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.
19 October 2010
13 October 2010
Return of the blog?
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
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
04 April 2010
Dr. Bob told me a story...
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
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
10 February 2010
New Job!!
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
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
01 November 2009
New apartment!!
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
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
16 October 2009
City of Subdued Excitement
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
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
21 September 2009
Three steps to giving a sermon guaranteed to start a discussion:
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
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
10 September 2009
Yes, I'm trying blogging again, too
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
-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
07 March 2009
My taxes have been slayed!!
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
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
23 January 2009
Bursting into the blogging biosphere!!
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.
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
- 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
22 January 2009
Its only been 4 months...
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
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
09 October 2008
Soon we'll be living in the future
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
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
18 September 2008
Make sure to brush and floss your window frames daily
-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
-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
04 September 2008
Do I still exist?
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
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
26 August 2008
Does Iowa still exist?
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
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
19 August 2008
To get it off my chest...
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
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
13 August 2008
An update, but not really
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
-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
07 July 2008
4th of July!
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
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
15 June 2008
Sweet dessert and changes
-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
-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
09 June 2008
Today I bought three things...
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
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
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