Have I mentioned

that I am not a superb student?

I will never be able to read all that is assigned.
At times, I am at peace with this.

I was talking with a friend about that the other day
and he shared this quote from a similar conversation with someone else:
"If you're drowning, it doesn't matter how much water is above you."

In one sense, I suppose that is true
but really only if you have already given up hope.
If you can still see light above you
there is hope you will float
or that someone will notice your flailing body and reach out
or that you will have a sudden burst of energy
and kick and paddle your way to the surface.

I am still holding my nose.

The Best and Saddest Concert

Get ready for an abridged play-by-play.
And then some lamenting about the passing of my youth and favorite band.

Jump Little Children is doing their "Last Hurrah" tour,
and I went to the Atlanta show last night at the Variety Playhouse.

The show was perfect.
They started out playing recent stuff off Dim and the Dark (Rains in Asia, Mexico, Education),
played some rockin' songs from Magazine (My Guitar, Not Today, Say Goodnight),
and some vintage JLC (Cover Me/Dancing Virginia).
Matt did a couple of his songs (Body Parts, Habit, You and Me), and Jonathan soloed on the upright bass.

There were four encores.
They played Cathedrals in the first one, and seemed to have planned for a second encore.
At the end of the second encore, they bowed theater-style and walked off stage.
After a couple minutes of screams, they returned for the 3rd encore, which Jonathan said was "probably the most authentic encore we've ever done."
They unplugged the instruments and turned off the mics and the whole crowd stood silent while they played Down Where She Lies acoustic.
Jump left again, and we did not.
So, Jay came out alone and played my very favorite of their songs, Close Your Eyes.

This is my favorite band. This might be the last time I see them play all together.

They have a million side projects, and they are in each other's side projects. I saw Ward play solo this summer, and it was very different but very cool. I am sad to see Jump go, though Dave says they don't really mean it.

I first saw Jump in February 1997 at Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, NC with Scott and Abby. Guster opened for them. Jonathan was still in the wifebeater phase, not yet to the crazy wax mustache. Matt had a feather boa -- pink, I believe. I've seen them several (like 6 or 7)times since then, twice at this same venue within the last year. Tallahassee was far from their shows, so I had to catch up...

Anyway, I am a big dorky fan. I obviously remember well the first time I saw them. I saw Ward walking down the street in Little 5 Points before the show, and I almost ran back to talk to him. I did accost Jonathan to autograph the tour posters I bought.

And I am sure I will frame them.

Oy with the Poodles Already!

Here are some things:
1. It turns out I have bronchitis.
2. Thus, I shall be unable to attend the rockin' back to school party tonight. Nor shall I be able to weild my hammer or skill saw at Habitat tomorrow. Alas.
3. Classes have started. Instead of reading Harry Potter, I am reading James Cone. Hogwarts and Black Liberation Theology are not the same.
4. Dave and I went to the Foozer show last night. Weezer was pleasingly rockin', while Foo Fighters, as I had suspected, rocked a little too hard for me. Maybe if I'd remembered my earplugs, or hadn't been coughing... But I did get a super cute Weezer tshirt.

So here is my bronchitis agenda, to be carried out today and this weekend:
1. Not going to class today.
2. Not going to tutor small children today.
3. Read James Cone, Migliore, etc. for Systematic Theology.
4. Read Mark (in the Bible).
5. Watch movies.
6. Eat soup.
7. Drink orange juice.
8. Start writing my papers for next week.
9. Sleep.

With my roommates on Dana's birthday. I look super short! I had no idea. 

The Boys. (Ben, Dave Scott, J) Wordsmiths, theologians, drinkers... striped shirt wearers! 

With some peeps at Ashlee's party on Friday. 

It's All Happening...

Tonight
I am making meatloaf.
I like meatloaf
sometimes
but I rarely get a hankering for it.
Today I did.

I hope it is delicious.
I have become a much better cook
since entering seminary.
Odd.

Here are my old standards:
Rice Krispy Bars
Burgers
Pot Roast
Swedish Meatballs
Pasta + sauce + meat + vegetable
French Toast
Chicken marinated in various sauces, baked or grilled
anything on the George Foreman

Here are other things I have cooked in Atlanta:
Hamburger Casserole
Mojo Chicken with spinach and swiss
Vegetable Beef Soup
Haystacks
Several chicken casseroles
Stir-fry
Omelettes (with spinach, feta, and tomatoes -- obviously)

And tonight, we add Meatloaf.

Health Kits

Dana and I spent
several hours & about $80
purchasing items to assemble Health Kits
for the incoming hurricane refugees
seeking shelter in Atlanta churches.

Here's what goes in them:
1 hand towel
1 washcloth
1 comb
1 nail file or nail clipper
1 bar soap
1 toothbrush
1 tube toothpaste
6 band aids
in a 1 gallon ziploc bag

I am glad to help.
Later, I'll ponder and reflect upon the issue of the destruction,
poverty, and desperation from the hurricane.
For now,
I am glad to help.