Saturday.

editor's note: Since I refuse to re-read/re-write anything ever (for the most part) I apologize in advance for rambling.
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I was woken up this morning by my youngest stepbrother informing me that we were having breakfast and then hauling logs for the wood pile.

Hoping, on the off chance, that my family would forget I was there- I chose to sleep in and miss breakfast.

But no- my dad woke me up an hour later. So I had my glass of OJ while the house smelled like maple syrup and bacon (no leftovers) and headed out into the 40-50 degree weather and grabbed a pair of gloves.



After a couple hours of work- headed back in to wash the sawdust out of my hair and get ready for my cousin's wedding reception. She's been married for almost a year, but they didn't do the big affair, so they've had a couple small receptions to accomodate family schedules.

So I headed out to a town I've never heard of- to her in-laws house. The drive up was gorgeous since the leaves are changing right now

Some mingling and really awesome food later, the wind started to pick up and the wood heater in the garage no longer offered the same amount of comfort, so we said our goodbyes and made our tired way home.

driving home- I definitely felt the urge to sleep as the soreness of hauling logs began to mix with after-effects of cheesy potatoes and pasta salads. But my dad beat me to the punch and as the only other passenger- it is my duty to not fall asleep on the driver.

The View:






and when we were finally back in the house it was time to go play cards with grandma, since we'd said we would at the party.

So over to my grandparents' neighbors' house with my stepmom for 6-person pinochle.

and down into the basement/game room/bar where there's a fridge full of pop and beer and a bar full of snacks and liquor.

And whiskey sours for stepmom and John P (g-rents neighbor), and rum and cokes for me and Ann (his wife) and fresh made popcorn for everyone.

And for three hours on a Saturday night I played cards with people likely three times my age- who swore when they lost a hand and teased/hassled each other when their teammates didn't pull through for them. And told stupid jokes and repeated stories while the Tigers and Twins raced for a win.

A grand slam in the first as we were just beginning. A few more runs as we finish the first game. We have to keep telling grandpa to pay attention because he's looking through me to watch the game.

The popcorn becomes mini-babyruth's and butterfingers and the Tigers catch up in the 5th.

The boys team (John, Gpa, and stepmom) are playing similarily as they begin each game with negative or single digits, but surge from a 40-pt difference to 3-pts ahead, but still lose in the end by only 3 or 4. [The only difference here is at time of writing- the Tigers/Twins game is still tied in the 12th]

And after three games and FINALLY a guys-team victory- we call it a night.

And say our goodbyes and head home, where my dad is out working in the garage listening to some weird easy listening station- preparing his ATV's for deer camp.



There are some days when I am all alone and I get really bored. And there are some days when I can't get away from people long enough to catch a breath.

But despite mandatory hard labor and mingling with strangers- I love the fall days when the air is brisk and the leaves are changing. And food is always warm and no one is in a hurry, but we're all busy doing something.

And I love the opportunity to sit at the table with people 2 to 3 times my age and see that -despite deserving of respect as my elders- they're not that different from me when it comes to sitting down with friends and playing a game of cards.

I've got a job!

It's only 1.5 hrs a day- but who cares?? I start Monday!!

Thank you Jesus!!


more later...

on a more serious note... could use some feedback.

My family has been involved with this program that provides shelter for the homeless in the winters here, by getting different churches to volunteer a week at a time- opening the buildings and providing meals/security/etc. [It's really an AWESOME program, and great to see how much the community supports it]

I was assisting my stepmom paint the kitchen/cafe area of the church leading the efforts- and I overheard the pastor complaining about the licensing procedures with the health department and such.

He sighed and said "i'm giving in to Satan"

and I thought to myself... he must be referring to the complaining...

but then he continued by clarifying.. 'the state is Satan.'

and I got confused.

"It's the church's responsibility to feed the poor, and why should the state have any say in it? Jesus didn't need a permit to feed the 5000." He said.

To be perfectly honest, I don't know the whole story... but I was a little offended... and it struck me as a little incorrect.

And I will admit-- my Biblical knowledge is lacking. (I'm working on it.) but it doesn't make sense to me to say that the gov't (that pays disabilities and soc. security and welfare and such) should have no oversight of an organization providing for the needs of the poor and homeless.

I do believe that one day the Church will be able and WILLING to absolutely provide for those in need, without any assistance from a secular governing body.

But in the meantime, here's my question:

How much autonomy should a church (as an organization) have from the political/legal governing body? -Biblical references would be helpful-

Sock weather and things I love about my hometown (pt.2)

I love that my dad's basement has linoleum. Since it's sock and sweater weather now- it's perfect for saving a few steps by sliding across the floors. it's not much... but I'm always a little hesitant to start wearing socks in general- so some enjoyment of it makes the adjustment easier.

And in other news, Here's a story continuing in my "Things I love about my hometown" segment:

My dad is selling his old house.

Paul- our postman and the father of my sister's classmate- wears a blue tooth headset when he's on his route. Since he knew we weren't living at the old house (but hadn't forwarded our address yet) he gave my dad a call when there was a package waiting there.

Since my dad works 50 miles away, I went into town- picked up the 'sorry we missed you' slip- and called Paul.

And then drove to his current location to pick up my mail.

In a large city, it's suspicious when a person parks their car behind the postal truck and waits awkwardly for the postman to get back.

In my hometown- not so much... especially considering the block he was on is home to my dentist, three childhood friends, and a house we rented when I was in third grade.



Sorry-- this story is kind of pointless, but I wanted to share anyway :)

Crater Face

http://vimeo.com/11414910

So cute :)

mini-rant of the day (actual proper unrelated post coming later)

I am sure that this is a great bank, and that they clearly only serve the LP... but I keep seeing this ad on hulu... and it's starting to bother me.

Why?- you might ask.

Merely because it seems to imply Michigan is shaped like _one_ hand. And if you only serve the lower peninsula- who cares what the logo looks like... but I'd prefer a little recognition of our existence.

Anywayyyy... i had a longer post that I'll be writing soon. And hopefully, I'll remember to take my camera with me when I go into town again, so more pictures are coming.

Hope you're enjoying your own little corner of the world! (hand-shaped or otherwise... ^_^ )













source

things i like about my hometown (pt.1)

Today I went to register as a substitute teacher.

I went in to the office building -in the middle of a residential neighborhood-- that used to be my elementary school. ( I was a little bummed to see the place we used to have recess is now a parking lot-- but it's been that way for about 8 years... so I am adjusting.)

The woman at the desk is a friend of my dad's, so when she told me I would need a transcript for my application, she asked if I could get a copy online.

Yep-- of course.

'oh okay-- you can just come around the desk then and use my computer.'

Which is how I found myself sitting behind the front desk of the school district's administration building. While she got some other work done in the next room.

It was kind of ridiculous and also really cool.

Maybe it's a 'you had to be there' moment... but I love these small-town moments because it reminds me of the benefits of trusting and loving communities.

Sure, this might have only happened because she's a friend of my father's-- but I like to imagine a world where you can trust strangers.





While I'm on the topic of connections, I went in to drop off an application at the high school for a tutor position, and the assistant superintendent stepped out of her office to ask about which positions I am applying for. (I know her only slightly because she was in that job when my mom was working as well...)

It doesn't mean my chances are better or anything... but I am blessed to know that people are aware I'm searching, and willing to help :)



God bless you all! I hope OCR and the beginning of school went well for those of you in AA (or that you're enjoying the recent population surge in the city if you're not in school)

and for everyone else, Happy Fall!! It came to the UP really suddenly, so the leaves haven't turned yet-- but I'm going to have to find my fleece jacket soon. and start wearing socks again :-/

Gazebo

Happy September!


My dad and stepmom had this gazebo built for their wedding.


It's set pretty far back from the house-- just about as far as you can get.

I hadn't noticed before... but there's a pond out back. I think it's connected to the river? I didn't do much exploring.

I actually came out to do some reflecting. It's surprising how easy it is going stir-crazy with no one to talk to (of my own age)-- but it was a good catalyst to spend some time with God- something I had been missing out on in the last few days.


Bonus- Paddy came out to keep me company/act as a backrest. She's pretty old- so I think she just wanted a reason to sit in the shade.


But yeah-- I'm going to try to get some more photos up. Lots of things to say and etc, but some illustrations would be useful as well :)