Grid Blog: Robin Hood

Here's Angie and I's take on the role of the bible in our life. I'll go first cause as you know - "Men first." Ahem. BTW this is part of the discussian Tim pioneered and many of us followed.
Every Friday we'll pick a new topic. Today its the bible.
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"Read your bible pray every day and you'll grow grow grow. And you'll grow grow grow. And you'll grow (awkward high note) grow grow. Read your bible pray every day and you'll grow grow grow."

As I kid I loved singing that song in Sunday school. It was one of the few times in church when my adhd was sanctioned. I could move. Was told to even. Life was good.

But alas, that was a long time ago. Now that I'm a big man, the song no longer moves me. Perhaps its because I no longer find it "fun" to lie prostrate on the church carpet then slowly float upwards as I show the world what it means to grow. Perhaps the tune is no longer a "foot tapper." Perhaps my appetite has changed and I now desire more meaningful songs like. . "Troublesome times are here, filling mens hearts with fear, this is a peppy song because people will die. " Makes sense. Or not. Nice tenor though.
I don't know, maybe I don't like the song anymore because I no longer agree.

Gasp.

Let me explain.

I love the bible. It's definetly up there with Life of Pi. Bad joke. Seriously though, there isn't a book out there that challenges me more then scripture. There isn't a book that inspires me more. Touches me more. Or leaves me wanting more. . .as much as scripture does.
There's just something about that book. I've read it cover to cover and most mornings I can be found reading it once more. I don't say this to brag, I say this to clarify. I'm a big fan.
Why do I feel like there's a big but coming John? I don't know, concerned reader. Perhaps you've stopped exercising. Snicker. I only joke because this topic means the world to me and I'm anxious that I won't communicate very well and all you blokes will walk away whispering "John doesn't believe blah blah and thinks blah blah blah blah." Please if you're concerned, ask don't assume, it could just be that my communication sucks or maybe your interpretation does. Ha. Anyways, here's my take.

I think the bible is an arrow. I think God is the bow. I think Jesus is the target. We're luck to be the archers. Unfortunatly I think we've missed the target. We're enamored with the arrow. Whoo wee what lovely feathers you have arrow. What kind of wood is that? What a sharp tip. Hmm, perhaps we should dedicate our lives to studying the intricasies of the arrow. Heck, lets even make our discoveries law and form communties who try and live that law out. Besides it'll also give us a standard in which to judge those who hate archery. Hate archery, that's too bad. Good luck in hell.

The problem with all this is, we've missed the forest for the trees, the arrow for the target. What's the point of archery? Arrows or the target? Lets say for a second the point is arrows. The winning archer is the one with the best arrows. How would that change the sport of archery?

Well, it would now become crucial how well the arrow was made. You'd have to get the perfect wood, the perfect density of wood, the perfect color of wood the perfect smoothness, the perfect shape, everything about the wood would have to be perfect. No room for error, after all, the point of archery is the arrow. Not only would you need good wood (2 different wood's in one sentence, genius) you would need to find the perfect feather. Perhaps you'd have to travel the world, locate an exotic bird with feather's of the perfect weight, color, form, consistency. Once found, you'd have to catch that bird, which you know, would be hard, but once you caught it you'd be forced to kill it because little bird isn't going to be fond of you ripping out his feathers. Once you killed it you'd now have a big supply of feathers for your arrow. So you got the wood, you got the feathers, what about the tip? Should you go metal or wood? Gees I don't know. Which is better? Best to have a conference. Conference is over. Cool speaker/author said metal. Lets do it. So now we'd need to find the perfect metal. The perfect amount. The perfect weight. The perfect shape. The perfect shine. The perfect sharpness. After all, the metal, is the tip, the most important part. Yay, we found it.

So here it is, the perfect arrow. So what now ? Do we shoot it? Ok, where? After all, the arrow itself is the point, so. . . What do we do? Who knows. Perhaps we should spend the rest of our lives testing and restesting just to make sure we indeed found the perfect wood, perfect feather and perfect metal. And while we're at it, lets write books, put on conferences on proper arrow maintence. If we have time we can even compare arrows with other archers. Wait a second, your feather's are not from the same bird? The wood wasn't poplar? Wasn't popular? Wasn't. . .or whatever. The metal is 2 ounces and not 1? Yikes, well sucks to be you I guess.

At least we are professional archers. We got the perfect arrows. Our quiver is full of them.
The only problem is we haven't paid attention to the bow (God) and we have no target (Relationship with Jesus).

We haven't taken flight.

I speak best in analogies, like a dog speaks best by barking. . .

Anyways, I have felt for a long time that Christians, especially those of our brand, worship the bible. Yes I am aware that the bible is God's word. Inspired even. Whatever that means. But its still not the point. The end all and be all. Heck even Jesus said "You dilligently study the scriptures thinking that through them you will gain life but yet you refuse to come to me." Who was he talking to? Them or us? If the shoe fits. . .

The bible exists to point us to Jesus. The point of our lives is to form a relationship with Jesus. We are "saved" through that relationship not through some formula we've concoted by proof texting or Greeking the bible to death. Do you honestly think salvation lies in our ability to read? Sucks to be the 3 billion who can't. Illiteracy has now become a pothole on the road to God. Now I know we don't think that, but the amount of authority we give the bible at times make me wonder. The bible only has authority because it points us to relationship in Jesus. Without the relationship part, it is a dead book, full of dead laws, exposing our sin but offering no solution. Paul said this himself, many times.

The ironic and very sad thing is most Christians claim to"know their bible" but admit that their relationship with God is lacking. Even non existent. What? How can that be? The point of the bible is Relationship with God. If its lacking perhaps our use of the bible is too.

Here's what I think: I honestly believe that deep down most of us prefer the bible to Jesus. Now why is that?

The bible is visible, the bible appears to have answers, formulas, prescriptions, blueprints of how we should live our lives. All we have to do is familiarize, do, and check off. It's easy. The other perk is now that we have the bible figured out we can use our knowledge to control other people's lives by holding up this standard. "See this is why I'm right and your wrong."

But relationship with God is altogether different. God is usually not visible, he can't be understood, not really anyways, there is no formula to understanding God and how he works. In fact, the entire realationship is based on. . .faith. Not knowing yet still believing. Not seeing but still moving. Not understanding yet still studying. We don't know yet we want to. So we continue to pursue. . .

Ok, I could go one forever, some of you think I already have. So I'll wrap up.

To summarize: God is too big for our fancy arrows. The only reason they even exist is to allow us to hit our target - so when we make the point the arrows we ultimately change Christianity to Bibleianty. We form a relationship with the bible meanwhile Jesus trots along behind us.

May we all strive to be Robin Hood.

John

Angie's take

AHHH! How do we tackle this one- I know what's in my head, but can I get it down on paper (or computer screen) without rambling like an idiot? Probably not, but I'll try.
I was taught, as were many, that we need the Bible because we can't trust our own judgement, and ultimately we don't know right or wrong without it. This often leads to the always entertaining practice of picking apart verses and endless debating about one person's interpretation vs another so we can figure out what God is really saying. Meanwhile we're ignoring the very heart, mind and soul He gave us for direction. How should we parent? Look it up in the Bible. What should church service look like? Do a word study in 1 Timothy. How should we treat others? Look in the book.... Is divorce OK? What if there's abuse? Unfaithfulness? What if it was before conversion? Hmmm...we may never know. Then there's tricky ones. Is common-law living in sin or marriage? Is a glass of wine OK? 2? 3? A whole bottle.....? If women must be silent in church, can they speak at small group? Pray? Make eye contact with a man? (OK, that was uncalled for). Sadly, some stop asking altogether and just accept denominational pat answers. What we have hear, folks, is silence of scripture, and where scripture is silent....We all know of things done that were justified using scripture, yet clearly lacked sound judgement, or worse, love towards our fellow human beings. I'll give a quick refresher: slavery, war, anti- semitism, oppression of women, condemning free thinkers and intellectuals, abortion clinic bombings, gay bashing, the earth is flat, rock and roll is evil and humour is of the devil (seriously, I read a very "scriptually based" article on that one!). Some may say, well, they misquoted- and that's the problem. How many things do we "misquote" today because we follow biblical rules at the expense of reason and the message of Jesus? When we see the Bible as law for all time, not only do we miss out on the beauty and depth of scripture when read as analogy and metaphor, but we limit God and feel required to follow ancient and sometimes unhealthy customs. I've talked with people who use scripture to support spanking even though it goes against their better judgement (we have spanked, but some do it solely because they think the Bible says it is neccessary). What about shunning modern science because it doesn't coincide with a literal interpretation of Genesis? Are we raising children to see God and worship with their minds as well as their hearts, or are we teaching them to blindly accept what goes against all modern thought? Maybe if Lee Strobel pumps out another hot seller, we can sway the many disillusioned and disheartened questioning souls of our church to deny all things commonly held as scientific fact, but I'm guessing they can see through the fluff (again, uncalled for....I know) Does it make sense ethically or intellectually that God would want to silence women in the church? Why? Don't tell me because man is from Adam, that's why. There are churches that are missing out on half of their potential!
Could we be missing the point? What about reading the Bible as a book of principles- a guide instead of doctrinal absolutes? For example, when Paul addresses women in the church we recognize that he was speaking in a time when women were property (is this meant to be our standard?) and what he had to say was actually quite liberal of him. Interesting that some churches today take this to mean women have less rights than men (although, I believe the chosen word is "reponsibilities"), when the principal could be taken as Church, be the first to fight for the oppressed. Yeah, I'm belabouring the woman issue, but being one myself and wanting my daughters to grow up free to serve God with their gifts without being told well, at least you can teach Sunday School, it does hit close to home for me. But that's certainly not the only example. Is the Genesis account a history book on earth's beginning? Does it end there? Or does it have nothing to do with science or history, but rather a story of mankind's search for God, love of His creation, pull toward selfishness, dealing with fear and shame and finding solace in God's love- and so much more. It isn't until I stopped seeing the Bible as simple fact that it really became alive for me. And it wasn't until I stopped looking for the laws of Scripture that I felt it's power to transform me.
Sum up- for me, the Bible has an over all message...love.
It also is full of principles that fall under that message....be selfless, generous, give to those in need, don't cling to your possessions, never stop searching, show respect to others and to creation....
It is also a collection of ancient writings, stories, metaphors and experiences that I believe were never intended to be picked apart, analyzed and used as a "blueprint" for our lives. It's so much more than that.
I'm kind of scared to press publish........

Spirit

Oh my goodness. That was by far the best tennis match I have ever seen.

Talk about Spirit!!

Bam.

John

Marshmallow Catcher

Last weekend I found myself in a park with a marshmallow in my hand. Nick Olson was there so I figured, why not. I told Nick to go deep and he did. A few seconds later he had caught the airborn marshmallow. . .with his mouth. Talented I thought. Or perhaps lucky. So I made the Nickster do it again. And he did. What a guy. What a talent. What a Marshmallow catcher.

Visit him. He's a newbie though so be gentle.

John

Good stuff from Paul

Obsession with self is a dead end. Attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn't pleased at being ignored.

But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the spirit of Christ, won't know what we're talking about. But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells, even though you still experience all the limitations of sin - you yourself experience life on God's terms. It stands to reasosn, doesn't it, that if the alive and present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves in your life, he'll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus - bring you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you, and he does as he did in Jesus, you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body wil be as alive as Christ's.

So, don't you see that we don't owe this old do it yourself life one red cent. There's nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life.

God's spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go.

more kids

Maddie going to the Sikh festival with our neighbours.

Ethan and John spending the night at the Zorn's ranch.

Alexa and Rusty sleeping.

more hugo

We're all losers

I recently read Tim's blog loser and felt sure that everyone who has an ounce of honesty in them could relate. To feeling disconnect, but also to feeling like a loser. I sort of invite a certain distance because I'm shy, so that's my excuse and my comfort blanket (as thin and shabby as it may be- aww, sad little blanket). But it seems that even the not so shy types often feel the same way- perhaps it feels a little more chilly, though, because they don't have my shy blanket (I'm willing to share- all you have to do is avoid glances and conversations with people you haven't known for more than 10 years and *presto* shyness!) Certainly we can all relate to the loser condition, as well. We just learn to either hide it or, hopefully, embrace it as adults. A short list of some usually well hidden loser-esque qualities of mine:
1) I listen to Alanis Morissette every time I go to work out (OK, so it's not very often. But still.)
2) I forget important details like my age and the years my kids were born when under any semblence of pressure (don't even ask me their birth weights- please)
3) I find myself tapping along to Days of Elijah even though I have no idea what it means and if I did, whether or not I would agree with it (riding on a cloud? seriously? what- surfer style? bare back?)
4) I have brilliant made up conversations in my head (I can be clever when no one's around, trust me)
5) I talk myself through everything "Let's see, I'll add 2 cups of flour, like so....now let's grab the butter, throw it in the old mike..." You may say, but, Angie. It's just you. What's with the let's? That's just wierd. Well, you're right. It is wierd.
6) I would rather shop for books and pajamas then clothes and home decor
and
7) I make rather personal lists about myself and post them on my husband's blog even though I'm shy
The list is longer, but I have to stop at some point and that point is now. And the other point is that I'm a loser, too.
Ang

Y I Blog

3 months ago, Leah and Craig, ok Leah introduced me to a little thing called blogging. Craig was there, its just Leah was the loudest. Which I know seems unusual but still. . . I only agreed because. . .well there she was on my computer barking out questions wanting my password, secret handshake and a "cool name" for this blog forcing me to either comply or kick her. . .out of my house, at least out of my computer chair. I did neither and before I knew it people were going to the John. Apparently I only do what others tell me to do. Like the other day I was on this bridge and I jumped off because I read somewhere that Jeremy did. It was wierd and cold and never happened. I would jump though, if Jeremy asked me to.

The thing with Leah is, she always seems to know what's best for me and so for the past few months I have been licking egg off my face as I've grown to love this blogging thing. Even too much my wife says. Whatever Ang. Ms. "I'm too cool for school."

Heather McMillan was at our church this morning, apparently the quality of preaching at her other church was not up to par. I guess we're all left to ponder why. . . JK. Anyways, Heather and I got talking which is important because the last time Heather and I talked, in person I mean, was oh I don't know 3, 5, 7 yrs ago? Now that's not because I don't like Heather, its certainly not because Heather doesn't like me, I mean cmon, its me we're talking about, I'm sooooooo rad. Its because we never seem to be in the same place at the same time. In fact, I can go down my link list and most of the names are people I haven't spoken face to face to, for years. Back to Heather, so I walk up to her and I'm all like "hey Heather, great to see you." Her response was "Hey John, I read your blog all the time." Which made me feel good and frightened. Almost like - oh cool, she cares about me and oh crap, I hope I haven't written anything that has offended her? My guess is, probably not, if she still reads. Anyways the point of all this is, Heather will tell you its Heather, the point is her, but I think the point of all this is - I blog because it is my only link (pun intended) into people like Heather's life. And Heather's just one example. I think of Leah and Craig, Pete and Chels, Tim, Blair, Dave, Jeremy, Tyler, Jason, Carly, Kamara, Trav, Steve, Joel, Anya not to mention all my family members plus tons of other friends that I now know what's going on in their life and its all because we just happen to be crazy enough to put ourselves on the internet for the whole world to read, and see. One of my friends who shall remain nameless has recently questioned this whole blogging thing, wondering if its worth it, or just plain gay. I don't think its gay and believe me I know gay. "Innapropriate John, even if you're just joking." Sorry pops. Although, would it have been appropriate if I wasn't joking? Yeh, probably not. Anyways, you may be my friend Mr. Gamble but I disagree. I think blogging is sooo worth it. How worth is it John? Sooooo worth it. Ha. Anyways, I think it is. I hope you do to.

John

P.S. You are cordially invited to join Tim, Dave , Jeremy and I think Blair to our Friday discussians. This coming Friday we will be talking about the bible which I hear is pretty good and if the book is half as good as those Halmark old testament videos we'll all be in for a treat.

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ouch

Many thanks to my good friend Jordan Clark for making my day.

Enjoy.

John

fun night out

Things that I had never experienced until yesterday: running out of gas in the middle of a very busy intersection after being totally lost and late for a coffee date with some friends. Trying to push my van with the help of my friend Suneetha from said intersection in the pouring rain amidst honking and near death by collision. Laughing and crying at the same time (that's what I do in embarrassing and awkward situations- which makes it way less embarrassing and awkward) while apologizing to Suneetha, who really just needed a fun night out. Being rescued by two Sikhs and a really tough, take charge woman who knew exactly what to do when pushing a mini van off the road. Walking 10 minutes in rain storm to the gas station, only to discover I forgot my wallet in the van that I neglected to lock (still laughing like a fool, but thankfully done with the crying). Giving John the you know what (actually, that's nothing new, but the circumstances are) for leaving me with an empty gas tank. Learning the value of John's last words, "See ya! You might want to take the gas can thing!" and the folly in ignoring those words to prove some kind of "I'll show you not to leave me on E again" point. And the gem of all lessons- it never pays to choose not to fix your gas gage. Last, but not least- realizing that sitting in a coffee shop is secondary to rainy adventures when it comes to fun nights out.

Pictor Hugo

Calling

Ok. We got some burning questions for all you blokes and blokettes:

1. Are you doing what you're doing right now because you feel God, Jimminy Cricket or the Cosmos is calling you to do it and you feel a profound sense of responsibility to answer that call or are you doing it because its a job and it pays the bills. Or both.

2. Do you think God calls some people more specifically then he calls others or do you think God calls the entire human race the same but the difference is some people answer that call better?!?!?

3. How do you know if you are even answering God's call? What if you think you are because you feel good about yourself and seem to be having success but really you're whale food. Or what if you think you're not because you feel frustrated and discouraged but meanwhile your doing exactly what God wants you to - but you just don't know it yet.

4. Is it possible that God has just one call for everyone - Love me, Love everyone. The rest is just details.

Angie and I were just having a fireside chat about all this tonight - and we thought we'd bring you all into the discussion - we thought about inviting you for coffee but it's just not practical and besides its getting late.. . Wait I know, just drink coffee as you type and then we'll drink it as we read and ka bam we'll be out for coffee.

Anyways. . .let er rip. If its ok with Dave. I know he kinda pioneered the deep discussian post thing so Dave, if its ok maybe we'll try this topic for a bit. In fact, maybe you'll break the ice. .

John

summer days

The weather has been perfect for playing in the backyard pool!

The Former

This could be brilliant or so bad that people everywhere. . .well. . . puke.

Here's hoping its the former.

John

poetry- the real stuff

Yesterday the kids learned about similes, so I thought I would post a few:

Maddie- "This summer was cool and crisp, like a fresh apple pie blowing in the breeze."

Ethan- "The night was as dark as a black blueberry."
- "The juicy orange was like slime."

Always entertained, Ang

Crap she beat me

Crap. She beat me to the punch. I was just going to do an Anniversary post. Now you're all going to think I'm just doing this because Angie did one for me and if I didn't I'd be a bleepbity bleep jerk of a husband . I would be, but that's not the point. The point is, uh, the point. . . hmmm. the point is, corn's good isn't it? So good.

Whatever. Here's my post.

9 years ago today I saw an Angel. Growing up I was told that Angels no longer frequent the earth because the weather's too unpredictable and all that spiritual stuff ended with the apostles. Because I was young and couldn't care less I ate it up. Went through life thinking angels belonged only in cake. But then I saw one. And there was no cake.

It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life. I was in a Catholic Church when I saw it which surprised me because I thought angels tried their best to steer clear of Satan. The church was beautiful though. The architecture and stain glass work was breathtaking. Apparently Satanists really have an eye for beauty, which you know, is. . . surprising. As beautiful as the Satanic church was, nothing topped my angel. She was the beautifullest, and making her way towards me!!! I'd always wondered what my reaction would be when I first saw an angel. Thinking back I remember feeling as if God has hit pause and the only one moving was the angel and me. As the angel drew near my palms got sweaty and my mouth got dry. So I licked my palms. Snicker. I remember trying my hardest not to cry because I'm a guy and its against the law. But I couldn't help myself. As the tears streamed down my face the angel moved closer. Then stopped. God hit the play button and everything resumed and judging by the reaction of the crowd they all saw what I saw. An angel among us. There was a sense of awe in the Satanic church that day. The next 27 minutes are a bit fuzzy but I do remember Scott Roberts asking if I would spend the rest of my life with this vessel of beauty. Apparently I said yes because the next thing I knew everyone was cheering and I was enjoying the perks that come with kissing an angel.

A lot has changed in 9 years.

For one, I now realize that church was not Satanic. My opinion of it was. Another change is I no longer wear suits. But the biggest change is - my eyes have gotten used to the light of my angel. My heart has become too tame. In fact, its only when I stop, step back and stare that I see. Angie glows. Radiates. Shines. Moves. Me. Once again.

John

Happy Anniversary

9 years today! All I have to say is, good thing one of us is still romantic! I woke up this morning to breakfast in bed and 2 cards- one for me and one for John. Yes, he recognized that I most likely failed to Hallmark our anniversary, and seeing an opportunity to serve he jumped in and filled it. What a guy! Now before you start feeling totally sorry for the poor guy that has to buy himself cards in order to feel special, remember- this is John. It was a joke and he thought it was quite hilarious. As did I- he even signed my name and mimicked my handwriting. Aww...so clever. Tonight we go out (now that I think of it, he made those plans as well. oops.) without the kids, of course! They think getting a babysitter is equivelent to a circus within the home, so everyone's happy. Mmmmm...Barley Mill here we come!
A

church girl

Ah, being a Christian. I think it's good to ask ourselves why every once in a while. I can answer for why I follow Christ, which I suppose is the definition of Christian, although not neccessarily what we're known for. But the title "Christian" has taken on a whole new meaning for a lot of people, and sadly, not a very positive one. I wish they could see what I see as a member of a flawed, but loving group of people. I'm not a Christian because we're totally up and relevant on all the social issues (let's be honest- people started actively fighting for women's rights over 100 years ago, and within our church circles we're considered liberal because we allow women to pass communion trays!). I'm not a Christian because Christian music rocks (it rarely does). I'm not a Christian because I love to cause a ruckus when any of the following are mentioned in school or are a minor subplot in a movie: safe sex for teens, evolution, homosexuality, divorce, or anything to do with witches (because they're evil, that's why). I'm not a Christian because I have all the answers and will enlighten you with them if you're lucky. I'm not a Christian because the fish symbol is so pretty and if I have one on my bumper I'll go to heaven. I'm not a Christian because I like to guilt, argue, woo and manipulate people into being a Christian just like me. I think this is often how we're seen, and I was being gentle. Unfortunately, what isn't so visible to those outside our church is: buying a fixer-upper and having 30 people show up to help fix it - upper(ha). Being a part of a small group that wrestles with how to help people in our communities with the gifts we have. Seeing others searching for an authentic faith as you yourself are striving for. Being humbled by sitting with someone on Sunday whose doctrinal stance looks quite different than your own, but who exhibits a compassion that you could only hope to aspire to. Being encouraged by the strength and faith of people who lose loved ones or have cancer, and being a part of a church that rallies around them. Being needed, and sometimes needing help yourself. It's an imperfect community, but who needs perfect- it's so over rated.
A (my new signature- Ang takes way too long)

welcome home, Hugo

Pink blanket for the big guy. Jack and Rusty's reaction.

Hugo's For Real

So, we got a dog now. A Hugo dog.

He's about the cutest little guy I've ever seen and whoa he just decided to join me for this little post, hey buddy, no Hugo, daddy's keyboard - "cat die". No Hugo. No type. Whoops sorry. Crate time.

And. . .I'm back. Its wierd having a dog. A little frightening even. Its much easier having a dog. . .in your mind. . .its similar to kids that way - but then you actually get them and you realize that these things are for real and will. . . in. . .fact. . .die. . .if I screw up holy smokes what have I gotten myself into AHHHHHHHH! Am I prepared? Yeah, I guess. I mean Angie read the entire volume of "Golden Retriever's for Dummies" to me as we drove the 2800km to BC and back so I guess that counts for something. Have I ever had a dog? Next question. Fine. I had a dog for 2 months and change a lifetime ago and it was great, the guy actually urinated all over the place anytime I entered the scene -which was you know, disgusting but terrific for my self esteem. I sometimes wish Angie would also. . .anyways Max was great but we lived across the street from the local Nazi death camp aka Junior High and every day on the way home from school the rotten little bleeps would tease and taunt poor Max leaving him psychologically damaged. The story ends the day Max out smarted his chain and had old lady calf for supper. My dad had him put down the next day. Said he had become too mean. I thought it was the other way around. Very sad day. Looking back my dad wasn't being mean, I had simply failed to train him. My dog, not my dad. Tee hee.

So, I guess that experience made me a tad dog shy for . . 17 years. . . but alas the love of dog in this house is just too strong. The time had come.

Day 1 is just ending. Hugo is coming along very well. He loves to chase the kids (yes including me) and actually follows when we say "Hugo come." Very cool. Oh yeah, the genius also lets us know when he has to drop a D or P by doing just that. So glad we went for the laminate. We're trying to "inspire" him to do his business outside. He's learnin. Tonight should be interesting. I'm sure his whimpering will make it a long one though. Oh well. I only have 70 pages left in The Alchemist so maybe it'll work out fine.

The truth is I love the guy. I hope he grows up to be just like. . . Air Bud.

John

BC pics

vacation closing

Our Vancouver Island visit is almost over (tears), but it's been a great time. We've been to Saltspring Island (I could move there tomorrow if John was cool with it), Rathtrevor beach (beautiful place with very silly name- always makes me think of the wrath of Trevor- and who the heck is Trevor?), Chemainus (in spite of small amounts of manufactured charm, I did go to highschool there and it does have delicious baked goods), and Transfer beach, where we visited Martin and Ronni and their kiddos. It was great to see them- the kids jumped right back in to being best buddies! Then there's the walks on the beach and the mountain views- I love this place! Of course, my parents and grandparents and 4 siblings and 2 foster siblings have joined us on our excursions, so we're basically a small travelling village, creating havoc wherever we go. People always enjoy a good spectacle, though, and I think a good plan would be to sell tickets to come and view the world's largest and loudest family. Everyone thinks our kids get their "rambunctiousness" from John, but they would be wrong. My quiet demeanour is a gift to those who are not a part of my immediate family. Be greatful. We haven't spent much time at home, but when we do, John is playing street hockey outside with his "new friends" (aka- all the neighbourhood kids), which is good because then he goes to bed with out fuss and doesn't have all that pent up energy. (If I was an icon user, I would insert sideways smiley face here, but I'm not. I'm not a user!!!) We've also been watching mystery science theater- so funny we cry!
Something else totally hillarious that my brothers introduced me to: tiny plaid ninjas. Enjoy!
Ang

2 days

So, I turn 30 in 2 days. That means I have 48 hrs to end off my 20's in a way I'll remember for the rest of my life.

Here's my ideas:

- Train for the marathon I am running on. . .Saturday.
- Try out for the Oilers (they do need a defenseman)
- Learn how to play defense
- Donate a body part
- Have tea with the Queen (not you Angela darling, the smokin British one, no, not smokin like "Man the queen's hot" but smokin like -"Man the queen smokes lots of cigarettes")
- Write an autobiography -"Close Encounters with me, John."
- Buy a sports car, drive into the city, sit at red lights, and bob my head knowingly, winking at proper intervals. Race slower cars.
- Skydive
- Climb a mountain (figurative or literal)
- Get drunk (wouldn't be the first time. JK dad. Or am I?)
- Start a bad habit. Oops already done that. Dang this blogging.
- Dress in black and tear up at inconvenient times.
- Go fishing for compliments so I can convince myself that I still got it (do you guys think that was funny? Cause I didn't. . .But if you did. . )
- Get a tatoo (wait a second, the olsons and blair aren't 30, what the heck?)
- Get a tatoo of Blair and the Olsons

And on that note:

I'm going to go take a nap. Wake me up when August ends. Hmm. . . that could be a cool song.

John

P.S. I was kidding Dad. No need to worry. Besides wine doesn't count. Even Jesus drank it. After all what's with all the "if a man has a 2 by 4 sticking out of his eye and he's sreaming at a man with a sliver stuck in his eye he shouldn't judge" talk. Clearly he was off his game. A little tipsy perhaps. Or maybe I'm wrong and will be struck by