Jicawho and Quinowhat? No, these are not nonsense words a pulled from the nether regions of my brain. They are also not a pacific island detective team. So, you asks yourselves, what are they Steve? For the jeopardy class you are probably way ahead of me. Have I told you of my affinity, dare I say passionate romance for all things trivia. While there are oodle of useful, efficacious facts and procedures logged and categorized in my noggin there is a special place, sort of a secret garden, guys room reserved simply for useless yet agonizing (if one cannot remember, even if it is on the tip of your tongue) facts, names, details, recipe ingredients, and anything else one can think of and some you can reaching to infinity. Sometimes I literally ponder where it all began. It is at that moment my head aches and a cloudy glaze covers my eyes. I was riding flat on my back in an ambulance once, the EMT requesting my telephone number and the only thing I could remember was my library card number which a repeated over and over. Go figure! (It is 23455001917482 by the way.)
Oh yes, where was I? Jicama and Quinoa. Both are wonderful and adventurious alternatives to things like Potatoes and White Rice, or Rice in general for that matter. The Wonder Twins (Ambigious 80's reference)have the advantage of not only be good for you but also being owners of a euphoric taste. Weight has been a challenge all of my life but it has never been a result of not liking healthy foods or a willingness to try something new. (Well, to be honest, I have not alway be a subscriber to such openmindedness. As a child I would only eat potatoes in one pure form, that of the mashed potato. It was a dogma. French Fries were heresy!)Healthy living is a process not an event. In, what I find very faith affirming way it very much reflects repentance. When patterns which herald the restored gospel come into focus, It is like one of those pattern pictures where a person stared until the image leaped forth into clear view. If our vision is focused and true the world and larger yet the universe testifies of Christ at every corner. When I toil in the garden, it is as if I am being tutored by the Savior as I watch infant plants struggle to grow under my nuture and care until they reach maturation. I see it when I become frustrated so completely frustrated with myself, filled with remorse, on the verge of self pity and loathing only to recognize that lasting endurance come from holding my head high, taking step forward even into the darkest night, no matter if I feel as if I will crumble, a broken man. And why is that? Because of my Savior. He lifts me up in a manner undenably literal. He is in a Mother who has sacraficed, forgiven and shown me compassion my entire life. He is in siblings that stand beside me and remind me how blessed I am to be counted among them. He is in friends who never quite given up on me and help me to see things in myself that left to my own devices I remain a mystery in the dark. But most of all I see him when I reach beyond myself to lift and comfort another. The special events and markers of life are magesty to behold but so often it is the moments along the way, whether it be the moments of contentment, often quiet and overlooked or the moments of peace and reassurance when life swirls around us that make the journey worth it. Most of all it is the memories we share with one another and the bonds we create with one another that are of infinite worth, a value that reaches into the eternities.
My head hurts, but in a good way.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Welcome Back
I now have a Master of Arts in Information Resources and Library Science. Yeah for me!
So, what have I been doing since last we spoke? Lots let me tell you but I won't. I would actually like you to stay awake long enough to finish reading this communication.
I love Netflix! I don't think I have any reason to enter a video store ever again. I like all films but also like indies and foreign films which can be sometimes hard to find. Netflix gives me greater selection in this regard. The relaunch of Doctor Who is the bee's knees. I thought it was hokey as a kid but it is amazing what CGI can do. I already have far too many shows that I enjoy. Some of my favs need to be canceled. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a couch potato. I rarely have the television on just to have it on and usually if I watch something it is on the internet or dvd.
Amazon Marketplace is so useful and I prefer it to e-bay for selling things. I had quite a few television seasons on dvd and sold all of them. Much cheaper to rent at a flat rate and let the wonderful people at Netflix worry about storage. I've sold quite a few books as well. What a great way to make some extra cash.
Since I seem to be focusing on all things entertainment, Is anyone else excited for Indy 4? I know I am. Good stuff! Haven't seen Iron Man or Prince Caspian yet but they are on my list.
I love springtime. The garden is planted. It is one of my most favorite activities. Haven't had a chance to watch too much baseball though.
So, what have I been doing since last we spoke? Lots let me tell you but I won't. I would actually like you to stay awake long enough to finish reading this communication.
I love Netflix! I don't think I have any reason to enter a video store ever again. I like all films but also like indies and foreign films which can be sometimes hard to find. Netflix gives me greater selection in this regard. The relaunch of Doctor Who is the bee's knees. I thought it was hokey as a kid but it is amazing what CGI can do. I already have far too many shows that I enjoy. Some of my favs need to be canceled. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a couch potato. I rarely have the television on just to have it on and usually if I watch something it is on the internet or dvd.
Amazon Marketplace is so useful and I prefer it to e-bay for selling things. I had quite a few television seasons on dvd and sold all of them. Much cheaper to rent at a flat rate and let the wonderful people at Netflix worry about storage. I've sold quite a few books as well. What a great way to make some extra cash.
Since I seem to be focusing on all things entertainment, Is anyone else excited for Indy 4? I know I am. Good stuff! Haven't seen Iron Man or Prince Caspian yet but they are on my list.
I love springtime. The garden is planted. It is one of my most favorite activities. Haven't had a chance to watch too much baseball though.
Blog Reboot
Evolution is the natural child of experimentation and growth. As such I am redesigning my blog, simplifying it really and making it more efficent and efficacious. I am a tinkerer. (Is that even a word?) This blog is really meant as a personal blog where I can connect and share just about anything. The same goes for my podcast and webcast. Not much will change with the other two.
As you may have noticed I really haven't touched any of these since february. Why? School is stressful, at least that is the excuse I tell myself. I am all graduated now and on the job hunt so I'm back at it. Let's pray I am more consistent.
I have strived to send a weekly letter to family and friends and I will again strive to get back on top of that but monthly. That is a much more realistic expectation. Expect for the return of the letter, my podcast and webcast sometime in June.
As you may have noticed I really haven't touched any of these since february. Why? School is stressful, at least that is the excuse I tell myself. I am all graduated now and on the job hunt so I'm back at it. Let's pray I am more consistent.
I have strived to send a weekly letter to family and friends and I will again strive to get back on top of that but monthly. That is a much more realistic expectation. Expect for the return of the letter, my podcast and webcast sometime in June.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Dear Family and Friends
Dear Family and Friends,
Greetings! Colorado right now is experiences a moment off warmth after a long deep freeze. I am happy to announce that I have begun my final collegiate semester. Yahoo! I am eager to complete my studies if for no other reason than it will mean spring is here. What a wonderful thing spring is. That is not to say that there are not things about winter that I don’t enjoy. There is nothing prettier than a fresh sheet of snow. As of late I have been filled with the desire to try snow shoeing. It looks like it would be a blast. Skiing and snowboarding has never really appealed to me but the idea of hiking and just exploring sounds like tons of fun. It’s always fun to expand one’s horizon.
I did not get the Government publications position I went for but as a result have received the opportunity to interview for a couple of other positions as a result including one with the music library. All three are Library Technician positions that don’t require a Masters of Library Science but would be good for experience and allow me to have a position while waiting for a Librarian I position. Librarian I is the entry level for Professional position. There is about a 10-15,000 dollar difference between the two levels. Closing on completing my degree one of the biggest things I have been pondering is where I would like to apply. I would like to stay in the West, preferably close to family or at least a major Airport. I think I am going to start by getting a Road Atlas and circle all of the areas I am interested and go from there.
After losing so much weight I have let myself chunk up a bit more a result of slipping into so old bad habits but have committed myself to getting back on track. I have the skills and the knowledge but as is true often in life it is all about application. I love to walk which will always hold me in good stead and enjoy eating healthy foods and being active. Carrot anyone? One either moves ahead or begins to regress. There is no time when one can rest on their laurels. That was for me but I hope I can be an example to all of you that life is about hope, optimism and picking yourselves up no matter how many times you fall.
With that, I hope all is well with each of you and life is treating you well.
Love,
Steve
P.S. Enjoy my soothing tones and chiseled good looks in this week’s podcast and webcast.
Greetings! Colorado right now is experiences a moment off warmth after a long deep freeze. I am happy to announce that I have begun my final collegiate semester. Yahoo! I am eager to complete my studies if for no other reason than it will mean spring is here. What a wonderful thing spring is. That is not to say that there are not things about winter that I don’t enjoy. There is nothing prettier than a fresh sheet of snow. As of late I have been filled with the desire to try snow shoeing. It looks like it would be a blast. Skiing and snowboarding has never really appealed to me but the idea of hiking and just exploring sounds like tons of fun. It’s always fun to expand one’s horizon.
I did not get the Government publications position I went for but as a result have received the opportunity to interview for a couple of other positions as a result including one with the music library. All three are Library Technician positions that don’t require a Masters of Library Science but would be good for experience and allow me to have a position while waiting for a Librarian I position. Librarian I is the entry level for Professional position. There is about a 10-15,000 dollar difference between the two levels. Closing on completing my degree one of the biggest things I have been pondering is where I would like to apply. I would like to stay in the West, preferably close to family or at least a major Airport. I think I am going to start by getting a Road Atlas and circle all of the areas I am interested and go from there.
After losing so much weight I have let myself chunk up a bit more a result of slipping into so old bad habits but have committed myself to getting back on track. I have the skills and the knowledge but as is true often in life it is all about application. I love to walk which will always hold me in good stead and enjoy eating healthy foods and being active. Carrot anyone? One either moves ahead or begins to regress. There is no time when one can rest on their laurels. That was for me but I hope I can be an example to all of you that life is about hope, optimism and picking yourselves up no matter how many times you fall.
With that, I hope all is well with each of you and life is treating you well.
Love,
Steve
P.S. Enjoy my soothing tones and chiseled good looks in this week’s podcast and webcast.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Dear Family and Friends
Happy New Years everyone!
There is something about the Holiday Season that lends itself to reflection and introspection. Maybe it is the focus on family or tradition; maybe it is the fact that during this time we tend to look on things with a more compassionate gaze; or it could be all of the wonderful sites, scenes and smells of the season that arouse long forgotten memories. Often, for me, reflection and introspection comes in the form of a word. I have a unique relationship with words; at a particular time, place and situation a word may trigger a thought or image. In this vein, I have been thinking a lot about the word regret for awhile.
Funny thing regret, it is the manifestation lf all the things we quite haven’t let go of, or forgive ourselves for. I woke up on my birthday with the thought of; I am 36, yet a feel so young. I thought about friends who have been married for over a decade, parents of tweeners and some teens; those who haven’t been so lucky but have weathered the storm and those who didn’t and failed to find peace on this earth. In that moment, in my heart I felt gratitude but also a tinge of regret.
I regretted all the times I took things for granted in my life, not realizing how blessed and talented I really was. I regretted not cherishing the laughter and conversation shared with others, especially family and friends more than I did. I regretted not telling those same individuals how much they meant to me or better yet sharing a compliment. I regretted being to prideful and not letting others in when I felt inferior, overwhelmed or in over my head. This life, after all, is a shared experience. I regretted all the times in my life when I have wasted the resources and opportunities given me. Most of all though, I regretted making my life too often about what I wanted and how I felt and not about others, robbing myself of a broader influence due to being so doggedly focused on one possibility.
The funny thing is that I felt such a peace as I reflected on my regrets and the phrase cried out to me, “I’m still here with a smile on my face and laughter in my heart!” It is so easy to check out of life put it on “auto pilot” while we slowly atrophy socially and emotionally. It is as if this life is only about the harrowing and not about the growth. Repentance is when the struggling bud busts through the topsoil to behold the radiance and warmth of the sun. It is that radiance and warmth of the sun that I cherish as regret falls away. Regret allowed to stay too long becomes a cancer that leads to debilitating despair. As it decays by the effects of the sun the nourishment it provides in the form of experience leads to a perfect brightness of hope in which seeds long ago planted reach their eternal fruition.
I hope all of you are well and living lives of inspiration. I admire each of you very much in a myriad of ways. Your character and devotion instill greater hope and mercy.
Love,
Steve
There is something about the Holiday Season that lends itself to reflection and introspection. Maybe it is the focus on family or tradition; maybe it is the fact that during this time we tend to look on things with a more compassionate gaze; or it could be all of the wonderful sites, scenes and smells of the season that arouse long forgotten memories. Often, for me, reflection and introspection comes in the form of a word. I have a unique relationship with words; at a particular time, place and situation a word may trigger a thought or image. In this vein, I have been thinking a lot about the word regret for awhile.
Funny thing regret, it is the manifestation lf all the things we quite haven’t let go of, or forgive ourselves for. I woke up on my birthday with the thought of; I am 36, yet a feel so young. I thought about friends who have been married for over a decade, parents of tweeners and some teens; those who haven’t been so lucky but have weathered the storm and those who didn’t and failed to find peace on this earth. In that moment, in my heart I felt gratitude but also a tinge of regret.
I regretted all the times I took things for granted in my life, not realizing how blessed and talented I really was. I regretted not cherishing the laughter and conversation shared with others, especially family and friends more than I did. I regretted not telling those same individuals how much they meant to me or better yet sharing a compliment. I regretted being to prideful and not letting others in when I felt inferior, overwhelmed or in over my head. This life, after all, is a shared experience. I regretted all the times in my life when I have wasted the resources and opportunities given me. Most of all though, I regretted making my life too often about what I wanted and how I felt and not about others, robbing myself of a broader influence due to being so doggedly focused on one possibility.
The funny thing is that I felt such a peace as I reflected on my regrets and the phrase cried out to me, “I’m still here with a smile on my face and laughter in my heart!” It is so easy to check out of life put it on “auto pilot” while we slowly atrophy socially and emotionally. It is as if this life is only about the harrowing and not about the growth. Repentance is when the struggling bud busts through the topsoil to behold the radiance and warmth of the sun. It is that radiance and warmth of the sun that I cherish as regret falls away. Regret allowed to stay too long becomes a cancer that leads to debilitating despair. As it decays by the effects of the sun the nourishment it provides in the form of experience leads to a perfect brightness of hope in which seeds long ago planted reach their eternal fruition.
I hope all of you are well and living lives of inspiration. I admire each of you very much in a myriad of ways. Your character and devotion instill greater hope and mercy.
Love,
Steve
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