I felt like writing. The only problem is I have no idea what I will type about. I thought about doing a reflective "these are a few of my favorite things about 2006" type post but Tim and Jeremy already jumped on and rode that cliche wagon. I already wrote about Saddam, Canada didn't play today, the Oilers are sucking harder then a 3month old on a pacifier two sizes too big - and besides if I did write anything it would surely be laced with thees and thous. The family's great, Hugo's good, my holidays have been great and gone by fast, wow times flies, yada yada - gees, I really shoulda thought this through. But I felt like writing. Nick understands. Besides someone's gotta make up for all you slackers - especially Blair and Kamara - anyone know if in fact they are. . .still alive? Oh yeh, I guess Kamara's alive, after all there was that delightful comment about how Ang and I don't rok but still, she ain't writing and in blog world, that means your dead. So there Kamara, best be writing before you decompose any more. Happy New zing, I mean year to you to.
I suppose I could write about my New Year's Eve plans. Wow, I'm desperate.
Well, there will be no drinking, no tipsying, no haggling the elders to be my DD once again because this year our party will be dryer then the sense of humor in this sentence. We're teaming up with our good friends - Hope and Darcy Pawlak to put on a big shindig at the Church. Btw - I didn't link them because they do not have a blog. Yes, that's right folks, we have some blog groupies on our hands so beware. You may not see them, you certainly won't read them, but they can see you. In fact, they are looking at you right now. "Your on the computer aren't you?" asks Hope. "Yyyyyes" your shaky voice responds. Told ya.
Anyways, we're putting on a party at the church, for the church, because of the church. It should be fun. After all, what's more fun then missing the battle of Alberta and drinking water out of the church fountain - aka "the place that's rather convenient to spit your gum." Oh I'm kidding of course, I'm excited, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't be more excited if I was Catholic. Scroll to the P.S. now if you don't understand this joke.
I'm excited about 2007. 2006 was the most challenging year in my life as well as the life of many friends of ours. I don't know what it was about this year but man, it was a doozy.
So, I'm hopeful that 2007 will bring new things and better times.
Plus I really really hope I can figure out this Flickr thing. I'd like to be able to post it on my side bar, like Benj and Jeremy sept I can't figure it out. So perhaps someone could give me a hand. Like Benj or Jeremy. Or smart alecky Kamara.
Happy New Year!
John
P.S. If I was Catholic, there'd be wine in the church fridge.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
Just inhumane
So. . .it looks like we's gonna have ourselves a hangin.
The arch enemy of Western Civilization, Democracy and of course GW is about to get what's coming to him, possibly tonight but certainly before the weekend is out. For those of you who have been living in a cave for the past few years, excluding Osama, Saddam was not the nicest of guys. In the past 20+ years he ruled Iraq and especially the Turks with an iron fist dictating how people should live their lives. He stole their freedom and when he was at his worst, he took their lives. Some say thousands, the courts said hundreds. As a result, he must pay for his crimes against humanity. He must hang.
It makes sense. It seems just. He must be held accountable. I truly believe that. Yet, at the same time, there's a part of me that feels for Saddam. Don't get me wrong, if we were next door neighbors there would be no lending of lawn mowers or eggs going on, certainly no neighborly games of Risk. "Me want Iran, click, me want Iran now. Bang!" But still, just because he's not on my Christmas card list doesn't mean I'm pumped at the thought of his body hanging from the gallows before bedtime.
Justice is a funny thing. What's Just for one is inhumane for another. Saddam spent his life doing dispicable inhumane things so its Just, even logical that he suffer an inhumane death - after all a man reaps what he sows - but I guess what I wonder is - if Saddam is put to death in an inhumane way does that make those who carried it out inhumane themselves? Does it make us inhumane if we cheer them on?
Are we justified or are we Just inhumane?
I'm not sure either.
John
The arch enemy of Western Civilization, Democracy and of course GW is about to get what's coming to him, possibly tonight but certainly before the weekend is out. For those of you who have been living in a cave for the past few years, excluding Osama, Saddam was not the nicest of guys. In the past 20+ years he ruled Iraq and especially the Turks with an iron fist dictating how people should live their lives. He stole their freedom and when he was at his worst, he took their lives. Some say thousands, the courts said hundreds. As a result, he must pay for his crimes against humanity. He must hang.
It makes sense. It seems just. He must be held accountable. I truly believe that. Yet, at the same time, there's a part of me that feels for Saddam. Don't get me wrong, if we were next door neighbors there would be no lending of lawn mowers or eggs going on, certainly no neighborly games of Risk. "Me want Iran, click, me want Iran now. Bang!" But still, just because he's not on my Christmas card list doesn't mean I'm pumped at the thought of his body hanging from the gallows before bedtime.
Justice is a funny thing. What's Just for one is inhumane for another. Saddam spent his life doing dispicable inhumane things so its Just, even logical that he suffer an inhumane death - after all a man reaps what he sows - but I guess what I wonder is - if Saddam is put to death in an inhumane way does that make those who carried it out inhumane themselves? Does it make us inhumane if we cheer them on?
Are we justified or are we Just inhumane?
I'm not sure either.
John
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Flickr
We're in the process of moving all our photos to Flickr so please feel free to go there to glance, gawk, giggle or anything else that starts with that letter. The photos aren't organized or fancyized yet so don't expect Life quality.
In other news, we're going to watch Charlotte's Web in the theatre today, so we're pretty excited.
I go back to work tommorow which isn't as exciting but it's worth sharing I guess.
One last thing: Just watched Canada stomp the US again. They're looking good and could. . . .go. . . .all. . . .the. . . .way. The best hockey story though was how the Oilers went from 7th to 3rd in the Conference last night without even playing.
John
In other news, we're going to watch Charlotte's Web in the theatre today, so we're pretty excited.
I go back to work tommorow which isn't as exciting but it's worth sharing I guess.
One last thing: Just watched Canada stomp the US again. They're looking good and could. . . .go. . . .all. . . .the. . . .way. The best hockey story though was how the Oilers went from 7th to 3rd in the Conference last night without even playing.
John
Monday, December 25, 2006
No man is a failure who has friends
And just like that Christmas is over for another year. The kids bounded into our room shortly after 7am mst. announcing that Santa indeed had come and there were crumbs on the plate and presents under the tree to prove it. The most shocking part of the previous sentence was the 7am bit. That's definetly the latest they've ever slept in on Christmas, which don't get me wrong - I'm lovin it - but still, they're GROWING UP which is sad in its own way.
Everyone loved their presents - the girls got fairy stuff, doll stuff etc - which they loved and Ethan got a remote controlled truck, and a sophisticated marble tower among other things. Ang got the usual from me - jammies, chocolate, shows etc. -if it ain't broke don't fix it, right?
As for me, the kids really surprised me this year. For starters they made me an Oilers collage on an old ratty piece of cardboard that they had fished out of the recycling. My favorite part of the collage is a large picture of Iginla, which at first confused me but then I saw the word "Boo" written in crayon along with a big pointing arrow and I knew my kids had done good. The specialist present I recieved this year came from Maddison. She filled out a "My Dad and me" book which is basically just what it sounds like except it also makes you cry. Apparently.
So that's that. All the presents are opened and the kids are intensly playing with their new toys. This was Hugo's first Christmas so even he is enjoying chewing on his new. . .wrapping paper. As I type, Angie's helping Ethan put together one of those complicated left brain scientific kind of things - I tried for an hour and got to step 6 - out of 30. Ang "left brain" Close graciously suggested I "start breakfast or something" while she took over and I think they're just finishing. I used to get mad at how much sucked at stuff like that but I've finally come to accept that I am who I am and plus -by playing the fool I get out of a lot. Shhhhh though. Don't want Ang to catch on.
Last night we watched "It's a Wonderful Life" for the umpteenth time and yes, we cried for the umpteenth time. Its that good. Maxim can shove it as far as I'm concerned. Anyways, the movie ends with a quote that I wish to share with you:
"No man is a failure who has friends."
Thanks for being the secret to my success! I love you all!
Have a great Winter Solstice and a Happy New annual time.
Politically Correct John
P.S. We've been trying to post pictures but blogger's being a bugger. Try again later. Speaking of later, I was supposed to make breakfast, yikes. Mmmm sausage.
Everyone loved their presents - the girls got fairy stuff, doll stuff etc - which they loved and Ethan got a remote controlled truck, and a sophisticated marble tower among other things. Ang got the usual from me - jammies, chocolate, shows etc. -if it ain't broke don't fix it, right?
As for me, the kids really surprised me this year. For starters they made me an Oilers collage on an old ratty piece of cardboard that they had fished out of the recycling. My favorite part of the collage is a large picture of Iginla, which at first confused me but then I saw the word "Boo" written in crayon along with a big pointing arrow and I knew my kids had done good. The specialist present I recieved this year came from Maddison. She filled out a "My Dad and me" book which is basically just what it sounds like except it also makes you cry. Apparently.
So that's that. All the presents are opened and the kids are intensly playing with their new toys. This was Hugo's first Christmas so even he is enjoying chewing on his new. . .wrapping paper. As I type, Angie's helping Ethan put together one of those complicated left brain scientific kind of things - I tried for an hour and got to step 6 - out of 30. Ang "left brain" Close graciously suggested I "start breakfast or something" while she took over and I think they're just finishing. I used to get mad at how much sucked at stuff like that but I've finally come to accept that I am who I am and plus -by playing the fool I get out of a lot. Shhhhh though. Don't want Ang to catch on.
Last night we watched "It's a Wonderful Life" for the umpteenth time and yes, we cried for the umpteenth time. Its that good. Maxim can shove it as far as I'm concerned. Anyways, the movie ends with a quote that I wish to share with you:
"No man is a failure who has friends."
Thanks for being the secret to my success! I love you all!
Have a great Winter Solstice and a Happy New annual time.
Politically Correct John
P.S. We've been trying to post pictures but blogger's being a bugger. Try again later. Speaking of later, I was supposed to make breakfast, yikes. Mmmm sausage.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Go Annanias
I just got finished watching Kermit the Fro, I mean Larry King Live and tonight's guest was Joel Osteen. If you've never heard of him picture a young Mr. Rogers with a mullet and you'll be close. Oh yeah, also picture the reddest neck this side of hickville. The guy is credited with leading the largest church in North America, but he's also been called "the great evangelical kindergarten teacher" - which I found funny because as I listened to him speak and especially answer Larr's questions I wondered if Ethan would have faired better.
Now I'm not usually the cynical type, especially the kind who makes fun of others, *John averts his eyes and shuffles his feet* but seriously the guy is dumb and I mean DUMB like "I lost a game of scrabble to a bag of hammers" dumb.
Now I can forgive dumb but what I can't forgive is The Prosperity Gospel. If anything is heretical today, thad be it.
Near the end of the program Kermit asked Mr. Osteen if he had signed a new book deal? Osteen said yes. Kermy said "How much was it worth, cause I heard 13 mill." Osteen said "Well its confidential so I can't really say but it was a huge amount of money so bless me?"
Bless me?!?!?!? Bless me?!?!?!
Go Annanias!
John
P.S. Although I've referred to Larry as Kermit in this post, I respect him very much and actually quite enjoy his program its just. . .well. . .dang - the man looks like a frog.
Now I'm not usually the cynical type, especially the kind who makes fun of others, *John averts his eyes and shuffles his feet* but seriously the guy is dumb and I mean DUMB like "I lost a game of scrabble to a bag of hammers" dumb.
Now I can forgive dumb but what I can't forgive is The Prosperity Gospel. If anything is heretical today, thad be it.
Near the end of the program Kermit asked Mr. Osteen if he had signed a new book deal? Osteen said yes. Kermy said "How much was it worth, cause I heard 13 mill." Osteen said "Well its confidential so I can't really say but it was a huge amount of money so bless me?"
Bless me?!?!?!? Bless me?!?!?!
Go Annanias!
John
P.S. Although I've referred to Larry as Kermit in this post, I respect him very much and actually quite enjoy his program its just. . .well. . .dang - the man looks like a frog.
Maxim sucks
So I'm a little surprised that I stood up in the theatre last night, raised my fists in the air and started chanting "Rocky, Rocky, Rocky." Granted, I was excited but still. . .I'm not sure if the other 7 guys I went with were as excited or even the other 77 or so theatre goers. I like to think they were. I like to think that as I stood chanting Rocky's name that they leaned over to their girlfriend or guyfriend and said "dude, that guy rocks." For those of you who haven't seen it, go see it. Rocky, heck even his fans, will find redemption in this last installment.
Speaking of guy friends, I'd like to extend a hearty welcome to Benji Straker and his family. Benji is a good friend from back in my college days and although we haven't seen as much of each other lately, I still haven't forgetten how he used to make out with that tree. . .
One quick note on Benji, he prefers to be called Benj. For obvious reasons. Benji takes way to long to say and if you've ever tried to write it all out you're lucky to make it all the way through without losing your patience and throwing your **##%#* pen against the wall.
Stupid **##%#*name that takes so long to write. No biggie, just call him Benj. That's all.
Many of you know the Homeless project I've been involved in. Well we're just about finished and I can't tell you how inspiring it has been. Seriously, I really can't, its part of the confidentially agreement. Just kidding. In just our first year we managed to get 350 stories of Calgary's homeless and as of right now there are only a handful of people who haven't recieved gifts. Yesterday I was at the Drop In Centre organizing all the gifts and I was blown away by the genorosity of so many Calgarians. Heck, there were in some Reginatonians who UPSed some gifts here. Amazing. . .that their called Reginatonians. Even more amazing though that people 2 provinces away sent gifts. The vision is to take this project across country and ultimately across North America. I encourage you to go read some of the stories. Perhaps your sterotype will be destroyed. Maybe your heart will be touched.
In other news. . .
- The Oilers are in first. . .again. Is there anyone more entertaining to watch then Ales "watch me dangle" Hemsky? Speaking of dangling, go to Benj's blog (B.S.) and see a 13yrold give Ales a run for his money.
- It's a Wonderful Life was just named the worst Christmas movie of all time by Maxim magazine.
- Maxim Magazine was just named the worst magazine of all time by this guy.
- 3 days till Christmas
- 50 days till Disneyland
- 247 days till our 10 yr anniversary
Merry Christmas everyone!
John
Speaking of guy friends, I'd like to extend a hearty welcome to Benji Straker and his family. Benji is a good friend from back in my college days and although we haven't seen as much of each other lately, I still haven't forgetten how he used to make out with that tree. . .
One quick note on Benji, he prefers to be called Benj. For obvious reasons. Benji takes way to long to say and if you've ever tried to write it all out you're lucky to make it all the way through without losing your patience and throwing your **##%#* pen against the wall.
Stupid **##%#*name that takes so long to write. No biggie, just call him Benj. That's all.
Many of you know the Homeless project I've been involved in. Well we're just about finished and I can't tell you how inspiring it has been. Seriously, I really can't, its part of the confidentially agreement. Just kidding. In just our first year we managed to get 350 stories of Calgary's homeless and as of right now there are only a handful of people who haven't recieved gifts. Yesterday I was at the Drop In Centre organizing all the gifts and I was blown away by the genorosity of so many Calgarians. Heck, there were in some Reginatonians who UPSed some gifts here. Amazing. . .that their called Reginatonians. Even more amazing though that people 2 provinces away sent gifts. The vision is to take this project across country and ultimately across North America. I encourage you to go read some of the stories. Perhaps your sterotype will be destroyed. Maybe your heart will be touched.
In other news. . .
- The Oilers are in first. . .again. Is there anyone more entertaining to watch then Ales "watch me dangle" Hemsky? Speaking of dangling, go to Benj's blog (B.S.) and see a 13yrold give Ales a run for his money.
- It's a Wonderful Life was just named the worst Christmas movie of all time by Maxim magazine.
- Maxim Magazine was just named the worst magazine of all time by this guy.
- 3 days till Christmas
- 50 days till Disneyland
- 247 days till our 10 yr anniversary
Merry Christmas everyone!
John
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
passport blues
I'm going to come right out and say that I don't recommend trying to get passports for the family just before Christmas on one of the office's busiest days (Monday- don't do it) with your kids in tow (big mistake) when you have misplaced your driver's licence (that was embarassing). I was desperate- who wants to devote another day to floating in a sea of cranky people, crying babies and tired passport issuers, so I signed the back of my Costco card and put on my best casual nothing wierd going on here face, but no luck. Tired passport guy just as casually handed it right back to me saying we only accept government issued, signature bearing documents.
I have my marriage licence....
Does it have your signature?
It could....
Well, he was nice, so no hard feelings.
Other than dreading and avoiding another day of looking for my licence and chatting it up with my government friends, things are fairly festive in these parts. I decided to chance it and put the presents under the tree- we'll see if Hugo tries to make a tasty snack out of them. Or play with, or burrow through, or attack and tear to shreds. We'll see. At least it looks pretty.
Ang
I have my marriage licence....
Does it have your signature?
It could....
Well, he was nice, so no hard feelings.
Other than dreading and avoiding another day of looking for my licence and chatting it up with my government friends, things are fairly festive in these parts. I decided to chance it and put the presents under the tree- we'll see if Hugo tries to make a tasty snack out of them. Or play with, or burrow through, or attack and tear to shreds. We'll see. At least it looks pretty.
Ang
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Unisex
Right now the kids are watching one of nearly a dozen Christmas specials they watch this time of year. Charlie Brown on ABC. They've already watched the The Chipmunks Christmas, Goofy's Chrismas, Mickey's Christmas, Mickey's Christmas Carol, Dora's Christmas and Strawberry Shortcake's Christmas. Oh yeah, Miracle on 34th St too. Next week at this time they'll watch Mickey's Christmas Carol again along with the Grinch. The classic one. Not the Jim "I'm trying so hard to make you laugh" Carrey one.
Now I know what you're thinking - "gees, does the TV ever shut off at the Closes." Yes it does. Don't judge less you be hit in the eye with a plank.
Besides our kids watching it up (living it up TV style) Angie and I tend to do our share of watching too. For instance, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Love Actually, Family Man and Scrooged and next week at this time we'll plug in the greatest Christmas movie ever made. It's a Wonderful Life. That's the name of the movie. I wasn't being random. If you've never watched it your life is incomplete. I realize that's a bold statement and possibly even judgemental and. . .well. . .crazy talk but its that good. Just watch it. And try not to cry.
While we're on the topic of shows I need to confess, Angie asked me tonight what I felt like watching and I replied "actually I'm in the mood for some Gilmore Girls."(We own all 6 seasons) Since I've made my suggestion I've wondered on and off if I'm gay. I don't think I am because all Angie has to do is wink and I'm stark n. . .plus I watch sports all the time and am very free with my gas emissions. Still, here I am looking forward to chick tv and even admitting it to all of you. I'd love to say I just watch it for Ang but I don't. I'm hooked. The writing's sharp, witty and I find the stories to make me feel warm and fuzzy. Warm and fuzzy eh John. Yeah, you're gay. I think this is where the word "unisex" earns its keep. Btw - this is not what it sounds like. Unisex is all about things that are ok for girls and guys. Like the Gilmore Girls. Just watch it. And try not to cry.
I sat down to write tonight because I felt like it. Not because I had something to say.
Blogs are good for that.
John
Now I know what you're thinking - "gees, does the TV ever shut off at the Closes." Yes it does. Don't judge less you be hit in the eye with a plank.
Besides our kids watching it up (living it up TV style) Angie and I tend to do our share of watching too. For instance, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Love Actually, Family Man and Scrooged and next week at this time we'll plug in the greatest Christmas movie ever made. It's a Wonderful Life. That's the name of the movie. I wasn't being random. If you've never watched it your life is incomplete. I realize that's a bold statement and possibly even judgemental and. . .well. . .crazy talk but its that good. Just watch it. And try not to cry.
While we're on the topic of shows I need to confess, Angie asked me tonight what I felt like watching and I replied "actually I'm in the mood for some Gilmore Girls."(We own all 6 seasons) Since I've made my suggestion I've wondered on and off if I'm gay. I don't think I am because all Angie has to do is wink and I'm stark n. . .plus I watch sports all the time and am very free with my gas emissions. Still, here I am looking forward to chick tv and even admitting it to all of you. I'd love to say I just watch it for Ang but I don't. I'm hooked. The writing's sharp, witty and I find the stories to make me feel warm and fuzzy. Warm and fuzzy eh John. Yeah, you're gay. I think this is where the word "unisex" earns its keep. Btw - this is not what it sounds like. Unisex is all about things that are ok for girls and guys. Like the Gilmore Girls. Just watch it. And try not to cry.
I sat down to write tonight because I felt like it. Not because I had something to say.
Blogs are good for that.
John
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Yeah boi
I love this time of year. Now when I say love, I don't mean love like "I love how those jeans make your butt look Ang" kind of love, I just mean I really have a fond affection for this final month. And by fond affection I don't mean the kind of affection that Hugo gives me each morning as he jumps on my bed, steps on my stomach, licks my face, and bites my head.
I just mean, I really quite enjoy this month. And when I say I really enjoy this month I don't mean I enjoy it like I really enjoy that God is real, I just mean this month makes me really really happy. And when I say happy, I don't mean the happy like "I'm happy I have 3 kids" but rather I'm happy because this month holds many treasures. And when I say treasures, I don't mean "holy cow, that's not an old piece of newspaper, that's a treasure map and no way, the treasure is buried under the. . .I'm not telling."
And when I say I'm not telling. I'm not.
Christmas is awesome.
Like Shortbread.
And not like being interviewed live on national news.
Too many shots that make you look balder then you thought you were and constipated. And I wasn't ok. Yeah, like you'd do better. I'm sure. And when I say do better I'm not talking about shedding the old life of sin and clothing ourselves in Christ. I'm talking about not looking like your mentally challenged on National TV.
9 days till Christmas.
Get it. Christ Mass. We WEIGH how important Christ is in our lives.
For me, he's it. Everything.
And by everything I mean everything. . .along with the Oilers, coffee and snacks.
Yeah boi, I love all that.
John
I just mean, I really quite enjoy this month. And when I say I really enjoy this month I don't mean I enjoy it like I really enjoy that God is real, I just mean this month makes me really really happy. And when I say happy, I don't mean the happy like "I'm happy I have 3 kids" but rather I'm happy because this month holds many treasures. And when I say treasures, I don't mean "holy cow, that's not an old piece of newspaper, that's a treasure map and no way, the treasure is buried under the. . .I'm not telling."
And when I say I'm not telling. I'm not.
Christmas is awesome.
Like Shortbread.
And not like being interviewed live on national news.
Too many shots that make you look balder then you thought you were and constipated. And I wasn't ok. Yeah, like you'd do better. I'm sure. And when I say do better I'm not talking about shedding the old life of sin and clothing ourselves in Christ. I'm talking about not looking like your mentally challenged on National TV.
9 days till Christmas.
Get it. Christ Mass. We WEIGH how important Christ is in our lives.
For me, he's it. Everything.
And by everything I mean everything. . .along with the Oilers, coffee and snacks.
Yeah boi, I love all that.
John
Friday, December 15, 2006
Fakey Claus
Maddie came up to me yesterday and said Mom, I don't think I believe in Santa. I wasn't too surprised- she's been dropping hints for a while, but still... no more watching for Rudolph's bright nose, listening for the their paws on the roof, thinking your toys really were made in the North Pole by tiny elves. I almost wish I could preserve her belief in Santa for just a little while longer. Giver her a Case for Santa book. Make her watch science DVDs on Kris Kringle evidences. But I guesse she's growing up and this is one of the many things we'll go through that feels bitter sweet. The up side, though, is- now we get the credit for all the stocking goodies. We'll get all the please and thank you letters. And we won't have to feel wierd about eating Santa's cookies and milk on Christmas Eve. See, I can spin anything. Especially if I take the what's in it for me approach.
I'm still kind of sad, though.
Ang
I'm still kind of sad, though.
Ang
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
You don't say....
Just a quick little brag:
* Maddie participated in her school's Science fair and spelling bee and did awesome! She's too young to officially qualify, but still made it to the last round of the spelling bee with all the big kids (top 4 out of 20)
* John, or Mr. Famous, whatever, is going to go national tomorrow with Dan Keeran on Canada AM, 6:05 MST for those that are interested. If anything, watch it so you can make fun of the fact that he has to wear make up for the interview.
* And most amazing of all, I painted a good portion of the house (3 coats) all by myself yesterday while shooing away 3 kids, 2 cats and a very rambunctious dog.
Humbly yours,
the Closes
* Maddie participated in her school's Science fair and spelling bee and did awesome! She's too young to officially qualify, but still made it to the last round of the spelling bee with all the big kids (top 4 out of 20)
* John, or Mr. Famous, whatever, is going to go national tomorrow with Dan Keeran on Canada AM, 6:05 MST for those that are interested. If anything, watch it so you can make fun of the fact that he has to wear make up for the interview.
* And most amazing of all, I painted a good portion of the house (3 coats) all by myself yesterday while shooing away 3 kids, 2 cats and a very rambunctious dog.
Humbly yours,
the Closes
Monday, December 11, 2006
The National
You may remember this. Well, the creators of this, Dan and Jenny Keeran, are going to be on The National tommorow morning at 6am. CBC.
My cheeks hurt. Must stop smiling. Must stop.
Praise God.
John
P.S. On a side note, we just had a woman call up and say she is going to make fudge for every single Homeless person from the Drop In Centre - specifically those that are listed on the above website. We're talking like 150+ people!! WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!
My cheeks hurt. Must stop smiling. Must stop.
Praise God.
John
P.S. On a side note, we just had a woman call up and say she is going to make fudge for every single Homeless person from the Drop In Centre - specifically those that are listed on the above website. We're talking like 150+ people!! WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
just a couple things...
Have I recommended Goodbye Lenin yet? If not, stupid... stupid (this is me pulling out my hair). If I did, then sorry, but I have to do it again. Very good movie. And yes, my English teacher said don't ever use the word good, but I don't want to build it up too much by using fantastic or superb.
I'm also very ashamed to say that I've found a computer game and I'm totally hooked. I've always taken a certain pride in the fact that I prefered reading and other useful things to getting all dungeons and dragons with my time. That was until I found Westward. Let me just say, I can build one thriving town of the old west. Don't even try to stop me. Maddie was telling on me today, which I didn't read about in any parenting book by the way, and John had to give me the old Angie, were you on the computer all day...? look. Which I wasn't, but I could do it if I had one of those tiny fridges and a Bodum at my side. And no kids. They always throw a wrench into my sit around in my pajamas all day plans.
On another note, I'm reading a book that talks about faith and how it has nothing to do with our system of belief, but rather yielding to God. Letting go and riding life's wave. Yet we often say of someone who has unwavering spiritual conviction that they have a very strong faith. This is interesting to me, because I always felt a little leary of unwavering conviction. Whether it's with religion, politics, favourite chip flavour. Whatever. Not only is it too neat and tidy, but it reflects either someone else's convictions, or your own when you were intelectually and spiritually younger. Being steadfast and unyielding in your own spiritual beliefs robs you of a sense of ownership in your journey, but we applaud it so much in our churches. I think alot about the future of our church and what it holds for my kids. If it will evolve into a place that is open and tolerant, or if it will always pride itself on it's "strong faith".
I heard someone say recently that church was a safe place to question, doubt, seek, but I don't see it. Not yet. I really do believe we'll get there, though. Maybe our kids will go to church where true faith and community are the main events and your doctrinal beliefs are just an interesting sidenote. Is that idealistic? Chicken soupy? Cause I hate Chicken Soupy....
Ang
I'm also very ashamed to say that I've found a computer game and I'm totally hooked. I've always taken a certain pride in the fact that I prefered reading and other useful things to getting all dungeons and dragons with my time. That was until I found Westward. Let me just say, I can build one thriving town of the old west. Don't even try to stop me. Maddie was telling on me today, which I didn't read about in any parenting book by the way, and John had to give me the old Angie, were you on the computer all day...? look. Which I wasn't, but I could do it if I had one of those tiny fridges and a Bodum at my side. And no kids. They always throw a wrench into my sit around in my pajamas all day plans.
On another note, I'm reading a book that talks about faith and how it has nothing to do with our system of belief, but rather yielding to God. Letting go and riding life's wave. Yet we often say of someone who has unwavering spiritual conviction that they have a very strong faith. This is interesting to me, because I always felt a little leary of unwavering conviction. Whether it's with religion, politics, favourite chip flavour. Whatever. Not only is it too neat and tidy, but it reflects either someone else's convictions, or your own when you were intelectually and spiritually younger. Being steadfast and unyielding in your own spiritual beliefs robs you of a sense of ownership in your journey, but we applaud it so much in our churches. I think alot about the future of our church and what it holds for my kids. If it will evolve into a place that is open and tolerant, or if it will always pride itself on it's "strong faith".
I heard someone say recently that church was a safe place to question, doubt, seek, but I don't see it. Not yet. I really do believe we'll get there, though. Maybe our kids will go to church where true faith and community are the main events and your doctrinal beliefs are just an interesting sidenote. Is that idealistic? Chicken soupy? Cause I hate Chicken Soupy....
Ang
Friday, December 08, 2006
Barrels of Hope
For the past week I have been heavily involved in this. This is a project initiated by Dan and Jenny Keeran, a wonderful God fearing couple who has a huge huge heart for the homeless. In fact, I thought I had a heart for the homeless until I met them. Just being around them, my Grinchesque heart has grown 3times it size. Our project involves interviewing the homeless of Calgary, getting to know the nameless, faceless invisible people of our city and giving them respect and gifts for this holiday season. After we interview, we post their story and things they need on the above website where Calgarians can go and read the stories of our city's homeless and then purchase gifts for whoever they choose. I have yet to come across an initiative as practical and holistic as this. We have completed over 300 interviews which is about 10% of the homeless population in Calgary.
Besides the stories themselves, the most encouraging thing has been the media's willingness to cover this story, broadcasting our website on the news, web, newspaper and radio. In fact, Canada Am is interviewing me and Dan next Thursday so it'll even go national. Its amazing to me that "helping people" is still so unique that media is willing to broadcast it everwhere. Yes I realize that without the media this project could not fly, but still, its made me analyze how common this sort of thing really isn't.
Dan and Jenny's vision is that all Canadian city's will do this. And that it will grow into something that spans well beyond Christmas but includes birthdays as well.
Last night, we were interviewing the homeless of Salvation Army's Centre of Hope. A dozen people from our church showed up to help conduct the interviews. As we were interviewing, a bunch of police began to form right outside the window. Half an hour later it was confirmed. A man had been stabbed to death in a Cul de sac no more then 20 meteres from where we were. Apparently the cul de sac is notorious for this sort of thing and is even known as "crack cul de sac."
As I've reflected on the events of last night the irony has not been lost on me. Hope inside. Homicide out. Light in dark. Life in the midst of death.
This project has shaken me up. As I've listened to and read the countless stories of my city's homeless I can't help but think, that could be me. Over half of them work full time jobs, just like me but simply can't afford the God forsaken cost of living in "the greatest city in Canada." The ones who are not working are mentally ill or addicted to crack just to be able to make it through the day. Many of them have watched their kids carted off to homes until they can manage to get a home themselves. The teenagers have parents who have abandoned them, kicked them out, washed their hands of their filthy offspring. As I write this my heart aches. They need Hope so bad. I have friggin barrels of it in my basement yet they can't seem to find it beyond a $20 hit of crack. What am I to do with all my Hope? I must continually give it away. I don't think God will be impressed if I arrive in the afterlife driving a fork lift carrying barrels of Hope. I think I should arrive with just enough for me to have made it through this life. Just enough for me and the hundreds of others who now have just enough too.
I'm guessing you have barrels too.
John
Besides the stories themselves, the most encouraging thing has been the media's willingness to cover this story, broadcasting our website on the news, web, newspaper and radio. In fact, Canada Am is interviewing me and Dan next Thursday so it'll even go national. Its amazing to me that "helping people" is still so unique that media is willing to broadcast it everwhere. Yes I realize that without the media this project could not fly, but still, its made me analyze how common this sort of thing really isn't.
Dan and Jenny's vision is that all Canadian city's will do this. And that it will grow into something that spans well beyond Christmas but includes birthdays as well.
Last night, we were interviewing the homeless of Salvation Army's Centre of Hope. A dozen people from our church showed up to help conduct the interviews. As we were interviewing, a bunch of police began to form right outside the window. Half an hour later it was confirmed. A man had been stabbed to death in a Cul de sac no more then 20 meteres from where we were. Apparently the cul de sac is notorious for this sort of thing and is even known as "crack cul de sac."
As I've reflected on the events of last night the irony has not been lost on me. Hope inside. Homicide out. Light in dark. Life in the midst of death.
This project has shaken me up. As I've listened to and read the countless stories of my city's homeless I can't help but think, that could be me. Over half of them work full time jobs, just like me but simply can't afford the God forsaken cost of living in "the greatest city in Canada." The ones who are not working are mentally ill or addicted to crack just to be able to make it through the day. Many of them have watched their kids carted off to homes until they can manage to get a home themselves. The teenagers have parents who have abandoned them, kicked them out, washed their hands of their filthy offspring. As I write this my heart aches. They need Hope so bad. I have friggin barrels of it in my basement yet they can't seem to find it beyond a $20 hit of crack. What am I to do with all my Hope? I must continually give it away. I don't think God will be impressed if I arrive in the afterlife driving a fork lift carrying barrels of Hope. I think I should arrive with just enough for me to have made it through this life. Just enough for me and the hundreds of others who now have just enough too.
I'm guessing you have barrels too.
John
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Do I know you?
You know that wierd feeling you get when you run into someone you haven't seen since you lived on Vancouver Island 12 years ago? That was my feeling the other day when an old friend walked into Subway and my brain was saying sure looks like him, but be reasonable, he doesn't belong here. Of course I was way too chicken to say hi (stinking shyness), ignoring John and the kids' encouragements. Maddie said I will regret it forever, which may be stretching things a little bit, but I do regret it. Life is wierd. People are wierd. We put up so many walls (I'm the queen of walls, if you're wondering). I would love to be one of those people that could just bounce up and say hi, remember me? Angie Close...um Ellis? Minus the bouncing part- that could get annoying. And the umming- that's not smooth. I would like to have done it with confidance and grace, but instead I slinked off as my family mocked me. By the way, families are supposed to support and encourage, not mock.
So, I guesse I should learn my lesson, which is take chances even if you feel like an idiot.
And also don't even try to eat a foot long once you hit 30.
Ang
So, I guesse I should learn my lesson, which is take chances even if you feel like an idiot.
And also don't even try to eat a foot long once you hit 30.
Ang
Cain
One of the cool things about the big book called the Bible is its meant to be taken literally similar to an instruction manual for your dishwasher. Just kidding. The bible's cool because each time you read it, you see and feel something you've never experienced before. That happened to me again, this morning. I was reading through Genesis, which by the way is one of the best books ever written, period, Grisham doesn't even come close. Although Choose your Own Adventure may give it a run for its money. But I digress. I love the book of Genesis and have probably read it 50 times. Yeh that's right 50. So if you've only read it 3 - I'm 47 times more spiritual than you. Cool eh?
Anyways, this morning I was reading about Cain and Able. Now most of us probably know how this story goes. Cain was bad, killed his brother then got kicked out of the neighborhood. Meanwhile Able was good, got to stay, but not too long because as was already noted - he was killed by his bro Cain. That's chapter 4. Pretty open and shut case. Perhaps.
Although, if you read the story again for the first time, you may discover something new. For instance, who is it that you find yourself identifying with? I don't know about you but Able seems to be more of a"that which is perfect" rather then that which is human kind a guy. I don't identify with Able at all. He got it all right. Made God happy. Never wandered. Unlike his pagan brother Cain.
I find myself being touched with Cain's struggles, much more then Able's goodytooshoenis. At one point, God say's to Cain "if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door. It desires to have you but you must master it." Of course Cain doesn't master anything and promptly kills his brother. Cain was not able to control his anger, so as with any uncontrolled sin it got out of hand and evolved into something much worse. Btw, how long did Cain hate his brother? As long as he was able. Snicker.
So, here's the part that I connected with. God comes to Cain and calls him on the fact that he killed his brother. And then God say's something that I think, is more applicable now then ever before. "You will be a restless wanderer on the earth."
Eureka! For those of you who don't know what I do, I spend most of my time with teenagers and young adults and let me tell you, restless and wanderer are two words that describe them perfectly. And not only them, old foggies like me and Tim too. Sorry Tim but I wasn't comfortable out on the limb all by myself. And sorry Kamara, I should have said Tim and I.
Its interesting to me how Cain becomes restless and wanders from God due to the fact that he is unable to master his sin. His self. His passions. His life.
It seems to me that those who wander are those who have yet to master themselves. And that'd definetly me.
One more thing. The first thing Cain does after wandering away from God is start a family and build a city. Growing up I remember wondering "how the heck could Cain have gotten married, the only other girl on the planet at the time was good ol mom." I now realize that this story is not supposed to be taken literally, like a dishwasher manual, but rather more of a metaphorical depiction of a universal truth. The universal truth being: this is what a life lived outside of God looks and feels like. Anyways, the story continues and Cain gets married and builds a city. Which isn't a good thing. Humans were created to live thier lives with God in Eden but because we are unable to master our selves we are forced to live our lives "east of eden" and fend for ourselves. Cain promptly builds a city which is a sign that he is trying to do just that but it is not something that pleases God. Do you think God wants his creation to live far from him, in a kingdom they created for themselves? I don't. The City in Genesis is a symbol of man's alienation from God and the beginning of mankind's obsession with its self. Cain is not the first entrepeneur, he's the first man (in the bible) who attempted life without God. He's the first man that spent his life building his own kingdom rather then building the kingdom of God. He's the first man to miss the point of life.
What a murdering jerk that demon of a man. No wait. What a human like me. And Jason. And Todd. Sorry J, Tim and I were getting lonely. And Todd, you're a newbie so. . .
John
Anyways, this morning I was reading about Cain and Able. Now most of us probably know how this story goes. Cain was bad, killed his brother then got kicked out of the neighborhood. Meanwhile Able was good, got to stay, but not too long because as was already noted - he was killed by his bro Cain. That's chapter 4. Pretty open and shut case. Perhaps.
Although, if you read the story again for the first time, you may discover something new. For instance, who is it that you find yourself identifying with? I don't know about you but Able seems to be more of a"that which is perfect" rather then that which is human kind a guy. I don't identify with Able at all. He got it all right. Made God happy. Never wandered. Unlike his pagan brother Cain.
I find myself being touched with Cain's struggles, much more then Able's goodytooshoenis. At one point, God say's to Cain "if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door. It desires to have you but you must master it." Of course Cain doesn't master anything and promptly kills his brother. Cain was not able to control his anger, so as with any uncontrolled sin it got out of hand and evolved into something much worse. Btw, how long did Cain hate his brother? As long as he was able. Snicker.
So, here's the part that I connected with. God comes to Cain and calls him on the fact that he killed his brother. And then God say's something that I think, is more applicable now then ever before. "You will be a restless wanderer on the earth."
Eureka! For those of you who don't know what I do, I spend most of my time with teenagers and young adults and let me tell you, restless and wanderer are two words that describe them perfectly. And not only them, old foggies like me and Tim too. Sorry Tim but I wasn't comfortable out on the limb all by myself. And sorry Kamara, I should have said Tim and I.
Its interesting to me how Cain becomes restless and wanders from God due to the fact that he is unable to master his sin. His self. His passions. His life.
It seems to me that those who wander are those who have yet to master themselves. And that'd definetly me.
One more thing. The first thing Cain does after wandering away from God is start a family and build a city. Growing up I remember wondering "how the heck could Cain have gotten married, the only other girl on the planet at the time was good ol mom." I now realize that this story is not supposed to be taken literally, like a dishwasher manual, but rather more of a metaphorical depiction of a universal truth. The universal truth being: this is what a life lived outside of God looks and feels like. Anyways, the story continues and Cain gets married and builds a city. Which isn't a good thing. Humans were created to live thier lives with God in Eden but because we are unable to master our selves we are forced to live our lives "east of eden" and fend for ourselves. Cain promptly builds a city which is a sign that he is trying to do just that but it is not something that pleases God. Do you think God wants his creation to live far from him, in a kingdom they created for themselves? I don't. The City in Genesis is a symbol of man's alienation from God and the beginning of mankind's obsession with its self. Cain is not the first entrepeneur, he's the first man (in the bible) who attempted life without God. He's the first man that spent his life building his own kingdom rather then building the kingdom of God. He's the first man to miss the point of life.
What a murdering jerk that demon of a man. No wait. What a human like me. And Jason. And Todd. Sorry J, Tim and I were getting lonely. And Todd, you're a newbie so. . .
John
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Seriously, Clark?
Christmas tree day. First day for egg nog, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and, of course, many, many treats. I was there, but the person who least likes getting their picture taken gets to be photographer. I have to say, we're pretty proud of this one. Usually we're proud in the same way you feel towards that two legged dog who just couldn't get a break, but she really did try. Not this time. No sympathetic, sad eyed pride for this tree. Except for the bald part against the window. Don't look at that.
Also- see the new windows? We're warm!
Ang
Monday, December 04, 2006
Ethan
I'm proud of my son for many reasons. Here's 2 of the most recent:
1. A few minutes ago his sister Maddison came running up the stairs shouting "Rusty's in the dryer, Rusty's in the dryer." To which Ethan responded "Shut the door."
2. Yesterday at soccer I decided to challenge him by putting him on a shift with a 4.5 yr old girl about as tall as my knee. It was just Ethan and the shockingly short yet adorbably cute girl. (Ethan tends to be a follower when he plays so I was trying to get him to start leading) Ethan promptly scored 3 goals.
Love that guy,
John
1. A few minutes ago his sister Maddison came running up the stairs shouting "Rusty's in the dryer, Rusty's in the dryer." To which Ethan responded "Shut the door."
2. Yesterday at soccer I decided to challenge him by putting him on a shift with a 4.5 yr old girl about as tall as my knee. It was just Ethan and the shockingly short yet adorbably cute girl. (Ethan tends to be a follower when he plays so I was trying to get him to start leading) Ethan promptly scored 3 goals.
Love that guy,
John
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Be a man
Yesterday I did the husbandy dad family man thing and hung our Christmas lights. Between nearing actual tears from being so cold and feeling genuine fear of sliding then plummeting to my shame, they got hung. Now grant it, and don't judge me, I did wear my Krocs which in hindsight, I know, absolutely retarded idea. Turns out the holes aren't just for show, snow can actually get through. As far as plummeting to my shame; when your house is only 15-20ft tall you won't die if you fall, but you surely will be seen and heard by the men who are putting in your windows as well as your wife and kids as you slide off the roof screaming like a girl while frantically twisting and turning your paniced body as you try to grab onto an eave, which btw is a bad bad idea. Plus your Krocs didn't supply the needed grip to cease the slide. Now couple that with the fact that heights were my number one fear until a few years ago where I finally congquered it by, well, not going anywhere high but still. . . Also I didn't have my own ladder. Don't know what I was thinking actually- "just jump john, you could dunk a decade ago so surely with a good warmup you could leap up on your roof, with lights in hand." Gees I'm such a. . .no words really. So I asked our friendly window installers if "they were using their ladder cause I had some lights to put up you know." They looked at me like the moron I was and said "uh, well we're kinda using it; translation -"are you stupid" but then helpfully suggested "we're going on a smoke break in a few minutes so I suppose you could use it then"; translation "We need a smoke or we're going to kill this guy." Fast forward 2 minutes and there I am on the roof, yeah I was, but I've realized that A. I don't have all the stuff I need and B. I'm on the wrong section. Fast forward 20 minutes where I finally got up the courage to say "Hey guys, so, it turns out I don't have my stuff so could ya be a pal and help me down." Fast forward 10 minutes, the amount of time it takes me to get down off the icy, frightening platform of hell. And I'm down.
I immediatly realized how retarded I must have come across so I brought them some shortbread cookies as a peace offering. They stopped laughing at my stupidity long enough to devor them and thank me.
So they're happy finally, but the lights still aren't hung and yes, my gear is still on the roof. After an hour inside, warming up and enduring frequent encouragements or commands from my wife- to "be her man" I finally was. I marched on out there, asked the window men to help me get back on the horse, I mean roof, and never looked back. The lights are hung and they look great. And I think by then end I was a man again. A family man. Which we watched later that night. Good movie by the way. As for the window men, they never finished and one of the windows they did install has a crack in it all they way across. So, as I'm about to drive off to visit Journey for the first time, they're here on a Sunday, finishing what they started.
Who's the man now?
John
P.S. The Oilers on the other hand, lost yet another man, and well, could be in trouble. Hope not.
I immediatly realized how retarded I must have come across so I brought them some shortbread cookies as a peace offering. They stopped laughing at my stupidity long enough to devor them and thank me.
So they're happy finally, but the lights still aren't hung and yes, my gear is still on the roof. After an hour inside, warming up and enduring frequent encouragements or commands from my wife- to "be her man" I finally was. I marched on out there, asked the window men to help me get back on the horse, I mean roof, and never looked back. The lights are hung and they look great. And I think by then end I was a man again. A family man. Which we watched later that night. Good movie by the way. As for the window men, they never finished and one of the windows they did install has a crack in it all they way across. So, as I'm about to drive off to visit Journey for the first time, they're here on a Sunday, finishing what they started.
Who's the man now?
John
P.S. The Oilers on the other hand, lost yet another man, and well, could be in trouble. Hope not.
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