calling them out on the lack of captioning and options that are currently being offered for Deaf people to receive the full value of their Netflix subscriptions. This is something that I personally have encountered in the past when showing my dad how great Netflix was and the things that could be done the deal breaker was the fact that the site does not caption the movies that it streams, and that is a shame in this day and age. Because of this we watched our DVD of “Flight of the Conchords” because our present options were limited. Even then from my past experience with the show what I viewed was only a shell of what I had known. Flight of the Conchords is a band as well as a show and most of the humor is in fact derived from the music that the duo creates. There are subtle nuances to how the music interplays with the acting and music that really make the show dynamic and as we watched (because I had asked Brynn watch an episode with no sound) a lot of the humor was lost in translation. After only two episodes I had grown somewhat weary of missing out on whole lot of what was being voiced and played through the speakers.

I felt one of the objectives of this project and paper was to help us to visualize what the daily interactions of a Deaf person with the world at large. For me personally that includes using the phone, riding the bus, and going to class most days of the week. It means spending time with people who are not as patient or loving as my wife and who may not have the time to slow down and communicate with me. This is why I made sure that the time I spent Deaf would be one that included a necessary excursion into the outside world. I do have to admit that I choose to go to my Deaf Studies class on this day because I wanted to be able to have to rely upon the use of Sign Language as my main mode of communication and because there are interpreters who use ASL and my teacher is Deaf I knew that I would able to successfully accomplish this endeavor. Luckily I had a guide in how to act Deaf in the classroom, Chewy. I had observed him at time throughout this term and had gleaned some ideas of the things that a Deaf person would need in order to set themselves up to be successful in the class. Above all else would be the need to receive information both from the teacher and the students. I had observed that Chewy always sat in spot near the front where he could see both the teacher and the interpreters who communicated the students and teachers remarks to one another. He also was very attentive moving back and forth between interpreter and teacher, which I cannot say that I am. In my experience I often doodle between taking down notes and sharing in class because it helps me to concentrate on the speaker while occupying some truant part of my mind. In doing so I rely upon the one thing that I would not have in being Deaf and that is the ability to hear speech. I made a few mistakes though the course of the night including being one of the last ones there because when I arrived there were few seats available and the ones that were open towards the front did not provide the best view of my teacher as he signed. Often he found his way towards the computer and behind the monitor when he presented a new slide and that would obscure his signs. I don’t think I will pay a dear price for it in the long run but if this was the situation that occurred week after week I am not sure how I would be able to keep my grades up and receive the information that I needed to succeed. I also suffered at the hands of my greatest weakness when it comes to knowing ASL and that is reception of signs. Growing up I never was able to fine-tune that because my dad is able to speak. That is one of the reasons that I have chosen to take this class is because I feel in order to overcome this weakness I need to expose myself to as much sign as possible and a variety of people who sign. Because as I have found out in a short twenty-four hours, communication is everything, it is how we interact with one another and the world and if I can help facilitate communication between the hearing world and the Deaf world I think the world will be that much better. We will have access to one another’s souls and be able to share what is special about each one of us.