I have been taking a break. I am truly enjoying blogging, but the "stress" of coming up with new things to talk about (non-LeBron related) is taking it's toll.
I have a few upcoming trips (including getting back down to the Dominican Republic) after which I should have plenty to talk about. This all to resume in three more weeks. I promise.
What every guy has been waiting for (and what every girl should be aware of), the D.R.E.W. system the full-proof system for getting any chick's undying love.
First and foremost, you need to identify the the conquest. Typically this will be someone of extreme hotness, being at least 9 or 10 on the hotness scale. Once you have marked said hottie, the system kicks immediately into effect.
D - Destroy self-confidence. The girl that has caught your eye has something about her that drew your attention her direction. This is a good thing and a bad thing at the same time. It got you to notice her, but it also protects her from people looking to get with her. After establishing some verbal connection, you need to let her know that she is no better than you are. Bring her down a peg. Leave her feeling worse about herself than before she met you. Any idea she has, no matter how good, needs to be shot down immediately and ridiculed to no end.
R - Raise hope. Show her that you have a softer side. Allow her to see some of your faux vulnerable side (which of course is just an act to get her to trust you). Allow her to think that not all of her ideas are dumb, let her "win" an argument. You need to do things that make her feel she has begun to break through your prickly exterior.
E - Engage physically. Once she believes she has entered a place that no other woman has ever gotten, she will start to let down her guard. This gives the opportunity to pressure her into doing things she has never done.
W - Walk away completely. After you have primed the relationship pump and have her thinking you are more committed than ever, now is the time you walk away. Never to return. You will leave her wanting more, wishing you would come back at a moments notice and always anticipating your return. You will leave with her loving you for the rest of her life, never being able to let go of what could have been.
This is my tried and tested method and you all know how successful I have been with the ladies over the years. (Disclaimer: I have 99% ripped this off of the "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" episode entitled "The D.E.N.N.I.S. System").
The deed is done. Much to he chagrin of my parents, and most of the rest of my family, my first tattoo has been completed. I have to admit that I'm very surprised by a few things.
I'm surprised that I actually went through with it. If you're reading his I'm going to assume that you know me, which means you know I'm pretty "white bread". I rarely do things that rock the boat, or do things that could potentially make my life more difficult. So, for me to take the plunge and do this is a little out of character. I guess I'm just trying to find a little edgier side of myself.
I'm surprised by my parents' reactions. While never thrilled with the idea, at no time did they say that I shouldn't go through with it. When I got home dad's first statement was, "that didn't take long". I suppose that's better than being told to get out of the house because I'm no longer his son. ShaeShae was slightly more inquisitive and wanted to see it. While not interested in going down, they were both there for the unveiling, but didn't have much to say. Pretty much exactly what I expected, but there was a time when their displeasure would have been vocalized much more than through body language.
The last thing was that it didn't hurt as much as I expected. While there was a bit of pain at times, the experience as a whole was positive. A couple spots were more tender than others, but the pain was brief and only lasted until Jimmy (my tattoo artist) moved on to the next spot. Along with this was the realization that future tattoos don't have near the level of anxiety. It was finished in 20 minutes. Piece of cake.
I am honestly looking forward to my next tattoo experience.
This past Thursday I had the opportunity to travel up to Jackson, MI to spend some quality time with sister (Liz) and brother-in-law (Mark). This was partly to appease them, as they say I spend way too much time with the rest of the family, but also share in part of their new adventure.
For the first time in my life, I was able to go house hunting. For those that don't know, Mark has accepted the Worship Arts position at New Covenant in Clio, MI. The sad part is that now I have to travel even further into enemy territory to visit family, the exciting part is the fresh opportunity that awaits them.
Now to the title of this modest post. Everyone on the planet has heard of the six degrees of separation. Basically, in the Free Methodist Church you can subtract five of those degrees. The guy in charge (that sniped Mark away from Jackson) is a man named Phil Owen. The crazy thing is Liz, Mark and myself have known Phil for well over a decade. My, I believe, junior year in high school, Phil was making his way around to different camps representing Spring Arbor College (at least it was still a college at the time, it's a big time University now). He was a counselor at the camp Liz and I were at and, later in the summer, a camp that Mark was attending. Also at the camp was Phil's future cousin-in-law (I think that's correct), who was there "representing" my future alma mater.
Spencer and Lynsey Ball (who I worked very closely with in Romania) attended New Covenant for awhile and know the Owen clan very well. Lynsey's cousin (that I attended Greenville with and whom I randomly ran into on the streets of Rome, Dr. Joe Cunningham) was babysat by Phil's wife Emily. And the scary thing is, this is what we came up with in just a couple of hours. I'm sure this rabbit hole goes a lot deeper.
I am very excited for what lies ahead for Mark, Liz and New Covenant moving forward. And the degrees of separation continue to get subtracted.
My first experience with my nephew were less than positive. It seemed as though I was going to be the uncle that he was going to just "put up" with. I was unable to be around when he first popped out and didn't get to see him until I surprised the family at Christmas time. He was not exactly thrilled with my being home. As most newborns are, Grady was fussy and irritable (especially when taken away from mom).
This continued when I returned to Romania. It didn't seem to matter how much the others reaffirmed me that he was an incredibly content little guy, I always had that sneaky suspicion he was harbouring a little resentment toward me. This continued when anytime I called home and Da and Josh were at the house Grady would wait until the moment I called to start crying. Countless conversations took place when I would simply hear the screaming in the background. Could this newest addition have a vendetta against me?
I have given Da a break from paying the babysitter a few times over the last couple weeks and I have to say that I've been pleasantly surprised. The first day watching the little guy started with a fussy morning and a very quiet afternoon (thanks in part to a two and a half hour nap). Day number two amazingly took place on the golf course. Dad, Josh, Grady and myself decided to have a guys day out on the links. Grady is nothing if not completely content when he's outside. After a quiet first three holes, Grady was ready for his bottle. We spent the fourth hole passing the kid between shots, making sure he is being fed. Grady was placed back in the stroller and slept through the last five holes. It was amazing. There was even a gentleman that came up to me to confirm that there was actually a baby on the course. Leading into the last time I watched him (just yesterday) and he was Mr. Sleepyhead. After sleeping two hours in the morning, he slept an additional two hours in the afternoon.
So, it can safely be assumed that my opinion of the little tyke is improving. I guess the fam can talk me into keeping him.
I have had a running dialogue with my dad about a specific topic which, at first, really disturbed me. As I have given it more thought, I am beginning to believe his original warning nothing but true. While simplistic enough, it is a little worrisome. The thought is this, "In every relationship one person loves more than the other".
The scary realization is that I am beginning to agree with this. And I am beginning to think it's a healthy thing for relationships. I have always been one that is quick to observe, form an idea and then speak. This has helped me to keep a cool head, but has it's dark side as I am prone to over thinking. I have seen this truth happen time and time again.
As I began talking this out loud with a friend, I have begun to realize that an important aspect that I have been ignoring is the level of sacrifice. As a Christian man I can't believe I unintentionally eliminated this aspect. The ultimate act of love ends in sacrifice (there are varying levels of sacrifice). Is the amount of love someone feels for there significant other reflected in how likely they are to sacrifice (themselves, their comfort, their future)?
Coming back to where I started. It has been several years since this idea has been planted in my head and I am still trying to find an exception to the rule. As I get to know people, and couples, I start seeing the love. The caveat I am starting to see is that the gap decreases over time.
This is just an idea that I need to expound upon, so if anyone wants to add to this thought feel free to offer some input.
(This one was talked through with Scott)
Airlines should just stop dragging everyone's opinion of them through the mud. Scott informed me that last year the airline companies made 1.6 billion dollars last year through extra fees. And still they are losing money.
Why do they keep making people mad? Why not just include everything in the original price. Nothing is more infuriating than getting to the checkout and having extra charges tacked on. As I prepared to fly home I was completely aware that I was never going to be able to pack all of my belongings into a single bag (truth be told, it was a stretch getting everything I wanted back in the two). So, I had to mentally prepare myself to deal with the hassle of paying for my extra bag not once, but twice. It would have been less of a strain for the company to just charge me for the 2nd bag with the assumption that (because I was flying across the Atlantic) I would have two bags.
Now the reverse of this, is the people that are going to raise a huge stink. I understand you can't make everyone happy. Inevitably someone would spill the beans that the airlines is charging people for bags that aren't being carried. But, who cares? Them taking on an additional $40 to the ticket price would hardly dissuade people from flying.
How about you just assume that everyone making transatlantic flights is carrying two bags and quote the price as such? You don't have to make everyone happy, just make my life a little easier.
what most people think of me. People have made various decisions about me and I couldn't care less. Lots make snap judgments about me without really taking the time to get to know me. So, when I hear from others what someone thinks about me (either good or bad) it is of very little consequence. However, if I have asked for advice or wisdom then chances are I do care what you think.
This was reinforced yesterday while at the wedding a casual acquaintance decided to not acknowledge me. And as I have just said, this meant very little to me, but it put a conversation later in the night in a different light. Shortly after I had given my toast to the newlyweds, I was approached by a long time family friend. This is a lady that has known me from my infancy and has cared and loved my family for decades. The thing that threw me for a loop (especially in contrast to the other interaction) was the question asking me for my advice. This person is my senior and she waited while I gave my opinions on the questions she asked. I love Zonda (anyone from the Ohio Conference of the Free Methodist Church knows exactly who I'm talking about) and would never want to do anything to disappoint her. This is obviously one of the people that I genuinely care what she thinks of me.
I believe these people know who they are. If you don't, I'm sorry, but you probably didn't make the cut. This by no means means that I don't care what you think (because if you are reading this, you have come into my life for a specific reason), I may weigh what you tell me a little differently than "the inner circle".
As I sit here it is currently 10:59 on Sunday, May 23, 2010. This may seem like an inconsequential time and date to many people. I am however, not one of them. Currently a monumental television program is running, the likes of which we may never see again. The last six years has been building to this point, and I couldn't be more excited. The problem is, I am not watching this epic conclusion to one of the most complex shows of television history. I am sitting in the family room of my parent's house with the television off, trying to stay as far away from the news and social networking sites as possible. LOST is wrapping up in 30 minutes and I'm not watching it.
Now there can be some judgments made as to why as LOST-y, such as myself would be missing the apex of the show and that guess would probably be wrong. I'm not refusing to watch because it was a disappointing final season, nor am I not watching because I want to savor the experience when I am fully awake so I might soak in as much as possible. I am withholding the final two and a half hours because I wasn't able to watch the first part of the episode. And it is breaking my heart.
Full props to Laura for helping me become the LOST addict I am today. I arrived in Korea decidedly anti-LOST, because it seemed to be the popular thing to watch. It wasn't until the third season that I started watching (thankfully after the numbers had started to dip and less people seemed to be interested). Since then I have been hooked. I was even able to turn my parents and one sibling on to the show.
So, why did I miss the first hour of what might be the most important show of the decade? I was needed elsewhere. Today I was fortunate enough to witness the joining of Ben Blake and Amber Tink in holy matrimony. There are certain people in my life that I would do anything for (you know who you are, if you are in that circle I shouldn't have to tell you) and both Ben and Amber qualify for this distinction. So, when Ben asked if I would give a toast at his wedding reception I couldn't say 'no'. I am so touched that he has felt a close enough kinship with me to be able to share in his and Amber's day.
So, here I sit writing a blog for fear of seeing something that might disappoint my LOST series finale experience. But I am completely content having helped friends that I cherish and love. When it comes right down to it, it wasn't a sacrifice at all. I would make the same choice 100 out of 100 times.
As I sat watching the season finale of "Parks and Recreation" (yes, I do enjoy this show a lot), it was mentioned by one of the characters, that won't be returning, how wonderful the heart of the main character is. The exact quote was, "If everyone in government cared as much as you, I would probably still be working in the government".
This reminded me of something I was told before leaving the Dominican Republic. I was having a conversation with Trey Joyner (a great guy I wish I could see and talk to more) and he was affirming that no matter where I would eventually end up I would be able to make friends because I am a nice guy. I cannot even begin to describe how uplifting that was to hear.
It is not an unusual thing to wonder what other people think of you. I am very fortunate to have surrounded myself with people that say the things I need to hear (whether it's the truth or not). My hope is to be as transparent as Leslie Knope.
For the first time in nearly five years I find myself in a compromising situation. I have a sneaky suspicion that I will be needing to get (and use on a regular basis) a cellphone. Not since leaving my Galion cell in my grandma's capable hands have a carried a phone everywhere I have gone.
It started in Korea (where Laura got very upset with this nuisance) and continued with me to the Dominican Republic (where Beth got very upset with this nuisance). While I had a phone in Romania, I only really used it to talk to one person (thank you Spencer). So, it was unused for most of my time.
What started out as playful defiance to not be like every cute little Korean 70 year old lady, jabbering away on the subway, became an apathy for the advancement of technology that may or may not have been necessary. What has become blatantly obvious is that much of the reason I was so resistant, was that I didn't want to carry around a communicative device that was essentially a constant reminder that people weren't trying to talk to me.
The flip side is also true. While I may not have people going out of their way to make plans with me, by not having a cell I was eliminating people from having that option. As I start thinking about what I need to transition back to the Dominican Republic, a SIM card is at the top of my list. I am excited to be heading back to people I know and am looking forward to the freedom that I have being able to dial them up.
My four years of being "incommunicado" is coming to an end. I'll pass along the number to anyone who's interested.
After this weekend's horrifically disappointing loss I was sitting in LaGuardia watching all of these New Yorkers pass me, I couldn't help but wonder if these people were passing judgment. "How can you root for a city that has a losing tradition like Cleveland? A sports town that isn't likely to win in your child's lifetime, let alone yours." And the truth is sports can make you hurt unlike anything in the world. For the people that reach the level of fanaticism that I consider myself residing, there is no relief from the heartache. I have written in the past about the chasm separating me from many others due to travel, sports is the same thing. There are only a handful of people I know personally that share the same level of devotion to sports that I have.
I purchased an expensive piece of hardware before departing fir Korea solely so I would be able to stay up on all my home teams.While in Romania I spent Countless nights watching those same teams at 2 and 3 in the morning. I have, at most, missed 10 Cavalier games in the last two years. So, I am a rare breed when it comes to watching my teams and it may be difficult for others to relate.
Let me break it down. Think of the worst imaginable breakup you have ever been through. Now multiply that one hundred fold and you will begin to understand. I love my American sports teams like Europeans love their soccer. So, when I say it's like a broken heart that's exactly what I mean. You read everything in the off season to prepare you for all the good that is going to come from the regular season and the playoffs and in the end, only one team acquires the ultimate goal. Leaving all others wanting. So, when the Cavs had championship aspirations this year, I bought into it. They had the best player on the planet and a supporting cast that could play every conceivable style of play. Now here is where the hurt comes in, it has been over 50 years since a Cleveland team has won a recognized championship. So the worst breakup of your life, that happens all year long every year so that you are never able to get over the other person.
My dad has never seen a proper Cleveland championship and has passed this legacy on to me. I can think of nothing more depressing, not dealing with physical suffering or death, than being a Cleveland sports fan. And unfortunately, in a couple weeks, it could get worse. Much much much worse.
Just as people love hating New York for their arrogance, people around the country hate Cleveland for the sense of superiority that they get by trashing the "Mistake by the Lake". With the possible departure of LeBron to some "greener" pasture, those same people would just continue to get louder. What has been completely unacceptable has been the Cleveland fans calling for the best basketball player on the planet, to actually leave the city he has given his heart and soul to, over the last seven years. While there are circumstances we don't understand, this is not like the Sabathia or Edwards situations. LeBron is very much so interested in remaining in Cleveland. He also has preformed at the highest level under the brightest lights. Let's all take a few minutes to collect our thoughts and think about this logically. Instead of taking out the disappointment we are feeling on the team's superstar, let's acknowledge that it's the nature of being a Cleveland fan that has some going off half cocked making these ridiculous demands.I have come to the conclusion that I have been asking the wrong question over the (soon to be) 28 years. For me, personally, it has always been a question of why. Why do people do the things they do? Why does Mike Brown refuse to play a small lineup against the Celtics? Why do Koreans believe in fan death? Why do Romanians believe that walking around barefoot will cause arthritis?
These questions are all well and good. The question I have started asking recently is, "Why not?". When I see seven men watching one man do all the work, "Why shouldn't they be?". When I see a man driving down the wrong way of a one way street, "If he's not going to be arrested, why not?".
There are some advantages to this line of thinking. First, it gives me a fall back sarcastic comment when I see someone doing something stupid. It also gives me a little perspective. I have always been a fairly level headed individual and this simple change of thinking allows me to see the humor of things that normally annoy me. A kid tapping their pencil on the desk (a pet peeve of teachers everywhere), as long as it's not disrupting the other kids, "Why not?".
As long as it is not causing any harm (and sometimes when it is), just asking yourself, "Why not?" with a grain of salt can go a long way.
I'm not talking about the figurative tattoos that Jordin Sparks sings in her song "Tattoo". I am talking about flesh scaring, permanent ink sporting tattoos.
Despite the stigma attached to this act, both by Christianity and popular culture, I am still committed to getting several tattoos. Not as an act of defiance or personal expression, but as a tool to help me remember. I have been so many places (as can be seen in the post from couple of days ago) and have lived in others. I am not naive enough to believe that I get a tattoo, to remember every thing I have done and every place I have visited, but I am committed to getting ink to represent the places I have lived.
First, 선생님 "Seon saeng nim". This will actually be in Korean, not written in the latin letters. This is the word for teacher in Korea, because let's face it. I was a teacher in Korea. I love the simplicity of it. I love that I don't need a book to define it. I love that I can read it (as opposed to people that get Chinese or Japanese without knowing what it says). This will be the first one I will get.
Second, Dominicano Soy "Dominican, I Am". It's such a simple phrase that captures the love I have for the country. I am so excited to be going back. Even though I am not from the DR, it is the place that has felt most like home. Hopefully after a few more years of living down there, I can be accepted as a national.
Third, ????. Now we get to the real crux of this blog. I have NO idea what to get to represent Romania. While I would like it to be something unique (not a flag), it also has to be something medium to small in size (the Romanian coat of arms would be cool, but the amount of detail there is would require the piece to be the size of my back to do it justice). The only other truly Romanian thing I have been able to come up with would be the Romanian Orthodox saint of my birthday. So, anyone that has traveled to Romania that has an idea, I would appreciate the input.
For the time being, I am sketching out what I want the tattoos to look like and where exactly on my body I should get them. Both of which are a surprising amount of fun.
I cannot begin to contain my excitement. For the first time in over four years I have been able to get fresh strawberries. Honest to goodness, fresh not frozen, natural not sugary strawberries. While it seems like a simple thing, it's so wonderful. I have missed the window the last several years, but have been able to take advantage of having a "small" open-air market behind my apartment.
I am going to go out on a limb and say that "Strawberry Day" beats out all my other informal favorite days of the year ("Halter top Day", "High School Football Day", "Frost Day"). Each day has it's own appeal, but none have the charm and anticipation of Strawberry Day.
Strawberry Day signifies that summer and hot weather are right around the corner. It brings memories of strawberry shortcake, cookouts and baseball. Running around all day and coming home to sneak a couple pieces of the delectable bit-sized fruit before dinner.
My favorite day will probably change at some point later in the year. My dad thinks there will be an endless supply of fresh strawberries in heaven. Fortunately, this time of year feels like heaven not being too hot or too cold, while being able to partake in this freshly picked heavenly fruit.
Lots of people know that I call my mom ShaeShae, but if you didn't before this minute, now you know.
Buildings built after to 1920s should not be allowed to use roman numerals to tell how old the building is. I was just watching a "Come to Timisoara" video, while I was waiting in the airport to fly to Thessaloníki, that showed a building that was constructed in MCMLXXX (1980). Why the devil does this building have roman numerals signifying the age of the building? Thirty years isn't that great of an accomplishment. It would be far more embarassing if the building was already torn down, because it has to be a building of significance to make it in the video.
Films are different in that they have been using and continue to use Roman numerals to signify the production of the film. Buildings, whether it be stateside or abroad, have used digits to express who old building have been for centuries. On a trip to Sigisoara, I walked past a building that was built in 1576. Two hundred years before the completion of the Declaration of Independence. How was the year written? Take a gander at the picture. So for a building that young to use Roman numerals, when it wouldn't qualify to be saved by the historical society, is asinine.
I am completely aware that this is a broad topic, but I believe there is something we are failing to take into account. I think the internet is horrible for the American people. Do I love the internet? Absolutely. Does it make my life easier? Without question. The problem I am seeing repeated over and over 1. Comes from laziness and 2. Comes from Apathy.
The first problem is the destruction of grammar and spelling. I am completely aware that we live in a world that wants to get as much out as possible at all times. Texting has taken over. Where there were once phone calls made from one person to another, we can now send a short message to a group of friends. It's easy, and it becomes easier when you butcher the English language. For something to be abbreviated in a text is one thing, but when people carry said habits over to the internet (the largest gathering of minds that has ever been possible), it dumbs everyone down. I'm not going to get into common grammatical errors that happen (though it really shouldn't be difficult to tell the difference between their, there and they're), it's the egregious use of this simplified type of speak that is truly infuriating. In my opinion these individuals are either showing their age, or their laziness. I would much rather it be the former, but fear it's the latter.
The second problem comes from the overuse of sarcasm. This is the thing that I need to spend more time being intentional about. The anonymity of the internet allows people to take what was once a defense mechanism for the pubescent and turn it into an art form. I can't help but think that that ends up hurting us as a society. Instead of people getting into lively debates that cause the other person to construct an argument and defend it with facts, we can just berate each other into submission by using snide comments. The worrisome part for me, is that it has made it's way onto television and is accepted. It always used to seem that the adults that lived dolling out the sarcasm on the romcoms and sitcoms of old were the ones viewed as the most immature. Now, every character seems to take sarcasm to the extreme (including one of my all-time favorite shows "The Office"). I can't think of my grandma saying a single sarcastic thing since I've been alive. My fear is that I will soon be in her shoes surrounded by people that only use sarcasm to communicate, because they just don't care.
I truly believe that both of these can be resolved, but the first one will take a lot of work and the second a lot of care.
There is a real skill (that only comes through experience) of being able to listen to someone criticize others in another language.
Example, you are standing in line at the grocery story and someone cuts in front of the person standing I front of you. If the man is non-confrontational his first reaction will be to see if anyone else saw what happened. He looks at you. This first part is the most important if you wan. To pull off the entire sequence. You must look somewhat apologetic with a hint of disgust. He will give a similar look and take it a little further (usually with something akin to a roll of the eyes). If pulled off correctly the gentleman will most likely want to say something at the person who cut him off's expense. You need to look interested in what he is saying, though you may have no clue, and pretend to understand every single word. After he finishes give him a little chuckle and apply in the affirmative of whatever language he is speaking. It is a lot more difficult than it sounds, because different languages throw people for a loop. If you would rather look dumb, you can choose to look bewildered (like someone receiving bad news from a stranger, a.k.a. "The Beyonce face") and simply say English. Which of course in other languages translates to, "I'm American and never took the time to learn your language".
This is only one thing that Americans living in other countries need to learn. More practically, it is always a good idea to learn numbers, greetings, your thank yous and how to inquire about the bathroom. But people will still know you to be a foreigner.
It never ceases to amaze me, the randomness of coincidental happenings. This is a post that could go on forever, but I'm going to limit it to something specific. This week I was "instructed" to listen to a Michael Buble song. It was not an easy song to listen to. Listening to the words, it was "too real" to my life. And this is not the first time it has happened.
Music has always had a very important roll in my life. Whether it has been singing in various choirs, learning to play guitar or just listening to everything I can get my hands on.
I am starting to see a trend in my life. As things get stressful (good or bad), my mood gets more serious. My senior year in high school was no exception. With graduation right around the corner, leaving the only town I had lived in and the pressure of college, I became slightly unhinged. This all came to a head the night of the Super Bowl. There is no rhyme or reason for the timing, purely by coincidence. As I sat in the room, surrounded by the other members of my church youth group, I started to recognize that I was not leaving much of an impact. This shook me up. The seriousness crept in. I made my way out of the room and sequestered myself in another room.
Sitting in that room I noticed a cd which I had casually listened to on several occasions. I knew it was a soothing singer, singing beautifully written songs. Then out of nowhere, this song started playing. Up until this specific moment the song "If You Want Me To" by Ginny Owens didn't even register to me. I then listened to the lyrics and broke into pieces.
"The pathway is broken and the signs are unclear. I don't know the reason why you brought me here. But just because you love me the way that you do, I'm going to walk through the fire if you want me to.
Cause I'm not who I was when I took my first step and I'm clinging to the promise you're not through with me yet. So if all of these trials bring me closer to you, and I will go through the fire if you want me to.
It may not be the way I would have chosen, we you lead me through a world that's not my home. But you never said it would be easy. You only said I'd never go alone.
So when the whole world turns against me and I'm all by myself. And I can't hear you answer my cries for help. I'll remember the suffering your love put you through and I will go through the valley if you want me to."
It was the last line that really hit home. In my life I have had ups and downs at this low point it was nice to be reminded that I'm not the only one who has low points. Valleys are a natural part of living. Life is not easy. The trials and tribulations that I have survived have helped me become a better person. I still have lots of work to do, but I am excited about how my experiences and the tests that I have passed have sculpted me into who I am.
In the mean time (between growing periods), I have a wonderfully beautiful song to remind me that I can make it through the low points.
I have bought a lot of garbage in my life, or it's something that was completely impractical at the time. For every good thing I buy it seems there are just as many poor purchases. These are the things I can think of off the top of my head.
One of the most glaring from recent memory was my Romanian bicycle. In theory it was a smart investment. I could get around Arad, get some exercise and see more of the city. Unfortunately this didn't work as the bike seldom worked. The chain would slip, you couldn't change gears and the brakes didn't work. Sounds safe, doesn't it?
In Korea I bought a baseball glove, because every American needs to have a baseball glove with them. Let's just forget that I only had a couple reasons to use it (going to the two baseball games I went to or playing catch with Robb). It seemed like an important thing at the time. It did give me the opportunity to play catch in the subway on the way to one of the games, so that was pretty cool. I believe that glove is now residing in New Zealand with a young man that isn't even aware of the existence of a sport called "baseball".
My classical guitar has proven to be a bit of a foolish purchase. This guitar that sounds great and has only been used one time (for Amanda and Josh's wedding). It's not that I don't love it, it's that I have literally had very little time to play it. It is currently just sitting in my room waiting for me to return, like a forgotten childhood stuffed animal.
There is my Babolat tennis racket. I was more practical in taking my racket from home to Korea and the Dominican Republic, so why didn't I just pack it up and take it to Romania I will never be able to figure that out. So, I will be leaving a racket here that was used a grand total of two times.
I have made some very savvy purchases as well. In no particular order my ipod, exercise bike, Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (for $0.50), Italian espresso machine and my dutch pot. If I didn't have most of these I would be completely lost.
I first and foremost want to say thank you to Laura for putting up with my complaining last night. I am currently experiencing the effects of not sleeping, how it changes mood and my general outlook. So many things are changing in a short period of time, that it's not a good time to be an insomniac. So, a quick look at the list.
1. I am moving home (for a abbreviated period of time) after living in Eastern Europe for the last two years.
2. I have one more trip to take before leaving (part stress, part vacation).
3. I need to start getting things in order for the move to the Dominican Republic.
4. Two very good friends are getting married (Ben and Amber). While this is not stressful for anything else than a tip of the hat reminding me that I am still single. (I am completely aware this is illogical, remember lack of sleep.)
5. I fear I am suffering a "quarter-life" crisis. I turn 28 this year, and as I mentioned in a previous post, I have very few people to truly share my life with.
Well, I am currently running on a collective 5.5 hours of sleep for the last two nights thus the more sullen mood. At least I haven't gotten depressed enough to watch the "Twilight" movies.
places that I have visited. This actually could have been a much longer list, but decided to limit it to five for the time being. I am heading home in less than two weeks and have been reflecting on all the interesting places I have been able to see. With one more trip left before I go home (Thessaloníki, Greece) it hit me that I could impart some wisdom to those thinking of going out and about in a similar fashion. A majority of the cities are European, because I did not get to do much traveling in my brief time in Korea, but I digress. So, without further ado, Drew's top five cities IN THE WORLD (that I have been to).
5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
This city is a little off the beaten path (kudos to Ben and Amber for finding it, in a Rick Steves book), but totally worth the trip. After a LONG night of travel to get from Prague to Rothenburg we arrived to find a quaint little city that looks like it was preserved in a glass bottle. As we were told by our night tour guide, Rothenburg used to be one of the richest fortified cities in all of Europe during medieval times. The trade routes from north (Scandinavia) to south (Rome) and from east (Russia) to west (Paris) intersected just a few kilometers from the entrance to the city. It was a place where people could rest up before continuing on and see what people were bringing from the other direction. The city would fall on difficult times, however, and would be left mostly abandoned. The city remained basically unchanged for a couple centuries. It is now a place of great tourism, but has a wonderful rustic feel.
4. Rio San Juan, Dominican Republic
I was exposed to this little slice of heaven first during a YoungLife missions trip and enjoyed it so much took my family when they visited. Out away from most of the touristy stuff in the Dominican Republic (which is hard to find sometimes) on the north part of the island is this nice little city. Fresh water coves, that the locals will give boat tours of, and beautiful beaches it combines the highs and lows of the DR. While standing on the beach you can clearly see the mountains separating you from the tourists and you can sit for hours without being bothered. It's a little slice of heaven with warm water and friendly people.
3. Ragusa Ibla, Sicily
This city has an amazingly interesting history. Ragusa is divided in to two parts now, after an earthquake destroyed most of what is now Ibla in the 1920s. It remained empty until the 90s when some ingenious businessmen decided to transform it into a hangout for the local youth. Now the cobblestone streets are filled with college age kids going to pubs and consorting with one another surrounded by building that were erected before the Americas were discovered. The streets are only narrow enough for a single car to get through, clothes are hanging on lines between the buildings and the food is wonderful. If you have an idea of a small European city, you might be thinking of Ragusa Ibla.
2. Seoul, South Korea
The city is so large it has to make it's way on to the list, because there is just so much to see and do. Whether it's going to see Namdaemun (the Great Southern Gate) where you can pick up all the classic Korean wears, or Dongdaemun Market where you can go to see the finest of everything new. Yeoido for the largest church in the world, or if you're feeling homesick (and American) Itaewon where you're more likely to find English speakers than Korean. There is so much to see and do. I was able to celebrate St. Patty's day and Buddah's birthday, along with the beauty of seeing the cherry blossoms bloom. There is lots of fun to be had. While it may not have the old school flavor of the other places, it practically feels like you're living in the future with buildings that reach toward the sky, and technology that hasn't yet made its way stateside.
1. Cork, Ireland
No brainer for me. I was absolutely enchanted by my stay in Cork (so much so I considered it a possible retirement destination). It is difficult to pin exactly why I enjoyed it so much. There were lovely people, a beautiful flow to the city and a general feeling of being home. Quite a bit of the city is run by pedestrians having the right of way. While this makes driving difficult at times, walking is a breeze. Everywhere I went (with Laura, Luke, Siobhan and Elijah) it felt like going to a place I had already been. I also appreciated the location of the city in the country. We were able to take excursions to various places (Dingle and Dublin) and it didn't have to be more than a day trip.
Well, with one more stop before I go back to everything familiar I hope Thessaloníki can break the top five. I don't know if that's possible though.
I have a man crush on Karl Pilkington. The genius/madman that prances about with Ricky Gervais. Easily my favorite part of Karl's ramblings take place in the guise of his diary. How anyone can think so absurdly about something (while not being scripted) is amazing.
Today was Romanian Labor day, so most people left the city to travel to countryside to have BBQ. So in honor of Karl, I am attempting a Karl Pilkington telling of the days events.
Got up at 7:00, don't know why, but I had a difficult time getting back to sleep. Remembered reading an article once about having an inner alarm clock. Mine was more like a grandfather clock that wouldn't stop ringing the hour. Laid in bed getting the news that I missed while I was sleeping, had an idea. Create a cap that you wear at night that tells you the news while you're sleeping, so that when you wake up it's one less thing you have to do. Went to McDonald's at 12:30 to get picked up to go to the picnic, received a call at 12:33 that my ride was running late. Back to my apartment to wait for my mates to show. 1:30 arrived at McDonald's to find me mates in a huff about me being late.
Drove out to Sifronia in a car with no shocks, started thinking about what else a car could do without. Is the engine really necessary? Why can't people just run with the shell of the car and roll on the wheels? At the pool, saw many women with very little clothing. At what weight should women be told to put more clothes on? Same goes for the men. There were these men and boys throwing a ball into a tree attempting to get a parakeet out of the tree. Don't know the purpose of throwing the ball at it, as they were more likely to hurt the bird than convince it to land on someone's shoulder. Came home and watched some of the Ricky Gervais show. Can't figure out what Karl is talking about half the time, perhaps that's why I love him.
I was given an amazing opportunity to travel to the Holy Land back in February. What began as a passing statement between Spencer and myself became reality and we were lucky enough to bless the life of a Romanian that, probably, would never be able to take this trip on his own. Danny Luca is a Romanian gentleman that has had a huge impact on Spencer's life in Romania and has had an indirect impact on my life. During the planning of the trip Spencer felt called to ask a Romanian to join us and Danny came to mind immediately. It truly was providence that Danny was on Spencer's mind, because Danny had been feeling a push to travel to the Holy Land on his own. Things worked out and I can safely say we each came back touched by the things we saw and feel differently after walking in the steps of Christ.
I have no idea if I will be able to go through every single day and recount what happened, but our (Spencer, Danny and myself) first day was exceptionally memorable for me. We covered so much ground it's difficult to believe how much we were able to see. We started out with a breakfast of coffee and omelets provided by our hotel (Jerusalem Panorama) and we disembarked. Our hotel was situated just northwest of the outer wall of the old city. We started out with no idea where we were going, we just started walking. Less than half a mile from where we started we were pointed to the Garden of Gethsemane by a couple cab drivers. This is also the area where Mary is believed (instead of typing "is believed" over and over again, let's just assume that whenever I say that it "is" where something happened) to have been buried.
We came up from the Garden of Gethsemane to find the same cabbies there offering tours of the Mount of Olives. We went into a lovely area where there was a church and a grove of olive trees. We then went to a Russian Orthodox cathedral on the hill named in honor of Mary Magdalene (the gold dome of the cathedral is situated directly opposite of the Golden Gates, which have been sealed, but Christ will walk through once he returns). Our tour guide then told us of several opportunities we should take advantage of, the first being a trip to Bethlehem.
He called a taxi friend of his that picked us up. On the way we stopped at the area where Jesus ascended. To keep different Christian groups from fighting over the place, the keys are controlled by a group of Muslims. Inside the gate a concrete structure was erected to protect the spot from the elements. It is an unremarkable building for what took place there. We departed and took our short ride to Bethlehem. The trip to Bethlehem actually takes you into Palestine (where Bethlehem is located). Along the way our cabbie was telling us about the history of the wall separating Palestine from Israel.
Upon arriving, we were shown the entrance of the church that was constructed around where Jesus was born. The front opening is small, this has two purposes. First, is that it detracted people from bring animals into what is considered a holy place. It would be absolutely impossible for a horse to squeeze through the door, which is what they were afraid of. Secondly, there is no conceivable way to enter standing upright. The door forces people to show reverence for the place by bowing as you enter. Inside, behind the alter, is the area marking where Jesus was born and the manger in which he was placed. It is very ornately done, but dark and somewhat difficult to see.
After leaving the church we were taken to a shop that specializes in olive wood carving. There are some absolutely beautiful pieces in the shop. The nice lady that ran the store offered us tea and treated us to lunch of falafel and humus. We purchased some souvenirs and left to rejoin our original tour guide back in the old part of Jerusalem.
We walked the Via Della Rosa from where Jesus was imprisoned, through the stations of the cross (including the areas he fell under the weight of the cross) all the way to the Holy Sepulchre (The Holy Sepulchre is an enormous building built on top of Golgotha). Outside the Holy Sepulchre is the place where Jesus was disrobed and flogged before being crucified. The crusaders built it and it has been built on since that point. We had the timing exactly right, because we entered when there was hardly anyone there. The three of us were able to touch the top of the rock (very moving experience to think that I was able to touch an area where Jesus bled and died, words cannot possibly do the experience justice) and then made our way to the place where Christ was entombed. The part of the trip was probably the most somber, not much was said.
We exited the Holy Sepulchre and parted ways with our tour guide. On that first day we were able to see the place where Jesus was born, where he was before being arrested, where he died and was buried and where he ascended from this realm. All in all, a pretty good day.
I am almost one week removed from my time in Sicily and I have made some conclusions.
1. A week of cultural experiences outweighs a week of seeing the sights. On my last trip to Italy, I was very much left to my own devices. While I had someone to show me around Rome at night, most of the day I was left wandering the city by myself. I saw so many things, I don't remember them all. The draw back has been, I didn't really get to experience Rome through an Italian's eyes. More likely I saw Rome through an American's eyes visiting Italy. This is fine, but Sicily was very different. I was able to stay with a true Sicilian family in Vittoria, travel to homes of others and see more of what the average person would likely miss. I was filled with food, learned how to play with Sicilian playing cards and learned some Sicilian words. To say that I had a good time would be putting it lightly.
2. I need to stop underestimating Italian weather. Two trips to Italy, two cold experiences. Neither one would I consider bad, I just arrived and found myself ill prepared. Both times I left Romania under the impression that I would be going someplace significantly warmer, only to be slightly right. The weather in Sicily was not below freezing, but with the overcast days and it barely reaching 40 degrees, it made it colder than expected.
3. Killing with kindness. I have never eaten so much food over such a short span of time. When Eliseo told Spencer and I that Sicily was about family and food, it sounded like a great idea. Let's get the family together, have dinner and fellowship afterwards. And it is, but I walked away from most experiences feeling like my insides were about to burst. Eliseo's dad is an incredibly nice man with a very short attention span. On more than one occasion we just finished eating and he said, "So, what do you guys want for (the next meal)". I am halfway certain that Eliseo's dad believes me to be anorexic. It was every hour he would ask me if I was hungry. Everyone went out of their way to make sure I was eating as much as possible.
4. Sicily in my mind's eye. Vittoria is an actual city, but we did have the opportunity to have a meal in exactly what I envisioned Sicily to be. We were all invited to Uncle Luigi's (how great it that name) for lunch. We left the city for a small country house, surrounded by fields on both sides and greenhouses across the street. Greeted by two lovely Sicilians that were short and adorable. We had pasta for the first course and a quiche for the second. Following lunch we had the obligatory coffee and played cards for close to three hours. I can't imagine ever having the opportunity to do something like this again.
This may go down as the best trip I took while in Europe.
For the first summer since graduating from Greenville College in 2004 I don't have to worry about my employment heading into the next school year. The relief that accompanies the joy that I have is a difficult thing to explain. The closest feeling accomplishment I have ever had was when the Ohio State University was able to win the National Championship in 2001. Overwhelming peace accompanying a feeling of excitement.
After bouncing around over recent years (South Korea, Dominican Republic, Romania), I am going back to the place that feels as much like home, away from home. Santiago Christian School, here I come. My departure from the school took me on an unexpected journey, but my heart has never really left the people and students from that school.
I had initially left to ensure that I would be able to return and teach in Ohio after my travels came to an end. While I was unable to secure my licensor for the future, I was hit with the realization that I don't necessarily want to teach in Ohio. While I love the people back home, my horizons have been broadened to the point where it is difficult to enjoy the slow paced Ohio lifestyle. It's a wonderful place to be filled and refreshed on short visits, but is difficult in large doses.
I return to SCS in a slightly different capacity than last time, taking over the computer science position. A position that has laid unoccupied since my friend Ben left to become the P.E./Athletic Director. I am so excited to be heading back to a place that I feel completely comfortable working in, with the kids, teachers and administration. While I don't know the capacity with which I will be completely used, I am pleased as punch.
As more information becomes available, I will let everyone know. So, two months from now I need to be considering changing the name of this blog from "Drew in Romania" to "Drew in the Dominican Republic".
