Re: Disassembling

Re: Disassembling

Our house is coming apart. As it becomes barren I recall brightly the day the landlady first walked me through back in June 2003. On that day for a brief moment I thought I could be on her good side. Boy, was I ever wrong. I celebrate because as of today I'll probably never see her or the handyman again. And if I do it will be on a return visit, not as a tenant.

Donna's mom and grandma left sometime this morning. We've decided we need to make two trips in order to get everything there. We'll make the first one tomorrow carrying our records and whatever else we can wedge in. We're going to finish cleaning the place tonight. We'll get to bed early at 10-ish and get up early at 4-ish.

We should get to Jackson at noontime. We're leaving our junk at her mom's house until we're ready to take it to Nashville. We'll unload, congregate and eat. We'll sleep that night and wake early again to get back sometime Sunday afternoon. We'll call it "Jet-Lag Weekend."

There remain a few small chores to be done, like getting the phone and power turned off and filing a change of address. Our house is coming apart. Our lives here are almost only memories. Our new home will be coming together in no time at all. We'll find ourselves assembled into a whole new scene.

What always makes a person miss a place is the people who share that place. The shame of a college town is that people come and go, no matter how indispensible they are. Almost every friend I've made here has moved on. Were it not for that I'm sure it would be harder to leave Graceville. But that is the case and so I don't find leaving difficult in the least.

I know for certain my old friends will never be replaced. Still, I can't help but look forward to befriending people who have, for all practical purposes, settled.

I'll leave off with this. I was contacted today by the good folks at the Ryman Auditorium where I had put in an application. They want me to get in touch with them as soon as I'm moved in. I have a good feeling about it. It's all coming together.

Church

Being that I am not serving in a church currently, I struggle with finding some place to call my home, so to speak. Church for me has always been more conventional, than essential. I know my thoughts are flawed and I am really trying to strive to be faithful to not forsake the fellowship with other believers through corporate worship. However, I'm lazy a lot and like to sleep past noon as much as possible. Enter the problem. While I still have not found a really likeable church here in New Orleans, I do have the liberty to goto different churches that I have never attended before. This is a story about last Sunday.

At first, when I decided to attend this specific church, I wasn't really sure how many people I wanted to tell. I knew my reasons for going, but I didn't want other people to come along who did not have my same intentions. So I got up and went by myself. It was quite an experience.

I attended the First Unitarian Universalist of New Orleans. It was an interesting experience, to say the least. While I knew their theology more in regard to the Universalist side, they are quite syncretic. Of course they supposedly hold more educational and ethical stances that closely fall in line with Judeo-Christian teaching, but they see nothing wrong with Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, or any other religion because they all lead to Heaven (ala, Universalism).

So, I'm there. Quite awkward the whole time. Two ladies talked to me, which was nice. Though both of their conversations, after the name-game intros, were questions along the lines of, "How did you find us?" One lady even warned me, "We're not like a lot of other churches." Yeah, I noticed.

The service was pretty basic and bland. The music, though not on the same level of professionalism as protestant churches, was pretty horrible. Off key singing, piano, and off-time tambourine playing. Their hymnals are quite funny. The "hymns" are pretty vague, almost coded, songs to the "creator" and such. I was hesitant to sing along.

The "UU's" (as they refer to themselves) were pretty funny looking too. I don't mean that in a disrespectful or hateful way. It wasn't like they were the rejected-type people of society (homeless, poor, ugly, downtrodden, etc). It was more like, the emotionally unstable people and the egocentric folk who thrive on controlling those types of people's lives (just my perception and opinion).

Now it was about time for the sermon. The minister just recently accepted the call of the church. This was her second Sunday there. The minister, a lesbian, was not a horrible orator. She seemed educated. Her "message" was basically an exegesis, if it can be, of a business book that is on The New York Times Bestseller list. She gave the people some inspiring words from this guy's writing. There wasn't even a mention of the Bible. Oh wait, she did mention the Bible. The minister mentioned that the church would continue to grow and care for people if it's members would do one thing: keep their word. Her reference to John 1, where "word" [Greek]logos was used. ("In the beginning was the Word.") She emphatically spoke about being true to your word, again citing that verse. I don't think she knew that "Word" means Jesus.

Finally, for the benediction, she asked us to do something different. She asked the congregation to form a circle around the church, hold hands, and listen to a song that she thought was special. It was a recording of a woman singing a very noticeable song. Me, not trying to purposely attract attention to myself, got up and joined them for their "oneness" time. The song seemed familiar at first. Then, I knew exactly what it was. We were listening to John Lennon's "Imagine." Hahaha. I couldn't believe it. I was tempted to sing it because it's hard to not sing songs I know. But I refused. I definitely don't mean it the way they were taking it. I kind of liked that song before, but now, it seems remiss to enjoy it knowing what people use it for (besides everybody else's views that John wrote specifically to be entirely Atheistic, Communistic, or Fascist).

When the service was over, I was ready to go. I went with hopes to maybe build relationships, but I mostly just went to see what it was like. I filled out a guest registration thing, so maybe the minister would call me, and I could talk to her some. This really was a good experience. Now I remember what it feels like to be in an uncomfortable place. I bet non-Christians attending our churches for the first time have a lot of these same feelings that I experienced.

I think this Sunday I'll stick with a church that actually believe that Jesus is the way, truth, and the life. Or maybe I'll just sleep in.

Points and Non-Points

Points and Non-Points

I'm not going to review Songs for Silverman yet.
I sit here in the school's computer lab where new flat screen computers have just been installed.
A mellow guy was just asked by an uptight girl to "step outside" . They had something to discuss. That was embarrasing(for him) but fun and exciting(for me).
When I'm having to work with someone and I get mad I like to pretend I may have an asthma attack.
The gland on the left side of my jaw has been swollen for a few days.
We've almost got our apartment cleaned out.
65-70% of all we had will be donated, sold or thrown away.
We're keeping a meager 30-35% of our stuff.
Most of that is clothes and records.
And yet, the mom and grandma act as though we have such an incredible amount of stuff.
I insist it seems like a lot because we live in a 600 sq. ft. apartment.
I have 14 minutes to finish this post. That's when Donna gets out of class.
It's hard to be thankful when people are overbearing.
Then we'll go back to the apartment and finish loading her grandma's van up.
Her grandma thinks it absolutely necessary for us to leave our apartment spic-n-span.
I think the goal is to get our stuff out. I think to go to any lengths to clean would be to do the management a favor and I refuse to do that.
Afterall, by way of a loophole I never paid a deposit and thus, don't have one to get back.
7 minutes.
The mom wonders if they should go ahead and leave in the morning because the van will be full.
I think that's a good idea.
I like and appreciate them but would rather hang out under different circumstances.
Grandma is worried that if we overload the van a tire will blow out.
If we were hauling a hundred cement blocks I could understand.
Everything I loaded up was repositioned after I walked away.
If I hear "if ya'll could just move to Jackson" one more time I'll...grin and bear it.
Conversation runs incessant on if our car will be able to carry what remains. They think maybe to come back, and again it's a nice gesture, but an unnecessary one.
Somehow they can't see how empty the house has gotten.
Donna's gone overtime, so I have to wrap this up. She'll be here any second.
All in all, packing up has been fun.
Our getaway plan is really coming to life. That is, there's no turning back. That is, there's no way I'm unloading that van anywhere but Nashville.
I look forward to getting new things, like a new couch and dining table. On the other hand, grandma thinks it is unfit to live without this kind of furniture.
She worries for us that even for a short time we won't have them.
The only two people in Graceville that I'll really miss is Ms. Connie and her dog, Bushido.
I don't think my parents understand that we really are serious about leaving.
Well, they'll see.
I'm tired and I need to run.

Eradicate ya later,

An Epic Adventure of CD Acquisition

An Epic Adventure of CD Acquisition-or-How I got my copy of Ben Folds' Songs for Silverman.

A few weeks ago I decided I wouldn't buy a new cd until we were settled in Nashville. It wasn't that I had been buying too many, actually my quarterly spending on music was at an all-time low. I had, however, already been anticipating the release of a select few albums. It was these that I had been looking forward to for three years or longer. When I decide something like this fast, even if it is needless, I stick to my guns. I was really going to follow through, I swear.

What happened was well, it was my birthday. The thought of breaking down and buying Ben Folds' latest had been etching itself into my brain. That day I desperately pleaded with Donna to let me. Her plan had actually been to let that be part of my birthday. Of course, she would have had it on the day except it wasn't due out for another few days. Her plan was to tell me in the card. But since I asked she went ahead and told me.

Monday we went to Wal-Mart with Ms. Connie and Rosie. We were picking up ingredients for a meal we would all share later. I asked Donna if I could go over to the entertainment section. I had convinced myself that I'd be able to talk a young punk into selling the album a day early. I wanted to do this for the sake of the music, but also because we've been conserving gasoline and the thought of making a trip just for a cd was one I couldn't stomach. Donna did not think it would be a good idea. We were, afterall, only to be there for a few minutes. I would not go aganist her wishes. I pouted and was depressed at the lost opportunity.

The story took a turn for the good yesterday afternoon. Ms. Connie had to make a trip to Chipley and she invited us along. Back in Wal-Mart I trotted off on my own. I made a mental note of the significance of the occassion. It felt special, indeed. I found it. Got my hands on it and looked it over. Anticipation built. I was greeted by my wife and our friend. We went to the checkout. Anticipation built. I wrote the check over so we could eat at McDonald's.

In the van I struggled to remove the cellophane. Soon I found myself eyeball to eyeball with the face of the compact disc. I took the liner notes out, flipped through, but mostly only looked at the pictures. I refused to read the lyrics before hearing the music. I refused to play the disc, as much as I wanted to, because in the past I've discovered that to introduce a person to someone they've not heard much of on the initial listen of an album is only bad news.

Back home. The moment had to be perfect. Absolutely perfect. Donna had to call her mom and she wanted to take a shower. I wanted everyone in the house to be in tune and ready when this great moment occured. No one could be left out. The wait seemed eternal, but soon enough we were comfortably sitting on the livingroom floor. First, we would watch the DVD documentary that came with the disc. This would build the anticipation and intensity just right. Then...

The moment of truth came. And wow. I heard music...as though there's any other way to take it in. I wasn't disappointed. I'll say that much. I was pleased to finally live in this moment. I knew I'd like the music more once I knew the words. I knew this mission of learning all the words would be my next mission. I would pursue it fiercely...but until then...stay tuned for my review.

Thanks pal.

Countdown Revisited

Countdown Revisited

0 days until Ben Folds' Songs for Silverman is released
4 days left under the tyranny of Graceland Manor
6 days until Ryan Adams' Cold Roses is released (I get an advance copy this week.)
13 days until Weezer's Make Believe is released.
14 days until we leave for Nashville

O Sweet Redemption.

In Memoriam

Dr. Lee died Saturday at 3:30 am. He was 73. He served as professor of Old Testament for something like forty years. He was a rare kind of a man, in every way. It wouldn't be hard to do a laundry list of his positive attributes. More importantly, what we saw in him was the personification of "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." He was surely a brilliant man, but what we remember instead is a great spiritual legacy. A person wouldn't have to have a series of long conversations with him to know this. He taught God's word and mostly those were the words from his mouth. What was remarkable about this, however, was not his profound skill of oratory. Instead, it was this: That the scripture was deeply personal to him. I've never seen anything like this and I fear I may never see it again. He may not have wanted me to go on about him like this. But, if I insisted he would be honored, deeply honored at the suggestion that he leaves such an incredible legacy of faith. If he would be remembered at all, he would want to be remembered like that.

A Day Celebrated

A Day Celebrated

It's the end of day. It's the perfect end of a perfect day. What better way to end it than to take a few minutes to key it into the computer.

Thtoughout my life as holidays and days of celebration have come to a close I've almost always felt an immediate and overwhelming sense of loss. To come down from such a high was devastating. My anticipation of this has loomed ominous over those good times.

This time, however, it was different. It was really only another day, but it tipped the scale to weigh me a year older. This time the moment lived. The moment lived not for the sentiment or simply so we could say "we did". It existed for it's own ambition: that we could all live too.

We are inspired by its life and as a result we live more inspiringly. I've come to a place in life where I see that a great day is more than the sum of its parts. In it lies something more profound. We can't expect a single day to defeat what made other days bad or mundane.

To quote Bruce Hornby, what we can do is "kick at the darkness til it bleeds daylight." What we usually do, instead, is accept the darkness. We can't afford to be passive about our hope for better days or our desire to make things better.

In essence: to live is not to survive, to live is to die trying. That is kind of what I learned today. More to come later...

It's Never Fun To Be Left Out (Like In The First Grade)

Too many times
I use the same old lines
To express my deepest feelings
Although I've tried
To recount the reasons why
It's much too painful
With all of the reasons met
The secrets unrevealingly kept
I thought I had the truth
But when routine got in the way
Modernists showed their face
And I just sank within
You see, it wasn't so short
The time when he and you used to court
Once again, I was left out
Do I expect to be included
Into your lives which are absolutely diluted
It's not like me to assume that much
But now that it's over
And you have picked all his four-leafed clovers
You want to come back
And reuse mine

Tell Your Friends and Neighbors

I am selling 65 Christian books on eBay.

900 Numbers Are For Rich People

There is a new Pope and I don't care. Good news though, in my own little self-centered little world, I am feeling better than yesterday.

Also, I need help. If you are currently or have recently served in a church, would you please answer these questions and mail to jeffyjeff[at]gmail[dot]com them to me as soon as possible. It's a class assignment. Thanks!

Your name and where you serve[d]

1. When did you first feel a call to be a [insert your ministry] and when did you confirm it?

2. How did you prepare for your call to the ministry (academic background)?

3. What is your understanding of a personal call to ministry?

4. What is your philosophy of ministry?

5. How big of an issue is it to continue in your education?

6. What are your met and unmet expectations of ministry?

7. Can you name the pluses and minuses of your ministry?

8. Do you feel that there is a specific call to your ministry?

9. What is the most challenging task you face in your ministry?

10. What is the most enjoyable aspect of your ministry?

11. What would you say is the most difficult topic to address in your ministry?

12. What is the hardest passage of Scripture or book of the Bible to teach?

13. How do you get the people in your ministry involved into the rest of the body of the church?

14. Do you have any advice for how to be an effective person in your ministry?

15. Can you give some suggestions for people who are training for your ministry?

Bah... Nobility

Have you ever wanted to commit social suicide? I have. I don't mean to permanently end life itself. More like, to kill the ever-pending struggle to find nightly entertainment via your black book. I, likely, among many of my friends, only struggle with things that are visibly obvious to others. I let people in on the problems that are hindering my current situation. For example, I didn't have any problems letting people know my car wasn't working. But today, I was so frustrated with the influx of crap penetrating my happy-go-lucky stance that I just wanted to get away. I wanted to shut everyone out of my life. I didn't want to kill myself, just my name. Don't call me because I don't want to talk. I didn't want to tell anyone anything. I didn't want to explain why I'm so unsatisfied with myself today. Why my bills weren't getting paid. Why I can't pay my rent. Why I can't seem to find a girl. Why I can't have a decent time when I pursue my relationship with God. Why I can't stop eating fast food. Why I can't get my kids to listen to me at work. Why I can't do a lot of other things. It's a lot of this that contributed to my foul mood, but these are the only temporal things that my mind could spout off at this early hour. I'm not in so much of an optimistic mood to solve all of my problems right now. Perhaps that is another post. Erstwhile. Anyway, I just needed to vent tonight before I fell asleep. Thus.

don't.kill.yourself.

My Needs, Your Wants

So I went to my first arena football (AFL) game tonight. It was pretty fun. Really loud though. I sound like an old man, but it's the truth. Some people in the group I went with were insistently trying to be obnoxious with their "noise makers" and it gave me a headache. AFL isn't as good as college or even the NFL, but it was fun. The New Orleans Voo Doo killed whoever they were playing (I can't even remember). Oh, it was the Columbus Destroyers, here's an article.

Afterward, we ate at IHOP. I don't know why, but New Orleans restaurants hate to split up checks. Matter of fact, the IHOP even had a printed out sign that read, "No Ticket Spliting [sic] On The Weekends."

I love the ghetto...

When I See You, I Don't See

Was I sweating before I saw you?
I surely am drenched now
Perspiration as a greeting card
Sitting beside you wasn't so hard

I should have tried that from the beginning
But, I was too busy
Had a good hand at poker; four cards all the same
I am still playing those unintelligent games

Following the clues still apply
In life and in love
You have to read the rules to play
No matter if you already won today

Turning and looking
Ignoring and passing
Back and forth, acting stupid and lame
Clandyland in your 20s is still a child's game

Mitch Died

Mitch Died.

My favorite comedian. Died. Two Weeks ago. And I just found out. I discovered this news rather inadvertently through a note posted on Ryan Adams' site.

There have been a lot of deaths recently. I suppose. When Johnnie Cochran died I commented to my fellow employee, "he was only in his sixeties." Ronnie said, "You can go at any time" and probably something about tomorrow isn't promised. And to this I said, "I know. I've had a lot of young friends die."

A lot of people have died recently but to me none of it was a big deal. I mean, the pope was old. Johnny Cash was old. And usually when celebrities die it's indirectly their fault. Mitch did drugs, yes, but would you believe he had been clean for ten years? That's right.

He died of a heart attack. Which could very likely be a result of his previous habit. But I don't care. This is more significant to me. I'd post a joke in his honor but this just ain't funny to me.

Ahhh

I have a car again. :)

Yes, It Is

So I found this out Friday, but I wanted to post Friday's post then because it was intended for Thursday but Blogger kept messing up.

I got $150 to fix my car.

Yeah, that's it.

I prayed that God would work it out for me, and He did.

I talked to the financial aid people and they had some emergency fund thing--I'm not really sure of all the details. But, I got the money. So, yeah, I'm amazed.

To God be the glory!

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

When I was a kid I once went to bed at 6p.m. and started the next day at 3a.m. That was a high for me. I got to wake up leisurely to the tune of Tom and Jerry cartoons. I was able to get ready at a pace I liked. And then just sit there and wait for time to go to school. I told a friend, Lee, about my discovery and my plans to do this every night from then on.

He said, "I do that." Of course, he lived on a farm. Needless to say, he didn't think much of my idea. As it turns out that plan fell through anyway, the very next night. God never intended me to be a rooster.

It's so eatly and I am awake. Donna had gotten up around four. I guess this stirred me. I heard her in the front of the house. I forgot she had gotten up and sat up like a nervous dog. I wanted to know who was in my house. I looked beside me and she wasn't there. I said, "Where are you?" She said, "in here getting a drink." I said, "Oh."

At this hour I wasn't exactly in my right mind. I wasn't imagining the typical intruder. Instead, I imagined it was the maintenance man. This is my brand of nightmare.

We sat up for a few minutes talking. I yammered on about friends and enemies. I have friends who'll defend my enemies- and that's okay I guess. I don't cherish the "privilege" of having qualms with someone, but I could stand to be more forgiving. Who couldn't? I guess what bothers me about their defense of my "enemy" is that I think their positive experience with that person should be equal or greater to my negative experience. I've never found this to be the case. Thus, it makes me feel like my disregard for the person is, in their eyes, as shallow as their limited experience with that person. I don't expect friends to side with me blindly on everything that should come up. But when a friend always insists on taking the role of devil's advocate in this scenario I am left to feel largely misunderstood.

By the time I got to this conclusion Donna was asleep again. I rested my head and was ready to return to sleep but then I sneezed. I had to get up to blow my nose and was then too awake to go back to sleep. So, I ended up here. I've written for an hour and am no tireder, but am no longer keen on sitting in this uncomfortable orange office chair.

I guess I'll go and continue my conversation with Donna. But don't worry, I won't wake her.

Like The Angels Said

My car is still sitting still. The problem is the starter. It's $200 bucks. I'm trying to see if the mechanic will attempt to find me one from a junk yard or something. Ebay maybe. I'm waiting. God will work it out, but for now, I just have to wait and try to bum rides to work. My car insurance and rent is due this month also. I need a break.

I found an old movie I used to own at Wal-Mart today. It's Orange County and I had it before my apartment was broken in to. It's not that old, but it was only $4.88. It's not like I should be spending any money at all. But, since I'm going to be stuck here without a car for a while, I might as well enjoy my time.

Yesterday at the school, two people from Education Station (my boss and another lady) were observing the tutors the elementary school. Of all their criticisms of me, they said I didn't give the kids enough tokens; that I was stingy. (Tokens are their reward for being good. They get to goto a "store" to buy things.) They also said that I didn't start on time, which is true. Haha. I never do. But it's hard to get all my kids from their classes downstairs to the room upstairs. Finally, they said I didn't have my kids in a semi-circle, which is their policy. Never have children behind you. I was not aware of this, but I can work on that. I'm sure I wasn't the best teacher to be evaluated, but I know I didn't do the worst. At least I'm doing good at that and school.

Alright, I need to write some essays for Ethics.


Don't roll your eyes, sweetie pie. Or something.

Sleep+Fish=Smarts!

Sleep +Fish=Smarts!

I don't know why I'm so tired. That is, I slept 12 straight hours last night. I understand that too much sleep can make you tired but I needed that half a day's rest. Anyway, I'd like a word with the sleep fairy as tired as ever after having slept so much and without the day having been very stressful or eventful. On our T.V. we only get a channel or two. Coverage of the master's tournament just wrapped up for the night. Those golfers have reason to be tired. I don't. I feel like I've spent the day swimming. One of the great things about deep sleep is improved dream life. Yes, the plot lines have definetly improved. You'd think they were airing sweeps. Enough about that. Oh yeah, know what I dreamed last night? That I was educating my aunt about The Who, telling her all of their names and what they do. I said, "and the tricky part is Roger Daltrey sings but Pete Townshend writes the songs." To this my aunt said, "oh, right." I sensed a certain tone in her voice that I didn't like, a tone which seemed to say, "well this really isn't important now is it?" I don't know what that's all about, however, I think I'll lay back down and pick up this little chat where we left off. Maybe I'll ask her about this forsaken Neil Diamond posters she had.

The Older I Get the Higher that Number Is...

In 3 days it will be 3 months that I've been married.
That's 1/4th of the way through what everyone says will be the hardest on us. I must say add that so far it's been easier than any 3 months beforehand. This despite some people's belief that arguments prior to marriage don't count. They say this is a whole different ball game. I agree. It's a much more enjoyable ball game. Granted, this is not the most significant milestone but I foresee that the strength with which we have faced particular trials during these months and the previous 3 years shows we can handle it, with God's help of course. Boo to the naysayers.

In 17 days it will be 24 years that I've been alive.
I've never really thought of age as an accomplishment. I'm still alive, which is good, but age doesn't really prove anything. At least not usually. When I say that you may think of an old wise man or woman and say well, look at them, their age proves something. The same thought went through my mind but then I thought, "what about my grandmother?" It's certainly not by her good graces that she's made it this long. She's diabetic but will willingly eat herself into a coma. I'm the same way. I mean, I'm not alive by my own efforts. I don't remember to take my inhaler unless I'm wheezing badly and happen to spot it. Age proves survival, if anything. You see an old person and you can know only one thing for certain: they stayed alive. My grandmother is great but it's not an 86-year heartbeat that proves this. Instead, it's what she's done with her life. From everything I can tell though most people who are old just happen to still be around. That's pretty much it. All that being said I'm looking forward to my birthday. I'm insisting the family join me at a La Bamba's in Dothan...and most of them aren't too canny for Mexican food. "It's my birthday, shut up and eat a taco!"

Today completes the first week of my newborn niece's life.

It was 3 days ago that I completed my last day at the bookstore.
What? Why? Well, three reasons. 1. We are leaving no later than May 13, thus have a lot of work to do in regards to getting packed up. 2. So that I would have time and opportunity to contact potential employers about potential jobs. And most importantly, 3. I was really starting to hate that job...not a reason to quit something...but as the situation grew worse I feared I would lose my mind, kill a few people and quit off the handle, totally ruining this as work experience on my resume. Thus, I put in my notice. Doubt me if you will but I know it was time for me to go. If I can't get a job soon enough I'll sell my organs...and if need be, God forbid, I'll sell all my records.

In 25 days* we will be moving out of our apartment.
Thank you God. I liken this to being carried away in a chariot to heaven. This place has been nothing short of full-on harassment for me and Donna for the past couple years. You have to move out at the month's end and we figure this way we will save some money on a half a month of bills. We have some friends we are going to let us occupy their guest house for the remainder of our stay in this wasteland.

*This asterik means that we may be moving out sooner than previously anticipated. That's right, we could be forced to move out in 6 days. This is due to the fact that our landlady and maintenance man think they can enter in when they feel like it. He came in yesterday and discovered a sink full of unwashed dishes and two bags of trash ready to be carried out. Oh my! I can't believe we'd let our house get in such terrible shape. Give me a break. Anyway, because they were supposed to come in last week but didn't (it was spotless then) they considered his re-entry to be a reinspection. Long story short, we got a notice last night for non-compliance which means unless the matter can be resolved we are to be out in 7 days. I spoke with her this morning on the matter. She said she will reinspect and if it is clean she will allow us the luxury of staying. All I want is the rest of April. I think we deserve that.

In 38 or fewer days we will be getting the heck out of Dodge.
38 days is to the end of Donna's semester. She will more than likely be able to take her finals early and if so we can leave in 31 days. In any case, the count down clock is winding down fast. I'm for sure excited, but not too anxious. Right now, I'm just enjoying the moment...or at least most of the moments.

A Song: For Times Such As These

I've made some friends a CD. Here are the contents:

1. Brian Wilson - "Our Prayer/Gee" From Smile
2. Brian Wilson - "Heroes and villains" From Smile
3. Copeland - "Brightest" From Beneath Medicine Tree
4. Further Seems Forever - "Light Up Ahead" From Hide Nothing
5. Justin McRoberts - "Waiting On Your Love" From Father
6. Anberlin - "A Day Late" From Never Take Friendship Personal
7. The Yardbirds - "For Your Love" From For Your Love
8. University - "Sorry To Say" From Unreleased???
9. Dashboard Confessional - "Vindicated" From Spiderman 2 Soundtrack
10. MxPx - "The Silver Screen" From The Acoustic EP
11. NOFX - "Franco Un-American" From The War On Errorism
12. Ben Kweller - "Family Tree" From Sha Sha
13. The Get Up Kids - "Company Dime" From Something To Write Home About
14. Miles Davis - "It Never Entered My Mind" From Workin'
15. Ramones - "Don't Come Close" From Road To Ruin
16. Stretch Arm Strong - "Miles Apart" From Engage
17. Appleseed Cast - "Innocent Vigilant Ordinary" From Two Conversations
18. Death Cab For Cutie - "Title and Registration" From Transatlanticism
19. The Cure - "Friday I'm In Love" From Wish
20. Pedro The Lion - "The Fleecing" From Achilles Heal
21. The Beatles - "Golden Slumbers" From Abbey Road
22. The Beatles - "Carry That Weight" From Abbey Road
23. The Beatles - "The End" From Abbey Road

Sorry Your Pope Died

There's been a lot of notable names of people dying recently. I hope I'm not next. Good luck has always been a curse.

My Car Makes Me Sin

Like the old Silage song...

My car has been parked in the same spot for almost 36 hours because it is not working. I'm not sure what's wrong with it. It doesn't seem to be the alternator, which is good. Maybe I'll just have to buy a new battery. It wouldn't jump off today. I've got a guy looking at it. My laptop is messed up for the moment too. Oh yeah, when I was in the computer lab trying to print out my annotated reference lists, which were due today, it wouldn't let me add page numbers.

Why does technology hate me?