well... The other day my laptop Internet connection died. After over 12 hours of intense work to the far reaches of computing, I still haven't found the problem. However, it was fun setting up a little network in my house. I connected my Windows XP laptop to my old Linux laptop. Then I connected the two to a FreeBSD computer somewhere in TN. Then one of my tech friends in a different town connected his computer to the FreeBSD computer to connect to my Linux laptop to get to my Windows XP laptop. Then he could see my screen and we could try to troubleshoot together. It was fun and frustrating at the same time. But it is cool that I am getting better at command line and manually setting TCP/IP and stuff like that. Long story short, we are still not sure what is wrong with it, so I ordered a USB wireless adapter. I hope that works! If not, i will have to completely reinstall the whole operating system, programs, and restore my documents.
and then, to make things interesting, my phone died completely. So I lost about 150 numbers. I went to the Sprint store and had to get a new phone. So now I am working on trying to rebuild my phonebook....
anyways. after all of this, i was realizing that much of my life and communication is wrapped up in technology. At times it can seem like a big deal to me is that stuff doesn't work. But what really matters is communication with the one true Source. I often get caught up in the day to day grind. But lurches in the routine give an opportunity to readjust my focus. A little thought that comes to mind on occasion came up again today. Life is meant to be more than this. And when and where God calls me, I want to serve with mission work or something. I need to make it a daily goal to listen to Him and He will lead the way.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Yay for painting on ceilings...
I love my job. Yayness. I get to work on the mural for the Biology Dept pic of the cell. So I am very happy. Also, for the some of the ceiling tiles that dont come down, I get to paint on the ceiling. To do this, I hung my hammock from the floor joists, then got to enjoy painting in comfort.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Party time with Fay, the tropical storm.
Yay for adventure! It has been several years since the last time I got to ride ‘big’ (relative to my limited experience) waves.
And now time for a commercial break. [Insert commercial break about contest to win FREE titanium dentures here___. Clearly everyone should have a pair, even in addition to natural teeth. After all, two sets are better than one!} And now back to the not-so-regularly scheduled program, or lack thereof.
Currently I am in FL to visit my mom, and yes, we are related. Also visiting is Fay, our local tropical storm. Anyways, so today I went to the beach. For some strange, unknown reason, there were very few cars out on the roads. We saw some cool stuff on the joyous journey to yonder location where water and sand collide. I spied lots of debris about included several tumbleweed that catapulted across the road. However, it turned out to be just a lowly herd of palm fronds out for a frolic in the excessively blustery conditions. We also saw downed power lines, and several traffic lights that were out.
When we got to the beach, a flock of surfers was packing up and leaving, but there a couple of them that stayed in the water. Other then that, there was no one else around. Anywhere. I looked out the window of the car, and in the distance I saw some gorgeous waves. So I snapped a picture of George the wave, framed by the wooden railing.
Next, I gleefully hopped out of the car and was almost blown over by a gust that needled sand and rain into everything exposed. The sound of rushing wind, hammering rain, and roaring waves drummed against my tympanic membranes (and yes, I will try to keep those too). Gripping my fins and boogie board against the wind, I excitedly anticipated the great rides on the weather.com-predicted-ten-foot-waves.
Finally, I was ready to get in. Upon closer inspection, the waves looked to be about 7 feet tall out at the sandbar. Still big enough for little me. With grand ideas in head and board and tow, I launched into the tumultuous, muddy brown sea. Whenever salt water jumped into my eyes, the pouring rain quickly rinsed it out. How convenient.
I spied the bigger waves were playing out at the sandbar. Tada. Desired location determined. Swimming as fast I could, I only made slow progress. It went something like this: SWIM, get pummeled by a wave, breath, dive under next wave, breath, SWIM, breath, dive under wave, ect. Well, after a good bit of that the local friendly current washed me into a mild rip current. Presto! A way to get out to the happy waves. Problem solved. Upon quick arrival, a wave came and the shore was distant no longer.
It was awesome catching that wave. The water started growing taller around me until I was fairly high up. Then there was a split second of freefall as I dropped into it into it. I felt like I was flying as I sashayed across its face. We were hurtling towards the beach together, lurching and overtaking smaller waves. It tried to ride it well, for it was a living thing to be respected. Its thunderous roar blotted out the sound of pounding rain as the tube of the wave started to close around me. I tried to race out of it, but in an instant, I was caught in its grip. I was plunged down and then around and around. I thought it would be fun to graph it. Then I thought I should find the surface and promptly put graphing out of mind. (don’t worry Graphing, if you are reading this, you are still important to me and you are welcome to come back to mind anytime you wish!)
Just as my search for the surface ended, the wave got greedy and slurped off one my lucky fins. I immediately felt the difference and couldn’t swim as fast. I reached toward my estranged fin, but before I could grasp it, another wave came crashing over to visit with such exuberance that I was fully preoccupied with surface finding activities once again. After that detour, I found my fin to be a little further out. I swam for it with all my might. But alas, the current was strong and I was smack in the middle of the crash zone for the breakers. After getting dunked by another two successive big waves, I resigned myself to continue my commitment to “All About Safety”. So with a reluctant and fastly beating exercised heart, I turned my back on my dear fin and swam for shore.
Moral of the story: going to the beach during a tropical storm is absolutely awesome fun! However, one must make little leashes to ensure that fins don’t swim off on their own without your approval and shorten your time in the water. And in the mean time everyone, don’t forget to register for your chance to win a FREE pair titanium dentures today.
And now time for a commercial break. [Insert commercial break about contest to win FREE titanium dentures here___. Clearly everyone should have a pair, even in addition to natural teeth. After all, two sets are better than one!} And now back to the not-so-regularly scheduled program, or lack thereof.
Currently I am in FL to visit my mom, and yes, we are related. Also visiting is Fay, our local tropical storm. Anyways, so today I went to the beach. For some strange, unknown reason, there were very few cars out on the roads. We saw some cool stuff on the joyous journey to yonder location where water and sand collide. I spied lots of debris about included several tumbleweed that catapulted across the road. However, it turned out to be just a lowly herd of palm fronds out for a frolic in the excessively blustery conditions. We also saw downed power lines, and several traffic lights that were out.
When we got to the beach, a flock of surfers was packing up and leaving, but there a couple of them that stayed in the water. Other then that, there was no one else around. Anywhere. I looked out the window of the car, and in the distance I saw some gorgeous waves. So I snapped a picture of George the wave, framed by the wooden railing.
Next, I gleefully hopped out of the car and was almost blown over by a gust that needled sand and rain into everything exposed. The sound of rushing wind, hammering rain, and roaring waves drummed against my tympanic membranes (and yes, I will try to keep those too). Gripping my fins and boogie board against the wind, I excitedly anticipated the great rides on the weather.com-predicted-ten-foot-waves.
Finally, I was ready to get in. Upon closer inspection, the waves looked to be about 7 feet tall out at the sandbar. Still big enough for little me. With grand ideas in head and board and tow, I launched into the tumultuous, muddy brown sea. Whenever salt water jumped into my eyes, the pouring rain quickly rinsed it out. How convenient.
I spied the bigger waves were playing out at the sandbar. Tada. Desired location determined. Swimming as fast I could, I only made slow progress. It went something like this: SWIM, get pummeled by a wave, breath, dive under next wave, breath, SWIM, breath, dive under wave, ect. Well, after a good bit of that the local friendly current washed me into a mild rip current. Presto! A way to get out to the happy waves. Problem solved. Upon quick arrival, a wave came and the shore was distant no longer.
It was awesome catching that wave. The water started growing taller around me until I was fairly high up. Then there was a split second of freefall as I dropped into it into it. I felt like I was flying as I sashayed across its face. We were hurtling towards the beach together, lurching and overtaking smaller waves. It tried to ride it well, for it was a living thing to be respected. Its thunderous roar blotted out the sound of pounding rain as the tube of the wave started to close around me. I tried to race out of it, but in an instant, I was caught in its grip. I was plunged down and then around and around. I thought it would be fun to graph it. Then I thought I should find the surface and promptly put graphing out of mind. (don’t worry Graphing, if you are reading this, you are still important to me and you are welcome to come back to mind anytime you wish!)
Just as my search for the surface ended, the wave got greedy and slurped off one my lucky fins. I immediately felt the difference and couldn’t swim as fast. I reached toward my estranged fin, but before I could grasp it, another wave came crashing over to visit with such exuberance that I was fully preoccupied with surface finding activities once again. After that detour, I found my fin to be a little further out. I swam for it with all my might. But alas, the current was strong and I was smack in the middle of the crash zone for the breakers. After getting dunked by another two successive big waves, I resigned myself to continue my commitment to “All About Safety”. So with a reluctant and fastly beating exercised heart, I turned my back on my dear fin and swam for shore.
Moral of the story: going to the beach during a tropical storm is absolutely awesome fun! However, one must make little leashes to ensure that fins don’t swim off on their own without your approval and shorten your time in the water. And in the mean time everyone, don’t forget to register for your chance to win a FREE pair titanium dentures today.
Monday, June 16, 2008
to play the colors of sunset
Sabbath evening, Rabbit and I went out to the hill behind CA to play guitar and to watch the sunset together. Sitting low, the tall grass around me perpetually pointed upward at the radiant display. Massive rays of light burst from behind dark storm clouds and shot across the sky to gild distant clouds in dazzling gold. (I was so enthralled with awesome display that I didn’t think to take a picture until after the rays were not prominent.)
It was fun to take music inspiration from the gorgeous sunset. I need to develop more skill at guitar, but I enjoyed trying to play harmonies that match the style of how the sunset colors went together. The clouds symbolized overall patterns of crescendo or a solo of bass notes, ect. The amount of light in different areas translated into vibrance of the music style I would play. It was great fun. Rabbit even tried to come up with lyrics to the song by singing “step up” and by making his water drop sounds to crescendo to the guitar. We had a splendid evening :)
Sunday, June 8, 2008
A short story about a certain Longhaired Girl and a certain Bright Green "Rabbit”
Well, as far as entertainment goes, I have been enjoying watching lectures at semi-random from MIT. (super happy yayness for FREE movies about aeronautics and other happy topics :) They are posted here: http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/courses/av/index.htm
And for the other part of entertainment… the ever-in-the-same-location Biology Trail! :D So now I am pleased to announce a short story…
…Once upon a time, as in the other day, in a land hot and humid, there was a multitude of greenery in a select location. A certain Longhaired Girl and a certain Bright Green "Rabbit" went for a hike. [This is a good time to mention that Rabbit’s current occupation is resident parrot at said girl’s home.] The Longhaired Girl was thoroughly enjoying the hike while taking in the fresh air and listening to the birds singing in the trees. Meanwhile, the Bright Green Rabbit clung to her shoulder feeling annoyed and bewildered at said wild and singing birds. He was upset to experience the great outdoors beyond the comfort of their house.
As the hike progressed, the Longhaired Girl soaked up the enriching experience that only the woods can give. However, she noticed that the longer she trolicked down the path, the more flustered the Rabbit was becoming. The poor Rabbit was forced to endure the sounds of mosquitoes and the lack of air conditioning. Furthermore, to his great disgruntlement, his "perch" wouldn't keep still, but insisted on continuing farther into the woods! All this made for a disconcerted Rabbit who leaned forward just as much as possible to show his anticipation to return to the little white car that would transport him to their little white house where he would be free of the ‘discomforts’ of the wild outside world.
Well, despite what Rabbit was thinking, the Longhaired Girl was enjoying the hike. So much so, in fact, that she decided to run along the beautiful trail. To care for her dear Rabbit, she promptly transferred him off of her shoulder and onto her hand so he would have a smoother ride. Once the Rabbit was properly installed, she joyfully took off at a sprint.
Things were going great for the Longhaired Girl who loved to exercise. However, the Bright Green Rabbit was not sure what to make of the situation. At first, he thought that they might be trying to escape from some unknown something. Nevertheless, there was a lack of something chasing them and the girl kept on running. So, he ruled that explanation out. Next, he decided that the Longhaired Girl finally got the hint that Rabbits were not made to experience the great outdoors. With hope, he thought that perhaps she was rushing to escort him back to the safety of A/C and an enclosed environment void of mosquitoes and feathered flying things that sing from trees.
With determination, he clung tightly to her hand, leaning as they dashed around curves and hopped over logs. Then the Longhaired Girl had a brilliant idea- she could hold Rabbit out so he could flap his wings while they ran. It had worked on short sprints before, so surely a run would be just as good! Promptly, she encouraged him to flap his wings so he could enjoy the momentum in a more bird-like fashion. He hated it. Him? Fly? Like a bird? What in the world was she thinking?!?
Needless to say, it wasn’t long before she gave up on that idea and went back to just holding him as she ran along. Sooner than the Longhaired Girl wanted and much later then the Rabbit demanded, and they were back at the little white car where their hike had begun.
As soon as they were in the car with the A/C on and driving back to the little white house, Rabbit was happy once more. And the longhaired girl anticipated the next day when she would go for a much longer run, while the Rabbit would wait for her return in their little white air conditioned house.
The End
And for the other part of entertainment… the ever-in-the-same-location Biology Trail! :D So now I am pleased to announce a short story…
…Once upon a time, as in the other day, in a land hot and humid, there was a multitude of greenery in a select location. A certain Longhaired Girl and a certain Bright Green "Rabbit" went for a hike. [This is a good time to mention that Rabbit’s current occupation is resident parrot at said girl’s home.] The Longhaired Girl was thoroughly enjoying the hike while taking in the fresh air and listening to the birds singing in the trees. Meanwhile, the Bright Green Rabbit clung to her shoulder feeling annoyed and bewildered at said wild and singing birds. He was upset to experience the great outdoors beyond the comfort of their house.
As the hike progressed, the Longhaired Girl soaked up the enriching experience that only the woods can give. However, she noticed that the longer she trolicked down the path, the more flustered the Rabbit was becoming. The poor Rabbit was forced to endure the sounds of mosquitoes and the lack of air conditioning. Furthermore, to his great disgruntlement, his "perch" wouldn't keep still, but insisted on continuing farther into the woods! All this made for a disconcerted Rabbit who leaned forward just as much as possible to show his anticipation to return to the little white car that would transport him to their little white house where he would be free of the ‘discomforts’ of the wild outside world.
Well, despite what Rabbit was thinking, the Longhaired Girl was enjoying the hike. So much so, in fact, that she decided to run along the beautiful trail. To care for her dear Rabbit, she promptly transferred him off of her shoulder and onto her hand so he would have a smoother ride. Once the Rabbit was properly installed, she joyfully took off at a sprint.
Things were going great for the Longhaired Girl who loved to exercise. However, the Bright Green Rabbit was not sure what to make of the situation. At first, he thought that they might be trying to escape from some unknown something. Nevertheless, there was a lack of something chasing them and the girl kept on running. So, he ruled that explanation out. Next, he decided that the Longhaired Girl finally got the hint that Rabbits were not made to experience the great outdoors. With hope, he thought that perhaps she was rushing to escort him back to the safety of A/C and an enclosed environment void of mosquitoes and feathered flying things that sing from trees.
With determination, he clung tightly to her hand, leaning as they dashed around curves and hopped over logs. Then the Longhaired Girl had a brilliant idea- she could hold Rabbit out so he could flap his wings while they ran. It had worked on short sprints before, so surely a run would be just as good! Promptly, she encouraged him to flap his wings so he could enjoy the momentum in a more bird-like fashion. He hated it. Him? Fly? Like a bird? What in the world was she thinking?!?
Needless to say, it wasn’t long before she gave up on that idea and went back to just holding him as she ran along. Sooner than the Longhaired Girl wanted and much later then the Rabbit demanded, and they were back at the little white car where their hike had begun.
As soon as they were in the car with the A/C on and driving back to the little white house, Rabbit was happy once more. And the longhaired girl anticipated the next day when she would go for a much longer run, while the Rabbit would wait for her return in their little white air conditioned house.
The End
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Running the Biology Trail- A Colorful Symphony
Baseline brown path bordered by lush green.
Rhythmically running on rain-soft path.
Thud. Squish. Thud. Squish. Thud. Squish. Thud. Squish.
Tempo of turquoise; my feet keep time.
Singing sienna trees stretch upward.
Grandiose gold clouds guide sunset blaze.
Droning dusk comes drawing long shadows.
A chorus copper, the insects chant.
Melodic, maroon birdsong moves me.
A cantata composed by our Creator.
Rhythmically running on rain-soft path.
Thud. Squish. Thud. Squish. Thud. Squish. Thud. Squish.
Tempo of turquoise; my feet keep time.
Singing sienna trees stretch upward.
Grandiose gold clouds guide sunset blaze.
Droning dusk comes drawing long shadows.
A chorus copper, the insects chant.
Melodic, maroon birdsong moves me.
A cantata composed by our Creator.
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