The Sound of Silence

God's Family

2010-10-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

I’m not a car guy. This is a well-recognized fact by anyone who knows me. Unfortunately, Saturday morning our car decided to not start. This resulted in me opening the hood, looking at the battery, and scratching my head. Within minutes, I was texting my buddy Mike, telling him we may want to bum a ride with him later in the day for a party we were all going to. He called me right back, and said he’d be over in a few minutes to see what he could do to help. Turns out a simple jump start did the trick. Not sure exactly what the problem was, Mike offered us his car if ours went on the fritz.

After working throughout the day Saturday, Sunday morning found us again with a non-starting car. This was more problematic, as we had a full day of visiting and church activities planned in Lynden, a good half hour drive away. A quick jump start from our neighbor didn’t get things running, and I made a call to cancel plans for visiting my grandparents that afternoon. My grandparents (in Lynden) told me that they would drive down and see what they could do. Thankfully, my car ineptitude isn’t hereditary, and I’m blessed with a Grandfather who is quite handy with all things mechanical. After a longer charge (and some apple pie and visiting) we got the car running again. The plan was to drive up to Lynden and bring the car by Grandpa and Grandma’s, where we could check the battery and a few other things to see what the problem was.

Becoming more nervous about getting up to Lynden to teach the rest of the week, my wife called her former roommate, Yuanita, to see about borrowing her car while she was away on vacation. The answer was yes (no surprise, if you are noticing the trend), and we stopped by the Bosscher’s to pick it up on our way to Lynden. Doug, the patriarch of the family, stepped out and tested the battery and cleaned up the terminals. From here, we continued on and had the battery fully charged at my grandparents.

That evening, we met with our small group from church. This resulted in multiple offers of rides if needed. After church, one of the elders walked us to our car to make sure it started, and to jump start it if need be.

What I thought would be a weekend of annoying car problems has really shown the family we have found around us. Each of these people was willing to do whatever the could to help us. Even to the point of dropping their own plans. I love having people I can call family, despite different races, ages, and political leanings. It’s really helping me redefine what I call family.

Return of the blog?

2010-10-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

I recently read an article (which I now cannot find) stating that the more means of communication we have (phones, facebook, twitter, texting, IM, blogs, skype, facetime) the less we actually make an effort to say anything.

This is my effort to change that. Yes, I've blogged twice in the last year. Yes, I've made the 'start blogging again' effort before. Yes, I assume that because I just spent 45 minutes changing the background and fonts on my blog that I will pay more attention to it. Here's hoping.

To start with, I will say that I'm going to spend this evening sitting at Woods Coffee talking with the high schoolers at my church. I'm a youth leader now. Weird.

I'm torn between blogging about whats happening in my life and my thoughts on whats happening in my life. I suppose a little of both would be good. More to come. Soon.

The trying again Ogukuo

Dr. Bob told me a story...

2010-04-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was talking to a friend of mine who has been a practicing dentist for 35 years. I'll call him 'Dr. Bob'. Dr. Bob was telling me of a patient of his, a 34-year-old man, who had literally been seeing him his entire life.

On one of his last visits, this patient told Dr. Bob that he had googled him to find out what his political views were. His patient looked at him and said "You're one of those tree-hugging environmentalists, aren't you?". Dr. Bob acknowledged that he was; and knew by the way his patient said this, that he may be in for a bit of a discussion. But his patient instead told him, "Eh, you're ok, anyway."

After telling me this story, Dr. Bob made a good point: all it takes is a long-lasting relationship with someone to overcome political differences.

Now I think of that story whenever I encounter someone who I don't see eye to eye with.

_______ of the day: What do we have to lose?

Ogukuo

New Job!!

2010-02-10T13:50:00.003-08:00

To echo my wife, I hate starting a post with "well, its time for another update", but what else can I say after 3 months of silence? Sorry folks!!

The biggest news of note is a new job for me! Tomorrow is my last day at my current job, and I'll be starting at Logos Bible Software next week! It's happened pretty quickly, and I'm excited about the change. I really like my job here, but it was time to make a decision to either try to advance here, or find another way to advance. I think Logos is going to be more in line with what I am looking for for a career. I'm starting in Customer Service, which is kinda bottom of the heap, but I'm hoping to learn the company there and see what openings come up in the future.

So, again, I'm making the claim to blog more regularly. Once I start the new job, I'll be off by 2:30 every day, so I'll be home by 3 most days and hopefully this will give me a bit more free time to do things like blog and read and paint and relax. You know, the things that usually indicate "having a life".

So, again, I'm promising to blog more often, and hopefully even update my blog format, as I realize it is horribly out of date. I think half the blogs I have linked don't exist anymore!

_____ of the day: I really, really want to explore Patos Island!!

The 'new frontiers' Ogukuo

New apartment!!

2009-11-01T14:16:00.002-08:00

After several months of religiously checking Craigslist and Property Management sites, Andrea and I have chosen an apartment to move into!!

Its on the outskirts of downtown Bellingham, on the corner of "H" St and Bancroft, if you happen to know Bellingham.

Its a two bedroom, 1.5 bath, one living room, one kitchen, upstairs apartment. Its got two smallish decks, one of which has a partial view of the Bellingham Bay!!

Its a 15 minute walk from downtown, and from the downtown bus station. Its a five minute walk from a small coffee shop, and has a small community theater across the street. Its a few blocks from the Lighthouse Mission, where homeless people are welcomed in. Its a 5 minute walk to a park with tennis courts, and the church where we have Tuesday night Chorale rehersals. Its a 20 minute walk to the marina, and another park down there.

The second bedroom will be perfect for visiting guests and dignitaries. So come visit!!

I'll try to post pictures once we've moved in (in about 2 weeks).

______ of the day: despite this exciting news, most of my joy right now comes from a wonderful morning of fellowship with friends at church.

The moving Ogukuo

City of Subdued Excitement

2009-10-16T11:21:00.006-07:00

This post is inspired by an email Andrea got yesterday (you know who you are).

Reasons to live in Bellingham:

1. Its big, but not too big. There is pleanty of things to do around town, but is not overly crowded.

2. Its small, but not too small. You see people you know around town, but its not a small-town rumor mill.

3. Its by the water. Sailing, kayaking, ferry rides, and multiple parks/paths along the waterfront to take it all in while staying on dry land.

4. Its by mountains. Mt. Baker is less than 2 hours away, and has skiing, great vistas, and hiking trails (if you want a challange). There are also lesser mountains around that present great hiking opportunities.

5. Its located between two international cities. Seattle and Vancouver, BC are both easy day trips. And they both offer endless places to search out and explore.

6. Its got a decent bus system. Even living in Lynden currently, I take the bus to work every day. Once we move to town, we'll be able to do alot more on the bus system.

7. Its got great places to buy food. The community co-op, Trader Joes, and a weekly Farmers Market. As organic as you want to be!!

8. Its surrounded by wineries. There are at least half a dozen small, independent wineries right around the area. And I know there are more right across the border in Canada.

9. Its got breweries!! I know of two beer breweries in town, both are great places to go tasting, or to eat!

10. Its got great resteraunts. Everything from the aforementioned breweries to gourmet pizza places to snooty Italian resteraunts to great seafood places to small cafes.

11. Its got cultural attractions. An independant cinema, small community theaters, art walks, an annual festival of music, the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra, and several community choirs (Andrea and I sing in one of them).

12. Its got seasons. And I mean more than just summer and winter like the midwest gets. Spring and Fall are great, Summer means long days, but nice temperatures. Winter is a bit dark and rainy, but worth it overall.

13. Its near Lynden. Thats right, if you need to explain to any of your Dutch relatives where it is, you just say its near Lynden.

14. Its got an airport. And direct flights to the Bay Area. Or Vegas. Or Phoenix.

15. LinuxFest Northwest. I don't even know what that is, but it may interest some people.

16. Its got great parks. Big parks, small parks, parks with lakes, waterfalls, ponds, parks on the bay, parks with hiking trails, bike trails, frisbee golf, and tennis courts.

17. Its got great downtown atmosphere. Downtown has lots of coffee shops, restaurants, shops, and is very bike friendly.

18. Its got a certain energy. Its not called the City of Subdued Excitement for nothing!

19. It rains here. Alot. Ok, not a direct reason to like it, but it sure makes everything green!!

Ok, those are a few things I can think of off the top of my head. Rest assured there are more.

______ of the day: I get the joy of looking at beautifully colored leaves outside right now.

The Pacific Northwest Ogukuo

Three steps to giving a sermon guaranteed to start a discussion:

2009-09-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

1. Choose Psalm 139 as your text.

2. Add Proverbs 15:3.

3. Start the sermon by likening God to George Orwell’s ‘Big Brother’ who is always watching for mistakes.

This pretty much describes the sermon we had Sunday morning from a guest pastor. The title of the sermon was “WATCH OUT!! SOMBODYS WATCHING YOU!” Yes, that was actually the title, and yes, it was all in caps lock.

I don’t know about you, but that’s not exactly the image of God I get from reading Psalm 139. I’d recommend reading this Psalm, as it’s a song of great comfort that speaks to God’s steadfastness and constant presence to comfort us. I would say that it is certainly is not a warning that God is constantly watching us waiting for us to make a mistake.

It’s discouraging that a Pastor would take such words of comfort and turn them into a threat to obey the rules because God’s watching. The sermon did not touch on the comforting qualities of this passage, or on God’s grace in any way. There was no call to action, or words of encouragement on how to appropriately apply the words to our lives. It was simply a warning that when we sin, God sees it.

Now, if I understand the bible correctly, Jesus’ message was in complete contrast to the rules and laws of the Pharisees. Jesus did not speak of a God constantly watching us, marking every sin we commit. Jesus taught that God’s grace is sufficient. Jesus taught that our sins are as far from God as far as the east is from the west. Jesus showed us, through his own death, that he has taken the entire burden of our sins and cast them into the sea. If this is truly the heart of what we believe, how can a sermon preach something so entirely opposite without giving a single ray of hope?

_______ of the day: Oh to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be.

The thankful Ogukuo

Yes, I'm trying blogging again, too

2009-09-10T12:42:00.003-07:00

Ok, I've been inspired by Andrea's recent blogging efforts to try it myself. Per standard blogging protocol on following up after several months of silence, I will do this in list form.

-I'm married. As of June 28, 2009 (the day after the wedding, when the pastor signed the liscense) Andrea and I are married :). As all newly married couples know, this is particularly special event, as it marks the end of wedding planning!! Life is much less stressful now.

-We honeymooned California. We came into California greeted by 108 degree temperatures in the valley. Thankfully, we spent most of the week either at a cabin in the mountains, or on the coast. Both places were cooler, and quite awesome.

-Upon our return to Lynden, we experienced about 3 weeks of epic busy-ness. I started back to work, Andrea worked at VBS (during the evenings), we were both working on organizing 2 people's worth of stuff into one smallish apartment, Andrea's parents visited, and Andrea made an unexpected trip to Michigan for a cousin's funeral.

-Things have started to settle down since then, and we've had time to try to figure out what living the married life is like.

-While we work on figuring out what the new "normal" is, we are still faced with many challanges. Andrea, as of yet, remains jobless. I am trying to get back into school to earn a teaching degree. We are trying to find a place to call home thats a bit more permanent that what we have now.

-There are quite a few other things I'd love to blog about, but I'll just list them out quickly instead. If anything sounds overly interesting to you, feel free to inquire :).
Other activies have included: 2 camping trips (one on an island where we were almost trapped by an incoming storm). Adopting a cat that we've named Ophelia. Her nicknames include Ophy, Fifi, Oph, Kitty, and Get-out-of-that-cupboard!! Making a tack box for camping equipment from bare plywood using my own design. A fishing trip. Further exploration of the beauty of Northwest Washington. A rekindling of my love for reading! (thanks mostly to Andrea).

-If anyone actually stumbles across this blog and reads it, I'm hoping to post a bit more frequently.

_____ of the day: REI is a freaking awesome store.

The lunch-hour Ogukuo

My taxes have been slayed!!

2009-03-07T09:43:00.003-08:00

I just filed my tax return online, and now have this odd urge to blog.

There's something satisfying about getting a tax refund, and at the same time, there's that thought in the back of my mind that I'm just getting money back that I let the government use for the past year interest free. I think its mostly satisfying because its done, and I don't need to worry about it anymore :)

In other news, I got to meet my new (and first) niece, Abigail Vonita last weekend!! This is, of course, a new experience for me. I have "almost nephews" (as Dillan would put it) thru Andrea, but this is my first blood relative born in 22 years! The whole ordeal was rather exciting, but also quite stressful and awkward, as Neil and Sarah were living in a hotel for a week due to flooding at their apartment. So on top of being new parents, they were kicked out of their home and had a dozen family members (or inlaws) visiting for the weekend. Hurray for no downtime!!

Does anyone else find it satisfying that Democrats are starting to get "disillusioned" with Obama? No, I'm not one of those people who's hoping that Obama fails, or thinks every move he makes is a terrible mistake simply because he's not a Republican. I'm just saying that he could have easily played up the rock star persona that was thrust upon him and not really gotten anything done, but instead he's digging in and getting work done (weather you agree with him or not), and those who just wanted a new messiah are starting to get bored. And lets all admit it, it doesn't matter at this point if you agree with a Democratic president or not, he inherited a pretty crappy situation. I laugh at people who are trying to blame him for the economic situation right now. I mean, really, does anyone actually believe that its his fault??

Has anyone else heard of John MacArthur? He's a preacher man, and I just read his book "Hard to Believe". I've gotta be honest, the general premise of the book is absolutely true, but most of what he is saying is simply making roundabout attacks at anyone who isn't trying to be obnoxious about their Christian faith. I think he's trying to turn Christianity into something as offensive as he would find a gay pride parade, or "Woman's Lib" movement, as he called it.

Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but I must get back to the general Saturday morning activities.

______ of the day: My morning mix this morning included: Bob Dylan, Keane, My Morning Jacket, and Fleet Foxes

The tuned up Ogukuo

Bursting into the blogging biosphere!!

2009-01-23T20:07:00.003-08:00

Now that I've got the catch-up blog out of the way, I can write about whats going on now.

But, instead of doing that, I think I'm going to break back into the blogging world with a random list of whatever is on my mind. So, here's nothing in particular, just thoughts and stuff about me.

- I do everything left handed. Except play guitar and throw a frisbee.

- I hate leaving messeges. I sound stupid and never know what to say.

- I can't go to bed at night without brushing me teeth first.

- I once broke 3 tennis rackets in one afternoon.

- I'm a terrible speller, stink at grammer, and don't know much about lit, but love crossword puzzles. And recently Sudoku.

- I hate Scrabble.

- I just found out that it is normal for "rich" families in Indonesia to have live-in servants for about $40 a month.

- I finally got a laptop, but am writing this on my fiancee's roommate's laptop...

- For the past 4 years, I have never experienced normal weather wherever I've been living.

- I have had 30 different roommates in the past 5 years.

- The average person has stopped reading this blog by now.

- I have yet to experience the joy of skydiving.

- Oddly enough tho, the sense of freefalling seems to be very prevalent in my life recently.

- I'm beginning to believe that where I see my life going is almost always extremely different than how God sees it going (I think hes going to win this one).

- The above point is somewhat comforting.

- I've recently discovered the joy of making pita bread.

- I've never understood why America runs on 110V while Europe runs on 220V.

- I have not spent a night in a tent in way too long.

Ok, that's all I got for now...

______ of the day: These walls are paper thin and everyone hears every little thing.

The listing Ogukuo

Its only been 4 months...

2009-01-22T08:21:00.003-08:00

Ok, its been many many moons since my last update, but I am resolving to get back into blogging. I'll start with a brief overview of the last few months...

October:

Indeed did go to a Fleet Foxes show. Couldn't get tickets, smooth talked an usher into sneaking us in for free. Best move ever. I loves Fleet Foxes muchly. Their albums are cool, but their live shows are much more awesome.

November: Friends and family visited, and I got to play tour guide of my new house, etc. Lots of fun. Looking forward to people visiting again (hint hint). Andrea and I went to CA to be with my parents for Thanksgiving. This was an awesome time enhanced by our engagement on Thanksgiving morning! Thus ushered in a new era of wedding planning and generally asking and answering lots and lots of questions. We also did some fantastic wine tasting and sightseeing while in California.

December: I found out that I would be moved out of my starting position at work, and would become a "float". I would do the same job, but would be moved from office to office. I was kinda bummed because I like where I was, but given everything going on, I'm just glad to have a job. We spent Christmas back in Iowa seeing family and old friends. Twas a merry time. Also went to David and Elaine's wedding and saw more old friends. More merry times.

January: New Years was spent in Seattle getting horribly lost and accidentally finding Gas Works park, the perfect vantage point to watch the fireworks off the Space Needle!! I've also started my float job now, and have been working in Pediatrics for a few weeks. Kids scream. Alot.

Ok, now that I'm up to date, I'll feel better about writing more specific stuff in the (near) future when I blog.

______ of the day: Indonesia for Christmas anyone?

The updated Ogukuo

Soon we'll be living in the future

2008-10-09T21:22:00.003-07:00

Well, I'm 3ish weeks into the new job, starting to feel more competent. This, of course, is not always good. I had a whole series of mistakes yesterday out of ignorance (and a ignorant ignoring of ignorance). And as I was told many'a time, ask questions, ask questions, ask questions. Today I was laughed at (all in good fun) because I didn't know how to pronounce the word 'sputum' (its 'spew-tim', not spud-um'). I'm not quite sure how I fit into an office of almost all women. Evidently I've been a talking point around the building, as male receptionists who are prone to have girlfriends are rare.

I've been taking the bus to work the past few days. This is a new and interesting venture. There's an interesting mix of people on the bus: alot of community college students, some people riding to work like myself, and then the type of people who make bus riding awkward. Yesterday I heard a 'lover's quarrel' that involved exchanges such as "Don't touch me!", "I can touch you if I want to", and "I could kill you so fast and no one would ever know", and "What time did you go to bed last night? cause you know you're supposed to be in bed by 9". These didn't appear to be the brightest people, and most of it was probably said just to say something and fill empty space between their ears. Either way, it made that part of the trip awkward and annoying. But, I'm saving a decent amount on gas, doing my part for the environment, and showing them terrorists by not supporting them and furthering America's dependence on foreign oil.

Outside of work (with the bus commute, I'm gone from 7:30 til 6:15 everyday), theres really not much new happening. I got offered the chance to play in the praise band at the church we plan on attending, so thats kinda cool, a good way to at least play bass once in a while. Sadly, weekends have been spent mostly catching up on stuff from the week, so lots of laundry, sorting paperwork, and cleaning.

October will certainly bring some excitement tho. Andrea and I are going to Missoula this weekend to visit Al (and with any luck catch Straylight Run and Anberlin in Spokane tomorrow night). Either way, it shall be an awesome weekend. Next weekend I'm hoping to see Fleet Foxes play in Bellingham. And then the following weekend my parents are visiting, and then the following weekend Nick and Lari are visiting!! Super excitement!!

Sorry for the dearth of updates, my computer has decided to be ridiculously slow, so I'm avoiding it as punishment. Hopefully I can afford a laptop in the next few months.

______ of the day: "We'll wait in line for most our lives"

The working class Ogukuo

Make sure to brush and floss your window frames daily

2008-09-18T21:24:00.003-07:00

-I have (finally) officially been "job offered" (thats what they call it in the biz). Next week I will start my new job as a Patient Services Representive in Pulminary at a clinic in Bellingham. Sorry it took so long for me to update everyone, I've been waiting myself for the news. Apparently, Iowa takes a very long time to return background checks. So I've been a bit edgy waiting for the news.

-I've been working on repairing and updating a rental house for a guy for the past few weeks, so its been nice to be occupied and have some money coming in while I wait on the fulltime job. Oddly, this week I've been wearing old jeans, a shirt stained with paint, and work boots, while next week I'll have to wear khakis and a collared shirt for work. I fear my wardrobe may turn "preppy". But on the upside, I won't have to worry about getting paint and bleach in my hair!!

-Today I cleaned window frames with a toothbrush. These things were pretty nasty. I guess that's what you get for having renters who don't clean the place for seven years.

-Everyone in the state of Washington has some weird fascination with driving slowly. Almost every other state I've been to has a "55 MPH unless otherwise posted" law out in the country. Here its 35 MPH. The typical speed limit is usually posted in the 40-50 mph range, which still seems low to me for being out in the country. And the odd thing is, everyone drives 5-10 below the speed limit! I guess its not a bad thing, I just figured Washingtonians are typically known for drinking coffee, and I assumed this would lead to faster driving, not slower.

-I just tried taking pictures of my house/room, and evidentally the flash on my camera quit working, so that'll have to wait I guess, sorry.

-Random thought, I have a secret facination with model train sets. I would love to be one of those old retired guys who wears striped overalls and a conductor's hat and has a huge model train setup in the basement. Complete with a model town and hills. That and bonsai, I think I may get into bonsai.

_____ of the day: I've been listening to The Moon & Antartica alot recently. I really like it.

The employed Ogukuo

Do I still exist?

2008-09-04T09:29:00.002-07:00

Ok, another update.

I'm in my new place. I've got a bed and a small nightstand, and everything else is stacked in the corner. My next goal is a dresser, desk, and bookshelves so that I can start de-boxing stuff and make my room look like a room instead of a storage shed.

I had a job interview yesterday! It was for a position at a branch of the hospital. I'd be working in more of a clinical setting. Answering phones, recording information, helping patients, etc. I'm excited about the prospect. I've heard really great things about the hospital, and from what I've seen I would enjoy it.

I've got a "new" phone. Actually, its a four year old phone with weird features and outdated graphics. But, it works, I can call people, and they can call me. I can do texts, but I dunno if I'm alerted when I get them. So if I get a text from you and don't reply, I apologize. This phone is just to help me limp by until I decide if/when I wanna get a new contract.

Besides the concrete stuff like moving and job hunting, I've been having a hard time getting used to Lynden. I think the weather may be getting to me, and getting used to being away from a place I got so accustomed to is hard. Hopefully once I have a job to go to every day and a place that feels more like "my room" it'll be easier. I still want to ask for prayers and encouragement from people, I think I'm still in "the process" right now.

Today it looks like I can (thankfully) enjoy some sunshine! That will help.

______ of the day: You may be a big fish in a little pond/Doesn't mean you've won/'Cause along may come a bigger one

The adjusting Ogukuo

Does Iowa still exist?

2008-08-26T10:09:00.003-07:00

Another week, and more job hunting. But, house hunting is over! I've found a place to live that I'm rather excited about. Its a good location, good people, really nice house, and um, [insert other good points]. This I am rather excited about, as it's a big step in feeling 'at home'. So next week, along with job hunting, I shall again be moving all my worldly possessions to a new location. Well, everything except my socks, which have inexplicably disappeared. If you see a large collection of socks somewhere between Sioux Center and Lynden, please let me know.

Andrea and I went to a Twins/M's game last night at Safeco field. It was a very good time. I really enjoy downtown areas at night, there's something so awe-inspiring about it. We sat in the 9th row for most of the game, and moved to the 2nd towards the end! Thats the closest I've ever sat to a real game before! And 'Major League Mariners Dogs' are very good, and worth the $6.00 to get.

So what happened to the Iowa Blogging Contingency? I'm pretty much ignorant of any current events because (almost) no one is blogging! I guess I could call some people to find out, it'd be nice to catch up anyway. Perhaps once I'm settled into a place of my own and have time to call I will do that.

Lesse, other news of note: I've gotten a haircut (it looks quite good), I think I've found a church I like, so hopefully that continues to be a blessing, and I believe my cell phone is in its last throws. I no longer have an outside display (thus, no caller ID), and the inside screen is starting to blank out once in a while as well. Its also sending alot of calls straight to voicemail. So if I miss your call, I apologize, just try again, my phone responds to persistence.

Thats all from the newest frontier, good day!

______ of the day: Everybody's gonna love today, gonna love today, gonna love today.

The partly cloudy Ogukuo

To get it off my chest...

2008-08-19T10:16:00.002-07:00

Well, I've been in Lynden for a week and a half now, and feel like I'm not gaining much traction yet. I thought I had a good shot at a job, but the position was offered to someone else. I also thought I had a place I really wanted to live, but I'm having second thoughts about that as well. So I'm in the market for a job and for an apartment. Both are slow going. It's tough, but I'm working on staying positive about it.

1.) I'm questioning myself on the job search, I'm really not sure what I want to do. The thought of working for a non-profit and working with kids is awesome, but I don't know if I can find something in that area that will pay enough to support even my simple lifestyle. So now I'm looking into a broader range of positions, which makes things difficult. This really opens up the market, but to jobs where I don't have experience, and I'm not sure about these positions. I know there is a job that I would awesome at, and that I would love to do, but I just don't know what that job is.

2.) About the apartment situation, the one I was looking at is the cheapest by far, but doesn't offer much besides that. It's a studio without much storage space, and no internet. What I'm thinking now is I want a 2 bedroom apartment that I can share with a roommate. This will actually end up being a bit cheaper I figure, cause I'll be splitting rent, but its gonna be tough to figure out this situation. Cause finding a roommate will be hard without knowing people around here, and if I don't find a roommate, rent will be in the $650-$730 range by myself. Not to mention that places are wary of renting to unemployed persons (see point 1).

No, I didn't figure this would be easy, and I know its gonna take some time for things to settle into place. I'd really appreciate your prayers for me as I try to realign my life right now. I'm trying to keep a positive note about all of this, and knowing that people care helps alot. Building a new support network takes time, I still want my old one right now.

_______ of the day: Never underestimate my Jesus/When the world around you crumbles/He will be strong he will be strong.

The Searching Ogukuo

An update, but not really

2008-08-13T11:28:00.002-07:00

Ok, this blog is gonna cover a very very busy month, so I'm gonna hit the highlights (that I can remember) and hopefully do some more real updates later. I hope someone still reads this.

-Its been 3.5 weeks since leaving Sioux Center. I've seen the Omaha Zoo, a ton of plains states, the Pacific Ocean, Pinecrest Lake, Modesto, Mt. Shasta (could barely see it thru the smoke from the CA wildfires), downtown Salem (awesome), cool things in and around Portland (also awesome), the Columbia Valley River Gorge, tons of traffic from Olympia to Marysville (about 3 hours worth), Lynden for a day, Lake Roosevelt, Grand Coulee Dam, Stevens Pass, many deer, a bald eagle, a bear cub, the beach (alot), and tons of water spraying everywhere as I attempted multiple times to get up on a wakeboard.

-So yes, hitting all of this with one blog would be nearly impossible. The highlights would be the experiances, such as boogie boarding in the Pac ocean, party boating on Pinecrest, and attempting to wakeboard. Although, actually getting up on the wakeboard was much more fun than attempting to. I love wakeboarding, but only have about a 10% accuracy rate for getting up. I've dealt with alot of sore muscles and painful bruses. All worth it.

- Now I'm settling into Lynden and losing steam. The traveling is over, visiting cool and awesome family and friends is over. Now I'm waiting to hear if I have a job, trying to find a place to live, trying to figure out how to find a roommate in a place I don't know, and keeping an eye on my ever dwindling bank account. Its all given me a nasty tension headache that kept me up last night and is still dogging me today. I'm trying to keep a positive spin on things, but its hard right now.

-I'm starting to miss music too.

_____ of the day: Those who are dead are not dead, they're just living in my head.

The aching Ogukuo

4th of July!

2008-07-07T19:41:00.003-07:00

I blog not often, sorry to the 2.6 people who read this. So here's a little update, kinda general stuff thats been happening.

1. General funness and stuff at home
- Tennis! Since Andrea's returned to Sioux Center, we've played a few games of tennis. Not only is it fun, its also fun and fun.
- I've tried to start some sort of jogging routine. So far I've spent more time stretching out than actually jogging.
- I've been working. Alot. In the past month or so I've logged close to 40 hours in overtime. Makes for long days, but the payoff is kinda nice. And since my last day is next Thursday, loading up on some extra cash is not a bad thing.
- I've generally avoided thinking about the fact that I'm moving in a few weeks. It's not that real yet. This scares me a bit.

2. A trip to Pella!!
- Ok, so its not Grand Rapids, but its one of the Dutch meccas. I went down there to meet some of Andrea's extended family. It was fun. I felt a bit out of my element, but had a good time meeting people and playing Dutch bingo. Such as finding out that Andrea's Grandpa plays golf with my mom's former boss a few times a week. Ahhh connections.
- Pella is not quite what I expected. I mean, Dutch-wise, yes, about what I thought it would be. But its a much smaller town than I thought it would be. But for a small town, they've really got a name for themselves with Pella Windows, Vermeer, and Pella bologna. And, of course, the childhood home of Wyatt Earp. Oh, and according to Wikipedia, the guitarist from the Killers is also from Pella.
- I think this is a town I would like to return to once or twice in my lifetime.

3. A trip to Okoboji!
- Yesterday Andrea and I went up to Okoboji to visit Scott and Sheryl. This was a fun endevour.
- I tried water skiing for the first time in a long time. I tried like 6 times and never got up. This is frustrating. I blame a slightly-slower-than-what-I'm-used-to boat, the many years since I've last skiied, and very choppy water due to the many many other boats on the lake. I also tubed. This I did fairly well. But the combonation of these activities has left me quite sore today. In a good way, of course. Just don't ask me to lift anything soon.
- We played mini-golf and ate good chicken. Both of these were winner ideas as well.
- I'm torn on Okoboji. On one hand, there were many fun things to do, but on the other hand, it was way too crowded. I guess its a good secret that got out.

So thats the latest on my front. The next few weeks will bring about some big changes, so again, I may go on a blogging hiatus. But rest assured, after that, I will have many many things to write about.

_____ of the day: We should get jerseys, cause we make a good team.

The sore Ogukuo

Sweet dessert and changes

2008-06-15T09:55:00.003-07:00

-Instead of sitting around bored Friday night, I decided to make dessert instead. Of course, this means I didn't go out or make dinner for myself, but it was fun making dessert. The choice this time was white chocolate covered grapes with an orange dipping glaze. It was quite good, and suprisingly simple to make. The only problem is I don't think its something that will keep long in the fridge. Partly because I keep eating a little bit at a time, and partly because the chocolate and orange curd are getting pretty hard, making it kinda difficult to eat without stuff falling apart. But thats ok, this was an experiment that I still consider a great success.

-In unrelated news, I took a walk around campus last night. For those of you not around, there are some changes going on around the center of campus. The parking lot in front of the campus center has been pulled out and is being expanded and redesigned with trees and islands. The parking lot between the rec center and the Beej is gone, all the way to where it connected with the Southview parking lot. And it looks like another lot will be put in on the west side of the old soccer field. So there have been alot of trees cut down, and dirt turned up. Grass that is normally well kept is growing tall. It looks rather crappy right now, but I bet when the project is finished it will be a significant improvement. Both of those parking lots were eyesores, so its nice to see one redone in a nice way and the other taken out. Having an expanded green area by the rec center will be very nice and inviting.

-I'm starting to appreciate my house more now that I can do some cleaning up and it stays that way for a while. Our living room seems suprisingly inviting without fastfood remains, beer bottles, and numourous glasses strewn everywhere. And walking down a hallway that isn't being used for storage is amazing!

-Today was the last time until Thursday that I need to get up at 5:45 am. This is exciting. And I have next weekend off!! This is huge! I haven't had a free weekend at home for well over a month. Plans for Highschool Musical and BBQ's have me very excited :).

And now its almost lunch time, so I'd best sign off.

______ of the day: Concert tonight!

The overworked Ogukuo

Today I bought three things...

2008-06-09T11:16:00.004-07:00

1.) A gallon of milk. This is actually rather significant because its the first time in close to two weeks that I've got milk. Up until recently, it seems like I'd need to buy a gallon of milk every 4-5 days. Am I drinking less milk? Well, I'll just say that less of my milk is being drunk, if you know what I mean.

2.) One of those stackable tray deals for organizing papers on my desk. This is part of my ongoing quest to become and stay organized. I figure these will take up enough room on my desk that I won't have room to stack random crap, and thus will be forced to use them. I have $2.88 invested that says they will help.

3.) A box of Hostess Cupcakes. One needs no other reason for this than they are awesome. Especially with #1 from this list.

And a few musical notes...
I recently discovered The Graduate on my itunes. One of those bands thats sat there for way too long without me listening to them. I likes them alot. Also, you should listen to 'Breakable' by Ingrid Michaelson. Its a very neat song.

______ of the day: "I'm somewhere in between who I am and who I want to be" -Sing, The Graduate

Free Time!

2008-06-08T09:43:00.003-07:00

-Today is my first free day in over a week and a half. Its quite nice to sit a little bit and feel not guilty about not doing things because I actually have time today to get them done. Hurray for getting laundry folded that was clean 3 days ago!!

-Since coming back from Washington, I've put in 9 straight days at Niessink, and overlapped that with 4 days of a side job running sound for the Robin's School of Dance recital. This side venture was quite fun. Very long hours, but working with great people who know what they were doing and how to let other people do what they know how to do.

-My regular job is about the same as always. I realized yesterday that I have about 6 weeks left there, and over 60 hours of PTO to use up. For those lacking basic math skills, that means I could cut myself back to 30 hours a week and still get paid fully. However, we're rather short staffed, and I don't think I could take the time off even if I wanted to. Not sure how that is going to work itself out.

-As far as future life in Washington goes, I'm still unsure about a job or a place to live, but both are moving in good directions. I caught wind of a potentially very good place to live, which I'm hoping to follow up on very soon. The job situation is rather stale at this point, but I think I'm sitting in a good position. Hopefully that doesn't come back to bite me in the butt.

-I just found out that the pastor of my home church accepted a call to a different church. This is odd to me, as he has been at our church for ever. He baptized me. My church is also in the process of adding a second building to be a social hall/Sunday School classroom complex. And with that project, they are remodelling alot of the inside of the existing building as well. So when I see it next in July, it really is going to be a different place than what I grew up with. I guess progress is always being made, but for some reason I always feel like my childhood was a time when things where what they were. And now everything is changing from that. Its odd.

-I appreciate the connections and opportunities I've had thru Dordt. Its gonna be hard to move away from that.

______ of the day: All my stories sound the same

The relaxing Ogukuo

Last visit to Washington!

2008-06-01T09:45:00.005-07:00

-It's the last visit cause the next time I go there, I'm going to stay :D. And, this visit expanded our stomping grounds to include Seattle, a city previously reserved for flying into and out of.

-I guess I'll start with Lynden/B'Ham. Had an interview (this time it was actually an interview) with Big Brothers Big Sisters. All in all, it went really well. The general impression I get is that they want me to work there, its just a matter of if their program moves in the direction of needing another staff person. Hoping and praying on that one. Also spent some quality time watching movies and playing catch. There was also a drive down Chuckanut Drive that was beautiful minus one innocent where we almost died.

-So, Seattle. Of all the towns I've visited that have a Space Needle, Seattle is my favorite. Even counting the cities without Space Needles, Seattle ranks pretty high. The Seattle experiance was great. Great hosts, great place to stay, great Folklife Festival, great waterfront, and great to experiance urban driving again.

-We (Andrea, Al, friend Christa, and I) stayed at my Uncle Dennis and Aunt Jennie's house in Bothell. It was wonderful to catch up again, moving away from the West Coast has left me somewhat disconnected from most of my family.

-Folklife was rather crowded, but a great time. I even Contra-danced! It was fun and only took me 3 days to work up the courage to do so! And for anyone who saw the Folklife Festival on the news, no, I was not shot.

-As many times as I've been to Seattle, I've never gone up the Space Needle til this visit. And its great! Granted, not something to do every other month, but very much worth doing. Especially in good company :).

-And a note about urban driving. Relaxed Midwest driving is awesome. But theres something about highways and city streets thats fun. Trying to find parking, however, thats an experiance I could pass on.

-I found my grandparents old house in Lake Forest Park as well. Good memories. Couldn't go inside to look around, but got to see the yard. Also went to the port on Lake Washington were we'd go as a family to feed ducks many years ago. Very fun and memory-ful.

-And now, just to make the blog a little longer, some pictures! (Ok, limited supply, I'm terrible at actually hauling out my digital camera and using it).

The Experiance Music Project as viewed from the Space Needle. I've heard its supposed to look vaguely like a guitar from above, I'm not seeing it.

Folklife Festival from the Space Needle.

And, of course, the Space Needle from the Folklife Festival.

Andrea doesn't like making nice faces when I take her picture, so here's revenge :).

-Thats all for now, check out Andrea's blog for a wider variety of pictures, she's got some good ones posted!

______ of the day: I enjoy Midwest Thunderstorms. Alot.

The traveled Ogukuo

Gas and golf and hermanutics

2008-05-14T09:07:00.003-07:00

- I have a list of things I need to do in front of me. Such fun items as "do dishes" and "file paperwork from last 2 months" are on it. And for some reason, the only thought on my mind currently is GOLF!!!! I would love nothing more than to play 18 holes today. Of course, I haven't swung a golf club in 10 months, so if I did try to play a full round, I would probably die. Not to mention that I would score a 147 cause I'm terrible at golf. Perhaps a trip to the chipping green or driving range to slowly warm myself back into it...

- There is a pattern of mold on my bathroom ceiling that vaguely resembles South America. I wish so much for a vent fan. Which means I wish even more for a logical electrical system in our house so I could perform this simple installation.

- I watched the movie "Hot Rod" last night. I recommend it only if you have 87 minutes and several brain cells you are willing to give up. But it'll probably make you laugh a few times.

- I remembered yesterday that I got roped into working a 16 hour shift on Sunday. I guess its nice cause it's less PTO I need to use for my trip to Washington next week, but I'm gonna be rather cranky Sunday evening.

- I volunteered to work 16 hour days this summer. It may be nice, or I may need to reside in a room with rubber wallpaper because of it. I'm scared to find out.

- Kind Old King George sent me my economic stimulus check the other day. Like any good patriotic American, I dropped it right into my savings account. Maybe $600 will be enough to cover my gas costs for driving to Washington this summer.

- I have close to $100 in change (I'm guessing) sitting on top of my mini-fridge. I'm not quite sure what I want to do with it. I'll probably be boring and logical and use it to help pay for gas to move to Washington.

- I don't like it when I have to blog about paying for gas because its close to $4 a gallon.

- If we held a garage sale and sold everything that is being stored at our house I could retire very comfortably. I'd also be able to navigate the basement without tripping over many boxes and random furnerature.

______ of the day: I'm listening to The Velvet Underground. Hmmmmm.

The listless Ogukuo

Goodbye

2008-05-10T11:11:00.002-07:00

Three years ago I watched friends graduate and leave. I came back for my last year of college, and two years ago graduated myself, watching more friends leave. I watched more people leave a year ago. And again yesterday. And now I have a few months of Sioux Center summer without any Dordt students, and I'll be leaving myself. I won't be seeing any friends return to Dordt in the fall. I probably won't see any more Dordt plays, or attend NISO concerts, or concert choir shows. The people I hung out with earlier this week are people I dunno if I'll see again.

I really look forward to moving, starting a new job, exploring a new area, meeting new people, and being with Andrea; and I really am glad I'm leaving to do all of these things. But its right now that kinda sucks. Its tough realizing that all these extremely recent memories are going to remain just that, memories. Its hard to see that the Dordt chapter of my life is (finally) over, but knowing that the next chapter of my life doesn't really start for another three months makes waiting hard. Everyone else's life changed yesterday, they say goodbye and move on to a summer job, or a new career, or job hunting, or moving into Dad and Mom's basement. I was part of the goodbyes, but now I return to work and dishes and being short changed on sleep.

More and more each day I feel like my life in Washington is starting, and I'm just waiting on hold until August to join it. What do I do with the time inbetween? Especially for the next month! Well, like I said earlier, work, dishes, and lack sleep.

Despite this rather somber post, I'm really not sad about moving away. Quite the opposite, I'm very excited about it! I'm just sad to leave one life behind without being able to start my next one for three months.

______ of the day: Why did it have to be rainy today??

The stuck inside Ogukuo

A lunch date with destiny

2008-05-07T09:14:00.004-07:00

I saw my sister and brother-in-law yesterday for the first time since Thanksgiving. It was a good time, but we only got to visit for an hour or so. We had an interesting conversation about being people-oriented vs. task-oriented. My sister tends to be quite task-oriented, something inherited from both our parents. I tend to be task-oriented mentally, but people-oriented outwardly. This means that it bugs me to be behind schedule or whatever, but I'd still rather chat and pay attention to a person. Its ironic, because this conversation made me about 40 minutes late for work. Indeed, the person was more important than the task.

How much better off would we all be if everyone was people-oriented instead of task-oriented? We're all so focused on "what we need to do" that we lose sight of the human connection. I see this at the place were I spend most of my time besides my house. Everyone is so focused on getting "stuff" done right that the people really don't matter at all. Inservice after inservice address issues dealing with how things are done, but almost nothing is said about people. Nobody cares what we do, as long as we put the right spin on it when we write about it.

But before this totally falls into a blog about stupidity, I'll just quit and find lunch.

_____ of the day: does it even matter anymore?

The laughing-because-I-don't-care Ogukuo

I love the smell of irony in the morning

2008-05-05T14:08:00.005-07:00

Today at our weekly meeting I realized a wonderful dichotomy that really sums up my job. My official job title is "Certified Instructor". Its an appropriate title, right? I've always thought so. Part of my job is to write daily assessments of what each boy does with his time, and how we interact with them. And for reasons unbeknownst to me, people get really cranky when we actually do this. We are required to sugar coat everything to the point where someone reading these assessments would see no reason for our boys to be in a group home. We are even given a list of words that we are not allowed to use in writing these assessments. One of these words is "instruct". I'm not allowed to write "I instructed so-and-so to do their chores". Thus, by the very rules of my job as an instructor, I am not allowed to instruct.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I remove my hat and take a bow towards the bureaucracy that has contradicted itself into so many knots that I am not even allowed to live up to my job title.
I find this little nugget of irony to be not only hilarious, but also emblematic of what is wrong with my job.
Thats all I got for today; savor the irony, its pretty thick.
______ of the day: For some reason the word dunderhead comes to mind.
The ironic Ogukuo

Washington is to Iowa as Mountainous is to...

2008-04-30T09:01:00.004-07:00

I got back from visiting Andrea in Washington last night. It was a great time! We did tons of fun stuff, most of which were games of catch. I also wondered around Bellingham by myself for a good portion of Friday. This was a wonderful experiance, I'm starting to fall in love with Bellingham. And Birch Bay. And the beautiful view from Lynden on a clear day. And many more small things about the area that are too numerous to list here.

Now that I am back, however, I am feeling unmotivated to do anything. You know that feeling of returning from vacation and getting back "home" and settling in? I don't feel it at all. I feel like I left what I am comfortable with and came back to what I'm doing just to get by. Knowing that I'm moving to the area I just left makes it feel more like home. And leaving someone to return "home" is really more like saying goodbye and leaving home.

And knowing that I'm returning to 5 straight days of work doesn't help. I don't have a free evening until next Monday. I think it is this particular aspect of life out here that I am really ready to move on from. And as soon as possible. Its hard knowing that I'm done in just a few months, but for now I'm kinda stuck. Especially when I'm already dreading going in pretty much every day.

But, back to happy news, it looks as if my job situation out there is starting to align itself. Its too early to say yet, but its looking good. And it sounds like a job where I wouldn't be stuck in an office 40 hours a week, this is very happy. Also, my grandparents have a strong chance of getting a house in Lynden, which is good. I've been considering this for one of my housing options for the fall, so knowing that its more of an option is a good thing.

Well, on to take a shower where I have little water pressure, questionable hot water, and no vent fan to wisk away the steam. And thats after a week with access to a shower with awesome pressure, unending hot water, and a real vent to keep the bathroom unfogged. But its ok, my corner of the unfinished basement with thin carpet rolled out over concrete is so much nicer than a fully padded and carpeted room with a real bedroom door and a window.

______ of the day: How many more months?

The ready-to-move-on Ogukuo

I struggle with lucid thoughts.

2008-04-23T18:23:00.003-07:00

I have been introduced to a drink called a 'Steve'. It has made me hum happiness. My life has seen improvement because of it. I heart it mightily.

I leave for Washington tomorrow morning. I am tired. And not packed. And feel much like sleeping and not packing. This is not good.

There is a complete lack of motivation that has currently taken over my being.

I think I need a Steve.

The thought of being in Washington is very exciting. The thought of travelling there is the opposite.

I played racquetball yesterday. It was fun. I didn't know the rules. It was fun.

I think M*A*S*H really peaked at season 3. I like it all, but season 3 is awesome.

I'm too scattered to even make intelegent sentences at this time in moment. And sentences are backwards getting. Thrown around too much, and the thoughts in my head are upside down.

Thinking is hard when your brain is turned off/Thoughts to the east immediately your brain when the arrest. I typed the first sentance into an online translator and ran it thru like 5 languages, and thats what it spit out.

I agree with both sentences.

_____ of the day: Burnt brain!!

The burnt Ogukuo

Better take the stairs...

2008-04-17T15:16:00.003-07:00

-I just played tennis for the first time in something like 8 months. I was tired by the time the warm up was over. Between desperate gasps for breath I was planning my will expecting the worst. I believe this is a sign of a need for a change in my "fitness routine". Creating one would be a change, right? Anyone who wants to play tennis/racketball/catch/checkers/pretty much anything that involves exerting physical energy, lemme know.

-I'm considering moving upstairs in a few weeks when a coupla roommates move out. This is for a few reasons. It'd be a good excuse to sort/streamline my possessions for my upcoming move this summer. Plus having a real bedroom with a real door and a closet and windows is very appealing. Not to mention it would be nice to not have to walk up and down the stairs 87 times a day just to commute from my room to the kitchen/livingroom/bathroom/outside world. But being in the basement when its rediculously hot this summer is also appealing. And hauling all my crap upstairs when I don't need to isn't appealing, but would probably be good in the long run.

-Am I justified in sleeping in til 10 am on my days off when my work days leave me very sleep deprived? I mean, I slept 4 hours later today than yesterday. That can't be a healthy pattern. How I yearn for a job where I can have a normal sleep pattern. Thats not too much to ask, is it?

-I am currently extremely excited about the prospect of making bread by hand. I realize, this makes me sound sorta odd, but its true. Bread is such a basic thing, but if Sara Lee decided to retire, would I have the know-how to fend for myself??

-Does anyone know when Season 4 of The Office will come out on DVD? I'm gonna avoid watching any episodes from season 4 til I can see them all in order. And I'd rather watch them on DVD than online, its just not the same. Especially on my computer.

-I have laundry wrinkling in the dryer and food upstairs not being eaten, and both of these are signs that I must take action quickly.

______ of the day: In the end, you will be loved.

The out of shape Ogukuo

A short week

2008-04-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

Wow, this week makes up for all those times in the past when I said that time just drags. I can’t believe it’s the weekend already, it feels like I just walked out of church last Sunday.

I’ve done a lot of stuff that I haven’t done for a long time (or ever); saw some long lost friends, went to Platte, SD, watched Enchanted, ate at a nice restaurant, watched The Office with more than just passing time in mind, and had the chance to make the living room look all pretty with candles and flowers and the such. Oh yeah, I also hung out with Andrea a few times :).

You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about how amazing it is that I have the chance to do what I want with my life. I look at what I’ve left behind in CA (some things I miss, some I don’t), and what I’ve gained by living in Iowa. And I also look at what I’ll lose by moving to WA (again, some things I’ll miss, some I won’t). I can’t wait to see what I’ll gain by living in WA. I look at people who have made their own lives miserable by choices they have made and realize that what we make out of life is really what we get out of it. I could spend my time lamenting what I don’t have (the list is long, just like everyone), or I could enjoy what I do have and work hard to get the things I want.

I have been accused of complaining about things a lot, and I can’t say that I’m not guilty of this. But the truth is that I really do enjoy the hand I have been dealt. And you know why? Cause I’m gonna make the most of this hand. Last night I played guitar for the first time in a long while. This is really sad. Here I have a beautiful guitar sitting in my room, the full capability to play it, and the love of music to enjoy it. And for a long time it just sat there. Ok, so I can’t play like some of my (former) roommates. But I enjoy guitar, and I shouldn’t let the fact that I’m mediocre at playing keep me from doing so. I’ll just let it keep me from playing in public :).

Sorry for the rather obvious revelation, but it helps me remember to stick to it if I broadcast it. Especially in the next few months, as they will probably bring me many new opportunities and directions to take my life. Its exciting to be at a point in my life where I can see God’s plans for me starting to unfold in such a tangible way.

And now I digress in the interest of hunting down some cake from the kitchen.

______ of the day: Know when to hold ‘em.
The Ogukuo

For every Monday there is a Friday

2008-04-04T11:08:00.003-07:00

Ahhh Friday. Such a wonderful thing. The sun is shining, the temps are in the high 50s, and snow is disappearing. And I must add, Saturday, highs in the mid 60s, more sun, less snow. Is this not a beautiful thing?

There is a wonderful feeling one gets by having a clean car. Its a mixture of earned pride and a certain self-awareness that is not unlike wearing a new suit. You move extra smoothly, you walk a little taller. Indeed a wonderful feeling.

There is something not wonderful about dreaming of work. Its like never leaving the job. Why do these dreams always involve the worst-case scenerio? Why can I not dream about a good day at work?
*tips hat to Paul in knowing agreement on this issue*

The convergence of friends at a single place and time is truly an event to be savored and enjoyed. For it is these moments that make life, that you talk about in the future.

Camping. Ahhhh, the thought of camping. Summer. Need I say more?

Today is a day to make one breath deep, to try to take it all in and experiance beauty to the fullest. Indeed a good day.

Lets hope my work experience this afternoon leaves me feeling unaltered from my current state of optimism.

______ of the day: "Ooooh, ooooh, ooooh, oooooh, oooooooh-aaa" - Space Dementia, Muse

The optimistic Ogukuo

Sing m-o-n-d-a-y s-u-c-k-s to the Mickey Mouse Club theme song...

2008-03-31T19:24:00.003-07:00

So it's Monday. And that means that it was a snow day today. I'm pretty sure that 75% of the Mondays this winter have seen school either start 2 hours late or be cancelled altogether. And I don't recall a single snow day that hasn't been on a Monday. It's actually quite amazing. Granted, it's caused by the weather, so it's rather hard to justifiably complain. But, today is an exception. We did not get the call that school was cancelled until 8:15 am. School starts at 8:20!! We were literally 2 blocks from school! And so was everyone else! Ok, you cancel school cause its too dangerous to get in, right? But when everyone is there already, it doesn't make any sense! I am of the firm conviction that someone dropped the ball on this one.

In other news, I felt woefully out-brained last night. Over hookah and tea there was great discussion about subjects I didn't understand, using references to great thinkers I'd never heard of. So to make myself feel better I retired early and read some Kierkegaard. This, of course, didn't help, because it just confused me. He's a difficult read. Ok, I got some of it, but after slogging thru about 3 pages I gave up and tried to sleep. And then I slept not well. For a variety of reasons, primarily the very loud movie coming from upstairs around 2:30 am. And then I rolled over, it seemed like 2 minutes passed, and my alarm went off at 5:45 am. And then you can start reading the beginning of the blog, cause that's where it picks up.

Hmm, once again, a depressing blog. Set to a depressing black background. It's been recommended that I change this. I believe I will. When I figure out how.

_____ of the day: sanity is just ytinas spelled backwards

The gniog enasni Ogukuo

The pain in my neck reaches my stomach

2008-03-27T08:55:00.002-07:00

So the non-awesomeness I experienced Tuesday night snuck up on me again last night. Same symptoms; stiff, sore neck, and a headache. Its mostly gone this morning. Not all the way, but mostly. But now its accompanied by hollow, heavy feeling in my stomach. I dunno what the deal is, but its not cool. I feel like I'm hanging on the brink of something, but I have no idea what. I guess it could be some sorta not-awesome illness, or maybe just the severe want for some time off from work, etc.
I feel like doing nothing, but I'm gonna force myself to clean up my room and see if some sort of accomplishment helps the feeling. Maybe I just want the feeling of appreciation. I know I would love it if someone did something for me, like cleaned my room, can I get that same feeling for doing it myself?

______ of the day: "Do you think that you could see your way to lay yourself down?" - Keane

The whatever Ogukuo

Enjoying the Small Things

2008-03-26T09:00:00.003-07:00

-So whatever was causing me much non-awesomeness last night is past and gone. Thanks mostly to Excedrin and a certain Mark who painfully removed the pain from my neck. Wow, he's mean, but it totally worked, I feel all straightened out and not tied up at all!

-I must once again voice my distain for Tuesdays. They are still the odd day out for the week. There's rarely anything specifically bad about Tuesdays, they just tend to bring a general feeling of meh-ness.

-The city desperiately needs to either fill in the potholes in our alley or pay for new shocks on my car and cartilage in my spine.

-I have a real twinge to play golf soon. And catch, really want to play catch outside.

-Cutting up a nectarine and mixing it with Honey Bunches of Oats is a premium idea.

-I need new socks and t-shirts.

-The pasttime of reading has once again entered my real of existance.

-Hopefully photography does the same thing this weekend...

-Oranges from California stand as solid proof for God's existance.

-I think the most special things to me are small things that I enjoy beyond others comprehension. The things that "force" a smile onto my face that others just don't understand. I think love is seeing these things in another person and being able to provide and share those moments.

-If forced into a situation of losing either your sight or your hearing, which would you choose? I still don't know for myself.

______ of the day: I enjoy music. I wish I understood it more.

The seeing/hearing Ogukuo

Mystery Non-awesomeness

2008-03-25T20:09:00.002-07:00

So I have a headache, my neck is really stiff and my lower back kinda hurts. For some reason these sound like the symptoms of Hepatitis. Of course, I'm self-diganosing from what I remember of a M*A*S*H episode. Perhaps not the best way of operating. Its most likely just the combination of sleeping wrong at some point, a semi-stressful (although admittedly not too bad) day at work, lack of hydration, and much lack of sleep.
My idea for solving this problem? Going to the Bean and not home to sleep as I probably should. But, I haven't been able to go Beaning in a long time, so I really want to. And I can sleep in tomorrow morning, a first for quite a few days.
I have this odd feeling that I have spelled many words wrong in this post. Yes, I looked up Hepatitis, and this is the only way I spelled that one right. I hate Scrabble.
_____ of the day: Maybe a nice patron of the Bean can releave my neck pain...
The tied up Ogukuo

Springtime for Iowa

2008-03-23T19:56:00.003-07:00

I've already celebrated Spring blog-style, and now it seems like its kinda retracted itself. The warmer temps have kinda stuck around (thank goodness), but its often cloudy, kinda rainy, and somewhat windy. But hey, its a step in the right direction!

Things I've noticed recently:

-Working a "normal" 8 hour shift (even if it does start at 6:30 am) makes life much easier to face than working a split shift. I've had access to both sleep and free time! What a novel concept!

-A house is much easier to keep clean when there are fewer people living in it.

-Having an unclear direction in life kinda sucks.

-Getting birthday cards and packages is awesome, and spirit-lifting.

-I forgot how much mud accompanies the spring thaw. Seeing ground again is awesome, but stepping on it isn't so awesome.

-I find joy in making others happy.

-I rarely like spending time alone.

-Realizing what it is that you want in life makes it harder. Getting by day to day is easy, every day you eat, you meet your goal. Realizing that you want more means you need to actually do something about it and plan ahead. Hard to do when plans are up in the air.

-I think the near constant cloudiness is bringing me down.

-I never knew the extent to which anxiety can affect someone until I started my current job. Now I see it in myself alot. Probably more than what is healthy.

-Speaking of health, I had a physical last week. I believe the word the doctor used to describe my health was "outstanding". Well, before he saw my cholesterol scores :S. But they are border line, and summer is coming up, so real excersize is on the horizon.

-Moving furnerature around can really make a room look different.

-Every time I sleep at work I dream about work. Every single time. And its always bad scenerios.

-This blog is getting too long and paranoid.

_______ of the day: I want a 3 day weekend from life, not from work.

The needing-vacation Ogukuo

The Story of Us

2008-03-20T08:47:00.003-07:00

Thats the movie I watched last night. I hated it, for the exact reasons I think I'm supposed to hate it. And for that, I liked it. Its a hard movie to watch, but I supposed that was well intentioned. I think the progression thru the movie really shows his turning off of emotion. He really does love her, and that never changes, but he needs to stop showing the love for his own sake. Sort of a self-preservation. And her monologue at the end of the movie shows that she finally realizes the love, and maybe she can reciprocate it.

But then the movie ends. That sucks. What happens? Do they actually do something about it, or just continue goin on like they were? Cause then there would be endless sequels to the movie, and they would never get anywhere. I guess the assumption is that she meets him in the love.

But there's no way of knowing. Cause its just a movie, right? And we never get to find out.

So thats a short review, maybe you disagree with me.

______ of the day: "Will you see me in the end, Or is it just a waste of time" - Hamburg Song, Keane

The 'say a word or two to brighten my day' Ogukuo

Burnt out and searching

2008-03-19T07:59:00.001-07:00

I am burnt out. On everything. On work, on moving, on the lack of any normal sleep pattern, on no free time. I thought that a week away from work, and then a 3 day weekend this past weekend would help rejuvenate me and prepare me to return to work. I was wrong. The times away were great; I relaxed, and enjoyed myself, and really felt like I had a break. But coming back to work just brought me right back down, I no longer felt rested. I have to deal with the stress at work, and I don't get enough sleep between shifts, and I have no free time, no time to deprogram after work.

It makes me once again ask myself what it is that I want in life. Cause on paper, my life looks ok. I make enough money to get by, I pay off my loans and other obligations, and continue to live on. But I have no organization to my life, no way to fit in the things I really want to do. I haven't paid serious attention to photography in way too long, and alot of my household obligations keep getting shoved to the back burner. When I am sleep deprived and my two options are either sleep or organize my paperwork, I'm gonna take the sleep. And when my options are either organize paperwork or focus on a hobby, well, I know what I really need to do.

Part of me really does enjoy the work I do. Its engaging, almost always moving, and not monotonous. But its also very stressful, and I never really get time to destressify. If I could do this work on a normal, 8-hour daily shift, I could most likely handle it. But having no life in the evening, no normal schedule to base my life around. I can't commit to anything outside of work, because I have no constant free times.

I'm also burnt out on non work related stuff. Thinking about my plans for the future and choices I need to make is also quite stressful. They carry alot of weight, and I don't really feel like I'm in a good position to be making them right now. You know when you fold the four parts of a cardboard box to make it stay together? I feel like I'm trying to somehow do that with my life. All the parts need to fold together, but some parts I don't know about right now, and some parts I can't really even work on til I know about other parts. So, once again, I feel like I'm floating and can't find a good base for my life. I yearn for a solid anchor to pivot around.

_______ of the day: When you start to pick it apart, It gets so depressing

The burnt out Ogukuo

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T05:54:00.003-07:00

I'm at work, and we have a 2 hour late start, I'm hoping it doesn't become a full snow day. That would be not awesome.
It's quiet around here. Dordt's out of session, and everyone is out of town. Almost everyone. I went skiing on Saturday with Dane. First time I'd gone in probably 5 years. It was fun. The skiing skills came back pretty quickly. While I wasn't too brave, I did hit some slopes I shouldn't have. Literally hit them. But, no major injuries, just general soreness and a constant attack of ibuprofen over the past few days. I very much want to go skiing again, but I'm guessing that'll wait til next season.
Yesterday marked the quarter century mark for my life. 25 years. Old. And since I fully intend to live to at least 100, I guess I've officially started my quarter life crisis. I would buy a convertable, but it would be impractical in Iowa. Then again, maybe impracticallity is the point. Meh, I'll wait til I'm 40 or 50.
All in all it was a pretty quiet birthday. Actually, a very typical Sunday. But without peoples around, there wasn't much to do. But thats ok, relaxing at home and talking to well-wishers on the phone was nice.
______ of the day: Hello Mary Lou, Goodbye Heart
The 25-year-old Ogukuo

[ctrl+c and ctrl+v my last post]

2008-03-13T09:06:00.003-07:00

Yes, indeed another beautiful day.

Snow is melting like an ice cream cone at the beach.

Green grass is very visible in our backyard.

Birds are singing the song of awesomeness.

Goosen are flying north in droves.

Blue skies are comin' my way! (until tomorrow, but I'll take it for now)

I saw 3 mature bald eagles and a young one sitting in a field today. Something about that is
awe-inspiring.

Sitting outside and reading a book is the foremost thought in my mind.

I feel alive again, as if my sense of beauty has been buried all winter, and is now re-emerging from the snow, much like the green grass.

Indeed, this is a foretaste of glory devine.

I have an incredable urge to garden!

Fresh, real oranges, one of the most beautiful fruits God created, are in my possesion, and being very thoughtfully enjoyed.

I'm done sitting in a dark, indoors basement. If you want me, I'll be outside enjoying Beauty.

______ of the day: California Dreamin'

The temporarily-happy-with-Iowa Ogukuo

Today is a :)

2008-03-11T19:15:00.003-07:00

To quote my father, spring has sprung.

-We hit 50 today. It was sunny, melty, clear, warm, calm, down right heavenly.

-I bought and have read over 1/2 a book today. I suspect I will finish it tonight, or maybe tomorrow morning. This is huge for me. I've read more pages today than in the last 6 months combined I believe.

-I talked with a gentleman from Bellingham last night who sounded very enthusiastic about my coming out there, and sounded eager to help me with my job hunt. This was a huge morale boost and really made me believe that I am starting to find a direction in my career that is becoming more solid.

-I recieved a package from my parents today that contained assorted Easter and birthday treats. This also suited well as a morale booster :).

-Yesterday was the first time in ages that I could smell a dairy here in Iowa. It reminded me of Lynden, Ripon, and a Sioux Center that exists outside of winter. All of these are happy thoughts.

-Some of what has contributed to my recent negativity seems to be in the process of being worked out. This is highly wonderful.

-I don't need to be up before the sun tomorrow, always a happy thought :).

-Going to the bean is in my near future.

-I think I may be going skiing at Mankato this weekend. If I go, it'll be the first time in many years. I'm very excited and hope that I will not be showing up to work in a body cast next week.

-In the last 3 days I have watched 3 previously unviewed (by me) episodes of The Office, season 1. Paul recieves good gifts for his birthday.

-I was outside in short sleeves today and totally comfortable!

-I found out that some people are actually sticking around for part of spring break, this is also happy.

-Yes, today is indeed a :). And with Spring (rapidly?) approaching, I hope that the :) continues!

______ of the day: The thought of BBQ is coming much closer to reality in the near future...

The Springy Ogukuo

I had no idea what to blog about, so I just started writing...

2008-03-09T19:35:00.003-07:00

So last night I was on the verge of going to bed at 11:30 because my life is just that exciting. But then Paul and company came over, and we went to WalMart and got stuffs to make cake, and did so to celebrate the anniversery Paul's entrance into this world. It was good times. The night before was celebrations of Andrew's birthday. Generally revelry and fun ensued both nights. Makes me really look forward to my birthday next weekend. Except not really, cause no one and there dog will be around. As of right now, the highlight of my birthday looks like it'll be a nap. Unless plans to go to Omaha pan out, but I'm not going to be optimistic about that, yet.

I could easily write an essay again about what I want to do, and careers and callings, etc etc, but I think I've done enough of that recently. Suffice to say, I'm considering teaching as a more real posibility, and this makes me very nervous and scared.

I was watching Survivorman last night, and was amazed by how much of a morale boost he got from finding some mini-shrimp to eat out in the jungle. But, I guess after not eating for four days, I would be pretty excited too. Makes me realize how easy I really have it. I mean, I have the day off tomorrow, and will certainly not be hunting for food, attempting to secure my hut against the elements, or warding off wild animals. More like hunting for something to do, securing groceries from the local store, and warding off the temptation to sit around and watch The Office all day.

Evidentally, we're supposed to experiance temps in the 40's and 50's this week. I should be excited about this, and I am. But I should be more excited about being excited. Sadly, being excited about temps in the 40's just seems so wrong to me. I want to be excited about temps the 60's, or 70's even. Ahhhhh, someday.

Thinking about the warmer temps and everything is making me want a BBQ something fierce. Not just the food, I mean the smell, and the outsideness, and the fun with friends, and the green grass, and the not snow.

And now its time to get back to reality and stop dreaming. At least for another month or so until there is a valid chance of BBQ weather.

______ of the day: A mild month of March means much merriness :)

The Marching Ogukuo

Of jelly-bellies and jobs

2008-03-07T11:59:00.002-08:00

I wanted to expand a little on two points I made on my last post.

First off, jelly-bellies are amazing. I'm pretty sure I could spend the better part of an entire day experimenting with various combonations of flavors. Although, there are a few I could do without. There's something wrong with eating a tiny, chewy, sugary candy that tastes like popcorn. I dunno, I expect crunchy and dry with that taste, not chewy and sugary.

Second, I have thought alot more about what I said about job possiblities. After looking at various jobs, and working on my resume, etc., I've come to realize some things about myself. I still have no idea what particular line of work I want to go into, but I have a much better idea of what it is I want to do. I want to help people. I know, that sounds cliche, but I'm feeling called to it. I have no idea how yet, but almost every job I've looked at and considered involves working directly with people (teaching, admin counselor at a school, working with disabled people, etc.). I see my main areas of strengh to be working well with people, and enjoying multiple tasks throughout the day, instead of doing the same thing all day. And I'm beginning to realize that its these skills (among others) that I need to consider and base my job off of. As much as I enjoy design work, I see myself being much more useful in a different position.

One of the positions I looked at in Bellingham paid ~$36k a year. I consider this to be a pretty good wage, esp. compaired to what I'm making now. I was talking to my grandma about this, and she indicated that she thought I was worth twice that. I know that was the sweet, grandmotherly thing to say, but it got me thinking. To be honest, I was almost offended by her saying this. Is my value based on what I get paid for my job? I mean, I consider my job right now to be highly valued, but I certainly don't see it reflected in my paycheck. And on the other hand, I see people with relatively uninvolved jobs making $80k a year. Does that mean that they are more valuable than me? If I find a job that I feel I am very well suited for that only pays $20k a year, should I take it over a job where I am not as well utilized, but get paid alot more? I dunno, there are obvious advantages either way. And strong considerations both ways. I just don't want my worth to be completely wrapped up in my salary.

______ of the day: I dunno, I'm still trying to figure it out.

The searching Ogukuo

The Washington Blog

2008-03-06T08:27:00.003-08:00

Greetings blogging friends, I'm rejoining your ranks! Sorry for my extended absence, over the past week I've had access to a computer only twice and each time was about 5 minutes long. It was actually really nice, I felt much less addicted to email, facebook, blogs, drudgereport, etc.

So, funness took the place of blogging over the last week, I think I'll do a list type thing to hit the highlights.

-randomly met a guy in the Sioux City airport who knew a guy I knew, and we had uber Dutch CRC connections, happened to have seats right next to eachother to Denver, and chatted the whole way. That was pretty awesome.

-Met up with Andrea and met her roommates, they are a hoot. Entertainment seems to abound at their apartment.

-Saw many new things such as: Andrea's classroom and school, Widbey Island, Mt. Baker (kind of), Bellingham (awesome city), Whatcom Falls, Birch Bay, Doris's Donuts, Bethal CRC (of Lynden), Bellingham URC, and the Whatcom County Chorale. And many many other points of interest around Lynden that are too numerous to list.

-I went to class with Andrea on Monday and Tuesday, and taught a 45 minute science class on renewable resources on Tuesday! That was fun, although rather chaotic.

-There's at least one Jr High girl with a crush on me. Why didn't that happen when I was in Jr High?? Back then it would have been cool, now its just, um, wierd? annoying? I dunno.

-Saw my grandparents who live about 40 minutes from Lynden. I hadn't been to their place in years, it was cool to see it again. My grandma managed to get in several jabs about my earrings, all of which were skillfully deflected :).

-It was wierd to have so many people I'd never met know so much about me.

-Having seen a new area, and scoped out some job ideas, I am once again firmly planted in having no idea what I want to do. New ideas coming to mind are teaching (gulp), continued work with disabled persons, and possibly college recruitment. Yes, back to that, but at a different school.

-Now that I'm back home, I feel kinda anchorless. The past few months I've been looking forward to this trip. Now that its over, I feel like its just back to work with nothing in the near future to look forward to. I'm sure thats a normal post-vacation feeling tho. And getting back into the swing of things will probably be a good thing.

- I've rekindled my love for jelly-bellies.

______ of the day: "Taken in context, its not a bad thing. But when you start to pick it apart, it gets so depressing" - The Perfect Ending, Straylight Run

The returning Ogukuo

The Perfect Ending

2008-02-22T17:03:00.003-08:00

taken in context
it's not a bad thing
but when you start to pick it apart
it gets so depressing
it's that sort of thing
that makes you think too much
it's that sort of thing
that makes you lose your objectivity

so, if you made it
just be glad that you did and stay there
if you ever feel loved or needed
remember that you're one of the lucky ones
and if it's over
just remember what I told you
it was bound to happen
so, just keep moving on
there's no perfect endings

you peel back the layers
and get down to the inside
but sometimes you lose sight
of what it was you were trying to find
and it's that sort of thing
that makes you think too much
it's that sort of thing
that makes you lose your objectivity

so, if you made it
just be glad that you did and stay there
if you ever feel loved or needed
remember that you're one of the lucky ones
and if it's over
just remember what I told you
it was bound to happen
so, just keep moving on
there's no perfect endings
no pefect endings

Don't accept that whats happening is just a case of others suffering or you'll find that your joining in the turning away.

2008-02-21T10:08:00.004-08:00

Last night I was talkin with my mom on the phone and she said she thinks I'm showing signs of s.a.d. I kinda wrote it off and didn't give it much consideration, but alot of the symptoms are simular to what I'm dealing with right now. Even on days off when I get enough sleep I feel tired, and its really hard to get out of bed. But then again, I've never been a morning person. I've lost interest in alot of my hobbies. But then again, its hard to practice photography when its zero degrees outside, and the lack of band action is more about busy schedules than loss of interest. I do feel more grumpy and anxious. But then again, I have a high stress job, I'm in a long distance relationship (getting harder by the day), and I'm facing major changes and uncertainty coming up in my life. I've gained weight. But then again, the lack of warm weather is not condusive to activities such as riding bike, walking, or playing tennis. Evidentally I was kinda the same way last year at this time (this is what I'm told, I'm not observant enough to remember).
So do I show signs of s.a.d., or is it just a matter of stress, up coming change and uncertainty, and crappy weather converging at the same spot? Or is that what makes one suffer from s.a.d.? Maybe its just been the lack of any real down time thats got me feeling this way. I don't mean days off, I mean like a vacation, time away from the norm. I get that next week, thank goodness :). I'm ready for the simple pleasure of being away from work and chores for a week.
Why is it that in a situation where I see courage in someone else, I see weakness in myself?
_______ of the day: It's not enough just to stand and stare.
The On the Turning Away Ogukuo

Today I…

2008-02-19T23:13:00.002-08:00

-Saw a bald eagle. It was beautiful, bold, graceful. I'd never seen one around here before, I think it was a real treat.
-Played chess with one of my boys. First time I've played in a very long time. I miss the challenge, the intellectual stimulation.
-Did yoga. Kinda. Only a few poses, and not for very long. I didn't feel much from it afterwards, but I haven't really committed to it much, just getting a fell for the poses.
-Got up too early. Actually, I got up on time for work, but "on time" was too early. I'd love to be one of those people who gets up early every day and goes for a walk, does yoga, reads the paper, and has time to spare before work. Alas, my current situation does not allow for it. Perhaps when I get a more regular job. That probably won't make me a morning person tho.
-Worked a twelve hour day. It left me no free time today, but I guess having a four day work week can be nice.
-Mailed a letter. Not as fast and convenient as email, but much more fun to write!
-Took an hour long nap. This is huge for me, normally if I nap, it has to be at least 2 hours, or it's not worth it. An hour was nice, enough time to be rested, but didn't take up all my time at home.
-Saw pheasants in the backyard at work. It was awesome to see them up close without them running away. Dumb birds, but pretty.
-Bought pop tarts for work. It will make my Friday morning much smoother.
-Switched from a Sunday morning shift to a Sunday afternoon shift. I'm looking forward to sleeping in and going to church.
-Made a list of things to get done tomorrow, my day off.
-Received an unexpected check from work, yay!
-Realized that even boring Tuesdays seem much better when you take the time to think about what you've actually gotten done.
______ of the day: All the small things...
The hungry Ogukuo

Find the humor in everything

2008-02-16T23:11:00.002-08:00

I realized tonight that I'm outside the circle. I'm no longer part of the group, more like an outside observer. This, I'm sure, has been happening slowly but surely over the past 2 years, but tonight is the night I realized it. Overall, I was a general tagalong on events, but one comment kinda brought it home. After I made some stupid comment or mistake (probably a vailed attempt at humor, I don't remember), someone said "You're the oldest one here." I shrugged it off, and made another attempt at humor, but it kinda brought the point home. I'm definently at least a year older than most of the people I hang out with, more like 2-4 years for alot of them. I'd been trying to deny this fact for a while and just pretend I'm still a college kid, but I'm starting to give up on that.
I guess I'm kinda sad to see those good times end, but at the same time, I'm ready to move on. I thought the thing I'd miss most about college was the general relaxed nature and fun times, but I'm starting to see that its the discussion and conversation and learning that I'm missing more. And, to be honest, the whole idea of parties is really starting to not be as fun anymore. I'm enjoying more the times with just a few friends and a good movie, or discussion.
I think this is a good thing, as I'll be leaving the whole college scene behind in a few more months. I keep telling myself that fun times lie ahead for me, but not knowing what they are, or who I'll be spending time with is making it difficult to accept it. But, nonetheless, I know they are coming, and I look forward to figuring out what they will be.
Wow, now I feel like I'm making a crappy speech at a high school graduation, and thats always a sign to just stop, so thats what I'm gonna do.
______ of the day: find the humor in everything
The on, moving on Ogukuo

List blog!! Weeeeee!!!

2008-02-15T10:17:00.003-08:00

-I had a dream about a family gathering at a cabin in the mountains last night. It was happy. Except my mom was freaking out about going to visit my Grandparents for some reason. Yeah, it didn't make sense in my dream either.

-I like Neon Bible alot. Alot. As in desert island with only one album alot.

-Hmm, maybe I'd need Dark Side of the Moon as well...

-Robin Williams shall never ever be cast as James Bond.

-Despite popular opinion leaning the opposite direction, I still prefer Sioux Falls to Sioux City.

-3 day weekends are pretty much the best thing ever.

-Eating healthy has been faultering recently... I shall try to change this.

-I used the word "renege" in my daily assessment writing yesterday, I am proud of this.

-I want to learn more about electricity.

-I completed my taxes without the assitance of a tax guy. Hopefully I did everything right and I don't have Feds hunting me down any time soon.

-I think I've liked every movie I've seen Dustin Hoffman in.

-I have a real hankering to do some winetasting.

-I enjoy argyle socks.

-The word argyle makes me think of gargoyles.

-A gargoyle wearing argyle could quite possibly be the coolest thing ever.

-Today is dedicated to doing not much. Some piano playing and perhaps some mad bass shredding shall happen.

-I hate dry winters, my skin is not soft, smooth, and itch free.

_______ of the day: argyle gargoyle

The itchy-yet-enjoying-time-off Ogukuo

Yeah, its true, no matter where you go

2008-02-13T11:31:00.002-08:00

So I'm to the point of burn out with work. I used to look forward to going in, now I kinda dread it. Not because I hate the job, but because I'm just worn out from it. Not getting sleep because of work, and not being able to have a social life really don't help. And lately, it seems like everyday is just another constant battle. I've gotten to the point of feeling like its just not worth it anymore. I need some serious down time. I can totally see why social work has a very high rate of smokers.
Part of me just wants to quit and dedicate my time to figuring out what the next 6 months holds for me, but that isn't exactly possible. Plus I know they need the help at work, so I can't just up and quit. Ack, its a good thing I have a three day weekend coming up, I very much need the down time.
______ of the day: You can mark my words, somethings about to break.
The burnt out Ogukuo

So here's the deal...

2008-02-05T17:19:00.001-08:00

I'm once again working on (and therefore blogging about) the job hunt. I am confident in myself. I know that I am a good employee (if you doubt me, look at my resume). The problem is, I'm not looking for farm work, an engineering position, an upper management position, or a receptionist/secretary position. And oddly enough, almost every single job listing online for the Lynden/Bellingham area is one of those jobs.

I was hoping to mail out about a dozen resumes this week, and so far I've found 2 solid places where I feel I want to apply. Neither is hiring as far as I know, so its more or less just a shot in the dark. I've found a few more places that are hiring, but are out of my area of expertise, or aren't exactly what I desire to do. Sadly, they are probably getting moved from the 'maybe' file to the 'need to' file.
I don't feel like I'm being picky, but I know I have qualities and interests that would make me awesome for a job in ______. There are alot of jobs that could fill that blank, I just can't seem to find any. I literally cannot find places to apply. I'm over qualified for nearly half the jobs, under qualified for nearly half the jobs, and can't seem to find the small sliver that this scenerio leaves for me.
When talking to people about this, there seems to be an attitude of 'you should lower your standards to find work'. This pisses me off. Not because I would mind driving a bus or working in sales (short term), but the jobs I would 'lower my standards' for would not use my talents. I'm good at something, and its not pushing an extended warranty.
I'm also almost 25 and need to start considering something a bit more long term. I don't mean that I need a job where I can settle into the same desk for the next 40 years, but I want something that will offer me some real experiance, and preferably some sort of point in a general career direction.
I have a degree in an area I'm not really interested in, and everything I can find requires "1-5 years experiance". I gotta start somewhere. I would be great at alot of jobs, but I simply don't know how to get into them.
Well, I'm off to tweek my resume a slight bit and post it on job sites. How do I write an objective for a job I don't know about?
_____ of the day: If I were an engineer or wanted to work in retail the rest of my life I'd be set.
The future unemployed Ogukuo

I blog, do you?

2008-02-01T09:03:00.000-08:00

So far my 3 day weekend is off to a rip roaring start!! I've bought two new toothbrushes, called my credit card company cause I couldn't remember my username for my account, and found out that I get to work this afternoon! Yay! Its cool tho, it means some overtime and a good excuse to not do the dishes. And theres some things I need to do at work anyway. Plus I only work 1 day between now and next Thursday anyway, so its not like I don't have time to get things done. Its odd, I'm more ok with working today because I was called in instead of scheduled. Just looking forward to having today off before finding out I would work was refreshing.
Job hunting stuff is going well (at least in my opinion). I've "finished" my resume and have a few letters of inquiry written. At this point I'm just waiting to hear back from people about what they think of the resume, etc, and whether I should change anything. The best part of the whole deal is that I figure I'd better buy a new shirt, tie, etc for any possible interviews. And of course, this means a good excuse for a trip to Sioux Falls! Thought about goin today, but working this afternoon kinda trumped that idea. Perhaps tomorrow. Anyone wanna come along? I don't think I've ever made a trip to Sioux Falls alone, my only worry is I'll stop at too many places I like and spend way too much money. Stupid materialism. Maybe I'll try a trip solo tomorrow and see if I can restrain myself...
______ of the day: Walmart has "fresh" fillet salmon, yay.
The weekend? Ogukuo

I don't know why, but I know I can't stay

2008-01-30T08:34:00.000-08:00

I was attacked by a flying saucer yesterday afternoon. I have the bumps on my head to prove it. At first the people in the ER didn't believe me and looked at me funny, but then I explained and they got it.
I think the shot to the head jarred something loose, I've been a little out of it since then. And all this anxiety over the job situation is becoming clearer, I think. Its not the search thats so much scary, as it is the thought of actually getting a job, and being commited to it. Not so much scary, as a daunting task I guess. But one I'm gradually becoming more comfortable taking on.
Ever felt alone in a crowded room? Of course you have, everyone has at some point or another, dumb question, nevermind.
Random ambiguous blog comment that no one really understands.
Explanation of previous comment explaining that no one will really understand it.
I like Neon Bible. and Oh, Inverted World. And the neat songs on Juno. And Hopes and Fears. And the Blue Album.
I calculated what my tax return should be from last year. It makes me smile.
I've noticed that I have a few different styles of handwritting. One even I can't read. Another looks really cool, I think.
When I started this blog I'm pretty sure I had one particular subject I was gonna drone on about, but I forgot it and wrote a few one liners instead. It was fun.
______ of the day: What a long and strange journey its been.
The swell-headed Ogukuo

Iowa weather is ADD

2008-01-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all those who contributed job ideas, right now burning monkeys is near the top of the list.

For the past few weeks we haven’t gotten above 15 degrees. A lot of days weren’t above 5. Tomorrow and Monday are both supposed to be in the low 40s. And then Tuesday is supposed to be a high of 9. Yikes.

Resume work seems to be on the downward slope, its starting to look somewhat real and near completion. I guess that means its time to start the harder, more abstract portion of the job hunt. Working on the resume is relatively easy, I can see what I’m doing, and what needs to be done. Now I need to focus more on contacting places and getting my name out there. That’s a bit more of an abstract process. Should prove to be interesting. So far I’ve narrowed it down to four types of jobs I want to look into (besides those suggested by you, the reading public): architectural design work, banking, working at a winery, and a job working with kids in some facet. Kinda a varied selection, all seem interesting and challenging. Now it’s a matter of looking at these jobs and whether any of them is a possibility.

I am trying to keep up with the healthy eating thing, but its been difficult the last week or so. Mostly for reasons of time, and lack of variety of food. I’ve found some really simple, really awesome meals to make, but I’ve only found a few of them, and repetition is making things boring. It would probably be simpler if I were making food for more than one, but single serving recipes usually don’t fall into the healthy category. Surprisingly, the list of foods I consider good is growing to include spinach, garbanzo beans, fish, and asparagus. These are 4 things I would have considered untouchable in the past. Now I enjoy them, especially asparagus. And I just received a box of real oranges from California, so that has been a super neat treat.

______ of the day: My life needs a little salt and pepper. And some sleep.

The posting Ogukuo

Be My Escape

2008-01-24T10:05:00.000-08:00

I’ve given up on giving up slowly, I’m blending in so

You won’t even know me apart from this whole world that shares my fate

This one last bullet you mention is my one last shot at redemption

because I know to live you must give your life away

And I’ve been housing all this doubt and insecurity and

I’ve been locked inside that house all the while You hold the key

And I’ve been dying to get out and that might be the death of me

And even though, there’s no way in knowing where to go, promise I’m going because

I gotta get outta here

I’m stuck inside this rut that I fell into by mistake

I gotta get outta here

And I’m begging You, I’m begging You, I’m begging You to be my escape.

I’m giving up on doing this alone now

Cause I’ve failed and I’m ready to be shown how

He’s told me the way and I’m trying to get there

And this life sentence that I’m serving

I admit that I’m every bit deserving

But the beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair

Cause I’ve been housing all this doubt and insecurity and

I’ve been locked inside that house all the while You hold the key

And I’ve been dying to get out and that might be the death of me

And even though, there’s no way in knowing where to go, promise

I’m going becauseI gotta get outta here

Cause I’m afraid that this complacency is something

I can’t shakeI gotta get outta here

And I’m begging You, I’m begging You, I’m begging You to be my escape.

I am a hostage to my own humanity

Self detained and forced to live in this mess I’ve made

And all I’m asking is for You to do what You can with me

But I can’t ask You to give what You already gave

Cause I’ve been housing all this doubt and insecurity and

I’ve been locked inside that house all the while you hold the key

And I’ve been dying to get out and that might be the death of me

And even though, there’s no way in knowing where to go, promise I’m going because

I’ve gotta get outta here

I’m stuck inside this rut that I fell into by mistake

I’ve gotta get outta here

And I’m begging You, I’m begging You, I’m begging You to be my escape.

I fought You for so long

I should have let You in

Oh how we regret those things we do

And all I was trying to do was save my own skin

But so were You

So were You

I'm just an ordinary guy, and all I want is to be loved

2008-01-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

I have no idea what I want to do with my life. Any suggestions?

The lost Ogukuo

You, fly over there

2008-01-13T21:08:00.000-08:00

I spent a sizable amount of time today looking at websites offering advice on resume building, interviews, career shifts, etc. Although I feel a bit more well versed in the various facets of this whole process, I don't feel any less scared of it. I also confused myself quite a bit by looking at some lists of interesting jobs that one wouldn't normally consider for employment. There weren't any in particular that jumped out at me (except one, I'll get to that in a minute), but it made me realize that theres alot more job choices out there that I realized. It makes me question my plan of seeking an office desk job. Yes, I would enjoy design work, but sitting at a desk all day every day would kinda drive me batty I think. The one job on the list of abnormal jobs that really stuck out at me was air traffic controller. The first thing I thought when I saw this was "who says 'I wanna be an air traffic controller when I grow up!'?". I mean, really, people want to be pilots, teenagers get stuck lugging bags around and working at airport crap stores, and I would assume that business majors work behind the airline counters and get yelled at all day. But air traffic controller? That one seems to be kinda out of left field. I fell off my chair when I saw the wages tho, median compensation is $117, 240 a year. Thats median!! It listed wages as high at $145,000 a year! I thought that was ridiculous, but it is a federal job, so that kinda makes sense. At this point I was quite intrigued and read a little more into the job, and I guess its pretty hard to get into the field. Training here, more training there, multiple years of on the job training, and a list of positions to move thru thats extremely long. Don't get the idea I've completely changed my career goal over the last 12 hours, but the job definitely piqued my interest.
And now I'm done.
_______ of the day: Just what does 'fair compensation' mean?
The still-searching Ogukuo

I complain, you get bored

2008-01-12T07:18:00.000-08:00

I've fallen into the January blahs. For the past few months I've gotten used to living from one exciting event to another, and now thats all over and I'm left with just work. The next big thing I get to look forward to is going to Washington at the end of February. I don't even get a full day off from work for another week.
I'm also sorta entering job search mode. As most people know, this is horrorfying. I hate job searches, its a whole lot of building myself up, dressing up, doing interviews, getting turned down, perhaps finding something I want, and then it gets hard. Then I gotta learn how to do a new job, figure out if I'm good at it, and figure out if I like it. I also gotta completely switch from one sorta work to another. Chances are the next job I get will be an office job, which means I'll be sitting in front of a computer most of the day. Hopefully I'll like the work I'll be doing, but either way, that kinda setting can get boring. And all of that job stuff adds to the January blahs, cause I know its gonna be a whole lotta work. And I know I may go thru all of this work of finding a job and end up in one I'm not particularly good at or like.
So that is that, and now I'm very hungry and I think I'm gonna make a nice frosted mini wheats, banana, and granola mixture. If you haven't tried doing this, you should, its awesome.
_______ of the day: some toast would be nice too.
The hungry Ogukuo

Door knobs and taxes

2008-01-08T18:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, its 2008. Thats something that didn't strike me until sometime late on December 31, 2007. Yes, I knew it was New Years, and was planning on a "party", but the fact that it was going to be 2008 just somehow didn't hit home. But, I have now written out a few checks and am secure in the fact that it is indeed 2008. I'm sure I will be even more aware of this as tax forms start rolling in for the close of 2007. I have decided I don't like taxes. Not so much the fact that I have to pay them, thats inevitable. But the fact that I need to fill out much paper work and prove this, that, and the next thing. I have a tough enough time remembering when payday is much less where it all goes.
In happier news, our house now has a fully functioning door knob on the front door!! This may seem like a simple luxary, mostly cause it is. Its now a simple luxary we can claim :). Also jerry-rigged a new light switch in our kitchen. Evidentally we have the only house ever built with this very messed up style of wiring, so getting any switches is impossible. Thru a bit of trial and error, leading to much amusement and frustration, we now have a low voltage momentary contact switch that closely resembles a missle launch button. But, amazingly, it does the job and does not interfer with the rest of the lights in the house.
I have decided that watching HGTV makes me operate in a mindset that is entirely outside my price range. This is highly disappointing. I yearn for the day when I have a house of my own to work on. Of course, I say this now, once I have one I'll probably hate being tied to it.
I've run out of blog topics I want to write about, so I'll stop.
______ of the day: Muse has a song called Fillip, that is funny.
The unworded Ogukuo

Christmas!

2007-12-29T11:54:00.000-08:00

Wow, its been the busiest week off at home I’ve ever had! For the sake of avoiding annoyingly long stories and odd phrases I use that no one understands, I’ll simply skim some of the high and lowlights in list form.

-After a rather stressful evening of much phone tag and waiting, Andrea’s flight came in only 1.5 hours late instead of 14 hours late. Prayers are indeed answered :)

-I enjoyed 4 days of family Christmas-ness. Although it wasn’t the family I’m used to spending Christmas with, it was quite nice. This is the first time I’ve been away from my family for Christmas, it was rather odd. And to go along with that, this was the first white Christmas I’ve ever experienced.

-I can no longer say that I’ve never played Guitar Halo. I mean Hero. Sadly, and to my dismay, I found it quite entertaining. This may be one video game that I actually would enjoy playing. Alert the papers.

-Having many many visitors over Christmas is uber fun, but also time consuming. It leads to things like a very messy kitchen, and lack of time to clean it up.

-Somehow, 6 days of work is eternally longer than 6 days off from work.

-I got lots of stuff that I haven’t had time to really look at yet. I even got some gifts twice!!

-Dates can be stressful.

-Dates can be very fun.

-I like surprises, giving them and getting them.

-Goats are awesome.

-Sometimes the simplicity of a normal work schedule is the single most element I want added to my life right now.

-However, I do enjoy a job where I can show up, punch in, and sleep for 2 hours before doing anything.

-Next week should be fun again, with New Years and a trip down to Omaha.

That’s a brief overview of Christmas, what I got isn’t so much important as what I did. And who was here, and the time we got to spend together.

_______ of the day: I forget, its that thing, you know…

The working-on-Saturday Ogukuo

I like making lists of random things

2007-12-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

Discovering you’ve bought shredded wheat when you meant to buy frosted shredded wheat is horribly disappointing.

Adding some granola and a sliced up banana to shredded wheat significantly improves it.

Blogging about breakfast cereals shows how boring one’s life is.

I enjoy listening to Peasants play their music.

I agree with the second paragraph of Andrew’s blog.

This week looks very long and bleak until the weekend.

I can barely find the floor in my room because I do nothing but work, and I have no time to clean up or organize anything. The same goes for the living room and kitchen, and I feel bad(ly) about it. Hopefully that changes tomorrow when I may actually have some free time at home. I also really wanna make dinner for myself tomorrow, but the boys have a Christmas party, so I’ll prolly skip the food making to attend that.

I hate being under constant deadlines and always having one more thing to do before I can relax. I think 6 days off for Christmas will do me a world of good. Deadlines of having to get presents wrapped is much nicer than deadlines of paperwork and book writing.

I sat down at the piano for the first time in a long time today, this makes me happy.

I hate having short amounts of time off from work during the day because I am never motivated to use them wisely. If I know I only have an hour or so, chances are I won’t wanna tackle a project like cleaning or anything, I’ll spend it relaxing. If I have a whole day off, I’ll be able to actually get something done.

I realize after reading this list of things that it is quite boring, which reflects largely on my life.

______ of the day: Just one day without obligation would be splendid

The unmotivated Ogukuo

I make pictures!!!

2007-12-05T10:18:00.000-08:00

I'm a little behind, but I wanted to put up a few pics from Thanksgiving if I can figure out how...

Yes, she was mean. But the haircut looks awesome, and as you will notice in future pictures, both my ears are still intact :).

This would be my sister and her husband, me and Andrea, and my brother and his girlfriend. We kinda took the Van Dyken family Thanksgiving by storm. Marching two by two, of course.

We spent the weekend after Thanksgiving at a cabin up in the mountains. We drove to the lake where we'd camp in the summer time. Its drained down for winter, but still beautiful. Where I took this picture from would be under water during the summer.

Even when she's upset with me for taking her picture, she's still beautiful :D

My brother was nice enough to let us take his awesome motorcycle for some rides. This was a break during one ride around Ripon on the one cloudy day we were there.

So I guess I'm not very good at documenting trips with photographs, I missed pictures of alot of the fun stuff we did. But most of my photographs include Andrea, so thats good. In short, we had Thanksgiving at my grandpa's house with the whole family (ages 8 months to 94 years old). It was somewhat packed, but very fun. Then we spent the rest of the weekend up in the mountains, which was a very good idea, because moutains are beautiful. Took several drives to see pretty things. Andrea and I went wine tasting on Saturday, found some good wine, and even better company. Even bought a ring! A big, rubber one that has flashing lights inside that make it look pretty. And is good for getting people very excited over nothing :).

And now I've worked 8 days straight since returning to Sioux Center, and still have 2 more to go before I have a break. Someday I would like to have a regular job that allows me time to sleep and maybe even have a social life. Someday.

_______ of the day: Life is weird when you center justify your type.

The symetrical (kindof) Ogukuo

So here's a little rant...

2007-12-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

About "the system".
So my roommate just got a ticket while driving my car because my plates are expired. The ticket is in his name, etc, but of course, its my fault cause its my car. I totally understand this. Evidently, my plates have been expired since September. So obviously, I deserved the ticket.
My beef is why my plates were expired in the first place. Generally speaking, I'm pretty sure that registration lasts a year right? And I know for a fact that one's birthday is also a default date for setting registration dues (Happy Birthday, you owe us money). Now, I registered the car in May, and my birthday is in March. Why on earth did my plates expire in September? Thats 4 months after I registered my car, and 6 months from my birthday. Silly me, when I received a notice in August to pay my registration, and it said "disregard if you have paid already", I assumed that I had, since I'd paid just a few months earlier. Now I have to pay to register my car (plus fees and charges, cause I'm 3 months late on it), and pay a $90 ticket. Does this make sense to anyone? Don't get me wrong, I don't blame the patrolman at all, he was totally right for giving me the ticket, my plates were expired, after all. But why on earth were my plates expired?? I'm very frustrated and much poorer now because of this. And I have no idea why I'm in this situation to begin with. I have no choice but to pay the ticket, if I brought it to court the judge would take one look at it, see that my plates were indeed expired and make me pay anyway (not to mention whatever other costs would be involved). I hate having to just eat $90 for no reason whatsoever. Paying the registration hurts, but I owe it. I dunno why I owe it this early, but I do.
Living paycheck to paycheck is a lot harder when suddenly a large chunk of your income disappears for reasons unbeknownst to you.
______ of the day: I'm gonna have to cancel my ski trip to Vail, shopping trip to New York, and that 3 week Caribbean cruise now.
The even poorer Ogukuo

Post #100!!!

2007-11-27T00:13:00.000-08:00

Wow, 100 posts already, amazing! And how fitting that I spend this momentous occasion alone at the computer after midnight...
So, I hate goodbyes. I don't understand the "good" part of them. I guess the pain they bring really is Bittersweet. Maybe the good part is the fact that its hard because your saying goodbye to someone very special. The goodbye reminds you of how those people truly are special, and that your life just isn't the same without them around. If a goodbye isn't hard, thats when its time to be sad. A goodbye is real, its full of emotion and love and caring and unspeakable communication and hope and somewhere, deep deep down, some sort of peace. Its a peace, a knowledge of a connection, something that is greater than physical togetherness. Its that something that makes people truly close, even when they are far apart from eachother. And despite all this sappy crap about goodbyes, I still hate them :).
______ of the day: Iowa is a hard state to return to
The goodbye'd Ogukuo

And when you finally disappear, we'll just say you were never here

2007-11-15T10:53:00.000-08:00

So I've watched a coupla good movies recently, Everything Is Illuminated and A Day Without a Mexican. I liked both of them, for different reasons. The first one I have raved about before, and anyone who has seen it knows why. The second one I had never seen before. Got it on a whim, and it was very entertaining. The one thing that really bugged me about it was they tried to stick Stockton down in Southern California. Well, they were only off by like 500 miles.

I hate feeling like nothing more than an observer. Thats why I loved being involved with sound tech. I felt like I was useful, a contributor. And music, I'm at all those rock shows for a reason, not just because I'm coming to watch. I'm starting to feel like thats fading. Everyone else is busy doing their thing, and I'm just sorta watching. I can show up and observe, or call and ask whats going on, but thats about it. Everyone is busy contributing, and I'm stuck just waiting and watching. I'm not called on for help with anything. I can tag along, but I'm not a big contributor. Sometimes I feel like I'm almost just annoying people whenever I call or show up somewhere, like they are busy with their lives, and I should just stick to observing. I should do my humble 40 hours of work a week, occasionally converse with people, and if something is happening, I can show up and watch, but my involvement isn't really needed.
At least thats the feeling I get sometimes.

______ of the day: Every spark of friendship and love will die without a home.

The Ogukuo

Stuck in the Middle

2007-11-11T09:32:00.000-08:00

I have, once again, experienced a social life. If only for a night. It was grand. In the span of one evening I did many different things with many different people, all of whom are awesome. I feel as if these moments are becoming rarer and rarer-er. Part of me hates that these days are slipping away, and part of me is almost glad. I like hearing stories from my dad of Saturdays spent painting the house and running to the hardware store, and Sundays doing the same thing he has done on Sundays for the past 30 years. I look forward to the days when I do things like that. Set schedules, relaxed weekends, getting "back into the swing of things" for my 9 to 5 that will start again on Monday. The funny thing is I really enjoy looking forward to those things, but the thought of those times actually encroaching on my current life is not as enjoyable. I'm stuck between loving where I am now and loving where I envision my life going. I guess I feel like my current life is coming to a close, and my "grown up" life is yet to begin. Its ironic that I take comfort in what I know now, which is the unpredictable; and I'm scared of what I don't know yet, which will be a predictable life. I know the unknown, and don't know the known.
I am listening to The Starting Line, I like them. But not as much as Jimmy Eat World.
______ of the day: Are you alone? - The Starting Line
The middled Ogukuo

All my blog topics suck

2007-11-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

I am listening to Jimmy Eat World, I like them lots.
Today is my first full day off from work since last week Thursday. I put in something close to 55 hours this week. Yay overtime, boo lack of social life and sleep. But its cool, I got today and tomorrow off. And then I work like 12 hours on Monday and then have Tuesday and Wednesday off. At least thats the plan, I kinda doubt I'll actually have those days off, cause so far we have one sick guy on staff, one who was sickish, and one who showed signs of getting sick. So I may either by working extra shifts or trading around this week. But, if things go as planned, I'll work like 6 days straight before leaving for California for Thanksgiving. So any days off I have this week better be spent getting ready to go home!!
Hmm, working all the time leads to a lack of blog topics...
_______ of the day: I need some sleep, I can't go on like this.
The lethargic Ogukuo

ummm, work?

2007-11-08T15:24:00.000-08:00

Well, I was wrong about working 13 hours on Thursday. Its gonna be closer to 15 or 16. And with only 5 hours of sleep last night. I’m exhausted. And I was also wrong about having a 3 day weekend, I’m working Friday afternoon and evening. All told, I’ll have worked 8 days straight, and clocked well over 50 hours this week. Not the end of the world I guess, just of my social life. I’m not too upset, I’m working cause evidentially the latest form of entertainment amongst our staff is being sick. I’m working all my regular shifts plus an extra tomorrow evening to cover for someone. At least tomorrow I get to sleep past 7:00 am the first time since last Thursday. Next week should be a little more docile, but then I think I work 7 days straight before heading home for Thanksgiving. Hopefully that’ll make the time go by quickly :).
On an unrelated note, OJK has been hit up with some sorta interest in our music by an A&R thingy. As you can tell my use of technical jargon and concise statements, I have no idea what its all about. Except that it means that our sound has something to it. And that it’s a possible break. A break at a bad time, but a break none the less. I echo Andrew’s sentiment, why couldn’t this have happened a year ago? But its cool, none the less.
And now I’m done, its too hard to write when I’m seeing two screens and they are both spinning around (I’m tired).
_______ of the day: A&R thingy
The tired Ogukuo

Of course I've seen you before, but where?

2007-11-06T19:37:00.000-08:00

I went to Sioux Falls last night. It was fun. I went with Paul and Jenna. I bought a new touque, some Christmas gifts, a guitar, some weights, and a tall caramel macchiato . The touque is fuzzy and warm and fun to wear. It makes my hair look flat and rather dumb. The Christmas gifts, well, I can’t write about those. We have a family gift exchange thing, and its supposed to be a secret of who I have and what I got them, so the last thing I wanna do is spread it on a highly traveled website like my blog. The guitar is actually Paul’s, but he didn’t bring his checkbook along, so I did the technical purchasing. I felt impulsive buying a guitar, even tho its not mine. It was fun. I have been reimbursed. The weights are intended for doing some light lifting, but will most likely serve a much better service collecting dust and sitting on the floor posing a serious threat to my bare, innocent toes. Stupid weights. The caramel macchiato was lukewarm and somewhat unsatisfying. But the toffee almond tort I got was rather tasty. All in all the trip certainly beat a poke with a sharp stick. Today I’m working a 13 hour day, tomorrow will be 10 hours, and Thursday will be about 13 again. Sigh. But then I have a 3 day weekend, huzzah. Although I think I may try to work an overnight shift Friday night at a different home. A high five for overtime!!
Alas, I have missed the beginning of Scrubs, I must now retire and lounge on the couch for a while.
_______ of the day: Shiny Toy Guns? Hmmmm…
The ‘yeah?? What are you gonna do about it??’ Ogukuo

Everybody likes Saturday mornings, right?

2007-11-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

I am at work right now. I wish I wasn’t. I wish I was in bed. I wish I had regular weekends. I wish I worked regular hours. I wish I had the freedom of evenings. But, I like having random Wednesdays off. And four day work weeks. And getting paid to go bowling. Or to the library or grocery store or park. I like working with kids. I like the people I work with. I don’t like the artificial “drama”. I wish time away from work was really time away from work. I wish I had time away from work when I wasn’t too tired to do anything.
We just turned on the heaters at work, now there’s that ‘dust in the heater vent’ smell that people hate for some reason. I love it with a passion. It reminds me of going to the family cabin as a kid, cause we’d always have to turn the heater on for the first time in a long time, so it would smell like that. So every time I smell it now, it brings me back to the cabin. And thinking of the cabin makes me think of Thanksgiving, cause we’re going to a cabin over Thanksgiving in a few weeks. And I am uber stoked about it. Like, uber uber stoked. I can’t wait to go home! Especially now, smelling the cabin smell! Here’s a small list of things I’m looking forward to over Thanksgiving: Seeing Andrea, seeing my family, Aunt Katherine’s sweet potatoes, turkey!!!, seeing mountains, being in the mountains, seeing Andrea, wine tasting, leftover turkey, a fire place, leftover turkey, and seeing Andrea. Not necessarily in that order, of course. Things I’m looking forward to before Thanksgiving: Obsessing about Thanksgiving :). Ok, so I’m trying to keep myself occupied until then, so I don’t have time to dwell on it, but it is indeed immanent.
So how about that sports team we all enjoy?
______ of the day: kafuffle
The pining Ogukuo
p.s. nothing says Saturday morning like John Denver singing Sunshine on my shoulder.

Again...

2007-10-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Evidentally, chimpanzees are carnivorous...
I've come to the conclusion that I want to cut my hair off, it is annoying. This shall happen sometime in the next month.
I found the local NPR station streaming online, office work is much happier now.
I've put in over 3 days worth of work between yesterday and today, I am tired.
I have tomorrow off, I plan to sleep in.
I cut the finger nail too short on one of my left hand fingers and it hurts, I can't play guitar for a while now cause I'm a wimp :(
Mike Rowe is my hero.
I have seen too many Christmas decorations out for the end of October.
My parents left yesterday, I guess life is back to "normal".
I'm very ready for Thanksgiving.
And Christmas.
I wish I were more intellectual, I'm gonna work on that if I get the time. You know, read books and stuff.
______ of the day: "Tambourines and elephants are playing in the band" - 'Lookin out my back door' by CCR
The exhausted Ogukuo

Here's the order of my list in the order its in

2007-10-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

So you know how sometimes someone will get a brilliant idea and blogs about it? Well, this isn't one of those, I'm just bored. I think I'm gonna try list form a la Paul.
- I've noticed my blog linked on a few other people's blogs, I guess that means I should write more often.
- I too want a puppy, they are cute. But only a puppy like on toilet paper commercials, not one that gets into mud and poops and all that stuff that requires work.
- I too think I look like Ben Folds, scary.
- It recently dawned on me that I will be residing in 3 of the major dutch settlements, Ripon, Sioux Center, and (in the future) Lynden. I do not know how I feel about this.
- My parents and brother show up tomorrow. I haven't seen them in close to 6 months.
- I haven't had a haircut since last seeing them, hmm.
- Last post featured Straylight Run, today's selection is Paulson, very very neat stuff.
- I also just listened to Pedro The Lion (I know, I'm a decade behind the times). They are interesting.
- I was in a half-constructed house this past weekend and it reminded me how much I enjoy house design and that whole process.
- I'm designing a house, kinda. It has a waterfall in it and a meditation/yoga room. Its very Eastern influenced. Its also almost 6000 sq ft :S. I think I need to scale it down a bit.
- I have not been in the Bean for 5 days, life is turning gray.
- Gray or grey?
- I just ate my last Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate with White Mint Filling chocolate Square from Andrea :(. They were very yummy tho :).
- I have 3 months worth of bank statements, credit card bills, and student loan stuff on my desk.
- I am very thankful for automatic withdrawls for important payments.
- I hope there are competent musicians around Lynden, I will very much miss being in a band when I move out there.
- Today is my last day of work until next Monday, yay!
- This list is too long.
______ of the day: "I'm hiding from things I can't explain" - Ultra-High by Paulson
The listless Ogukuo

Last time that I saw you...

2007-10-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

I am blogging instead of organizing an outline for an inservice I am conducting tomorrow. I got a killer title for it tho, "How to Properly Deal with Anger". Ok, its a lame title, probably will be a lame talk as well. I feel kinda dumb, cause everything I'm talking about is probably known better by the people I am talking to.
I'm also listening to Straylight Run right now, they are my happy place. I've only got 'The Needles The Space' right now, but I think I'm gonna get their earlier albums next week if I can. I recommend them, if you like good music.
I'm starting to realize alot of things that I don't want to realize. I've done a pretty good job of hiding life from myself so far, but it seems like it is becoming more and more immenant. Part of me says "great! its time to give up all of this and start acting all grown up" and the rest of me is saying "no, we're gonna fight as hard as we can to avoid real work of any sort". Someone wise once quoted someone not-so-wise as saying "life is unraveling and being woven together". Well, I feel like I'm much more on the unraveling end right now. I've decided to make some pretty big changes in my life over the next year or so, but all I can see right now is what I'm leaving behind. I know what lies ahead is awesome and going to be wonderful, but I don't know how its going to be awesome and wonderful. Mostly what scares me is the complete and utter uncertainty of those changes. I've set up some very safe havens for myself both here and back in CA, but my new life is going to be anchored by (relatively) very little. Don't get me wrong, very little things can be the most important things. Especially when they are as important and special as they are in this case. And, to carry the analogy way too far, smaller anchors for change give me the most room to swing on my own and figure out the rest. If you don't understand, thats ok, the point of this post is that I don't understand either. In theory, once I get a few more of the major details figured out, I'll be much more on the woven together end of life. At least thats what I tell myself...
_______ of the day: "I'm gonna lay here alone/close my eyes and wish for home" - This is the End by Straylight Run
The unwoven Ogukuo

Long and boring, worth ignoring

2007-10-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

I did not realize its almost been a month since my last post, I apologize. The last two weeks have been increadably busy. I had a work conferance down in Des Moines, which I found quite fun. Mostly cause I've never been on a trip like this, so it was new and interesting to me. I also learned alot about my job, which is very very good, cause I basically have no other training whatsoever besides on the job training. And it was good to be in a "big city" again! Sometimes I really miss tall buildings and not being able to see any shread of natual landscape. Doesn't happen often, but sometimes I miss that. I also had my own hotel room for the first time ever, I think. I jumped on the bed :). I was on that trip for 3 days and then returned to a 4 day weekend. So that means I was away from regular shifts for an entire week. Returning was hard, I was very out of it. But then I worked 7 days straight. Very busy! Between yesterday and Monday I worked 26 hours, with less than 5 hours of sleep inbetween. Thank goodness I have today off, I got 8 hours of sleep last night for the first time since last Tuesday or something. But, its short lived, I work again tomorrow, probably 16 hour shift too :S.
Lesse, in real news (besides me being too busy to make real news), um, oh, observation time!! Hotel breakfast bars can be very interesting places. On the weekend they are always filled with families, old people, and usually random bikers. All these people are casually dressed, socialize in groups, and seem happy. This would probably be, logically, because they are all on vacation. However, during the week (as observed on my last business trip), everyone eating breakfast is wearing a suit or other business wear, eating alone, and usually looking unhappy. Ok, this is a pretty easy observation to make, but I've rarely stayed in a hotel during the week, so I've never seen the business side of it. I just gotta say, if I worked in a hotel, I'd want to work on the weekend when the fun happy people are there. But I never want to work at a hotel.
______ of the week: I enjoy mountains
The Midwest'd Ogukuo

band, broom, and broccoli

2007-09-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

Its the post-show blog!! Actually, post-show(S) blog, and I know its late. We played Friday night at the campus center, the boys came!! It was neat. Some break danced, er, broke danced, or, whatever break dance is in the past tense. But it was cool. And we played Saturday night sans Paul. It sucked playing without him, but fun to try something new. It was one of those "we know its probably just gonna go badly, so we're gonna have fun with it no matter what" type shows. And it actually wasn't half bad! I gotta sing, which was fun. I was kinda nervous, but once I got into it, I like to think I did well :). Made me feel important and like I had more credablility on stage.
Lesse, non-band developments as of late... Oh, I decided a few days ago to eat healthy for some reason. Its more or less on a whim. I dunno if I'll stick with it, hopefully. It hasn't been too bad, the food is good, but expensive! Don't get me wrong, I'm not eating "health food", but you know, real food, like fruit, vegtables, stuff that requires an oven, not a microwave. I'm gonna aim to give it a few weeks at least and see if I feel significantly better. If so, well, I may stick with it and see my food bill go up :S. I've also started keeping the house clean. As in picking stuff up and actually doing dishes on a regular basis! That feels good too, I like feeling like I have a space where I'm not embarassed to have people over. Its nice to sit in the living room in the evening and feel like I'm in a real house instead of a dumping grounds with a few couches thrown in. Maybe this cleaning thing will catch on here at the house and we'll have a group effort to keep our house looking nice! Or maybe the healthy eating and clean house things will pass in a week or two and I'll be back to eating whatever I can find in the freezer and pushing stuff out of my way as I wade thru the livingroom.
And now I go because besides shows and food and cleaning house I have no life to write about,
_______: Do you think I should do a mission trip to Guatemala?
The cleaned up, healthy (or at least pretending to be both) Ogukuo

What a week...

2007-08-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

I'm sure most people reading this have had a more momentous week than I, but mines been pretty exciting too.
Monday was a grand day of seeing people again and rearranging the living room. Both were fun. I also went to see 'the show'. Made me wish I was sitting in there as a freshman and not knowing how awesome the next 4 years would be. But I'm not, I'm just the odd guy who sometimes hangs around campus and is older than everyone else.
I also brought my car into the shop this week cause it decided it would be fun to randomly die on me and turn on check engine lights and in general be dumb. The guy said it could be up to $600 bucks depending on the problem, so I was plannin on the worst. But, it was just a minor sensor or gizmo or something, and was way cheaper, hurray! That made me uber happy. And then I found out that my insurance was finally gonna pay for the doctors visit I had back in May. They decided that headaches and such were a preexisting condition and didn't want to pony up the money for it. So I had to give them lots of paperwork, etc proving that I was normal. In the mean time, the clinic wanted money from somewhere and decided that I would be a good source since insurance wasn't paying. So they kept sending me bills that were ignored by me cause I didn't want to pay them. And then the insurance company finally roled over and said 'fine, we'll do what we are supposed to'. So now they've only taken me for $750 this year instead of the $900 they wanted! Ha! The little guy wins for once! So between insurance actually workin for me for once, and my car not being as dumb as it coulda been, I still have like $700 dollars that I could have potentially not had. Which is good, cause I don't really have it anyway :).
And then there was the EC block party last night which was fun. We played, the crowd was into it and made lots of loudness, which is awesome. We also got requested an encore, which brings all sorts of warm fuzzy feelings. And tonight I get to go to Lifelight to see a coupla stellar bands.
Um, other news... um, oh, I hate paperwork. There, thats other news. I dunno.
______ of the day: I just rented 2 classic movies and came home to realize we no longer have a TV, my brain hurts.
The 'not braining today' Ogukuo

Where am I, where are you

2007-08-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

I just looked at my checking account, I have $25. I just talked to my landlord, he wants us to reduce the amount of people in our house, meaning rent will go up for each of us. My car is being stupid, I need to bring it in next week to have it looked over, more money. They're cracking down on overtime at work, I've been counting on overtime to help pay the bills each month. I've been trying to think of a second job where I can work 10-15 hours a week on a basically completely random schedule. I don't think any job like this exists. Seeing my family over Thanksgiving means spending about $500 between airline tickets, gas, etc.
And money woes are just a minor part of my problems. I'm not where I want to be, or who I want to be with. I'm tired of the midwest. Theres nothing here. No mountains, awesome trees, ocean, beaches, mild weather, nothing. I want to drive to the snow, not live in it. I wanna drive 2 hours and be in the mountains. Or the ocean. Or a world famous port city. Or any place that doesn't look the same as it does outside my window. I want a beautiful landscape, I don't care about the people I'm around.
I want to live by a college campus. I want the simplicity of a small midwest town. I want cheap rent! I want to live by my friends. I don't car about the landscape, I wanna live around people I know.
I don't know what I want. I don't know how to get it. I don't know what to do.
______ of the day: Questions
The exhasperated Ogukuo

None of my busyness

2007-08-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

I love my job, and I love the randomness of my work schedule to an extent. I mean, I hate set patterns, it drives me nuts to wake up to the exact same thing every day. But one thing I've noticed is that certain days are no longer special. I think this also has to do with college and life in general. Saturdays and Sundays used to be so special. I would always notice the weather on Saturdays. The rest of the week, sunny or raining didn't matter to me. But Saturdays was when we would do stuff. So it mattered if it was sunny and nice or not. So sunny Saturdays seemed all that much more sunny. And rainy Saturdays were that much more rainy. And Sundays were always very relaxed and I knew I didn't have to worry about doing anything. I could tell you how my day would go as soon as I woke up in the morning: church, relax at home, coffee time at Grandpa's, small lunch of leftovers at home, movie or (insert sports game here) on TV, nap, church, and after church was either visiting with friends or relaxing at home with a movie or board game. I loved Sundays. I know, people will rail on me because its old fashioned, and they hate any notion of being conservative or following tradition. Well, to those people I say find a new hobby, cause you are obviously bored. There were a few things we never did on Sundays, such as shop, eat out, work (unless absolutely necessary), or chores around the house. I've heard many people loudly and proudly claim that its ok to do all these things on Sunday just like any other day of the week. I don't want to get into a shouting match of whether or not its 'sinful' or wrong to do these things on a Sunday, cause people who argue against it love to yell, so it'd be nothing but inviting punishment on myself. But I just ask man for the sabboth, of sabboth for man? Anyone who knows anything knows its sabboth for man. Rest for man (I know, it'll piss off those people even more by saying 'man' instead of human or whatever, but they love being pissed off, so if they are looking for a pathetic reason, I'll take pity on them and throw them a bone). The thing I loved about Sundays was how relaxed they were. I had free time, but I wasn't worried about filling it with shopping or chores or whatever. Sadly, its too easy to run to the grocery store or eat out, or do other things on a Sunday. I don't like doing that. If my life is so busy that I don't have enough time during the rest of the week to get things done, theres something wrong with my life. Perhaps its not a sin to do those things on a Sunday, but if you are so busy the rest of the week that you need to do all those things on a Sunday, I think its a big red flag that there is something wrong with the way you are living your life. But, then again, this is coming from a guy who enjoys living life instead of making myself so busy I can't see straight. Perhaps its a character flaw on my part.
But, alas, I have fallen into soap-boxing myself, so I'll just quit now.
______ of the day: First free Sunday in weeks this weekend, yay!
The lacking rest Ogukuo

Very observant, now do something about it

2007-08-03T09:52:00.001-07:00

This post is for Kenny, because he just "found" my blog. Welcome Kenny, you are one of 3 readers :)
I'm currently reading (!!) a few books. First is For The Beauty of the Earth by Steven Bouma-Prediger, a prof at Hope college. Its kinda meh, it hasn't offered me any real insight or new ideas. Basically its a manual for Christian living in regards to God's creation. Sadly, it really only offers the basic stuff that anyone who took a few minutes to think would figure out. But, it all fairness, its been a good springboard cause its referenced alot of other authors I'm planning to look into. The second book is A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold. I'm only about 1/3 of the way thru this one, but so far its pretty good. The part I've read is Leopold describing his farm property in Wisconsin throughout the year. It more or less documents his actions taken to relate to and understand the land he dwells in. Its amazing the great observations he has made simply by taking the time to observe. Tree rings on a felled oak tree tell him of floods and fires of years past, bushes lacking berries and tracks in the snow tell him of a birds range during the winter months. Of course, anyone can look at tree rings or bird tracks in the snow, but how often do we actually take the time to think about what they mean? Take the time to look past the simple facts that they offer on the surface? Leopold laments that people no longer take the time to recognize their habitat. And that was in the late 40s! How much worse is it now? I can often go several days without spending any time outside save for short trips from the house to the car to work to the car and back to the house. We've let TV and computers and cell phones become what we do/who we are instead of getting to know the real world. I think Hobbes was right when he observed Calvin zoned in front of the TV and said that 'virtual reality is already here'. The world we know is so contrived.
But, once again, I'll let it rest for a while, I'd love to offer some deep, meaningful solution, but only the trite comes to mind.
______ of the day: Hurray cable doesn't exist in this house!!
The disconnected Ogukuo

Another "I don't know where my life is goin" blog

2007-07-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Title says it all...
I like my job. Actually, I kinda love it. But its hard. I know I can't do it forever, simple logistics. My life has no rhythm right now. I'll spontaneously have 3 day weekends, 8 day work marathons, days off in the middle of the week, shifts that force me to sleep less than 6 hours a night, and on any given day at 2:30 pm I could be either coming off or going into an 8 hour shift. Any given day I have to wake up at either 5:45 am, or I can sleep in til noon if I want. I can’t make evening plans, cause I work half of the evenings of the week. And on top of the fact that the schedule is leaving my life in shambles, I’m feeling the affects of the stress. Lets face it, this isn’t an easy job, it can be very stressful. I’ve had to go to the doctor for random dizzy spells, diagnosed as being caused by work stress. Now I’m starting to get heartburn. The only constant that could be causing it is stress. I generally don’t show stress, I just kinda let it build up inside. Evidentially this causes dizziness and heartburn. Most of my dreams are now about work. And they aren’t just dreams about work, they are dreams about the bad things related to work. I don’t know what to do.
I also don’t know where I want to be or why I want to be there. A year ago I was dead set on living in Sioux Center. And for good reasons: the people, specifically the college people. Same reason I left California: the people, and the problems related with the people. I still hold to those reasons as being very good ones. But I’ve come to an entirely unexpected realization. The area is killing me. I cant stand it, its all the same! I need mountains and oceans and lakes and rivers. I need to be able to drive an hour and be in an area that is completely different than from where I started. I used to think that people would make all the difference to me and landscape didn’t matter. I’m starting to change my mind on that. I’m starting to think that I need the landscape and the people won’t matter as much. I’ve been making it clear to people (mostly just to convince myself) that I won’t be in NW for much more than a year. The question is where to move to. I’ve got a few choices that are near the top of the list. And I think I could be totally happy in any of the areas. But once again, it comes down to logistics. I have loans. I need to have a job to pay those off. While means a few things: I gotta decide what I wanna do when I get where ever I’m goin, and I gotta find a place to do said job.
I’ve also been kicking around the idea of goin to grad school at some point. My current fascination is Environmental Philosophy. This ties back to needing a beautiful landscape. I’ve always had an interest in the outdoors, and despite being a generally ignored issue, I believe that care for our environment should be on the forefront of every Christians mind. Its nothing short of a damnable sin the way most Christians disregard the topic of our stewardship of God’s Creation. Its one of God’s first commands to mankind! I’ve felt almost convicted to follow this idea, and educate myself as much as I can so I can perform my Christian duty to care for God’s earth. How come when the old ladies in church hear of the nice young man going to seminary, they all smile and are of the ‘you are following God’s calling’ mindset, but when they hear of someone going for something involving the environment, they mutter something about liberal ideals and think that Christians should be spending their time on more important issues? Ok, perhaps I exaggerate a little, but how can we as Christians vastly ignore the care of God’s Creation?
Anyway, I digress. Sorry for yet another long, probably boring post.
______ of the day: When’s the last time you heard a sermon on steward ship?
The confused Ogukuo

Here on out...

2007-07-03T10:35:00.001-07:00

So alot has happened in the last month, but if you read this, you prolly know all about it, so theres no point in writting about it.
Yesterday I spent some time crusing around a bunch of different blogs and came to a sad realization. While alot of people blog about the great books they are reading, or some philosophical idea they discussed, I write about work and play. Don't get me wrong, I like getting updates on peoples lives, but I dont think mine is all that interesting. So when all I do is write about whats happening in my life, I can see why no one reads my blog. That and the fact that I only update once a month now cause I'm too busy/lazy to do it more often. So I've decided to actually start reading some real books and making myself think a little so my blogs will actually say something. If you wanna read about my day to day life, check my xanga, thats much more of a xanga thing. Of course, I rarely update that one much any more either. I'll try, I promise.
______ of the day: I try to make the same mistake and I swear it makes me happy
The overdue Ogukuo

Uber long weekend

2007-06-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

Wow, ok, so I just kinda skipped the month of May for blogging, ok. Lots has happened since then, highlighted by a trip to CA!! So heres a short overview:
Wednesday: Fly in to Sac, get upgraded to first class for free. Best flight ever.
Thursday: Go to lake and get party boat with all the guys for a single guy party. Fun had, cool animals seen, sunburn recieved.
Friday: Run around like mad setting up stuff for the wedding, practice singing, go to rehersal dinner and rehersal.
Saturday: More running around like mad, pictures, uncomfortable shoes, usher, sing, emcee, get yelled at by aunts I never see for not helping set down after my 12 hour marathon day and a dizzy spell.
Sunday: Church in the morning, beach the rest of the day. Bogey boarding, watching non-wetsuited people shiver, big waves, small dogs, lots of fun, removal of sand and salt from every imaginable place. Watch washed up hippies in van next to us smoke weed, sing, and play harmonica poorly.
Monday: Yosemite! Waterfalls, trees, lots of pictures, soreness from walking, and previous days activities.
Tuesday: Winetasting at 3 wineries. Motorcycle ride. 20 wines tried, 3 purchased, many more wanted, lots of neat landscaping, return home, cousin reunion at cousins house. Fun ensued.
Wednesday: Packing, head to Sac airport. Leave airport several hours late, circle Denver, land in Grand Junction to refuel, head back to Denver, find out flight to Omaha has left already, "sleep" on airport floor for 4 hours.
Thursday: Sit in line at help desk starting at 4:30 am to get seat assignment for flight. Get seats, take off at 7:00 am, land in Omaha by 9, leave airport, stop three times, arrive home by 1 pm. Stupidly don't take nap, test drive new car, watch movie, eat food, watch movie, crash in bed at 10.
Thus is my life. I need a vacation from my vacation. Now I'm working 5 days in a row, then off again for 5 days for a road trip to Montana for another wedding. Stupid single people becoming doubles, you're gonna make me go broke!!
______ of the day: Can't think, too many wedding rings being thrown around.
The soon-to-be-weddinged-out Ogukuo

If life were easier...It wouldn't be as entertaining

2007-04-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

So, some choices were made for me, and that leaves me with fewer decisions to make on my own. But now I realize that the choices I have left are logistically almost impossible. I can't really say what they are, but basically the choice I'm faced with is making a long term commitment to something, locking myself into a situation that is very difficult to be in. And by difficult, I mean financially so. I'm really stuck, I mean, its a decision that I know I would enjoy, but it would mean scraping by for quite a while. And I simply don't know if I can do that. Don't think me greedy, I'm talking about lifes "simple" expenses such as student loans, rent, utilities, a car payment (not right now, but sooner or later I'm gonna need a real car), insurance, gas, food, and in theory it would be nice to have a little something to put away in savings. Of course, I mean strickly theoretical, cause thats all it is right now.
So this is me stressing a little (read as alot), although you probably really can't tell it just by looking at me, I tend to hide it well. After all, why should I let a stupid thing like money dictate weather I'm fun to be around or not?
So, please pray for me, cause I really honestly have no idea what decision I'm gonna make. And basically its probably going to come down to what decision I can make more than what decision I want to make.
______ of the day: I need to grab life by the curve balls it keeps throwing me
The undecision'd Ogukuo

Decisions+choices= the same thing!

2007-04-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, this is unfamiliar territory...been a while.
So, yeah, I'm on days now at Niessink. Its been an interesting few weeks, but I like it. The hardest part is the hours, in at work at 6:30 am, and out at 10:30 pm. Long break inbetween those shifts, but I still haven't had a solid 8 hours of sleep in several weeks.
So, you know what sucks? Decisions. And I don't mean weather to wear black or white socks, I mean real decisions. Seems like I'm bad at making them. Even the no brainers have presented quite the challenge. And, its looking like I may have to be making an even bigger decision here in the next few days. A decision that would basically affect where I go every day. I'm not exactly sure of my options yet, but I'll hopefully know soon. And when I do know, the hard decision follows. And I really don't know which direction to go with this one. It never ceases to amaze me how complicated life can be.
So, in other news, um, well, I haven't had time to create any news, cause all I've had time for recently is work and sleep. Perhaps thats good, keeps me out of trouble. Oh, I got one! Band stuff! We totally released the new CD! And its taking quite well it seems. We had a show this past weekend which has been rated as one of our best by several people, and we have another on this Friday night, you all (2.7 of you who read this) should come! Cause then you could totally get the CD if you don't have it already. Or enjoy the songs live if you do have it.
Ok, random transmission ended, I now need to get ready for work.
______ of the day: I look at all the lovely people
The decision'd Ogukuo

End of an era

2007-04-01T23:07:00.000-07:00

Gentle Readers,
This will be my last blog from the overnight shift. This is my last scheduled night, I start days on Wednesday. I’m looking forward to it, but I also am kinda scared. I found out I’m the primary care-taker of one of the boys, so that means I’m in charge of taking him shopping, coming up with his skill plans and his general care. So in other words, when he’s being a problem, I’m the one they call to deal with it. Yay. And scary. I’m not quite sure how to handle all of that. I hope they break me into this slowly. I’m guessin the first few weeks are gonna be the hardest with learning the rules and how each boy needs to be handled. But, I don’t gotta choice, its gonna happen, so I may as well make the most of it and learn as quickly as possible. Once I get used to it, it will be a lot nicer when I have days off and I can actually do stuff instead of being awake all night doing nothing cause everyone else is asleep. But being in at work at 6:30 am is somewhat less than appealing, I must say. That may end up being quite the challenge. Hopefully I’ll be able to sleep in the late morning when I’m not at work and everyone else is either in class or working.
______ of the day: Hold your nose because here comes the cold water.
The diving in Ogukuo

Lost without direction

2007-03-27T01:40:00.000-07:00

Ever notice when you want something and you go for it, and then realize its seems like it’ll be easy to get, so you loose interest in it? But then you find out you can’t have it and suddenly it looks appealing again? I dunno, strikes me as weird, and annoying.
I don’t know what to do with my life. I mean, I really have no clue, I don’t have any idea where I want to be in even 3 years. I’ve pretty much decided I don’t want to live in NW Iowa for the long term, but that’s about all I know. That, and I know I have way too many financial obligations to throw off all cares and be a hobo for a year, or travel Europe, or join the peace corps, or whatever. I don’t know where I want to live, I have nice ideas and a few choices, but no real leanings towards any place in particular, and it really all depends on a job. I mean, I can’t move somewhere without having a job lined up, I simply need the money to meet my expenses. But how do I get a job somewhere without being there? That’s another thing, I don’t know what I wanna do for a job. I have a design degree, but I don’t really see myself doing graphic design or something like that, its just not a strong talent. I have a strong interest in music, but I know I could never make it as a pro at it (barring the whole OJK thing, I’m thinking in non-fantasy terms here). Working with kids is fun, but working with disabled kids like I do now isn’t what I want to do forever, if nothing else, the hours suck. And the money isn’t exactly great, and it can be quite stressful. Any sorta youth minister thing wouldn’t work, I simply don’t have the spiritual calling for that. Teaching? Yeah, I don’t think I really have that in me either. So I really have no idea what sorta career I want to aim for, no idea whatsoever. And what about marriage? Am I meant to be single? Well, if I know the answer is yes, it makes things a lot easier, but I don’t think I am. So what then? Do I stick around here where I know lots of girls til I find one? Do I move somewhere else and just figure I’ll find a girl wherever I move? Do I find a girl here and move somewhere else with her? Again, I don’t know. So basically what it comes down to is the three biggest parts of my life (my career, where I’m gonna live, and if/who I’m gonna marry) are all big question marks. I have no idea whatsoever where I’m going with any of them, not a single lead at all. I love where I am right now, and I’m having fun, but I know its not gonna last forever, and I don’t wanna be one of those guys who just drifts thru life without direction and without really having any solid connections with anyone/thing.
I dunno, I just don’t know.
______ of the day: I’ve gotta figure this out, but don’t know where to start
The lost Ogukuo

we kick pants...LIKE A FOX!!

2007-03-23T23:41:00.000-07:00

So I just got a hot-off-the-press listen to the new OJK cd. Of course, thats a privilaged listen, only 4 other people have heard it :). And I must say, I like it. Its nice actually hearing what our new songs sound like from an outside perspective. Oh yeah, and its a good cd!!
So a few thoughts on it...
I'm uber excited to have had the chance to do this, how many people can lay claim to their own recording?
My bass parts sound stupid by themselves (I heard enough of them in the studio to last me a while), but kick ass when put together with the rest of the band. At least in my opinion, biased as it may be.
I look forward to producing an album cover and other pieces to make the project complete.
I really look forward to the cd release party, whenever that will be.
It was awesome working in the studio (our engineer helped in the kicking of pants), but I'm ready for a break, its been a long week for me. Hurray for BBQ, party, and general nothingness tomorrow!
Ok, time for a ______ of the day, my posting name, and the end of this post.
______ of the day: Parades bring out so many emotions in me: joy, excitement, looking...
The recorded Ogukuo

Recording and such

2007-03-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

So Day 1 of recording is over. And we pretty much nailed it. Drums are basically done, bass is done minus 1 song (and whatever little gaps are noticed later). Guitars seem to be pretty solid, just some filling in the gaps as well, and re-recording solo stuff to really nail it. Oh yeah, and vocals of course. But those are easy (I say that having no idea whatsoever if they are easy or not, cause I'm not a vocalist, and have never recorded vocals before). But all in all, it seems to be goin really well, and Mike the engineer seems to be really fricken good at what he does.
And now we get today off and head back up there tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it. Sometime next week I'll head back into the mac lab and come up with some sorta cover art, I've got some cool ideas, its just a matter of getting them out to see them.
An interesting thing is happening with this whole "spring break" thing happening. It seems those who are still around here over break will be the people who will be around here for the summer, and its kinda cool. I like the group of people who are here, and it seems that everyone is into camping and other fun stuff, so this summer should kick a. Granted, I'll miss the people who leave, but what can you do about that? Any way you look at it, this summer should involve lots of fun stuff like camping and trips to faraway distant lands such as Sioux Falls, but it should also involve fun stuff around home, like BBQs, pool parties, lots of movie nights, general hanging out, golf, and anything else thats cheap and fun to do.
I am hungry, time for breakfast.
______ of the day: I like Who's Next, its awesome
The recording, hungry, tired Ogukuo

Of friendships and those who comprise them

2007-03-19T00:45:00.000-07:00

Its sad how old friendships change. I've realized that over the past few days. I don't like how friendships that in the past were so important and strong just kinda fade away or change. Its amazing how we can go from seeing eachother on a daily basis to going over a year without barely communicating at all. Old friends go, new friends come, sometimes their paths cross, and thats always a juggling act. I understand that and accept it, but only because I have to, knowing its gonna happen no matter what. So what do you do? How can you build strong meaningful relationships with people who you may only know for a few years? Its unrealistic to think you'll stay in touch with everyone you are friends with, it just can't happen. Its also unrealistic to be shut off from meeting people because you know that sooner or later you'll part ways. But whats the middle ground? And how do you mix old friendships with new ones? I've ran in groups that could certainly be called quite different from eachother. So what happens when a friend from one group meets a friend from another group thru me? I mean, I'm the same person obviously, but the general feel of the groups are quite different. How will those two people, both friends of mine, get along with eachother? Is it my place to worry about that? Should I care about that? Or should I just be who I am, make friends with those around me and make the most of it?
I dunno, all I know is I love the friends I have, and the friends I had, and I'm gonna try my hardest to stay in touch with them. Sometimes I wish life were easier. Sometimes.
______ of the day: Answers, please
The friendly Ogukuo

And I won't back down...

2007-03-13T23:56:00.000-07:00

How about a little life update, hmm? Its been a while…
So I am officially a daytime fulltimer now, although I don’t actually switch shifts til the beginning of April. I filled out all the right paperwork, and even had an interview for the position, kinda odd. Probably the only interview I’ll do at 5:30 am barefoot with the news on the TV in the background. Oh, and I forgot a tie as well :S. I’m looking forward to days, but I’m also feeling a little overwhelmed by the whole thing already, its gonna mean a lot more responsibility and it’s gonna be tough. But, fun and worth it, and they boys need the help.
I leave for Omaha on Friday afternoon for a 48 hour blitz of nonstop partying. Ok, so not really, but I will be in Omaha for the weekend. Its sorta a birthday thing (mines on Friday), but also a ‘just to get away’ thing, and a ‘visit a long lost friend’ thing. I’m sure good times will follow. And next week I make 3 trips to Sioux Falls to work on a recording with the rest of OJK. Its gonna be awesome fun. Hopefully sometime in April we’ll have the fruits of our labor packaged and ready for distribution. The line starts here to get one.
Speaking of Sioux Falls, I’ve been there 2 twice in the past few weeks to look at cars, and I’ve pretty much decided on what I want (Mazda3) now its just a matter of finding the right one for me. I’ve also been talking to banks and everyone else with money about getting a loan, and trying to find the best deal. So now, its more or less a matter of waiting for the right car to come into the lot and doing all the paperwork to make it mine. With any luck I’ll be driving a new car within the next month or so.
So all in all, life is fun and good. They say the key to happiness is money, cars, and women. All it takes for me is a car, music, and friends. And I gotta admit, multiple cars, disposable cash, or any woman don’t really seem to be anywhere on my radar screen, so I guess I’ll have to be happy being happy where I am.
______ of the day: Happy is as happy does
The busy future’d Ogukuo

This blog is short and goes down hill quickly

2007-03-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

So I'm in the mindset of blogging, but got nothin to say really. I'm in the 'its Monday, theres too much snow on the ground, the sky is cloudy, and I had a poopy practice' mood. Stupid fingers not doin what I tell them to do. Hopefully they straighten themselves out by Friday night. I just heard someone say (in a post dinner conversation) that no person is irreplaceable. Thats an interesting thought. Its not to say that no person would be missed, but in some shape or form, anyone could be replaced. I'm guessin finding another person to fit that space would be difficult, but not impossible. Kinda a depressing thought. To make it personal for me (since I'm selfish like that) if/when I leave the greater Sioux Center area and move on with my life, the people who I know here are gonna move on with theirs. I'd like to think that my absence would be noticed, but after my roommates at the time fill my vacancy in the house, a little time will pass and I'll just be one of those people who is vaguely remembered.
Ok, I'm just gonna stop, all I'm doin is making myself depressed for no reason.
______ of the day: If it ended tomorrow, would you remember me all the same?
The Ogukuo

Why can't I lead a normal life??

2007-03-02T15:20:00.000-08:00

Well, for Tuesday being so bad this week, the rest of the week has been quite interesting to say the least. Wednesday started by me not being able to test for my class D drivers license (my only goal for that day, sigh). Stupidly, if you test drive for you class D and slide even a little, your license is suspended. They don't just deny you the class D, they actually suspend your regular license as well. And since the roads were already slick then I figured I wouldn't risk it. And then my boss called me and said to bring an extra set of clothes into work that evening. Hmmm, I don't like where this is goin... so I figured I wouldn't need them, but I brought the extra clothes that night, and its a good thing I did. I ended up getting blizzard'd in and didn't get out of their til the middle of this afternoon, putting me at over 40 hours there (I was only clocked in for about 30 hours, we rotated times off to rest and relax away from the boys). A long time anyway you look at it, but woulda been alot worse without a change of clothes. We had 5 staff members there, no one could really get out, and no other workers could get in either. So, we had 5 staffers, and 7 boys cooped up in the house, it was fun and frustrating and nerve racking and a learning experiance and actually a blast, minus the general inconvience of the whole thing. I enjoyed it, and I know the funness will be remembered, but so will the stress and whatnot. And I actually got to take a shower in a real shower with no toilet in it for the first time in I don't know how long! Oh, and do front flips into a snow bank, that was fun too. Shouldn't have waited til after my nice warm shower to do it tho.
______ of the day: All work and all play means you're working with kids
The finally off from work Ogukuo

Good-Bye Ruby Tuesday (and good ridance)

2007-02-27T21:41:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a good Tuesday? I don't mean a not bad Tuesday, I mean a good one. Tuesdays always seem to be the low point of the week. Mondays suck, but everyone expects it, and at least theres a bit of freshness to them. Tuesdays just seem to have no motivation or anything to them, they are the day that just kinda slinks on by without much being accomplished or noticed. But once they are past, then the week is half over and the thought of the upcoming weekend is enough to make the rest of the week bearable. At least in my view of things, thats how the week seems to work. Any way you look at it, I'm glad the Tuesday for this week is over. Although, this coming weekend is my weekend to work, so my break doesn't really come til Monday, but a weekend still seems weekendy even if you're working for some reason. Plus, we are playing at a fairly big show Friday night, so that is something to look forward to. (insert concert plug here) 5 band line up, Benedict Affair headlining with their brand new cd available for purchase and enjoyment. First band at 8:30, doors at 8, $5 for the show, or $10 for the show and the new CD.
Ok, the whole sleeping thing hasn't exactly been resolved for me, so I'm tired even tho its about 7 hours before my bed time, so I'm gonna go take a nap.
_____ of the day: A Tuesday is a terrible way to waste 1/7 of the week
The Tuesday'd Ogukuo

News Flash...

2007-02-23T02:58:00.000-08:00

My body hates me!! And I can't say I blame it. I've pretty much been messed up sleepwise since the TX a week ago. Earlier this week I was gettin out of bed around 7 pm, not good. Cause then I wouldn't be tired the next morning at 7 am when I was tryin to go to sleep. So yesterday I took a sleeping pill, went to bed and slept from 9 to 3 pm. Then I woke up and I've been in an odd state of wake/drowsy since then. I'm hoping that goin to bed at a regular time (for me at least) and starving myself of sleep will help me get to sleep at a decent hour today.
In other news, after several months of research and comparing and looking I bought Andrew's Boss distortion pedal off of him on a whim. It was more or less a matter of him offering, I said sure, and that was that. I like it, it sounds better than the Big Muff I tried earlier, but that may have to do with a complete lack of knowledge of distortion pedals on my part. Either way, it adds some neat sound to my general bass output. Next in line is a pedal tuner so I have something to fuss with between songs. I'm still trying to decide between an uber cheap one that will be kinda tricky to work with, or a decent one that will be nice but cost a bit more. Oh decisions.
Besides that, life has been pretty vanilla. Oh, I'm looking for a new car. Any suggestions? Right now I'm in love with the Mazda3, its small, fuel efficient, semi-cheap, and kinda zippy, a good combo in my opinion. Hopefully I can find one to test drive soon, I really would like to know what they drive like before I'm totally sold on buying one.
Ok, short post, I'm off to fold laundry (I also bake, play piano, and like long walks on the beach, any takers??)
________ of the day: just kidding
The still-tired Ogukuo

Weekend in review

2007-02-19T00:09:00.000-08:00

Friday night: 5 straight hours of M*A*S*H, does it get any better than that?? And, I didn’t go into work til 12:30 instead of 10:30 cause I had stayed an extra 2 hours that morning. I was happy.
Saturday: Me not so happy. I got home from work at 7ish, and tried to go straight to sleep cause I needed to be at the Beej at 12:30 for TX stuff, figured 4 hours would be better than no sleep at all. Well, I figured around 10:30 am after laying in bed for over 3 hours that I just wasn’t gonna fall asleep, so I gave up and got up. TX stuff all afternoon, well, actually we were onstage for about 5 minutes, but were there all afternoon. The show itself went well, we done good. I think a lot of new people know who we are now, so hopefully they will start coming to some shows and hear the rest of our stuff. The TX as a whole was a vast improvement over last year. A lot of good acts, it seems that there are a lot more talented people in this years freshman class than last years.
Sunday: I feel asleep like a rock at 3 am, and woke up at 7, fully awake but still tired. Don’t you hate that feeling? You can’t sleep but you’re really tired. And I didn’t fall asleep again til 10:30. Then I slept straight thru til 4 pm. This overnight shift is gonna kill me. I may switch to days just to have a real sleeping schedule again.
So now I got Monday night off, then work the rest of the week til Saturday night. Don’t know of any excitement this weekend. Actually, I’d kinda like to fast-forward life to the first week of March. Starting then we (hopefully) got a show on the 9th, I getta (hopefully) go to Omaha the next weekend, and we’re (hopefully) recording our first LP the weekend after that. March is looking pretty cool weekend-wise. If all the hopefullies happen, that is.
Ok, time to go see whats on the History Channel.
_______ of the day: I saw water dripping off a roof today! w00t!
The thawing out Ogukuo

Equality Ride

2007-02-14T02:59:00.000-08:00

Any of you heard of that? It’s a program where homosexuals (Christians, from the appearance of their website) go on a nation wide tour of Christian colleges speaking about homosexuality and its relation to religion/church/relationships with God. They are coming to Dordt March 8 and 9, I’m quite interested to hear what they have to say. I think its fair to say (not to mention obvious) that they will take the stance that homosexuality is not a sin and that those who have that sexual orientation deserve the same rights as the general population. And I’m guessing presenting such an idea at Christian colleges will probably get met with a lot of resistance, most of it wrapped in a rather unfriendly package. I’ve been reading a little bit of what people have to say on DordtTalk and the Facebook group for the event, and the general premise of it is that people are not in agreement with the messege that Soulforce (the organization behind the whole thing) is putting forth. Some of the arguments are well thought out, some are nothing more than inflammatory remarks that don’t promote healthy conversation.
If you have the time, I’d recommend looking into whats being said by both sides. I dunno the whole schedule of events, but stuff is happening March 8 and 9, and there seems to be ongoing discussions on both DordtTalk and the Facebook group for the event. Click here to see a bit of what Soulforce has to say, they have a few good articles online, the ones I read where about homosexuality in the Bible and how Dr. James Dobson views homosexuality (look under the resources tab). I’m not saying I agree or disagree with what they say or how they say it, just that knowing what they stand for is helpful in being in the discussion.
_______ of the day: Huh, I got nothing
The Ogukuo

I've seen clouds from both sides now

2007-02-12T23:31:00.000-08:00

The show, it was good. For the most part. Looks like we're almost set up to record an LP over spring break, I'm stoked.
I'm back at work after a 3 day weekend, and I'm glad. I like the time off, but it messes with my sleeping pattern so much. The first night I went to bed around 2 am and slept til 4:30 the next afternoon. And by slept, I mean I was in bed, I probably only slept half the time. Same thing Saturday night. I forced myself up Monday afternoon at 1:30, and then took a 2 hour nap later. Ahh the bliss of being back to sleeping from 8 am til 4 pm like normal.
So lately I've really been into Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell. Only song by her I know, from Love Actually. I dunno why, but its just the song I feel like listening to now. That and Nocturne 2 by Chopin. I've decided to stop trying to play pop music on piano and focus on classical, for a few reasons. A) pop music almost never stands alone on piano, its always played with guitar and drums, etc, making it hard to practice alone, and 2) its really hard to find free sheet music for pop songs online. However, finding .pdf files of classical pieces is really easy. Nocturne 2 is my latest endevour, it'll prolly last a week or so and then I'll realize its way too hard for me and I'll give up. Its such a beautiful piece, but kinda hard to play.
Things to look forward to this week: TX rehersal on Thursday evening, and TX on Saturday. That was stupid, I shouldn't have written that, oh well. Ok, I'm done
_____ of the day: "celibrate your countries freedom by blowing up a small part of it"
The somewhat random Ogukuo

Oh, one of those blogs

2007-02-09T01:16:00.000-08:00

I seem to be in a pattern of posting right before goin on my biweekly 3 day weekend. So, instead of dissapointing the 2.7 people who read my blog, I'm gonna keep tradition and blog, since I have a 3 day weekend coming up :).
Whats interesting is my entire 3 day weekend is going to revolve around about 20 minutes of music that are to take place Saturday evening. Yup, another OJK show. We are opening for AY (I'm too lazy to type out their name, but not too lazy to type out this whole paranthesis'd explanation). On an entirely related note, we made it in to TX. Yay, go team. Assuming the exponential drop in attendance of the TX doesn't continue, we should be playing for a good size crowd, with lights and monitors and other fancy trinkets that are neat.
Besides those two tidbits of musical funness, theres not really much to write about. Except perhaps that my landlord thinks we use too much soap when we do laundry, causing water to back up when the washing machine drains. I personally think it has more to do with an entire washing machine drums worth of water being forced into the system in about a minutes worth of time, but silly me, what do I know? I only delivered and set up washer/dryer sets for a few years of my highschool existance. Can anyone really justify the reasoning that soapy water would back up a system when water from the sink or toilet or shower wouldn't? Certainly doesn't make sense to me, but like I said, what do I know?
Ok, enough sarcasm and witty satire for now, too much sugar will give you cavities, you know.
_______ of the day: to quote a "beauty" from 'Beauty and the Geek' last night: "You can take a beauty out to the ranch, but you can't take the bikini out of the beauty" Huh??
The 'only 3 more hours' Ogukuo

I hate blogger, but love irony

2007-02-03T13:56:00.000-08:00

First off, I'd like to offer a hearty "FUCK YOU!" to blogger and google for forcing me to switch to the new blogger. Yes, forcing, I no longer could sign in and blog, it automatically switched me to a page where I had to switch formats. I don't care if it offers more shiny beads and trinkets, I dont give a damn!! Sigh, this is what 'progress' brings us I guess. So now everyone stand in line next to me, raise your right arm to a 45 degree angle and yell "See Kyle" over and over (say See Kyle, it sounds strikingly like a certain German phrase). The Nazis had pieces of flare they made the Jews wear.
So, despite the fact that I now hate blogger, I actually have something quite amusing to post. I think its amusing at least, but I like irony. This morning on my way home from work an ad came on the oldies radio station for some call-in contest to win $1000 for Valetine's Day. It was called 'Cash for Couples' or something really cheesy like that. I was thinking to myself that if I called in and somehow won, they probably wouldn't give me the money because I'm single. Then I started stewing about the whole idea of Valentine's Day in general, and how someone renamed it Singles Awareness Day (SAD), and how everyone expects you to at least have a date on February 14. Well, I work that night anyway, thank goodness. But anyway, back to the radio, once they were done with their little schpeel about the contest, they went back to playing music, and the first song they played was Rhymin' Paul Simon's "50 ways to leave your lover." I smiled inside, oh the thought of someone at the radio station actually having a sarcastic sense of humor at the unholy hour of 6:45 am was just pure awesomeness.
So I thought I would share that bit of sarcastic irony with all of you, since I doubt anyone else was up at that hour, especially on a Saturday morning. And now, after 4 pm, its time for me to get showered, dressed, and start my day :).
______ of the day: If you don't find that at least a bit funny, I feel sorry for you
The pissed off/laughing Ogukuo

Looking for a change?

2007-02-01T02:40:00.000-08:00

Anyone wanna move to Fluelen, Switzerland with me? I toured there a few years ago and out of all the places I visited in Europe (which was alot, although not alot of time at each place) Fluelen was my favorite. Its on the Southern tip of Lake Lucerne, about an hour from the city of Lucerne. It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Also one of the cleanest, drinking fountains pumped water right out of the lake, in fact its perfectly safe to drink right out of the lake, and the water has a sweet taste to it. I wish I could move there. If only I spoke French, German, Italian or Rumantsch, the four official languages of Switzerland. German is predominant in the Canton (county/state) of Uri where Fluelen is located. But, learning German wouldn't be that hard, would it? Maybe I should start doing that now. So, anyone interested in learning German and moving to Switzerland with me?
_____ of the day: mountains!!!!
The day-dreaming Ogukuo