Thursday, December 31, 2009

In Review...

That pleasure which is at once the most pure, the most elevating and the most intense, is derived, I maintain, from the contemplation of the beautiful. -Edgar Allan Poe


I thought this was appropriate when thinking about 2009 in music and movies. I always think of this quote when I hear or see something that impresses me. It is probably over the top in this context but whatev.

There is something special about these art forms. It is always bizarre to me when people rarely see movies or don't really care about music. I'm not sure what I would do without these things.

I listed my top 5 albums of the year and my top 10 movies. I only listed 5 albums for two reasons.

1. I did not really keep up
2. It was a mediocre year

Here you go in no particular order:

Music:
Avett Bros- I and Love and You
David Bazan- Curse your Branches
Fun.- Aim and Ignite
Jay-Z- The Blueprint 3
Weezer- Raditude

Movies:
Inglorious basterds
Public Enemies
District 9
Up in the air
An Education
A Serious Man
Watchmen
Away we go
Zombieland

Monday, December 28, 2009

Whew...super bored.

I've been on the east coast for about 2 weeks now and I have found the cure for insomnia. It is the town of Myrtle Beach. I have done a lot of sleeping in the last 2 weeks. A LOT. That's really about it. The first couple of days it was necessary. Apparently, I had the Jet Lag.

Who knew that existed?

After I caught up with the rest of the "Atlantics", (that's what I call people on the east coast, because of their proximity to the Atlantic ocean) I could not keep my eyes open. All I wanted, needed, desired, longed for was sweet, sweet sleep. But, like a woman, it kept it self hidden from my grasp.

I have a little brother, Johnathan, he is 9. In his entire existence he has arisen between the hours of 5 and 6 a.m. on Xmas day ready to meet Santa and help him with his obviously large load presents with his name on it. When he enters our bedrooms (Which for me now is an air mattress in the upstairs den) we all yell at him and he waits for us to roll out at 7:30, when our mom makes us feel guilty for making him wait.

This year something, weird, odd, even bizarre happened. I rolled over on the air mattress, looked at my cell phone and it read 10:30. I peed all over myself immediately. Why, you ask. Because obviously my brother has been killed in his sleep. I get up in a panic, searching every possible place for a dead 9 year old body. Outside under the car, in the trash, in the bath tub filled with ice, with a letter saying that his organs had been stolen and sold on the black market.

Finally, in desperation, I ended my search in his bedroom, to find him sleeping soundly. I promptly woke him up and reminded him that it was Christmas. He responded;
"Huh?"
"Buddy, its 10;30, you've missed Santa, Christmas is ruined. "
"Matthew, Santa doesn't exist, it is logically impossible for him to exist. I watched the discovery channel and they sent scientists to the north pole and they showed that no one can survive there."
"Oh...do you still want your presents?"
"Of course, but they'll be there when I get up"
"Sure, well I'll be down stairs with some coffee and a copy of the Times for you"
"Thanks, I'll be down shortly"

Anyway, I got way off track there. Back to the point of this blog. I can't stop sleeping. I wake up at 10:30 and I am in bed no later than 11:00. Because I have no interest in anything after that time. Not for safety's sake but because I cannot keep my eyes open. I blame my mom and the absurd amount of food she makes me consume on a daily basis.

But, in other news; Christmas was great. It's good to see everyone. 3 of 5 kids live in different states so its fun to be under the same roof.

California, I will return soon. Don't worry and stop calling me, it just makes you look needy.

Friday, December 25, 2009

The Mood of Christmas

This year I forgot Christmas was happening. I completed my quarter. My sister visited me in California. We flew home together. I drove to Columbia for 4 days. I return to Myrtle on the 22nd. I walked into my house to see presents under the tree and this overwhelming thought came over me, "Holy Crap I have to buy stuff!!" There is no time!

I arrived home early one morning to see my mom's Christmas lights and decorations. It is important that she put them up every year. She spends hours and sometimes sacrifices health, safety and other family relationships. Growing up I hated putting them up. It didn't make sense to me to do all of this work for a month. But, like a good son, I cooperated.

This year was a little different. I feel as though I stumbled upon Christmas. Like I walked in on a movie everyone else was watching. I was playing catch up. Asking questions like;

"Who's that?"
"Why is he important?"
"Why is he wearing a red suit?"
"I have to spend how much?"

It's funny to me how people completely embrace the Christmas narrative. Adults walk around with "Santa" hats, they wear terrible sweaters with Rudolph and his blinking nose. We buy Christmas themed candies shaped as Christmas trees and we are convinced they taste better shaped that way.

Christmas time is a bizarre time.

People from all walks of life, different levels of scholarship and class systems start spouting stories about a man in a red suit coming down your chimney and leaving you presents.

Why is it the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year"?

My theory is this, people want to be apart of something that is larger than themselves. A story. Something that has fantasy and fun attached to it. What other story allows for these interactions?

There is snow.
An attractive person of the opposite sex bundled up, promising a "Christmas Cuddle".
At the end of your story everything works out.

This sounds great. This is a story I want to be apart of. Especially the cuddle.

In closing I do enjoy Christmas. Here's what I enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khSml43oKJQ

Watch this. I watched this episode from "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" and that is what put me in the "mood". I hope your time with your families is blessed time and 2010 is going to be a party.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

December, you illusive mistress.

Let it snow
First Noel
Little Drummer Boy

I have come to the conclusion that there are 3 Christmas songs. I hear these over and over again. Radio stations think they are clever by playing Sinatra's version, then Michael Jackson's version and then cap it all off with Harry Connic Jr's version (sp?). I'm on to you Christmas.

The quarter is over and I did well. A's in all of my classes. I'm writing this from MB. My life has been a whirlwind this last 3 weeks and this the first time I have to write. I missed it. It's nice to write for my mom and any other random people who accidentally googled "Mediocre Writing" and this blog came up.

I thought you guys might be wondering what I want for Christmas, well here you go:
-A Fixed Gear Bike
-Nike Air Max 90's
-Anything from J-crew

Also, I would accept a gift card from pretty much anywhere. Also, cash is always appreciated.

In other news, everyone should see Up in the Air with George Clooney, super good. Also, there is a new band that I can't get enough of Fun. Everything is in the name. Check them out.

I want to write and update more but something has to happen to me worth telling you.

I plan on getting into shenanigans starting now...

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Thanksgiving?














What is Thanksgiving really?

Food? Check.
Nap? Check.
Defeating the Death Star? Check.
Beer? Check
Nazis? Check

This was my first thanksgiving away from home. I had one of two emotions.

1. I spent my day swimming in my own tears.
2. I hate my family. No tears were shed over them.

Which statement is true? We may never know.
It's weird to not be with your family for a major holiday. I've heard people talk about it in some bohemian, enlightening way. I have seen movies with this premise but it always leads to some sweet adventure. I was hoping to stumble on some doubloons or meet the president.

Here is my schedule of the days events:
9:30am Feed the Homeless
11:30 IHOP for a garden omelet and whole wheat pancakes

1:15-3:30 Nap

3:45 Bathroom

4:00 Starwars- A New Hope
6:30 Barney's Beanery for T-dinner and Beer
9-1:30 A knights Tale and Swing Kids


I know what your thinking, it looks a lot like your family's thanksgiving. As I was having maybe the most un-traditional thanksgiving in my personal history, I thought about t-day.( I hate it when people call it that) Who says you have to eat turkey and stuffing? Who says your day cannot contain a garden omelet and destroying the death star? I think the Indians would hate the empire. In a way they did, the white man, but we know how that fight turned out.

All day I couldn't help but think back on growing up and the epic thanksgivings I had. At least they seemed big to a 12 year old. We would eat, and I mean eat, and nap and then see a movie. Sometimes Christmas themed movies other times violent themed. I think the key to a good holiday is an element of selfishness. Selfishness that can only truly exist in the company of your family.

Why else are people stressed during the holidays? Selfishness. It's the only time you can truly be yourself without being concerned with anyone else. I know, you love your family but not enough for them to have the last of the cranberry sauce. That's yours, you saw it first. But, that is your favorite part. Being with parents and siblings and reverting back to old habits.

That's what was missing. My dad wanting to eat ham, turkey, everything at 10:30 am. My mom not being ready until 1:30 or 2:00. The kids complaining about being hungry. When we would finally sit down and eat, all of us yelling over one another trying to get the other to laugh.

As much fun as having thanksgiving in a bar, I missed the chaos.

Thanksgiving, you elusive bastard.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Victor/ Victoria

The quarter is coming to an end. For me that means, papers, finals, projects and presentations. About 5 months ago when I would to talk to friends about how much I missed school and loved the classroom I forgot about this part. The end is the worst part. No time to process. Like a machine fulfilling requirements. I am have gone into mechanistic haze. I can no longer function like I one had.

Stick a fork in him he's done.

At this very moment I should be writing a paper on Theologies born out of Turmoil. Specifically, Liberation Theology. I have reconsidered and completely revamped the way I view things because of this paper. But, I cannot write anymore. Not on justice or freedom and its relationship to the community of faith. So I decided to blog instead.

I had lunch with a transvestite today.

He/She came into the restaurant that I work at and sat next to me. I was on my break eating lunch at the bar. Sat on the bar stool right beside me. There are in the ball park of 15 other places to sit in this bar and he/she decides to sit next to me. Am I flattered? Maybe, I'm not quite sure what to make of the situation. How did I know that this woman with flowing brown hair was a man? Adam's Apple and what looked to me as a missed spot shaving.

I was eating a burger, veggie patty, with steamed vegetables instead of fries. He/she ordered maybe the grossest burger we have. It contains two beef patties about 2 inches thick, lettuce, cheese, fried onions, bacon, chili and some other heart stopping items. Also, he/she had fries with cheese on them.

I was drinking water, one of the eight I drink a day. By the end of my meal had about 3 glasses of water. He/she was drinking a 24 oz. beer. By the end of his/her meal she had two, a grand total of 48 oz of beer.

I was reading from a newspaper that a customer left behind. He/she watched the television and discussed the RBI average of some dude with the bartender Mike.

We began talking and I realized that he/she was a city councilman and local business owner. I forgot which one or I would tell you. An intelligent man/woman. We discussed Obama's New health care plan and Oprah leaving television in 2012. As I left He/She complimented my shoes.

As I returned to work, as a host at a restaurant. I reflected on the last 20 minutes of my life and wondered who was more of a man? This dress and high heel wearing man/woman. Or the 24 year old host, who had steamed vegetables and read the Wall Street Journal.

I lead an odd life.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Weezer, as the soundtrack to my life

I may or may not be behind the ball. In the last 3 months whenever I emerge from under the mountain homework that is before me it is for two reasons:
1. Go to the bathroom.
2. Eat some lunch

My life has become extremely cyclical. But, during one of my longer lunch breaks I realized that Weezer put out a new album. I know what you are thinking. "Didn't they just put out a mediocre 'Red' album?" Yes, yes they did. But, to my joy they released, Raditude.

I really haven't the slightest who reads this glorified vomit from my mouth masquerading as a blog, but Weezer has been a mainstay for me for quite some time. I remember hearing their first release, the Blue Album, I wasn't quite sure what I discovered. I knew it was good, but could not describe why. His lyrics were so playful and weird. The music was a perfect match. No presumptions, simply a rock band.

I could write all day about each album and why I like each one in detail. But, I will spare you. I just want to talk about their newest offering. Raditude, in contrast to the Red Album, this feels more like a proper album. It has a flow and the songs are a lot more accessible.

As much I like to pretend that I am Post-modern, leaving order and embracing chaos in all things, I am a sucker for bullet points and a good thesis statement.

This new album is a solid Pop Album. If you are above pop music then, my friend, come down here with us peasants, you are missing out. Catchy lyrics, equally addicting guitar licks. I don't know anyone that can say no to that. And since our beloved King of Pop is no longer with us, we have to make due with what we have.

In closing, I simply want to leave you with this nugget:
Oh, I can't stop partying, partying I can't stop, partying, partying I gotta have the cars, I gotta have the jewels and if you was me, honey, you would do it too Monday to Sunday I hit all the clubs And everybody know me when I pull up I got the real big posse with me, yeah I'm deep And if u lookin for me I'm in vip

Also, in case you were wondering, these are the actual lyrics as they are written. I'm not sure if someone should thank Ebonics or AIM, either way it only makes it better.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Hypochondria

I have decided to run a 5k. Before your super impressed by my athletic prowess you should probably know that it is 3.1 miles. Every "runner" that I talk to about a 5k acts so casual about it. Occasionally, they are even ashamed by their participation. They say things like; "I'm doing it for charity", "This is my off year from a marathon", "I needed to something to do with my saturday morning at 7am". Regardless, my goal is to do one of these in the next year. Here's the problem.

Last week I decided I would try and run the distance of a 5k (3.1 miles) and just see how I stacked up. If I walked some of it, no big deal. I can work up to it. I'm in no hurry. There is a track near my house, conveniently enough, is 3.1 miles. Perfect!
To my delight, I ran it and did not stop. I'm a champion! What's even better is that I did not feel like I was going to die. Of course my body felt like it just ran three miles but I did not throw up on the track. Runner's don't like that.
The next day I went to work. And by work I mean hosting for a Burger and Beer restaurant. Maybe the most mindless thing I could ever do with my time. I don't want to belittle the world of hosting in general, I'm sure in some restaurants it takes skill and possibly a degree, but at Islands, if your breathing your a professional host or hostess. Without hosts and hostesses what would high school girls do when they are not babysitting? Anyway, while I was at work my right foot began to hurt. As the night progressed it went from a slight pain to, "Oh my dear God is someone stabbing my foot?!" When I was finally allowed to go home I immediately went looking for a diagnosis.Thank you WebMd. This website is the single most terrifying site I have encountered. I simply searched foot pain and I spent the next hour reading about all the possible problems with my foot. Apparently, if I am not careful, I could ruin my foot, have it removed and possibly be handicapped for life. Instead of help I developed a healthy dose of paranoia and have not run since my "diagnosis".
Today, I looked up hypochondria at dictionary.com and it defined it as; an excessive preoccupation with one's health, usually focusing on some particular symptom, as cardiac or gastric problems. Based on that definition I realized that I could be a hypochondriac. This whole week I have been obsessed with my foot. Testing it under ludicrous conditions that I would never encounter. Thinking in my head, if I walk at a brisk pace on this uneven sidewalk and there is no pain or problem I am healed. If I jump up and down violently on these steps and there is no pain than I am OK. If I drop this microwave on my ankle and I can still walk after then I'm ready for an Iron-man.
Based on my scientific tests and an inordinate amount of over the counter pain relievers, I think I'm better.
In other news I still have way to much homework for an individual to accomplish in a given week. In protest I decided to take today off and walk around the Apple Store and Barnes and Noble. That'll show them. Also, my new favorite show is The Big Bang Theory. Give it a chance, its awkward science geeks talking to pretty blondes (sp?). Who doesn't love that? I know I do.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

In my mouth

I decided to start this blog when I moved to California as a way, if people were interested, updated on my life. I had dreams of clever stories and outlandish tales of the west and the wonder that is L.A..

L.A. has been great but since I started working and going to school, exploring has come to a screeching halt. So I am left with other stories to tell you.

I am now a runner. I have been running for years. Running to the Chinese buffet, Mcdonalds etc.. But recently I have made it more of a hobby and as a result I now look like Brad Pitt. Well, that is a bit of a stretch, but I no longer breath heavy when I go up a set of stairs. I try and run at 2 miles, 4 times a week. Its fun. I bought special shorts for it. Running is serious business.

Today, I was running in my neighborhood. It is a pleasant, typical suburban neighborhood. So much so it would not surprise me if I stumbled upon the home from Step by Step.

I run with my mouth open. I'm still a novice when it comes to running. I'm not sure if one is supposed to breath in through there nose out through their mouth, like I was in labor, but until I am told otherwise my mouth will remain open. Today, on my run a bee flew into my mouth. A BEE FLEW INTO MY MOUTH!! FLEW INTO MY MOUTH! It hit the hanging thing in the back of my throat. I spit it out and this feeling came over me. A feeling like I have been taken advantage of.

And there you have it. The West Coast is nuts.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Oct. 18, 1985- Oct. 18, 2009, 24.

Birthdays are not the same as they used to be. There was a time when outside of Christmas this was the high light of my year. All of my friends would come over, they would bring me presents. I would have a cake, with my current favorite superhero in the frosting, and pizza. What more could a boy want? Nothing, absolutely nothing.

As I got older birthdays became less of a production. This was mostly because of my choosing and people told me that when your 13 it's not cool to have Batman themed parties anymore. But, still it was a day of celebration. It still revolved around food and interaction. Some of my favorite birthday's have been in the last couple of years when I was in college and right out of college. I did not really have any money and neither did any of my friends but we always were able to put something together for each other. There is something still special about that day and we would try and make a point to make a person feel special.

This year I had all but forgotten the day. Between 1,000 pages of reading a week, 20 hours of Greek study and working 20 hours a week who has time to remember that trip down the birth canal?

This year I spent my birthday morning attending Bryant Temple AME Church. It is an African American church in Downtown LA. It was mandatory for one of my classes I am taking at Fuller. Initially, when I was considering my day the last thing I wanted to do was spend it in a three hour long church service. But little did I know that this place knows how to do church. It was a blast. Hooting and Hollering and enjoying one another. Real interaction as a community as well as a body of believers. I can't think of a better way to spend the beginning of my day.

After the marathon service was over, it was time to eat. My stomach was eating my back to say the least. So Sam and I went to Foo-Chow's. You may remember this restaurant from the first Rush Hour movie. Chris Tucker order Camel's hump from there. (Surprisingly, they do not serve the delicacy). We ate Curry Chicken and Mongolian Beef. Let me tell you, Chinese food has never tasted this good. If all I was able to eat for the rest of life was Foo-Chow's than I would lead a long, happy, content life.

Once we completed maybe one of my top three meals of all time, we braved China-town. Chinatown is everything I wanted it to be. Porcelain Buddha's, Chinatown Snow Globes, and weapons that no one needs but all men want. While exploring this unknown world of Knick Knacks, I stumbled upon one of the greatest discoveries this side of penicillin. A bargain bin of Wooden Japanese Practice Samurai Swords! Sam being the champion combination of roommate and friend, without even hesitating purchased these swords in celebration of my 24 years. You may be wondering what kind of bargain could I be speaking of? Does $7.99 sound like a bargain to you? That's what I thought.

It was a good thing to, because after leaving the store and continuing through Chinatown looking at Asian themed new balances and fireworks, there was something evil around the corner. Ninjas. From every corner, every nook and cranny, ninja's jumped out with only one thing to accomplish. To keep me from seeing my 25th. We fought with the spirit of the tiger and of Foo-chow. There was no way I wouldn't see a quarter century. I mean my insurance will go down and I can rent a car. These are major milestones. I will say we took our licks but we bested them this day. They fell to our swifts hands and agile minds.

So, overall my 24th was a success. And actually, I got my themed birthday celebration. From this point on I will refer to it is the year of the OX. May Foo-Chow live forever.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Saturday Morning

In the last 5 years, give or take a year, I have heard a lot of people talk about getting your hair washed while at the Salon, barbershop, Super-Cuts, where ever you go. Everyone talks about this as a phenomenon that exceeds your wildest dreams. When people begin their description of getting their hair cut they always pause..."Oh and she washed my hair, it felt incredible!" For a while I had no idea this was an option. Maybe I was going to some bush league salon but up until my freshman year of college no one had touched my scalp in that way but myself. At first I was a fan. But, slowly this desire to have someone else wash my hair faded.

First of all, I have yet to meet a woman that can keep my collar from getting wet. How hard is it really? My neck is sitting in a slot designed to keep the water in the sink.

Second, It never fails that when it is over they dry your head off with a towel. I always either feel like a young child or a dog. Today when I went to get a trim, as they say in the biz, since I shaved my beard I was beginning to look like a member of the Beatles and since I go to seminary, I did not want to give them any ammunition. I wanted to do a preemptive strike. After the wash (I tried to not have the wash but she looked at me like, "There is no way I'm cutting that rat's nest before I know it is clean") She placed the towel on my head and began to rub, not in a pleasant, ora cleansing way but more like some one cleaning the rims on your car.

At that point I decided that I do not like the wash before a haircut.

After my haircut I went to buy some bread. I have been craving some PB&J's bad. I went to the store to get the supplies. On my way in it was a gauntlet of guilt waiting on me. First, I had the boy scouts trying to get me to buy their popcorn. How did the boy scouts get stuck with popcorn? I would have bought some cookies but popcorn? How about steak? Perfect for the Boyscouts. They could even get a Merit Badge for killing the meat themselves, then selling it in front of a grocery store. The Capitalism Merit Badge.

After I avoided the boys I was blindsided by the most aggressive man I've ever met. "Sir, would you donate a dollar? I know you have money, you are going to buy food right now. The people I'm raising money for don't have that luxury!" I walked in the automatic doors ready to punch the dude in the face. Does he know who I am? I worked with Habitat for Humanity! I have bought homeless guys food before! I am giving!

I forgot about him shortly after aisle 3 when I realized they have a new version of Doritos. I think its a combo of Moutain Dew and Nutella. Super pumped. Anyway, as I was walking out, PB&J ingredients in tow, I had a dollar ready to give, as well as a piece of my mind. I was ready to tell Mr. Homeless Money Raiser Guy that you need to be a lot less offensive in your endeavor to save the homeless community on grocery store at a time.

As I walked out the doors, back into the D-Day of support raising, I gave the dollar and before I could start on my carefully crafted speech, the guy says, "Hey man, people your age don't usually give, I won't forget this." I responded, "Huh?" "Yea man, I won't forget." perplexed I responded, "Yea...No Problem".

So, in review I hate shampoo's at the barber shop and Homeless people.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Overqualified

I recently started a new job here in Pasadena. I am working at a burger joint called Islands. I've always wanted to say, "Burger Joint". I never new the right time. What constitutes the joint portion? The guy who hired me called it that and he's a general manager. You don't get to that position in life without knowing what is and what is not a Burger Joint. Anyway, I had been looking for a job for quite some time. I had two problems with myself as a candidate. I am student and I was only looking for about 15-20 hrs a week. Pasadena is a college town. There are about 4 or 5 colleges in the surrounding area and apparently everyone is looking for part time work and no one wants part timers. That is problem one. I was unaware of my second problem until I was in the middle of my interview process for the Burger Joint.

While being interviewed for this job as Host/Waiter my interviewer looked over my application and paused. When you are looking for a job and the interviewer pauses your heart sinks to your knee caps. All of a sudden you find yourself thinking back to whether or not you spelled your name correctly, that you did not check the felony box etc. After what felt like an eternity, she look at me and winced. I have never been more terrified in my life. She says;

Matthew, your a Master's Student? (in thick Australian Accent)

Yes, this is my first quarter of my Master's of Divinity program.

Oh, well...boy...um. You are seriously overqualified for this job. Wouldn't you rather be working in a more related field?

Well, like I said I am in school and my time is limited because of my class schedule. So that limits me.

Yea, I understand, but you are very much over qualified.

Yea.

I have never been more patronized over that fact that I am educated in my life. I found myself regretting my undergraduate degree. Hating the fact that I desired to have higher education. Despising the fact that I am smart. Why can't I be a below average student that is content with mediocrity!

Finally, after much convincing and mind manipulation with small words, I was offered the job.

To make things even worse. After I was offered the job I received a phone call.

Hi, is this Matt?

Yes


Hey, this is Ralph from Islands, I just wanted call and tell you orientation is at 8:30 Saturday morning.

Ok, no problem.

Also, I was told you have a beard.

Yea.

Yea, at islands we only allow sideburns and goatees, so you will need to shave.

...ok

See you Saturday!

I'll be there.

Friday night was the night. Doing something I had not done for years. Shave. Not just trim and shape up. Baby face. No longer will people confuse me for Grizzly Adams or their Rabbi. Now, they will confuse me for their twelve year old brother.

If anyone hears of any jobs in Pasadena, let me know. Only ones that allow beards.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Red Bull

When I was driving across the country about 2 months ago I realized something. There is a ton of crap to do in L.A.. I began to make a list of things I wanted to do in L.A. and California. Things like; go to the Hollywood Bowl, see a movie star, go to Salinas Valley where John Steinbeck is from, make-out with a movie star in Malibu, etc. This list is pretty long in its physical sense. It is infinitely longer in my head. When I hear of something cool to do or see I make a mental note. If it is something super serious it ends up written in my journal for further consideration.

All of that is to say my first evening in L.A. I saw a giant advertisement for the "Red Bull Soap Box Derby" needless to say I made a mental note, wrote it in my journal, tattooed it on my body. I refused to do anything else on September 26. If my dad died, the funeral would be postponed. I mean Red Bull gives you wings. Think what it could do for my dead dad.

It was everything I thought it could be. Over 100,000 people attended this glorious event. The breakdown is this. Remember those soapbox derbies you may or may not have attended as a child? Maybe you were a boyscout or just watched a Disney channel movie that culminated with the main character winning the race as well as growing as a person and learning a life lesson. I knew that I had to be there. (I've missed out on a lot of life lessons) There were about 40 contestants all equally crazy in their themes and presentations. Eric Estrada was a guest judge. They gave away free energy drinks to men, women and children who really did not any more blind energy than they already had.

Where do you go from the Red bull Soapbox derby in Downtown L.A. in the shadow of Skyscrapers and homeless dudes selling Blow pops for a quarter? I went to an outdoor showing of Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Richard Dreyfuss at his best as a crazed man who saw...something...and is now a exhibitionist sculptor with potatoes and play-do. There is something special about watching a movie outside. Perfect weather. No one under the age of 40 except Sam and I. Apparently, the youth of today have something better to do than watch a classic Spielberg film outside on a blow up screen with a raffle for telescopes going on.

School started for me yesterday. More on that soon. Once I get out from under about 600 pages of reading, I'll tell you about it.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Carson Daly vs. Ryan Seacrest

Is it possible that Ryan Seacrest swooped in and stole the future of Carson Daly? Recently I happened to be up way later than I intended to be and caught a few minutes of Last call with Carson Daly. I went on a trip down memory lane, to times of TRL and N'Sync and J-Lo (A.K.A. Jenny from the block). When I thought about it I assumed when he left T.R.L. he would have a bright future of hosting ahead of him. Then out of no where this young buck, this newbie, Ryan Seacrest came on to the scene.

Where did he come from? Its like one day, you think the world is going to be one way but the you have the rug pulled out from under you and you don't know left from right, up from down. Ryan came in and turned my world upside down.

Why is no one talking abut this? Obviously, Carson is the better host and has a higher moral character.

I'm just saying.

Campus Tour

Today I went to one of my first Fuller functions and it was everything I expected it to be. Helpful but full of awkward social interactions. During my lifetime I have spent the better part of my adult life interacting on an academic level and social level with Christians. Hands down, without a shadow of a doubt there is not a more awkward group of people. Again, today, my theory was proven to be true. I went on a tour of the campus, which is about the size of a average front yard, and it took about an hour. During this time my leader named Jeremy pronounced Jeremi (long i) confused many different locations on campus. Which begged the question, "Why are you giving me this campus tour?" If I end up in the men's room instead of my greek class I will blame Jeremi long i.

Short but I have orientation all week and I can only imagine what lies ahead for me. Don't worry, when I get involved in some kind of uncomfortable situation, you the reader,will be told.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Solitude vs. People

Since I moved here I have been alone. I lived by myself. I don't really know any one else in the area. I had not started school here yet. Currently, I don't have a job. So I have spent the majority of my first month in California, alone. It has been great. I am not a person who necessarily needs people but I do enjoy people. I love to laugh and talk and get peoples opinions on any various topic that I choose (politics, music, chicken salad etc.). Also, I have never spent that much time to myself ever. I have had days where I don't see my friends or family. But, never more than one or two and rarely would a week go by that I would not interact with someone type of acquaintance for an extended amount of time.

In college I read a few books about quiet and finding out who you really are during times like these. I have also heard of of musicians spending a month in a remote cabin and at the end coming out with some incredible piece of music.

Sam arrived Sunday and it was a welcomed change of pace. Someone to talk to. Someone to laugh with. Most of all someone to experience things with. I have had a blast exploring L.A. and finding my way around. Being alone, you can only be so excited before you are look at you because you are giving high fives to strangers.

I went to my first Dodgers game tonight. Sam and I made friends with 2 guys sitting behind us and they invited us to tailgate with them this weekend at the UCLA bruins game. We just have to bring a six pack a piece. While they will provide all the BBQ and other fine delicatessens. There is something to this idea of community and interaction.

But, I do not want to lose some of the introspection, the creative times and the personal exploration of this direction in my life. Like everything so far about the last two months since I have left the East Coast everything is new and exciting and different. I look forward to to what else Tinsel Town has in store.

Also, for those of you who are keeping score. I will be taking these classes this Quarter:
Greek
Urban Evangelism
Introduction to Theological Studies

Friday, September 11, 2009

Tour De...Handicapped













Falling off your bike is embarrassing. I did it twice today.



This summer with my Government stimulus check and my tax return from last year I purchased a Specialized Allez. It is the second most expensive thing I have purchased at one time, only second to my Mac. I bought it as a fun way to get in shape and lose weight. That mixed with running I have lost quite a bit a weight. "And yes my heart isn't in trouble anymore but whatever" (For you FRIENDS fans out there). Riding in Myrtle Beach is a pretty light thing. You go down to Ocean BLVD and go. It's flat like most real estate on the ocean is so your capable of going pretty fast. I was excited about the prospect about taking my bike out to California with me and explore some new terrain. Little did I know that everyone here rides a bike and that there are hills/mountains here. I pretty sure I rode two straight miles at an incline that your head would be completely tilted back for. That's where the first fall came from.

I was coming down a hill at Mach 11 when I approached my chosen destination. I thought it would be fun to ride to the Rose Bowl stadium. For you dedicated sports fan that may mean a lot more to you than it does me. I just needed a place to go. Well, like I said I am going faster than the speed of light when I come to the end of the road...literally. I looked both ways as quickly as you can at 287 miles an hour but everything is really just a blur at that pace. Luckily, I saw this 2010 Porsche right before he plowed into me. I hit the brakes and hit the ground. Lucky for me the porsche didn't stop. I could have died or at least have some internal bleeding but most important my ego was bruised. I'd rather laying there in my own DNA before asking for help.

The second fall was a lot more of a slap to my ego. Like in most cities Pasadena contains stoplights. There are two annoying things about this; first they are on every block. Second, my bike has pedals that allow me to hook my shoes into it. Just like Lance. This stopping all the time is annoying because you have to un-click your feet every 500 feet. So, a lot of bikers figure ways around it. Balancing, slowing down at lights before you have to stop, propping yourself against sign. I went for the last. I decided the "Slow children at play" was the perfect sign for me to do the said propping. Little did I know how appropriate it would be. When the light turned green I began to pedal but could not create the pace I needed to...you know...go. So I ended up on the sidewalk right in front of that "Slow Children at Play" sign.

I brushed myself off, a little worse for the wear but mostly ok.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The South will rise again or Southern by the grace of God.

Saturday I went and saw the Avett brothers play. They were great. It was my 5th time seeing them live but my first on the west coast. About two weeks before I moved from MB to Cali I had the opportunity to see the Avetts two nights in a row at the House of Blues there. When I thought back to that time and this most recent time something stuck out to me. If you are unfamiliar with their music you need to familiarize yourself. But, for the sake of this blog I will do a quick breakdown.

They are an alternative folk band. I doubt that makes any sense to anyone but let me see if I can help. Imagine Bob Dylan exploring his punk rock roots. Anyway they are from the south, specifically North Carolina. Now, what was interesting was seeing them under completely different circumstances. Seeing a band from the south on the west coast was a little odd. A fish out of water kind of situation. Think back to when you were in school, maybe fifth grade and seeing your teacher outside of class. Maybe, Wal-mart or the Mall. It's like your small world is falling apart. Things are combining that should never combine, i.e. your parents ad your teacher interacting on the same aisle your Mac and Cheese is on. It's just bizarre. It gives you a feeling that you enjoy but don't want to duplicate.


I felt the same way seeing these guys on the west coast. Hearing them sing about land marks like I-95 reminded of my southern roots. Flannery O'Connor speaks about the distinctness of the south and how southern literature may be one of the few styles that have a distinct feeling of place. It is so different than every where else in the country.

I never thought I would say this, but, I am a southerner. So many things I fought against growing up some how snuck up on me. I like country music, some of my favorite authors are classified as Southern Literature. I've never really cared for sweet tea but I could go for some Chicken and grits. That cliche' old state rings true here; "You can take the boy out of the south but not the south out of the boy".

Moving to California has been a weird transition. Simply because I feel like I haven't transitioned. I feel like I have always lived here. For about an hour once I was alone in this state I contemplated the possibility that somehow I was born here or spent some time here but was brutally ripped away and forced to grow up on the other side of the country. But, the craziest thing that came over me that evening was an overwhelming sense of Southern Pride. All of a sudden I began to judge everyone in the audience singing certain lines that spoke to something on the other side of this country.

It's odd how it takes a drive across the country to a new place and time zone to realize that a major part of who you are is behind you.

Saturday, September 5, 2009


Grauman's Chinese Theatre
Santa Monica Pier and surrounding rea
Sunset BLVD
Explored Pasadena
Venice Beach
LACMA
Tar Pits

I am continually surprised at the sheer amount of opportunities I have for exploring. L.A. is full of things to do that satisfy my every desire. For example; if you know me even a little bit you know that I love shoes. It's an obsession, unhealthy or not I love them and will continue in this habit. I don't know if you, the reader know (and by reader I mean my mom) but L.A. is full of people that have contracts with all kinds of shoe companies to design their own style of a classic Nike or Adidas. All of that is to say there is a awesome shoe store 5 minutes away from my house. I don't mean a Shoe Show or Rack Room, I mean a legitimate shoe store.

Each day offers up new opportunities, do I want to be cultured today? Lacma. Do I want to be a tourist? Venice Beach. How about possibly seeing an actor or actress? Rodeo Drive. Or finally do I want to see that super hip indie movie? Laemmle Playhouse 7.

School starts soon and I am excited but super bummed because that means my exploring will come to a screeching halt. Or will it? Maybe my new world of exploration will come in the form of the Koine Greek or Systematic Theology. Who knows. I live on the West Coast now and I am looking forward to what is ahead of me and what the Lord has for me.

Thoughts on Honesty through the films Closer & Revolutionary Road.

hon⋅es⋅ty
–noun, plural -ties.
1. the quality or fact of being honest; uprightness and fairness.
2. truthfulness, sincerity, or frankness.
3. freedom from deceit or fraud.


The films Closer and Revolutionary Road seem like very different movies. They are in two different time periods as well as places in the globe. One is based on a play the other on a book. The plots even follow two very different structures as well as themes and motifs. The only comparison is that both have a great line up of actors and actresses.

In Contrast my experiences with each movie were very similar. I watched Closer at a theatre in Myrtle Beach with a good friend, Revolutionary Road was viewed in a theatre with a another good friend. Sounds similar but let me explain a major portion of how I watch a movie. Maybe the most important part of the movie for me is leaving the movie. Let me explain...

It is important for me when I leave to be impacted by a movie, by the story, impacted in any way; offended, excited, engaged, frustrated. Any of these will do as long as I feel something. These are the movies that resonate with me, stick around and make me think about life, love and the pursuit of happiness or whatever. This could include anything from Casablanca to anything starring Tim Allen. Regardless of the film I need an attachment to it. I want to interact with it in some way.

So the question is how was I impacted by these two movies?

Leaving Closer I was fairly confident I had never been more offended by a movie. I was blown away by the dialogue and some of the content and themes. I also consider this movie one of the dirtiest I have ever seen without a single sex scene. If you have not seen this movie it is about two couples; Jude Law and Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. It explores the complexities of these relationships when these two couples meet each other. The offensiveness of the film is not necessarily the fact that they cheat and lie to each other, it is how they discuss it with each other. The brutal honesty that each person needs to maintain their sanity. Up to that point in my life I had never seen how complicated a relationship could truly be when there was not an inherent trust between the two people.

Revolutionary Road was released 4 years later. My interaction was very different. Revolutionary Road is based on a book by Richard Yates. It is the story of a couple in the mid-1950’s that struggle with the idea of living the “Suburban Lifestyle”. It stars Kate Winslet and Leonardo Dicaprio (Their first time together since the juggernaut Titanic). This film is also an exploration of a relationship. However the difference here is that it seems to me that it is based upon the hope of a different future for the two of them. This movie also contained some of the most brutally honest scenes of intense dialogue I have ever seen.

The question that I am wrestling with is Reality vs. Fairytale, Fact vs. Fiction etc. I think of some of my favorite paintings, they are not the distorted realities of Picasso or Dali but the brutal reality of Goya or Rembrandt. I appreciate both but I spend more thoughtful time on the latter. These things show us something of the world and culture that we live in.
When leaving both Closer and Revolutionary Road I uttered the same phrase, “If thats what an adult relationship is than I am not interested, no thank you.” When I first read some of the definitions above on honesty the third one seem to shine the most light on this line of thought, “Freedom of deceit or fraud” These movies do seem to show an aspect of this.

Growing up we are taught to be honest, do not lie, I mean there is a whole disney movie dedicated to the idea of telling the truth. But, this is not the type of honesty portrayed in these films. Honesty seems to encompass more than just simply our speech but how we conduct our lives. Living honest lives in every aspect. That may be why I have been so offended by these films because we have a voyeuristic opportunity to see morality played out in front of us. We are peeping toms looking in the window of these peoples lives watching them have a breakdown of morality. We have the leisure to watch and judge and dissect the themes in front of us.

The question I am wrestling with is which is it? Is it the simple principle, “I shall not tell a lie” that a young George Washington gave to us. Or is it something more brutal? Something that encompasses more of the person, the whole person.

The more I think about it I think I want brutality. I want complete and utter honesty in my relationships. I just don’t want to have to stumble upon the truth and then deal.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Summer Party Mix

Since Summer is coming to a close I have been transitioning to my winter music. I do this unconsciously every couple of months. I find myself only listening to certain things at certain times of the year. In my head my summer playlist looks like this: A large back deck, Tiki torches, cold beer and a lot of people talking. Kind of like the final scene in a teen drama when everything turns out alright. So, if I were to put together a playlist for that party these would be the songs on that list.

Ryan Adams- Gold- New York, New York
This has been a summer stand by for years. When May 1st roles around I bust out this album, it sounds the best with the windows down and the temp at least 90 degrees.

Avett Bros- Kick Drum Heart
Any song that you can clap along to screams summer. As an added bonus a great use of a simile.

Counting Crows - Accidentally In Love
All parties have an undefined sense of discovery. Who knows what lies ahead for that single boy and girl?

Outkast- Southernplayalisticcadillacmusic
This song should play as the sun is going down. Right at dusk. It will do wonders to your party.

Beastie Boys- So Whatcha Want
Play this song when you as the host or hostess want to play some Twister or Pin the Tail on the Donkey and no one will be able to say no.

Huey Lewis and the News- I Want a new Drug
If the party is lagging this is a good conversation starting song. For Example; “If you were to have a new drug what would it be?”

Jay-Z - Lucifer
Jay-Z’s rhymes, Kanye West’s Production, you really don’t need anything else.

White Stripes - Hotel Yorba
With themes like love and marriage a great addition for all those afraid to take the next step couples.
A Tribe Called Quest- Jazz
If possible this song should always follow the Outkast song. When planning the perfect party mix it always about flow. The Tribe created flow.

The Black Keys - 10 a.m. Automatic
Rule number one for a good party: People have to be there. 10 A.M. automatic will keep them there until wee hours.

What would your Summer party mix Look Like?

Two Weeks in...

Well, I have moved to California and realized something after being here for about two weeks. California is far away. So far in fact that I am three hours behind my family and friends. To be honest I have never really liked being behind others. It's an uncomfortable place to be. Hopefully you East Coast guys will have the common courtesy to tell me if anything happens in the future.
I have moved here to attend Fuller Theological Seminary in pursuit of a Masters in Divinity. I am looking forward to beginning my higher level theological education and will keep you updated on all textual criticism breakthroughs.

Since I have moved to the West Coast I have decided to completely immerse myself in all things West Coast. I am now a Dodgers fan. I joined the bloods and waiting to hear back from Brangelina in hopes that they will adopt me.