Tomorrow marks the beginning of one of my favorite weekends of the summer...Art on the Green.
When I was younger, I used to volunteer at the information/t-shirt booth every year with my grandma. I have really fond memories of spending hours with her in that tiny booth, folding hundreds of brightly colored t-shirts. After the weekend was over, I got my own t-shirt, which was the highlight of the whole experience. The t-shirts are designed by local artists (sometimes kids) and voted on each year....so I used to collect the t-shirts in the summer, then spend the following year designing my own. I've always connected Art on the Green with my childhood...and my childhood aspirations to be an artist. I think that's why I love it so much.
So tomorrow, that's where I'll be...downtown hangin' at Art on the Green.
P.S. If you go, you have to check out the sand castle competition! So cool!
2009-07-31
2009-07-27
Law and Order
Last night, Matt and I decided to make an ice cream run to Albertsons. (I had a coupon for a free pint of Starbucks ice cream so we thought we'd take advantage of it.) As we were walking inside, we passed this guy in his 20's who gave us both a really weird vibe. He looked like a normal 20-something kid...the gelled hair, tight shirt, cargo shorts, sunglasses type. But for some reason he gave us both a weird feeling. As he passed us, I looked back at him because of the weird feeling I got, and I saw him punch the seat of an old bike. He walked past it a few feet, then turned around, grabbed the bike, and rode away.
Even though I thought it was strange, I didn't really think he had stolen the bike. I couldn't imagine that he would have the "huevos" to steal it right in front of me, especially since I was turned around and staring at him.
When we got outside about 10 minutes later, a cashier and a disabled man were frantically running around looking for his missing bike. When I heard them talking I knew immediately what had happened. They had already called the cops, so I stuck around to give a description of the guy.
It sounds sick, but I was so excited about all of this(even though I felt really bad about the bike.) I was even more excited when the cop looked at me and said, "Thanks for sticking around...you gave us the exact description we need to catch this guy. If I find him I'm going to arrest him, and you'll be the main witness in this case. So we'll be calling you."
My superb visual memory had saved the day. I felt like I was on a TV show.
The other thing that was exciting was that the guy who stole the bike was spotted on Govt. Way just a few minutes before the cops showed up. So Matt and I spent about an hour driving around looking for him. We never found him, but I'm still hoping they catch him so the disabled man gets his bike back....and so I get to testify.
Even though I thought it was strange, I didn't really think he had stolen the bike. I couldn't imagine that he would have the "huevos" to steal it right in front of me, especially since I was turned around and staring at him.
When we got outside about 10 minutes later, a cashier and a disabled man were frantically running around looking for his missing bike. When I heard them talking I knew immediately what had happened. They had already called the cops, so I stuck around to give a description of the guy.
It sounds sick, but I was so excited about all of this(even though I felt really bad about the bike.) I was even more excited when the cop looked at me and said, "Thanks for sticking around...you gave us the exact description we need to catch this guy. If I find him I'm going to arrest him, and you'll be the main witness in this case. So we'll be calling you."
My superb visual memory had saved the day. I felt like I was on a TV show.
The other thing that was exciting was that the guy who stole the bike was spotted on Govt. Way just a few minutes before the cops showed up. So Matt and I spent about an hour driving around looking for him. We never found him, but I'm still hoping they catch him so the disabled man gets his bike back....and so I get to testify.
2009-07-15
Stockholm Syndrome
For a while now, I've been trying to figure out what's going on with Derek Webb and the controversy that's surrounded his latest album, "Stockholm Syndrome." So today, I did some undercover Google work to find out the latest news. Apparently, Derek Webb's label dropped him because of the "explicit" lyrics contained in his album, and for one song in particular (called "What Matters More".) I've read through the lyrics...and I actually really like them. The words are meant to grab people's attention, because the message (in my opinion) is one that desperately needs attention. Derek talks about the fact that Christians tend to focus on one or two issues while neglecting much larger issues going on in the world (poverty, etc.) Check out the lyrics below, and tell me what you think. Do you find them offensive?
What Matters More, by Derek Webb
You say you always treat people like you like to be
I guess you love being hated for your sexuality
You love when people put words in your mouth
'Bout what you believe, make you sound like a freak
'Cause if you really believe what you say you believe
You wouldn't be so damn reckless with the words you speak
Wouldn't silently consent when the liars speak
Denyin' all the dyin' of the remedy
Tell me, brother, what matters more to you?
Tell me, sister, what matters more to you?
If I can tell what's in your heart by what comes out of your mouth
Then it sure looks to me like being straight is all it's about
It looks like being hated for all the wrong things
Like chasin' the wind while the pendulum swings
'Cause we can talk and debate until we're blue in the face
About the language and tradition that he's comin' to save
Meanwhile we sit just like we don't give a shit
About 50,000 people who are dyin' today
Tell me, brother, what matters more to you?
Tell me, sister, what matters more to you?
Also, here's an article about Derek's new album. Interesting read.
What Matters More, by Derek Webb
You say you always treat people like you like to be
I guess you love being hated for your sexuality
You love when people put words in your mouth
'Bout what you believe, make you sound like a freak
'Cause if you really believe what you say you believe
You wouldn't be so damn reckless with the words you speak
Wouldn't silently consent when the liars speak
Denyin' all the dyin' of the remedy
Tell me, brother, what matters more to you?
Tell me, sister, what matters more to you?
If I can tell what's in your heart by what comes out of your mouth
Then it sure looks to me like being straight is all it's about
It looks like being hated for all the wrong things
Like chasin' the wind while the pendulum swings
'Cause we can talk and debate until we're blue in the face
About the language and tradition that he's comin' to save
Meanwhile we sit just like we don't give a shit
About 50,000 people who are dyin' today
Tell me, brother, what matters more to you?
Tell me, sister, what matters more to you?
Also, here's an article about Derek's new album. Interesting read.
2009-07-14
Fish.
Recently, we inherited a family heirloom...a 1998 Mazda truck that used to belong to Matt's brother, then to his parents, and now has been passed down to us. I am extremely grateful for the inheritance considering we've been down to one car for a few months now. Besides being beat up, the truck is in pretty good condition. There was just one thing wrong with it that I noticed immediately upon its arrival: the large black and silver Jesus fish that was glued to the back bumper.
So today when I got home, I headed out with some tools and chipped the fake chrome fish right off. All that's left of the tacky thing is a sticky mark that sits right under the "Z" in Mazda.
Matt came outside as I was brutally pounding away and asked what my deal was with the fish. He got a long lecture from me about Christians in America and how they isolate themselves and create a sort of exclusive "club" through the use of Christian Supply T-shirts, bumper stickers, and, most of all, that famous silver fish. I told him that not only would I NEVER drive a car with a Jesus fish on it, but I didn't even want it sitting next to our house.
Anyway, the rampage seems a bit silly now that I am looking back. I guess I am sometimes over-passionate about certain things. Still, I hate that blasted fish.
The end.
So today when I got home, I headed out with some tools and chipped the fake chrome fish right off. All that's left of the tacky thing is a sticky mark that sits right under the "Z" in Mazda.
Matt came outside as I was brutally pounding away and asked what my deal was with the fish. He got a long lecture from me about Christians in America and how they isolate themselves and create a sort of exclusive "club" through the use of Christian Supply T-shirts, bumper stickers, and, most of all, that famous silver fish. I told him that not only would I NEVER drive a car with a Jesus fish on it, but I didn't even want it sitting next to our house.
Anyway, the rampage seems a bit silly now that I am looking back. I guess I am sometimes over-passionate about certain things. Still, I hate that blasted fish.
The end.
2009-07-13
Celebrity
I've had vh1's "Celebirty Eye Candy" playing on the TV in the background today while I've been painting, and it's made me think....how would I be perceived if I were a celebrity?
And here's the conclusion I came to: people would for sure think I'm nuts. I couldn't handle being photographed constantly 'cause I'm so unaware of what's going on around me and who's watching.
In high school, I used to get made fun of for picking my wedgies all the time (which I still do...it's a habit.) I'd pick them by putting my hand down my pants (yes, I realize how that sounds) and releasing the wedgy. Obviously that is not behavior you want photographed for all of America to see. I've also been caught pickin' my nose on multiple occassions, plus I'm generally spacy and tend to zone out...which makes for some awesome and extremely photogenic facial expressions.
And if all that wasn't enough, I have chronic crack syndrome....my butt crack is always hangin' out of my jeans.
Anyway, glad that I'm not a celeb for the moment. I'd have the worst paparrazzi pictures EVER.
And here's the conclusion I came to: people would for sure think I'm nuts. I couldn't handle being photographed constantly 'cause I'm so unaware of what's going on around me and who's watching.
In high school, I used to get made fun of for picking my wedgies all the time (which I still do...it's a habit.) I'd pick them by putting my hand down my pants (yes, I realize how that sounds) and releasing the wedgy. Obviously that is not behavior you want photographed for all of America to see. I've also been caught pickin' my nose on multiple occassions, plus I'm generally spacy and tend to zone out...which makes for some awesome and extremely photogenic facial expressions.
And if all that wasn't enough, I have chronic crack syndrome....my butt crack is always hangin' out of my jeans.
Anyway, glad that I'm not a celeb for the moment. I'd have the worst paparrazzi pictures EVER.
2009-07-09
I am currently going through my quarter-life crisis. I don't know that most people go through one of those, but I've definitely reached that place. Lately I've just felt so.....old. I feel like all year all I did was go to work and talk about work. I miss having hobbies...it's been a pattern of mine to become really attached to a hobby, then obsess over it for a while, then move on to a different hobby. It means that I never really get good at anything, but it also means I try lots of different things and find lots of fun ways to fill my time. I have so many interests and so many things I love to do. Right now, since I don't have a job, I am really feeling a need to rekindle some of my hobbies. This year I was so focused on my job that all of my hobbies and activities went by the wayside. I think I'll feel less old if I can start up some of my past loves. :). So here's a list of things I want to re-start doing this summer:
1. Yoga
2. Painting (we're putting together a mini studio in the basement!)
3. Drawing
4. Writing
5. Rock climbing
6. Camping/backpacking
7. Reading (for pleasure, not information)
8. Playing my guitar
9. Snowboarding (in the winter...we didn't go all season last year!)
10. Being social (I miss having BBQs or going climbing with big groups of people.)
So that's it. I know it sounds like an ambitious list...but I'm not trying to be a pro at any of those things. Just hoping to feel like a 25 year old again. :)
1. Yoga
2. Painting (we're putting together a mini studio in the basement!)
3. Drawing
4. Writing
5. Rock climbing
6. Camping/backpacking
7. Reading (for pleasure, not information)
8. Playing my guitar
9. Snowboarding (in the winter...we didn't go all season last year!)
10. Being social (I miss having BBQs or going climbing with big groups of people.)
So that's it. I know it sounds like an ambitious list...but I'm not trying to be a pro at any of those things. Just hoping to feel like a 25 year old again. :)
2009-07-04
Creation
I just woke up to greet our last day in San Francisco. (We leave early tomorrow for seattle.). I have had such an incredible time here...it makes me miss living in the city. Most of all, I've been in awe of God this week...the way he displays his glory through his creation and, most significantly, the way he is glorified through his greatest creation....people. One of the things I love about cities is the amount of diversity and talent there is. It always amazes me. Yeah, people are messed up...but they also are still a part of God's creation, and can display his glory in some pretty awesome ways.
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