tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60628092012-02-16T04:36:50.886-08:00Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.comBlogger2911100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-4368447739003489132012-02-13T12:51:00.000-08:002012-02-13T12:53:13.034-08:00

or how I am learning to live a better story... Back in 2003 I read a book entitled Blue Like Jazz which was impossible to put down, and seemed to put to words my scattered thoughts on spirituality and christianity. It resonated with many people and helped create a certain vocabulary for a generation struggling to identify with their predecessors beliefs. I was on board. Soon afterward I picked

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-76649641870113842472012-01-22T20:12:00.001-08:002012-01-22T20:12:46.597-08:00

Not the most interesting post, but I've been doing this for the past couple years as a way to archive what I've read. 2011 started strong but lost traction over the summer and basically stopped during the Fall when school, work, and an internship consumed all my waking hours. So here is the list of what I managed to get through. East of Eden: John Steinbeck Finding My Way Home: Henri Nouwen

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-53370243635367303362012-01-09T21:55:00.000-08:002012-01-10T10:52:40.672-08:00

or how I learned to drink like the locals... We've been in Portland now for over 4 years, and this was the first time we traveled back to Texas for the holidays. We left sunny Portland on Christmas Eve to touch down in a drizzly, cold Dallas. Wait... What? Are we sure we're in the right place? Seeing Mish's mom and sister at the baggage claim reassured us that we were exactly where we needed

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-61244697614883843522011-10-12T09:08:00.000-07:002011-10-12T09:12:30.202-07:00

or how I learned to push past conventional thinking... He pulls up a chair next to mine. I take my hand of the mouse and begin to ask how I would go about framing the windows I designed for my home. He leans back in his chair and folds his arms across his chest. I can tell by the look on his face what he is about to say. I've already heard him give this speech to another student. Its a

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-47441347479275696072011-09-25T14:31:00.000-07:002011-10-12T09:11:48.793-07:00

This was probably my favorite part of the whole night.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-35086299700479884642011-09-19T11:57:00.001-07:002011-10-12T09:13:07.281-07:00

or how i learned to deal with the banjo and just fish for trout... This past weekend two of my old roommates from college flew in from Texas and Missouri to do a little backpacking in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Jay got in around 3 PM from Texas after a long layover in Albuquerque.  He met me at work and we spent the afternoon running some errands and preparing for our trip. That evening we

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-32327599037158332362011-09-13T20:42:00.002-07:002011-09-14T21:28:38.562-07:00

or how i learned to steal music at the corner of 6th and yamhill... I was given a last minute task to run an errand downtown. Not a problem. I hopped on my bike and peddled down Salmon, crossed the Hawthorne bridge, and was to my destination in 15 minutes. As I'm locking my bike up around a street sign I hear music coming from down the block. I completely forgot about the Northwest Music Fest.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-74286698166697165612011-07-26T11:48:00.000-07:002011-07-26T11:48:02.209-07:00

After five fairly quick weeks I'm standing outside the Pen Air gate at the Anchorage airport. I reach into my backpack, take out my cell phone and turn it on for the first time. 8 New messages. That's amazing considering last season I had zero. In a few hours I will be heading home to Portland. I can't wait to see my wife. This fishing season was weird. There is really no other way to explain it.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-83204657056221210202011-06-17T11:15:00.001-07:002011-06-17T15:47:12.188-07:00

or how I learned to sink in mud and still gaff a fish I leave tonight for another summer in the Last Frontier.  I will miss you but I'll see you in 5 weeks.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-16777722556631071852011-06-10T18:24:00.001-07:002011-06-10T18:25:29.826-07:00

or not quite a mid-life crisis but more a mid-minute crisis... A while back I saw a motorcycle cruise by my work, and I remember thinking that I really liked the style of that particular bike. I remember thinking that if I had to ride one that that would be the one I could ride. Then it got me thinking, "what's stopping me from getting a motorcycle?" I've always just thought that I would never

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-66890971333955081842011-06-08T20:20:00.001-07:002011-06-10T18:25:05.501-07:00

or how i learned to pay for parking and gas and still have the perfect weekend. It's Friday evening. Sunny and in the 70's. We are outside under a red umbrella. Mish is enjoying a pinot gris. I get caught starring at the rising bubbles in my pilsner. We both are feeling relaxed. Its happy hour at a little cafe down the street from our apartment. Our drinks are soon complimented with a frito

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-72248461458865766442011-05-31T14:37:00.000-07:002011-05-31T14:37:29.794-07:00

Its seems like the last few months have been spent sitting at an old wooden drawing table, hunched over under the yellow light of a swing-arm lamp. I've just completed the presentation board for my Active/Passive Systems class. Tomorrow I'll walk my classmates through it. There is a lot of information covered on this 18"X 24" sheet. Solar studies, passive solar gain, ventilation, site

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-17355220629949374572011-03-29T14:19:00.005-07:002011-04-03T16:13:21.463-07:00

i've been reading though Jeremy Till's book entitled architecture depends. it has been a nice read so far. at one point in the book he states that "all architecture is but waste in transit" meaning that despite an architects best arguments for immortality their buildings will eventually succumb to decay. while this isn't by any means the main thought and argument for his book, it definitely

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-46812365331600683862011-03-12T21:51:00.002-08:002011-03-12T22:23:25.962-08:00

juxtaposition...cozied up in the oversized chair i'm sipping on some darjeeling tea while thumbing through the most recent issue of dwell magazine. but prefab eye-candy and articles on the pros and cons of twenty or so designer chairs aren't enough to divert my attention from the video streaming from the computer. mish had pulled up CNN. we watch houses, planes and cars spin in whirlpools like

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-77729321875221070812011-02-20T12:12:00.004-08:002011-02-20T12:26:48.838-08:00

I have always thought of carving a turkey as sort of a rite of passage to head of the household. A ceremonious and sacred tradition that every man must take responsibility for. This past weekend i felt like i stepped into that honored role. Friday night we had not one, but two, thirty pound turkeys cooking simultaneously in our oven. Once the correct temperature was reached and the turkeys

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-86626055311660600282011-02-17T15:41:00.004-08:002011-02-17T18:12:21.783-08:00

sam elliot called me sir...today this tall, lanky cowboy walks up to my register and with a low, gravely voice orders a cappacino. he hands me a five and i hand him back his change. "thank you, sir." he says. i ask him if i can i get his name for the order. he says, "sam".

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-74658913103604529462011-02-14T21:39:00.003-08:002011-02-14T22:05:55.167-08:00

Click To Play Every year Portland puts on a little 18 mile bike ride in the thick of the winter season called "The Worst Day of the Year Ride". There are stops around town hot cocoa, beer, and tasty treats. Yesterday just happened to be the day of the ride, and ironically could have been one of the best days of the winter season. I wasn't

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-52799749829424469052011-02-07T21:20:00.007-08:002011-02-11T09:40:54.350-08:00

i'm drawing inspiration from a couple architecture groups right now. the first is the bjarke ingels group based in denmark.they have a very unique way of incorporating and blending the landscape into the built form. right now they are working on building a power plant that will also provide downhill skiing or snowboarding. i also really like herzog and de meuron. i actually had a chance to see

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-25502271513621798042011-01-26T11:52:00.002-08:002011-01-26T11:57:30.469-08:00

i can't believe my first post of the year is going to be an archive of the books i read last year. sorry. not sure i've got any favs. but here is the list:Four Fish: Paul Greenberg A Little History of the World: E.H. Gombrich A Picture of Dorian Gray: Oscar Wilde Paris to the Moon: Adam Gopnik Body Piercing Saved My Life: Andrew Beaujon A Moveable Feast: Ernest Hemingway Here and Now: Henri

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-67227421015241860852010-11-16T16:43:00.003-08:002010-11-16T17:01:46.158-08:00

random thoughts and moments...today I got my first flat tire while riding my bike home from school. i'm actually pretty surprised i went as long as I have. I've had the bike since march of this year, but i've logged some pretty serious mileage since. not sure if i am going to try and patch it tonight or just take the car to school tomorrow. have you ever given someone advice and in the moment

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-27894793317875394652010-11-11T09:45:00.002-08:002010-11-11T10:23:47.192-08:00

Last night began with a bowl of broccoli cheese soup. But ended with a bowl of Massaman Curry from Authentic Thai Bistro. What happened in between still haunts my thoughts. And my stomach. Those with an iron gut keep reading. I planted some broccoli this year in our garden. I'm still much of a novice when it comes to backyard urban farming. The finished products we buy in the grocery store look

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-71625980172339377252010-10-31T21:40:00.008-07:002010-11-05T21:08:31.894-07:00

I'm still buzzing from this...If you hear from someone that they didn't think the Sufjan concert was very good its probably because they only wanted to hear him play "Chicago". Which I have to admit, I was a little nervous before going to see him this past Friday. Sufjan's last few albums have all had a similar style of music which the masses, including myself, are probably most familiar with.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-17502727219708659042010-10-20T13:20:00.002-07:002010-10-20T13:25:56.906-07:00

I've been noticing that some people like to press the handicap button that will automatically open a door for you while they pass through. Why is this? I can't seem to figure it out. From what I can gather waiting on the door to open slows you down. So its not for quicker access. Is it germs? You still have to touch that button. Which from what I've seen gets touched a lot. I'm not sure I get it.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-7121091486016409672010-09-17T09:01:00.003-07:002010-09-21T17:56:09.085-07:00

The other day i sat down to do some sketching. And instead of grabbing a pencil and eraser i grabbed my laptop. I've been using google sketch up. I'm in the process of taking an existing detached garage and transforming it into a studio apartment. or at least thats the plan. sketch up is this amazing (and amazingly free) tool that allows you to draw and render in 3D. its really user friendly and

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-63872377336617024412010-09-06T21:33:00.003-07:002010-09-06T21:42:29.867-07:00

I recently chatted with an older couple at the coffee shop about their recent trip to Port Angeles, Washington. I've only passed through there once on my way to Victoria, British Columbia via a ferry but what little I did see looked nice. The coupled mentioned that tourism has increased a lot recently thanks to the Twilight series. So much so that people are heading up into the nearby Olympia

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-63225267967807444362010-09-01T17:38:00.003-07:002010-09-02T20:40:27.879-07:00

the big chill...a while back i met someone who when i asked how they where said they had been suffering from a chill for the last several years. thats right, they said years. at the time i didn't quite understand what they meant. i thought a chill typically lasted only minutes to maybe a couple hours. but over several years? not likely. but the last day of august turned out to be a cold and wet

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-60513371789981488042010-08-27T21:42:00.005-07:002010-08-27T22:23:13.214-07:00

the art of spontaneity...this friday mish had plans. i didn't. it was now wednesday night. what to do? in a desperation induced brainstorm i came up with what i end up calling the "Three B's". That is: Beer, Bratwurst, and Bottle Rocket (the movie). it will be a guys night. I send an email out because I am too young to use the phone and too old for text messages. everyone responds back. only two

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-51423466643383825322010-08-12T12:00:00.002-07:002010-08-12T12:05:49.289-07:00

love this...la blogothequehere are some of my favorite videos so far.Phoenix - Lizstomania / One time too many - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.Sigur Ros - Við spilum endalaust - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.#62.3 - Menomena - Wet and RustingUploaded by lablogotheque. - Discover more animation and arts videos.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-89837318204965744472010-05-20T10:40:00.004-07:002010-05-20T11:10:05.231-07:00

when it sinks in...waiting at the crosswalk for the light to change. i'm enveloped by a hot breeze mixed with the smell of exhaust as cars and city buses pass by. chirp, chirp, chirp. the pedestrian signal indicates that it is my turn to cross the street. around the corner and up the brick steps. a sheep dog with two different colored eyes waits patiently outside the door for its owner to return.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-503532768844248032010-05-16T14:50:00.003-07:002010-05-16T15:39:28.273-07:00

time...these days my life feels very segmented. i've been taking it 2 to 3 months at a time. mostly school dictates this which is on a quarter system. each term brings a new set of classes. a new schedule to juggle. which includes my job. finding quality time with my wife. i go commercial salmon fishing during the summer which adds another segment to my life. so my year breaks down into groups of

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-13052221611445742122010-05-04T18:30:00.002-07:002010-05-04T21:01:48.173-07:00

april felt like the longest monthbut now i feel as if i won't be able to keep up with may. the weather has been unpredictable.i've been trying to start a vegetable garden. but the rain has been coming down hard. spring is such a mixed bag in portland. the flowers and trees are all in bloom. its beautiful. breathtaking. but in any given 24 hour period you can be enjoying a book on the porch with

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-91139237953443192922010-04-28T18:09:00.002-07:002010-04-28T18:12:09.181-07:00

HEY! I AM ABOUT TO CHANGE MY DOMAIN FROM VICTIMOFSUBURBIA.BLOGSPOT.COM TO SKETCHESFROMWHEREVER.BLOGSPOT.COM I'M JUST TIRED OF BEING THE VICTIM. MAKE THE APPROPRIATE CHANGES IF YOU STILL WANT TO KEEP UP WITH MY BLOG. I HOPE YOU DO.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-24938867983852987242010-04-20T16:29:00.003-07:002010-04-21T16:30:56.040-07:00

i'm like benjamin button in reverse... today i dyed my hair. which isn't the first time i've altered my natural color. there was the one year in high school i peroxided my whole head before a spring break ski trip. this was the gateway drug to having highlighted tips for the next several years on into college. i went back to natural for a little bit and then had a short stint with blue streaks.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-12902506956459755232010-04-10T20:05:00.002-07:002010-04-10T20:07:55.072-07:00

Those that say New York is the city that never sleeps have not been to Madrid.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-77992564052209194802010-03-17T15:39:00.003-07:002010-03-18T03:24:36.214-07:00

Hello Madrid!!!

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-83411748344721864272010-02-27T10:30:00.002-08:002010-02-27T10:53:58.211-08:00

I have heard that you know you've got good compost when you can get the pile to steam. Well I am hoping for that. Just a little steam would be nice. Really I am just hoping that everything I throw into the bin breaks down into that fertile "black gold". What excites me the most about this bin I made is that the only thing I had to buy was a box of wood strews. Everything else I found. I still

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-57568299893340722402010-02-19T10:31:00.005-08:002010-02-19T16:46:57.466-08:00

the front balcony i have been patiently waiting all winter to inhabit is now more inviting than ever. a book i have been inching my way though is opened in front of me. spiced tea is slowly cooling down in a blue ceramic mug given to me by my parents. the helm of a ship is imprinted on it. the sun is low but rising.and i can feel its warmth on my back, but my fingers are still a little cold.it

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-7586317127334175382010-02-16T17:25:00.003-08:002010-02-16T19:01:08.154-08:00

have you ever heard someone say that god is not a vending machine? i have. several times. while i'm sure there are great benefits to teaching/preaching that sort of analogy i've noticed that sometimes when i pray i get a guilty feeling when i think i am asking too much. is it really possible to ask too much of god? i've started to wonder about this when i listen to my wife pray. she's pretty

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06376887230765513815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-76235419224806127352010-02-08T11:28:00.005-08:002010-02-08T11:37:30.014-08:00

almost twenty years have passed but i still just can't help feeling proud of the new ride. 2010, age 28. 1991, age 10.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-37336806339557990402010-01-25T17:53:00.008-08:002010-01-26T20:09:36.433-08:00

recently a building was completed and now stands as the tallest in the world. it's an impressive feat of engineering. i'm sure some praises are due. but with all the forethought and skill required to make something like this stand i've never really been impressed by this particular architecture. to build something tall for the sake of building something tall seems a bit arrogant and tacky. i

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-13939960837275239692010-01-18T20:02:00.003-08:002010-01-18T20:11:12.760-08:00

tonights menu: salmon burgers with brown sugar, dried chilies, and baconasparagus drizzled with a dijon vinaigrette raison D'etre ale brewed by dogfish headi'm pretty excited about this one because the only thing i had to buy to make this happen was the beer and asparagus. there's pretty much a huge party in my mouth right now.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-25200638636981927172010-01-16T20:00:00.002-08:002010-01-16T20:09:28.071-08:00

i'm a bachelor tonight. mish is at the coast with some friends. i'm happy for her. i'm glad she gets to head out there for the night. its just me and the har-man now. so whats on the to do list: wax snowboardwrite thank you cardsstain wood frame for vegetable gardenfill out scholarship applicationsmake chicken curry dish (mish got me a jamie oliver cookbook that i've been stewing over now.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-91923758595198880722010-01-12T09:26:00.002-08:002010-01-12T09:51:03.848-08:00

last night i was sitting in my building systems class listening to a lecture on foundations. you know stem walls and footings and things of that sort. and i started thinking about foundations in a more relational way. i started thinking about stability and about the things that foster or prevent it. and i began to think about how we so often chase after things that bring instability. that

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-48282323404617908602009-03-24T19:56:00.003-07:002009-03-24T20:21:43.464-07:00

some think of it as the element that corrodes their car. strips the paint off their home or burns their eyes. but for me it does much to purify my lungs. to assuage my soul. to me the sea teems of life and it's contagious. I need to be near it. to breath it in. to hear it. it brings me life.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-58086995705031323162009-02-27T16:32:00.009-08:002009-02-28T22:24:56.556-08:00

A recent email has gotten me thinking and reminiscing a little bit. About what? Well... I remember the house in bridgewater. A house thats held the same name for over 4 decades. I remember the long drive up the gravel driveway that ran beside the house. Anxious to see my Grandparents. I remember stepping out of the car and immediately enveloped by the scent of pine. I remember an awkward

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-83211319208328857052008-02-05T10:25:00.000-08:002008-02-05T10:29:39.449-08:00

When Fridays become Mondays…Working retail can have its benefits.Like getting a day off in the middle of the week. A day which I used to go snowboarding with a friend of mine. We were able to avoid the weekend crowds. Park up close. No lift lines. The park was ours. But working retail can also have its disadvantages. Like having a day off in the middle of the week. I’ve been getting Wednesday and

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-30258912581641687552008-01-14T22:50:00.001-08:002008-01-14T22:53:43.840-08:00

when beggars become choosers…(I’ve just over steeped my chai tea for the second time.) Last night mish and I hit up the bagdad restaurant and pub. Its become our favorite nothing-else-is-open-right-now-and-I’m-really-hungry place to go. It’s only a couple blocks from our place so we put our shoes and jackets on and headed out the door. Bagdad sits on the corner of 37th and hawthorne. Last night

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-32764407977475755312008-01-14T22:48:00.000-08:002008-01-14T22:56:08.698-08:00

so this is the new year...I think its hard to not make resolutions. Even if they’re just short and simple or a little vague. Like saying you’re going to start eating better. There’s just something about the new year that sort of begs change. Or improvement. I’m trying to be more intentional this year. Intentional with my time. Intentional with my wife, my walk, my friends. Intentional with my

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-85079442265618965862007-12-03T21:18:00.000-08:002008-11-13T13:30:54.051-08:00

winter ale anyone?i think mish and i will be getting a little radio soon so we can join the ranks of NPR listeners. I'm currently getting my news from the local patrons of peets coffee and tea and did you know that there was a hurricane off the coast of oregon this weekend. well, at least thats what they said. but despite the gale force finds i had a pretty good weekend. it started friday night

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-62860664675072768862007-11-08T10:53:00.000-08:002007-11-08T11:08:35.595-08:00

my walk to work takes less than five minutes. it's something like three or four blocks. but in that short stroll i've been asked so many different things by different people. some of which includedo you have spare changedo you have time to talk about mercy corpdo you care about polar bears. do you want some good weeddo you want to legalize weeddo you want to support our basketball teamdo you

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-28431582733294310192007-11-06T12:22:00.000-08:002008-11-13T13:30:54.298-08:00

i'm excited for two reasons.well, maybe more. but two of them are because my mother-in-law is coming in this weekand, because she is, we are all going to make the pilgrimage to the mecca downtown that is Powell's Bookstore. there is a powells a few blocks away from where we live but you don't need a map to navigate it.i'm pretty excited. i'm going with a list. maybe mccarthy's no country for old

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-30166603910893072472007-11-05T21:32:00.000-08:002007-11-05T21:42:21.269-08:00

coffee 101...today i went to a coffee class for peets. we talked about what coffee is. where it comes from. we tasted different kinds from different growing regions. slurped them down and used descriptive words like toastywildbiscuitybutteryfruitycleanboldandbalancedafter three hours of sippin my hands where shakin. i'm really enjoying my job.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-60092571685501178672007-11-04T15:21:00.000-08:002007-11-04T15:38:12.394-08:00

i've decided that i really shouldn't be drinking an 8 cup presspot of coffee on my own. i've also decided that eggnog is not for lattes. it looks good on paper but we need to seriously rethink that. have you ever tried to steam eggnog for a latte? i came home this morning from work with bits of nog in my hair. this holiday i will take mine cold thank you. with a little rum. mish and i rented

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-22556779559584699882007-10-09T12:16:00.000-07:002007-10-09T18:51:34.747-07:00

i'm a sucker for gyros. they're the perfect sandwich. the sauce, the seasoned meat, the pita. it's all amazing. so when we found out that the greek orthodox church nearby was having a festival we just had to go. we had a good time. watched some students in the church youth group do some traditional greek dances. we exchanged our dollar bills for some talents and bought gyros and greek pastries.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-39119758007206197142007-09-30T18:24:00.001-07:002008-11-13T13:30:54.715-08:00

my new job...i've been working at peet's coffee and tea now for about a week. and it has really been a great experience. my co-workers are cool. the manager is really nice. and the location is great. 37th and hawthorne. just two blocks from our apartment. i can walk home for lunch. the training has been intense. the process is suppose to be spread out over the first 18 shifts. i've worked 5

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-12036443319312764142007-09-16T18:36:00.000-07:002008-11-13T13:30:55.792-08:00

a saturday afternoon at cannon beach...

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-22194546624613250152007-09-04T12:00:00.000-07:002007-09-04T12:16:58.230-07:00

so i've realized that if you want to do a little sight seeing on a cross country road trip don't try to include it in a 10 hour drive. because before you know it your 10 hour drive turns into a 14 hour plus grueling trek across a barren wasteland. a barren wasteland also known as flagstaff az. to sacramento, ca.mish and i were pretty ambitious when we first planned out or drive from dallas to

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-64022301478829462212007-08-29T22:32:00.001-07:002008-11-13T13:30:55.960-08:00

while visiting at hamilton park, dwight learns that harley is an avid base jumper. having such a competitive nature dwight challenges harley to a jump at the grand canyon. harley agreed but unfortunately the jump will have to be postponed due to high winds and empty stomaches.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-34024379605040255602007-08-29T07:58:00.000-07:002008-11-13T13:30:56.669-08:00

so begins the adventures of dwight schrute and harley. it all started in a little town called seymour, tx. dwight was grabbing a bite to eat at a local hot spot. dwight had just been promoted to assitant to the regional manager, and after a day of hard work he was pretty hungry. he decided to get the 20 piece chicken tender. it is a little know fact that dwight schrute's appetite is somewhere

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-14081829062610125272007-08-24T09:21:00.000-07:002007-08-24T09:38:29.131-07:00

as it turns out i am not really a minimalist. yep, and i also find myself skimming over the versus in scripture when jesus tells people to sell everything and give to the poor. yesterday morning i was reading in the gospel of mark.breezed over some versus about selling possessions and what not. then about an hour later mish calls to inform me that the bike trays we have been in pursuit of all

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-32228802454777952472007-06-26T10:30:00.000-07:002007-06-26T12:08:35.290-07:00

I've always liked to think of myself as somewhat of a minimalist. This idea that everything I own could fit into my 3,500 cu. in. backpack.And that would even include a place to live. But as Mish and I begin to make preparations for our move to B.C. I'm finding it harder to be the minimalist I thought I could be.After much thought we've decided that our best option is to try and get rid of all

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-33801124298189203972007-05-31T10:02:00.001-07:002007-05-31T10:46:10.102-07:00

I have this theory working right now.And you're not going to like it.You see, Mish and I will be moving to Vancouver, BC at the end of August.A region that gets roughly 47.08 inches of rainfall a year. Compare that to Dallas' 33.70 inches.With our local weather conditions being the way they have, we think God is trying to prepare Mish and I for our relocation.Dallas has already received 22.09

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-18867275482805915332007-05-16T08:28:00.000-07:002007-05-16T08:38:05.215-07:00

someone told me once that if you want to get into coffee you haven't arrived until you start roasting your own coffee beans. well i guess you can say that as of last night i have arrived. i think.over the last two weeks i've been anxiously anticipating the arrival of the purchases i made on the internet to begin roasting.last week i received my west bend poppery popcorn maker.using a hot air

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-89982445165431403712007-05-06T07:31:00.000-07:002007-05-08T11:14:22.970-07:00

i'm feeling very generic...it always starts the same way.i'm at the grocery store.in the check out line.i've just exchanged greetings with the cashier.and then....wait for it...cashier says,you know who you look like?that famous guy.what's his name?the one in the movie.i'm feeling confident today.i go with luke wilson.yes, that's the one!luke wilson.i'm ok with that.i like the guy.i can't say

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-70102441885507699342007-05-04T08:28:00.000-07:002008-11-13T13:30:56.967-08:00

well i'm pretty excited about this evening.for my birthday, jay and megs surprised me with two tickets to Mutemath.if you don't know mutemath you must.they're amazing.the album is great, but the live show is even better.the concert is tonight at the Granada Theater down in Dallas.mish and i will be heading to the city a little early to beat traffic.grab dinner at Freebirds.head to Gachet Coffee

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-69439321013554277782007-04-26T07:45:00.000-07:002007-04-26T08:07:17.206-07:00

my friend brent posted this today on his blog so i thought it might be fun to do the same.here is what Amazon.com has recommended for me according to my purchase history:1. When it Falls ~ Zero 72. Eat this Book: A conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading Eugene Peterson (Author)3. They Like Jesus but not the Church: Insights from the Emerging Generation. Dan Kimball (Author)

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-27909114540443750082007-04-24T07:43:00.000-07:002007-04-24T11:34:52.938-07:00

my convenient social gospel...am i just being trendy or am i being transformed.i've purchased the t-shirts, the wristbands, the video.but is there something more?i've sponsored the child.i've built the house.i've even slept in the streets.oh, but to love...i've raised awareness for those in need.i've sung and danced with children.corporate accountability and fair trade.environmentally

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-48540917582725938902007-04-20T08:41:00.000-07:002007-04-20T08:42:13.594-07:00

hey.it's harley's birthday today!everyone gets a treat.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-82167379015884496292007-04-11T09:28:00.000-07:002008-11-13T13:30:57.182-08:00

Mish has been on a cruise this week with her good friend Brittany soaking up some sun down off the coast of Mexico. I've been at home with The Harboo. Being alone does have some perks to it. I get to leave things out that I normally don't leave out. I started drawing again so I've cleared off the dinning table and moved a small stereo, colored pencils and a sketch pad on it.Sort of created a

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-16953949896370699572007-04-03T07:49:00.000-07:002007-04-03T10:32:19.683-07:00

Spring is in the Derrière...The seasons always seem to come at the right time.Just when I'm getting tired of sun down at six, we spring forward an hour on our clocks.It stays sunny longer.The trees are green again. The wild flowers are in full bloom. I can get back on the bike again.And get some sun on my skin.A few days ago I was at a stop light with the windows down.The sun roof open, enjoying

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-60918220417511945712007-03-21T09:25:00.000-07:002008-11-13T13:30:57.301-08:00

right now i'm at my desk.in front of my computer.typing this blog.but i'm distracted.i keep glancing out the window.not sure why.maybe to see if it has started to rain.or if the clouds are still hanging around.right now my bumper sticker or t-shirt or license plate cover says, "i'd rather be at a local coffee shop with a good book, a new cd, and a latte."i kind of need a day to recalibrate.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-65945925754146084822007-03-16T08:08:00.000-07:002008-11-13T13:30:57.463-08:00

A Vonderful Goot Game...for weeks students brushed up on their skills.both mentally and physically.learning a new SAT word each day.wind sprints and yo yo's in the backyard.push ups.logic puzzles.protein drinks and sleep deprivation.insane? maybe.but quite necessary.why?because when it's all said and done.when the cards are put back in the box and the tables are wiped down.when you take one

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-57741747010641247772007-03-09T09:51:00.001-08:002008-11-13T13:30:57.594-08:00

bonjour...yesterday i helped my soon-to-be brother-in-law jay move some old furniture from his parents house in paris...wait for it...no, in texas.the day was spent driving to paris.picking up a uhaul at none other than hicks muffler and tire.loading four pieces of 100 year old furniture put together by 100year old screw drivers onto the truck.watching papa semple close the deal on a car and sell

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-10416949418415739642007-03-02T09:11:00.000-08:002008-11-13T13:30:57.713-08:00

he makes me as surefooted as the deer...a few years ago two of my roommates from college and i had the opportunity to spend the weekend hiking in the grand canyon.we had planned on backpacking into the canyon on a friday, spend two nights at primitive campgrounds, and then hike back out on sunday.(suddenly as i am writing this i can't help but think of the spiritual undertones that could be

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-51030181528192642152007-02-27T15:16:00.000-08:002007-02-27T15:27:30.840-08:00

and what the heck is a noodle swing, anyway?so i attempted to make teriyaki chicken last night.i sliced off a piece and ate it.then gave a piece of the hot off the grill product to my wife.i looked at her.she looked back at me.we both looked down at the chicken on the plate. and then looked back at each other.i said i was sorry for what i just did and we both agreed that ordering take out from

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-11131177627684100792007-02-20T09:50:00.000-08:002008-11-13T13:30:57.867-08:00

happy fat tuesday...i thinkwell, i've kicked off my fat tuesday celebration a little early today.its taks testing today so the seniors don't have to be at school until noon.i decided to join them for breakfast at the infamous ham & eggs restaurant.if you've never been to ham & eggs you wouldn't believe me when i tell you how huge the pancakes are.bigger than your head huge.(not that your head is

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-43882268775914611882007-02-08T12:38:00.000-08:002008-11-13T13:30:58.020-08:00

there is something very transcendent about ben gibbard's voice. i don't know what it is.but yesterday michelle downloaded death cab's plans album from itunes and i curled up on the end of the bed like a labrador and listened to the whole thing. maybe its in the stories he tells.maybe its the rat tat tat on the high hat.but i find myself dreaming.feeling inspired.creative.not a lot of bands do

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-13081142367106771802007-02-02T09:24:00.000-08:002008-11-13T13:30:58.585-08:00

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-43417176541986114402007-01-31T08:28:00.000-08:002007-01-31T08:40:22.461-08:00

i got a new car...well, not really.ali, a friend of mine, graduated high school early and just moved to England to hang with the rest of her family, who have been living over the pond for several months now.so mish and i are car-sitting for the next 4 months until ali returns to walk the stage.we've been a one car family for a little while now and its been really nice.we spend less on

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-59650367010372889382007-01-25T11:52:00.001-08:002008-11-13T13:30:58.710-08:00

what did ya jump ship? what's with the life vest, kid... i have these vague memories of my grandpa with his pant legs rolled up with the surf splashing around his ankles.he's been casting out past the sea foam for the better part of the evening and hasn't had a bite yet.a white bucket of raw shrimp sits patiently in his shadow.the sun is going down now dipping behind the unobtrusive horizon of

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-9142393923037734192007-01-23T07:10:00.000-08:002008-11-13T13:30:58.844-08:00

currently listening to:it always snows on wednesday by the hayes family rumortoday i'm thinking...- that i'm married to the most amazing woman in the world. i'm humbled by her faith. i'm inspired by her creativity and i'm drawn to her honesty and grace.- that if the resurrected life of Christ never really happened then i'm getting paid to tell others about the greatest hoax in history.- that

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1169057962459675582007-01-17T10:06:00.000-08:002007-01-17T10:19:22.686-08:00

happy snow day...it really doesn't take much to shut down the schools here in the greater DFW area when it comes to an "arctic blast". just a light white dusting will do the trick. i had heard rumors of a possible visit from said white dust but i wasn't going to get my hopes up. and yet, as i awoke this morning to prepare for work i peeked through the blinds and to what did my wondering eyes did

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1168538929253960062007-01-11T09:06:00.000-08:002007-01-11T10:08:49.320-08:00

lick it, technology...so i'm sticking it to the man and i'm reactivating my old phone i had in college. turned in my current phone for a much needed credit and i'm going old school. it's kind of exciting really. simplifying things.to a certain extent. i don't receive text messages so you'll just have to call. i'll have to us a lighter again a concerts because the display screen on my phone is not

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1168029552840205252007-01-05T12:30:00.000-08:002007-01-05T12:39:12.853-08:00

one of my new year resolutions is to blog more. so i'm five days in and this is my first post.not so great of a start. however, one of my other goals this year is to read one biography/memoir type book each month. i have been faithful to this goal so far by starting a book nathan let me borrow about a pow named ernest gordan. i'm only a few chapters in but it's pretty good so far. the book is

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1166487610465551392006-12-18T15:35:00.000-08:002006-12-18T16:20:11.030-08:00

it's all part of being a professional christian...the scene:The Millers house in Plano, Texasfor the annual parenteau family christmas party and gift exchange."ok everyone, why don't you make your way into the family room. We're going to say grace." in-laws, out-laws, boyfriends and girlfriends, children of all ages shuffle into the room and naturally begin to form a circle. with uncle dave to

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1164058116781115182006-11-20T13:08:00.000-08:002006-11-20T13:28:36.800-08:00

Why yes, the grill is in fact on fire and burning out of control...i just found out that a locate restaurant in the lubbock area i was involved in during its early stages will be closing its doors today. thankfully i'm several years removed from being a burrito architect but i will miss ole cilantros. you were always good to me. thanks for the memories. if you happen to be in lubbock today

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1164050044027617122006-11-20T11:11:00.000-08:002006-11-20T11:14:04.043-08:00

after 170 miles on the bike i finally got my first honk. i'm not sure if i know who it was but i still waved back. i ride friendly, the texas way.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1162404562908796252006-11-01T09:49:00.000-08:002006-11-01T11:24:36.483-08:00

happy octoberween...can we just take a moment right now to pray for all those elementary teachers out there (my mom include) who are having to deal with the sugar highs and lows and any other candy hangover their students might be going through. ok, thanks. so i really wanted to carve a pumpkin this year because its michelle and i's first halloween as a married couple. well, that and i really

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1162320902217765252006-10-31T10:29:00.000-08:002006-10-31T10:55:02.253-08:00

the first 100 miles...in an effort to save money, stay fit, and help the environment a little michelle and i sold a car and purchased bikes. although flower mound is not as conducive for bike riding yet as we would like it to be we have managed to still get around town a bit for the occasional dinner date at parker square or trips to the bank. i've been using my bike mostly to commute back and

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1162145782497571012006-10-29T09:40:00.000-08:002006-10-30T11:08:44.186-08:00

keepin it in the family...there are a few traditions i like to hold onto. mostly having to do with food. for valentines day michelle and i started a tradition by making a pizza from scratch from a recipe my grandpa uses. recently i made a banana tea bread. a recipe we got from one of michelle's grandparents. maybe one of these days i'll get the secret meatball recipe from my father-in-law.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1161188777422417082006-10-18T09:04:00.000-07:002006-10-18T10:26:52.676-07:00

compartmentalized faith: part one... it's funny how we view ministry sometimes. or define it. "will he be able to return to his ministry?" they ask.or when will he return?as if he has ever stopped ministering.as far as i can tell he has never stopped.and in the grand scheme of things i think its crazy enough to say that maybe, just maybe,he has ministered to more people now than he ever

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1160502590575307812006-10-10T10:28:00.000-07:002006-10-11T09:22:46.960-07:00

is it november yet...is it just me or have the last several weeks seemed like some of the longest. i think the sunburn i got from the state fair is finally starting to heal.and upon further review it seems that michelle was not as innocent as she let on to be as revealed by some photos taken by secret agent marpar.it turns out we all cheated our way down the big slide.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1159293307115572092006-09-26T10:52:00.000-07:002006-09-26T10:55:07.153-07:00

thanks derek and sandrathanks for the great show.thanks for your honestythanks for sharing your storiesthanks for the encouragementyou guys made last night a memorable one.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1158855349020463752006-09-21T09:04:00.001-07:002006-09-21T09:15:49.023-07:00

holland state of mind...its cool, cloudy. and i got caught in a little bit of rain riding to work today. not a bad way to start the day. i think i am more productive work wise when its raining.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1158691873482786992006-09-19T11:39:00.000-07:002006-09-20T08:07:28.076-07:00

i'm off to a slow start and everything else around me doesn't seem to notice. mish and i just got back from a short trip to austin. we dropped in sunday afternoon and went straight to acl fest. we didn't think we were going to go this year but made a decision to do so while standing in front of the ticket booth.we hooked up with jay and megs.listened to some good music. and then remembered why we

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1158082084876898422006-09-12T09:52:00.000-07:002006-09-12T10:28:05.273-07:00

just please don't hit me...i just bought an odometer for my bike. now i can keep track of the miles i'm putting on it. did you know that much like a car there are scheduled tune ups when you hit certain mile mark? i'm not yet sure what those are but i'm sure i'll find out soon. so there are some tricky bike related issues i'm beginning to notice about flower mound.one being that there are not

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1157043958038660312006-08-31T09:57:00.000-07:002006-08-31T10:05:58.070-07:00

is it weird that the new mcdonald's in town is nicer looking than a lot of the homes nearby?

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1156862450245968882006-08-29T07:37:00.000-07:002006-08-29T07:40:50.266-07:00

what's that smell...so it doesn't rain for twelve years and when it finally does guess who forgot to close the moon roof on the car the other night. yours truly.

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1156469112202493492006-08-24T18:16:00.000-07:002006-08-24T18:25:12.216-07:00

so mish and i had our first attempt back on our bikes today since we've been back from holland. um, yeah, it didn't go so well. i felt too big for my bike. and it moved so slow. you see, in holland we had these commuter type bikes that made it so easy to get around town. mish and i both have mountain bikes. not made for the road. really, they're not. i think after our short ride today we

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6062809.post-1156346173892942102006-08-23T08:03:00.000-07:002006-08-23T08:16:13.916-07:00

i've made a huge mistake...so my attempt to kick the coffee habit i guess will have to start tomorrow. it's tough when you have a commercial espresso machine just outside your office. and you can make just about any flavored latte your little heart desires. but i can do this. i started reading blue like jazz again. or at least just the first two chapters.and now i remember why i liked it so

victim of suburbianoreply@blogger.com0