Well, the inevitable happened last night. I got into a fight with my Grandma about music. 6 months ago I gave her a copy of Better Than Dead Air: The EP so she could hear what OJK sounded like. Suprisingly her and my Grandpa listened to it alot, had my uncle listen to it, and they liked it. And by like it I mean they didn't throw the CD at a cow. They liked it as much as old people can like rock. She told me there was just something missing about it tho. I held my breath and waited for it.......and she asked if we were a Christian band. I knew it was coming, it has been for a long time now. So I explaned that we were 4 Christian guys in a band. She asked if our lyrics were Christian. This led to a conversation on music and bands and Christian bands and why she thought I was condemned to hell. Ok, she didn't say that, but she did say that we would be much more successful if our music was Christian. Not because of the market for Christian music, but because God blesses those who serve in his kingdom. At this point my dad couldn't take it any longer and asked her (keep in mind this is his Mother In Law) if she believed Rockafeller was the most Christian man to ever live. "Well, no, of course not" she said. The arguement ensued that he was vastly successful in business, and that must have been a direct blessing from God for being such a good Christian. I don't think my grandma liked that any cause it basically shot her theory down to heresy. Needless to say, the conversation soon ended and I (with some well timed and well spoken help from my dad) convinced everyone in the room (with the exclusion of my grandma probably) that an artist in any medium need not be expressly Christian to be influencial, successful or a Christian. So in the end, she said she has no doubt our music will be popular and I probably got myself written out of the will. She said we would be popular, but unless we were expressly Christian, we wouldn't be successful. I'm interested to see if she brings it up again, I kinda hope she does. My dad later thanked me for most likely getting us disowned from the family. Hehehe. I fould the whole thing rather an educational experiance (although it was my grandma who got schooled), and entertaining, especially when my dad jumped in on my side. So thats my grand adventure from the evening.
______ of the day: Hope floats, but kitchen sink.
The 'holey-bread!-break-is-almost-over!' Ogukuo
26 December 2006
And now for something we hold you'll really like
So I celibrated my 2 dozenth Christmas yesterday. I've decided that the best part of Christmas is family. I got a few fun gifts, but the best part of the whole ordeal was card games and throwing around stories with all the cousins. 
Heres one cousin and 4 first cousins once removed. Yup, theres a whole new generation of males in the Van Dyken lineage to carry on the tradition of lacking a girl. So far the tally is up to 6 in my generation and 4 in the next generation sans gf. Of course the oldest of the next gen is only a freshman in highschool, so they have some time.
Here's the parental units being all jolly and such.
Here's Grandpa. He was celibrating his 94th Christmas. Most of his gifts were chocolate, which he was more than willing to share :).
So one of my gifts was a new digital camera, which is to thank for new addition of pictures to my blog. Its a fun toy. Can't wait to get back and do some shooting around with friends at parties like everyone else. And I can show off all the pictures of my family and place of dwelling. I've finally given into digital, but of course, strictly for the reason of capturing memories. I'll stick to film for the artistic realm. Hopefully I'll capture some of that later this week. I hope to head up to the mountains and to see them and perhaps shoot a few shots. That is, assuming it clears up by then. Its supposed to be raining here tonight and tomorrow. At least its not terribly cold, somewheres in the 50s.
Ok, I suppose thats all I have for now. I'm sure I'll have more to say once I've gotten together with my old buddies later this week. Crazy times (such as a game of Risk) are always around the corner with this group!! Maybe even a rousing game of "remember in high school when..." Oh yeah, crazy dangerous group.
______ of the day: Commas are raining in the chit-chat area of sector G.
The Christmas'd Ogukuo
Heres one cousin and 4 first cousins once removed. Yup, theres a whole new generation of males in the Van Dyken lineage to carry on the tradition of lacking a girl. So far the tally is up to 6 in my generation and 4 in the next generation sans gf. Of course the oldest of the next gen is only a freshman in highschool, so they have some time.
Here's the parental units being all jolly and such.
Here's Grandpa. He was celibrating his 94th Christmas. Most of his gifts were chocolate, which he was more than willing to share :).
So one of my gifts was a new digital camera, which is to thank for new addition of pictures to my blog. Its a fun toy. Can't wait to get back and do some shooting around with friends at parties like everyone else. And I can show off all the pictures of my family and place of dwelling. I've finally given into digital, but of course, strictly for the reason of capturing memories. I'll stick to film for the artistic realm. Hopefully I'll capture some of that later this week. I hope to head up to the mountains and to see them and perhaps shoot a few shots. That is, assuming it clears up by then. Its supposed to be raining here tonight and tomorrow. At least its not terribly cold, somewheres in the 50s.
Ok, I suppose thats all I have for now. I'm sure I'll have more to say once I've gotten together with my old buddies later this week. Crazy times (such as a game of Risk) are always around the corner with this group!! Maybe even a rousing game of "remember in high school when..." Oh yeah, crazy dangerous group.
______ of the day: Commas are raining in the chit-chat area of sector G.
The Christmas'd Ogukuo
21 December 2006
Friends and Theology (not related, just my chosen rant topics tonight)
People are leaving, most have left. Some I'll never see again. Or rarely will. I miss them already. Maybe sticking around Dordt will make things harder in the long run. Instead of a clean break, I deal with losing friends every few months. So heres a question, is it worth sticking around for the quality times you know you'll have if it also prolongs the pain of goodbyes? I could be back in CA right now not caring about people leaving Dordt. My mood would be better, I'd be happier. But I'd also have missed all the fun of this past semester. And the fun of this coming semester, even tho its gonna suck with people leave in May as well. I dunno what the answer is. Maybe its a good life lesson. Or maybe I'll keep stronger long distance friendships with these people because I stuck around. Time will tell, I guess.
Saturday I head down to Blair, NE. As near as I can tell, I get to bake brownies and Christmas cookies, have spagetti for supper, and sleep on a sofa bed. Yay. I'm looking forward to it. And Sunday I head to Eppley Airfield, Denver, Sacramento, and home (God and weather willing, mostly God, of course). This will be the first time flying on a Sunday. Perhaps that doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is to me. I really wanted to book a flight on Friday or Saturday, but Sunday being Christmas Eve, it was much cheaper (and it had to do with work sch, among other things). Growing up, Sunday was reserved for church, family time, relaxation, and naps. We never went out to eat, shopping, or even gassed up the car. Nothing that would require us to "work", or to make others "work". I still try to avoid eating out or shopping or anything like that on Sunday. I know, that sounds old fashioned and very letter of the law. I struggle with what to make of the whole thing. Of course, theres the OT law, very strict and rule oriented, and the NT interpretation by Jesus that encouraged the spirit of the law, but how far before the meaning is lost altogether? I guess for me, Sunday is more about what you do, not what you don't do. And by doing something like flying, I believe I'm missing out on the important aspects of Sunday, such as relaxing. And I could try to justify it by saying I'll nap on the plane, or I can read the Bible on my layover. Way to aspire to that letter of the law!! I know Pastor Herm did a sermon a while back on the meaning of the Sabboth, and he came to a very different conclusion than what I hold to. So does that mean I'm wrong? Of course, if I come to the conclusion that I agree with him, it goes against what was taught in the church I grew up in, so would that make me wrong? What a wonderful catch-22. So the answer is I don't know. Perhaps it isn't a defined sin to grocery shop on Sunday or go out for coffee after church. But its something I personally am gonna try to avoid. And please don't take this as me preaching at you if you do those things on Sunday, I'm not. I'm merely working it out in my own mind. You're just lucky (or bored) enough to come along for the ride.
So, as with so many other posts, I again have no idea where this came from, just a rant. Now I turn to the panel for your input....
_____ of the day: Today is the first day of winter, 4:30 am, in Iowa, and its raining outside!! Not snowing, sleeting, freezing rain, no, real rain!!!!
The breaked Ogukuo
Saturday I head down to Blair, NE. As near as I can tell, I get to bake brownies and Christmas cookies, have spagetti for supper, and sleep on a sofa bed. Yay. I'm looking forward to it. And Sunday I head to Eppley Airfield, Denver, Sacramento, and home (God and weather willing, mostly God, of course). This will be the first time flying on a Sunday. Perhaps that doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is to me. I really wanted to book a flight on Friday or Saturday, but Sunday being Christmas Eve, it was much cheaper (and it had to do with work sch, among other things). Growing up, Sunday was reserved for church, family time, relaxation, and naps. We never went out to eat, shopping, or even gassed up the car. Nothing that would require us to "work", or to make others "work". I still try to avoid eating out or shopping or anything like that on Sunday. I know, that sounds old fashioned and very letter of the law. I struggle with what to make of the whole thing. Of course, theres the OT law, very strict and rule oriented, and the NT interpretation by Jesus that encouraged the spirit of the law, but how far before the meaning is lost altogether? I guess for me, Sunday is more about what you do, not what you don't do. And by doing something like flying, I believe I'm missing out on the important aspects of Sunday, such as relaxing. And I could try to justify it by saying I'll nap on the plane, or I can read the Bible on my layover. Way to aspire to that letter of the law!! I know Pastor Herm did a sermon a while back on the meaning of the Sabboth, and he came to a very different conclusion than what I hold to. So does that mean I'm wrong? Of course, if I come to the conclusion that I agree with him, it goes against what was taught in the church I grew up in, so would that make me wrong? What a wonderful catch-22. So the answer is I don't know. Perhaps it isn't a defined sin to grocery shop on Sunday or go out for coffee after church. But its something I personally am gonna try to avoid. And please don't take this as me preaching at you if you do those things on Sunday, I'm not. I'm merely working it out in my own mind. You're just lucky (or bored) enough to come along for the ride.
So, as with so many other posts, I again have no idea where this came from, just a rant. Now I turn to the panel for your input....
_____ of the day: Today is the first day of winter, 4:30 am, in Iowa, and its raining outside!! Not snowing, sleeting, freezing rain, no, real rain!!!!
The breaked Ogukuo
18 December 2006
The greatest thing you'll ever learn...
is just to love and be loved in return.
I watched Moulin Rouge! tonight, but you coulda figured that out by the blog title if you've seen the movie. I liked it. I watched it a few years ago and didn't like it then. I'm pretty sure the movie hasn't changed... huh. Its evidentially part of an unofficial trilogy by director Baz Luhrmann. Its part 3, Romeo+Juliet is part 2, and Strictly Ballroom is part 1. Never heard of Strictly Ballroom, but I really like the other two, so I think I’ll check it out.
The weekend is over. I’m back to work for the week. But only til Friday morning, then I’m off for the rest of the year! Yay!! This weekend was a good weekend, over all. Went to morning church for the first time in a month today. Probably won’t again for quite a while . People seem to like condemning me for that. I guess it makes them feel extra holy or something. Good for them, if it gives them a self-serving high, who am I to reign down reality on them?
I think Christmas dinner with my family is gonna be interesting. Mostly cause I’ve changed, as in my taste in music, movies, views on politics, etc. I think I may be a bit outside of the “mainstream” of the rest of my family now. Lively discussion is eminent. And I look forward to it.
I’ve lost track of this post, so instead of wandering aimlessly thru random thoughts I’m just gonna pull the brakes now and save you a lot of time and eye rolling.
_______ of the day: the first part appears easy to fall into, but the second part seems to be impossible to attain.
The staying Ogukuo
I watched Moulin Rouge! tonight, but you coulda figured that out by the blog title if you've seen the movie. I liked it. I watched it a few years ago and didn't like it then. I'm pretty sure the movie hasn't changed... huh. Its evidentially part of an unofficial trilogy by director Baz Luhrmann. Its part 3, Romeo+Juliet is part 2, and Strictly Ballroom is part 1. Never heard of Strictly Ballroom, but I really like the other two, so I think I’ll check it out.
The weekend is over. I’m back to work for the week. But only til Friday morning, then I’m off for the rest of the year! Yay!! This weekend was a good weekend, over all. Went to morning church for the first time in a month today. Probably won’t again for quite a while . People seem to like condemning me for that. I guess it makes them feel extra holy or something. Good for them, if it gives them a self-serving high, who am I to reign down reality on them?
I think Christmas dinner with my family is gonna be interesting. Mostly cause I’ve changed, as in my taste in music, movies, views on politics, etc. I think I may be a bit outside of the “mainstream” of the rest of my family now. Lively discussion is eminent. And I look forward to it.
I’ve lost track of this post, so instead of wandering aimlessly thru random thoughts I’m just gonna pull the brakes now and save you a lot of time and eye rolling.
_______ of the day: the first part appears easy to fall into, but the second part seems to be impossible to attain.
The staying Ogukuo
14 December 2006
When darkness turns to light
Wednesday already. Well, Thursday, actually. For some reason this week is goin fast. WHich means this weekend will too, not good. I haven't posted in a while, but thats because I don't have anything to say really. Sunday night was cool, a very good show over all, not personally, but over all. Some connections made, friends made, fun time had, brownies eaten, Beej rocked.
A week from now I'll be getting ready to head home. I'm a little worried. I'm only gonna have 5 days or so to split between several different groups of people, all of whom I want to see and spend time with. And hopefully some time by myself. For the past 6 months I have wanted nothing more than to drive up into the mountains and spend some time just soaking it in. When I'm home I'll have that chance. If I can get away for a day to do it. No planned stops, no camera, no sled, only my senses to remember what true beauty is. I think we all need that once in a while. Sadly we rarely realize it, and even rarerly search it out. I'm gonna try. My heart could also use a refill on family and old friends. I fear coming back here and being hit by the full reality that is January.
Thats all for now folks.
_______ of the day: When all you got to keep is strong, move along move along
The moving-along Ogukuo
A week from now I'll be getting ready to head home. I'm a little worried. I'm only gonna have 5 days or so to split between several different groups of people, all of whom I want to see and spend time with. And hopefully some time by myself. For the past 6 months I have wanted nothing more than to drive up into the mountains and spend some time just soaking it in. When I'm home I'll have that chance. If I can get away for a day to do it. No planned stops, no camera, no sled, only my senses to remember what true beauty is. I think we all need that once in a while. Sadly we rarely realize it, and even rarerly search it out. I'm gonna try. My heart could also use a refill on family and old friends. I fear coming back here and being hit by the full reality that is January.
Thats all for now folks.
_______ of the day: When all you got to keep is strong, move along move along
The moving-along Ogukuo
10 December 2006
A good 3 point CRC sermon. Err, post I mean.
I think staying up all night has allowed me to really think about life and come to some conclusions about it. And I mean general conclusions, of course, I still don't know any specifics. So tonights ramblings consist of three parts: pt. 1, moving on; pt. 2, job; pt. 3, the future.
Part one: Moving on. It suddenly struck me (since I've been trying to deny it for a while) that several of my closest friends will not be around next semester, or after that, in most cases. It brings a tear to my eye, literally. I have a few more weeks, and then those relationships as I know them are over. I want as much time with you (and you know who you are) now while I can. I guess that makes me selfish. Or human. But, this isn't all bad. I mean people moving away is, but we have a new roommate for next semester, and people basically lining up for this summer. May not sound like a big deal, but it is to me, being rather poor and wanting roomies to spread the wealth and to hang out with. Yay for people who are sticking around :).
Part two: The job. Yeah, this is an interesting one. I'm really enjoying it, sans ending my social life at 10 pm most nights. I enjoy the free time at work, I enjoy being able to bake at work (hopefully more of that in the future), and most of all I think I'm going to enjoy working with the boys. Obviously right now I don't have much contact with them, but I know I'll be working some morning shifts at some point, and perhaps even days sooner or later. And I'm looking forward to it. I know these kids can have behavioral problems, but from everyone has said, its alot of fun to work with them, and they are really great guys. I'm looking forward to finding out for myself.
Part three: The future. So, here it is. I'm a California boy. Always have been, and evidentally always will be. Living in NW Iowa for the past 6 months I've come to realize how much I miss California. A few nights ago I was driving into work and was on a rather flat part of the country side, and for some reason the lights and trees and whatever suddenly looked just like an area along a road out in the country I drive down frequently back in CA. My heart skipped a beat, I wanted so badly to be back there. And today I got a package from my parents that had fresh oranges from our orange tree in our yard, as well as polmagranates. I've been eating oranges all summer, and what I got tonight was 10 times better than the best orange I ever bought in a store here. I miss mountains, the ocean, fresh fruit, fresh vegitables, the weather, and all that goes along with those things. And a million other small things. Ok, I know, I do have a ton of reasons why I dont like CA, and they still stand, but man, I really really miss all the things on the plus side. I've come to the conclusion that for the sake of myself I'm gonna have to move back to California sooner or later if nothing else convinces me otherwise. Such as finding someplace better. Sorry to Iowa people, but Iowa ain't it.
So thats that. Lemme know what you think.
______ of the day: Easy come, easy go, but what if it doesn't come easy?
The _______ Ogukuo
Part one: Moving on. It suddenly struck me (since I've been trying to deny it for a while) that several of my closest friends will not be around next semester, or after that, in most cases. It brings a tear to my eye, literally. I have a few more weeks, and then those relationships as I know them are over. I want as much time with you (and you know who you are) now while I can. I guess that makes me selfish. Or human. But, this isn't all bad. I mean people moving away is, but we have a new roommate for next semester, and people basically lining up for this summer. May not sound like a big deal, but it is to me, being rather poor and wanting roomies to spread the wealth and to hang out with. Yay for people who are sticking around :).
Part two: The job. Yeah, this is an interesting one. I'm really enjoying it, sans ending my social life at 10 pm most nights. I enjoy the free time at work, I enjoy being able to bake at work (hopefully more of that in the future), and most of all I think I'm going to enjoy working with the boys. Obviously right now I don't have much contact with them, but I know I'll be working some morning shifts at some point, and perhaps even days sooner or later. And I'm looking forward to it. I know these kids can have behavioral problems, but from everyone has said, its alot of fun to work with them, and they are really great guys. I'm looking forward to finding out for myself.
Part three: The future. So, here it is. I'm a California boy. Always have been, and evidentally always will be. Living in NW Iowa for the past 6 months I've come to realize how much I miss California. A few nights ago I was driving into work and was on a rather flat part of the country side, and for some reason the lights and trees and whatever suddenly looked just like an area along a road out in the country I drive down frequently back in CA. My heart skipped a beat, I wanted so badly to be back there. And today I got a package from my parents that had fresh oranges from our orange tree in our yard, as well as polmagranates. I've been eating oranges all summer, and what I got tonight was 10 times better than the best orange I ever bought in a store here. I miss mountains, the ocean, fresh fruit, fresh vegitables, the weather, and all that goes along with those things. And a million other small things. Ok, I know, I do have a ton of reasons why I dont like CA, and they still stand, but man, I really really miss all the things on the plus side. I've come to the conclusion that for the sake of myself I'm gonna have to move back to California sooner or later if nothing else convinces me otherwise. Such as finding someplace better. Sorry to Iowa people, but Iowa ain't it.
So thats that. Lemme know what you think.
______ of the day: Easy come, easy go, but what if it doesn't come easy?
The _______ Ogukuo
08 December 2006
Free time!
Wow, for the first time in 5 days I had a few free hours tonight where I wasn't working, sleeping, or driving between the two aforementioned activities. It was odd, I felt guilty sitting in the bean talking with friends. And at the same time, it was rapturous! Ok, dunno if thats a word, or if it is, if its slightly sputtonous. Probably not, oh well. It was like being at the townhouse on a weekend, but it was in the bean, the group of people was fun and exciting.
In a matter of 3 short hours I will be goin home to experiance a break of 40 hours from work, oh joy! And the highlight of those 40 hours will be the 1/2 hour I spend on stage tomorrow night at our show. Its been a while since we had a show, I'm glad we're having one again. Er, two again, since we have one on Sunday as well. And Jeff is back in town!! (or should be by this time, at least). So looking forward to seeing him. Hes one of those guys who I never really got to know, cause I met him too late and he left too soon, but I know hes a cool guy, and very much look forward to seeing him.
So I'm on two pages right now, one blogging, and the other looking at a Fender Jaguar. It is very pretty. And very expensive (by my standards). Wanna get me a Christmas present?? :) Ideally that will be my next big musical purchase, but who knows. If I actually start playing piano like I should and want to, perhaps I'll buy a decent keyboard first. And by keyboard I mean more like electric piano, or whatever you call those nice ones, not something that sounds like pain being delivered thru a 3 1/2 inch speaker. I should start taking lessons again not because I need to learn, but to force myself to actually practice.
Ok, I could go on, but then I'd never end, once again I apologize for a long post, and congradulate and thank you if you made it all the way thru.
_______ of the day: any one else like The Fray?
The in-the-dark Ogukuo
In a matter of 3 short hours I will be goin home to experiance a break of 40 hours from work, oh joy! And the highlight of those 40 hours will be the 1/2 hour I spend on stage tomorrow night at our show. Its been a while since we had a show, I'm glad we're having one again. Er, two again, since we have one on Sunday as well. And Jeff is back in town!! (or should be by this time, at least). So looking forward to seeing him. Hes one of those guys who I never really got to know, cause I met him too late and he left too soon, but I know hes a cool guy, and very much look forward to seeing him.
So I'm on two pages right now, one blogging, and the other looking at a Fender Jaguar. It is very pretty. And very expensive (by my standards). Wanna get me a Christmas present?? :) Ideally that will be my next big musical purchase, but who knows. If I actually start playing piano like I should and want to, perhaps I'll buy a decent keyboard first. And by keyboard I mean more like electric piano, or whatever you call those nice ones, not something that sounds like pain being delivered thru a 3 1/2 inch speaker. I should start taking lessons again not because I need to learn, but to force myself to actually practice.
Ok, I could go on, but then I'd never end, once again I apologize for a long post, and congradulate and thank you if you made it all the way thru.
_______ of the day: any one else like The Fray?
The in-the-dark Ogukuo
06 December 2006
Oops, I forgot a title
Greetings and welcome to another mid night fireside talk. I'm writing a bit early tonight, but I'm trying to avoid watching tv all night at work. I've kinda done that the last few nights, and I wanna get something productive done instead. Wait a minute, I'm blogging!! Well, its not tv, its a step in the right direction.
I had my first dream about work last night. Normally I'm off work at 6:30 just when the kids are getting up, but a a few times now I've stuck around for the morning ruitine of showers, breakfast, etc. That'll prolly happen more with bad weather delaying the morning people from coming in. Anyway, my dream was about the morning shift. And its wierd, cause it was partially very realistic, like I was actually in the home where I work, the kids I work with were here, and the layout was all the same. And I was helping them thru the morning ruitine that I'd actually be helping them with. But the dream was also very odd, cause there was one door in the room that lead to an indoor tennis court (FYI, that doesn't exist for realsies here). So when I had a few minutes between getting the boys ready and doin room checks, etc (which does happen, theres always a few breaks in the ruitine) I would step in there and play some tennis. I'd play for a while, then go back and keep the boys moving and getting ready for school. I dunno, very strange. Analize me, I'm sure its a sign of something.
On an unrelated note, I realized something yesterday (or Sunday, I dunno with my new sleeping sch its really hard to tell what "yesterday", "today", and "tomorrow" mean anymore). My group of 6 buds from highschool are all gonna be in Ripon over Christmas break. Kinda rare that we'll all be there at the same time, hasn't happened more than a few times since HS grad. Looking forward to it, should be some quality catching up time (most likely over lunch at Pizza Plus and a game of Risk, hurray for silly traditions!!). However, I realized that in the 5 years (yikes!!) since graduating HS, one of my old friends is married, 2 more are gonna be this summer, and all 5 of the guys besides me have "real" jobs. And here I am working the graveyard shift at a temporary job. Ok, its full time, pays decently, and I get some perks like paid days off, etc, but its by no means what I would call a career. And I have no hint of a girl. Seems like I'm kinda running last in the race. And part of me feels bad about it, since they are all getting settled into life and I'm not, while part of me is glad. I mean, I like still hanging out with all the college kids, having social gatherings every weekend and basically living bachelor life to its fullest (as in a messy room and unmade bed). And obviously there would be a significant sacrafice there when I find a job and/or girl. I was talking to someone this past weekend about how that special someone will change me. And duh, of course thats gonna happen. And finding a career type job will change me too. Part of me wants those changes, and part of my doesn't. And the part of me that doesn't seems to be holding on pretty strong since I'm taking no major steps towards changing either of those areas. Its gonna be interesting to look back in 5 years and see how I progress from a 23 year old hanging on to college life to being more settled down and living a "real" life. That is, assuming that in 5 years I've reached that point, tough to say. Who knows, by then I may be traveling the country in the biggest band since the Beatles.
Well, I have pleanty more to say, but I'll save it for later.
___________________ of the day: Thats an awefully big ____, I don't think I have anything profound enough to fill it
The "I'm 2/3 the way thru my 13 hour work day! yay!" Ogukuo
I had my first dream about work last night. Normally I'm off work at 6:30 just when the kids are getting up, but a a few times now I've stuck around for the morning ruitine of showers, breakfast, etc. That'll prolly happen more with bad weather delaying the morning people from coming in. Anyway, my dream was about the morning shift. And its wierd, cause it was partially very realistic, like I was actually in the home where I work, the kids I work with were here, and the layout was all the same. And I was helping them thru the morning ruitine that I'd actually be helping them with. But the dream was also very odd, cause there was one door in the room that lead to an indoor tennis court (FYI, that doesn't exist for realsies here). So when I had a few minutes between getting the boys ready and doin room checks, etc (which does happen, theres always a few breaks in the ruitine) I would step in there and play some tennis. I'd play for a while, then go back and keep the boys moving and getting ready for school. I dunno, very strange. Analize me, I'm sure its a sign of something.
On an unrelated note, I realized something yesterday (or Sunday, I dunno with my new sleeping sch its really hard to tell what "yesterday", "today", and "tomorrow" mean anymore). My group of 6 buds from highschool are all gonna be in Ripon over Christmas break. Kinda rare that we'll all be there at the same time, hasn't happened more than a few times since HS grad. Looking forward to it, should be some quality catching up time (most likely over lunch at Pizza Plus and a game of Risk, hurray for silly traditions!!). However, I realized that in the 5 years (yikes!!) since graduating HS, one of my old friends is married, 2 more are gonna be this summer, and all 5 of the guys besides me have "real" jobs. And here I am working the graveyard shift at a temporary job. Ok, its full time, pays decently, and I get some perks like paid days off, etc, but its by no means what I would call a career. And I have no hint of a girl. Seems like I'm kinda running last in the race. And part of me feels bad about it, since they are all getting settled into life and I'm not, while part of me is glad. I mean, I like still hanging out with all the college kids, having social gatherings every weekend and basically living bachelor life to its fullest (as in a messy room and unmade bed). And obviously there would be a significant sacrafice there when I find a job and/or girl. I was talking to someone this past weekend about how that special someone will change me. And duh, of course thats gonna happen. And finding a career type job will change me too. Part of me wants those changes, and part of my doesn't. And the part of me that doesn't seems to be holding on pretty strong since I'm taking no major steps towards changing either of those areas. Its gonna be interesting to look back in 5 years and see how I progress from a 23 year old hanging on to college life to being more settled down and living a "real" life. That is, assuming that in 5 years I've reached that point, tough to say. Who knows, by then I may be traveling the country in the biggest band since the Beatles.
Well, I have pleanty more to say, but I'll save it for later.
___________________ of the day: Thats an awefully big ____, I don't think I have anything profound enough to fill it
The "I'm 2/3 the way thru my 13 hour work day! yay!" Ogukuo
03 December 2006
Status Quo
I've come to a few realizations the past few days. First, I'm glad to be alive, and second, I want to be musical.
For anyone who is feeling down about life, I highly recommend watching Garden State. I watched it a few nights ago at work, and it made me so glad to be alive. I dunno, it just seemed to kinda kick me and say "hey, live life to its fullest, enjoy what you have, strive for what you don't, and cut your losses for what you can't have". Good words to hear, even in the abstract. Not to mention some recent events in my life have made me very grateful for what I have and what I take for granted. You probably don't know what I'm talking about, but be thankful with me for certain things that arn't nearly as bad as they could have been. I think being away from family is taking its toll. Being home for Christmas and seeing those who are the closest to me will be a very very good thing. I just wish they new me better for who I am and what I do. As much as I love my family, I don't think they get how much art and music play a part in my life. I guess its my job to try to enlighten them.
I also am going to try from this point on to make a concerted effort to spend more time playing piano, guitar, and writing music. Since those talents don't exactly shine at this point I want to work on them so that I can be more accomplished in them. I know somewhere buried deep down I really have a talent for music, its just a matter of finding it and practicing and bringing it out. And not working on that would be wasteful and sinful and just plain a shame. God, please give me discipline.
_______ of the day: I'll take boring over tragic
The thankful Ogukuo
For anyone who is feeling down about life, I highly recommend watching Garden State. I watched it a few nights ago at work, and it made me so glad to be alive. I dunno, it just seemed to kinda kick me and say "hey, live life to its fullest, enjoy what you have, strive for what you don't, and cut your losses for what you can't have". Good words to hear, even in the abstract. Not to mention some recent events in my life have made me very grateful for what I have and what I take for granted. You probably don't know what I'm talking about, but be thankful with me for certain things that arn't nearly as bad as they could have been. I think being away from family is taking its toll. Being home for Christmas and seeing those who are the closest to me will be a very very good thing. I just wish they new me better for who I am and what I do. As much as I love my family, I don't think they get how much art and music play a part in my life. I guess its my job to try to enlighten them.
I also am going to try from this point on to make a concerted effort to spend more time playing piano, guitar, and writing music. Since those talents don't exactly shine at this point I want to work on them so that I can be more accomplished in them. I know somewhere buried deep down I really have a talent for music, its just a matter of finding it and practicing and bringing it out. And not working on that would be wasteful and sinful and just plain a shame. God, please give me discipline.
_______ of the day: I'll take boring over tragic
The thankful Ogukuo
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